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Hodosi, Georg. "Information Technology Outsourcing in Large Companies in Sweden : A Perspective on Risks, Relationships and Success Factors." Doctoral thesis, Stockholms universitet, Institutionen för data- och systemvetenskap, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-141707.
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This thesis investigates large private companies in Sweden that have outsourced their information technology (IT). A considerable proportion of IT outsourcing (ITO) is unsuccessful. For IT service buyers, this could cause IT that does not fully work, entailing problems with the network, application, infrastructure and security, with serious consequences such as a loss of customers’ confidence and significantly increased costs. Therefore, the main research goal was to analyse and define ways to improve ITO for buyer organizations. This main research goal was accomplished through three research goals that are the followings: 1) To develop a method for risk assessment in IT outsourcing; 2) To identify the important factors in IT outsourcing relationship; and 3) To identify the success factors in IT outsourcing. The research strategies applied in conducting this research were design science research and survey research. To achieve the first research goal, a method was developed for assessing the ITO risks, including support for mitigating these risks. This method could help both researchers and practitioners in estimating the ITO risks and in this way improve ITO. An application based on the developed method was used to facilitate the testing of this method by several ITO decision makers in large companies concerning its usability, correctness and functionality. Moreover, a study was performed to explore ITO decision makers’ acceptance of the developed method and their use of it for assessing the ITO risks. The second research goal investigated how to improve service buyers’ ITO relationship with their providers. A well-working ITO relationship is a critical determinant of successful ITO and is relevant to the whole ITO life cycle. This research goal was achieved by identifying and analysing the most important factors in ITO relationships, including a prioritized list of those factors that are highly recommended for use in creating and maintaining a good ITO relationship. The third research goal examined how to improve ITO by identifying and prioritizing the success factors (SFs) in ITO. This research identified the ITO SFs in large companies and provided a prioritized list of them to be applied in these companies with a description of the value that they could create from implementation during the ITO life cycle. Moreover, the SFs identified in large companies were compared with those identified in medium-sized companies, which could give an indication to the researchers in this field that company size matters in regard to the implementation order of the identified SFs. In summary, the research presented in this thesis contributes with: 1) a method for assessing the risks of outsourcing IT and, in the case that IT has been outsourced, suggested ways to mitigate them; 2) the important factors that could improve ITO relationships and 3) a prioritized list of success factors that could improve IT outsourcing.Denna avhandling undersöker stora privata företag i Sverige som har outsourcat sin IT verksamhet. Som vi uppmärksammade har en stor del av IT-outsourcingen (ITO) misslyckats. För köparen av IT-tjänsten kan det leda till bristande IT funktionalitet med allvarliga konsekvenser som i värsta fall leder till förlorade kunder och betydande kostnadsökningar. Därför är det övergripande forskningsmålet är att analysera och fastställa hur ITO:n för köparen av IT tjänsten kan förbättras. För att lösa det övergripande forskningsmålet forskningen undersökte: 1) Utvecklingen av en metod för att bedöma riskerna med IT-outsourcing; 2) Identifiering av de viktiga faktorerna inom IT-outsourcingsrelationer; och 3) Identifiering av en lista över framgångsfaktorer i IT-outsourcing. De använda forskningsstrategierna för att genomföra forskningen var ”design science research" och kartläggning. För att uppnå först huvudforskningsmålet, har en metod tagits fram för att bedöma riskerna och vägleda hur man kan minska dem. Den här metoden kan hjälpa både forskare och de som utövar IT-outsourcing med att bedöma ITO-riskerna och på så sätt förbättra sina IT-outsourcing. En programvara baserad på den metoden har utvecklats för att underlätta testningen av metoden vilket har genomförts med IT beslutsfattare på stora organisationer, beträffande användbarhet, korrekthet och funktionalitet. Dessutom har en studie utförts för att bedöma om programvaran kan accepteras av IT beslutsfattare och få reda på om de skulle använda metoden för att bedöma ITO riskerna. Det andra forskningsmålet har undersökt hur köparna av den outsourcade IT-tjänsten kan förbättra relationen med sina leverantörer. En bra ITO-relation är en avgörande faktor för en framgångsrik ITO och den är viktig för hela livscykeln. Forskningsmålet har uppnåtts genom analys för att hitta de viktigaste faktorerna ITO-relationsfaktorer, som studien rekommenderar för att skapa och underhålla en bra ITO relation. Det tredje forskningsmålet har undersökt hur ITO kan förbättras genom att identifiera och prioritera framgångsfaktorerna i ITO. Studien har identifierat framgångsfaktorerna i stora företag och tagit fram en lista med prioriterade framgångsfaktorer som bör implementeras i de undersökta företagen. Dessutom så har nyttan av dessa framgångsfaktorer beskrivits under ITO livscykeln. Dessutom har de identifierade framgångsfaktorerna från stora företag jämförts med framgångsfaktorerna som har identifierats för medelstora företag. Denna jämförelse ger en indikation till forskarna på det här området att prioriteringen av framgångsfaktorerna är beroende av företagsstorlek. Sammanfattningsvis, den beskrivna forskningen i den här uppsatsen bidrar med: 1) En metod för att bedöma risker och förslag på hur minska dessa risker; 2) En lista med de viktiga faktorerna för att förbättra ITO relationen inom IT-outsourcing och; 3) En prioriterad lista av framgångsfaktorer som kan förbättra IT outsourcing.
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Lemke, Fred. "Exploring the link between relationship quality and loyalty : gaining insights into manufacturer-supplier relationships." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/1826/3518.
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Manufacturers across industry sectors are gradually reducing their supplier base.
