2024-04-25T08:20:00Z https://academicjournals.org/oai-pmh/handler

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:36AD9501830 2009-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Investigating service quality dimensions in South African motor vehicle servicing A. Berndt Full Length Research Paper The motor industry plays a critical role in the economy of South Africa, with respect to both GDP and employment. Service quality is a fundamental aspect of service provision, and this is especially the case with motor vehicles, where substantial profits are generated in the servicing of vehicles. The study was conducted using a convenience sample of 761 respondents who were owners of various brands of motor vehicles. The questionnaire was a self-completion questionnaire which consisted of three sections. Factor analysis of the research indicated that five service quality factors could be identified. Apart from the tangible factor, the factors identified differ from the dimensions of service quality proposed by Parasuraman et al. (1988). The dimensions identified also were differed from other studies conducted into service quality dimensions in this context, highlighting the variable nature of service quality in this context. The implications of this study are that the customer perceives the way in which the service is delivered as critical in evaluating service quality. Key words: Motor industry, service quality, servicing, service quality dimensions, servqual. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/36AD9501830 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000050 en Copyright © 2009 A. Berndt

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:375A60C1836 2009-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Competitive intelligence and marketing effectiveness in corporate organizations in Nigeria N. G. Nwokahand F. E Ondukwu Full Length Research Paper The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of competitive intelligence on the marketing effectiveness of corporate organizations. While much empirical works have centered on marketing effectiveness, the generalizability of its relationship to competitive intelligence in the Nigerian context has been under researched. A 36- item survey questionnaire to measure competitive intelligence and marketing effectiveness was developed and 108 corporate organizations in Nigeria were selected from the gazette of Nigeria stock exchange as sample of this study. Postal survey was conducted with key informants in the organizations. Returned instruments were analyzed using multiple regression and non-parametric correlation through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12. The results of the study reported in this paper validated the earlier instruments and finds strong association between competitive intelligence and marketing effectiveness of corporate organizations in the Nigerian context. The main finding of this study is that competitive intelligence lead to marketing effectiveness in corporate organizations in Nigeria. The implications of the results of this study are clear for scholars and managers. For managers this paper has implications on the investigation of the link between competitive intelligence and marketing effectiveness of corporate organizations in Nigeria. In the first place, this paper provides a direct test of the applicability of a western management paradigm to Nigeria marketing system different from other cultures. This paper significantly refines the body of knowledge concerning the impact of competitive intelligence on marketing effectiveness in the Nigeria context. This paper will, no doubt, contribute to the body of existing literature on competitive intelligence and marketing effectiveness. Key words: Competitive intelligence, marketing effectiveness corporate organization, Nigeria. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/375A60C1836 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM09.005 en Copyright © 2009 N. G. Nwokahand F. E Ondukwu

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:FA191C01841 2009-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

The heat equation and the dynamics of labor and capital migration prior and after economic integration R. T. Dalimov Full Length Research Paper In the article, the dynamic approach was implemented to the task of Pareto allocation of the factors for a region after economic integration. The regional flows of labor and value added of sectors were found to have opposite directions to each other, with their dynamics obeying the heat equation, while the dynamics of the capital to the equation of attenuated oscillations. In case of economic integration the spatial dynamics of the flows of labor and the value added sectors of one region was found to be influenced by the aggregate allocation of labor and value added of sectors of all the integrated states. The non-homogeneous heat equation for the dynamics of the factors was solved using economic origin of the aggregate wages and value added providing expressions for the factorsrsquo; dynamics capable to be used in practical computations. Key words: Heat equation, dynamics of labour, capital migration, economic integration. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/FA191C01841 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM09.006 en Copyright © 2009 R. T. Dalimov

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:EF272E71865 2009-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Customer retention practices of small, medium and large hotels in South Africa: An exploratory study D. J. Petzer, T. F. J. Steyn and P. G. Mostert Full Length Research Paper With the increasing competitive environment organizations are continually looking for innovative ways to not only acquired but also to retain their customers. The aim of this study is to establish the perceptions of hotel management of all sizes of hotel regarding the importance of customer retention practices. An interviewer administered, in office survey was used to collect data from a representative sample of 56 hotels in Gauteng province, South Africa. Probability, stratified, sampling was used to separate hotels according to ownership type and size. The findings indicate that no significant associations exist between the research variables and hotel size. It is evident, however, that significant differences exist between medium and large hotels when it comes to weekend guests who stay for business, as well as leisure, purposes. The study contributes to the relatively limited knowledge of services marketing in the hospitality industry, specifically in the hotel sector. Key words: Customer retention management, relationship marketing, compatibility management, customer defection, service failure, service recovery, hotels. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/EF272E71865 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM09.008 en Copyright © 2009 D. J. Petzer, T. F. J. Steyn and P. G. Mostert

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:DBD441C1876 2009-05-05T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

A synthesis model of market orientation constructs toward building customer value: A theoretical perspective Wail Alhakimi and Rohaizat Baharun Review This paper aims to develop a synthesis model for integrating the main perspectives of market orientation constructs. A critical review of the related literature was done. As a result, a synthesis model was proposed. A lack of empirical research exists in developing and less-developed countries. Future research need to address this research gap by examining the proposed synthesis model of market orientation in different environments especially in Asian countries. A review of the literature is not enough to validate a model. Future quantitative and qualitative studies must be conducted in order to validate the proposed model. The integration of cultural perspective (customer and competitor orientation) and behavioral perspective (intelligence processing) of market orientation will improve the firmrsquo;s business performance through building customer value. There is a separate focus on measuring market orientation as culture and behavior. Recently, a call has emerged in the literature to integrate these perspectives. Therefore, the main contribution of this paper is the comprehensive model it proposed. Key words: Marketing concept, market orientation, customer value, intelligence processing, interfunctional coordination. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/DBD441C1876 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000007 en Copyright © 2009 Wail Alhakimi and Rohaizat Baharun

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:A1B68931883 2009-05-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Oscillation theory of international economic integration Dalimov R. T. Review An article provides a new insight to the modelling of the dynamics of international economic integration using qualitative properties of an oscillation theory. Proposed method of computing the GDP after economic integration enables to compute the benefits of economic integration for member states on the union: one needs to know the rates of domestic savings, amplitudes and frequencies of the cycles of the value added of sectors for united countries / regions. A new vision of the dynamics of economic integration proposed in the article is similar to unification of water basins previously separated by sluices, in which the waves of the value added generated by economic entities, interact with each other. It was analytically proved that economic integration causes growth of the GDP of unified states. Keywords: The dynamics of international economic integration, oscillation theory; value added of sectors, GDP, domestic savings rate. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/A1B68931883 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000060 en Copyright © 2009 Dalimov R. T.

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:D88A5E21886 2009-05-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Advertiser perception of the internet as a marketing communication vehicle: Case study Khalid Alrawi and Walid Alrawi Full Length Research Paper For most established businesses, the web#39;s main role is either to reduce costs or to add value for existing customers, but it also has a potential role in customer acquisition and in the case of a web start up. It is a critical role. The aim of this research is to find out how the internet is impacting advertising. The study was carried out through a questionnaire of the top executives of 200 firms in the services sectors in Abu Dhabi, UAE (Banking and Insurance industries). It examined their attitudes about the effect of advertising through the internet. Research findings concluded that the scope of the internet usage in advertising is affected by managements#39; perceptions of the effectiveness of their web sites as a marketing tool. Result indicates that negative attitudes towards advertising through the internet are associated with the banking and insurance businesses, which are the largest two sectors in the services industry. These findings suggest that managers believe there are no economic benefits for advertising through the internet. Based upon the sample size the researcher believes that the findings may prevail in other service industries in Abu Dhabi in particular and the UAE in general. Key words: Advertising, internet, business, services, marketing, management, UAE. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/D88A5E21886 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000009 en Copyright © 2009 Khalid Alrawi and Walid Alrawi

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:08F13FC1898 2009-05-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Customer Retention Strategies Implemented by Fast-Food Outlets in the Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal Provinces of South Africa - A Focus on Something Fishy, Nandos and Steers Mornay Roberts-Lombard Full Length Research Paper Customers will always remain the primary focus of every business because without customers there will be no reason for a business to operate. Fast-food companies offer products which are perishable hence there is a need to retain existing customers who are loyal and frequent purchasers. The fast-food industry in South Africa is experiencing numerous market-related changes, which ranges from intense globalisation forces to heightening competition levels. Consequently, as a result of these forces, fast-food outlets in South Africa are intensifying their production and marketing strategies as a defensive way to counter the impact imposed by these environmental changes. The population for this study included all the visitors to Something Fishy, Nandos and Steers fast-food outlets in the Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal provinces of South Africa as well as the managers of the different branches in the selected provinces. The sample under study was seven hundred and fifty (750) respondents. Data analysis was done by calculating averages and standard deviations, Explorative factor analysis (EFA), Cronbach Alpha-values and practical significance by means of effect sizes. All the managers included in the study admitted that they make use of the CRM concept. They implement the concept of CRM by focusing on aspects such as individual attention, ongoing marketing (promotions), a focus on staff and customers training, swift complaints handling, the provision of a friendly service, as well as the offering of the best quality services and products. Key Words: Customer relationship management, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, customer service, customer retention. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/08F13FC1898 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000024 en Copyright © 2009 Mornay Roberts-Lombard

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:7EB6AD51923 2009-06-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Crop storage efficiency and market competitiveness: Case of groundnut and cowpea in Ghana Bediako J. A, Chianu J. N and Dadson J. A Full Length Research Paper Using groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), this study empirically demonstrated the correlation between crop storage and economic competitiveness of producers, captured from the degree of market integration and producer shares of the prices paid by consumers, among others. Secondary data covering 1963ndash;1997 were used and complemented with primary data. Results from analysis of market integration showed delayed information flow among groundnut and cowpea markets, especially the latter. This suggests the absence of perfect competition and negatively affects participation of smallholder farmers in profitable marketing of groundnut and cowpea, especially during the lean season. The Harrisrsquo; inverse margins from estimated equations indicated that cowpea traders, more than groundnut traders, colluded in pricing, implicating price determination outside the market forces. The attack by weevils [Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius)] and bruchids limits farmersrsquo; success in storing cowpea, creating monopoly for traders with better storage facilities coupled with chemical treatments to reduce such attacks. Price spread estimations showed that groundnut unlike cowpea farmers enjoyed a larger share of consumersrsquo; payments. The study concludes with recommendations on the need to intensify efforts in effective storage of agricultural commodities at the farm-level, as a way of improving the welfare of farm families without necessarily expanding the land area under cultivation. Key words: Grains legumes storage, market competitiveness, pricing practices, farmer benefits, Ghana. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/7EB6AD51923 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000022 en Copyright © 2009 Bediako J. A, Chianu J. N and Dadson J. A

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:E0FDF611927 2009-06-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Product development and organizational performance N. Gladson Nwokah, Elizabeth I. Ugoji and Joyce N. Ofoegbu Full Length Research Paper Product development is an important element of the marketing arsenal of any organization. Unfortunately many firms do not seem to realize it. Consequently, they develop strong arteries to innovation which rubs their performance really rough. This study, therefore, examined product development and corporate performance in the Nigerian brewing industry. Data were gathered from 32 officials drawn from marketing, Ramp;D and production departments in four breweries in the south-south and south east geographical regions of Nigeria through the use of questionnaire. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tool (spearman rank order correlation co-efficient). The data revealed among other things that product development facets of product quality and product lines/ product mix were positively and significantly correlated with the corporate performance facets of profitability, sales volume and customer loyalty. The study also revealed that the relationship between product size, product design and profitability, sales volume and customer loyalty was not significant. The study concludes that a positive and significant relationship exists between product quality product lines/product mix and profitability, sales volume and customer loyalty. To this end, it was recommended among other things that high product quality should be maintained and that the breweries should continuously develop new market segments and develop appropriate product accordingly. Key words: Product, development, organisation, performance, Nigeria Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/E0FDF611927 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000062 en Copyright © 2009 N. Gladson Nwokah, Elizabeth I. Ugoji and Joyce N. Ofoegbu

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:26228BD1944 2009-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

In-store shopping environment and impulsive buying Mariri Tendai and Chipunza Crispen Full Length Research Paper The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of in-store shopping environment on impulsive buying among consumers. The impulsive decision making theory and the consumer decision making model were used to substantiate the study (Schiffman and Kanuk, 2007). A total of 320 shoppers conveniently sampled at a selected shopping mall served as the sample. A 5% test of significance showed that in-store factors of an economic nature such as price and coupons were more likely to influence impulsive buying than those with an atmospheric engagement effect like background music and scent. Key words: Impulsive buying, determinants of impulsive buying, in-store shopping environment, consumer decision making, retailing. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/26228BD1944 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000045 en Copyright © 2009 Mariri Tendai and Chipunza Crispen

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:41C38DC1952 2009-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Determinants of brand equity - A blue print for building strong brand: A study of automobile segment in India Tanmay Chattopadhyay, Shradha Shivani and Mahesh Krishnan Full Length Research Paper This study explores the relationship between marketing mix elements as also elements not directly related to marketing mix and brand equity in situations where there are uncertainties of brand attributes. The authors explore multiple times automobile buyers in India. Direct marketing mix variables like price, distribution intensity, store image, advertising frequency, price promotion were considered, while indirect marketing mix variables like country of origin, peer recommendation and celebrity endorsements have also been considered here. Brand equity has been defined as quality perceived by the consumers for a brand. The authors extended the model proposed by Yoo and Donthu (2000) to include indirect marketing mix variables also. It was found that there are primary and secondary cues affecting brand equity. While primary cues individually affect the brand equity, secondary cues do so in conjunction with primary cues. But alone, secondary cues have no impact on brand equity per se. Brand equity is impacted by both direct and indirect factors which are under the purview of marketing mix for multiple time buyers also, though intuitively such consumers are expected to be less affected by such variables. Our finding is important especially for manufacturers in the Indian context, as in India, consumers are increasingly having disposable income and hence are altering not only their automobiles, but also their household consumer durable goods. We believe that this research would help manufacturers optimally position their products to gain maximum mileage to their bottom line. Effect of interaction of different marketing and non marketing mix parameters that impacts brand equity has been studied. To the best of our knowledge, such a study has not been conducted before. This is also one of the first studies to have been made for multiple time buyers of a product category. Key words: Marketing mix elements, non marketing mix elements, brand equity, perceived quality, multiple time buyers, price premium, automobile consumers. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/41C38DC1952 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000026 en Copyright © 2009 Tanmay Chattopadhyay, Shradha Shivani and Mahesh Krishnan

