scholarly journals The Chinese market as an opportunity to innovate distribution strategies?

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 607-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lala Hu
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Foreign Firms ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Chinese Market ◽  
Critical Determinant ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the distribution strategies implemented by foreign firms in emerging markets, and to investigate whether they represent an opportunity for firms to innovate their practice. China is selected as the setting of the investigation as distribution is a critical determinant of business success for international firms operating there. Design/methodology/approach A multiple-case study approach is adopted by investigating the distribution strategies of four Italian firms in China. The collected data consist of interviews with firm managers and their distributors. To ensure triangulation and cross-verify the findings from the primary data, secondary data consisting of sector reports and newspaper articles were analyzed. Findings Results discuss how foreign firms develop their distribution system in China and suggest that emerging markets can enable reverse innovation in their distribution strategies. Research limitations/implications The research suffers from the limitations of the generalizability of the findings as the study was carried out on a restricted number of firms, and it considered their strategies in one single market. Practical implications Managerial implications are discussed on the extent to which the Chinese distribution system still represents a key issue for foreign firms, but it also provides with opportunity for innovation. Originality/value While previous research on innovation in emerging markets has mainly focused on product innovation, this study suggests some areas for distribution innovation.

A case study of a non-profit organization in an emerging economy: O fonds in Latvia

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-172
Author(s):  
Brent McKenzie ◽  
Emily Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
History Of

PurposeThe focus of this research is to present a case study of a small Latvian-based non-profit organization (NPO), O fonds (Oncology Foundation), and how they are an exemplar of the challenges facing NPOs in countries that do not have a strong history of NPO success. The research is supported through primary data collection of multiple interviews and correspondence with the key informant of O fonds, the CEO. These insights were supported with secondary data analysis of the history of NPOs in emerging markets, as well as the history of cancer screening in Latvia.Design/methodology/approachIn order to address the gap in the existing research literature, a single firm case analysis was selected to provide the context of the study. A series of semi-structured questions focused on O fonds branding and rebranding activities were posed to the CEO of the firm. Subsequent personal interviews were conducted to analyze and interpret the original results. This primary data were linked to secondary data about the practices of O fonds, NPOs in Latvia and the roles and challenges of NPOs in emerging markets.FindingsThe analysis of the findings from the primary data collection found that O fonds' rebranding effort helped to achieve a more stable and significant place for NPOs in the healthcare sector in Latvia and of equal importance with the Latvian general public. Tangible results included more financial support from donors, with an added benefit of increased joint marketing activities with corporate donors. Furthermore, active involvement with O fonds and medical professionals resulted from the rebrand. Also, there was an increase in referral patients to O fonds so they could attempt to get these people support for cancer screening.Research limitations/implicationsQuestions as to issues of validity from the use of a single case study, and greater issues with a single case, single interview method are acknowledged. This potential limitation, with respect to this study, was deemed to be lessened based on the use of multiple interviews and sourcing of secondary company material with the CEO of O fonds. Further support by way of sharing of a secondary data, and organizational insights helped to address any major limitations in the research methodology, as helpful information and materials that might not have been readily available, or unavailable without this level of trust, could be obtained.Practical implicationsExploring how NPOs can rebrand their firm to better meet the needs of society and be most impactful will contribute to both managerial practice and academic literature. By examining how a non-profit rebranding process occurs, in an emerging economy, and determining how effective rebranding can be utilized as a turnaround strategy, is a contribution of this research. Given the limited non-profit rebranding literature, particularly in emerging markets, this study provides exploratory insights within a new context to help propel the field of knowledge.Social implicationsNPOs have been shown to play a valuable role in communities across many regions of the world as NPOs enable citizens to come together to collectively work toward a common goal with the purpose of bettering society. With respect to the focus on O fonds their aim of increasing early detection of cancer continues to rise, but more positively, the incidents of treatable cancer are also rising as the result of the former. Regrettably, this positive trend in increased cancer screening does not equate to lower mortality rates across all countries, particularly countries in emerging markets such as Latvia.Originality/valueThis is one of the first known studies of an NPO in the emerging market of Latvia, in general, and in the Latvian healthcare sector specifically. As there is a dearth of research in this field of study, and the fact that NPO growth is a critical component of society growth in emerging markets, there is an important contribution to be made to both practice, and society, from the findings from this research.

