Improving competitiveness in education institutes – ABC’s neglected potential

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Sorros ◽  
Petros Lois ◽  
Melita Charitou ◽  
Alkiviadis Theofanis Karagiorgos ◽  
Nicholas Belesis
Keyword(s):  
Customer Value ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Cost Allocation ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Resource Exploitation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Strategy

Purpose Because of the education sector’s evolution, accounting initiatives are required regarding competitiveness. Activity-based costing’s (ABC) neglected potential as a cost strategic tool initiated this research, which aims to identify administrative and operational factors that support or hinder its implementation in educational institutions as a predictor of competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model was proposed and tested through structural equation modeling to identify relationships between accounting departments, cost procedures, the transmissibility of information and competitiveness. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, a scale of items was derived, denoting an institute’s cost strategy and ABC implementations and returned from 417 Greek education institutes. Findings An accounting department’s role in accurate data transmissibility and an institution’s organizational structure significantly affect cost-related competitiveness. The importance of information sharing is strengthened by current cost allocation capabilities and the accounting department’s influence on management. Research limitations/implications ABC’s limited implementation in the Greek education sector complicated the theoretical model’s construction, as a variety of geographical and institutional factors were taken into consideration. Practical implications Customer value provides a competitive advantage and constitutes the basis of solid price strategies. Research demonstrates ABC’s importance for education institutions’ competitiveness and resource exploitation. Social implications Education’s commercialization urges costing strategy prioritization. ABC could benefit competitiveness and attract long-term funds and investments. To create value institutions, the allocation of incurred costs to added-value activities is crucial. Originality/value This study sheds light on vague issues institutions face when dealing with ABC. Understanding accounting departments’ influence shows ABC’s feasibility even for smaller or less efficiency-oriented education institutions.

How would the managementof human behavior variables influence customer-oriented management?

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 797-818
Author(s):  
Leslier M. Valenzuela-Fernández ◽  
Francisco-Javier Arroyo-Cañada ◽  
Francisco Javier Villegas Pinuer
Keyword(s):  
Customer Value ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Role Ambiguity ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Value Orientation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relationship Of

Purpose Salesperson’s actions are critical in helping the firm develop customer value orientation and long-term relationship with profitable customers to achieve sustainable sales growth and profitability over time. The purpose of this paper is to examine the salespeople and service executives’ perceptions about the relevance of some human resource management variables and employees’ attitudes as key factors to develop a company’s customer value orientation. The authors tested whether the perceptions of role ambiguity, incentives policy and provided training (PT) had an impact on job involvement (JI), job satisfaction (JS), and consequently, on customer value orientation. Design/methodology/approach Research design was nested with data from 327 executives from medium and upper positions in Chilean companies. Findings The results show that while the perception of role ambiguity had an indirect negative impact on customer value orientation through JI, perception of PT level had a direct impact over and above the other variables. Research limitations/implications JS and JI are attitudinal variables, which companies try to encourage in their employees through different human resources, practices. Incentives and training are ways to develop favorable employees’ attitudes and improve their customer value orientation. With the research, companies could invest their resources in better and more effective practices to generate favorable attitudes toward customer value orientation. Originality/value Through structural equation modeling, the model shows the relevance in the perception of sales executives about the relationship of employees’ JI and customer value orientation. This commands to open the view of the customer value orientation management to include other attitudinal variables as JI.

scholarly journals Antecedents and outcomes of supply chain management in Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Belal Uddin ◽  
Bilkis Akhter
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the institutional and significant competences that have allowed organizations to employ supply chain management (SCM) practices, the practices of SCM and the benefits of SCM practices for both buyers and suppers.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model (including hypotheses) has been proposed regarding antecedents, SCM practices and outcomes of SCM. Using purposive sampling method, data were collected from different manufacturing, distributing, wholesaling and retailing organizations. Collected data were analyzed in a principal component analysis and structural equation modeling, including confirmatory factor analysis, and path analysis.FindingsThe empirical results provided supportive evidences in favor of the hypotheses and theoretical arguments except one hypothesis. This study did not a find positive relationship between organizational compatibility and SCM practices. The study found relationships between mutual trust and SCM practices, communication and SCM practices, and cooperation and SCM practices, which were positive and significant. Again, the relationships between SCM practices and competitive advantages, and SCM practices and long-term orientation and growth were also positive and significant.Practical implicationsPractitioners could also use the findings to align SCM with business strategy and gain an insight for better utilization of the available resources and technology to perform better.Originality/valueThis study will provide guidance as to the preconditions that need to be in place in order for a company to implement SCM with its suppliers and customers. It will remind practitioners to stay focused on the ultimate goals of SCM – lower costs, increased customer value and satisfaction, and, ultimately, competitive advantage.