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:8EA9CC31974 2009-08-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Marketing system of wild and hatchery reared fry of Penaeus monodon and its value chain in Bangladesh Sheikh Aftabuddin, Mohammad Zafar and Md. Abdul Kader Full Length Research Paper A study was conducted between January - August, 2006 concerning the Penaeus monodon fry marketing systems in Bangladesh based on the existing one and economic evaluation of marketing activities. In Bangladesh, P. monodon fry marketing of the wild and hatchery reared ones is almost exclusively handled by private entrepreneurs. The Government of Bangladesh has no command on this issue except the banning of wild fry catching. The market chain from fry catchers or fry producers to shrimp farmers passes through a number of intermediaries: fry faria, fry traders, fry commission agents and retailers. The existing marketing system is buyer-driven chains where producers that is shrimp hatchery owners have little ability to influence the price, on the other hand, wild fry catchers or small farias dependent on the dominant buyers or larger arathdars. The fry value chain is complex, different intermediaries of each node of the chain is an important actor to determine the fry value. The price differences between hatchery fry producer and the shrimp farmers was 250 BDT while wild fry catcher and shrimp farmers was 450 BDT. The farias, arathdars, traders and commission agents purchase P. monodon fry from the fry catchers, hatcheries and from one another and they trade in different volumes across different regions. Moreover, these agents usually run on a commission basis and charged 50 BDT per 1000 fry selling while the price was higher than 250 BDT per 1000 fry and charged 20 BDT while the fry price is lower that is, below 250 BDT per 1000 fry. Key words: Shrimp fry, arathdar, faria, marketing, retailer. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/8EA9CC31974 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000055 en Copyright © 2009 Sheikh Aftabuddin, Mohammad Zafar and Md. Abdul Kader

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:A39DE661984 2009-08-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Economics of banana marketing in Jalgaon district: An analysis across alternative channels S. C. Sarode Full Length Research Paper Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is a popular and important commercial fruit crop grown in tropical and sub tropical part of world. Jalgaon district in the state of Maharashtra, India is one of the largest producers of banana which contributes about 44% of banana production in the state. Hence, Jalgon district was selected for this study. The cultivation of banana is mainly concentrated in Raver and Chopda sub regions (tahasils) in Jalgaon district. Therefore these tahasils having highest acreage under banana plantations were selected purposively for the present investigation. The banana fruits fetches price depending on size in the market. The size of fruit is measured in terms of weight of bunches and number of hands per bunch at the farm level. The bunches are graded according to weight grade A (above 15 kg), grade B (13 - 15 kg), grade C (11 - 13 kg), grade D (9 - 11 kg) and grade E (below 9 kg). Marketing management of banana is an important activity along with production. This study will be useful to banana growers in knowing the importance of various management practices, specifics markets, their marketing cost and price spread in marketing channels preferred by them. Key words: Banana marketing, Jalgaon district, alternative channels, Musa paradisiaca. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/A39DE661984 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000028 en Copyright © 2009 S. C. Sarode

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:35C40141998 2009-09-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Leadership styles and organizational commitment: a test on Malaysia manufacturing industry May-Chiun Lo, T. Ramayah and Hii Wei Min Full Length Research Paper It has become clear that organizational commitment (OC) has important implications for employees and organizations as confirmed by past researchers. This study examines leadership styles and employeesrsquo; organizational commitment in the Malaysia context. Two types of leadership styles namely transformational and transactional leadership styles have been chosen as focus of research to investigate the impact on organizational commitment. This is imperative in order to ensure the successful management of employees and also to improve productivity and achievements of an organization. One hundred and fifty-six Malaysian executives voluntarily participated in this study. The results have indicated that several dimensions of transactional and transformational leadership have positive relationship with organizational commitment but the impacts are stronger for transactional leadership style. Implications of the findings, potential limitations of the study, and directions for future research are suggested. Key words: Organizational commitment (OC), improved productivity, Malaysian executives, transformational leadership, transactional leadership Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/35C40141998 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000052 en Copyright © 2009 May-Chiun Lo, T. Ramayah and Hii Wei Min

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:835439B2012 2009-09-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Industrial policy, institutions and foreign direct investment: The Kenyan context Geoffrey Gachino Full Length Research Paper The importance of industrial policy, institutions and FDI in industrialisation is one of the most widely debated issues in the economic discourse. As a contribution to the debate, this paper examines the importance of industrial policy and institutions in Kenyarsquo;s industrial development. The paper also examines FDI focusing on positive spillovers, capability development and performance. FDI had a positive role on industrial development through spillover benefits. Nevertheless, the paper argues that FDIrsquo;s role in industrialisation can be enhanced by stimulating a strong science, technology and innovation culture. Although institutions established portrayed a positive impact, they were severely constrained in terms of operational capacity making them inefficient. It is therefore recommended that the government continues to provide support to such institutions in earnest to particularly enhance their capacity such as co-ordination, finance and human capital. Lastly, consistent and carefully formulated industrial policies are advocated for as they allow firms long term planning horizons. Key words: FDI, institutions, spillovers, industrial policy, industrialisation and Kenya. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/835439B2012 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000046 en Copyright © 2009 Geoffrey Gachino

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:C12908F2023 2009-09-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Financial crisis and its remedies Zia ul Haq Full Length Research Paper Global financial markets are showing strains on a scale and scope not witnessed in the past three-quarters of a century. What started with elevated losses on U.S. subprime mortgages has spread beyond the borders of the United States and the confines of the mortgage market. Many risk spreads have ballooned, liquidity in some market segments has dried up, and large complex financial institutions have admitted significant losses. Bank runs are no longer the subjects exclusively of history. These events have challenged policymakers, and the responses have varied across region. The European Central Bank has injected reserves in unprecedented volumes. The Bank of England participated in the bail-out and, ultimately, the nationalization of a depository, Northern Rock. The U.S. Federal Reserve has introduced a variety of new facilities and extended its support beyond the depository sector. These events have also challenged economists to explain why the crisis developed, how it is unfolding, and what can be done to develop increased awareness about the current financial crisis, to facilitate the discussion regarding myths and realities about the crisis, to discuss possible ways to bring out the Indian economy out of this crisis and to discuss the measures available to insulate the economy from further vulnerability to this crisis. Key words: Global financial markets, Financial crisis, European Central Bank Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/C12908F2023 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000035 en Copyright © 2009 Zia ul Haq

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:779D0C42051 2009-10-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Spiritual psychology: A way to effective management Mr. Pranav Desai Review Since yesteryears, human believe in supernatural power. People from all different class, religion, and region take first steps to start auspicious venture with sacred name of God. It is very difficult to compute that many incarnations and personification in all religion had taken birth and gave invaluable belief, thought and answer of queries of mass. It is said human ought to believe in God and move toward on given holy path, with this genus of approach an individual can expend calm and peaceful life. In series of epics, preaches, religious book and quotes one name is well known by people that is Bhagavad-Gita. Its magical and magnetic words and verses suggest to human the power of confidence and devices transformation of painful life to blissful life. During the last two decades, interest in the field of workplace spirituality has continued to grow. However, will workplace spirituality be another management fad? Human Relations, Organisational Development, Total Quality Management and Quality of Working Life were all more deeply researched than spirituality at work. In this paper, I discuss the relevance of Institutional Theory to examine the faddish nature of the workplace spirituality discourse. With the increase in lsquo;spiritual talkrsquo;, I argue that a controversial issue is how we could ascertain the extent to which organizations are seeking legitimacy rather than a genuine commitment to an authentic spirituality. Key words: Spiritual physiology, effective management, organizational changes. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/779D0C42051 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000067 en Copyright © 2009 Mr. Pranav Desai

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:FE9B5162080 2009-10-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

A theoretical and practical model for global business, entrepreneurship and education Charles J. Mambula and Israel Chidi Agwamba Full Length Research Paper Among the numerous technological developments of the 21st century in this age of globalization and the one that seems to have remarkably revolutionized and transformed the managerrsquo;s agenda is that of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Telecommunication has made countries borderless and distance non relevant. Through ICT, opportunities have been created for both small and large businesses alike. Competition through trade has therefore increased as products and customers have become global. At the same time countries, companies and people have become interdependent on each other by forming networks and strategic alliances. The concept of afrotrading.com and its accompanying afrotrading.net has been created to serve as both a theoretical and practical instrument. The AfroTrading online platform supports entrepreneurs to conveniently and efficiently explore and identify business opportunities world wide and as an educational tool is used to train and expose students to experience the realities of global business and entrepreneurship, while the originators continue to improve and update the concept through research. Key words: Entrepreneurship, globalization, information technology, education and research. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/FE9B5162080 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000008 en Copyright © 2009 Charles J. Mambula and Israel Chidi Agwamba

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:CB7C5112097 2009-11-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Global financial crisis - with special reference to insurance industry S. K. Sinha and Zaid Ahmad Review The World economy is facing the worst financial crisis. The financial crisis that started from mortgage home loan left no industry untouched by its effects. Manufacturing, Banks, Travels and Tourism and even the Insurance Industry was affected by the financial crisis. Insurance industry is considered to be the backbone of an economy. Its strategic importance is incomparable. The financial crisis led the worldrsquo;s largest Insurance Company ldquo;American International Grouprdquo; (AIG) almost to the verge of bankruptcy. The government had to bail out the largest insurer. This paper has attempted to study the financial crisis vis-a-vis, Insurance industry. It has highlighted the case study of AIG, effects on Insurance Industry and the future course of actions and precautions needed by the Industry. Key words: Global financial crisis, financial crisis, Insurance industry, World economy Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/CB7C5112097 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000041 en Copyright © 2009 S. K. Sinha and Zaid Ahmad

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:28D17D546202 2009-11-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Aspect of internet advertising in relation to cross-cultural issues (Iran vs. USA) Reza Gharoie Ahangar Full Length Research Paper Information Technology has brought about a change in the ways people carry out various activities whether at workplace or at home. The new generation is net savvy and prefers working on Internet much more as compared to any outdoor activities. This has affected business operations. The advertisement industry is also influenced by such a change and global marketers need to understand the influence of culture on advertising, Companies now prefer advertising on internet as larger section of society is accessing it at regular intervals. The advertisements are also affected by the cultural values of the country. This research paper highlights the role of Cross Cultural issues on Internet advertising. In this context this paper compares the perception of Iran with American Internet Users to find out the different aspects involved. Key words: Internet advertising, cross-cultural, Iran, USA Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/28D17D546202 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000017 en Copyright © 2009 Reza Gharoie Ahangar

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:C5C32CB2113 2009-12-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Modified stage-gate: A conceptual model of virtual product development process Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed and Zahari Taha Review In todayrsquo;s dynamic marketplace, manufacturing companies are under strong pressure to introduce new products for long-term survival with their competitors. Nevertheless, every company cannot cope up progressively or immediately with the market requirements due to knowledge dynamics being experienced in the competitive milieu. Increased competition and reduced product life cycles put force upon companies to develop new products faster. In response to these pressing needs, there should be some new approach compatible in flexible circumstances. This paper presents a solution based on the popular Stage-Gate system, which is closely linked with virtual team approach. Virtual teams can provide a platform to advance the knowledge-base in a company and thus to reduce time-to-market. This article introduces conceptual product development architecture under a virtual team umbrella. The paper describes all the major aspects of new product development (NPD), NPD process and its relationship with virtual teams, Stage-Gate system finally presents a modified Stage-Gate system to cope up with the changing needs. It also provides the guidelines for the successful implementation of virtual teams in new product development. Key words: Modified stage-gate system, virtual product development, conceptual model. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/C5C32CB2113 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000057 en Copyright © 2009 Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed and Zahari Taha

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:42CAE062138 2009-12-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2009

Per pill price differences across therapeutic categories: A study of the essential drug brands marketed by multinational and local pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh Nishat Chowdhury and Eva Rahman Kabir Full Length Research Paper The objective of this study was to comprehend the pricing differentiation of essential drugs between the local pharmaceutical companies (LPC) and multinational pharmaceutical companies (MNC) of Bangladesh. Thirty five (35) essential drug prices were collected from a local drug directory, namely Bangladesh National Formulary 2006. The mean and standard deviation of the prices of drugs belonging to all therapeutics categories (Anti-infective drugs, Central nervous system, Respiratory system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, Endocrine system drugs, Vitamin, drugs for Skin and Analgesic/painkillers) were analyzed. Managers of two multinational companies (MNCs) named GlaxoSmithKline Bangladesh Limited Bangladesh and Sanafi Aventis Bangladesh; and three local pharmaceutical companies (LPCs) named Square Pharmaceuticals Limited, Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited and Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited were interviewed after data analysis. A wide range of price variations (p lt; 0.01) between MNC and LPC essential drug products exist. Antibiotics have higher prices than drug products belonging to other therapeutic groups. Since infectious diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh, the government should consider bearing part of the burden of antibiotic manufacturing costs and deliver antibiotics to the market at reduced price promoting rational prescribing. Further studies are needed to delve the causes of anti-infectives high prices and to propose affordability for treating infectious diseases. This study evaluates the present situation of the pharmaceutical marketing and pricing strategies in Bangladesh in light of the status of the essential drug market. This study will be helpful to assess essential drug affordability, to keep pricing strategies appraised, to advise the drug administration of options and to arrange for appropriate levels of public healthcare. Key words: Local pharmaceutical company (LPC), multinational pharmaceutical company (MNC), essential drugs, Bangladesh. Academic Journals 2009 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/42CAE062138 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000061 en Copyright © 2009 Nishat Chowdhury and Eva Rahman Kabir

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:030619A2922 2010-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

Brand management in a transforming economy: An examination of the South African petroleum industry Darlington Onojaefe and Andy Bytheway Full Length Research Paper When a nation is establishing a new identity and making recompense for exclusively regulated economy of recent history, the corporate marketing function must respond. A new paradigm is required if the communities that comprise future markets are to favour businesses whose success is based on the economic exclusivity of the past. As the economy deregulate ndash; inclusive of the previously disadvantaged communities that become economically active, acquire motor vehicles and face the decision as to which petroleum products to buy: the established petroleum retailers have to pay attention to their brand management. This paper examines perceptions of branding in the South Africa petroleum retail industry based on the views of senior representatives of the retailers, regulators and industry associations. It finds that the contribution of South African petroleum retailers to black economic empowerment are variable, and that a new paradigm is needed to assure future patronage by newly empowered consumers. Key words: Brand management, petroleum marketing, black economic empowerment and petroleum industry. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/030619A2922 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000019 en Copyright © 2010 Darlington Onojaefe and Andy Bytheway

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:7642A6C2943 2010-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

