scholarly journals Positioning – a literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Saqib
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Positioning Strategy ◽  
Review Question ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Review State

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review state-of-the-art literature on product/brand positioning to re-examine the positioning concept and developing a more comprehensive definition from a theoretical viewpoint. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of positioning was conducted. The review conformed to a rigorous set of core principles: it was systematic (organized according to a method designed to address the review questions), transparent (explicitly stated), reproducible and updatable and synthesized (summarized the evidence relating to the review question). Findings The literature review reveals that there is lack of coherent definition for positioning, and there is no mutual agreement among marketing scholars and practitioners about the exact meaning of the concept. Therefore, comprehensive definition of positioning encompassing the five underlying positioning perspectives (competition; empty slot/mind; consumers’ perception, differentiation and competitive advantage) is suggested. Research limitations/implications This paper will be useful for academicians to analyze the current nature of academic research in this area and will provide an added advantage to managers to design and implement positioning strategies for their product/brands that will allow their organizations to gain competitive advantage. This study acknowledges limitations with respect to its exclusive search criteria, which might affect its generalizability. Social implications Position and positioning is of relevance in society in broad terms, e.g. in sports, politics and culture. Positioning strategy is discussed and implemented in different industries (business-to-business and consumer), for all kinds of brands (including, for instance, corporate brands) and for “brands” in the very widest sense (such as places or people). Originality/value This is the first systematic review of positioning that provides a detailed understanding of the current state of positioning research on a single platform and also draws a comprehensive positioning conceptualization.

Sport in business studies: a state-of-the-art literature review

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 529-546
Author(s):  
Christofer Laurell ◽  
Sten Soderman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Studies ◽  
Current State ◽  
State Of Research

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of articles on sport published in leading business studies journals within marketing, organisational studies and strategy.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of 38 identified articles within the subfields of marketing, strategy and organisation studies published between 2000 and 2015, the articles’ topical, theoretical and methodological orientation within the studied subfields were analysed followed by a cross-subfield analysis.FindingsThe authors identify considerable differences in topical, theoretical and methodological orientation among the studied subfields’ associated articles. Overall, the authors also find that articles across all subfields tend to be focussed on contributing to mature theory, even though the subfield of marketing in particular exhibits contributions to nascent theory in contrast to organisation studies and strategy.Originality/valueThis paper contributes by illustrating the current state of research that is devoted or related to the phenomenon of sport within three subfields in business studies. Furthermore, the authors discuss the role played by leading business studies journalsvis-à-vissport sector-specific journals and offer avenues for future research.

Seeking elsewhere: a systematic review of literature surrounding attrition and retention of female architects in the profession post-registration

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marli Möller ◽  
Karine Dupré ◽  
Ruwan Fernando
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Women Architects ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Current State ◽  
National Differences ◽  
Social Debate

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a global snapshot of the current state of knowledge regarding attrition rates of women architects. The intended audience includes all the stakeholders of the profession, as well as those interested in professional attrition studies, with the aim to contribute to a social debate, which places increasing value on diversity, equal representation and retention in this field.Design/methodology/approachThis paper has utilized the structured analytical technique of a systematic review of the scholarship involving scholarship published over two decades between the years 2000 and 2020. Having selected research on this topic following a series of exclusionary and inclusionary criteria for relevancy and accuracy, this select research has been categorically and thoroughly analyzed using this technique.FindingsThis literature review identifies four main recurring themes among the literature, which address this research question, including: (1). cross-national differences and similarities; (2) demotivating factors leading to attrition; (3) graduate/architect terminology, which blurs the distinction between participants in architecture; and (4) implications of female architects as represented in professional publications and the “reward system.” Consequently, this literature review finds that to date no singular cause can be pinpointed as the sole cause of women's attrition, but rather a series of complex and intertwining factors, some of them specific to the profession.Originality/valueThis paper suggests areas for further study into the reduction of attrition rates of registered women in this discipline, with an emphasis that further research may expand to focus rather on positive aspects of the profession resulting in areas of retention, which has been of little focus in current research. Additionally, these findings make suggestions toward a series of recommendations that may assist in framing the industry toward more positive and equitable career and industry trajectories.

Contemporary psychosurgery and a look to the future

2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 944-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P. Feldman ◽  
Ronald L. Alterman ◽  
James T. Goodrich
Keyword(s):  
Modern Science ◽  
Psychiatric Disease ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Mind And Brain ◽  
Patient Selection Criteria ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Historical Developments ◽  
The Mind ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Despite a long and controversial history, psychosurgery has persisted as a modern treatment option for some severe, medically intractable psychiatric disorders. The goal of this study was to review the current state of psychosurgery. Methods. In this review, the definition of psychosurgery, patient selection criteria, and anatomical and physiological rationales for cingulotomy, subcaudate tractotomy, anterior capsulotomy, and limbic leukotomy are discussed. The historical developments, modern procedures, and results of these four contemporary psychosurgical procedures are also reviewed. Examples of recent advances in neuroscience indicating a future role for neurosurgical intervention for psychiatric disease are also mentioned. Conclusions. A thorough understanding of contemporary psychosurgery will help neurosurgeons and other physicians face the ethical, social, and technical challenges that are sure to lie ahead as modern science continues to unlock the secrets of the mind and brain.