Drivers and barriers of omni-channel retailing in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 657-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Ye ◽  
Kwok Hung Lau ◽  
Leon Kok Yang Teo
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Organizational Management ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Chinese Market ◽  
Strategic Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the drivers and barriers to omni-channel retailing in China, and attempts to understand how companies formulate their business strategies during their transformations to omni-channel retailing. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts an exploratory case study approach to investigate the omni-channel retailing transformations of two well-established Chinese fashion apparel retailers. The study draws on multiple sources of evidence, comprising: interviews with eight business executives from three major operational departments; on-site observations in firm’s retail stores, factories and distribution centres; and secondary data review of firm business reports, news, whitepapers and archival records. The findings are established through a consistent within-case data analysis and cross-case comparison. Findings The study reveals that the two retailers formulated different strategies in developing their omni-channels, and exhibited different degrees of success. The similarities and differences in the drivers, as well as the barriers, were analyzed and compared in this study. Operational variations (i.e. enablers and inhibitors) due to the unique context of the Chinese market were also explored. The findings reveal that coherent leveraging firm resources and capabilities from the three perspectives – marketing, logistics and supply chain, and organizational management – is critical to the full implementation of omni-channel retailing. They provide relevant managerial insights that can assist firms in formulating appropriate strategic action plans during the transformations. Originality/value As a theoretical contribution, this paper identifies a set of drivers and barriers for omni-channel retailing in the developed market, and classifies them into three categories: marketing; logistics and supply chain; and organizational management. The empirical-based qualitative analysis reveals the key factors impacting on omni-channel retailing within the Chinese market, and suggests a series of practical implications for local retailers planning to embark on omni-channel retailing.

The imposing of constraints on capital flows in emerging economies

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 400-416
Author(s):  
Peter Yeoh
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Capital Controls ◽  
Policy Option ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Imf

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the practicality and implications of capital controls in emerging economies in the international financial landscape subsequent to the 1997 Asian financial crisis (AFC) and the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC). Design/methodology/approach – The doctrinal approach used in this study relies primarily on primary data from relevant statutes and regulations in the capital and financial markets, and secondary data from research findings of published sources available in the public domain. It also makes concurrent use of the case study approach. Findings – The disdain over the use of capital controls by emerging economies such as Malaysia in the 1997 AFC by multilateral agencies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since then and particularly after the 2008 GFC and the 2011/2012 European financial crisis (EFC) has been quietly and gradually transformed into a viable policy option under defined circumstances, especially at the IMF and global forums like the G20. The 1997 AFC in particular induced East Asian economies and others to strengthen the macroeconomic and financial positions, such that they were not only able to withstand the impacts of the 2008 GFC and the 2011/2012 EFC but also contributed to their gradual recoveries through their participation as net lenders to the IMF. The enhanced confidence of these emerging economies to use various capital controls without seeking IMF support spawned new thinking at the IMF to result in the introduction of policy guidelines sanctioning the use of capital controls under particular circumstances. Research limitations/implications – The paper is constrained by the usual limitations connected with qualitative studies, but this is generally mitigated by triangulation of perspectives and so on. Originality/value – This paper provides a critical overview of the pros and cons of capital controls. In particular, it analyses the implications of capital controls as a policy option for emerging economies when facing severe financial crisis. It also critically discusses how and why flowing from the aftermath of its application by Malaysia in the 1997 AFC and subsequent employment by other successful emerging economies in response to the 2008 GFC and 2011/2012 EFC, multilateral institutions such as the IMF and international forum like the G20 developed a more positive approach toward the use of capital controls.

Secrecy in Teflon international financial centres

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 777-797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Yeoh
Keyword(s):  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Tax Compliance ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Business Community ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Tax Havens ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Concurrent Use

Purpose This paper aims to examine tax leakages in secrecy financial centres. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study relies on primary data from relevant statutes and secondary data from the public domain and in particular academic sources. The study makes concurrent use of the case study approach. Findings The study reinforces existing suggestions that tax evasion is significantly widespread from advanced to emerging economies. It also suggests serious enforcement difficulties because of light-touch surveillance among competing tax havens and financial professionals. Further, while relevant laws are in place to deal with illicit activities, enhanced transparency is needed to quell the problem and, in this instance, public access to beneficial owner data such as exemplified by UK’s public registry approach. The US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act is proving to be effective, and similar expectations are raised for the equivalent the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development initiative from 2017 onwards. Research limitations/implications The paper is constrained with the general limitations associated with qualitative studies. These are, however, mitigated by triangulations of perspectives and so on. Practical implications The findings have implications for policymakers and the business community. Social implications The findings could help to narrow inequality gaps between and within economies. Originality/value The paper combines insights from high-profile cases with those from academic sources. The analysis is also undertaken from the combined perspectives of law, economics and accounting. It also focuses in secrecy issues in both offshore and onshore financial centres.