A study of the impact of orthodox Christians’ fasting on demand for biscuits in Ethiopia Rakesh Belwal and Yifru Tafesse Full Length Research Paper This paper attempts to assess the impact of Orthodox Christiansrsquo; fasting on the demand for biscuits in Ethiopia, reviewing the fact that lsquo;Culturersquo;, particularly religion, plays a crucial role in determining consumption patterns in developing countries. The first stage of research involved a review of literature which was conducted using desk research. The second stage include analysis of primary data secured through a survey of 81 consumers, 40 retailers, interviews with 15 religious leaders, and a jury of executive opinion technique with 6 marketing executives to assess the impact of Orthodox Christiansrsquo; fasting on demand for biscuits. The impact of Orthodox Christiansrsquo; fasting is quite pervasive in shaping consumption habits of church members in Ethiopia. Religious-culture here places a total taboo on the use of animal products during fasting. The demand for biscuits-for-fasts which do not use animal products such as milk and butter offers good opportunity to marketers. It was found that market demand for biscuits to be used during fasts, based on a meager per-capita consumption of 400 gram per person per year, totals 8200 tons per year. This bestows a good opportunity for marketers. This study reveals that the market, though attractive, is still under-served. Marketers of biscuits need to understand these socio-cultural aspects to be profitable in Ethiopia. However, in order to succeed, tension between orthodoxy and secularism needs to be well understood. The study is of benefit to the food industry in general and Orthodox Christians in particular, in Ethiopia. The study reveals religious factors affecting the demand for food consumed during fasts observed by the Orthodox Ethiopian Christians. The study reveals that the demand for biscuits-for-fasts is attractive for marketers; and identifies that religious tensions are a threat to marketing organizations, if unattended. Key words: Consumer behavior, Orthodox Christians, religion, fasting, biscuits, marketing, Ethiopia. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/7642A6C2943 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000005 en Copyright © 2010 Rakesh Belwal and Yifru Tafesse

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:C3F050F2982 2010-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

Emerging issues and strategies to enhance M-banking services R. K. Uppal Full Length Research Paper In present day banking, total automation of banking operations is an imperative need for all banks to attract more customers, provide efficient services, and survive in the emerging new competition, apart from the profit motive which is the primary objective of the business. In order to achieve these goals of business, various channels have been developed through technology. lsquo;Mobile Bankingrsquo; is one of the best alternative channels available to customers for quick, correct and efficient service at anytime and anywhere. The present paper is devoted to explore the extent of Mobile banking in Indian banking industry where cell phone users are increasing at unexpected rate. Time period taken for study is 2000 - 2001 to 2006 - 2007 because this period is the eye-witness of infant condition of IT and during the same period IT became mature. Simple statistical tools like average, standard deviation, co-efficient of variation are used to calculate the efficiency of various bank groups providing the service of M-banking. On the basis of analysis, the paper concludes that the private sector banks are on the top in providing the M-banking services to their customers and have high profitability as compared to other bank groups under study except foreign banks. The paper also highlights the benefits of M-banking to customers as well as to bankers and suggests some strategies with their possible solutions like to spread awareness regarding M-banking and to increase its area and scope to enhance M-banking services in India, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.. Key words: Extent of mobile banking, strategies to enhance M-banking services. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/C3F050F2982 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000031 en Copyright © 2010 R. K. Uppal

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:49E902646231 2010-02-28T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

Market-focused strategic flexibility among Nigerian banks Olalekan Asikhia Full Length Research Paper The Nigerian banking environment has been tense with the advent of global financial crisis and its attendant impact on service delivery and evolving environmental forces. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between market-focused strategic flexibility and sales growth and evaluate the effect of environmental factors on this relationship. A research instrument was administered on the executives responsible for strategic direction of the twenty five banks in the country. The findings indicate that a positive relationship exists between market focused strategic flexibility and sales growth; and that competitive intensity and technological turbulence moderate this relationship. The results suggest that market-focused strategic flexibility acts as a driver of organizational positioning in a dynamic business environment and that it should be incorporated into any conceptualization of an organizational success framework since it exists on a continuum characterized by the degree to which a bank acquires, allocates and reconfigures its resource portfolio. Key words: Market focused strategic flexibility, market orientation, competitive intensity, demand uncertainty, technological uncertainty; banks, sales growth. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/49E902646231 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000054 en Copyright © 2010 Olalekan Asikhia

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:B1870963029 2010-03-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

Towards a successful customer relationship management: A conceptual framework Benjamin Appiah - Kubi and Andrews Kingsley Doku Review As the world economy becomes globalized, competition has intensified and the differences in products have faded. Consequently, businesses have become fixated on customer relationship management (CRM) as it has become a central orienting point in academia and business environment with organizations increasingly focusing on managing customer relationships as a strategic capability to achieve market leadership and profits. In spite of the commercial significance of the concept, CRM has been demonized by critics as a marketing or managerial fad destined to failure. The purpose of this article is to examine ways to improve the success and effectiveness of CRM through the conceptualization of a framework known as CRM pyramid and to stimulate debate and research on how to improve the success of the concept as its potency to engage customers and improve business performance has not been in doubt. Key words: Customer relationship management, strategy, capability, customer retention, resources, pyramid. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/B1870963029 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000081 en Copyright © 2010 Benjamin Appiah - Kubi and Andrews Kingsley Doku

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:8B904243127 2010-03-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

An investigation of the global economic and financial crisis: A review Akhilesh Chandra Prabhakar Review Poor countries have been affected by the crisis in various ways and more than previously thought. This study, based on research by developing country researchers, sheds some light on what is really happening at the country level, and goes beyond vulnerability studies or global forecasts. We need to continue to monitor the effects of the crisis to stimulate the policy responses that are needed as a matter of urgency ndash; policy responses that have not, to date, been forthcoming. Both developing and developed countries need to build their resilience to economic shocks and ask themselves whether growth and development strategies, economic policies and institutions need a complete rethink in these turbulent times. Why does affluence coexist with dire poverty not only across different continents but also within the same country or even the same city? Can traditional, low - productivity, subsistence societies be transformed into modern, high productivity, high - income nations? To what extent are the development aspirations of poor nations helped or hindered by the economic activities of rich nations? These and many other questions concerning international and national differences in standards of living, in areas including health, and nutrition, education, employment, and life expectancies, might be posed on the basis of even this very superficial look at life around the world. The series of the current global economic and financial crises especially in the USA and the European Stock Exchange Markets, in the international division of labour and the global distribution of economic and political power led by free markets economies; that clearly indicates the collapse of Adam Smithrsquo;s ideology and the Thatcher-Reagan free - market model that dominated thinking for 30 years has been discredited. A practical solution of the current ills is possible. Key words: Global economic, financial crisis, world bank, world economy. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/8B904243127 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000014 en Copyright © 2010 Akhilesh Chandra Prabhakar

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:343A6AA3154 2010-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

Foreign exchange reserves in India and China P. Arunachalam Review Professor Irma Glicman Adelman, an Irish Economist working in California University at Berkely, in her research work on lsquo;Development Over Two Centuriesrsquo;, which is published in the Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 1995, has identified that India, along with China, would be one of the largest economies in this 21st Century. She has stated that the period 1700 - 1820 is the period of Netherlands, the period 1820 - 1890 is the period of England the period 1890 - 2000 is the period of America and this 21st Century is the century of China and India. World Bank has also identified India as one of the leading players of this century after China. India will be third largest economy after USA and China. India will challenge the Global Economic Order in the next 15 years. India will overtake Italian economy in 2015, England economy in 2020, Japan economy in 2025 and USA economy in 2050 (China will overtake Japan economy in 2016 and USA economy in 2027). India has the following advantages compared with other economies. India is 4th largest GDP in the world in terms of Purchasing Power. India is third fastest growing economy in the world after China and Vietnam. Service sector contributes around 57% of GDP. The share of agriculture is around 17% and Manufacture is 16% in 2005 - 2006. This is a character of a developed country. Expected GDP growth rate is 10% shortly (It has come down from 9.2% in 2006 - 2007 to 6.2% during 2008 - 2009 due to recession. It is only a temporary phenomenon). India has $284 billion as Foreign Exchange Reserve as on today. India had just $1 billion as Foreign Exchange Reserve when it opened its economy in the year 1991. In this research paper an attempt has been made to study the two booming economies of the globe with respect to their foreign exchange reserves. This study mainly based on secondary data published by respective governments and various studies done on this area. Key words: Peoplersquo;s bank of China, reserve bank of India, foreign exchange reserve, international exchange reserve, gold, currency assets. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/343A6AA3154 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000036 en Copyright © 2010 P. Arunachalam

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:99014DC3163 2010-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

Real exchange rate misalignment in West African monetary zone (WAMZ) countries Tamsir Cham Full Length Research Paper This paper investigates the potential costs of membership in a monetary union. We quantify the cost by examining the degree of exchange rate variability of WAMZalpha; member countries. We took a closer look at exchange rate variability since 2000 (the run-up period). To put it differently, we examined whether member countries exchange rate variability has increased as they prepare to enter into a monetary union. The main hypothesis to be tested in this paper is: Has the preparation to enter into a monetary union led to an increased cost to the zone? In order to address the question, we assessed the costs of membership in WAMZ zone using real exchange rate (RER) variability. We used panel data, general least squares (GLS) and single equation to estimate real exchange rate misalignment of each country from 1980 to 2005. This allowed us to assess the cost of WAMZ membership since the run-up period (2000). Using both real and monetary factors, we assessed which variable affects real exchange rate (RER) variability the most and the behavior of these variables since the run-up period. The empirical result shows that real exchange rate variability has increased substantially across WAMZ zone in recent years (2000 to 2005). We concluded that the road to monetary union has so far imposed high cost to members and it highlights the need for member countries to level the playing field by putting their macroeconomic fundamentals in order before entering into monetary union. Key words: Monetary union, exchange rate, West African monetary zone. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/99014DC3163 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000065 en Copyright © 2010 Tamsir Cham

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:FC9A5B816585 2010-08-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

Market orientation and new product performance: The mediating role of product advantage Azaze-Azizi Abdul Adis and Evelyn Jublee Full Length Research Paper This study examines the relationship between market orientation and new product performance in Malaysian property industry. The study also investigates whether the mediating factor of product advantage strengthens the relationship between market orientation and new product performance. 88 new products from 22 property companies (14.87%) out of 148 companies in Sabah Malaysia participated in the study. The findings show that market orientation directly influenced new product performance in the property industry while the mediating factor of product advantage proves to strengthen the relationship between market orientation and new product performance. This study has highlighted practically the importance of market preferences in introducing a new project or product. To literature, the study has supported previous studies on new product performance especially in developing countries such as Malaysia. Managerial implications are also discussed. Key words: Market orientation, product advantage, new product performance, property industry Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/FC9A5B816585 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM10.006 en Copyright © 2010 Azaze-Azizi Abdul Adis and Evelyn Jublee

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:A078FDE16626 2010-08-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

Content analysis of selected television commercials to children in Lagos State Nigeria R. A. Gbadeyan Full Length Research Paper Advertising normally provides information to consumers about product or service, basically to assist consumers make decisions whether or not to buy the product or service. It is sometimes directed to children who are vulnerable to this commercial message and cannot effectively grasp the meaning because it may be biased and does not give true picture of the product or service. Therefore, it become necessary to understand better the communication processes involved while children watch and react to these advertisements. This paper therefore, examines the content of selected commercial messages to children in Lagos, that is, what and how it is been communicated to them. The sample consists of 430 children, ranging from 5 - 12 years old and their parents. Result from the frequencies calculated indicated that majority of the children were attracted to the music (54%) of the commercial and peer group (25%) play significant role in influencing children purchased demand. The chi-square statistic further revealed that television advertisement does not have significant effect on children (chi;2 = 0.367, P lt; 0.05). In the study the parents (45%) also found that majority of the commercials shown to the children have some kind of disclaimer. The study recommended that parent should watch and discuss content of television commercials with the children and tell them what they should look for in those commercials. There is also need for children to play major role in those commercials for it to have better effect on them. Key words: Commercial messages, disclaimers, peer group, childrenrsquo;s reaction, television product or service. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/A078FDE16626 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM10.012 en Copyright © 2010 R. A. Gbadeyan

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:FC8DA014305 2010-12-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

The influence of predictors on travel web site adoption among Malaysian travellers Norzalita Abd Aziz Ghazali Musa and Ainin Sulaiman Full Length Research Paper A research framework of travel web site acceptance was developed based ontechnology acceptance model and theory of reasoned action. This study examined the influences of web site effectiveness characteristics, social factors and Internet self-efficacy on future intention to use travel web sites. From a multistage cluster sampling among employees in selected organizations in the Malaysian Klang valley, a total of 679 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. The results revealed significant influences of web site effectiveness characteristics and social factors on future intention to use travel web sites. Internet self-efficacy moderated negatively the influence of technical adequacy and system quality on future intention to use travel web sites. The paper highlights its theoretical, marketing and managerial implications. Key words: Social factor, web site effectiveness characteristics, intention to use, Internet self-efficacy. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/FC8DA014305 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000075 en Copyright © 2010 Norzalita Abd Aziz Ghazali Musa and Ainin Sulaiman

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:1094E574335 2010-12-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2010

Antecedents of PLS path model for competitive advantage and financial performance of SMEs in Thailand Boonthawan Wingwon and Montree Piriyakul Full Length Research Paper This research study focused on the antecedents of path model for competitive advantage and financial performance of SMErsquo;s with the key objective to view the level of effect of antecedents together with the mediation role of logistics, operation and marketing performances as the connected link of the entrepreneurship and leadership toward the competitive advantage and financial performance. The study was also extended to include the comparison of competitive advantage and financial performance of various types of organization profile. The analysis was based on 450 responded questionnaires from random sampling of SMEsrsquo; general managers at the northern region of Thailand by applyingthe SEM and comparing the competitive advantage and financial performance through MANOVA technique. The study revealed that the performance of logistics, operation and marketing had direct effect on the competitive advantage and financial performance of SMEs, while leadership and entrepreneurship had indirect effect through these 3 mediators. In addition, the difference among most organization profiles had no effect on the competitive advantage and financial performance with the exception of the employee numbers and the source of funds. Key words: Entrepreneurship, competitive advantage, financial performance, SMEs. Academic Journals 2010 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/1094E574335 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000016 en Copyright © 2010 Boonthawan Wingwon and Montree Piriyakul

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:7890A974376 2011-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

An analysis on the customer loyalty in telecom sector: Special reference to Bharath Sanchar Nigam limited, India Jessy John Full Length Research Paper The rationale of this paper is to explore the factors that influence customer loyalty of BSNL mobile customers. The samples were collected from 100 consumers who have BSNL mobile services in Jaipur city. BSNL being the pioneer in mobile sector still have a strong customer base, but over the past few years a steady thinning is happening in the customer base. The paper investigates the reasons behind the hard core customer loyalty even in an environment with high quality alternatives. The results indicated that network quality, customer service along with value added services provided by BSNL enhanced the loyalty of the customers. It is recommended that the BSNL mobile services enterprises should work on its problems related to servers. This will further strengthen the customer satisfaction and loyalty. The findings indicate that telecommunication service providers should look beyond price wars to keep their customers satisfied and loyal. The paper is an attempt to analyze the variables that influence the perception of the mobile phone users to remain loyal to their existing service providers that is, why they are loyal to the company. Key word: Customer loyalty. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/7890A974376 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000010 en Copyright © 2011 Jessy John

