Internet banking brand strategies amongst German commercial banks since the 1990s

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-84
Author(s):  
Jan Körnert ◽  
Klemens Grube
Keyword(s):  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Internet Banking ◽  
Brand Strategy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internet Bank ◽  
Brand Strategies

Purpose In the mid-1990s, market demands for around-the-clock (24/7) banking and financial transacting began to converge with advances in internet-based technologies. This confluence of forces gave rise to the birth of internet banking. Building upon the relevant literature, this paper aims to develop a set of propositions to address the following questions: what brand strategy or strategies were used at the birth of internet banking roughly 25 years ago? In the years since then, have merger and acquisition transactions involving internet or “direct” banking businesses only come to fruition where the direct bank was previously under a specific brand strategy? And finally, where there have been changes in internet banking brand strategy, have these invariably been in the ultimate direction of one particular brand strategy? Design/methodology/approach Because of the exploratory nature of the research question, this paper uses a case study examination as the research approach. In addition to gaining deeper insight into issues involving internet bank branding as these actually existed, this paper aims to propose preliminary and tentative conclusions that can later be tested empirically with larger sample size. The case studies specifically examine German commercial banks with direct bank businesses. Findings In the examination of the German commercial banks, this paper finds that their internet banking activities some 25 years ago were, in fact, never launched using an umbrella brand strategy but rather with a combined brand strategy or multi-brand strategy. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions involving internet-based direct banks were only consummated where the direct bank had previously been operated by the parent bank using a multi-brand strategy. Where the brand strategies of internet-based direct banks have been changed by their parent banks, this has invariably been in the direction of an umbrella brand strategy. Originality/value Within the marketing and banking literature, there are no in-depth examinations of internet banking brand strategies to be found. This paper, in addressing this research topic, marks the first full survey of German commercial banks with internet-based direct banking businesses. This survey, moreover, examines branding not only at the time that internet-based direct banks were first established starting in 1994 but also the subsequent development of internet banking brand strategies to the present day.

Suitability of the high performance organization framework for Egyptian ICT companies: a replication study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Azmy Ateia ◽  
Saneya Abdelfattah El Galaly ◽  
André de Waal
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Replication Study ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Organization Framework ◽  
High Performance Organization ◽  
Ict Companies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to answer the research question “Is the high-performance organization (HPO) Framework suitable for non-governmental private sector organizations, specifically the affiliates of international companies operating in the ICT sector in Egypt?” Design/methodology/approach The research concerns a replication study in which the HPO Questionnaire was used to collect data, and factor analysis was applied to evaluate the reliability and consistency of the HPO Framework. The research approach was the same as applied by de Waal et al. (2016), but this time the research population consisted of affiliates of international ICT companies, instead of local ICT companies as in the de Waal et al. (2016) study. Findings Data gathered by means of the HPO Questionnaire from managers of these affiliates were used to evaluate the reliability and internal consistency of the HPO Framework. The confirmatory factor analysis was done twice, once for the original 35-characteristic HPO Framework and once for the 26-characteristic HPO Framework as proposed by de Waal et al. (2016) for Egyptian local ICT companies. The study results clearly show the applicability of the original 35-characteristic HPO Framework for measuring the organizational strength and identifying performance-gaps of ICT companies that are affiliates of international organizations operating in Egypt. Originality/value This study adds to the growing HPO literature on developing countries and helps Egyptian ICT companies to adopt high-performance practices to be able to contribute more to the economic development of Egypt.

The impact of project sustainability management (PSM) on project success

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Khalifeh ◽  
Peter Farrell ◽  
Malek Al-edenat
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New School ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to answer the research question: “does the incorporation of sustainability as a new school of thought in project management support project success?” The authors carried out a systematic literature review (SLR) on relevant empirical studies before 2018 to answer this question. Design/methodology/approach The authors carried out an SLR by selecting, extracting, analysing and critically appraising relevant literature that met pre-specified criteria by using transparent, well-organised and replicable steps. The main sources are publications in peer-reviewed journals regardless of their impact factor because the topic of incorporating sustainability in project management practices is restrained by a lack of research. Findings Based on the analysis, it seems that incorporating sustainability into project management may support project success. However, more evidence is required to support this finding as there are too few relevant empirical studies in the literature. Research limitations/implications Therefore, considering sustainability as a new school of thought in project management is premature, and there are recommendations for further research at the end of this study. There are several limitations to the studies chosen, which may have significantly affected results, and thus may affect outcomes in this study. Originality/value Project success needs to be the main endeavour when incorporating sustainability into project management, and it should be a key criterion when considering sustainability as a new school of thought in managing projects. The most challenging elements of project success that need to be addressed are cost and time. This study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of PSM on project success. It facilitates decision making in considering sustainability as a new school of thought in project management. Furthermore, it defines a need for more research work in this potential paradigm shift in managing projects.

