scholarly journals Inbound and outbound medical travel in Austria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
August Österle ◽  
Carina Diesenreiter ◽  
Barbara Glinsner ◽  
Eva Reichel
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Data ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Travel Patterns ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Medical Travel ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Country Case Study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: First, it analyzes demand and supply-side factors that influence patient flows to and from Austria. Second, building on the empirical research and existing conceptualizations, the study offers a general extended framework to guide future comparative analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on multiple data sources including a literature review, secondary data, website analysis and semi-structured interviews with patients and health providers. Content analysis was carried out to identify common motives for seeking care abroad and providers' orientation towards medical travel.FindingsOutbound medical travel is largely determined by factors of access, affordability and vicinity, while inbound medical travel is predominately driven by a lack of adequate medical infrastructure in source countries and quality, both in terms of medical and service quality. Providers distinguish themselves according to the extent they take part in medical travel.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings emerging from a single country case study approach cannot be generalized across settings and contexts, albeit contributing to a better understanding of current medical travel patterns in Europe.Originality/valueUnlike most recent contributions, this study focuses both on inbound and outbound medical travel in Austria and investigates patient flows for distinctive treatments and drivers. While analysis of the supply-side of medical travel is often limited to tourism studies, this study provides a critical insight into developments in Europe from a health policy perspective, acknowledging that diverse medical travel patterns in Europe coexist.

Networks, institutional environment and firm internationalization

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sussie C. Morrish ◽  
Anna Earl
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Internationalization Process ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Brand Authenticity ◽  
Firm Networks

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of network relationships and institutional environment on premium winegrowers’ internationalization process. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study approach to examine two premium wine producers engaged in internationalization. The data sources consist of semi-structured interviews, observations at three major events and secondary data sourced from industry reports and materials that are available online. Findings Findings illustrate that both personal and inter-firm networks help wineries to internationalize. Inter-firm networks play a significant role in gaining international legitimacy. Personal networks were found to be more important in establishing brand authenticity that facilitates wineries in their internationalization process. Gaining international legitimacy and establishing brand authenticity are crucial in the successful internationalization of premium wineries. Research limitations/implications This study provides an explanation of how networks can be put into institutional context. Future studies could map out the formal and informal institutions within the wine industry and investigate the closer dynamics among the different actors in the whole network. A whole network is formally structured and governed, yet still built on the relationships among members, making it a very complex phenomenon. This would allow the evaluation of multilateral ties that link firms and actors within the network and how this affects the internationalization process. Practical implications This paper provides managers with insights on how they can capitalize on their inter-firm and personal networks to help them deal with domestic and international institutional environments when embarking on internationalization activities. Originality/value This paper adds to the existing literature on networks relationships and provides an important link between networks, institutions and internationalization.

scholarly journals Application of design thinking to product-configuration projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-241
Author(s):  
Sara Shafiee ◽  
Anders Haug ◽  
Saeedeh Shafiee Kristensen ◽  
Lars Hvam
Keyword(s):  
Design Thinking ◽  
Product Configuration ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Satisfaction ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Industrial Companies ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Configuration Systems

PurposeProduct configurators are expert systems that support product customization by defining how predefined entities and their properties may be combined. Developers of configuration systems act as designers, although they do not often recognize that they are performing as such. Moreover, exploring solution spaces is typically not integral to configuration projects, as this task is typically perceived as mapping existing knowledge to the configurator. This article argues that developing configurators may be understood by distinguishing between the problem and solution spaces using design thinking (DT).Design/methodology/approachA multiple-case-study approach with four configuration projects is adopted to study two projects involving DT and compare them to two similar projects not involving DT. Data collection depended on multiple data sources via workshops and semi-structured interviews.FindingsFirst, DT methods and concept–knowledge (C-K) theory are integrated into configuration projects. Second, the application of DT during configurator development is presented through workshops and interviews, which demonstrates the benefits of DT in overcoming existing challenges.Research limitations/implicationsThe case studies demonstrate the successful implementation of DT in developing configurators. However, a limited number of cases in only one company limits the generalizability of the results.Practical implicationsThe framework's individual steps create a structured approach to supporting industrial companies with a toolbox of DT techniques and methods for configuration projects.Originality/valueThe results show that the application of DT to configuration projects can improve user motivation, stakeholder satisfaction and knowledge acquisition.

