scholarly journals Understanding users: from man-made typologies to computer-generated clusters

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 412-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Gustav Johannsen

Purpose – The aim of this article is to identify the main approaches and discuss their perspectives, including their strengths and weaknesses in, especially, public library contexts. The purpose is also to present and discuss the results of a recent – 2014 – Danish library user segmentation project using computer-generated clusters. Compared to traditional marketing texts, this article also tries to identify users segments or images created by the library profession itself. Segmentation of users can help libraries in the process of understanding user similarities and differences. Segmentation can also form the basis for selecting segments as target users and for developing tailored services for specific target segments. Thus, several approaches and techniques have been tested in library contexts. Design/methodology/approach – Basically, the article is built upon a literature review concerning different approaches to user segmentation in, especially, public library context from approximately 1980 till now (May 2014). Findings – The article reveals that – at least – five different principal approaches to user segmentation have been applied by the library sector during the past 30-35 years. Characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches are identified, discussed and evaluated. Practical implications – When making decisions on future library user surveys, it is certainly an advantage, concerning the ability to make qualified decision, to know what opportunities that are at hand for identifying important segments. Originality/value – Some of the approaches have been treated individually in the library literature; however, it is probably the first time that the professions own user images and metaphors are dealt with in a user segmentation context.

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
Brian Rubin ◽  
Adam Pollet

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) 2017 disciplinary actions, the issues that resulted in the most significant fines and restitution and the emerging enforcement trends from 2017 and beyond. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this paper discusses the disciplinary actions in 2017 and prior years, details the top 2017 enforcement issues measured by total fines assessed, including anti-money laundering, trade reporting, electronic communications, books and records, research analysts and research reports, and explains current enforcement trends, including restitution, suitability cases and technological issues. Findings In 2017, restitution more than doubled from the prior year, resulting in the fourth highest total sanctions (fines combined with restitution and disgorgement) assessed by FINRA over the past 10 years. Practical implications Firms and their representatives should heed the trends in both the substantial restitution FINRA is ordering and the related enforcement issues in the cases FINRA has brought. Originality/value This paper provides expert analysis and guidance from experienced securities enforcement lawyers.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Blomme ◽  
Kirsten Bornebroek‐Te Lintelo

PurposeThis article aims to develop a conception consisting of insights from complexity theory and additional notions from Weick's sense‐making theory and existentialism for examining organization behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThis paper carries out a literature review of Karl Weick's theory of sense‐making and some notions from existentialism to discuss the possible contributions to complexity theory and with this a further comprehension of organizational behaviour.FindingsFour existential conditions, namely death, freedom, existentialism and meaninglessness, give a further comprehension of Weick's concept of equivocality. Equivocality is an important input for organizing processes. The complexity of organizing processes is an object for examining organizational behaviour from a complexity scientific standpoint. The authors argue that the concept of equivocality and with this the states of equilibrium in an organization can be approached with examining the states of the mentioned four existential conditions.Practical implicationsAn important point of application for change managers in an organization is equivocality. The increase of equivocality will lead to a shift in the state of equilibrium in which new themes will emerge and corresponding organisational behaviour. The level of equivocality is due to the presence of existential fears. Hence, change managers should focus on existential themes and anxieties in an organization to advance emergent change.Originality/valueNew in this paper is the usage of notions from existentialism to elaborate Weick's conception of sense‐making. Also this paper discusses the possible contribution of this elaboration to research of organisational behaviour from the perspective of complexity theory.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 23-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Cuvelier

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings An operative approach is described that is designed to structure the debriefing along three axes. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Rossi ◽  
Greg Deis ◽  
Jerome Roche ◽  
Kathleen Przywara