Managing knowledge and going global at FragraAroma

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 1630-1648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nakul Gupta ◽  
Mahadeo P. Jaiswal ◽  
Rupali Pardasani
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Class Discussion ◽  
International Expansion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help students understand how companies combine and leverage their existing knowledge capabilities in order to build strategic advantage for the company. The case also throws some light on the opportunities and challenges faced by SME's of emerging markets in going international in turbulent macroeconomic scenarios. Design/methodology/approach – The case has been written for the purpose of teaching and class discussion. Interviews with protagonist provided the primary data and published reports and archives of the company provided the secondary data for the case. Findings – After the class discussion, students will be able to figure out how SME's can best leverage their existing knowledge base, efficiently manage that knowledge base and accurately assess the impact of these knowledge management activities for international expansion. Originality/value – This is among the first few cases in the area of knowledge management from the perspective of SME's in emerging markets in the fragrance and other allied industries.

Evolving existence of assets and liabilities of foreignness

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-90
Author(s):  
Lee Keng Ng ◽  
Louise Curran
Keyword(s):  
Market Access ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Foreign Firms ◽  
Chinese Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Corrosive Effect ◽  
High Level ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the simultaneous evolution of LOF and AOF in the context of environmental protection (EP) companies from Europe in the Chinese market. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopt a qualitative, case study approach, using interview data to explore the extent of liability of foreignness and how the FSAs of firms have changed from the time on market entry. The authors undertook 15 in-depth interviews with decision makers in six companies addressing their experience of foreignness during their long tenure in China. To control for sector-level effects, the authors focus on companies in the EP sector. Findings The authors found the evolving AOF of the firms were challenged to a significant extent that caused difficulties in reducing their LOF over time. The EP sector is dominated by state-owned enterprises that have unique organized structure preventing localized foreign firms from gaining access into the institutionalized network. This deeply quilted institutionalized network had a corrosive effect in the gradual erosion of the LOF manifested from unfair price strategy practice, forced collaborations, ostracization of project participations, operational barriers, prohibited and restricted market access. The research also uncovered the rebirth nature of LOF that caused AOF to lose its significance across bureaucracy and ownership changed. Research limitations/implications The relatively small number of cases (six) limits the generalizability of the findings by the authors. However, the authors are convinced that, given that the case companies are generally large and have long experience in China, the conclusions made are well grounded. In addition, there was the high level of coherence in the reported experiences of the interviewees, providing further support for the findings. Practical implications The experiences of these case study companies highlight that MNEs need to be vigilant and creative in constantly improving their FSAs so that the competitive distance between them and the local competitors remains substantial. Originality/value Very few studies have explored both assets and liabilities of foreignness in the host country regulatory context using a case study-based qualitative approach, especially in emerging markets.

Toward a theory on workplaces for smart workers

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 298-315
Author(s):  
Luisa Errichiello ◽  
Tommasina Pianese
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Innovative Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Type ◽  
Smart Working ◽  
Research Propositions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the main features of smart work centers (SWCs) and show how these innovative offices would support the implementation of smart working and related changes in workspaces (“bricks”), technologies (“bytes”) and organizational practices (“behaviors”). Design/methodology/approach In this study, scientific literature is combined with white papers and business reports and visits to 14 workplaces, including offices designed as SWCs, co-working spaces, one telecenter, one accelerator and one fab lab. Primary data were collected through interviews with managers and users and non-participant observation, whereas secondary data included web-sites, brochures, presentations, press releases and official documents. Findings The authors developed research propositions about how the design of spaces and the availability of technology within SWCs would support the “bricks” and “bytes” levers of smart working. More importantly, the authors assumed that this new type of workplace would sustain changes in employees’ behaviors and managers’ practices, thus helping to overcome several challenges traditionally associated with remote working. Research limitations/implications The exploratory nature of the research only provides preliminary information about the role of SWCs within smart working programs. Additional qualitative and quantitative empirical investigation is required. Practical implications This study provides valuable knowledge about how the design of corporate offices can be leveraged to sustain the implementation of smart working. Originality/value This study advances knowledge on workplaces by focusing on an innovative design of traditional offices (SWC). It also lays the foundations for future investigation aimed at testing the developed propositions.

