Choice of Exchange Rate Regime in a Selection of African Countries

Abstract

An exchange rate regime has an important impact on macroeconomic policies within developing countries and therefore essential in macroeconomic policy formation. The main research question is to determine how the variety of determinants would influence the exchange rate regime choice for a selection of 19 African developing countries. A distinction is made between three groups of variables, namely economic fundamentals, economic stabilization aspects and currency crises factors, all affecting a country’s exchange regime choice. The probability of these determinants is then estimated to establish whether the selected countries would choose a fixed, an intermediate or a flexible exchange regime.     

Optimal trade,industrial, and privatization policies in a mixed duopoly with strategic managerial incentives

Abstract

This paper examines optimal trade, industrial, and privatization policies in a home-market model of mixed international duopoly with strategic managerial incentives. Under linear demand and constant marginal costs, the optimal degree of privatization is shown to depend crucially on cost and demand parameters and on the availability of strategic trade and industrial policies. If both firms are equally efficient, optimal trade and industrial policies drive out the foreign firm and the privatization policy loses its effect on national welfare; however, if the home firm is less efficient, then full privatization combined with an import tariff and a production subsidy is optimal for the home country, while an export subsidy is optimal for the foreign country. If trade and industrial policies are unavailable and if both firms are equally efficient, full state-ownership, which drives out the foreign firm, becomes optimal; however, if the home firm is less efficient, only partial privatization is optimal, The state-ownership share is increased if either the market size grows, the home firm's efficiency increases, or the foreign firm's efficiency decreases. Further, the paper demonstrates the potential conflict between privatization and trade liberalization policies.     

Determinants of Poland's Competitive Advantage in the Logistics Sector

Abstract

This paper discusses the transformation within the distribution and logistics sector in Poland. The privatization process and business growth, in conjunction with foreign direct investment, have created a very competitive environment. A modified version of Porter's determinants of the competitive advantage model is used to illustrate changes in this industry. Models are presented depicting business logistics in Poland before and after the transformation. Twelve firms operating in this sector were studied. Problems and opportunities are discussed as they relate to business logistics in Poland. Eventual membership in the European Union will further expand markets, as well as modernize Poland's infrastructure and business logistics systems.     

Determinants of Benefits in the Retail Payments Market: Evidence from Russian Consumers

Abstract

This study identifies the determinants of consumer benefits values in the retail payments market. Using a mix of quantitative (nation-wide representative survey of 1500 individuals) and qualitative inputs (8 focus groups and 32 in-depth interviews), this study finds robust evidence which supports the importance of internal and external user characteristics for the benefits value explanation. Other factors exhibit partial or no correlation with benefits values. Total welfare is efficiently distributed across the market. Findings imply new factors affecting consumer behavior in the retail payments market and suggest a basis for the reassessment of marketing and regulatory strategies.     

The contribution of marketing to competitive success: A literature review

This paper reviews the literature relating to the practice of marketing and its relation to corporate success, examining pertinent concepts and issues. The marketing factors thought to be determinants of success are categorised as attitudinal, strategic and tactical factors, and these provide the framework against which enhanced corporate performance through marketing effort is analysed. The final section of the paper presents a summary of observations on the literature reviewed.     

Tone quest: exploring the (ir)resolvable paradoxes and infinite (im)possibilities of “epic tone” in (rock ‘n’ roll) musical consumption constellations

ABSTRACT

One of the driving forces for consumer-musicians in the market of rock ‘n’ roll musical creation is the quest for “epic tone” (i.e. production of a distinct and unique sound). Such tone is not the result of a single product or practice, but of a complex consumption constellation composed of a multitude of cultural processes and material factors in which the sum is often greater than the parts. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the market forces that directly impact these musical consumption constellations have exposed (and exacerbate) the inherent paradox in the quest. To help consumers create virtually any possible tone, the marketplace has increased the focus on the structural and functional components that compose these constellations, while subsequently decreasing the focus on the anti-structural and anti-functional aspects that underlie actual sound production. Consequently, the marketplace both stimulates and inhibits the (im)possible quest for epic tone.     

An exhibitors perspective: factors affecting selection of industrial trade shows in India and the importance of spot sales

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To identify the factors affecting the selection of trade shows in India and the role of spot sales in decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a primary approach. It has been done with the help of data collected from exhibitors’ responses to a standard questionnaire (appendix) through offline mode. Finally, the collected data was used for analysis with the help of SPSS 21. Multivariate data analysis techniques such as factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were used in the study.

Findings: The findings of the study revealed that perceived show value was the most important factor of selecting a trade show followed by measurable cost, timing and lastly show attractions. Spot sales were found to make a significant impact on the participating decision-making process. Some of the subjective factors such as facilities within the venue and connectivity to the venue made an impact on the exhibitors' selection of trade shows.

Practical implications: Organising a trade show requires a lot of money and effort and thus it becomes important that such events be successful. Thus, the study could be used by trade show organizers to attract exhibitors for participating in their show.