Consequently, suppliers need an appropriate strategy to ensure preferred supplier status. It is
argued, that `softer'
- or more intangible
- relationship factors potentially have the power to
distinguish suppliers. But what are the intangible factors? How does a customer value them?
Do they have an impact on the supplier selection process at all? Questions like these describe
an area that has become a topic of considerable debate.
Surprisingly, the relationship quality idea, although recognised as an important concept,
has hardly received any empirical attention. Therefore, the research question of the present
PhD project is stated as follows: In commercial customer-supplier relationships, what is
relationship quality (RQ) from the customer's standpoint and how does it relate to the
customer's loyalty? The researcher explored the question in three German industry sectors:
1) Engineering, 2) Electronics, and 3) Process.
Studies concerned with softer aspects of business-to-business relationships as well as
research dealing with supplier selection processes are typically based on preconceived views.
Condensing the understanding of relationship quality to a narrow and ambiguous definition,
however, would simplify a complex issue. This thesis represents the first study that has
explored in-depth the relationship quality concept and its influence on the customer's loyalty.
The research comprised three stages. The first stage was a telephone survey of German
managers involved in supplier management. The aim was to explore key issues of supplier
management such as determining the way suppliers are selected and capturing views on
supplier relationships.
The second stage was concerned with the exploration of the quality of supplier
relationships in detail and the case study approach was the chosen research strategy. The
researcher conducted plant visits that included analysis of company documents and in-depth
interviews. These were guided by the repertory grid technique. It was found that
manufacturers rely on three tangible measures alone when selecting suppliers - price, product
quality, and delivery performance. Furthermore, manufacturers have a clear view as to what
high-quality supplier relationships are made of.
The third stage determined the link between the quality of relationships and the
manufacturer's loyalty. The researcher employed an experimental research strategy in the
form of a conjoint analysis. Participants evaluated suppliers based on the three tangible and a
selection of intangible relationship quality criteria. The study uncovered to what extent the
softer relationship quality factors come (unconsciously) into play in the process of selecting
long-term supplier relationships.
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Stafford, Michael, Emelie Domeij, and Patrick McGonagle. "Business Relationship Management : An In-depth study into the Business Relationships of the Construction Industry." Thesis, Internationella Handelshögskolan, Högskolan i Jönköping, IHH, Företagsekonomi, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-16007.
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This paper is an in-depth study of business relationships in the Swedish construction industry and how e-commerce applications have affected the matter. E-commerce applications are being used by all types of industries, while the construction industry lags behind and is currently in the process of implementing such type of systems. Primary data was obtained through four in-depth interviews, three of which were conducted with leading Swedish construction companies, and one with a large supplier to the industry. The data obtained was analyzed using a series of academic tools such as currnet peer reviewed articles and models covering the topics of business relationships as well as e-commerce applications. Most importantly, the research revealed that communication on levels that affect business relationships has not decreased substantially wit hthe implementation of e-commerce applications. Secondly, an important aspect and prerequisite for a business relationship is the price of goods traded and geographic positioning. This may be an industry specific finding, due to both factors' high impact on total cost. Accordingly, the paper provides a model using the obtained data, as the current academic literature weighs aspects which suppoert the forming of business relationships differently.
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Casey, David Matthew. "The relationship between parental intervention into sibling conflict and the quality of children's sibling relationships." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 1997. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/1436.
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Wilson, Julie Ann. "Peering into the black box of dyadic relationships : a model to describe Dyadic Relationship Quality (DRQ) development." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2015. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/10041/.
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This thesis addresses the research question of how trust and relational leadership interact; it offers a model to describe how the quality of leader-follower relationships develops and explains how context impacts on these relations. There is a large body of scholarly research focused on leadership and leading, and millions of dollars and pounds are spent each year in attempting to understand and improve the practice of leading in the workplace (Day & Antonakis 2012). A growing body of thought suggests that rather than focusing on leaders, the focus should be on relationships within organizations as they “are central to social and organizational life” (Uhl-Bien, Maslyn and Ospina, 2012:291). An essential part of leader-follower relationships is trust (e.g. from Blau in 1964 to Bligh & Kohles in 2013). It is the ability of trust to support a relationship when “uncertainty, vulnerability, the stakes and relational interdependence are all high” (Li, 2012:102) which makes its inclusion essential in any attempt to describe dyadic relationship quality. In order to understand relationships, however, we also need to understand the environment in which they occur, the context in which they are embedded. Empirical work for this thesis was carried out through qualitative research and mixed methods of analysis. Sixty semi-structured interviews were conducted in a longitudinal study of twelve leader-follower relationships. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were used to develop a model that describes leader-follower relationship development and accounts for contextual influences on the dyad. This model also suggests a definition for Dyadic Relationship Quality (DRQ) and descriptors for differentiating between high and low quality relations in the workplace. The DRQ model offers an academic framework with which to better understand workplace relations, which could support practitioners through improved collaboration and organizational outcomes as well as being used to enhance leadership training and development.
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Nicholson, John D. "An inductive investigation into relationships between geographically co-located actors : the contribution of relationship marketing to regional competitiveness." Thesis, University of Hull, 2010. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:2486.