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:065D9CB4412 2011-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Impediments to barter trading: Analysis of practitioners and non-practitioners perceptions Mercy Mpinganjira and Portia Oliver Full Length Research Paper This paper imperially investigates impediments to barter trading in domestic market environment using a sample of firms from the media industry in South Africa. Data was collected from a total of 70 firms, 61 of whom indicated that they practiced barter trade while 9 were non-practitioners. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument used to collect the data. The questionnaire was designed after a review of literature and conducting in-depth interviews with some media practitioners conversant with barter trade. The results show that barter trade is a common practice among firms in the South African media industry. On the difficulties associated with barter trade, it was found that there are many factors that can act as impediments to barter trading and that in general non-practitioners perceive more impediments to barter trading than practitioners. The results further show that although practitioners can in general be said to perceive few impediments to barter trading, there are wide variations on how different firms perceive the impediments with some regarding many of them as important impediments to their barter trading activities and others disagreeing. The results have significant practical implications on the management of barter trade and these have been highlighted in the paper. Key words: Barter trade, impediments, media industry, South Africa, barter trade practitioners, barter trade non-practitioners. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/065D9CB4412 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000043 en Copyright © 2011 Mercy Mpinganjira and Portia Oliver

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:38DBA474421 2011-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Do Botswana‘s restaurants meet customers ‘expectations? Haretsebe Manwa Full Length Research Paper The purpose of this paper is to assess perceptions of service quality in Botswanarsquo;s restaurants. The methodology used was a survey employing modified SERVQUAL instrument to suit the Botswana environment. Perceptions of 166 diners on the quality of service were solicited. The major findings of the study were that Botswanalsquo;s restaurants only meet customersrsquo; expectations in the tangible areas; there were, however, significant differences between the expectations and experiences in the intangible aspects of SERVQUAL. The study was limited to the restaurants and did not extent to other tourism sectors. Since this is one of the few studies to address service quality in the hospitality sector, it can be used for future comparative studies in other sectors of the tourism industry. The deficiencies in the quality of service point to the fact that workers in the tourism and hospitality industry need to be more professionally trained in order to increase the competitiveness of the industry. The paper contributes to the understanding of SERVQUAL from an African perspective. The study also contributes to the growing field of cross-cultural studies which show the globalization of customer interests. Key words: Botswana, Africa, service quality, restaurants, destination competitiveness, customer behaviour. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/38DBA474421 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000027 en Copyright © 2011 Haretsebe Manwa

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:91AF4294487 2011-02-28T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

The impact of road accessibility of rural villages on recognition of poverty reduction opportunities Edith Kwigizile, Jaffu Chilongola and John Msuya Full Length Research Paper This study was carried out in four villages of Gairo Division, Kilo a district, Morogoro Region-Tanzania. The overall objective of this study was to assess the impact of road accessibility on recognition of poverty reduction opportunities. Questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Statistical package for social science (SPSS), version 6.0.1 computer software was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that: Firstly, poverty reduction opportunities listed in the document of the National Poverty Eradication strategy (Tanzania) were relatively more known to rural communities in villages which were more accessible by road than those which were less accessible. Secondly, majority of rural community members recognize land as the main opportunity for poverty reduction. Thirdly, rural community members feel that they were not accessing some of the support provided by the international community for poverty reduction. Fourthly, some development programs were not appropriate for rural situation. Lastly, rural communities especially in interior areas hardly access information. The study recommends that in order to achieve poverty reduction goals, awareness on poverty reduction opportunities should be raised among rural community members, rural roads should be improved; land utilization should be promoted among rural community members. Key words: Poverty, accessibility, rural development, opportunities, infrastructure. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/91AF4294487 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000073 en Copyright © 2011 Edith Kwigizile, Jaffu Chilongola and John Msuya

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:05F3E874505 2011-02-28T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Turn over issues in the textile industry in Ethiopia: A case of ArbaMinch Textile Company R. Renjith Kumar Full Length Research Paper This study aims to identify the causes of turnover of employees in ArbaMinch Textile Company, Ethiopia. It focuses on the gender, age, experience and departmental analysis to find out the factors that induces employees for turnover. A sample of 138 employees is taken for the study. The study shows that the turnover of employees is mainly due to low salary. There is also a lack of good relationship between superior and subordinate, training, recognition of job, evaluation of job performance, proper direction, promotion and participation in decision-making. These factors have affected the satisfaction which resulted in the lack of commitment of the employees. This led the way for increased turnover in the organization. Moreover it is also tested and proved that turnover is more from experienced, high performing male employees. Appropriate suggestions are provided for the organization for enhancing the commitment of the employees and to minimize labour turnover. Key words: Turn over issues, ArbaMinch, textile company, Ethiopia. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/05F3E874505 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000082 en Copyright © 2011 R. Renjith Kumar

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:31AE5614515 2011-02-28T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Understanding the marketing strategies of microfinance institutions within the Accra metropolis of Ghana: Case of selected institutions William Gabriel Brafu-Insaidoo and Ferdinand Ahiakpor Full Length Research Paper This study focused on identifying whether micro finance institutions (MFIs) within the Accra metropolis use marketing approaches and strategies in savings mobilization and credit delivery. The basic source of data for this study is primary data. The data was elicited from the credit officers and in some cases management team of the microfinance institutions. A descriptive statistics was employed for the analysis of the data. In relation to their marketing objectives, mission statements, strategy and approaches, the study found that the selected microfinance institutions are not market-oriented in the delivery of their services. Among the recommendations made are that MFIs should create marketing departments, fashion out customer service packages, and strengthen their marketing planning capabilities especially in the area of environmental awareness. Key words: Microfinance, marketing strategies, saving mobilization, credit delivery. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/31AE5614515 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000083 en Copyright © 2011 William Gabriel Brafu-Insaidoo and Ferdinand Ahiakpor

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:0D4CAA84545 2011-03-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Producing innovation: Comments on Lee and Yu (2010) Manuel Au-Yong Oliveira , and Joatilde;o Joseacute; Pinto Ferreira Commentary Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/0D4CAA84545 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000001 en Copyright © 2011 Manuel Au-Yong Oliveira , and Joatilde;o Joseacute; Pinto Ferreira

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:8889C2F4557 2011-03-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Strategy risk research on Chinese aviation market: Based on Analytic Network Process (ANP) and the Fuzzy assessment method Wang Yong Review At present, Chinese aviation market is a bloody competition market, to compete from the strategy management point is a new thinking. Based on a review of related concepts, this article identifies the strategy risks in Chinese aviation market through WBS-RBS and interview methods. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) method is used to assess strategy risk and to rank strategy risk factor within Chinese aviation markets. Using triangular fuzzy numbers this study determines the differences between the strategy risks of various Chinese airlines. Among 16 strategy risk factors, strategy change and environment are the biggest risks. Of the 12 Chinese airlines studied, Air China has lowest strategy risk, and Okay Airways has the highest strategy risk. Key words: Strategy risk, ANP, triangular fuzzy numbers, airlines market, risk assessment. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/8889C2F4557 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000068 en Copyright © 2011 Wang Yong

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:78318364568 2011-03-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

The impact of technology on competitive marketing by banks: A case study approach Reginald Masocha, Norman Chiliya and Stanislous Zindiye Full Length Research Paper Traditionally banks were not expected to struggle with strategies for attaining profitability, since enough profits would be made from the then readily available customers. Today, banking customers are now global tyrants; they represent and possess the power of international connectivity as they are increasingly anticipated to foster business with firms in other countries resulting in them seldom acquiring banking services from banks in their countries alone. This study is a fairly new research initiative endeavouring to examine and discuss the extent of technological utilisation in various competitive marketing practices of a financial institution in todayrsquo;s inexcusable 21st century competitive business environments. On this backdrop, the study investigated the impact of technology on competitive marketing by Standard Bank in King-Williams Town, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.Quantitative research techniques were utilised to obtain customer and employees perceptions, opinions and experiences in e-banking services. To empirically investigate the research problem the study primarily hypothesised that the use of modern banking technology significantly impacted service delivery to clients. The study established that access to ATMs should be improved thereby requiring upholding of education on ATM usage since business transactions are occurring 24 h, and these can only be possible if there is a supportive banking network during the 24 h. The empirical results consistently support general competition trends occurring in the banking industry in South Africa and worldwide due to technological marketing. The results reflect an extensive prioritisation of e-banking but, however generally low usage levels of the recently developed banking technologies by customers.Practically, the study informs firms, particularly financial institutions on the key technology implications and manipulations of their value offerings from the South African milieu. Key words: Technological marketing, heightened competition, e-banking, service delivery. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/78318364568 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000074 en Copyright © 2011 Reginald Masocha, Norman Chiliya and Stanislous Zindiye

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:1ABE8C24632 2011-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

“The art of war Sun Tzu” foreword by James Clavell M. S. Rao Book Review Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/1ABE8C24632 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000018 en Copyright © 2011 M. S. Rao

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:D16DB054649 2011-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Lack of peripheral vision – How Starbucks failed in Israel Avner Barnea Review This study was conducted to discuss the unsuccessful experience of Starbucks in Israel and to show that it was primarily a result of lack of peripheral vision in addition to other factors, including a weak management performance. Relevant information published in Israel and abroad were gathered using the concept of peripheral vision, supported by other concepts, to analyze and offer insight into this case study. Starbucks in Israel made major mistakes, mainly in reading the map of the local coffee shop business and taking for granted success in the Israeli market. There was lack of up-to-date information on the local coffee shop business, and the relevant senior members were reluctant of being interviewed. This study can make a contribution to global corporations considering entering of Starbucks into the Israeli dynamic and competitive business arena. This is the first work in Israel and worldwide on the failure of Starbucks to penetrate Israel. Key words: Competitive intelligence, marketing intelligence, peripheral vision, predictable surprise, Israel. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/D16DB054649 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000051 en Copyright © 2011 Avner Barnea

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:197D8FC4663 2011-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

The word of mouth communication and management services Braga, Claudomilson Fernandes, Nascimento, Adriane Geralda do and Pereira, Luciano Alves Full Length Research Paper Communication by word of mouth (WOM) has been considered as a fundamental approach to managing the relationships that different stakeholders used to interact with the organization. The same is seen as non-burdensome for business and a source of information considered safe for customers. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to show how customer satisfaction affects the communication process. This study was conducted by applying a quantitative survey in a large hotel in the region of Goiania. The results indicate the widespread of this communication, having in view the excellent quality of services provided by an organization. Key words: Word of mouth communication, satisfaction, services. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/197D8FC4663 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000080 en Copyright © 2011 Braga, Claudomilson Fernandes, Nascimento, Adriane Geralda do and Pereira, Luciano Alves

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:A0C86794684 2011-05-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Changing face of entrepreneurship in India through innovation Yograj Singh, Charu Agarwal and Ankur Bhatnagar Review Entrepreneurship is the risk taking by innovators called entrepreneurs in an economy. Typically, entrepreneurship involves the creation of new products, new ways to produce products, or new businesses. Innovation is the intrinsic characteristic of every developed nation. Innovation fuels a nationrsquo;s growth, and a highly innovative country has the potential to reach pinnacle of prosperity. The actions of entrepreneurs are so valuable to the operation of a dynamic, changing economy that some economists consider entrepreneurship to be a fourth factor of production joining natural, human, and capital resources. This paper focuses on the importance of innovation in entrepreneurship development as it is only innovation, which made the products and services better from the others. This paper clearly depicts the current role of innovation in entrepreneurship development. It also highlights how these innovations can lead to economic growth of our country. Key words: Entrepreneurship in India, growth of Indian economy, innovation in business. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/A0C86794684 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000021 en Copyright © 2011 Yograj Singh, Charu Agarwal and Ankur Bhatnagar

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:7413F7F4714 2011-05-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

International marketing planning and research practices of agribusiness firms in Zimbabwe Gabriel O. Ogunmokun and Tafadzwa E. L. Nyanzunda Full Length Research Paper According to the International Finance Corporation-World Bank Group (2010), ldquo;agriculture is still the single most important economic sector and source of employment in emerging markets. Seventy percent of the world#39;s poor live in rural areas. IFC has made agribusiness a priority because of its potential for broad development impact and especially strong role in poverty reductionrdquo;. However, according to Manyukwe (2008), ldquo;Zimbabwe is losing US$650 million in potential farm export earnings due to a deepening shortage of power and key inputs, a Parliamentary committee reportsrdquo;. Moreover, given the scarcity of research into export planning among agribusiness firms in Zimbabwe, this paper presents the results of a study that was designed to identify whether planning and research were carried out by Zimbabwean agribusiness firms prior to exporting, the market entry strategies used by Zimbabwean agribusiness firms in exporting, and to identify managerial perceptions of exporting barriers. Key words: Agribusiness, agriculture, exporting, international marketing, market entry, motivation, planning, research, strategy, Zimbabwe. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/7413F7F4714 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000047 en Copyright © 2011 Gabriel O. Ogunmokun and Tafadzwa E. L. Nyanzunda

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:E1F51CF4739 2011-06-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Brand perception in the function of strong brand formation Milan Stamatovi, Danko Damjanovi and Nebojscaron;a Zaki Full Length Research Paper The paper represents a part of the research regarding the consumersrsquo; perception of the brandsrsquo; attributes. In the research, two test specimens were used. The selection of 35 attributes capable for describing the brands was made using the first, smaller specimen, and the second specimen, which included 1180 examinees, was used to determine the perception intensity of the attributes when the examinees favourite brands are concerned. On this occasion, the research results regarding the brandsrsquo; attributes marked as the most desirable by the examinees will be presented. These attributes are useful, urban, practical, creative and global.Perception intensity of the mentioned attributes is shown with respect to the examinees sex and age, the luxury of the brand and brandrsquo;s industry. Key words: Brand perception, marketing strategy, branding process, brand attributes. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/E1F51CF4739 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000020 en Copyright © 2011 Milan Stamatovi, Danko Damjanovi and Nebojscaron;a Zaki

