scholarly journals Parental evaluation of popular brand names given as Christmas gifts and sources of information used in these decisions

2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 534-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Clarke ◽  
Andrew McAuley
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Brand Choice ◽  
Brand Names ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
High Turnover ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Gift ◽  
Parental Evaluation ◽  
High Level

PurposeParents' exposure to children's brands appears rather limited; while brands sell at Christmas, there are extraordinary purchases of low‐cost toys and stocking filler fun toys. Maybe, toy brand purchases satisfy the child's request, rather than parents' value or quality preferences. Generally, the theories of branding feature the positive functional, symbolic and emotional attributes. This paper aims to examines parental evaluation of popular brand names to be given as gifts at Christmas and the sources used to gather information about brands.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered via a survey of parents in the period prior to Christmas. The analysis consisted of a principal component analysis of the functional, symbolic and emotional evaluations. A frequency analysis and a gender‐based crosstabs series identified gender variations in the evaluations and use of information sources.FindingsThe study indicated that parents hold low evaluations of popular brands when buying Christmas gifts for their children. These low evaluations are across functional, symbolic and hedonic elements. Since mothers generally attend to the gift purchase decisions, there were significant gender differences on a few evaluations. The most popular source of information is asking children what they want and is closely followed by the use of store catalogues.Practical implicationsThe evaluation and purchase of toys and gifts predominate at Christmas. Having such a high level of product or brand choice in the children's market could create confusion or uncertainty for parents. A negative image of children's exposure to toy advertising and the resultant pester power may combine to cloud parents' evaluations of giving brands as gifts. In essence, Christmas is the major chance for brand owners to sell their toys and other products. The idea of “… ask mom to get one … ” may be appropriate in high turnover, supermarket products, but not effective in a one‐chance, Christmas gift situation.Originality/valueThis research spans the value sets of two generations. Simply, the promotion of toys is primarily directed toward children who develop desires, expectations and values that are different from those values and attitudes of parents. Research into parental Christmas giving ascertains the value of children's brands to parents.

Motives for buying local, organic food through English box schemes

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (7) ◽  
pp. 1600-1614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shadi Hashem ◽  
Giuseppina Migliore ◽  
Giorgio Schifani ◽  
Emanuele Schimmenti ◽  
Susanne Padel
Keyword(s):  
Food System ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Motivation To Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
Organic Food Consumption ◽  
High Level

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain the growing interest of English consumers in local organic food sold through box schemes, by providing insights into the motives of customers of such schemes and examining the relationship with their awareness about problems of the agro-food system. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods approach combined in-depth interviews with 22 box scheme customers with a quantitative survey of 416 consumers, analysed by means of principal component analysis and an ordered logit model. Findings Consumers of small local organic box schemes in England are both altruistically and hedonistically motivated. This includes a strong political motivation to change the current food system, as shown by the strong influence of an anti-globalisation factor and wanting to support small farmers. They perceive local organic food as a more environmentally sustainable alternative to the mainstream food system. The box schemes offer consumers a practical alternative by providing high quality products combined with convenience illustrating the importance of the latter also in local food shopping. This reinforces the possibility to successfully combining the attributes of “local” and “organic”. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted in only one country (England) with about 400 consumers of ten organic farmer-led box schemes. It was based on a self-selecting sample of consumers of such schemes, which included a large proportion of females and people with high level of education. Further research is needed to validate the results. Originality/value This study is the first academic study investigating the main factors affecting consumers’ choice to purchase local organic food through a number of English box schemes. It identifies that such consumers are ethically and politically motivated and show some differences compared with the general literature on organic food consumption.

Does better corporate governance increase operational performance?