Expatriate's engagement and burnout: the role of purpose-oriented leadership and cultural intelligence

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavia Cavazotte ◽  
Sylvia Freitas Mello ◽  
Lucia B. Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cultural Intelligence ◽  
Multinational Companies ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study analyzes the impact of purpose-oriented leadership and leader cultural intelligence on engagement and burnout among expatriates undertaking long-term corporate assignments, grounded on social psychology frameworks on interpersonal bias.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with corporate expatriates from 21 different nationalities, who work for large multinational companies and were on assignment in 23 distinct countries – including Brazil, China, Japan and the UK Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was used to evaluate the proposed hypotheses.FindingsResults indicate that leader cultural intelligence is associated with lower burnout and higher engagement among expatriates, and that purpose-oriented leadership is associated with higher expatriate engagement but not with lower burnout.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the field by highlighting specific leader attributes that can foster successful expatriation: cultural intelligence and purpose-oriented leadership. The study adds to knowledge on leader–follower relationships amid national and cultural diversity by pointing to actionable leader qualities that can foster expatriate engagement and prevent his/her burnout.

Examining relationships among cultural factors and expectations of CSR

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-443
Author(s):  
Minsoo Kim ◽  
Candace White ◽  
Chansouk Kim
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Studies have explored expectations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) among cultures, but findings are mixed. A more nuanced view of cultural dimensions rather than using Hofstede’s aggregate country scores can offer a stronger empirical foundation for studying the effects of culture. Based on two cultural dimensions and Carroll’s four-dimensional model of CSR, the purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between individualistic/collectivistic values and individuals’ expectations of different types of responsibilities (economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic), the relationship between long-term values and individuals’ expectations of different types of responsibilities and the degree of skepticism about CSR related to these values. Design/methodology/approach This study surveyed panel participants in two countries, South Korea (collectivistic and long term) and the USA (individualistic and short term), chosen because they are at extreme ends of the cultural values continuum. Multi-dimensional aspects of the cultural variables were tested in the samples rather than using national scores as proxy variables for culture. Data were quantitative and various statistical tests including structural equation modeling were used for analysis. Findings The findings show that horizontal collectivism and the planning dimension of long-term orientation are positively associated with CSR expectations, whereas the tradition dimension of long-term orientation is negatively associated with CSR expectations. In addition, vertical individualism is positively associated with skepticism toward CSR activities. Research limitations/implications The differences in types of individual-collectivism (horizontal and vertical) as well as the different aspects of long-term orientation had an effect on the results, pointing to the importance of exploring the nuances of the dimensions as well as the importance of testing them within the sample rather than using aggregated national scores. Originality/value Previous studies that used a proxy variable for culture assumed that collectivistic cultures have higher expectations for CSR. While empirically supporting the assumption of the relationship between cultural factors and CSR expectations at the individual level, the study found that people who view themselves as autonomous within a group but accept inequality within the group (vertical individualism) are more likely to be skeptical of CSR activities and suggests that skepticism about CSR may be more closely related to individual viewpoints or to particular contexts or particular corporations rather than to cultural factors, which has implications for international corporate communication.