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:9EDE6D94872 2011-06-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Testing weak form market efficiency of Indian capital market: A case of national stock exchange (NSE) and Bombay stock exchange (BSE) A. Q. Khan, Sana Ikram and Mariyam Mehtab Full Length Research Paper Testing the efficiency of the market is an important concept for the investors, stock brokers, financial institutions, government etc. In order to develop an understanding of the stock behaviour various models are employed. The opening up of our economy has integrated our stock market with the world economy. The study is more important in the present era of globalised economies. This paper tests the market efficiency of Indian Capital Market in its weak form based on the indices of two major stock exchanges of India viz; National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The efficiency of the Indian capital market is tested using the daily closing values of the indices of NSE and BSE over the period OF 1st April 2000 to 31st March 2010 by employing Runs Test, which is a non-parametric test. Based on the result of runs test alternate hypothesis is rejected and it is proved that Indian Capital market neither follow random walk model nor is a weak form efficient. Key words: Market efficiency, efficient market hypothesis (EMH), Bombay stock exchange (BSE), national stock exchange (NSE), runs test. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/9EDE6D94872 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000069 en Copyright © 2011 A. Q. Khan, Sana Ikram and Mariyam Mehtab

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:CB409E24877 2011-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

In quest for a theory of production: An organizational approach Kalyan Chakrobarty Book Review Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/CB409E24877 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000044 en Copyright © 2011 Kalyan Chakrobarty

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:7A66FA54879 2011-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

An empirical assessment of the relationship between organizational culture and contemporary marketing practices in organizations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Bakhtiar Khan, Sher Kamal, Jamshed Raza and Shakeel Ahmad Full Length Research Paper This paper assesses the relationship between organisational culture and contemporary marketing practices of a sample of organisations in Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The survey questionnaire which received 136 responses related to organisational culture and contemporary marketing practices. Statistical package is used to examine the goodness of the fit. Results indicate that differences in national cultures call for differences in marketing practices since the Peshawar organizational culture is different from Dera Ismail Khan. The differences between the two cities marketing practices are discussed. The paper concludes by following some guidelines for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistanorganizations to take into consideration to strengthen their levels of performance. Key words: National culture, organizational culture, contemporary marketing practices. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/7A66FA54879 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000012 en Copyright © 2011 Bakhtiar Khan, Sher Kamal, Jamshed Raza and Shakeel Ahmad

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:770D8264882 2011-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Quality of human resources as a key factor of success in tourism market-survey conducted in hotels in Novi Sad amara Gaji, Nina Durica and Dragica Tomi Full Length Research Paper In a concise way, the paper deals with current issues in tourism business, one of which is quality of human resources in hotel offer, as a key factor for successful business and survival in the tourism market, this paper will result in a synthesis of the theory on the quality of human capital in tourism, success factors or achieving competitiveness and, of course certain methods and measures based on which that will be attainable on the prominently competitive market. The survey included 450 test subjects, and the results that were obtained by application of this method, that is statistical methods and secondary publications point to the current state and degree of quality of the employees and can be the first step in the planning of development of tourism offer of the city of Novi Sad. Data were processed with SPSS program, version 17.0.One of the focal questions of interest is how to affect the decrease of existing problems and rising quality of the employees as key segments of every tourism business. Key words: Novi Sad, quality, employment, tourism, hotels. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/770D8264882 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000064 en Copyright © 2011 amara Gaji, Nina Durica and Dragica Tomi

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:4BE8BA74899 2011-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Gender differences in organizational strategy execution: A comparative study between female and male managers in obstacle management Ayandeacute; Alpha and Sabourin Vincent Full Length Research Paper This paper investigates the differences faced by women and men regarding their abilities to manage obstacles inherent in the organizational strategy execution. A survey questionnaire was administered to 282 managers in order to study the five dimensions of the obstacles inherent in organizational strategy execution identified through a previous research which was designed to validate the set of obstacles faced by managers. We used principal component analysis to categorize the obstacle dimensions and then we used ANOVA to examine the link between dimensions of strategy execution and socio-demographic variables such as age, span of control, number of years in the organization. Past research produced significant gender differences with respect to the strategy execution of the organizational objectives of managers. It also disclosed many gender differences in the set of obstacles related to emotions, immediate action, rules, integrity and initiatives. In contrast with the literature, our first hypothesis that there would be a gender difference in terms of obstacles between female and male managers for the dimension of emotions was not supported. However, this study does show a significant gender difference regarding the obstacle dimensions of immediate action, initiatives and rules: this hypothesis was supported. The study modeled five obstacle dimensions in order to identify differences in practice between female and male managers. On an emotional level, women and men face the same problem-solving in organizational performance development, but for the other dimensions, their capacity to confront the obstacles is different. On a professional level, our study shows that women managers who have reached top management positions can perform as many men managers in terms of the implementation of clear and achievable objectives. At this stage, our model cannot be generalized and further studies that would better identify the causes underlying these differences in practice are needed. Additional work is required in order to be able to generalize our findings. This study proves its contribution by identifying a more refined set of specific obstacles for each facet of organizational strategy execution faced by women and men managers in the execution of their objectives. Key words: Gender, strategy, management, organization, women, leadership, strategy execution, business.s Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/4BE8BA74899 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000040 en Copyright © 2011 Ayandeacute; Alpha and Sabourin Vincent

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:A0412524909 2011-08-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

The role of the emotion felt towards a brand in the development of the behaviour of loyalty: An application in the sector of mobile phones in Tunisia Ghali Zohra Full Length Research Paper This work aims at highlighting the contribution of the role of emotions in the formation and preservation of the relationship between the consumer and the brand. In fact, now, a firm that wants to conquer and keep its customersrsquo; base is expected to invest at the level of the emotional value that it has to give to its brand. Thus, the fact of eliciting the emotions of consumers has become a challenge to develop a close emotional and behavioural resistance to change. An experimental phase was conducted for a sample of 400 consumer brand of mobile phones. The results show that certain emotions can develop a relationship of loyalty to a brand. Key words: Brand, emotion, emotional attachment, commitment, loyalty. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/A0412524909 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000079 en Copyright © 2011 Ghali Zohra

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:53D1B8A4917 2011-08-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Organizational marketing planning by management educated managers Nasser Fegh-hi Farahmand Full Length Research Paper This paper proposes a relation of Organizational Marketing Planning (OMP) by Management Educated Managers (MEM) and reviews the Marketing Strategies and Plans (MSP) and performance measurement literature to develop a conceptual model and research propositions. In fact, Business and Industrial Organizations (BIO) influence whether or not those organizations engage in MSP. In this field, the focus is on the special characteristics of MEM such as education type and level. Data are drawn from a survey of the BIO in business and industrial zones of North West of Islamic Republic of Iran that around one-sixth the samples of MEM engage in OMP. The MEM characteristics showing a significant association with a commitment to OMP and also OMP showed a positive association with that MEM with a growth orientation. It is concluded that MEM characteristics can be important in explaining and compilation the OMP within the BIO for implementation. This paper is to explore the ways in which certain characteristics of MEM of BIO generate a tendency to prepare a formal written MSP. Key words: Organizational marketing planning (OMP), management educated managers (MEM), marketing strategies and plans (MSP). Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/53D1B8A4917 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000059 en Copyright © 2011 Nasser Fegh-hi Farahmand

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:4362B7E4924 2011-08-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

The influence of privacy and security of internet technology on quality information exchange between businesses to business (B2B) in Malaysian Industry Samsudin Wahab and Abdullah Yahia Moqbile Ahmad Full Length Research Paper The growing importance of using internet technology has led companies to make their applications highly commercial and widely accepted for all sorts of customers and suppliers relations such as advertising, brand building and information sharing. Unfortunately, empirical studies on information quality delivery over the internet application particularly in the Malaysian manufacturing companies have been less than encouraging. This empirical research investigates the influence of security and privacy of internet technology on the quality information shared by the company to their suppliers. 650 questionnaires were distributed to different manufacturers in different regions of Malaysia, 184 were returned and only 151 were analyzed due to incomplete responses. This research found a significant relationship between perceived security and quality information exchange. Perceived privacy did not as a significant predictor. Further justification and discussion has been made at the end of chapters in order to clarify this finding. Hence, this article ends with suggestion for the industry, responsible parties that involved in promoting internet usage for quality information delivery among industries. Key words: Privacy, security, internet technology, quality information exchange, Malaysian industry. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/4362B7E4924 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000076 en Copyright © 2011 Samsudin Wahab and Abdullah Yahia Moqbile Ahmad

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:C3392414935 2011-08-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Unorganised manufacturing industries in India: A regional perspective Dilip Saikia Full Length Research Paper Notwithstanding various policies to address regional disparities in industrial development, the issue of balanced regional industrial development still remains in India. Studies dealing with the issue mainly focused on the organised industries. In spite of the fact that the unorganised manufacturing sector occupies a dominant position compared to the organised sector and recognized as the most potential sector for rapid employment creation; no attempt has been made so far to examine the regional pattern of the sector. The major objective of the paper is to analyze the regional pattern of unorganized manufacturing in India before and after reforms. We found that while unorganised manufacturing continued to concentrate in few advanced states, there is barely any improvement in the performance of the backward states even after reforms. Spatial concentration is high for the high-technology industries and low for resource-based low-technology industries. Spatial concentration is found to be declined for all and most of the two-digit industries after reforms. Key words: Industrial location, regional development, unorganised manufacturing. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/C3392414935 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000084 en Copyright © 2011 Dilip Saikia

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:7888AB44945 2011-08-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

A conceptual framework proposition for customer loyalty in the short-term insurance industry - A South African perspective Lauren Strachan and Mornay Roberts-Lombard Full Length Research Paper The purpose of the study was to investigate CRM and its influence on customer loyalty at selected short-term insurance providers in Gauteng. The target population included all South Africans who currently have a policy with at least one of the selected short-term insurance providers, namely: Outsurance, Santam, Telesure and Hollard. The convenience sampling method was applied and samples of 500 respondents were selected. Personal interviews were conducted with respondents and a structured questionnaire was used for the gathering of data.The statistical analysis that was used in the study included a multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses formulated for the study and an analysis of variance test (ANOVA). The study indicated that a significant positive relationship exists between conflict handling and CRM at four selected short-term insurance providers. It was also indicated that a significant negative relationship existed between commitment and CRM. It was evident that no relationship existed between trust and two-way communication and CRM. The study also revealed that a strong relationship existed between CRM and customer loyalty at the four selected short-term insurance providers in South Africa. Key words: Short-term insurance organisation, customer relationship management, customer loyalty, trust, commitment, two-way communication, conflict handling. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/7888AB44945 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000002 en Copyright © 2011 Lauren Strachan and Mornay Roberts-Lombard

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:27E11FE4970 2011-09-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Psychographic measure of service quality of fastfood chain in Davao city Adrian M. Tamayo Full Length Research Paper Consumer behavior and consumer preference are two different but related areas in marketing. This study was conducted to develop a construct of service quality in the fastfood chains. Demographic characteristics of the respondents were interacted to simulate effects on the perceived quality of service. A total of 417 respondents participated in the study. Most of the respondents were in their teens or early 20rsquo;s, of these, most were female students. An exploratory factor analysis revealed six components explaining service quality. These were physical setup and prompt service, cheerfulness of the service crew; food selection and food display; staff knowledge of the product and the prices of it; and finally, the accessibility to the place. Further, ordinal regression indicated no statistical characterization of the respondents according to age, sex (male or female), and occupation (working or student) to indicate particular preference of services offered by an establishment. This suggests that preferences of food chain are influenced by the fastfoodrsquo;s crews attending with promptness; affordability of the food and its variety; and that the establishment is readily accessible to the eating public. Key words: Service quality, factor analysis, ordinal regression. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/27E11FE4970 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000063 en Copyright © 2011 Adrian M. Tamayo

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:BACBA8A4981 2011-09-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Factors critical to the success of small-medium sized business marketing: A view from the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia Muhammad Asad Sadi and Qamar Iftikhar Full Length Research Paper Small-medium sized enterprises have acquired increasing importance in recent years within the Middle Eastern states of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain where they are regarded as a significant component of the economy and creator of jobs. However, their marketing has often been deficient and this paper examines factors which are critical to success within the context of the countriesrsquo; tourism industries. Particular attention is devoted to the contributions of customer orientation, market planning, and internet use and personal/social networks. A survey of businesses was conducted and the results indicated that customer orientation was considered to be the single most important factor in successful marketing. Marketing planning was also found to be essential while Internet use and personal/social networks were deemed to have little or no effect. Key words: Marketing, small-medium sized enterprises, tourism industry, Saudi Arabia Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/BACBA8A4981 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000034 en Copyright © 2011 Muhammad Asad Sadi and Qamar Iftikhar

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:037187F4989 2011-09-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Evaluating web marketing of luxury lodges in South Africa Corne Meintjes, Ilse Niemann-Struweg and Danie Petzer Full Length Research Paper The information-intensive nature of the tourism industry suggests that the Internet is important in marketing tourism destinations. This article evaluates the marketing related aspects of luxury lodge websites in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Through systematic sampling, 20 luxury lodge websites were selected from a population of 40 rated as four and five star lodges by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. The research design is a concurrent mixed method approach where quantitative and qualitative data are collected concurrently with qualitative data leading the analysis and reporting. Websites were evaluated against criteria developed through a content analysis of existing website evaluation models. The study finds that the websites are generally of a high standard and appealing, but lack originality and uniqueness. The study highlights issues pertaining to the current web marketing approaches of luxury lodges that cater for up-market international tourism, but employs marketing approaches for a local market. Key words: Websites, luxury lodges, evaluation criteria, marketing. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/037187F4989 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000033 en Copyright © 2011 Corne Meintjes, Ilse Niemann-Struweg and Danie Petzer

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:44DCDB65010 2011-10-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Macroeconomic dynamics and financial crisis in Nigeria Olowe, Olusegun Full Length Research Paper This work as an empirical economics assessment examined the role of Nigerian domestic macroeconomic policies with emphasis on the management of the impact of macroeconomic variables on the global financial crisis in Nigeria. It applies VAR framework on annual time series data from 1969 to 2009. The paper opines that the Nigerian economy is far from converging towards a sustainable equilibrium in the short run. The paper suggests that attitudinal change, monetary and fiscal policies could be used to address the Nigerian version of the global financial crisis. However, the right mix of these policies to avoid conflicts in the light of dampening effects of the global financial melt-down as well as the possible effects of the global financial crisis and macroeconomic fluctuations on economic development in Nigeria is of relevance. The direction and magnitude of relevant policy to stimulate increased government intervention, it was observed that there is the need for comparative dynamics of economies in order to return to the path of sustainable growth and development. Key words: Macroeconomic, financial crisis, econometrics, development, dynamics. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/44DCDB65010 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000053 en Copyright © 2011 Olowe, Olusegun