Originality/value: Although research studies have been conducted on the motives for participating in a trade show in the U.S. and Europe, very few were found relating to the identification of factors affecting the decision to participate. This number becomes still smaller when one considers the case of the growing Indian economy. Looking into these aspects, this study can be considered new and thus its originality remains high.     

The Virtues and Weaknesses of Insider Shareholding

Abstract

Following privatization in Russia, insider shareholders secured supremacy in their companies in most cases. The literature concerned with corporate governance in Russia frequently shows too much affection to the claim that the arrangement when control is allocated to insiders is generally sub-efficient in the long run. It is often concluded that the current pattern of control has negative impact on the progress of reforms. This paper argues in favor of a more balanced view, which takes into account the social responsibility of firms towards stakeholders and the influence the latter have over corporate performance. The question addressed is how real the insiders' threat is in privatized Russian enterprises with regard to the advancement of reforms and development of the workable corporate governance system.     

Determinants of international retail operation mode choice: Towards a conceptual framework based on evidence from French specialised retail chains

Abstract

More and more retailers have expanded internationally. Because of its impact on the success of a retailer's international operations, a critical aspect of an internationalisation strategy consists of choosing the appropriate entry and expansion modes. The phenomenon remains misunderstood as little research in international retailing has focused on this question and findings from international management literature find limited application to services.

This paper draws upon a literature review and six case-studies from French specialised retailers to provide an exploratory framework for examining key determinants of operation mode choice. It is found that retailers consider four underlying dimensions of operation modes. These dimensions are affected by situational, individual and marketing factors whose explanatory impacts are moderated by the motives for internationalisation and relationship networks.     

Country Resources,Country Image,and Exports: Country Branding and International Marketing Implications

ABSTRACT

A country's economic, political, and socio-cultural institutions have always been regarded as important determinants of a company's exports and international marketing strategies. With the recent thinking about countries becoming more like a brand, these factors should impact a country's marketing and branding strategies. There has been a call for more research on how countries can use their institutions and resources to enhance their globalization efforts. This study intends to fill this gap by examining the relationships between country institutions and resources, country image, and exports based on institution theory and resource advantage theory. Both archival and primary data for 24 countries over 12 years (1995–2006) were used to assess a random-effects panel data model. The results reveal the significance of economic development and communication infrastructure on exports. In addition, country image was found to indirectly affect exports. The theoretical and practical implications on country branding and international marketing conclude the article.     

Preference Ordering Cash,Near Cash,and Electronic Cash

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the impact of sociocultural determinants on people’s perceptions and usage of smart systems in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This research used the Theory of reasoned action, Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and Frambach and Schillewaert’s framework. These theories which focus on the determinants of technology acceptance behavior of users have been widely used in contemporary technology acceptance research. Data were collected from the UAE Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, and Economy using structured questionnaires. A total of 357 responses were analyzed using multivariate statistical techniques such as regression analysis and factor analysis. Multiple regression analysis helped to determine the direction of relationships between the constructs representing users’ sociocultural orientation, attitude toward smart systems and acceptable behavior. Factor analysis served to identify the underlying dimensions of the above constructs. The major finding of this research is that cultural values and peers’ influence significantly affect users’ perceptions and applications of technological innovations. Furthermore, the study reveals that users’ age and gender wield critical moderating effects on the relationship between cultural values and attitude toward smart systems. These findings have important implications for acceptance and implementation of smart systems in the UAE which are highlighted in this paper. This paper also identifies the limits of this research and explores the venues of further research in this field.     

Emerging Customers,Market Knowledge Competence,and Investor Transition: The Experience of MNCs in China

ABSTRACT

This research examines the impact of market knowledge competence (MKC) on investor transition with a focus on Chinese emerging customers. Investor transition refers to the role change of multinational corporations that initially select China as a sourcing location and later decide to market products in the host country. Based on the theory of referential information, we hypothesize that each of the three dimensions of MKC influences the level of investor transition. An empirical study among a sample of multinational corporations in China confirms the anticipated relationships. The findings also reveal that two contextual factors, perceived value inclination and cognitive reframing mindset, facilitate the processes of MKC.     

Eastern and Central Europe

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research is to help explain the impact of cultural variables on privatization and market entry strategies in several of the transition economies of Central Europe. The geographic area focus is on the former East Germany, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The cultural legacy of communism involves the need to fundamentally change core values. Democratic capitalism requires a cultural re-orientation. The authors seek to examine the implications of cultural impediments and opportunities and to show how successful strategic management seeks to function in a dramatic value transition. Finally, the analysis underlines how each country as well as individual management teams have made progress under the new circumstances.     