Purpose – To alert high frequency trading firms to the increased regulation and prosecution of manipulative trading practices during 2014 and early 2015. Design/methodology/approach – Reviews four significant proceedings against high frequency trading firms (and/or individuals employed by such firms) and other developments from the relevant government agencies as a possible preview of the enforcement and prosecution of high frequency trading practices in 2015. Provides advice to high frequency trading firms on how to decrease the risk of regulatory or criminal actions against them in this changing environment. Findings – Although the focus on high frequency trading has only recently begun to intensify, firms should be aware of the increased enforcement activity of the past year. These actions, both regulatory and criminal, have already resulted in large penalties and have helped initiate a strengthening of rules and regulations regarding manipulative trading practices, of which firms need to be aware and stay current. Practical implications – High frequency trading firms should be aware of the recent regulatory and criminal actions in order to better evaluate their own practices and controls, to ensure that their trading patterns do not resemble manipulative practices, and to avoid similar actions. Originality/value – Practical guidance from experienced litigators and securities regulatory lawyers, including a former SEC Assistant Chief Litigation Counsel and a former federal prosecutor, that consolidates and describes several recent actions and developments in one piece.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifigeneia Douvitsa ◽  
Demosthenis Kassavetis

Purpose – The aim of this article is to investigate the organization of water cooperatives in Greece for the first time, as promoted by a spontaneous social mobilization called Initiative 136. The above attempt appears as an alternative proposition as opposed to the state-driven full privatization of EYATH S.A. Design/methodology/approach – This article presents previous work on water cooperatives and the negative effects of water privatization worldwide, relating it to water privatization in Greek reality through the prism of the current recession. Findings – While full privatization under the pressure of the economic crisis is very likely to yield significantly negative results, a transformation into a water cooperative might provide a viable solution. Research limitations/implications – Water cooperatives provide a solution for water distribution that is friendly for the consumer, the society and the environment. Practical implications – Application of a cooperative method of water provision in Greece could be a springboard for the use of the model in other areas. Originality/value – The article evaluates the privatization and cooperativization attempt of EYATH S.A. based on previous related research and considering Greece ' s current conditions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-94
Author(s):  
Gerasimos Rompotis

PurposeA well-documented pattern in the literature concerns the outperformance of small-cap stocks relative to their larger-cap counterparts. This paper aims to address the “small-cap versus large-cap” issue using for the first time data from the exchange traded funds (ETFs) industry.Design/methodology/approachSeveral raw return and risk-adjusted return metrics are estimated over the period 2012-2016.FindingsResults are partially supportive of the “size effect”. In particular, small-cap ETFs outperform large-cap ETFs in overall raw return terms even though they fail the risk test. However, outperformance is not consistent on an annual basis. When risk-adjusted returns are taken into consideration, small-cap ETFs are inferior to their large-cap counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsThis research only covers the ETF market in the USA. However, given the tremendous growth of ETF markets worldwide, a similar examination of the “small vs large capitalization” issue could be conducted with data from other developed ETF markets in Europe and Asia. In such a case, useful comparisons could be made, so that we could conclude whether the findings of the current study are unique and US-specific or whether they could be generalized across the several international ETF markets.Practical implicationsA possible generalization of the findings would entail that profitable investment strategies could be based on the different performance and risk characteristics of small- and large-cap ETFs.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine the performance of ETFs investing in large-cap stock indicesvis-à-visthe performance of ETFs tracking indices comprised of small-cap stocks.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erhan Boğan ◽  
Mehmet Sarıışık