Servant leadership, distributive justice and commitment to customer value in the salesforce

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles H. Schwepker Jr
Keyword(s):  
Servant Leadership ◽  
Distributive Justice ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Controllable Factors ◽  
Justice Perceptions ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Justice Judgments

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to further understand salesperson distributive justice judgments by examining two controllable factors that may influence these perceptions: sales leadership (i.e. servant leadership) and salesforce control (i.e. quota). Design/methodology/approach – The sample included 279 business-to-business salespeople from across the USA. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings – Servant leadership and salesperson participation in quota setting both positively impact distributive justice perceptions (i.e. fairness in reward allocation), which subsequently affect salespeople’s commitment to providing superior customer value. Originality/value – First study to empirically examine connections between servant leadership, distributive justice and commitment to customer value in the salesforce.

Marketing mix, customer value, and customer loyalty in social commerce

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Ling Wu ◽  
Eldon Y. Li
Keyword(s):  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Marketing Mix ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Social Commerce ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Replication Studies ◽  
Consumer Value ◽  
Parsimonious Model

Purpose Based on stimulus-organism-response model, the purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated model to explore the effects of six marketing-mix components (stimuli) on consumer loyalty (response) through consumer value (organism) in social commerce (SC). Design/methodology/approach In order to target online social buyers, a web-based survey was employed. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS) is used to analyze valid data from 599 consumers who have repurchase experience via Facebook. Findings The results from PLS analysis show that all components of SC marketing mix (SCMM) have significant effects on SC consumer value. Moreover, SC customer value positively influences SC customer loyalty (CL). Research limitations/implications The data for this study are collected from Facebook only and the sample size is limited; thus, replication studies are needed to improve generalizability and data representativeness of the study. Moreover, longitudinal studies are needed to verify the causality among the constructs in the proposed research model. Practical implications SC sellers should implement more effective SCMM strategies to foster SC CL through better SCMM decisions. Social implications The SCMM components represent the collective benefits of social interaction, exemplifying the importance of effective communication and interaction among SC customers. Originality/value This study develops a parsimonious model to explain the over-arching effects of SCMM components on CL in SC mediated by customer value. It confirms that utilitarian, hedonic, and social values can be applied to online SC and that SCMM can be leveraged to achieve these values.

How to create a profitable boothscape?

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 966-985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gum Ju Woo ◽  
Jae-Kyoon Jun
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Product Variety ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cognitive Experience

Purpose This study aims to propose an extended framework to design a profitable exhibition booth environment (i.e. boothscape) that fosters attendees’ at-show experience and after-show purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach Survey-based data were collected from attendees who visited one of the five major exhibitions at leading convention and exhibition cities in Korea. Structural equation modeling was used to examine which features of boothscape are more influential in improving attendees’ at-show experience and after-show purchase intention. Findings Empirical results revealed that booth design, product variety and assortment and entertainment exert a significant impact on attendees’ emotional and cognitive experiences at an exhibition. On the other hand, booth personnel exclusively influence attendees’ cognitive experience. A better chance of after-show purchase incident can be obtained by reinforcing both emotional and cognitive experiences. Research limitations/implications Although emotional and cognitive experiences are two of the most compelling types of at-show experience, future studies can consider mediating roles of other experiences to better understand the complex mechanism of attendees’ at-show experience. Moreover, it is worthy to examine the moderating effects of attendees’ characteristics, as Bitner (1992) argued that individuals have different perceptions of the surrounding environment based on personal and situation variables. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on the under-explored research area of boothscape. Researchers and exhibitors can learn that both context and content of boothscape should be taken into consideration to create a more holistic at-show experience. In return, attendees can have long-lasting memories of exhibitors and products for future purchase. This new insight can serve as inspiration for researchers and exhibitors to shift paradigms from service- to experience-oriented to improve long-term exhibition performances.