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This thesis is grounded in the discipline of marketing and draws, substantively, on literature from within the regarded sub-discipline of relationship marketing. However, the literature drawn upon is firmly interdisciplinary, drawing heavily on theories from economic geography. The crucial construct drawn from this outwith literature is that of geographic co- location, the phenomenon of geographic proximity between businesses and other organisations. This thesis isolates and defines two modes of regional marketing activity, a defensive and an offensive variant. It is to the defensive variant that this thesis makes contributions by proposing a macro theory of relevant marketing geography, a regional relationship lifecycle that examines the notion of loyalty to a region and a competence-based view of regional relationship marketing activity between co-located actors. The conclusions and models presented here mark the first thesis in the discipline of marketing examining the contribution of the marketing discipline to regional competitiveness. The thesis also deploys a novel methodology within the marketing discipline to understand the research phenomena in time and space, and in terms of agency and structure. The methodology developed for, and deployed in, this thesis is based on Anthony Giddens' theory of structuration.
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Richardson, Alannah Victoria. "Turning transactions into relationships : metrics for usability and the dyadic customer-brand relationship in the financial services sector." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/14275.
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As technologies become more complex and permeate society’s day-to-day cultural interactions, the need grows for practical metrics to assess how the usability of distribution channels, in for example the financial services sector, shapes the customer’s perception of the brands that they deal with. These perceptions can be formed via direct user interaction between the customer and the user interface, or via user interaction with support systems, such as the contact centre, that are in place for staff to communicate with customers. The research presented here presents a justification for turning transactions into relationships, with specific reference to the financial services sector, by proposing practical metrics for usability and the dyadic customer-brand relationship based on empirical investigation. This thesis seeks to bridge the gap between relevant yet disparate disciplines of psychology, marketing and usability engineering. The intention is to investigate how customer perceptions of the brand of a financial services enterprise can be measured and interpreted. The thesis presents, for the first time how the customer-brand relationship can be affected by channel usability and the customer’s perception of the brand based on their interactions with different distribution channels or person-to-person interactions. The contribution to knowledge in this thesis is represented by the formulation of a reliable and valid metric for brand personality assessment. The experiment results included here show how the metric has been successfully designed and implemented with specific relevance to the financial services sector.
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Faerber, Anna. "Top leaders’ relationships and their destructive results : A look into the relationship between top U.S.political leaders and business leaders." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för organisation och entreprenörskap (OE), 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-26135.
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It has been a lot of talking about who’s president’s fault has been for the crisis that Started in the United States and how it spread around the world. Is it really a specific group of people’s fault? Our leaders’ responsibility to prevent all this? Or is it all of our fault for living in the illusions leaders created for us in order to keep being elected? I am not here to point fingers but, rather, analyzing what has happened by researching legislations that passed and did not pass, and who lobbied and why they lobbied on specific legislations that could have made a difference in the economic situation but were never given the chance. The research are mainly on the years right before the 2007- 2008 recession and specifically from 2004 to 2006. I conclude with analyzing the types of leadership styles that I feel have influenced the current situation and what is the follower’s responsibility in letting it happen, why, and how they could change the situation.
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Vincent, Kellie Victoria. "An investigation into consumer-brand relationships." Thesis, Open University, 2002. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.395249.
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Vaillancourt, Kourtney Ty. "Reconstructing the Meaning of Fidelity: A Qualitative Inquiry into Swinging Relationships." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/26934.
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This dissertation used qualitative methods to gain a richer understanding of the dynamics of swinging relationships. Swinging was defined at the onset of the study as sexual activities that married couples engage in with people other than their spouse. Fourteen people (seven couples) volunteered and were interviewed to gain information about what meaning they assign to their sexual practices, and how they experienced intimacy and power in their relationships. Also included was a distinction between the secrecy and privacy practiced by swingers. Symbolic interactionism and social constructionism provide the theoretical frameworks the study. Computer mediated communication was used to conduct the interviews. Analysis of the data revealed three themes: swinging is only for committed couples, the reinforcement of heteronormative ideals, and a reconstruction of the meaning of fidelity.Ph. D.
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Saner, Beth. "Presence a journey into relationship /." Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN), 1999. http://www.tren.com.
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Thesis (M.A.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 1999.Vita. Includes description of journey of group of American Franciscan Third Order sisters to Bavaria, Germany, June, 1998, celebrating the jubilee of their foundation. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [100]-105).
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McCubbins, Jennifer Lynn. "Transition into Kindergarten: A Collaboration of Family and Educational Perspectives." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/9894.
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In recent years, research has focused on children's transitions from preschool into kindergarten. Parents, teachers, and schools recognize the importance of the transition from preschool into kindergarten and its possible influence on children's adjustment and long term school success. However, as the philosophies and policies of kindergarten have emerged and evolved, so have the views of parents and teachers regarding children entering kindergarten. Research shows parents and teachers have conflicting views regarding the expectations for children in kindergarten. While the quality of a child's transition to kindergarten is an individual experience, there are some universal factors of influence in any transition. These factors include communication among teachers and parents and establishment of relationships among the three protagonists: child, parent, and teacher. Throughout this thesis, I present data that examines the expectations and concerns for the children entering kindergarten from a parent and educational perspective. I also provide transition activities practiced in the home and school environment. The most important aspect of the transition process involves focusing on the relationships between child and teacher, parents and teacher, child and peers, and child and parent. I include parent and educational perspectives of these relationships and relate how these relationships enhance children's transition into kindergarten.Master of Science
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Cobley, Ronald S. "A comparative investigation into the issues affecting IT directors in UK higher education." Thesis, Brunel University, 2001. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.340729.
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Barretto, Maria Isabel Franco. "Estudo da gestão do relacionamento do cliente - CRM (Customer Relationship Management) e proposta de soluções para uma empresa do setor sucroalcooleiro." Universidade de São Paulo, 2004. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/18/18140/tde-31072017-114817/.
