Management Decision

KMS adoption: the effects of information quality : Table of Contents

Ren-Zong Kuo, Gwo-Guang Lee — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – By expanding the technology acceptance model, this paper aims to provide a research model for examining the impact of information quality and task technology fit on the adoption of KMS. Design/methodology/approach – To test the proposed research model, data are collected through a questionnaire survey sent to IT managers of 500 large companies in Taiwan. Findings – Based on the study, it is suitable to use a technology acceptance model to study adoption of KMS and explore how two external variables, information quality and task technology fit, affect the intention to adopt. Additionally, information quality has a directly significant effect on ease of use that users perceive and usefulness where fit between task and KMS is high. Research limitations/implications – A mass mailing of a somewhat lengthy, blind survey to busy managers produces a somewhat low response rate. Thus, the generalized nature of the ?ndings is somewhat in question, making replication of the study in Taiwan important. Practical implications – The study distinguishes the design of information systems and knowledge management systems. For adoption of KMS, managers must pay more attention to the quality of information provided, and the contextual features of the knowledge involved. Originality/value – The value of this paper is in demonstrating the role of information quality with KMS, and providing further insight into the co-relationship of information quality, usefulness, and fit between task and KMS, leading to more effective strategies for KMS adoption.

Explaining the unintended consequences of public sector reform : Table of Contents

Abby Ghobadian, Howard Viney, John Redwood — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The process of public sector reform in the United Kingdom continues to provoke debate. Even among advocates of the reform process there is a concern that improvements in public service provision have not been as marked as originally intended, and that the process has produced a variety of unintended consequences. The purpose of this paper is to explore possible explanations for these unintended consequences, and discuss possible practical solutions for policy makers and service commissioners. Design/methodology/approach – In this conceptual paper focus is in particular upon attempting to explain managerial behaviour from insights offered by two well-established managerial theories – stakeholder theory and resource dependency theory. Insights from these theories are used to explain the possible causes of the unintended consequences of the reform process. The discussion is illustrated and set in context by reference to a continuum of service delivery modes from monopoly provision through to full competition. Findings – Theory suggests that managers inevitably prioritise the interests of what they identify as their key stakeholders, and particularly those providing critical resources. In the case of public services this means that the interests of government, as the commissioner and funder of services, are prioritised rather than the end-users of services. Examples of how this distorts the objectives of government are highlighted. It is argued that understanding this aspect of managerial decision-making and stakeholder prioritising opens up the potential to resolve the problem. Originality/value – This is the first paper to address the question of managerial behaviour from these theoretical perspectives in the area of the public sector reform process.

Transcendental marketing: a conceptual framework and empirical examples : Table of Contents

Fredrik Nordin — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise, discuss and evaluate an emergent marketing philosophy, “transcendental marketing”, and its application in practice. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework is grounded in the literatures of marketing practice and leadership styles, and refined by reference to two case examples. Findings – There is scope, limited at present but promising in the longer term, for moving marketing strategy onwards from the relational and transactional models to one in which the focus is on exchange of values beyond self-interest between “transcendent marketers” and consumers motivated by “self-transcendence”. Research limitations/implications – Since this article is only a first attempt to develop an understanding of this alternative approach to marketing, social and cultural trends in society provide a strong impetus for the further conceptual development of the transcendental marketing concept and assessment of its use and usefulness in the real world. Practical implications – The proposed conceptual framework provides marketing strategists with a template for a radically different approach to marketing management, which offers the potential for enduring customer loyalty. Originality/value – This paper contributes a radically new perspective on marketing, supported by empirical examples of two firms that have pioneered it.

Renaming effect of brand value: state-owned enterprises : Table of Contents

Yen-Chun Jim Wu — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the renaming effect of brand value of state-owned corporations in Taiwan. Design/methodology/approach – This study aims to evaluate and analyze the value of the CPC brand by: using the Interbrand and Hirose models, and analyzing empirically the difference-comparison of the results. Findings – For the state-run corporations, the practical application of the Hirose and Interbrand models, the main target market, and the business orientation categories, which the corporations belonged to are illustrated in a two-dimensional four-quadrant framework. Research limitations/implications – This study presumes that Chinese Petroleum Corp. will be affected in various ways after being renamed CPC Corp., Taiwan, and the fluctuations in value will be reflected in related profit/cost data. It is also assumed that the brand will bring value to the company. However, there are constraints in doing this research despite the completeness and objectivity of the study subject. Originality/value – Research on brand equity is still in a state of evolution. This study makes two major contributions. First, it suggests that choosing the more applicable valuation model depends on the enterprises' industrial characteristics. Second, the differentiation of the applications of brand value models is based on: the orientation characteristics of the various valuation models, the target markets, and business orientation.