Two paths to customer loyalty: the moderating effect of the differentiation level strategy in the performance-satisfaction-value-intentions relationship

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Vera
Keyword(s):  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Cost Price ◽  
Product Performance ◽  
Brand Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structural Path Analysis ◽  
Dishwashing Detergent ◽  
Brand Strategies ◽  
Structural Path

Purpose This paper aims to show how consumers process information differently under two dissimilar types of brand strategies. By analysing data from dishwashing detergent consumers who evaluated two different brands, one with a high differentiated/performance/price brand (HB) strategy and other with a low differentiated/cost/price brand (LB) strategy, it is shown how the structural relationship between some constructs differ under each price brand strategy. With a structural path analysis, the product performance, customer satisfaction, customer perceived value and behavioural intentions relationship are assessed. Additionally, the moderating effect of the brand strategy in this structural relationship is tested. Design/methodology/approach Data of a sample of n = 273 Mexican dishwashing detergent users were analysed. Respondents evaluated two brands of dishwashing detergent. One brand followed a high differentiated/performance/price strategy (Axion) and the other used a low differentiated/cost/price strategy (Roma). Participants had to have been consumers of both brands of detergents. A structural path analysis to show the moderating effect of the brand strategy was implemented. A nested comparison invariance test for structural weights to corroborate differences was used, as well. Findings Results confirm structural differences between both brand strategies in the constructs relationship. The HB strategy showed that both satisfaction and perceived value have a mediating effect between product performance and brand intentions; on the other hand, the LB strategy showed that only satisfaction has a mediating effect between these two constructs. The explanation amount for dependent latent variables was higher for the HB strategy than for the LB strategy. Originality/value This study offers a distinct view of the differentiated/quality brand strategy – low cost/price brand strategy duality. It provides a theoretical-empirical explanation of the cognitive processes that both strategies involve for a customer. As well, this study conceptually relates the generic strategies theory with the use of specific brand strategies.

Learning in home care: a digital artifact as a designated boundary object-in-use

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 577-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sigridur Islind ◽  
Ulrika Lundh Snis
Keyword(s):  
Home Care ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Boundary Object ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Care Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach

Purpose The aim of this paper is to understand how the role of an mHealth artifact plays out in home care settings. An mHealth artifact, in terms of a mobile app, was tested to see how the quality of home care work practice was enhanced and changed. The research question is: In what ways does an mHealth artifact re-shape a home care practice and how does this affect the interaction between caregivers and the elderly and learning opportunities for the caregivers? Design/methodology/approach An action research approach was taken and the study was conducted in a home care organization in a Swedish municipality. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations that were conducted during home visits. Concepts of learning and boundary objects were used to analyze and distinguish interactions and conversations with the mHealth artifact. Findings The study shows how an mHealth artifact is re-shaping a home care practice and how this affects interactions and identifies learning opportunities. Views on the mHealth artifact as a designated boundary object as well as a boundary object-in-use must co-exist. Originality/value The study provides qualitative descriptions from using an mHealth artifact for home care, which is an emerging area of concern for both research and practice. It focuses on the interactional and organizational values generated from the actual use of the designed mobile application.

Advancing the frontiers of justice to the under represented in Nigeria through public law library legal clinics: issues for consideration

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 607-616
Author(s):  
Oludayo John Bamgbose
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Public Law ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Access To Justice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Law Library

PurposeThe research sought to explore the role of public law libraries in advancing the net of persons who could access justice, using the law clinic in Nigeria as a gateway. It also examined how public law libraries could fit in drawing justice closer to the people using law clinics.Design/methodology/approachIn achieving the research intentions, the researcher adopted mixed research approach. For the doctrinal method, the study embraced a desktop review of relevant literature on law clinic, access to justice and law libraries. For non-doctrinal method, the researcher brought to bare, his observation, experience and participation in clinical legal education, law clinic and law librarianship for a period of almost a decade. The literature and the experience of the researcher formed the basis on which the paper was developed.FindingsThe findings from this research reveal that access to justice is constrained by a number of factors that make it impossible for many Nigerians to access justice. The study further brings to the fore the role of law clinics in widening the gap of access to justice. In addition, the place of public law libraries in expanding the frontiers of access to justice is further underscored.Originality/valueNot minding the potentials of public libraries in advancing access to justice world over, perusal of literature reveals that there is dearth of literature on the role of public law libraries in advancing access to justice through the instrumentality of law clinics in Nigeria. This research appears to be pioneering research in this regard.

Authentic or cosmetic: stakeholders’ attribution of firms’ corporate social responsibility claims

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudel Mombeuil ◽  
Bin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose To date, many firms tend to use corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication and marketing as a means to offset their irresponsible behaviors and unscrupulous business practices. Often time, they can easily get away with this in the context where the institutional settings are weak, and corporate social irresponsibility (CSIR) and corruption are widespread. The purpose of this study is to explore stakeholders’ attribution concerning CSR claims of four beverage manufacturing companies operating in America’s poorest country (Haiti) where CSIR and corruption remain widespread. This study also explores whether there are differences in demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, corporate affiliation and education) regarding stakeholders’ attribution of CSR claims of these companies. Design/methodology/approach Given the exploratory nature of this study, an inductive research approach (qualitative plus quantitative) and supported by an interpretive approach were used. Findings The overall results of this study show that internal (employees) and external stakeholders alike consider the CSR claims of these companies as “cosmetic,” with no significant difference in their affiliation. The results also show no significant differences in the age groups but significant differences in gender and level of education regarding stakeholders’ attribution of firms’ CSR claims. Originality/value By addressing firms’ CSR claims from the perspectives of internal and external stakeholders through means of a mixed methods approach, this study adds an important contribution to the relevant literature.