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Nos últimos anos, as organizações enfrentam um mercado com alta competitividade e, obrigatoriamente, buscam vantagem competitiva. Diante desse cenário, o foco no cliente é apontado como solução para o alcance da vantagem competitiva sustentável. E, conseqüentemente, a filosofia do marketing Itol é inserida nesse contexto. Paralelamente, o grande desenvolvimento da tecnologia de informação aparece como uma variável ímpar nesse cenário, agravando a concorrência no mercado e, simultaneamente, viabilizando a filosofia do marketing Itol. Desse modo, surge o CRM (Customer Relationship Management) como estratégia de negócio. Este trabalho, baseado na pesquisa bibliográfica e no estudo de caso exploratório, propõe um conjunto de soluções de CRM para uma empresa do setor sucroalcooleiro. Ao longo desse estudo, procurou-se analisar os principais conceitos, ferramentas, condições propícias e obstáculos inseridos nesse assunto e, sobretudo, identificá-los e contextualizá-los na realidade empresarial pesquisada. Sendo assim, após esse estudo de caso, conclui-se que a concepção do CRM precisa ser uma necessidade organizacional e coerente com o respectivo contexto. Entretanto, percebe-se a pertinência das principais condições propícias e dificuldades para a implantação do CRM, que foram observadas e discutidas no decorrer da revisão bibliográfica. Finalmente, ressaltam-se a individualidade organizacional e a peculiaridade do respectivo mercado de atuação. Portanto, pode-se afirmara necessidade de personalizar cada estratégia de CRM.In recent years, the organizations have being faced a very competitive marketplace and they must seek for a competitive advantage. According to the scenery, the focus on clients is pointed out as the solution to reach a sustainable competitive advantage. Consequently, the conception of the marketing one to one appears in this context. Moreover, the huge development of the information technology represents an important factor, which aggravates the competition in the marketplace and, at the same time, it enables the conception of the marketing one to one. In this case, the CRM (customer relationship management) surges as a business strategy. This dissertation, which is based on the bibliographic research and the case study, proposes a set of solutions of CRM for a company of the sugar alcohol industry. During this study, some aspects were analyzed such as main concepts, tools, good conditions and obstacles inside of this subject and, especially, defining them in the reality of this researched organization. To make a summary, after this study, it is possible to conclude that the conception of CRM should be a company necessity and coherent with its context. However, it is also possible to realize the relevance of the major suitable conditions and the difficulties to set up of the CRM, which were discussed in the bibliographic review. Finally, it must emphasize the organizational individuality and the peculiarity of the respective market. Therefore, it confirms the needof personalizing each strategy of CRM.
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Rowe, Kathleen N. "An investigation into the concept of collaboration and the congruency of theory and practice within a voluntary organisation and within collaborative partnerships." Thesis, University of the West of England, Bristol, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.274681.
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Ganho, Andreia Filipa Neves. "A influência da IoT no desenvolvimento de relacionamentos empresariais." Master's thesis, Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/16794.
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Mestrado em MarketingExiste uma crescente necessidade diária de utilização de tecnologias avançadas de informação e comunicação na atividade de qualquer empresa. A Internet of Things (IoT) está a alterar a forma como as empresas interagem e efetuam os seus negócios. Com aplicação da IoT no âmbito empresarial, o interesse recai sobre a sua influência nos relacionamentos B2B. A presente investigação pretende averiguar a influência da utilização de smart items nesses processos de interação, bem como perceber quais os resultados na confiança das relações empresariais. É adotada uma metodologia qualitativa, de caráter exploratório, com uma estratégia de estudo de caso, envolvendo duas empresas ligadas ao setor da construção e obras públicas. A recolha dos dados foi realizada com recurso a entrevistas em profundidade semiestruturadas junto de colaboradores, com funções no departamento comercial e no departamento de peças da empresa cliente, na qual o fornecedor implementou a solução de IoT. Das conclusões retiradas é possível verificar que a IoT pode assumir um papel preponderante para a sustentabilidade dos relacionamentos empresariais. Com a implementação de uma solução de IoT a relevância dada a cada processo de interação pode variar consoante a cultura organizacional e a posição que cada empresa assume na díade. Por outro lado, a confiança revelou-se um fator importante para a boa aceitação da adaptação realizada pelo cliente. A investigação permitiu ainda compreender que a qualidade e abrangência da informação rapidamente disponível, bem como as ações tomadas pelo parceiro de negócio, influenciaram na credibilidade e segurança do comportamento futuro desse parceiro.
There is a growing need for daily use of advanced information and communication technologies in any business. Internet of Things is changing the way companies interact and do business. With application of IoT in the business sphere, the interest lies in its influence on B2B relationships. This investigation intends to determine the importance of the use of smart items in these processes of interaction, as well as to perceive the results in the trust of the business relations. It adopts a qualitative methodology, exploratory, with a case study strategy, between two companies involved in the construction and public works sector. Data collection was carried out using in-depth semi-structured interviews with employees, with functions in the sales and in the spare parts departments of the client where the IoT solution was implemented. From the conclusions drawn, it is possible to verify that IoT can assume a preponderant role for the sustainability of the business relationships. With the implementation of an IoT solution the relevance given to each interaction process may vary depending on the organizational culture and the position each company takes on the dyad. On the other hand, trust has proved to be an important factor for the good acceptance of the adaptation made by the client. The research also made it possible to understand the quality and comprehensiveness of the rapidly available information, as well as the actions taken by the business partner, influenced the credibility and security of this partner's future behavior.
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Holmqvist, Anna, Michael Nørkjær, and Björn Ullmark. "The Art of Turning Relationships into Competitive Advantages : Managing direct customer relationships in China." Thesis, University of Kalmar, Baltic Business School, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hik:diva-2101.