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:BA502A05017 2011-10-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Economics of palm oil storage and marketing in Imo State, Nigeria Nwauwa Linus Onyeka Ezealaji Full Length Research Paper The major objective of the study is to determine the profitability or otherwise of palm oil storage and marketing among the people of Imo state of Nigeria. Data for the study were collected by the use of questionnaire purposively distributed among the respondents who processed palm oil stored and marketed by themselves and those who do not process the same. These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis to determine the costs and return of palm oil from the processing and storage points to the various marketing outlets. Socio-economic characteristics of the respondents showed that the non-processors of palm oil stored and marketed acquired more education than the processors while majority of the marketers are 50 years and above. The results of this study further showed that the average gross marketing margin per drum of palm oil under storage was N6,164.64k for respondents processing their own oil for storage and N5,345.33k for respondents who do not process their own palm oil (that is, who purchased, stored and marketed palm oil). The best periods to buy and sell palm oil stored were found to be within the months of March and September respectively. The result further concluded that the hypothesis that there is no significant difference in the net returns of palm oil resulting from its storage is significant at 1% level. On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that processors of palm oil stored and market should acquire formal education in other to boost their profit level and government to provide incentives such as modern method of processing palm oil to encourage youths into the business. Key words: Marketing, palm oil, storage and processing. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/BA502A05017 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000029 en Copyright © 2011 Nwauwa Linus Onyeka Ezealaji

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:C1DF5005032 2011-10-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Internet banking, consumer adoption and customer satisfaction Andrew Musiime and Malinga Ramadhan Full Length Research Paper Despite the importance of Internet banking in many financial institutions, fewer studies have focused on consumer adoption and customer satisfaction especially in the African setting. With technology implementation, a new phenomenon in Ugandarsquo;s banking sector and many customers has not yet embraced it, this study was conducted to determine the factors that influence consumer adoption of Internet banking service as well as examine the relationship between Internet banking service, customer adoption and customer satisfaction. The major instrument for the data collection was a questionnaire that was designed on a 5-point Likert scale to be able to collect good quantitative data. The study established that there was a significantly positive relationship between Internet banking and customer satisfaction which is consistent with the findings of Al-hawari and Ward (2005). The study recommended that more emphasis and efforts be laid on targeting individual clients. In addition, Internet banking service providers ought to look out for indicators of innovative ways of creating awareness about the service through participation in trade organizations, exhibitions as well as adoption of new technologies of Internet banking. Key words: Internet banking, customer satisfaction. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/C1DF5005032 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000048 en Copyright © 2011 Andrew Musiime and Malinga Ramadhan

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:4DDE7145051 2011-11-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Fostering and developing the industry cluster vigorously in China in order to improve the technology-innovative capability of enterprises Wang Zhi-Xin, and Liang Cui Full Length Research Paper As a form of an organization, enterprises play the fundamental role in the economic development around the world. Nowadays, many middle and small enterprises are with small market coverage, backwardness technology, low-level management, week innovative capability as well as the slow rate of innovation. All of the above seriously hinders the improvement of the innovative capability. Thus, it is a strategic choice of the improvement of innovative capability for our middle and small enterprises to vigorously foster and develop the industry cluster and improve the competitive capability in view of the global value chain. In addition, it is also in accordance with the strategic requirement of building an innovative society as well as realizing a well-off society. Key words: Industry cluster, technology-innovative for SMEs, economies of scale, economy of scope. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/4DDE7145051 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000037 en Copyright © 2011 Wang Zhi-Xin, and Liang Cui

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:1BBE56D5057 2011-11-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Fostering and developing the industry cluster vigorously in China in order to improve the technology-innovative capability of enterprises Wang Zhi-Xin, and Liang Cui Review As a form of an organization, enterprises play the fundamental role in the economic development around the world. Nowadays, many middle and small enterprises are with small market coverage, backwardness technology, low-level management, week innovative capability as well as the slow rate of innovation. All of the above seriously hinders the improvement of the innovative capability. Thus, it is a strategic choice of the improvement of innovative capability for our middle and small enterprises to vigorously foster and develop the industry cluster and improve the competitive capability in view of the global value chain. In addition, it is also in accordance with the strategic requirement of building an innovative society as well as realizing a well-off society. Key words: Industry cluster, technology-innovative for SMEs, economies of scale, economy of scope. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/1BBE56D5057 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000038 en Copyright © 2011 Wang Zhi-Xin, and Liang Cui

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:AD16F105073 2011-11-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

An empirical competitive strategy on Taiwanese business Tina C. Chiao and Chin-Chuan Chen Full Length Research Paper In this research, we take two different types of business areas as sample to investigate visitorsrsquo; demand with external environmental change. Through this research, we can re-arrange business areasrsquo; service position, improve weakness, increase service quality, and adjust resource allotment. Therefore, first of all, we reduce difference between visitorsrsquo; pre-expectation and satisfaction perception as a premise. Then we define ranking for visitorsrsquo; demand and service quality in order to improve service quality and increase visitorsrsquo; satisfaction. Secondly, by means of field survey and quantitative analysis, we intend to clarify and compare all respondentsrsquo; attitude and buying behavior in these two business areas they perceived. In addition, we would analyze all quality factors on respondentsrsquo; satisfaction. Finally, we will suggest competitive strategies through SWOT analysis with all information collected and form a new innovative management paradigm for the business areas. This research adopts quantitative analysis and qualitative research for the business areas following empirical case study to propose a new business model as well to carry out. The findings of this research will be beneficial for all domestic business areas for making successful transformation. Key words: Economic miracle, business areas, competitive strategy, survey. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/AD16F105073 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000013 en Copyright © 2011 Tina C. Chiao and Chin-Chuan Chen

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:8EDD0355120 2011-11-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

The relationship between customer focused service and customer satisfaction in the Nigerian insurance industry Olowokudejo F. F. and Adeleke I. A. Full Length Research Paper The main objective of this study is to find out if there is any relationship between customer focused services and customer satisfaction in the Nigerian insurance industry. Relevant literature was reviewed and a model consisting of four variables was conceptualized and tested by means of empirical data collected through a questionnaire survey. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) copies of questionnaires were administered, one hundred and forty nine (149) copies were duly completed and returned. This represents a response rate of 82.78%. The research instruments were validated and a pilot study was also carried out to test the reliability of the measures. The Cronbach alpha level is above the required 0.70. Spearman rank correlation and partial correlation were used to test the hypotheses. Findings show that there is a positive relationship between customer focused and customer satisfaction in the Nigerian insurance industry. Findings also show that commitment to the use of customer focused services lead to customer satisfaction in the Nigerian insurance industry. The study recommended that insurance companies should pay more attention to designing product and services that are focused at the customer. Key words: Customer focused services, customer satisfaction, organizational characteristics, insurance industry. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/8EDD0355120 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000078 en Copyright © 2011 Olowokudejo F. F. and Adeleke I. A.

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:FDD0C505163 2011-12-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Established correlation between marketing skills of ethnic SME owners and business failure van Scheers Louise Full Length Research Paper SMEs comprise over 90% of African business operations and contribute to over 50% of African employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). SMEs sector has shown positive signs in South Africa, Mauritius and North Africa. In South Africa, SMEs constitute 55% of all jobs. Research such as Bowler et al. (2007) and Guler (2005, 2009) reveal that 40% of new business ventures fail in their first year, 60% in their second year, and 90% in their first 10 years of existence. It seems that a number of challenges have been identified as contributing to the failure of SMEs in South Africa and worldwide. The research problem of this study emanates from the current high business failure rate as well as marketing skills of ethnic South African SME owners. The research aims to establish the correlation between marketing skills of ethnic SME owners and business failure. 2000 questionnaires were posted to small business owners, 222 questionnaires were posted to each of the nine provinces of South Africa. The researchers acknowledge governmentrsquo;s involvement in managerial training which focuses on basic literacy, numeracy and communication skills with development rather than a business focus. Training should also focus on administration, financial management, and marketing skills. Ethnic SME owners would then also be more equipped to make better-informed decisions, and to steer their business away from known pitfalls. The research established that there is a correlation between problems experienced by ethnic SME owners and their marketing skills. Improving the managerial skills of small business owners will solve unemployment problems and a stagnating economy. Key words: Ethnic SME owners, marketing and managerial skills, marketing training needs, entrepreneurship, South Africa ethnic entrepreneur, leadership. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/FDD0C505163 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000032 en Copyright © 2011 van Scheers Louise

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:DCCEF8E5186 2011-12-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

Effective marketing strategies and the Nigerian construction professionals Grace K. Ojo Full Length Research Paper All the economic sectors are facing keen competition for survival and sustenance; and the construction industry is not an exception. Many construction professionals face difficulties in selling their services due to failure to embrace marketing concept. Effective marketing strategies had been established to improve the growth of professional services in the competitive environment; therefore this paper examined the existing marketing strategies with the aim of determining their level of usage and effectiveness among Nigerian construction professionals. Six marketing strategies were identified for assessment by the consultants and contractors. These were location of firm, promotion, professional - client relationship, professional contract, marketing mix (4 ps) and research. The result indicated that the level of awareness of marketing strategy is low among the construction professionals surveyed despite the fact that they believed it is very essential in improving productivity. Professional - client relationship and professional contract were ranked very high as popular and effective marketing strategies. The paper concluded that the most popular and effective strategy was professional - client relationship followed by professional contract. However, marketing mix was the most preferred strategy with other strategies ranked high. Effective marketing strategies will result in profit increase, awareness creation, professional appreciation by the public and introduction of new attractive professional development. Key words: Construction, marketing, professional, strategy. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/DCCEF8E5186 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000030 en Copyright © 2011 Grace K. Ojo

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:EAA697F5197 2011-12-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2011

The effects of entrepreneurs and strategic management toward the business success of SMEs in northern region of Thailand LERTPACHIN, Chaiyutha and WINGWON, Boonthawan Full Length Research Paper The purposes of the research were to study the level of importance of leadership, characteristics, negotiation, entrepreneur, teamwork, innovation, strategic management and the business success of Small and Medium Enterprises, including the effect of entrepreneur and strategic management toward the business success of SMEs in northern region of Thailand. The sampling group was 588 entrepreneurs from 7 provinces in SMEs business. The data analysis was conducted by applying descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage and standard deviation and the inferential statistics with PLS Graph technique. The research outcomes revealed that all relevant factors of entrepreneur valued the importance by respondents as high. The leadership, characteristics and negotiation had direct effect toward the entrepreneur and had direct effect toward the teamwork, strategic management and innovation. Furthermore, they also had indirect effect toward business success. Lastly, strategic management had highest direct effect toward the business success of SMEs. Key words: Entrepreneurs, business success of SMEs, PLS, innovation, strategic management. Academic Journals 2011 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/EAA697F5197 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000071 en Copyright © 2011 LERTPACHIN, Chaiyutha and WINGWON, Boonthawan

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:7FB78AF7942 2012-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

A study on time series data mining based on the concepts and principles of Chinese I-Ching Shu-Chuan Chen and Chi-Ming Tsou Full Length Research Paper This paper proposes a novel time series data mining and analysis framework inspired by ancient Chinese culture I-Ching. The proposed method converts the time series into symbol spaces by employing the concepts and principles of I-Ching. Algorithms are addressed to explore and identify temporal patterns in the resulting symbol spaces. Using the analysis framework, major topics of time series data mining regarding time series clustering, association rules of temporal patterns, and transition of hidden Markov process can be analyzed. Dynamic patterns are derived and adopted to investigate the occurrence of special events existing in the time series. A case study is illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed analysis framework. Key words: Time series, data mining, Chinese I-Ching. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/7FB78AF7942 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000006 en Copyright © 2012 Shu-Chuan Chen and Chi-Ming Tsou

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:E1CFAB47955 2012-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

The impact of effective customer relationship management (CRM) on repurchase: A case study of (GOLDEN TULIP) hotel (ACCRA-GHANA) George K. Amoako, Emmanuel Arthur, Christiana Bandoh and Rachel Kafui Katah Full Length Research Paper The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) on customer loyalty in the hotel industry. The study was conducted at the Golden Tulip hotel, Accra. The objectives of the study were to determine if (CRM) has an impact on customer loyalty, to determine if the practice of effective CRM in organisations leads to a long or short term financial impact, to find out the extent or degree to which effective CRM leads to customer satisfaction and to assess if the services provided by the hotel meets the needs and wants of customers. Questionnaires were administered to both individual and corporate clients of the hotel and the result of this was analyzed. The results showed that 46.3% of the respondents were females whilst 53.3% were males. Most of the respondents had heard about the hotel from newspaper advertisements (40%) and referrals from people who had used the hotel (30%). 80% of the respondents were willing to refer to the services of the hotel to other people whilst 90% of them were satisfied with the services at the hotel. The accommodation and catering facilities were mostly patronized. The perception among respondents about the hotel was good since they gave a positive review of the services. Most of the respondents agreed that they would come back to the hotel. The corporate clients were also satisfied with the services provided at the hotel with 20% having used the hotel for up to 4 years. The corporate clients said they would use the facility again, thus, customer loyalty existed among these clients as well as, the individual clients. It is recommended that the hotel improves the cooling system in the conference room and provide better business centre facilities to attract more customers. Key words: Customer relationship management, customer loyalty, hospitality industry, Ghana, repurchase. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/E1CFAB47955 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000072 en Copyright © 2012 George K. Amoako, Emmanuel Arthur, Christiana Bandoh and Rachel Kafui Katah

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:8C5153C7964 2012-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

Identifying important service quality parameters for major Indian food retailers- A case study G. S. David Sam Jayakumar and K. Abdus Samad Full Length Research Paper This study attempts to codify the service quality dimensions within the scope of the Organized Retailing Sector in India. It is a known fact that organized retailing is making a strong impact in many parts of Indiarsquo;s growing economy. This research article studied the services quality of major food retailers by taking important services quality dimensions like physical aspects, reliability, personal interaction, problem solving and policy which asses the retail service users, especially the food retailers. Moreover, the study made an attempt to scrutinize the impact of services quality dimensions on the overall services quality of food retailers. In order to measure the impact of services quality dimensions, we contacted 630 retail shoppers from major food retail stores namely: Spencerrsquo;s, nilgiris, reliance fresh and margin free. Then we issued the instrument which comprised of 28 services quality items under the 5 dimensions to the retail shoppers. After data collection is over, the marginal and joint normality of Servqual were also checked by using the Shapiro Wilk Test, Mardiarsquo;s Multivariate Skewness Test, Mardiarsquo;s Multivariate Kurtosis Test and Henze Zirkler Test respectively. The result of the aforementioned test clearly portrays the services quality items that are purely departed from the normality assumption. Hence, we were forced to undertake a non-parametric estimation technique to dissect the impact of services quality facet. For the purpose of estimation we use the causal approach of research by adopting the technique of least absolute deviation (LAD) estimation in data analysis. We used Systat Version 12 to perform the LAD estimation and treat the overall services quality as dependent variable, and independent variables are items under the services quality dimensions. Key words: Food retailing, normality test, causal approach, least absolute deviation technique. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/8C5153C7964 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000042 en Copyright © 2012 G. S. David Sam Jayakumar and K. Abdus Samad

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:BFC39D77983 2012-02-28T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