How important is CRM toward customer’s loyalty to conventional and Islamic bank marketing strategy?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jono Mintarto Munandar ◽  
Dewi Oktaviani ◽  
Yenni Angraini
Keyword(s):  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Internet Banking ◽  
Service Industries ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conventional Banks ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to test the effect of customer relationship management (CRM) strategy on customer loyalty of bank customers. Design/methodology/approach The questionnaire derived from previous studies along with relevant literature was completed by 100 customers of conventional banks and 100 customers of Islamic banks. Structural equation modeling assessed the impact on customer loyalty on three key constructs of CRM programs (continuity marketing, one to one marketing and partnering). Findings Two out of three variables, which is continuity marketing and partnering, have significant effects on both banks. Continuity marketing is the dominant variable at conventional banks. Partnering is the dominant variable at Islamic banks. Research limitations/implications The effects of CRM programs on customer loyalty observed in this study required further research. The data used in this study were only gathered from the banking industry in Indonesia, and so more research studies are needed to support the conclusion. Practical implications It is reasonable to conclude that customer loyalty can be built, strengthened and retained by CRM programs, aimed at increasing security and building trust in each transaction, improving partnership, optimize another bank’s service product like internet banking and SMS banking and communicating with customers in a timely manner. Originality/value Advanced and specific knowledge relevant to CRM in banking service industries.

The advancement of hospitality and tourism education in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-153
Author(s):  
Abdul Murad Ahmad ◽  
Kashif Hussain ◽  
Erdogan Ekiz ◽  
Thienming Tang
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospitality Education ◽  
Foreign Companies ◽  
Tourism Education ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism Education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the ways in which hospitality and tourism education in Malaysia is working with the Malaysian Industry 4.0 framework. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was used to conduct 30 interviews with respondents working for academic institutions and local or foreign companies. Findings The analysis of data helped to identify themes relating to current foreign partnerships within this area of industry. Originality/value Through the resolution of this research question, specific recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders are made, which, if implemented, may facilitate further improvements in tourism and hospitality education in support of industry in Malaysia.

Finnish student teachers’ critical conceptions of entrepreneurship education

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marja-Leena Rönkkö ◽  
Jaana Lepistö
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teacher Education Department ◽  
The University

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to reveal and investigate differences in how Finnish student teachers understand entrepreneurship education and how critical they are of it. The research question is: what kind of critical understanding do student teachers reveal in their conception of entrepreneurship education? Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research approach termed content analysis was used to investigate student teacher’s conceptions. The data were collected from essays written by 257 student teachers at the University of Turku’s, Rauma teacher education department during 2010-2012. Findings – The conception of entrepreneurship education is, in many ways, related to how much one already knows about entrepreneurship education or how one reacts to it. It seems that most student teachers’ conceptions of entrepreneurship are positive, but even those in favour of it, in principle, do not necessarily want to see entrepreneurship education included in the basic education curriculum. Nevertheless, they think that enterprising pedagogy is useful and that the way of thinking about teaching is inspiring. They also feel that both teacher education and basic education benefit from some kind of entrepreneurship component, but do not take entrepreneurship education for granted. On the basis of this study, it is proposed that teacher education should incorporate more teaching that supports critical thinking in all study modules. Originality/value – The findings of this study illustrate that there is much more to do in teacher education and its curricula. Teaching situations and learning situations are always social situations and both learners and teachers have a vital role to play.

Using international sport events as part of a brand construction strategy

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rogelio Puente-Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Social Issues ◽  
Brand Strategy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Sport Events ◽  
Destination Brand ◽  
International Sport

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the author examines how the destination brand Mexico is using international sporting events as part of its branding strategy to deal with the challenges faced by destinations and to overcome some of its weaknesses. Second, the author assesses the positive and negative consequences of such strategy. The investigation tries to fill a gap in terms of understanding and assessing opportunities and challenges experienced by the sport industry in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach The author used a case study research strategy, relying on documentation, archival records, and personal interviews with experts as sources of evidence. Given that most research efforts have focused on developed countries, this research approach was exploratory and descriptive. Findings The thematic analysis revealed the presence of five major themes related to the process of hosting and using Formula One (F1), National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Basketball Association (NBA) games as part of a brand strategy. These five major themes were labeled: brand strategy challenges and opportunities, balancing short- and long-term goals and benefits, tension between stakeholders from different destinations, social issues, and areas of improvement. Originality/value The findings shed light on the challenges and opportunities that hosting international sport events bring to a destination brand with an emerging economy such as Mexico. The opportunity to host these types of events comes from the expansion strategies of well-known sport brands such as F1, NFL, MLB, and NBA.

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