The Impact of a Centralised Organisational Structure on Marketing Standardisation Strategy and Performance: The Experience of Price,Place and Management Processes

ABSTRACT

Prior findings on promotion and product structure are more conclusive than those related to pricing, place and management processes. Further research effort is required regarding these three elements. This study is mainly designed to fill this research gap. Unlike prior studies, most of the firms examined here were small-to-medium sized manufacturing firms. The outcomes of this study revealed that both the price and place decision structures had a significant impact on the selection of standardisation. Consistent with other studies, the interaction of the place and management process structures and a number of other factors were also significantly related to the decision of place and management processes standardisation. The joint influence of the price, place and management processes structure, and internal and external factors, were associated with firms' performance. This study had added a significant amount of new information to the research concerning price, place and management processes in the areas of organisational structure, standardisation and performance.     

Sectoral Analysis of Corporate Capital Structure Choice–Emerging Market Evidence from Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT

This paper empirically investigates the overall corporate capital structure of the Sri Lankan-listed companies, the determinants in general and the inter-industry differences in particular. The impact of ten determinants has been analyzed cross-sectionally, both for the market as a whole and for each individual industry, to observe any sectoral differences. Though the long-term debt utilization is relatively low in the financial structure of Sri Lankan firms, the variables of capital structure choice are not significantly different from those located in developed markets signaling a positive move towards a market-driven economy. Yet, variations could be seen across industry classes to some extent in terms of their capital structure decisions, confirming the evidences of literature.     

Financial fraud,scandals, and regulation: A conceptual framework and literature review

Abstract

This perspectives article surveys publications in business history and constructs a conceptual framework for researching fraud and other dubious financial practices, their determinants and their consequences. The prevalence and nature of the practices studied are mainly determined by individual traits, firm governance and control, the economic environment, and regulation. Contemporaries make sense of dubious practices by constructing narratives, possibly framing them as scandals, which are likely to lead to attempts at regulatory change. It is primarily the socio-economic impact of dubious practices that determines whether regulation becomes fundamentally stricter. Existing agendas for reform strongly influence the substance of regulatory responses.     

The Impact of Integration and Responsiveness on MNC Subsidiaries’ Market Orientation

ABSTRACT

In this study, the author explored the impact of integration and local responsiveness on the market orientation of multinational corporations’ foreign subsidiaries. An investigation of a sample of 250 foreign subsidiaries in the United Kingdom revealed different effects of integration and local responsiveness on market orientation. In specific, integration directly impacts the development of market orientation of multinational corporations’ subsidiaries, whereas responsiveness effects on market orientation are mainly indirect through first affecting the top management emphasis and then the use of market-based reward systems at subsidiaries. Managerial and research implications are discussed.     

Corporate image,loyalty, and commitment in the consumer travel industry

Abstract

This article examines the impact and interrelationship of corporate image, satisfaction, and commitment on customer loyalty in the travel industry. A corporate image–commitment–loyalty model was developed and tested. Partial least squares (PLS) was used to test the direct and indirect linkages between the four variables, and an alternative model was proposed. The tourism and travel industry is highly price sensitive and competitive with low levels of customer loyalty. Customer loyalty is a valuable asset in highly competitive markets, and understanding factors affecting customer loyalty is important to travel agencies who are seeking ways to maintain a strong customer base. The results of a mail survey conducted in New Zealand indicate that corporate image has a positive significant influence on customer commitment and customer satisfaction. Affective commitment is the focal point in the relationship and contributed most in predicting customer loyalty. The influence of customer satisfaction, on the other hand, contributed a much smaller effect. The key implications for travel agencies are build strong emotional bonds with customers and improve corporate image through trust and service delivery.     

Exchange rates and US direct investment into Latin America

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze separately the determinants of maritime transport and road transport costs for Spanish exports to Poland and Turkey (markets for which maritime and road transport are competing modes) and investigate the different effects of these costs on international trade. First, we investigate the extent to which maritime and road transport costs depend on different factors such as unit values, distances, transport conditions, service structures, and service quality. Second, we analyze the relative importance of road and maritime transport costs in comparison with distance measures as determinants of trade flows. The main results of this investigation indicate that real distance is not a good proxy for transportation costs and identify the central variables influencing road and maritime transportation costs: for both modes, transport conditions are strong determinants, whereas efficiency and service quality are more important for maritime transport costs, and geographical distance is more important for road transport. Road and maritime transport costs are central explanatory factors of exports and they seem to deter trade to a greater extent than road or maritime transit time when endogeneity is considered.     

Does the Privatization of State Companies Improve Their Performance? Evidence from the Brazilian Case

Abstract

In this study, a number of economic-financial indicators were compared for 59 Brazilian state companies during the years of 1990 to 1997 before and after they were privatized. of these, 43 were federal companies and the rest were from various states. Thirty represented sales of control and the remaining were sales of minority positions in the companies. The tests performed confirmed the results of earlier empirical studies. The companies became more efficient and profitable after the privatization with the best performance concentrated in the subgroups where control was divested which is consistent with the idea that privatization improves the incentives for workers and administrators of the organization.