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Many firms are today established in China via intermediaries, such as distributors or agents. However this establishment is not valuable in a long-term perspective if the industry environment offers a possible higher return on investment by establishing on its own. Furthermore, when a firm establishes more committed in a foreign market, it gain control over the marketing activities and the sales channel. When entering new markets, problems occur in cases of cultural barriers, institutional distances and lack of contact with the customers within the market. The focus of this master thesis is the establishment of relationships in order to achieve competitive advantages through enhanced understanding of market specific factors and the adaptation towards the market.
The thesis is initiated by our interest for firms expanding in international markets. We have recognized the importance of the relationship establishment when entering China. Based upon the identified problem we build a theoretical framework and apply the empirical findings from our case company Dako A/S, which are about to establish in the Chinese market with more commitment.
We have for this master thesis collected data from our case company. We have, via semi-structured interviews, conducted the material within the division for the establishment in China. The purpose of the thesis is to introduce findings that will help Western firms to enhance their understanding of the importance of establishing, developing and maintaining customer relationships in China in order to gain a competitive advantage. The central phases of the thesis, is our theoretical framework, the findings from the case company and the establishment of competitive advantages through relationship and choosing the right entry mode.
Throughout our research and our seeking towards answering the above purpose we can draw the following main conclusion; it is crucial for a foreign firm to develop its capabilities in order to establish a competitive advantage. The organizational capabilities have to be addressed the market specific knowledge and the feedback towards the organization in order to exploit the competitive advantages. We summarize the findings in a conclusion, which can be applied for Western firms in different industries, in order to establish competitive advantages in China. Finally, we provide recommendations to our case company and their establishment in China, within the research area of this thesis.
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Gameson, R. N. "An investigation into the interaction between potential building clients and construction professionals." Thesis, University of Reading, 1992. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.332820.
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Knutzen, Mark D. "A Phenomenological Inquiry Into the Client Experience of the Psychotherapy Relationship." Antioch University / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1608325158481581.
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Mills, Frances Karen. "Restoring relationships : an investigation into the effect that behaviour approaches have on teacher-student relationships." Thesis, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10443/3046.
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A substantial research base indicates that the relationships between teachers and students significantly affect outcomes for children including emotional wellbeing, academic achievement and behaviour. As a trainee educational psychologist (EP) working in schools I have observed that some discipline procedures appear to be at odds with the development and maintenance of positive teacher-student relationships. Chapter 1: The Systematic Review - A systematic review of the literature examined the effect of disciplinary actions on students’ perceptions of their teachers, and the teacher-student relationship. Six articles fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These tended to be large scale data from international sources using questionnaire and observation measures. The systematic review identified that behaviourist discipline procedures were associated with various negative measures of teacher-student relationships. Chapter 2 : Bridging Document - The bridging document reflected the transition between the findings of the systematic review and the empirical study. Discussion was had around the need for research in the area of teacher-student relationships and teachers’ responses to student behaviour. The conceptual framework that underlined my research was described, including reflections of my axiology, ontology, epistemology and methodology. Chapter 3 : The Empirical Research - A mixed-methods case study investigated the consequence-based behaviour system of a primary school which centred upon missing playtime to dissuade unwanted behaviours. The introduction of a restorative conversation, inspired by the restorative justice movement, was explored as an alternative approach to addressing behaviour. This approach aimed to maintain or even promote teacher-student relationships. As a piece of action research, this project brought together a wide variety of information gathering approaches including: examining school data and policies, staff interviews, observations, and questionnaire measures of two interpersonal teacher behaviour factors of ‘influence’ (management / leadership) and ‘proximity’ (warmth / closeness). The research recognised that when experiencing the school’s traditional approach to behaviour students may have perceived less emotional warmth and leadership from their teachers. Nevertheless, a restorative conversation had a positive effect upon teacher-student 5 | P a g e relationships, and in doing so may have enabled better outcomes for children who have demonstrated unwanted behaviours. This research has appreciated the practice of teachers in this primary school and has contributed to the development of a behaviour approach that promotes teacher-student relationships. My contribution to the changes in this primary school indicates the role that EPs may play in addressing school policy and practice. This research concludes with a plea to establish the restoration of relationships as the primary focus of behaviour approaches within schools.
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May, John Stewart. "An investigation into marketing relationships in a London Borough." Thesis, Middlesex University, 2003. http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/6557/.
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The primary aim of the thesis was to investigate the theoretical implications of extending relationship marketing to a sector where it had not previously been applied, namely local government in England. The secondary research aim was to investigate the nature of relationships between service providers and service users in the context of a London Borough, with a view to making recommendations on appropriate marketing strategies for different local government services. The research design was based upon a review of elements of the academic literature on relationships, relationship marketing, and local government. The review led to the identification of a new way of describing marketing relationships, namely the 'model' of a relationship. Eight such models were identified in the literature and seven were used in the data collection phase of the study. An embedded case study approach was used to collect and analyse the data, with the London Borough of Barnet acting as the overall case, and three different services provided by the Borough Council serving as the embedded cases. The three services, chosen to reflect the wide range of different activities carried out by a London Borough, were Libraries, Environmental Health and Benefits. Within each of the three embedded cases there were two quantitative, self-completion surveys - one for the service providers and one for the service users. The surveys were used to obtain numerical scores for each of the seven relationship models. The study presents the relationship model scores for the six surveys and shows how they form a picture of the relationships between the providers of a particular service and the users of that service. In particular it is shown that while users do not perceive any relationship between themselves and the service providers, the providers do perceive a relationship - described by either the Taken for Granted relationship model (providers in both the Environmental Health and the Benefits services) or the Weak Ties model (Library service providers). The main finding of the study in respect of the primary research aim is that while there are no theoretical objections to extending relationship marketing into local government, in practice attempts to do so are unlikely to succeed because the service provider/service user relationships involved in the local government contexts examined in this study are typified by levels of interpersonal interaction which are too low to permit the creation and maintenance of viable relationships. The study also notes that the inappropriateness of one form of marketing does not rule out all other forms of marketing in local government, and in particular the concept of marketing Taken for Granted services is discussed in the context of the secondary research aim. One of the characteristics of this type of service is a degree of dissociation in the service user's mind between the service itself and the organisation supplying it. A set of recommended strategies for marketing this kind of service, adapted for local government from the literature of Taken for Granted marketing, is put forward. The marketing implications of the other relationship models are also briefly discussed. The limitations of this thesis are outlined in the conclusion and some avenues for future. research are suggested, including investigation of the possibility that the providers of Taken for Granted services might feel taken for granted, not just by their service users but also by their own employers.