The sustainable management design of oxbow lake to determine the factors in lake management in Buluh Cina village, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-430
Author(s):  
Adi Susilo
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Lake Management ◽  
Monte Carlo Analysis ◽  
Oxbow Lake ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Economic Dimension ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Index ◽  
Index Value

Purpose The purpose of this study at the level of sustainability of oxbow lake was intended to determine the status of sustainability, leverage attributes and driving factors in the management of oxbow lake in Buluh Cina village in Kampar, Riau, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach The types of data collected include primary data and secondary data. Data was collected using survey methods, library research, laboratory analysis and interviews. The analytical method used this study is multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis and prospect analysis. Sustainability analysis is done using the MDS analysis approach with the help of RapOxbow software and compared to Monte Carlo analysis results. Findings The current sustainability status of the management of Lake Baru ecosystem according to a number of dimensions is considered sustainable with a sustainability index value of 50.95. Meanwhile, the analysis results of each dimension shows that the sustainability index for the ecological dimension is 42.56 and the sustainability index for the economic dimension is 47.44, which means that the index is less sustainable. Originality/value The approach of this research is MDS analysis and prospect analysis and research locations in Buluh Cina village in Kampar, Indonesia which have never been studied before. This is one of few studies that investigates comprehensively the analysis of management sustainability, especially in the dimensions of ecology, economics and socio-culture, especially in Indonesia.

Measuring the service gaps in the roles of quantity surveyors in the emerging market

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1111-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
AbdulLateef Olanrewaju
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
The Other ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

Purpose – The opportunities that the emerging markets present to the players in the construction industry means that the players need to expand on the scope and size of their responsibilities and duties to the stakeholders. Each of the professionals now demands more specialised and sophisticated services from one another. The other players in the construction industry now require more emerging responsibilities and duties from the quantity surveyors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the roles that “modern” quantity surveyors play by measuring the gaps that exist in the services that the quantity surveyors provide. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data are collected through survey questionnaires. In total, 23 roles played by modern quantity surveyors are identified and addressed to the respondents to rank the rate at which quantity surveyors provide these “emerging” services. The collected data were analysed statistically. Findings – The results of the findings led to the conclusion that the quantity surveyors were not meeting the expectations of other players. Therefore, for competitiveness, quantity surveyors need to better meet demand expectations. Research limitations/implications – This findings of this research are constrained to the services or functions that the quantity provide in the construction industry. Practical implications – This knowledge is valuable to academic institutions that offer quantity surveying programmes, to practicing quantity surveyors, governments, and other players in the construction industry. It will allow quantity surveyors to reconcile supply and demand expectations. Originality/value – There is no known conclusive empirical study on services offered by quantity surveyors in any emerging markets. Therefore, the findings offer a fresh understanding on the services of quantity surveyors not only in Nigeria but elsewhere. While some of the services are common, others are peculiar to emerging markets.

Impacts of electronic monitoring on the community life: blessing or disguise?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarína Vitálišová ◽  
Kamila Borseková ◽  
Anna Vanˇová ◽  
Samuel Koróny
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Electronic Monitoring ◽  
Slovak Republic ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Community Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The Usa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and evaluate critically the impacts associated with the implementation of electronic monitoring (EM) of accused and convicted persons on society based on the foreign experience and compare these findings with the original research results on EM in the Slovak Republic. Design/methodology/approach This paper elaborates the secondary data of previous researches in Scotland, Sweden and Florida in the USA. Secondary research is based on in-depth analysis of articles, reports and studies searched via database of Google, Scopus and Science Direct. Based on the studies processed by a causal and qualitative analysis, the authors identify the benefits and risks of EM influencing community life in Europe and the USA. The additional sources of secondary data are the Statistical Yearbook of Ministry of Justice of Slovak Republic, the content of the original law (including relevant amendments) that introduced EM into the Slovak criminal justice system and data on the application of EM in Slovakia provided by the Ministry of Justice. Subsequently, this paper presents the original research findings about the EM implementation in the Slovak Republic. The primary data were conducted via interviews with the representatives of Ministry of Justice, and through the national survey of opinions of judges, probation and mediation officers. The authors used the descriptive statistics and the statistical deduction methods. Findings The key finding of the paper is that there is a very narrow border between EM as blessing and disguise for community involved. Setting proper measures to protect the community, targeted communication and support with attendance of professionals (e.g. mediator and psychologist) for community members might help to avoid possible risks and support the benefits related with EM implementation, namely, social and economic inclusion of offenders, maintaining family and community tights, reducing recidivism or protection of sensitive sites. Practical implications To support the acceptation of EM by local community, the authors recommend to perceive sensitively community involvement and consider potential risks related with EM implementation; to suggest the proper measures to protect the community; and to develop better or targeted communication oriented towards increasing awareness or establishment supporting groups with attendance of professionals (e.g. mediator and psychologist) that might help to avoid possible risks and support the benefits related with EM implementation. Originality/value This paper compares experience with EM based on the secondary data of previous researches in Scotland, Sweden and Florida in the USA. Subsequently, it presents the unique data about the implementation of EM in the Slovak Republic. The topic of EM is still vastly underrated in the literature, and there is a lack of empirical data, so this paper as a combination of case studies and original research could be very helpful in the efficient implementation of EM and setting the proper measures.

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