Revisiting the concept of a competitive “cash advantage”

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 38-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Calandro, Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Cash Holdings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cash Reserves ◽  
Changing Role ◽  
Viable Method ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to profile how ample cash holdings can serve as a competitive advantage by first mitigating the risk of becoming a forced seller during times of distress, and then positioning a firm to take strategic advantage of forced selling and other forms of distress-generated opportunities. Design/methodology/approach – The author reviews the changing role of cash over time in corporate strategy, and how inadequate cash has caused or contributed to corporate failures. Findings – The findings of this paper, which are supported by historical and contemporary examples, are that ample cash reserves can be a powerful source of comparative advantage. Practical implications – This article supports earlier work published in Strategy & Leadership that shows how Graham-and-Dodd-based analysis is a viable avenue of academic research and a viable method with which to assess and formulate corporate strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, share buy-backs, risk management and, in this case, the strategic uses of cash. Originality/value – This paper offers leaders and financial executives a practical explanation of how ample cash holdings can serve as a competitive advantage.

China in Africa: a critical literature review

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoulkadre Ado ◽  
Zhan Su
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Current State ◽  
Comprehensive Literature Review ◽  
Critical Literature

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically assesses the major contributions to the academic literature on China’s increased focus on Africa, from 2001 to 2011. It discusses the key trends concerning China’s presence in Africa and draws conclusions on the significance of the studies by emphasizing and contrasting the prevailing positions. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a qualitative approach using an integrative and comprehensive literature review, the authors performed a content analysis of high-impact, peer-reviewed papers. Findings – The paper questions and repositions some of the existing controversies. The results from existing studies remain questionable, requiring further clarification and more theoretical backing. It, moreover, highlights the notion that behind the explicit neutrality views of China’s presence in Africa, implicit assumptions may exist. These are often the differences in narratives conveyed by Western and Southern stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – Most of the conclusions drawn from this paper need to be re-explored and supported by additional research. This could be done by widening the scope of the analysis. Studies need to provide more empirical support for their assertions through quantitative data and evidence-based qualitative analyses – all within a framework that considers more cultural, social and historical dimensions. The paper also suggests that an institutionally based view appears most relevant in better explaining China in Africa. Originality/value – This paper reviews a decade of research on China in Africa and presents a snapshot of the current state of knowledge. It also raises concerns to be analyzed by future research and proposes new avenues for better understanding China’s presence in Africa.

What Library 2.0 has taught libraries in Taiwan about e-learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1121-1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tien-Chi Huang
Keyword(s):  
Educational Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Feedback Model ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Current State ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
The Status ◽  
Library Development ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose – This paper aims to review the four elements of Library 2.0, which represents a major innovation, and adopts several pedagogical concepts to investigate other innovations libraries in Taiwan could implement to become ideal libraries. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents an overview of the essential principles of Library 2.0 and examines the current state of libraries in Taiwan. The authors then present a reciprocal feedback model of Library 2.0+. Findings – A Library 2.0+ model and a concept map of the mutualism between e-learning education and Library 2.0+ were proposed to diminish the gap between the status quo and Library 2.0. Two recommendations are provided: to develop a library learning platform to maximize the education value of the library, and to regard library development as part of the overall community’s development. Users can access library resources anytime/anywhere by visiting the library learning platform without visiting the library. Allowing an individual approach is necessary to realize the social educational value of the library. Moreover, a Library 2.0 library engages more in community development and invites participation with participation in community first. Universities in the community would be good technology partners when developing a Library 2.0 library. Originality/value – Although there has been extensive research of library development in view of Library 2.0, such a topic has never been explored with an educational perspective, especially an e-learning perspective. Given that the definition of Library 2.0 is abstract and fairly broad, the authors take the view of an e-learning platform to make Library 2.0 more figurative. Moreover, through interdisciplinary exploration, concrete suggestions regarding library development are provided to librarians, especially those with similar conditions as those in Taiwan.

Reducing uncertainties in innovation projects through intra-organisational collaboration: a systematic literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rola Imad Fanousse ◽  
Dilupa Nakandala ◽  
Yi-Chen Lan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Organisational Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Projects ◽  
Innovation Project ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis article provides the first systematic review of literature on effective organisational practices for reducing innovation project uncertainties to promote project performance. Innovation is the lifeblood of organisations, while simultaneously being one of the most challenging processes to manage. This systematic review seeks to examine best practice for reducing uncertainties and thus mitigate the high failure rates in innovation projects.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides a systematic review of the literature on innovation project management and encourages an understanding of how intra-organisational collaboration reduces uncertainty and thus increases project performance.FindingsBased on an analysis of the systematic literature review findings, the impact of intra-organisational collaboration in reducing uncertainties in innovation projects is uncovered. Three types of project uncertainties were found to be dominant in the context of innovation project management: task, technological and market uncertainties. Five dimensions of intra-organisational collaboration are also identified, namely collaborative relationship, collaborative leadership, communicating and sharing information, trust formation and joint decision-making.Originality/valueThe authors situate five intra-organisational collaboration dimensions as key mechanisms that yield organisational learning as an outcome. On the other hand, they also uncovered that organisational learning is a key enabler in the relationship between intra-organisational collaboration and task, market and technological uncertainties reduction. Therefore, intra-organisational collaboration is identified as a critical practice in enhancing the performance of innovation projects. The study proposes a multi-dimensional conceptual model, providing a mechanism for furthering a research agenda for improving the performance of innovation projects.