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Bullock, Kathleen M. "Whose learning? : investigations into educational relationships in the classroom." Thesis, University of Bath, 2006. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.432406.
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Bradley, Christopher. "An Inquiry Into Relationships Between Spirituality and Language Pedagogy." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2011. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/153171.
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CITE/Language ArtsEd.D.
Some psychologists (e.g., Bergin, 1997) have contended that if individuals neglect the world of the spirit, they ignore a foundational aspect of themselves. This must especially be true for language educators, who come from all corners of the globe and thus bring into their classrooms many spiritual views. I define spirituality, following Palmer (2003) as “the eternal human yearning to be connected with something larger than our own egos” (p. 377). Spirituality need not, then, entail belief in a supernatural being or force. The main thrust of Palmer’s definition was that educators should seek to forge meaningful and lasting connections with their learners. Although such thinking is common in general education, it has been little addressed in Second Language Education (SLE). Hence, I felt that this inquiry was timely. I undertook this qualitative case study by analyzing narratives about the turning points in the spiritual journeys of nine language teachers of varying creeds (or who professed no overt spirituality), as well as their stories of how they felt that they applied their spiritual beliefs to classroom teaching. To this end, I interviewed each participant at least twice. After analyzing their interview transcript data, I triangulated the common themes emerging from these data with, where appropriate, the informants’ classroom syllabuses, lesson plans, and academic publications. I also attempted to validate the results of this study through member checking. Three participants felt that their journeys into religious pluralism had strongly influenced their efforts to teach social responsibility and challenging moral dilemmas in their classrooms. Another three held that their tribulations, as well as the resulting comfort they found in spiritual practices, helped them to be nurturing teachers who could understand clearly the pain faced by some of their young charges. Still another three, despite their divergent spiritual paths, all insisted that they sought to teach in an ethical, caring manner. Finally, most of the informants, regardless of their spiritual backgrounds or views, spoke of the importance of transformation, ethics, and connection (nurturing) to their pedagogy. I conclude the study by positing implications of the aforementioned findings for research and practice.
Temple University--Theses
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Gurevitz, Rachel. "The transitional spaces of middle childhood : an enquiry into children's everyday lives as contribution to new environmental education strategies." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.287324.
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Knight, Sarah. "Being 'heard' in the counselling relationship : an investigation into the experience of hard of hearing clients." Thesis, University of Roehampton, 2011. https://pure.roehampton.ac.uk/portal/en/studentthesis/being-heard-in-the-counselling-relationship-an-investigation-into-the-experience-of-hard-of-hearing-clients(3c8767fd-d29e-4190-ab29-bb9564635944).html.
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This qualitative study concerns the notion of being 'heard’, with a focus on the counselling relationship. The term ‘hearing’ is used as a metaphorical concept and its definition forms part of the investigation. The study initially focuses on the hard of hearing client and their position between the Deaf and hearing worlds. Hard of hearing people are viewed as an important client group whose needs are frequently overlooked. There is a review of the literature relevant to the hard of hearing individual and disability in the counselling relationship. This is followed by a broader consideration of the meaning of ‘hearing’. Included in this literature is ‘hearing’ from the perspective of developmental psychology relating to non-verbal communication, ‘hearing’ through language and ‘hearing’ the other. Following a methodological discussion, an adapted Foucauldian discourse analysis is applied to interview data from nine hard of hearing participants. The findings illustrate dominant discourses in action and also discourses of resistance. The dominant discourses suggest the power and politics involved in the counselling venture and the resistance shows the alternative subject positions the participants created and their agency in the process of being ‘heard’. Following this analysis, a discussion develops, which involves ideas around embodied and ethical 'hearing' in both the research process and within counselling. The study does not aim to provide any stability to the notion of ‘hearing’ in the counselling relationship, but contributes to the field of counselling psychology in creatively exploring the ambiguous term.
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Paley, Nicole. "Partners in grief : couples' narratives of the transition from pediatric paliative care into bereavement." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/894.
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A deep interest in how relationships, specifically romantic partnerships, cope with
and survive tragedies, guides this research. My research question was: What are the
narratives of intact bereaved couples whose children have died after receiving palliative care
for a life-limiting illness? Five couples were interviewed who had lost their children ranging
in age from 1-14 years of age. This loss occurred between 2 to 9 years previous to this study.
The purpose of this narrative research study was to better understand the ways in
which intact marital partners/couples coped together with the stress and grief involved in
having a child with a life-limiting condition and then having that child die after receiving
palliative care. A secondary aim was to bring forth their voices through their narratives as a
means to address the stigmatization and isolation often experienced by those who are
bereaved, especially those who have lost a child. This project informs professionals who are
working with couples undergoing the struggle of a child's critical illness or who are working
with bereaved couples.