Coopetition: a fundamental feature of entrepreneurial firms' collaborative dynamics

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1555-1569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen McGrath ◽  
Thomas O'Toole ◽  
Louise Canning
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
Entrepreneurial Firms ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fundamental Feature ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Process Perspective ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose This paper aims to explore coopetition as a fundamental feature of the collaborative dynamics inherent in entrepreneurial ventures. The authors present a conceptual model and definition of entrepreneurial coopetition, the latter being explained as entrepreneurial involvement in simultaneous cooperative and competitive interactions with business network actors in a relational environment. Design/methodology/approach Using the micro-brewing industry in a Southern State in the USA, as an empirical base, the authors use an abductive case study approach drawing from multiple data sources including semi-structured interviews, marketing materials, information available on websites and social media, as well as information contained in newspaper articles and policy documents. Findings Findings suggest that entrepreneurs habitually interact in a coopetitive manner through norms formed in interaction and that these are often in response to the environment. Research limitations/implications Findings are limited to one particular context. Future research could include entrepreneurs from other sectors, state or country contexts which may reveal other coopetition themes. Practical implications More benefits in coopetition could be reaped if the entrepreneur were more cognitively aware of, and strategically planned for, the coopetitive processes in which they are (or could be) engaged. Originality/value The authors open the black box of entrepreneurial coopetition by putting forward and empirically examining a conceptual definition of entrepreneurial coopetition. This work moves the coopetition discussion beyond the motives behind and consequences of coopetition, analysing interactions from a process perspective. The authors respond to recent calls for a deeper understanding of coopetitive mind-sets and a multilevel approach to coopetition.

Social urbanism: public policy and place brand

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 326-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Doyle
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Social Problem ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Local Stakeholders ◽  
Place Brand ◽  
The City

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on how a public policy designed to address a social problem ultimately became the place brand.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a qualitative case study approach focusing on the city of Medellín, Colombia. It draws from fieldwork conducted in Medellín over 2014 and 2015, including semi-structured interviews with an array of local stakeholders.FindingsThe paper concludes that local governments should be aware that the policymaking process can become part of their branding. It also shows the importance of the continual involvement of stakeholders in the place brand process to ensure it is a sustainable brand.Originality/valueThere are limited studies which focus on how a public policy designed to address a social problem ultimately becomes the place brand. This paper shows how a public policy, social urbanism, became the branding of Medellín.

The moderating role of remote work in the relationship between organizational culture and OCB: case studies from the financial sector

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoltán Krajcsák ◽  
Anita Kozák
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Organizational Citizenship Behavior ◽  
Financial Sector ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Citizenship Behavior ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Home Office ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to show how remote working affects employees' organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted research on organizations in the financial sector, as this segment was able to easily adapt to the challenges of remote working and teleworking. They used the case study approach: they analyzed organizational documents and management communications related to crisis management back to March 2020, when the pandemic started in Hungary, and conducted semi-structured interviews with managers and subordinates.FindingsThe results highlighted that the dominant organizational culture determines the effects of remote working on OCB. In organizations with a dominant market culture, OCB has changed the least because of the home office, with only a decline in the dimension of civic virtue. In organizations with a dominant clan culture, conscientiousness decreased, while the other three dimensions increased. The dominant hierarchy culture reacted the most unfavorably, excluding the dimension of courtesy, as all dimensions decreased.Originality/valueThe study shows how the pandemic and working in home office have changed the dimensions of OCB in different organizational cultures.

The use of environmental performance indicators in “the greenest city in Europe”

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Alpenberg ◽  
Tomasz Wnuk-Pel ◽  
Philip Adamsson ◽  
Johannes Petersson
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Municipal Managers ◽  
Environmental Performance Indicators

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine why and how municipal managers and CEOs for municipally owned companies use the environmental performance indicators. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach as a research design was used. In total, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted among managers for administrative departments and municipal company CEOs. Findings This study found that the environmental performance indicators are used by department managers mainly for resource allocation, control and for teaching the employees. The CEOs of the municipal companies use the environmental indicators for communicating with external stakeholders and see the indicators primarily as marketing tools. The main reason why the environmental performance indicators are used in the municipality can be the strong demand from the local politicians to push the “green agenda,” and therefore the managers have to comply. Research limitations/implications As in any case study, generalizations from the research should be made with care, but since this is only one municipality, further research is needed to find additional evidence. Practical implications The findings of this study have a number of implications for future practice, and it is worth mentioning that clear guidelines for how the information could be made more useful for managers at the managerial level in Växjö municipality (VM) are requested for both the municipal managers and the CEOs. Social implications Overall, this study strengthens the idea that environmental performance indicators could be used to a larger extent for communicating with external stakeholders both for municipal departments and companies. Originality/value The research adds to the literature by examining different patterns of using environmental performance indicators in a unique setting – in VM, which is called “the greenest city in Europe” and is one of the “pioneers” in environmental work and extensively uses performance indicators.

Strategic behavior of nontraditional lenders in agricultural credit markets

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iuliia Tetteh ◽  
Michael Boehlje ◽  
Anil K. Giri ◽  
Sankalp Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Strategic Behavior ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Credit Markets ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Agricultural Credit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Funding Sources

PurposeThis paper examines credit products, operational performance and business models employed by nontraditional lenders (NTLs) in agricultural credit markets.Design/methodology/approachTwo research methods were employed in this study: (1) an executive interview to collect primary data and (2) a case study approach to analyze the findings and develop insights.FindingsThe findings indicate the presence of significant differences among lenders across and within three categories of NTLs (large volume, vendor financing and collateral-based NTLs). For example, collateral-based NTLs employ different strategies focusing on types of loans, funding sources, commodities they support and geographic coverage to further segment the market. NTLs in this study were able to capture market by successfully identifying gaps in the supply side of agricultural credit and developing products that meet the needs of that niche (e.g. heavy renters, large operations, producers seeking fixed interest rates for term loans, financially fragile producers). Most of the interviewed NTLs had credit standards comparable to those of traditional lenders and consider them both competitors and partners since many NTLs partner with traditional lenders on participation loans, loan servicing and/or sourcing funds.Originality/valueThe supply side of a nontraditional lending has not been studied extensively due to the proprietary nature of data. The executive interviews conducted in this study allowed for accumulation of industry data, which is not available otherwise.

