The importance of brand architecture in business networks

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selena Aureli ◽  
Fabio Forlani
Keyword(s):  
Brand Management ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Brand Architecture ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Destination Management Organizations

Purpose This study aims to understand if network brand management is a key activity in tourism business networks and how the network brand relates to the place brand and the brands of individual network members. Design/methodology/approach Preference has been given to a qualitative approach and to the use of case study methodology. Two qualitative techniques have been used: document analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Findings Results indicate that network brand identity is a prerequisite for all alliances, thus confirming the brand’s aggregating role in business networks. However, the network brand is not always exploited for commercial purposes, as signalled by the few efforts in communication activities. Results also indicate that there is a strong connection between the network brand and the place, confirming that tourism businesses are intertwined on a local context and cannot avoid citing the place where they operate. Research limitations/implications Two main aspects limit the generalizability of this study. First, the empirical evidence is limited to four case studies and refers to only one country. Second, chairmen of the examined networks were interviewed without investigating the opinions of network members who may have contrasting views. Practical implications Poor brand management within the examined networks suggests that network managers should have more decision-making power. To apply concepts of brand architecture, network managers should be able to influence brand strategies of individual network members. For example, structures and processes could be created to engage all members in brand management activities like for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) searching to increase participation of all stakeholders. Originality/value The novelty of this study is that it explores the role of brand management in networks created by partners with equal decision power. Moreover, it differs from previous research on inter-firm relations because it adopts the concept of brand consonance to evaluate if networks will succeed in the long term thanks to a proper management of the network brand.

From individuals to the organization

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 617-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziad El-Awad
Keyword(s):  
Process Model ◽  
Organizational Routines ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Entrepreneurial Learning ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
Dynamic View ◽  
Study Methodology

Purpose This study aims to develop a process model that details the mechanisms and learning processes by which entrepreneurial learning transpires at multiple levels in the organization. Using the transactive memory system (TMS) framework as a reference, the model specifies how individual streams of knowledge are routinized in nonhuman elements and, over time, become embedded in organizational routines and procedures. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a case-study methodology building on 18 in-depth semi-structured interviews, 20 h of non-participative observations and internal company documents. Findings The study demonstrates that knowledge is channeled from individuals to the organization via mechanisms that operate at the venture-team level – principally externalizing distinctions; rotating task work; co-constructing the task; and routinizing behavior. These mechanisms are fundamental for creating knowledge repertoires on which team members can build and for channeling different knowledge domains into the organization. Originality/value The study offers a dynamic view of entrepreneurial learning, underlining the structural and transactive components of TMS as being foundational for embedding knowledge in organizational routines and procedures.

Are Moroccan job seekers different than job creators? An exploratory study of differences in entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abderrahman Hassi ◽  
Giovanna Storti
Keyword(s):  
Theory Approach ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Job Seekers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Entrepreneurial Spirit ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine differences between Moroccan entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs in order to circumvent the nature and origin of their differences. Design/methodology/approach – This research was carried out in Morocco with a sample of 20 entrepreneurs identified as individuals who have been operating their own business or who have unsuccessfully started a small business, and a contrast sample of 20 non-entrepreneurs, classified as career professionals working for other organizations such as the public service and/or the private sector who wanted to start their own business but failed in doing so. The study methodology adopted a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews due to the exploratory nature of the subject. The in-depth interviews were analyzed using the grounded theory approach (Glaser and Strauss, 1999). Findings – The findings highlight that there are no differences between entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs in terms of personality traits and characteristics. The interviewees emphasize the importance of financial resources, business networks and connections as vital factors in the decision to start a venture. Research limitations/implications – In terms of implications of the current research, understanding the determinants of entrepreneurship in Morocco is of considerable theoretical and practical value, especially given that there is no research that looks into this issue in the Moroccan context. Practical implications – Concerning practical implications, by identifying reasons why Moroccan young graduates, by large, show a weak entrepreneurial spirit and would rather be job seekers than potential job creators, adequate measures need to be put in place with aspirations that they will encourage the creation of more start-up businesses. Originality/value – Studies that compared entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs are far from being consistent. Moreover, the current research is the first study that looked into differences between entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs in Morocco.

Supply chains and COVID-19: impacts, countermeasures and post-COVID-19 era

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem Butt
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Supply Chain Disruptions ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Up

PurposeThis paper explores the steps/countermeasures taken by firms to address supply chain disruptions in the wake of COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a case study methodology and employs 46 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of the three buying firms, four distribution centres and four supplying firms based in four countries (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China and India).FindingsResults reveal that manufacturers are refining production schedules to meet the production challenges. Distributors are working with secondary suppliers to meet the inventory shortage. Finally, supplying firms are evaluating the impact of demand, focusing on short-term demand-supply strategy, preparing for channel shifts, opening up additional channels of communication with key customers, understanding immediate customer’s demand and priorities and finally becoming more agile.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some limitations to this study. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized to a wider population. Second, this study explores the interpretations of senior managers based in four Asian countries only.Practical implicationsSupply chain firms can use these findings to understand how COVID-19 is affecting firms. Firms can also use the suggestions provided in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and make the best out of this pandemic.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the supply chain disruption literature by exploring the robust countermeasure taken by supply chain firms amid COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, it explores such countermeasures from the perspective of three different entities (buyer, supplier and distributor) based in four different countries in the South Asian region.