Each couple's narrative account was written in story format. In addition to the rich
information gained from reading the holistic stories, 5 themes emerged through a categorical
content analysis which were: 1) the last thing you worry about are issues about us, 2)
accommodating one another's coping, 3) recognizing sources of support and limitations, 4)
two souls against the world, and 5) we have a common bond : lessons and legacy of the child.
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Kitson, Mary Elizabeth. "Relational Adjustment of Former Foster Care Youth into Emerging Adulthood." Kent State University Honors College / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1430346201.
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Reich, Jenny, and n/a. "An investigation into responses to separation prior to and following attending the "After Separation Program"." University of Canberra. Professional & Community Education, 1996. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061107.101615.
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This study was a small survey of three single parent families with ten
children who had experienced separation within the last six months. The
sample was homogenous in so far as each family had been separated for
under six months and the children were of a similar age range and each
family was mother headed. The aims of the study were to explore the
experience of separation for the adults and children by means of interviews
both before and after attending the "After Separation Program" and to find
out whether the experience of attending the Program had an effect upon
intra- familial relationships. While the study could not be said to be large
enough to be representative of all populations of single, newly separated
families in general, some common themes emerged which correspond with
other studies referred to in the literature. These include the sense of loss
children feel with the absence of a parent, the breakdown in generational
boundaries which often accompanies separation and a sense of loneliness
and isolation. From the study identifiable themes emerged and it became
clear that the group experience had made an impact. It would appear that
following attendance of the program appropriate parenting is restored with
mothers' more able to respond to the needs of the children. It was noticeable
that better access arrangements were in place for the children. There was
also an increased understanding of the feelings associated with the
separation process.
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Nott, Derek J. "A qualitative investigation into practitioner perspectives of the role of customers within the design and delivery of local government contact centre services." Thesis, University of Chester, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10034/621225.
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Local authorities have experienced significant cuts in income whilst grappling with increased demand, an aging population and welfare reform. This pressing imperative has driven local authorities to challenge their sense of self and in doing so consider the participative role that customers can and do play. This study sought to examine practitioner perspectives of customers, their role, impact and constraining and enabling factors within the design and delivery of local government contact centre services. There is limited empirical research on practitioner perspectives of the role of customers within a local government environment. There are multiple terms used to describe the concept of customer but an absence of established approaches to examine the role that customers play within socially constructed phenomenon within local government demonstrating a gap in current academic thought. Whilst the rationale for involving customers in local governance is debated, the application of theory in to practice is limited thereby further constraining the opportunity for local authorities to leverage potential benefits afforded through participative approaches to the design and delivery of contact centre services. An interpretivist stance was adopted with qualitative techniques employed within the research. Using a priori codes developed through the review of extant literature, thematic analysis of forty-four customer service strategies spanning single tier, upper tier and metropolitan local authorities was undertaken. Themes were further developed through analysis of transcripts from seventeen semistructured interviews with managers responsible for the design and delivery of local government contact centre services. This research highlighted the differing and often contradictory practitioner perceptions of the concept of customer and the role that customers play in the design and delivery of local government services. Whilst organisations espoused a desire to progress participative principles due to the potential benefits afforded through such approaches, the extent to which these were operationalised by practitioners was limited and this coupled with a perceived sense of passivity on the part of customers resulted in little or no positive impact on current service performance. As extant literature and research is limited on the role of customers within local government, this study expands current academic thought providing particular insight on the practitioner perspective. The research findings provide a robust foundation on which theorists and practitioners in particular can formulate participative strategies and associated policies thereby providing meaningful opportunities for customers to co-design and co-deliver local government services and through which potential benefits, financial and non-financial, can be realised.
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Rowe, Louise. "An investigation into the nature and role of the client-trainer relationship in exercise : applying the 3+1CS model." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2017. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/36315.
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This thesis is offered as a series of three studies which applies the 3 + 1Cs relationship model (Jowett, 2007) to the study of the trainer-client interpersonal relationship in structured health-related fitness environments. The proposition that a rewarding and enjoyable working relationship should play an essential role in developing a client s motivation for, and commitment to, exercise is intuitive. However, the conceptual basis of this relationship, along with its determinants and consequences, remains to be investigated in trainer-led exercise settings. By establishing the theoretical suitability of the 3 + 1Cs model for this context, the thesis provides a valid framework for future study of this topic. It addresses a gap in the extant research by investigating whether the trainer-client relationship is a significant social variable which has the potential to promote adaptive motivation towards exercise and psychological well-being. The first study interviewed trainer client dyads to determine how the underlying constructs of the 3 + 1Cs model were expressed in the context of their interpersonal working relationship and to evaluate the applicability of the model. The second study used the code categories generated in the first study to develop and validate a questionnaire designed to measure relationship quality in client-trainer dyads. Evaluation of the structural validity of the questionnaire was used to provide further confirmation of the relevance of the 3C + 1 relationship model to this context. The third study used this questionnaire to investigate some of the antecedents and determinants of the trainer-client relationship in a sample of exercisers. Client perceptions of the trainer s trait emotional intelligence was investigated as a relationship antecedent. The psychological consequences of the relationship were tested using Self-Determination Theory (SDT: Deci & Ryan, 2000) by examining the association of relationship perceptions with need satisfaction, intrinsic and identified motivational regulation and psychological well-being (subjective vitality). The findings of these studies support the conceptual validity of the 3Cs for the study of client-trainer relationships in health-related exercise. The validation of the 12-item Client-Trainer Relationship Questionnaire (CTR-Q) and confirmation of its structural and criterion validity endorses this conclusion. Clients perceptions of their working relationship were found to be significantly and positively related to their perceptions of their trainer s trait emotional intelligence (a relationship antecedent). Relationship quality was also significantly and positively associated with the psychological consequences of psychological need satisfaction. In turn psychological need satisfaction was significantly associated with autonomous motivational regulation and subjective vitality. In conclusion, the thesis has shown that the client-trainer relationship operates as a key social variable congruent with SDT propositions to affect clients motivation and psychological well-being. The effectiveness of this relationship can be influenced by a potentially modifiable personal characteristic of the trainer, namely trait emotional intelligence.