The cyber-insurance market in Norway

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayretdin Bahşi ◽  
Ulrik Franke ◽  
Even Langfeldt Friberg
Keyword(s):  
Insurance Market ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Insurance Company ◽  
Marine Insurance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Data Protection Regulation ◽  
Cyber Insurance ◽  
General Data

Purpose This paper aims to describe the cyber-insurance market in Norway but offers conclusions that are interesting to a wider audience. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on semi-structured interviews with supply-side actors: six general insurance companies, one marine insurance company and two insurance intermediaries. Findings The Norwegian cyber-insurance market supply-side has grown significantly in the past two years. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is found to have had a modest effect on the market so far but has been used by the supply-side as an icebreaker to discuss cyber-insurance with customers. The NIS Directive has had little or no impact on the Norwegian cyber-insurance market until now. Informants also indicate that Norway is still the least mature of the four Nordic markets. Practical implications Some policy lessons for different stakeholders are identified. Originality/value Empirical investigation of cyber-insurance is still rare, and the paper offers original insights on market composition and actor motivations, ambiguity of coverage, the NIS Directive and GDPR.

scholarly journals Establishing psychological relationship between female customers and retailers

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilini Edirisinghe ◽  
Alireza Nazarian ◽  
Pantea Foroudi ◽  
Andrew Lindridge
Keyword(s):  
Online Shopping ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Retail Stores ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Coffee Shop ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Perceptions ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Customer Behaviour ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate how young female customers establish psychological relationships with small- to medium-scale retail stores over time forming purchase intentions, actual purchase patterns and repurchase behaviour. Role of various customer typologies was also considered. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was implemented to collect and analyse data, where data was collected from 20 young female customers and ten clothing retailers using purposive sampling via semi-structured interviews. Interviews with customers were conducted in a place of their choice such as in a coffee shop, whereas data from retailers were collected in the retail stores. Both online and offline retail patronage was considered to incorporate the growing tendency towards online shopping. Results were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings This study managed to reveal a number of interesting findings on how female customers form and develop psychological relationships with clothing retailers over time that ultimately builds customer loyalty. Customer behaviour in pre-purchase, purchase and re-purchase stages can significantly vary according to their individual perceptions, whereas they have a few favourite clothing brands that they frequently shop for. Preference for online shopping was found to be minimal, most of them enjoying in store experiences. Further, word of mouth and unique designs emerged as key contributors in establishing retail brand loyalty. Practical implications This paper provides better insights for clothing retailers and industry practitioners in understanding how customer perceptions affect clothing purchase decisions. Originality/value This paper contributes to the retail literature by emphasizing on various elements that should be amalgamated through proper synthesis to serve customers. The research is unique as it analyses customer behaviour using a recreational activity model as opposed to marketing models to demonstrate how customers develop relationships with retail brands overtime.

scholarly journals Intra-organizational brand resistance and counter-narratives in city branding – a comparative study of three Danish cities

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 1001-1018
Author(s):  
Marianne Wollf Lundholt ◽  
Ole Have Jørgensen ◽  
Bodil Stilling Blichfeldt
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Data ◽  
Political Support ◽  
The Political ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand ◽  
Counter Narratives ◽  
The City ◽  
Competition For Resources

Purpose This study aims to contribute to an increased understanding of intra-organizational city brand resistance by identifying and discussing different types of counter-narratives emerging from the political and administrative arenas. Design/methodology/approach The empirical material consists of secondary data as well as six in-depth semi-structured interviews with Danish mayors and city managers in three different municipalities in Denmark. Findings Intra-organizational counter-narratives differ from inter-organizational counter-narratives but resemble a number of issues known from extra-organizational resistance. Still, significant differences are found within the political arena: lack of ownership, competition for resources and political conflicts. Lack of ownership, internal competition for resources and distrust of motives play an important role within the administrative arena. Mayors are aware of the needs for continued political support for branding projects but projects are nonetheless realized despite resistance if there is a political majority for it. Research limitations/implications This study points to the implications of city brand resistance and counter-narratives emerging from the “inside” of the political and administrative arenas in the city, here defined as “intra-organizational counter-narratives”. Practical implications It is suggested that politicians and municipality staff should be systematically addressed as individual and unique audiences and considered as important as citizens in the brand process. Originality/value So far little attention has been paid to internal stakeholders within the municipal organization and their impact on the city branding process approached from a narrative perspective.

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