Intellectual capital disclosure, cost of finance and firm value : Table of Contents

Raf Orens, Walter Aerts, Nadine Lybaert — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the impact of web-based intellectual capital (IC) reporting on firm's value and its cost of finance. Design/methodology/approach – A content-analysis of corporate web sites is conducted from four continental European countries (Belgium, France, Germany and The Netherlands) on the presence of IC information. Simultaneous regression modelling is used to control for endogeneity within a firm's disclosure strategy. Findings – The data show that cross-sectional differences in the extent of IC disclosure are positively associated with firm value. Greater IC disclosure in continental Europe is associated with lower information asymmetry, lower implied cost of equity capital and lower rate of interest paid. Research limitations/implications – The study is restricted to an analysis of firm's benefits of increased web-based disclosure without considering related costs. Practical implications – The results of the study show that firms tend to benefit economically from better IC disclosure. Originality/value – Existing evidence is extended by considering the capital market implications of IC related disclosure and web-based related disclosure.

From open source in the digital to the physical world: a smooth transfer? : Table of Contents

Nizar Abdelkafi, Thorsten Blecker, Christina Raasch — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the transferability of the open source principles of product development from the realm of software to the realm of physical products. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the inherent differences between software and physical products, a theoretical discussion of the challenges that face the implementation of open source principles in the physical world are provided. A multiple case study methodology is adopted to provide insights into the applicability of the open source concept in product development outside software. Findings – Many of the challenges identified theoretically are actually encountered in practice. To cope with these challenges effectively, hardware design activities can be translated into software development tasks, using programmable hardware. When dealing with open source projects in the physical realm, it is useful to distinguish between projects driven by commercial firms and those driven by individuals, as each project type can impose different conditions on successful implementation. Originality/value – Although much scholarly attention has been devoted to open source software, the issue of transferability of the identified principles to other industries has undergone little in-depth research. This paper provides a solid foundation for further investigation of this topic based on theory and empirical case examples. It derives recommendations for industrial experts wishing to benefit from the open source model in new product development.

Predictive business – fresh initiative or old wine in a new bottle : Table of Contents

Harri Jalonen, Antti Lönnqvist — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual analysis of the theoretical and managerial bases and objectives of predictive business. Predictive business refers to operational decision-making and the development of business processes on the basis of business event analysis. It supports the early recognition of business opportunities and threats, better customer intimacy and agile reaction to changes in business environment. An underlying rationale for predictive business is the attainment of competitive advantage through better management of information and knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – The approach to this article is conceptual and theoretical. The literature-based discussion and analysis combines the perspectives of business performance management, business intelligence, and knowledge management to provide a new model of thinking and operation. Findings – For a company predictive business is simultaneously a practical challenge and an epistemic one. It is a practical challenge because predictive business presupposes a change in the company's modes of operation. It is also an epistemic challenge, since it concerns the company's ability to find appropriate balance between knowledge exploitation and knowledge exploration. Research limitations/implications – Further research should be carried out on the functionality of practical applications as well as the attitudinal and technical preparedness of companies to adopt a new mode of operation. As a subject of investigation, the world of business events offer interesting methodological possibilities, since the basis of the work is the gathering and analysis of large quantities of information on operational activities. Originality/value – There has been little research concerning business events in knowledge management context. This article presents a theoretically founded basis for predictive business, combining the concept of analysing business events with previous research in the field of knowledge management.

Research in social responsibility: a challenge for management education : Table of Contents

Pierre Kletz — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the connection between research in social responsibility and management education studied here in the light of the Frankfurt School's approach in general, and of Horkheimer and Adorno's works in particular. Design/methodology/approach – Based on these works, a reading template is designed, which defines the conditions in which research in corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributes to shaping the contents of management education. Findings – The article then analyzes the major approaches characterizing research in social responsibility. It also analyzes these approaches' ability to further knowledge in that field, as well as their contributing to constitute a type of management education instrumental in improving the implementation of CSR. Originality/value – The article presents an original approach of the link between theory and practice in CSR that challenges the way this topic is generally taught.

Effects of organizational and serviceperson orientation on customer loyalty : Table of Contents

Scott Colwell, Sandra Hogarth-Scott, Depeng Jiang, Ashwin Joshi — Sat Nov 21 08:00:12 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Within the service industry, the serviceperson enhances customer loyalty by increasing customer benefits and decreasing customer costs, but is also embedded within and influenced by the organizational context. Thus, the influence of a serviceperson's orientation may differ or even conflict with the organization's orientation. There are two purposes to this paper. The paper first aims to develop a conceptual model that clearly distinguishes between benefit- and cost-based explanations of the effect of the serviceperson. The paper's second aim is to examine the impact of the organization on the serviceperson's ability to foster customer loyalty through interactions with customers. Design/methodology/approach – A survey methodology is used and data gathered from managers and customers. Multi-group structural equation modeling is employed to test partial mediation and partial moderation theses. Findings – In line with social exchange theory, the paper finds that a serviceperson's customer orientation can reduce customer costs and increase customer benefits. Furthermore, consistent with the literature on strategic orientations, when the serviceperson's organization evinces a low competitive service orientation, it attenuates the direct effects of a serviceperson's customer orientation on customer loyalty, such that the direct effect no longer exists. Originality/value – The paper shows how multiple direct and indirect pathways connect serviceperson customer orientation to customer loyalty. It also shows how the effect of serviceperson customer orientation on customer loyalty depends on the organizational context and specifically the extent to which the organization embraces a competitive service orientation. The moderating role of organizational context has implications both for social exchange theory specifically and theories of exchange, such as transaction cost analysis more generally.