Towards the development of a system-wide quality improvement maturity model: a synthesis using systematic review and expert opinion

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeel Akmal ◽  
Nataliya Podgorodnichenko ◽  
Richard Greatbanks ◽  
Jeff Foote ◽  
Tim Stokes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
True Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Full Control

Purpose The various quality improvement (QI) frameworks and maturity models described in the health services literature consider some aspects of QI while excluding others. This paper aims to present a concerted attempt to create a quality improvement maturity model (QIMM) derived from holistic principles underlying the successful implementation of system-wide QI programmes. Design/methodology/approach A hybrid methodology involving a systematic review (Phase 1) of over 270 empirical research articles and books developed the basis for the proposed QIMM. It was followed by expert interviews to refine the core constructs and ground the proposed QIMM in contemporary QI practice (Phase 2). The experts included academics in two academic conferences and 59 QI managers from the New Zealand health-care system. In-depth interviews were conducted with QI managers to ascertain their views on the QIMM and its applicability in their respective health organisations (HOs). Findings The QIMM consists of four dimensions of organisational maturity, namely, strategic, process, supply chain and philosophical maturity. These dimensions progress through six stages, namely, identification, ad-hoc, formal, process-driven, optimised enterprise and finally a way of life. The application of the QIMM by the QI managers revealed that the scope of QI and the breadth of the principles adopted by the QI managers and their HOs in New Zealand is limited. Practical implications The importance of QI in health systems cannot be overstated. The proposed QIMM can help HOs diagnose their current state and provide a guide to action achieving a desirable state of quality improvement maturity. This QIMM avoids reliance on any single QI methodology. HOs – using the QIMM – should retain full control over the process of selecting any QI methodology or may even cherry-pick principles to suit their needs as long as they understand and appreciate the true nature and scope of quality overstated. The proposed QIMM can help HOs diagnose their current state and provide a guide to action achieving a desirable state of quality improvement maturity. This QIMM avoids reliance on any single QI methodology. HOs – using the QIMM – should retain full control over the process of selecting any QI methodology or may even cherry-pick principles to suit their needs as long as they understand and appreciate the true nature and scope of quality. Originality/value This paper contributes new knowledge by presenting a maturity model with an integrated set of quality principles for HOs and their extended supply networks.

Water resources in the hotel industry: a systematic literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Antonova ◽  
Inés Ruiz-Rosa ◽  
Javier Mendoza-Jiménez
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Hotel Industry ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to structure research on water resources in the hotel industry, identifying the key areas and research gaps in this field. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of water use in the hotel industry has been performed using the Scopus and Web of Science databases. From 515 articles selected between the years 2000 and 2019, a sample of 58 articles was used to structure existing research on this subject. Findings Research is classified into four groups: water consumption, water management, impacts of water use and good practices, with different research methods and topics within each one. Existing research gaps and their causes are also discussed. The results show how academic research can help strengthen international methodologies that measure sustainability. Research limitations/implications Because of the search process, some publications on water consumption in the hotel industry may have been missed; also book chapters and conference papers were excluded. Furthermore, the authors recognise some subjectivity in the classification of articles. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic analysis focussed on water use in the hotel industry. The findings can be used to build a research framework for this area, establishing an approach to cover research gaps and to connect academic research with general methodologies and indicators of sustainability, as well as improving data collection techniques in this field.

Advancing the multidimensional approach to family business professionalization

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gülçin Polat
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Structure ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Family Business ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Multidimensional Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multidimensional Construct ◽  
Definition Of

PurposeAlthough it has been implicitly or explicitly assumed that family business professionalization is indeed a multidimensional construct, there has been a tendency to confine it to the employment of nonfamily managers and delegating authority in academic research. Dekker et al. (2013) have made an impressive work in untangling the multidimensional structure of family business professionalization. This paper aims to introduce a more comprehensive multidimensional approach and a framework to understand and study family business professionalization by identifying additional dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual framework relies on insights derived from the literature on family business professionalization, occupational professionalism and organizational professionalism to reveal the broader multidimensionality of family business professionalization.FindingsThe proposed framework extends the definition of family business professionalization and offers additional dimensions which were grouped under five overarching headings: professionalization of management, professionalization of organizational structure, processes and operations, professionalization of family's relationship with business, professionalization of employees and professionalization of work environment and culture.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by providing a wider approach for the understanding of family business professionalization. It presents a new way of thinking about family business professionalization, underlining the importance of employees and organizational culture for the professionalization process in family firms.

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