PurposeMuslim tourists participating in halal tourism activities represent a valuable niche market for global tourism industry. The purpose of this study is to clarify the concepts of halal tourism and Islamic tourism and to draw attention to some conceptual and practical challenges in the halal tourism industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a critical assessment of the literature in this field. To differentiate the concepts and to discuss practical and conceptual challenges, the authors found some references by reviewing the existing definitions in related literature and the primary source of the concepts which is Holy Book of Islam, Quran.FindingsThe terms “intention” and “Islamic motivation” can be used to differentiate Islamic tourism and halal tourism. The authors suggest calling hotels that provide good and services in halal tourism industry as “halal hotels” and tourists as “Muslim tourists”. One of the leading practical challenges in halal tourism is having lack of halal standards, especially for hotels. As the way Muslims understand and adapt their lives to Islam is quite different, which means this market is not homogenous, the authors suggest that halal hotels should be scaled through different qualifications in different countries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on literature review, and it lacks primary research.Practical implicationsCurrent paper stresses the need for consistent use of Islamic-related tourism terms in industry. Hotel companies should have halal certifications that will provide assurance to customers. It is highly important for hotel companies to inform their target guests about the location of hotel before arriving at hotel. This is because halal hotels and other hotels are usually located in resort destination, especially in Turkey.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the leading papers that differentiates Islamic tourism and halal tourism concepts. It also provides several conceptual and practical issues in halal tourism industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 540-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias Cöster ◽  
Einar Iveroth ◽  
Nils-Göran Olve ◽  
Carl-Johan Petri ◽  
Alf Westelius

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to lay a current, research-based foundation for investigation of the concept of innovative price models and its connection to business models. Design/methodology/approach The design is composed of a structured literature review of articles on price models published in 22 journals during 42 years. This then serves as a base for a subsequent conceptual discussion about the foundation of innovative price models. Findings The literature review yields only very few results that are loosely scattered across various areas and mostly without any kind of deeper exploration of the concept of price models. The paper therefore goes on to conceptually explore some fundamental conditions that might influence or even determine price models. The final outcome of this exploration is the relation, intention, technology and environment (RITE) framework that is a meta-model for conceptualising innovative price models. Research limitations/implications The literature review could include additional journals and areas, and empirical testing of the RITE framework as yet has been limited. Practical implications The RITE framework can be used by practitioners as a tool for investigating the potential and usefulness of developing the capability to handle innovative price models. Originality/value The RITE framework provides fundamental conditions, which influence, or even determine, how innovative price models are developed and applied.


2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Agndal ◽  
Lars-Johan Åge ◽  
Jens Eklinder-Frick

Purpose This paper aims to present a review of articles on business negotiation published between 1995 and 2015. Design/methodology/approach This literature review is based on 490 articles on business negotiation. Findings When analyzing the conceptual underpinnings of this field, two paradigms emerge as dominant. The most prominent paradigm is a cognitive, psychological approach, typically relying on experiments and statistical testing of findings. The second dominating paradigm is a behavioral one, largely concerned with mathematical modeling and game-theoretical models. Practical implications Besides offering a description of the characteristics adhered to the business negotiation field, this paper will also suggest recommendations for further research and specify areas in which the research field needs further conceptual and empirical development. Originality/value This literature review serves to be the first representation of the characteristics adhered to the budding research field of business negotiation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-193
Author(s):  
Joan Marques

Purpose Through an overview of the perceptional evolution of progress over the past two centuries, this paper aims to review a changed, yet constructive paradigm that has emerged in business leadership. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a general review-based deliberation presenting standards of the twentieth century, the need for a shift in paradigms and the shift as it unfolds in the twenty-first century. Findings Focusing on optimal stakeholder inclusion, yet not disregarding the concept of progress in a competitive environment, this paper presents a set of interrelated leadership skills and characteristics, including a discussion about their applicability and ways to develop them. Research limitations/implications While globally applicable, the views in this paper are primarily based on the American performance environment. Practical implications Management practices would not have evolved to today’s level if we did not have the past experiences to learn from. The deliberations and insights shared in this article should be seen as a way of evaluating the path that led us to our current, multi-tiered leadership paradigm. Social implications The model presented in this article should be seen as a useful, yet incomplete set of skills and characteristics to be considered by today’s and future leaders to ensure greater stakeholder inclusion. Originality/value Within the framework of focusing on the management horizon, this paper places the driving motives of two centuries that influenced our current society alongside each other and contemplates on the necessary shifts needed to move forward.


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