Unusual venues for business events: key quality attributes of museums and art galleries

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 847-862
Author(s):  
Vladimir Antchak ◽  
Eleanor Adams
Keyword(s):  
Interior Design ◽  
Quality Attributes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Art Gallery ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Business Events ◽  
Key Aspects

Purpose This paper aims to identify the key quality attributes a museum or art gallery should possess and enhance to become an attractive business event venue. Design/methodology/approach The research adopted a two-stage case-study methodology. Firstly, three museums were selected in Manchester, UK, to explore the venues’ approaches to hosting business events. These were the Lowry Art Centre, Salford Museum and Manchester Art Gallery. Secondly, a business event at another museum in the city, Science and Industry Museum, was accessed to explore the audiences’ perceptions and industry requirements regarding the organisation of events in museums. In total, 21 qualitative semi-structured and structured interviews were conducted with the event delegates, event planners and museums’ management. Findings Thematic analysis was applied to identify three key attributes: venue character, memorability and functionality and feasibility. Venue character refers to the overall appeal of a venue, including its history, status and interior design. Memorability refers to the authenticity and uniqueness of the attendee experience at a corporate event organised in a museum. Finally, functionality and feasibility deals with the availability of functional facilities, space flexibility and diverse venue regulations. Originality/value The findings of the research provide valuable insights to both museums and event companies. The research reveals the main benefits and drawbacks of using a museum or an art gallery as a venue for business events and suggests key aspects to consider while staging a business event in a cultural institution. Museums could apply the findings in marketing to emphasise their uniqueness, authenticity and flexibility.

Organisational ambidexterity within process improvement

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupert L. Matthews ◽  
Kim Hua Tan ◽  
Peter E. Marzec
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Process ◽  
Dynamic Operating ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
New Research ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – Organisational ambidexterity has emerged as a new research paradigm that is relevant for promoting long-term firm performance however, research within practice-oriented domains has been limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore process improvement through the theoretical lens of organisational ambidexterity to understanding the conflicting aims of variation increasing and decreasing forms of operational process improvement. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on reviews of both operations and strategic management literature, the paper employs a case study methodology to unpack critical aspects of ambidextrous process improvement across a range of organisational environments. Findings – The research shows that while the companies engaged in qualitatively different forms of improvement, by interpreting practices from an ambidextrous perspective, the complimentary nature of the two forms of improvement could be appreciated. The diversity of firms involved in the research also allowed findings to be considered in relation to a range of operational contexts. Research limitations/implications – The research highlights the relevance of an organisational ambidexterity perspective on operational process improvement, although the selection of companies the research draws from, limits it relevance to non-project-oriented organisations. Practical implications – Provides practitioners with a framework to inform their views and aims when engaging in process improvement activities. Originality/value – This is one of the first articles exploring process improvement from an ambidextrous perspective. This will help re-conceptualise process improvement away from wholly focusing upon quality improvement and variation reducing activities to help account for a more dynamic operating environment.

Reliability of Build Back Better at enhancing resilience of communities

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 208-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mittul Vahanvati ◽  
Irina Rafliana
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Human Capabilities ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disaster Survivors ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Housing Reconstruction ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyse the reliability of Build Back Better slogan in the context of post-disaster housing reconstruction in developing countries, at enhancing disaster-resilience of housing and its occupants in the long term from socio-ecological systems resilience perspective. Design/methodology/approach A predominantly qualitative methodology and multi-disciplinary case study methodology is adopted to compare long-term outcomes of two post-disaster housing reconstruction interventions: post-2008 Bihar Kosi River floods in India and post-2010 Mentawai earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia. Findings Out of the nine generalizable findings, two of the most significant findings include giving freedom of choice or human capabilities to the disaster survivors and sustaining capacity development during and beyond the completion of housing reconstruction. These two processes play a significant role in linking reconstruction to resilience in the long term, especially of those living at- risk and poverty. Originality/value This paper further advances the current scholarship on overarching long-term impacts of housing reconstruction efforts, based on longitudinal and empirical studies in India and Indonesia. While these findings represent a snapshot of diverse and complex disaster experiences in the developing-world context, the comparison offers insight into how to turn the rhetoric surrounding “owner-driven” or “built back better” into long-term resilience outcomes.