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 524-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Wandroski Peris ◽  
Eduardo Contani ◽  
José Roberto Ferreira Savoia ◽  
Daniel Reed Bergmann
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Control Variable ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Stock Exchanges ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
High Level

Purpose This study aims to examine the association between the adoption of corporate governance practices and operational performance in companies listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange. Design/methodology/approach The sample comprises the 80 largest companies in market value present in the Brazil Stocks Index in 2014. Principal component and cluster analyses techniques are used to evaluate performance and capital structure, and a regression model is applied to identify the relationship between key variables. Findings The findings show that the incidence of a high level of corporate governance in Brazil occurs among smaller companies with less desirable operational performance, rather than the biggest (blue chip) companies. Using a regression model with the return on assets as a dependent variable, a dummy variable for “governance”, and the size of the companies as a control variable, the authors find no association with good practices of corporate governance and operational performance for the companies in the sample. Practical implications Newer companies are more likely to exhibit a higher level of corporate governance because of the actions of foreign investors who demand the adoption of stronger corporate governance practices. Although there is demand from wealthy local institutional investors, many older traditional firms could still restructure to achieve higher levels of governance, especially in the case of emerging economies with less mature stock exchanges Originality/value This study contributes to the recent debates in the literature by identifying evidence for an association between operational performance and corporate governance rather than a causal relationship.

Information seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iraj Radad ◽  
Hassan Behzadi ◽  
Somayeh Zadehrahim
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Native People ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Agricultural Export ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Use Of Information Sources

Purpose The present research aims to compare information-seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran. Design/methodology/approach The study sample consisted of 375 saffron farmers (295 ordinary and 80 elite saffron farmers) selected using the cluster sampling method. Data were collected by a kind of researcher-made questionnaire. Findings The results showed saffron onion, pesticides, cultivators and farmland worker were the main components of saffron farmers’ information-seeking behaviour of both groups. The most important sources of information for both groups included reference to past experience, neighbouring saffron farmers, contact with informants and other family members. The main criteria which affected the behaviour of the two groups on the use of information sources were provided information in local language, native people, clear and intelligible information and low cost. Farmers were also confronted with common problems such as lack of attention to the needs of farmers and insufficient number of technical experts. It was also found that there was no significant relationship between information-seeking behaviour of elite and ordinary saffron farmers and their performance. Originality/value Saffron is one of the most important agricultural export products in Iran, and this paper is the first research in this subject. The results can help develop information-seeking behaviour of farmers.

Alpha Tech: a Brazilian software firm goes international

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 1680-1702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia T.A. Moraes ◽  
Angela da Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
International Markets ◽  
International Strategy ◽  
Internationalization Process ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Software Firms ◽  
Software Firm

Purpose – This strategy-learning case traces the growth of AlphaTech, a publicly traded company in Brazil that is a management software company. The purpose of this paper is to debate whether or not the firm should give more emphasis to internationalization, given its high market share in Brazil, where further gains may be very expensive and difficult. The case is intended to serve as a vehicle to discuss the internationalization process of a software firm from an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach – The case was built using several sources of information, including interviews with two executives in charge of the firm's internationalization process, articles in business newspapers and magazines, a book written by the firm co-founders, reports, and information gathered in the internet. Findings – The main issues posed by this case study are: first, the difficulties faced by an emerging market firm to get a sustainable position in international markets; second, the challenges of competing with powerful global multinational corporations (such as SAP and Oracle) in the international marketplace; and third, the need to adapt the firm's international strategy to new threats and opportunities. Originality/value – The Brazilian context differs from other BRICS, since Brazilian software firms do not have access to low-cost labor and therefore cannot adopt a low price strategy to compete effectively in international markets, but rather need to build unique capabilities to overcome liabilities of foreignness.

scholarly journals Lactic Acid Bacterium and Yeast Microbiotas of 19 Sourdoughs Used for Traditional/Typical Italian Breads: Interactions between Ingredients and Microbial Species Diversity

2011 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 1251-1264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Minervini ◽  
Raffaella Di Cagno ◽  
Anna Lattanzi ◽  
Maria De Angelis ◽  
Livio Antonielli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Free Amino ◽  
Triticum Durum ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Level ◽  
Low Cell Density ◽  
Biochemical Features ◽  
Culture Dependent

