Theories of the (state-owned) firm

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) contribute approximately 10% of the world’s GDP. SOEs at one time were predicted to disappear from the economic landscape of the world, but today SOEs are growing more prevalent in the world economy. The current theories of the firm that form the pillars of the management discipline largely ignore the theoretical differences that SOEs introduce into the conceptualization of the firm. Therefore, we extend four core theories of the firm by incorporating SOEs as a mainstream (not special or marginal) organizational form into these theories. We focus specifically on property rights theory, transaction cost theory, agency theory, and resource-based theory, culminating in a research agenda with 12 testable propositions.     

Education for leisure: a suggested approach for schools

This paper examines the notion of education for leisure in schools. The present move towards a liberalization of school curricula affords an opportunity for leisure education to occupy a significant role in schools. Although evidence is sparse, it would seem that most schools spurn this opportunity and simply offer pupils simulated ‘taster’ experiences. Thus, it is argued that schools might focus more upon ‘education’ with regard to leisure and a framework is suggested within which such an education could take place.     

艺术与创意科技基金会!——人类的未来是可持续的

我既不是一座孤岛,也没有被困在岛上。我是CIA——集体智能局(Collective Intelligence Agency)的一员,最新的网络环境版本已经到来。我一直企盼未来,鄙视恐惧的状态。     

IMC–performance relationship: further insight and evidence from the Australian marketplace

As markets become increasingly competitive and the associated brand-related marketing communications activity more frenetic, the need to understand how to gain better outcomes from marketing communications efforts is paramount, especially in terms of creating and leveraging market-based assets. This paper presents the results of research into the relationship between the management of marketing communications, from an integrated marketing communications (IMC) perspective, and brand-related performance in smaller and medium-sized service and consumer goods firms. The paper employs the mini-communications management audit devised by Duncan and Moriarty (1997) as a mechanism for examining key IMC issues. Analysis is presented on differences between high-, medium- and low-performing firms. The analysis suggests that firms with higher levels of integration in the management of marketing communications also have higher levels of brand-related performance.     

The strategic use of corporate insurance in China

We use the agency theory to conduct a novel test of the strategic use of property insurance in China's corporate sector. With regard to our main test hypotheses, we find that the incidence of property insurance purchased is directly related to the degree of product–market competitiveness, and positively related to market liquidity and firms’ growth opportunities. However, the homogeneity of market operations is not statistically significant. In our second-stage Cragg regression, market liquidity becomes insignificant while firms’ growth opportunities are now inversely related to the amount of insurance purchased. Additionally, the homogeneity of market operations becomes significantly related to the corporate purchase of property insurance. Therefore, different factors (e.g. cost considerations) may influence the decisions to purchase property insurance and subsequently, the level of coverage provided. We argue that our results are relevant for companies in other emerging markets such as Eastern Europe and companies operating in more developed Western economies such as the European Union (EU).     

Computer Aided Learning (CAL) and its impact on the performance of non-specialist accounting undergraduates

This study examines the factors affecting students' performance on an introductory UK undergraduate financial accounting course and changes in students' attitudes and perceptions towards Computer Aided Learning (CAL) and accounting. It differs from previous research in that non-specialist accounting students taught using CAL are studied here. Questionnaire data was collected at the beginning and end of the module and is statistically analysed. Multiple regression analysis on student performance shows that age and attitude towards accounting are significant influences, but that attitude towards CAL and students' entry qualifications are not. Students' perceptions of CAL appear to be affected negatively by its use. The study shows that students are significantly more likely to perceive CAL as easy to use, but significantly less likely to view it as flexible, helpful or useful in improving computer literacy. Students' perceptions of accounting as a subject are also negatively affected. They are shown to be significantly less likely to choose to study accounting and significantly more likely to view accounting as a boring subject, following the completion of a CAL course. The negative impact on students' perceptions and attitudes towards CAL and accounting has implications for extending the use of CAL in order to efficiently redirect limited staff resources. However, given that there is no significant effect on performance this may warrant further consideration by higher education institutions.     

Self-Efficacy and Stereotyping in Advertising: Should Consumers Want a Change?

Sex-role stereotyping in advertising has been a controversial issue in the past decade. While studies have shown a disproportionate use of males in authority roles, little research has been done to examine the effects on consumers' self-efficacies. Results from this research indicate that, contrary to expectations, females had higher confidence in their purchase decisions after viewing stereotypical television advertisements. Social implications for advertisers and marketers are discussed.     

Hospitality entrepreneurs managing quality of life and business growth

The hospitality industry is dominated by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).They are often led by entrepreneurs who face the challenge of simultaneously managing business decisions and their own wellbeing. The competitiveness of tourism destinations often depends on these entrepreneurs and therefore understanding their motivations and work patterns is critical. Research on individual wellbeing increasingly builds on the concept of quality of life (QoL). Hospitality and tourism literature so far predominantly focused on investigating QoL for tourists and residents, rather than for entrepreneurs’ QoL, even though being key stakeholders in the hospitality industry. Therefore, this study explores the factors influencing hospitality entrepreneurs’ quality of life (“HE-QoL”) and how these relate to business growth. Results of a 380 hospitality entrepreneurs’ survey identify six distinct factors of HE-QoL. Two groups of HE-QoL are identified with significant differences in fitness level activity, entrepreneurial competencies and business growth. Findings lead to recommendations to reduce stress to improve HE-QoL, and to develop entrepreneurial competencies, which help to cope with entrepreneurial challenges. Tourism destinations and politics can support hospitality entrepreneurs in these actions by creating conditions that foster social exchange in regional communities and trust in political and economic stability.