Examining and challenging the intentions of work-integrated learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Fleming ◽  
Neil J. Haigh
Keyword(s):  
Cooperative Education ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
First Century ◽  
University Education ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

Purpose While the intended outcomes of work-integrated learning (WIL) are well documented, significant challenges arise when the stakeholders have different understandings and expectations. The purpose of this paper is to examine the alignment of stakeholder views on the defining features of cooperative education as a model of WIL. Design/methodology/approach An interpretive case-study methodology, incorporating questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, was used to determine the views of students, workplace supervisors and university academic supervisors involved in a sport cooperative education program. Findings Students, workplace supervisors and academic supervisors shared a perception that the students’ development of employability skills and their acquisition of experience in industry were the primary intended outcomes. As an associated benefit, students would be work-ready. Ideally, cooperative education experiences should also provide opportunities for students to learn to integrate theory and practice, further develop their personal and professional identities, and learn to navigate the important ethical aspects of being a professional. Practical implications While the employability emphasis in the findings aligns well with government agendas, graduates need to be prepared for complex and dynamic workplaces, and to be future ready for careers that are yet to exist. WIL curricula need to explicitly address this expanded agenda, which in turn needs to be communicated clearly to all stakeholders. Originality/value This paper challenges stakeholders in WIL to move beyond a focus on preparing students for the “now” and to reconsider the learning outcomes that should be imperative for university education in the twenty-first century.

Developing teacher capacity in Cambodia: an expanded model

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Fiona King
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Capacity Development ◽  
Cascade Model ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Teacher Capacity ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Methodology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of how best to develop teacher capacity in Cambodia. Since the 1990s the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), with its development partners, has undertaken the tremendous task of rebuilding Cambodia’s shattered education system. Many of the policies and programmes that have been developed hinge on building teacher capacity. This paper investigates the extent to which the capacity of teachers in the schools in this study was developed under the current cascade model favoured by the MoEYS. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study methodology data were collected, primarily, through semi-structured interviews with teachers in three government primary schools located in different geographical areas, and ministry officials and advisors based in these locations. Findings The findings identified that the current cascade model of capacity development, apart from watering down what is taught as it filters along the system, is not developing the requisite capacity of teachers. The findings suggest that the current model limits what constitutes capacity and for whom. Practical implications An expanded model of capacity development is forwarded that includes: school-based training for all teachers on an ongoing basis; incremental training; and regular training for trainers and principals. Originality/value This paper offers valuable insights that contribute to the ongoing discussion of how best to develop teacher capacity in Cambodia. It may also offer insights on developing teacher capacity to those working in similar situations.

A Profile of Wine Tourism Entrepreneurs: Study in Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-39
Author(s):  
Adriana Backx Noronha Viana ◽  
Luísa Cagica Carvalho ◽  
Inna Sousa Paiva
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Critical Perspective ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Wine Tourism ◽  
Learning Capacity ◽  
Study Methodology

Background: Wine tourism is one of the tourism components adopted as part of Portugal’s strategy due to its eminence as a wine producer. Such strategy has received great prominence in recent years and aims to promote regional development from an economic, social, cultural and environmental perspective. The aim of this study was to understand the entrepreneur profile in this sector. Methods: The study uses a qualitative, case study methodology with data analysis and triangulation. In this study, a literature review of scientific studies was carried out on the scientific knowledge in the area of study from a critical perspective and an interview was conducted where qualitative data were collected. Results and Discussion: The entrepreneurs have shown the following characteristics: initiative, innovation capability, optimism, creativity, creative energy, tenacity, selfconfidence, capability for long term involvement with the project, and learning capacity. Conclusion: The study shows that most entrepreneurs state that they have established partnerships with other companies, particularly with restaurants, catering businesses, hotel units, tourism companies and companies that organize tours. This is one of the factors of economic importance recognized by another study which enables increased prominence of the company and widens the value of wine tourism.

scholarly journals Sinabung volcano: how culture shapes community resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-303
Author(s):  
Marta Mori ◽  
Ronan McDermott ◽  
Saut Sagala ◽  
Yasmina Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aid Dependency ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Cultural Experts ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how culture, including traditions and social structures, can influence resilience and how culturally sensitive relief operations can put affected people and their context at the core of any interventions. Design/methodology/approach A case study of the Mt Sinabung volcano area in Indonesia was undertaken. As part of the case study, an analysis of interventions was conducted, which was complemented by semi-structured interviews with Karo cultural experts and humanitarian organisations. Findings Culture influences the manner in which the Karo people react to volcano eruptions with varying implications for recovery. In addition, relief organisations which understand people’s actions through a cultural lens have better managed to tailor programs with long-term impact, thereby avoiding aid dependency. Practical implications Practical examples of disaster management activities that adequately account for the beneficiaries’ way of living prior to the eruptions are provided. Aid actors are provided with guidance concerning how to better tailor their activities in line with a cultural lens. Originality/value The study provides empirical grounding for claims concerning the role of culture in planning interventions in Indonesia and other similar contexts.

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