ABSTRACTThe study of the microbiotas of 19 Italian sourdoughs used for the manufacture of traditional/typical breads allowed the identification, through a culture-dependent approach, of 20 and 4 species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts, respectively. Numerically, the most frequent LAB isolates wereLactobacillus sanfranciscensis(ca. 28% of the total LAB isolates),Lactobacillus plantarum(ca. 16%), andLactobacillus paralimentarius(ca. 14%).Saccharomyces cerevisiaewas identified in 16 sourdoughs.Candida humilis,Kazachstania barnettii, andKazachstania exiguawere also identified. As shown by principal component analysis (PCA), a correlation was found between the ingredients, especially the type of flour, the microbial community, and the biochemical features of sourdoughs.Triticum durumflours were characterized by the high level of maltose, glucose, fructose, and free amino acids (FAA) correlated with the sole or main presence of obligately heterofermentative LAB, the lowest number of facultatively heterofermentative strains, and the low cell density of yeasts in the mature sourdoughs. This study highlighted, through a comprehensive and comparative approach, the dominant microbiotas of 19 Italian sourdoughs, which determined some of the peculiarities of the resulting traditional/typical Italian breads.

Social capital and fiscal performance in India during 1991-2012

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-204
Author(s):  
Soumyananda Dinda
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Turnover Rate ◽  
Social Trust ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Political Trust ◽  
Public Affairs ◽  
High Turnover ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fiscal Performance ◽  
People Participation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between social capital and fiscal performance using provincial sub-national state-level data in India during 1991-2012. Fiscal performance in India is based on social trust on fiscal institutions that emphasizes mainly social need for economic development. Design/methodology/approach People participation in public affairs or simply vote turnover in general election in India is taken to measure social trust on fiscal institution. Applying principal component analysis, the author constructs social capital index and examines the said relation also. Models are estimated using panel data techniques. Findings Strong social capital reduces fiscal deficits. As one percent vote turnover rate rises, fiscal deficit reduces by 2.6-2.8 percent during 1991-2012. The empirical findings suggest that social capital indirectly controls the fiscal performance of the elected government. The results are robust to a number of control variables. Originality/value The strong political trust is established through high turnover rate and vote share in the election for formation of government that creates the platform for sound fiscal policy decisions.

How unequal is the size of middle class in the rural urban areas of Punjab province

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Shahzadi ◽  
Muhammad Faraz Riaz ◽  
Sofia Anwar ◽  
Samia Nasreen
Keyword(s):  
Middle Class ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Level

Purpose Strengthening the middle class has become a major policy goal in both developed and developing economies due to its social, economic, cultural and political importance. Keeping in view the importance of middle class, the purpose of this paper is to measure the size of the middle class in the province of Punjab (the biggest province of Pakistan by population). Design/methodology/approach The study calculates a weighted composite index to measure the size of the middle class in the province of Punjab using the microcosmic data set, and the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement 2010-2011 survey data set. The index is composed of five major socioeconomic dimensions, that is, income, occupation, education, lifestyle and housing. The above-mentioned dimensions are weighted through “principal component analysis”. Findings The results show that 46 percent of the population of Punjab falls in the middle class. Furthermore, the findings explain that middle class is generally an urban phenomenon in Punjab with relatively high level of education and non-manual occupations. Originality/value Only a limited research is available for measuring the middle class in Pakistan. The current research is an attempt to fill this gap by providing some important insight to the research in this area.

scholarly journals Learning to work from home: experience of Australian workers and organizational representatives during the first Covid-19 lockdowns

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samin Marzban ◽  
Iva Durakovic ◽  
Christhina Candido ◽  
Martin Mackey
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Productivity Losses ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
The Social ◽  
Environmental Considerations ◽  
High Level

Purpose This paper aims to provide a snapshot of workers’ experience while working from home (WFH) during the Australian lockdown in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. It focuses on lessons to inform organizations, employees and the design of the workspaces post-2020, human, organizational and environmental considerations may affect satisfaction, productivity and health. Design/methodology/approach Two separate surveys were designed for this study to target Australian organizations and knowledge workers. Participants included 28 organizations and 301 employees, and descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted. Findings Organizations stated productivity losses, maintaining culture and workplace health and safety concerns with WFH setup while employees were more concerned about their social interactions, internet connectivity and increased workload. Employees also found the social aspects of WFH challenging and disclosed that face-to-face interactions with their colleagues was the most important reason they wanted to return to the office. High level of trust and value was reported amongst the organizations and workers. Originality/value In the scarcity of academic literature around negative and positives of the WFH experiment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the main sources of information have been industry-focused reports. This study aims to contribute to this knowledge gap by identifying positives and negative aspects of WFH during the first wave of lockdowns in Australia in 2020 from the organization and workers’ perspective, including human, organizational and environmental considerations.