Investigating factors affecting festival quality: A case study of Neimen Song Jiang Jhen Battle Array, Taiwan Wen-Chiang Chen, Cheng-Fei Lee and Ling-Zhong Lin Full Length Research Paper Neimen Song-Jiang Jhen Battle Array is one of the largest-scale folk cultural festivals held annually in Taiwan during March. While the number of visitors to the Neimen Song-Jiang Jhen Battle Array festival has increased steadily, how to promote high quality standards for all aspects of the festival is the top priority for the regional destination marketing/management organizations. The purpose of this study was to identify what the quality dimensions derived from the factor analysis were related to festival quality and performance. A pool of 31 quality attributes was generated based on festival marketing and management literature, and pretest information provided from undergraduate students who used to participate in the Neimen Song-Jiang Jhen Battle Array festival. The results illustrate the special socio-demographic and trip characteristics of the attendees of Neimen Song-Jiang Jhen Battle Array festival. These findings contribute to the understanding of festival attendeesrsquo; profile and behavior and thus, provide festival organizers with insights into how to promote the Neimen Song-Jiang Jhen Battle Array festival in order to continuously draw visitors back. In addition, the results show that six factors were derived from the factor analysis of 31 festival quality attributes. The interpretation of these factors lead to the following labels (in order of variance explained): (1) program (2) staff (3) ancillary services (4) facilities (5) convenience, and (6) comfort amenities. These findings add to the body of knowledge about festival-specific factors regarding service quality. A practical implication of this study is the availability of a festival-specific instrument of service quality for further testing at other types of festivals. Key words: Neimen Song Jiang Jhen Battle Array, festival quality, Taiwan, cultural tourism. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/BFC39D77983 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000049 en Copyright © 2012 Wen-Chiang Chen, Cheng-Fei Lee and Ling-Zhong Lin

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:4EA574C7992 2012-02-28T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

Network structure and network effects and consumer interaction in mobile telecommunications among students Fakhraddin Maroofi Full Length Research Paper This study estimates the importance of network effects and the impact of a consumerrsquo;s social network on her choice of mobile phone provider. The study uses network data obtained from surveys of students in four different classes in the Kurdistan University and Azad University of Sanandaj, Iran. We use the quadratic assignment procedure (QAP), a non-parametric arrangement test to adjust the particular error structure of network data. The sample size was 2058 and out of which 1340 respondent strongly coordinates their choice of mobile phone providers, if only their provider induces network effects. This suggests that this coordination depends on network effects rather than on information contagion or pressure to conform to the social environment. Key words: Network effects, social networks, mobile telecommunications, quadratic assignment procedure (QAP). Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/4EA574C7992 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000058 en Copyright © 2012 Fakhraddin Maroofi

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:F8F5A358014 2012-02-28T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

The effect of sponsorship on marketing communication performance: A case study of Airtel Ghana George K. Amoako, Kwasi Dartey-Baah , Robert K. Dzogbenuku and Samuel Kwesie Junior Full Length Research Paper The purpose of this study is to have a clear understanding of how sponsorship contributes positively to marketing communications performance. The methodology is based on social survey technique, which examines opinions, behaviors, and perceptions by asking people questions. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data to ensure a structured approach. An increase in brand awareness, brand preferences, brand recall, projecting the companyrsquo;s image and above all goodwill, can lead to increased sales, and consequently increase organizational value, indicating that sponsorship contributes positively to marketing communication performance. Due to the limited resources, future research needs to examine sales as an additional factor to measure the effect of sponsorship on marketing communication performance to give a better view of the effect of sponsorship. For firms, the study indicates that sponsorship contributes positively to marketing communication performance and consequently increase organizational value. Key words: Sponsorship, Ghana, brand image, goodwill and marketing communication performance. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/F8F5A358014 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000070 en Copyright © 2012 George K. Amoako, Kwasi Dartey-Baah , Robert K. Dzogbenuku and Samuel Kwesie Junior

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:BE7DC7D8051 2012-03-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

An analysis on the economic effectiveness of municipalities in Turkey Aziz KUTLAR, Fehim Bakirci and Fatih Yuuml;ksel Full Length Research Paper In the present study, efficiency of municipalities and the factors affecting it are evaluated theoretically and then empirical analysis about the efficiency made. In the application part, 27 municipalities, 7 of which are metropolitan municipality, are covered. Data related to the inputs and outputs that reflect the financial, fiscal, social and demographic situation of these municipalities are taken from surveys, centralized management units and statistical units. Efficiency analysis of municipalities are made by using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Malmquist index technique. Efficiency scores were obtained and factors which affect efficiency and the interaction among the factors are determined. Under the lights of these result and the estimations of both DEA models and Malmquist Index, it can be stated that there was a decrease in the number of efficient municipalities and the level of their efficiencies from years 2006 to 2008. Key words: Municipality efficiency, data envelopment analysis (DEA), malmquist index, tobit model. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/BE7DC7D8051 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000011 en Copyright © 2012 Aziz KUTLAR, Fehim Bakirci and Fatih Yuuml;ksel

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:FEAFA108063 2012-03-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

A new methodology for suppliers selection and order allocation Kambiz Shahroudi and Hajar Rouydel Full Length Research Paper One of the main factors in competitive environment is to reduce production costs. Selecting the right suppliers significantly reduces the purchasing costs and improves corporate competitiveness. That is why the cost of raw materials and components part constitutes the main cost of a product and most of the firms have to spend considerable amount of their sales revenue on purchasing. The aim of this research is to introduce an integrated model for supplierrsquo;s selection and order allocation in an automotive company. Therefore, the research was divided into two phases (conceptual modeling and mathematical modeling) with four steps. In conceptual modeling, in order to select the best suppliers, an integrated, Analytic Hierarchy Procees and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (AHP-TOPSIS) approach was used. Hence, after library studies and interview with experts, managers and specialists in the supply chain management field, decision criteria were identified through brain storming which contains the main criteria and sub criteria of the selection process for suppliers. Then in mathematical modeling in order to allocate every selected supplier in conceptual modeling, a Multi-Objective Linear Programming (MOLP) model was used. As such, the objectives and subjectives of suppliers and the Automotive Company were identified. Results show that applying a two phase AHP-TOPSIS methodology aided the selection of the best suppliers. Also Automotive Companyrsquo;s total costs were minimized with using a MOLP model. Key words: Supply chain, analytical hierarchy process, supplier evaluation, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), multi-objective linear programming (MOLP). Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/FEAFA108063 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000004 en Copyright © 2012 Kambiz Shahroudi and Hajar Rouydel

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:856867E8075 2012-03-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

Modelling telecom customer attrition using logistic regression B. E. A. Oghojafor, G. C. Mesike, C. I. Omoera and R. D. Bakare Full Length Research Paper The Nigeria telecom sector has experienced a major transformation in terms of growth, technological content, and market structure over the last decade as a result of policy and institutional reforms culminating to the liberalization of the sector and consequently, resulting in significant rise in competition. With the industryrsquo;s experience of an average of 41% annual churn rate and couple with the view that the cost of acquiring new customer is five times higher than maintaining an existing customer, customers retention is now seen to be even more important than customer acquisition. Therefore retaining customer has becomes a priority for most enterprise and there are compelling arguments for managers to carefully consider the factors that might increase customerrsquo;s retention rate. This study using logistic regression, therefore examine the effect of socio-economic factors on customer attrition by investigating the factors that influence subscribers churning one service provider for another. Key words: Teledensity, customersrsquo; retention, telecom, socio-economic factors. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/856867E8075 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000056 en Copyright © 2012 B. E. A. Oghojafor, G. C. Mesike, C. I. Omoera and R. D. Bakare

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:9ABE6D98119 2012-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

The procedures for strategic management of new products for small, medium and large firms in Cameroon: An exploratory study N. I. Gouanlong and V. Tsapi Full Length Research Paper The aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the relationships between the activities of product innovation and business performance. In those relationships, the importance given to forms of action necessary for the new product strategic management for small, medium and large enterprises were particularly highlighted. A survey was administered to collect data from a representative sample of sixty five (65) innovative firms in Douala and Yaounde cities, Cameroon. The findings indicate that significant differences exist between the perceived importance of cross-functional team composition and firm size. However, no significant differences exist between the perceived importance of customer orientation decision and firm size. The risk of inherent failure in the activities of product innovation is still actual in debates in marketing research; this research helps to illuminate certain aspects of the management of these activities at the level of strategic. The strategic importance of the new product development decisions by Cameroonians firms is highly recommended. Key words: New product, cross-functional teams, customer orientation, strategic management,innovative firms. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/9ABE6D98119 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000077 en Copyright © 2012 N. I. Gouanlong and V. Tsapi

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:36A39A68138 2012-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

Analysis of consumer attitudes towards integrated circuit (IC) cards Yasuo Ishii, Yuki Higuchi, and Kazuhiro Takeyasu Full Length Research Paper This paper analyzes the attitudes of consumers towards integrated circuit (IC) cards, which has a big influence on the buying behavior of consumers. For this purpose, we created a questionnaire survey of using IC card on purchasing, and we utilized the text mining method. In reviewing past researches, some related researches were used, but the analyses were based on simple accumulation, though there have been a few investigations on this. The purpose of this survey is to examine the attitudes of consumers to the convenience and need of purchasing with IC card. Additionally, this survey seeks to clarify the general opinions of consumers concerning an IC card system. Moreover, this survey strives to learn about consumersrsquo; awareness of the IC card system, their expectations for the IC card system, and the information they need. Some interesting and instructive results were obtained. These were utilized for constructing a much more effective and useful IC card system. Key words: Integrated circuit (IC), consumers, key graph, electronic money, attitudes. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/36A39A68138 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000015 en Copyright © 2012 Yasuo Ishii, Yuki Higuchi, and Kazuhiro Takeyasu

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:86809458179 2012-04-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

Customer relationship management (CRM) in a South African service environment: An exploratory study Mornay Roberts-Lombard and Leon du Plessis Full Length Research Paper The primary objective of the study was to investigate the influence of trust, commitment, two-way communication and conflict handling on customer loyalty through customer relationship management (CRM) as a mediating variable at a South African long-term insurance organization. Both a qualitative and quantitative research approach was followed in the study. The population included all the customers of a long-term insurance provider in South Africa who held a life-insurance policy at the time of the study. The sample consisted of 254 customers in four major centers in South Africa. Primary data was gathered using a structured questionnaire, with items on a 7-point Likert scale referring to trust, commitment, two-way communication, conflict handling, CRM and customer loyalty. The statistical analysis that was used in the study included multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The findings stipulate that a significant positive relationship exists between trust, commitment and conflict handling, and CRM at a long-term insurance provider in South Africa. The study further revealed that a significant negative relationship exists between two-way communication and CRM at the insurance provider. In addition, it was found that there is a significant positive relationship between CRM and customer loyalty at the insurance provider in South Africa. Therefore, long-term insurance providers in South Africa can improve and maintain the relationships between themselves and their customers if they exhibit trustworthy behavior, show genuine commitment to service, communicate information to customers efficiently and accurately, thereby also listening to their customers and handling potential and manifested conflicts skilfully. This will ultimately contribute to customer loyalty, which will ensure economic prosperity for the long-term insurance provider. Key words: Long-term insurance organization, customer relationship management (CRM), customer loyalty, trust, commitment, two-way communication and conflict handling. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/86809458179 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000023 en Copyright © 2012 Mornay Roberts-Lombard and Leon du Plessis

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:36FEF698211 2012-10-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

Value’s association and their influence on price and share of orders Fabio Benevite, Giancarlo Medeiros Pereira, Miriam Borchardt and Miguel Afonso Sellitto Full Length Research Paper This paper investigates the influence of values on price and share of orders based on a multiple case study involving four global buyers and their global suppliers of premium industrial components (bearings, electronics, hydraulics and pneumatics). The following value drivers were considered: product, service and supply. Results showed ranges of prices and share of order not described in the literature, as well as the association of values that define a purchasing decision in the buying companies analyzed. Key words: Value management, pricing, industrial marketing. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/36FEF698211 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000085 en Copyright © 2012 Fabio Benevite, Giancarlo Medeiros Pereira, Miriam Borchardt and Miguel Afonso Sellitto

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:197260E8230 2012-10-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

Customer satisfaction and innovative service science by marketing programs: A case study of Cliven products Cheng-Wu Chen, Full Length Research Paper To meet the needs of modern society, each part of the world has its own different popular products and seasonal merchandise. Variety is necessary in order to achieve marketing aims to not only meet the needs of customers but also lead to the development of successful marketing programs tailored for the company. The customer also has some understanding of commodities, such as product features. These characteristics will affect the price of the commodity and customer satisfaction as well as, customer intentions to purchase other future products from this company. This study utilizes a questionnaire method to investigate customer satisfaction with Cliven products and services, and uses the SPSS (software for statistical analysis) system to calculate the results, the reliability and the validity. The purpose of this study is to forecast future social trends, bring attention to customer needs, and improve service quality and customer satisfaction in future. Key words: Internet shopping service, customer value, human factor, Taiwanese enterprises, Cliven. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/197260E8230 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000025 en Copyright © 2012 Cheng-Wu Chen,

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:9ED93B68244 2012-10-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2012

Service quality, satisfaction, perceived value and loyalty among customers in commercial banking in Nakuru Municipality, Kenya Daniel Onwonga Auka Full Length Research Paper Service firms have increasingly recognized the role of customer loyalty in the creation and maintenance of competitive advantage. Customer loyalty positively influences firm performance. Keeping loyal customers is beneficial to organizational performance despite there being little agreement as the determinants of customer loyalty in commercial banks. Therefore, this paper examines the extent to which service quality, perceived value and satisfaction influence customer loyalty in commercial banks. To achieve this, data were collected using a questionnaire from 381 respondents who were selected through stratified random and systematic sampling procedures. Data analysis was done through Pearson correlation and regression. The findings revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship between service quality, customer satisfaction and customer value, and customer loyalty. This study also found that service quality, customer value and satisfaction are critical success factors that influence the competitiveness of an organization. It is therefore recommended that banks should adopt the model consisting of the three constructs to create and maintain customer loyalty so as to improve performance and create competitive advantage. Key words: Service quality, satisfaction, perceived value, customer loyalty, commercial banking. Academic Journals 2012 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/9ED93B68244 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000066 en Copyright © 2012 Daniel Onwonga Auka

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:04095318272 2013-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2013

