Value propositions as communication practice: Taking a wider view

The aim of this article is to examine the concept and functioning of value propositions, seen through a service-dominant logic (S-D) lens. The variety of perspectives used to understand value propositions are examined, from unidirectional communication of value to reciprocal promises of value. The concept of reciprocal value propositions is examined in the light of S-D logic's fundamental premises. Examples are included to show how reciprocal value propositions can be used to initiate and guide resource integration activities between initiators and participants across a range of stakeholders of the firm. Some ‘taken for granted’ assumptions about market exchange are examined which act as a constraint on innovation in developing reciprocal value propositions, and more generally, stand in the way of innovative marketing practice. We also argue that reciprocal value propositions reveal opportunities for focal firm engagement with suppliers, customers, and other beneficiaries beyond sale/purchase transactions, as part of a platform for communicative interaction. In summary, we position reciprocal value propositions as a communication practice that brings exchange activities, relationship development, and knowledge renewal closer together.     

Network actors' participation in B2B SME branding

This study explores how network actors participate in branding in the context of SMEs operating in business markets. Branding is conventionally seen as an internally governed process and its exposure to external influences has been generally overlooked. By using narrative interviews this study analyzes the branding actions of network actors which impact on an SME's brand image. This article shows that social and business network relationships influence the SME's brand image, as does the nature of the company's internal branding decisions and identity. The findings propose and define the concept of a branding pool, expanding the focus of branding beyond the boundaries of an individual organization into the context of nets. An SME cannot manage its branding pool, but it can mobilize stakeholders in branding to improve the brand performance in the market.     

When wildlife tourism goes wrong: a case study of stakeholder and management issues regarding Dingoes on Fraser Island, Australia

Images on brochures, web pages and postcards lead to an expectation by tourists and visitors that interaction with Dingoes (Canis lupus Dingo) will be part of their Fraser Island experience. Yet, as the number of tourists to the island increase, so do the reports of Dingo attacks. The first recorded death from such an attack on Fraser Island occurred in April 2001, and was immediately followed by a government-ordered cull of Dingoes. This paper explores issues surrounding both this decision and the management strategies implemented afterwards. Based on interviews with a variety of stakeholders, many conflicting perspectives on human–wildlife interaction as a component of tourism are identified. The conclusion is drawn that while strategies for managing Dingoes are essential, if such attacks are a consequence of humans feeding wildlife and resultant wildlife habituation, then strategies for managing people are also necessary for this example of wildlife tourism to be both successful and sustainable.     

Exploring well-being as a tourism product resource

This study employs a qualitative research approach where focus groups (n = 11) with key stakeholders were used to understand how tourism investors view the concept of well-being in relation to tourism and the potential to use it as a tourism product resource. Findings validated by a wider group (n = 50) exposed the barriers and enablers of implementing well-being in this way. The potential for businesses and policymakers to transform these barriers into enablers was also identified. In addition, study findings were mapped onto a robust model extracted from the public health sector and applied in a tourism context using a systems theory approach. This further highlighted the potential offered to the fields of public health and tourism in the concept of well-being, and demonstrated the well-being value of tourism. Data from this research will aid tourism business practice and development by embedding a well-being philosophy for tourism destinations' strategies.     

The combined use of Spatial Multicriteria Evaluation and stakeholders analysis for supporting the ecological planning of a river basin

River basin planning and management constitute complex decision problems, characterized by many actors and stakeholders with conflicting objectives and values, ranging from the protection of local flora and fauna and the enhancement of the recreational value of the river, to the preservation of the water resources for industrial purposes and human activities. In the light of the aforementioned complexity, specific evaluation methods are needed for supporting decision-making processes in this context. The present paper proposes an evaluation approach based on the combined use of two different evaluation techniques, the Spatial Multicriteria Evaluation and the stakeholders analysis, for supporting the definition of policies and actions for a river basin. In particular, alternative predictive scenarios are generated through the Ordered Weighted Average method in order to explore different solutions. Starting from the Pellice river basin (Italy), the study presents the results of the integrated evaluation approach, focusing on the potentialities of the methodology for supporting the definition of future policies and plans for the area.     

浅析历史街区更新中的公众参与——以扬州东关街为例

目前,我国历史街区更新中的公众参与存在公众参与的程度不够、公众参与的意识不高和公众参与的NGO团体松散等问题。在扬州东关街更新的实践中采取了一些先进的做法,对今后历史街区更新中的公众参与具有一定的指导和借鉴意义。     

The uses of cost–benefit analysis in public transportation decision-making in France

Cost–benefit analysis (CBA) is a tool used to evaluate the potential socio-economic impact of public investment choices. In many countries, particularly in France, this tool is used to support decision-making related to transportation infrastructure. In the context of difficult budgetary arbitrations, taking the multiple effects of the different choices into account makes choosing among transport infrastructure investments a two-fold problem. On the one hand, public decision-makers have limited resources that they must use in the best way possible. On the other hand, when choosing among alternative investment projects, the decision-makers reveal their priorities (based on the importance they assign to the different projects), and these priorities must be perceived as legitimate. Based on a case study of how French institutions use the CBA method, this paper examines how the use of cost–benefit analysis interacts with the use of public debate and stakeholder participation in France today. This French case illustrates the difficulty of striking the right balance between the expert knowledge produced by CBA methods and the knowledge produced by the participation of various stakeholders in the decision-making process.     

共同治理模式下的非营利组织财务信息需求与供给

本文在分析非营利组织的财务受托责任以及三权分离的财务特征基础上，剖析利益相关者共同治理模式下非营利组织财务信息需求特征和供给动力，并对其制约因素进行深入的分析，提出所有者缺位以及信息需求的分散性、信息披露成本的制约以及政府监管能力有限等因素是导致非营利组织财务信息供给不足的主要因素。     

利益相关者合作视野下跨国公司社会责任的强化

跨国公司处于一系列多边关系的中心，各种利益相关个体或团体受益或受损于跨国公司的运营，因此，跨国公司应对其利益相关者负责任，在确保股东利益的同时，跨国公司还应该考虑其行为对员工、消费者、供货商以及对社区、对环境、对跨国公司母国、跨国公司东道国和国际社会等利益相关者的潜在影响。而这些利益相关者之间是一种合作互惠的动态博弈的关系。因此，跨国公司社会责任的强化依赖于跨国公司利益相关者，即跨国公司母国、东道国、国际组织、社会团体、媒介、公众、消费者以及跨国公司自身的合作引导与共同治理。     

澳门博彩业的利益相关者：分析与建议

利益相关者理论认为,企业(行业)长期的繁荣和发展,需要辨识主要的利益相关者,分析他们的利益和关注点并加以考虑。澳门博彩业的最大利益相关者是澳门博彩业的投资者、博彩消费者、澳门社区和中央政府。为保持澳门博彩产业的长期繁荣和稳定发展,澳门特区政府和博彩企业需要综合平衡他们的利益。