scholarly journals Mutations in fbiD (Rv2983) as a Novel Determinant of Resistance to Pretomanid and Delamanid in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. e01948-20
Author(s):  
Dalin Rifat ◽  
Si-Yang Li ◽  
Thomas Ioerger ◽  
Keshav Shah ◽  
Jean-Philippe Lanoix ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Solid Media ◽  
High Level ◽  
Level Resistance

ABSTRACTThe nitroimidazole prodrugs delamanid and pretomanid comprise one of only two new antimicrobial classes approved to treat tuberculosis (TB) in 50 years. Prior in vitro studies suggest a relatively low barrier to nitroimidazole resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but clinical evidence is limited to date. We selected pretomanid-resistant M. tuberculosis mutants in two mouse models of TB using a range of pretomanid doses. The frequency of spontaneous resistance was approximately 10−5 CFU. Whole-genome sequencing of 161 resistant isolates from 47 mice revealed 99 unique mutations, of which 91% occurred in 1 of 5 genes previously associated with nitroimidazole activation and resistance, namely, fbiC (56%), fbiA (15%), ddn (12%), fgd (4%), and fbiB (4%). Nearly all mutations were unique to a single mouse and not previously identified. The remaining 9% of resistant mutants harbored mutations in Rv2983 (fbiD), a gene not previously associated with nitroimidazole resistance but recently shown to be a guanylyltransferase necessary for cofactor F420 synthesis. Most mutants exhibited high-level resistance to pretomanid and delamanid, although Rv2983 and fbiB mutants exhibited high-level pretomanid resistance but relatively small changes in delamanid susceptibility. Complementing an Rv2983 mutant with wild-type Rv2983 restored susceptibility to pretomanid and delamanid. By quantifying intracellular F420 and its precursor Fo in overexpressing and loss-of-function mutants, we provide further evidence that Rv2983 is necessary for F420 biosynthesis. Finally, Rv2983 mutants and other F420H2-deficient mutants displayed hypersusceptibility to some antibiotics and to concentrations of malachite green found in solid media used to isolate and propagate mycobacteria from clinical samples.

scholarly journals Evaluation of indigenous aromatic rice cultivars from sub-Himalayan Terai region of India for nutritional attributes and blast resistance

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Debayan Mondal ◽  
Prudveesh Kantamraju ◽  
Susmita Jha ◽  
Gadge Sushant Sundarrao ◽  
Arpan Bhowmik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Amylose Content ◽  
Blast Resistance ◽  
Starch Content ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Blast Disease ◽  
Basmati Rice ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Rice Cultivars

AbstractIndigenous folk rice cultivars often possess remarkable but unrevealed potential in terms of nutritional attributes and biotic stress tolerance. The unique cooking qualities and blissful aroma of many of these landraces make it an attractive low-cost alternative to high priced Basmati rice. Sub-Himalayan Terai region is bestowed with great agrobiodiversity in traditional heirloom rice cultivars. In the present study, ninety-nine folk rice cultivars from these regions were collected, purified and characterized for morphological and yield traits. Based on traditional importance and presence of aroma, thirty-five genotypes were selected and analyzed for genetic diversity using micro-satellite marker system. The genotypes were found to be genetically distinct and of high nutritive value. The resistant starch content, amylose content, glycemic index and antioxidant potential of these genotypes represented wide variability and ‘Kataribhog’, ‘Sadanunia’, ‘Chakhao’ etc. were identified as promising genotypes in terms of different nutritional attributes. These cultivars were screened further for resistance against blast disease in field trials and cultivars like ‘Sadanunia’, ‘T4M-3-5’, ‘Chakhao Sampark’ were found to be highly resistant to the blast disease whereas ‘Kalonunia’, ‘Gobindabhog’, ‘Konkanijoha’ were found to be highly susceptible. Principal Component analysis divided the genotypes in distinct groups for nutritional potential and blast tolerance. The resistant and susceptible genotypes were screened for the presence of the blast resistant pi genes and association analysis was performed with disease tolerance. Finally, a logistic model based on phenotypic traits for prediction of the blast susceptibility of the genotypes is proposed with more than 80% accuracy.

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