Simulated Attention-Tracking Methodologies: An Examination of Measurement Efficacy

This study introduces and examines a simulated attention-tracking methodology as an emerging technique to improve the study of in-store shopper behavior and decision making. To assess the viability of this new methodology, we examine its efficacy in producing consumer behavior data consistent with results predicted by the marketing literature. Empirical data across five grocery categories are used to examine the influence of personal, product, and situational differences on external information search. Findings show that the attention-tracking methodology is able to demonstrate expected results in almost all cases. The methodology is also able to provide a more complete view of external information search through tracing the observed search behavior preceding decision making. This proof of methodology responds directly to calls in the marketing and retailing literature to test new and emerging methodologies in support of research on in-store marketing and shopper behavior. Findings also provide managers with a methodology to examine the actual impact of marketing actions intended to capture shoppers’ attention at the retail shelf and to influence behavior.     

The effect of control priming on irresponsible financial behavior

Debt has reached staggering levels among North Americans. Unfortunately, there is deficiency of research that investigates effective means of helping consumers control their debt. We examine how control priming changes consumers’ irresponsible financial behavior. We show that control priming reduces credit card spending and intentions to take credit card risk. We also demonstrate that consumers who score high on self-esteem are more likely to benefit from control priming while those who score low on self-esteem show a backlash effect.     

Spatial econometric Monte Carlo studies: raising the bar

We discuss Monte Carlo methodology that can be used to explore alternative approaches to estimating spatial regression models. Our focus is on models that include spatial lags of the dependent variable, e.g., the SAR specification. A major point is that practitioners rely on scalar summary measures of direct and indirect effects estimates to interpret the impact of changes in explanatory variables on the dependent variable of interest. We argue that these should be the focus of Monte Carlo experiments. Since effects estimates reflect a nonlinear function of both \(\beta \) and \(\rho \), past studies’ focus exclusively on \(\beta \) and \(\rho \) parameter estimates may not provide useful information regarding statistical properties of effects estimates produced by alternative estimators. Since effects estimates have recently become the focus of inference regarding the significance of (scalar summary) direct and indirect impacts arising from changes in the explanatory variables, empirical measures of dispersion produced by simulating draws from the (estimated) variance–covariance matrix of the parameters \(\beta \) and \(\rho \) should be part of the Monte Carlo study. An implication is that differences in the quality of estimated variance–covariance matrices arising from alternative estimators also plays a role in determining the accuracy of inference. An applied illustration is used to demonstrate how these issues can impact conclusions regarding the performance of alternative estimators.     

Ambidexterity and Knowledge Strategy in Major Projects: A Framework and Illustrative Case Study

We develop a framework to analyze the multi‐level knowledge requirements of complex, major projects in terms of ambidexterity—the ability to exploit (refine existing knowledge) and explore (develop new knowledge). This is an important theme within the wider literature, yet practical operationalization methods for managers and researchers are not evident. We demonstrate the ambidexterity view through an illustrative case study of telecommunications delivery for the London 2012 Olympic Games and show how these concepts can be used to create an effective knowledge strategy. We offer a structure for the analysis of knowledge utilization in projects.     

Vertical territorial restraints rules of legality and guidelines for channel design

Location clauses and other vertical territorial restraints are often used by manufacturers to exert control over their distributors. Yet, recent Supreme Court decisions have resulted in some uncertainty as to the legality of these restraints. According to the case of Continental T.V. versus GTE Sylvania, the court now appears to be applying the rule of reason when asked to examine vertical territorial restraints. In this article, the sequencing of precedent cases that ultimately resulted in the rule of reason are presented first. Second, an interpretation of the Continental T.V. versus GTE Sylvania case is offered. Finally, some selected guidelines that should help a manufacturer survive a court inquiry under the rule of reason are provided.     

An investigation into the intentions of purchasing executives to reciprocate vendor gifts

In this study, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of gift cost, gift type, and buyer-vendor relationship status on purchasing executives’ feelings of indebtedness, perceived manipulation, and intentions to reciprocate vendor gifts. The findings indicate that the likelihood of a business gift being reciprocated depends on the type of vendor gift received, the extent to which the buyer experiences a sense of indebtedness, and buyer perceptions of the level of manipulation associated with the gift. Evidence also indicates that the level of perceived manipulation associated with a gift is based on considerations of gift cost and type with respect to the buyer-vendor relationship status. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas in 1987. He has contributed to such journals as theJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Business Research, andJournal of Professional Services Marketing. He received his doctorate in marketing from the University of Kentucky. His research has been published in theJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Retailing, andJournal of Business Research.     

Political Economy of Course Evaluations

Professors Hansen and Kelley suggest practical guidelines for implementing course evaluation systems, drawing upon their experience at the University of Wisconsin. They develop a model to conceptualize course evaluations in the context of the professor's decision-making framework, focusing upon the allocation of time between teaching and research. Costs and benefits associated with collecting evaluations are considered, and ways of minimizing the former and maximizing the latter are suggested.     

Short Interest and Lottery Stocks

We find short interest‐related mispricing is strongest in lottery stocks. As stocks become more lottery‐like, arbitrage risk increases, resulting in higher overpricing (underpricing) in high (low) relative short interest (RSI) stocks. Monthly portfolio alphas are –1.61% for high RSI lottery stocks, whereas high RSI stocks with the least lottery‐like attributes show statistically insignificant alphas. Among lightly shorted stocks, lottery securities exhibit monthly alphas of 1.80%. Thus, although lottery stocks as a group typically underperform, investors can earn positive abnormal returns in lightly shorted lottery stocks. Our results suggest that lottery stocks’ greater noise trader risk and higher transactions costs impedes arbitrage in short interest‐related mispricing.     

Distressed Properties: Valuation Bias and Accuracy

Using New Orleans foreclosure data, where each property has three appraisals (borrower, lender, and referee), we are able to investigate the factors affecting appraisal bias and accuracy for distressed properties. Unconditional analysis shows that on average lender appraisals are higher than referee appraisals, while borrower appraisals are lower than referee appraisals. Much of the bias could be explained by various client and appraiser characteristics. The relation between the client and the appraiser affects valuation bias. Customer employed appraisers tend to give more client friendly valuations than their court appointed counterparts. However, experienced and licensed appraisers render less biased valuations. The appraisal bias does not appear to depend on neighborhood and demographic characteristics. In addition, experienced and licensed appraisers provide materially more accurate valuations. Unlicensed, inexperienced appraisers have an error rate approximately four times worse than licensed, experienced appraisers.