Group Decision and Negotiation in Strategy Making

For a large number of organisations effective delivery of strategy depends upon the psychological and emotional commitment of the Top Management Team (TMT) thus involving group negotiation and decision making. Computer based group support promoting open debate and developing commitment is therefore important and illustrated through examples from the presenter's large number of strategic interventions.     

Can message framings influence air passengers’ perceived credibility of aviation voluntary carbon offsetting messages?

Abstract

Past literature has identified low purchase rates of aviation voluntary carbon offsetting (VCO) schemes. A lack of credibility of such schemes has been identified as a key obstacle, yet little attention has been given on how to enhance perceived credibility. Using communication theory, this study examines effects of message framing on consumers’ perceived credibility of aviation VCO messages. Data were drawn from a representative sample of 1680 Australians. The results revealed that spatial distance framing influences air passengers’ perceived credibility of aviation VCO messages. Messages focusing on the influence of VCO programs on the environment of a local community obtain higher perceived credibility than those located in other countries. The study also found the interaction of spatial and temporal distance framing effects were different based on consumers’ past purchase experience. The findings suggest how airlines should design messages and refine them based on consumers’ past experience of aviation VCOs.     

Simulating economic values of a genetic improvement program for Australian farmed saltwater crocodiles*

In genetic improvement programs, candidates for breeders are ranked by the profitability of their offspring, expressed as a weighted sum of the genetic gain from selection. In this paper, we estimate the economic values of a genetic improvement program for Australian farmed saltwater crocodiles. A bioeconomic profit function for a representative breeding pair is used to determine the optimal slaughter age following genetic improvement in each selection objective. The results indicate that estimated farm profitability increases by nearly $A111 for a 1‐week reduction in juvenile slaughter age, $A78 for a 1 per cent increase in the proportion of first‐grade skins produced, and $A33 for an increase in the number of viable hatchlings per clutch. The implications of the analysis for the Australian crocodile industry and the limitations of the research are explored.     

Strategies for regional development

Alden, J. and Boland, P. (eds.) 1996: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES: A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Ltd, £16.95 paper.

Report of the Regional Policy Commission, 1996: RENEWING THE REGIONS: STRATEGIES FOR REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Sheffield Hallam University, £9.99 paper.     

Two Economic Applications of Sympathy

The notion of sympathy is analyzed in the setting of coordinationbetween duopolists and in the setting of the sale of a usedcar of possibly low quality. In both cases, the analysis suggestsa number of empirical regularities concerning the effects ofsocial interaction, physical distance, and psychological affinity.These regularities are confirmed by various historical accountsof collusion and by national survey results on used car purchases.     

Co-creating value for luxury brands

The global market for luxury brands has witnessed dramatic growth over the last two decades but the current challenging economic environment contributes to the difficulty brand owners experience in ensuring that customers perceive sufficient value in their luxury brands to compensate for the high prices. According to recent service-oriented research, customers and suppliers co-create value as a result of a shift from a firm- and product-centric view of value creation to one that focuses on personalized brand experiences. In this paper, the authors develop a theoretical framework of types of value for luxury brands, and use case study research to identify processes of value creation in this particular setting. The findings highlight the variety of interactions taking place between luxury brand owners, their customers and members of their respective networks, which help to differentiate luxury brands and co-create a superior value proposition.