The recruitment market practices of travel agencies in the Gauteng province of South Africa: What is the status quo? Mornay Roberts-Lombard Full Length Research Paper Most research on relationship marketing focuses on the building of relationships between a business and its customers. Little research considers the application of relationship marketing principles to the recruitment market of a business. The purpose of this article is therefore to indicate what the current status is of the relationships which travel agencies in the Gauteng Province of South Africa: (hereafter referred to as Gauteng province) have with their recruitment market. Personal interviews were conducted with 170 travel agency managers and/or owners in Gauteng. The results stipulate that the large staff turnover in the travel agency industry in the Gauteng Province is the result of poor salaries, a lack of educational sponsorships and poor management relationships with employees working for travel agencies. Through a stronger focus on these aspects, the management of travel agencies in Gauteng will be able to recruit and retain experienced employees who can deliver a service to customers that will contribute to greater customerrsquo;s satisfaction. Key words: Recruitment, recruitment market, travel agency, travel agent, employee. Academic Journals 2013 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/04095318272 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM12.039 en Copyright © 2013 Mornay Roberts-Lombard

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:F0DD16D8289 2013-01-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2013

Function of projective techniques in improving brand personality Makarand Upadhyaya Full Length Research Paper The purpose of this paper is to examine four finest perfume brands. Two metaphor based personification methods-mood-boards and job-sorting are employed to study the association that the participants have with the brands. Both methods use open ended assignments to decipher how participants think or feel about the research object in question. The study analyses the congruent validity of the two methods and differences in their ability to personify the chosen brands of deu. Both methods yielded almost similar outcomes, thereby reiterating that the two methods possess congruent validity. The latter part of the paper analyses the brand personality characteristics that were connected to the celebrities and jobs, as identified in the mood-boards and job-sorting exercise respectively. SWOCC Brand Personality Scale, which is a further elaboration of Aakerrsquo;s brand personality research, was used to provide a list of the personality characteristics. Key words: Brand personality enhancement, sources of brand personality, brand personality dimensions, SWOCC scale. Academic Journals 2013 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/F0DD16D8289 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000039 en Copyright © 2013 Makarand Upadhyaya

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:48046448304 2013-02-28T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2013

Evaluation of customer satisfaction with services of a micro-finance institution: Empirical evidence from Women Association for Social and Economic Gain customers’ in Togo Eddy BALEMBA Kanyurhi Full Length Research Paper Nowadays, Microfinance industry is affected by competition leading to customersrsquo; switching across MFIs (Microfinance Institution). Thus, MFIs are concerned about customer satisfaction and have to pay attention to understand their customersrsquo; preferences to survive in a competitive environment. Using data from 353 Women Association for Social and Economic Gain customers in Togo, this study aimed to: (1) determine the main dimensions of financial services of the microfinance institution (2) determine the customer satisfaction level and (3) assess to what extent customer satisfaction is influenced by customersrsquo; characteristics. Using factorial analysis, customer satisfaction index and ANOVA, we found that responsiveness remains the most important dimension in microfinance sector. Results reveal that customerrsquo;s branch, customerrsquo;s revenue and number of services accessed by customers strongly influence customerrsquo;s satisfaction. Results also indicate that the current customer satisfaction index at WAGES is equals to 71.2%. Key words: Microfinance customersrsquo; satisfaction dimensions, customer satisfaction Index, customerrsquo; characteristics influence, WAGES, Togo. Academic Journals 2013 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/48046448304 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM11.128 en Copyright © 2013 Eddy BALEMBA Kanyurhi

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:A48B3358320 2013-02-28T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2013

A hybrid method for improving forecasting accuracy utilizing genetic algorithm and its application to J-REIT (office type) stock market price data Yasuo Ishii, Keiko Nagata and Kazuhiro Takeyasu Full Length Research Paper We proposed earlier that the equation of the exponential smoothing method (ESM) is equivalent to (1,1) ARMA model equation, a new method of estimating the smoothing constant in the exponential smoothing method which satisfied the minimum variance of forecasting error. Generally, the smoothing constant is selected arbitrarily, but in this paper, we utilize the above theoretical solution. Firstly, we estimate the ARMA model parameter and then estimate the smoothing constants. Thus, the theoretical solution is derived in a simple way and it may be utilized in various fields. Furthermore, combining the trend removal method with this method, we aim to improve forecasting accuracy. An approach to this method is executed in the following method. Trend removal by the combination of linear, 2nd order non-linear function and 3rd order non-linear function is executed on the stock market price data of J-REIT (Japan Real Estate Investment Trust) for office type. Genetic algorithm is utilized to search optimal weights for the weighting parameters of linear and non-linear function. For the comparison, monthly trend is removed after that. Theoretical solution of the smoothing constant of ESM is calculated for both the monthly trend removal data and the non monthly trend removing data. Then the forecasting is executed on these data. This new method shows that it is useful for the time series that has various trend characteristics. The effectiveness of this method should be examined in various cases. Key words: Minimum variance, exponential smoothing method, forecasting, trend, genetic algorithm. Academic Journals 2013 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/A48B3358320 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM.9000003 en Copyright © 2013 Yasuo Ishii, Keiko Nagata and Kazuhiro Takeyasu

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:EBC24318359 2013-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2013

Beyond market orientation: An operationalisation of stakeholder orientation in higher education Deogratias BUGANDWA MUNGU AKONKWA Full Length Research Paper This paper aims at developing a set of items attempting to operationalize the stakeholder orientation for higher education institutions. Stakeholder orientation is viewed as a more relevant framework for understanding and managing the external pressures exerted on universities. We hence break off with the market orientation framework which has been suggested in previous literature. The paper is based on a literature review on stakeholder orientation and market orientation. Its main outcome is that we add to the scattered literature on stakeholders in higher education, what can be seen as a departing point for the adoption of stakeholder orientation in higher education. The originality of my contribution stands through three points: (1) while a few authors have used the market orientation framework to study changes in higher education, this paper relies on the stakeholder theory to show that stakeholder orientation is more relevant for this sector because it encompasses the market orientation dimensions, and fits to the peculiarities of the above sector. (2) Based on an extensive literature review, the paper makes first paces in suggesting items for the dimensions of stakeholder orientation in higher education. (3) Going beyond competition, I find ldquo;collaborationrdquo; as an important dimension which was missing in previous strategic analysis of the higher education sector. Key words: Higher education, stakeholder orientation, collaboration, competition, responsiveness, inter-functional coordination. Academic Journals 2013 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/EBC24318359 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM2013.0294 en Copyright © 2013 Deogratias BUGANDWA MUNGU AKONKWA

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:76DE6F646000 2013-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2013

How Lorestans’ stone exporters can play an international role in the world market? Shirzad Farhikhteh, Fatemeh Farhikhteh, Jaffar Sajadi and Firooz Baharvand Full Length Research Paper This study examined how Lorestans` decorative stone exporters can play an international role in the world market. The study is a field study and the population consists of all of the Lorestan`s stone firms. Lorestan is one of the biggest stone exporter provinces of Iran. For this reason, a simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents surveyed for this study, a total of 101 questionnaires were administered to respondents chosen from about all 130 of the province stone firm managers and their vice presidents; statistical tools were used to test the hypothesis such as: T student (to determine whether there was a significant difference between the average of the population and that of the sample) and Chi square (to review the lack of significant differences between the observed frequency and expected frequency of tests). To gather information, library resources, questionnaires and interviews were used. To test research questions, six hypotheses with a conceptual model were designed to examine the relationship between the key success factors and the exports of the stone firms. Assumptions in the study, all with 95% confidence were accepted. The findings indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between KSFs and successful market entry. The study also showed that services and distribution channels had respectively the most and the least effects on successful market entry for Lorestan`s firms producing decorative stones. Key words: Corporation, stone producer enterprises, the global market, decorative stones, the key success factors, export, international marketing. Academic Journals 2013 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/76DE6F646000 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMMX11.005 en Copyright © 2013 Shirzad Farhikhteh, Fatemeh Farhikhteh, Jaffar Sajadi and Firooz Baharvand

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:C04E11644302 2014-05-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2014

Sensitivity of Cameronian consumers to brands: An application in body lotions B. N. Ngono Eteme Melingui and V. Tsapi Full Length Research Paper This article seeks to contribute to a better knowledge of sensitivity of consumers to brands. The results of the survey carried out with 361 women aged fifteen and above on the beauty lotions market in the towns of Douala, Yaounde, Ngaoundere and Bafoussam validate the fact that enduring involvement, perceived differences and perceived risks in a category of products influence sensitivity to brands. The study also confirms that perceived differences between brands are the most explanatory variable of sensitivity to brands. Finally, this paper proposes a model of sensitivity to brands of Cameroonian consumers. To succeed in Cameroun, body lotion enterprises should make visible the characteristics/advantages of their brand and act on interpersonal communications. The strengthening of the brand strategy is an action lever strongly recommended to these enterprises. Key words: Sensitivity to brands, consumer behaviour, brands, perceived risk, perceived differences between the brands, enduring involvement. Academic Journals 2014 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/C04E11644302 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM2013.0350 en Copyright © 2014 B. N. Ngono Eteme Melingui and V. Tsapi

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:70C21FB45272 2014-06-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2014

Patients’ perception of reputation and image - Private and public hospitals Songul Cinaroglu Full Length Research Paper The aim of this study is to compare patientsrsquo; corporate reputation and image perceptions towards private and public hospitals. In order to understand patients corporate reputation and image perceptions towards private and public hospitals, questionnaire is applied to 400 patients taking health services from 20 different hospitals located in the metropolitan area of the city of Ankara between January to July, 2011. As a result of the study it was found that respondent patientsrsquo; corporate reputation and image perceptions towards private and public hospitals were different (p0.001). Key words: Corporate reputation, corporate image, private hospital, public hospital. Academic Journals 2014 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/70C21FB45272 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM2014.0403 en Copyright © 2014 Songul Cinaroglu

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:C5780D645274 2014-06-30T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2014

Brand preference and buying decision –A study with reference to organized Indian edible oil brands M. P. Shiva Kumar Full Length Research Paper Consumers around the world vary greatly in age, income, education level, and tastes and understanding how these differences affect consumer buying decision is never easy. However, marketing success largely depends on the ability to anticipate what buyers will do and what they prefer from available products. Today, the highly fragmented Indian edible oil industry with large number of players both from the organized and unorganized sectors has resulted in severe competition and as a result, edible oil businesses in India have shifted their focus to understand consumer choices better on one side and increasingly moving away from products to embracing a structured brand management to achieve competitiveness and profitability in the market place. The present study explores the consumersrsquo; preference for oil brand, oil variants, and factors influencing the purchasing decision. The study highlights that, brand image, price, health consciousness, and quality of a particular brand are the most important factors influencing consumersrsquo; decision making for edible oil purchases. Key words: Brand image, brand preference, edible oils. Academic Journals 2014 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/C5780D645274 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM2013.0353 en Copyright © 2014 M. P. Shiva Kumar

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:3A5CF4C45819 2014-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2014

The role of Agricultural market reform in enhancing farmers’ income in Nigeria Nwauwa Linus Onyeka Ezealaji and Kemisola O. Adenegan Review Agricultural market reforms are imperative, given the yearly experiences of small scale farmers in marketing their produce. The outcome of farmersrsquo; efforts has not translated into commensurate income overtime. However, reformative efforts at improving value chain, productivity and market access have culminated into a wide range of technological solutions in the recent times. Efforts should therefore be concentrated on reforms aimed at not only adding value to agricultural products but to the development of market infrastructure and adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) information solutions. These are keys to resolving the chain problems and ensuring enhanced welfare of farmers.The paper recommends that promoting smallholder production of export crops should have beneficial impacts on agricultural production in general and on the food security and income of smallholder farmers in particular. Key words: Agricultural marketing systems, market reforms, farmers and Nigeria. Academic Journals 2014 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/3A5CF4C45819 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM2011.025 en Copyright © 2014 Nwauwa Linus Onyeka Ezealaji and Kemisola O. Adenegan

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:1B1BFC045822 2014-07-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2014

Information technology in Indian retailing, issues and challenges (A case study on the rise and fall of Subhiksha Retail Chains) Ponduri, S. B. and V. Sailaja Full Length Research Paper Organized retailing in India has reached a point of transformation after witnessing unprecedented growth over the last few years. It has lot of potential for further growth and for penetrating into semi urban and rural markets. Opportunities for retailing are increasing day by day due to changing customer behaviour, technological developments and modified regularities by allowing more than 51% FDIrsquo;s in retail sector. India is a palace for all sizes, varieties and formats of retail sector. The country is a mosaic of wide diversity-urban, rural, rich and poor customer base. Technological advancements have witnessed phenomenal growth in retailing over the past few years. On the other hand, adoption of information technology (IT) in retail business should be largely cautious, incremental and supportive of the conventional operational functions rather than being drastic for successful implementation. The current study is on Subiksha retail chainrsquo;s raise after expansion with significant reach across country-wide with the application of IT and fall arising out of rapid expansion resulting in insufficient funds. Subhiksha has made a grand entry into retail sector a decade earlier when the sector was on a boom but hit hard by the global financial crisis during 2008. for further expansion. The authors have collected data by means of observation and interviewing customers of various retail outlets at different parts of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. To support the primary data secondary data is also collected from newspapers, journals, websites, books and articles. The causes of failure that are identified are lack of skilled personnel, know-how, poor implementation, coordination and improper allocation of funds. Key words: Retail sector, information systems, point of sale, SAP, enterprise resource planning (ERP). Academic Journals 2014 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/1B1BFC045822 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM2013.0372 en Copyright © 2014 Ponduri, S. B. and V. Sailaja

oai:academicjournals.org:AJMM:9FA8C8646502 2014-08-31T00:00:00Z AcademicJournals AJMM AJMM:2014

Finding the impact of foreign debt servicing on per capita income growth rate: A case study of Pakistan Atif Khan Jadoon, Syeda Azra Batool, and Tahir Mehmood Full Length Research Paper Among the wide array of macroeconomic problems confronted by Pakistan, foreign debt servicing, has occupied a substantial place. Persistent fiscal deficit since the independence, turned out to be the ground for various governments to rely on the internal or external borrowings. The acquisition of more external debt instead of internal resource mobilization results in higher level of debt stock. Due to soaring level of debt, Pakistan has been allocating a major chunk of resources to debt repayment, which is tarnishing its economic growth. The present study has been conducted to discover the impact of foreign debt servicing on per capita income growth rate of Pakistan for the period 1981 to 2010 by applying relatively new technique, called auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) of co-integration. The results confirm that the foreign debt servicing has adversely and significantly affected the per capita income growth rate of Pakistan in both short-run and long-run in the specified period. There is an ardent need for comprehensive policy on part of the government of Pakistan to salvage the economy of such a financial loss. Key words: Per capita income, growth rate, debt, debt servicing, ARDL and co ndash;integration. Academic Journals 2014 TEXT text/html https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMM/article-abstract/9FA8C8646502 http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMM2013.0389 en Copyright © 2014 Atif Khan Jadoon, Syeda Azra Batool, and Tahir Mehmood 2024-04-26T07:20:00Z|100|oai_dc|ajmm