Incentives and motivations of Chinese destination management organization officers

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangchi Zhang ◽  
Chaowu Xie ◽  
Alastair M. Morrison ◽  
Qinqin Yang
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Expectancy Theory ◽  
Incentive Motivation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Job Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Organization ◽  
Development Levels ◽  
And Performance

Purpose This research divided expectations into three timeframes based on expectancy theory – short-, medium- and long-term. The incentive-motivation structures of government tourism officers were identified by these timeframes and the effects of incentives on job engagement, performance and satisfaction were investigated. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted in 31 provinces of China, and a total of 650 responses were used for data analysis after removing invalid surveys. The statistical analysis techniques adopted were confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings The results showed that: realistic motivations, career prospects and “macro-vision” were the motivational factors of tourism officers in the short-, medium- and long-term, respectively; incentives positively predicted tourism officer job engagement, performance and satisfaction; and job engagement and performance mediated the influence of incentives on job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications The main limitation was that the respondents were from 31 provinces in China, and there may be regional and local differences due to the unique and complex geographic and social conditions, as well as dissimilar economic development levels and administrative systems. Practical implications Public sector tourism departments must recognize tourism officer needs and motivations in the short-, medium- and long-term and develop tailored incentive programs. Originality/value Based on expectancy theory across different timeframes, this research identified the incentive-motivation structure and its effect on Chinese destination management organization officers and potentially provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of this administrative incentive system.

Taking measure: the link between metrics and marketing’s exploitative and explorative capabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 1549-1580
Author(s):  
Pravin Nath
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Marketing Metrics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adaptive Capabilities ◽  
Financial Metrics

Purpose While metrics are becoming increasingly important for marketing’s relevance, there is also a need to understand how they, as enablers of learning, affect marketing’s adaptive capabilities that ensure its long-term success. Therefore, this study aims to test the association of marketing and financial metrics use and the metric-based orientations of training and compensation, with two key marketing routines – exploitation, i.e. the perfecting of existing activities while allowing for incremental adaptations and exploration or experimentation accompanied by radical adaptation. Design/methodology/approach The study gathers data from 205 managers and uses partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships. Findings Marketing metrics encourage both forms of marketing adaptation. Financial metrics use discourages exploration. Market orientation and long-term orientation strengthen (weaken) the positive (negative) relationship between marketing (financial) metrics use and marketing exploration. Metric-based training is more positively associated with both adaptive capabilities than a metric-based compensation orientation, albeit weakly. Research limitations/implications The study’s central proposition – that different metrics or metric orientations are associated with distinct types of knowledge, interpretations, mindsets, motivations and cultural contexts – provides a deeper theoretical understanding of the pathways by which a metric emphasis affects marketing adaptation. Practical implications Marketing managers should emphasize marketing metrics and training more than compensation, to promote marketing exploitation/exploration, while exercising caution in overstressing financial metrics given their negative association with exploration. This latter negative relationship can be weakened (as can the positive one between marketing metrics and exploration be strengthened) with increased market orientation and long-term orientation. Originality/value This study addresses the research gap regarding the relationship between metrics as a configurational element of marketing organization and marketing adaptation.

Do value cocreation and engagement drive brand evangelism?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Harrigan ◽  
Sanjit K. Roy ◽  
Tom Chen
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Brand Love ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Engagement ◽  
Brand Advocacy ◽  
Value Cocreation ◽  
Service Logic

PurposeDrawing on service logic, the authors investigate how value cocreation leads to evangelical brand-related behaviors (brand defense and brand advocacy). The authors analyze the interplay between value cocreation and customer brand engagement on social media in driving these outcomes. The authors also consider the role of brand love in eliciting evangelical brand-related behaviors.Design/methodology/approachRespondents recruited through Amazon MTurk were surveyed on social media use in tourism-related decisions. The total useable sample size was 397. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the research model.FindingsValue cocreation and customer brand engagement are drivers of evangelical brand-related behaviors, emphasizing the importance of these two in marketing and how they drive behavioral outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsService logic highlights the significance of value cocreation which, through customer brand engagement and love, leads to brand defense and advocacy. This explains the mediation in our model, where marketers must undertake efforts to support customer brand engagement and brand love.Practical implicationsValue is created by the user for the user through their experiences over time. Brands are owned by customers, and their defense and advocacy of them must be earned. Marketers facilitate customer value creation by providing the resources to cocreate value and love the brand.Originality/valueMost studies investigate value cocreation from an in-role and/or extra-role perspective as to how it benefits firms. Through service logic, the authors illustrate how it leads to evangelical brand-related behaviors.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document