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Westland, Peter R. "Insights into the determinants towards building successful dyadic mentoring relationships." Thesis, Sheffield Hallam University, 2016. http://shura.shu.ac.uk/20518/.
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This thesis provides insight to dyadic mentoring relationships experienced through a mentoring programme within a Higher Education Institution, UK. The aim of the investigation is to explore what happens within mentoring relationships, how they build and whether, determinants, characteristics and traits which differentiate 'successful' and 'unsuccessful' relationships can be identified. This study is important since organisations and individuals invest time and resource into mentoring schemes and by providing insight into factors which support successful mentoring this may help to inform future mentoring scheme design and implementation. Currently there is an identified lack of in-depth empirical research in the field. The experience of eleven mentoring pairs was the focus of this research. A longitudinal study was undertaken over the period of the mentoring intervention and the participants' 'lived' experiences were elicited at four points in time to provide insight into each of the mentoring relationships. Sixty seven interviews were recorded and interpreted. Through the analysis of each case (relationship pairing) insights into the determinants that influence dyadic mentoring relationship building is presented. A conceptual framework is derived, offering new insights, new ways of thinking about how the complexities of mentoring relationship building interplay. This research labels the themes as: perspicacity, capacity, modus-operandi, ingredients. It identifies a typology and classification of mentoring relationship types, which this research labels as: progressive, flat-lining, break-down and reveals determinants which contribute to 'successful' mentoring relationships and conversely factors which inhibit development and may lead to dysfunctionality. The significance of an additional pre-mentoring phase, is highlighted, which focuses attention to the need for participants to have prior knowledge and understanding of their role and responsibility in the process of mentoring relationship building. A mentoring relationship building framework is derived, which illustrates the interrelated roles of the mentor and mentee as they build their mentoring relationships over time through the phases of the mentoring process. These contributions and insight may inform future practice and scheme implementation within organisations and provide opportunities for further research.
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Guo, Yongsheng. "The perception of value creation by relationship managers in corporate banking : insights into relationship banking." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2006. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/8041/.
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This study explores the value creation in relationship banking from the relationship managers' perspective. A grounded theory approach (Strauss and Corbin, 1998) is adopted that theory is derived from data, systematically gathered and analyzed throughout the research process. This study derives concepts and categories from primary data and identifies relationships among these theoretical elements. This study provides a comprehensive picture of relationship banking as a social phenomenon, and supplies some theoretical and managerial implications. Moreover, this study links the literature relevant to relationship banking from different disciplines. This is a new way of looking at the relationship banking phenomenon and relevant literature in an integrated manner. This study conducted research to investigate why the case banks establish long-term relationships with corporate customers? The case banks considered macro conditions including the advances in technology, financial deregulation, and business globalisation when they adopted relationship banking. The interviewees perceived that relationship banking was efficient for managing risk, effective for saving cost and necessary for cross-selling. Some intervening conditions including customer information and knowledge, customer needs and customer confidence also influence the development of relationship banking. This study investigated how the case banks establish and maintain these relationships and how they organise and motivate relationship managers? The case banks built a relationship orientated corporate culture, organised employees around customer relationships and employed customervalue based performance measurement and incentive-based reward system. The employees cooperated inside the organisation and communicated with their customers regularly, exchanged information and provided relationship transactions. This study also investigated how the case banks and corporate customers get benefits from relationship banking? The interviewees perceived that the corporate customers gained benefits including fund availability, product availability, service quality, in-time heir, and business platform. The case banks gained benefits including reduction of credit risk, increase in income, sustainable profit, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction. The findings were integrated and linked to some banking, finance, organisation and marketing literature related to relationship banking phenomenon. The case banks increased internal service quality through employee relationship management and improved employee satisfaction. The interviewees perceived that the corporate customers received benefits in the corporate banking market by customer relationship management. The increased customer satisfaction resulted in customer retention and profit to the case banks. The case banks perceived that added shareholder wealth improved shareholder satisfaction. This study concluded that the case banks, which had more relationship banking competitive advantages and better relationship banking, related processing systems were expected to outperform the competing banks.
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Hawkins, Matthew Allen. "An investigation into consumers’ relationship with their consumption activities." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Ramon Llull, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/294266.
Full textAbstract:
Retaliatory behaviors are consumer actions taken to damage a brand for its actions. Prior research has discovered that the more deeply a consumer embeds a brand’s identity into their identity the more strongly they retaliate following a brand change. Despite evidence that consumers use activities to construct their identities, retaliatory research has primarily focused on one facet of identity construction, brand possession. This research addresses this gap by investigating if the consumer-activity relationship is a predictor of intentions to engage in retaliatory behaviors following a brand change. Specifically, an experimental survey research design found that activity promotion tendencies have a significant, positive relationship on consumers’ likelihood of engaging in retaliatory behavior following a brand change. Moreover, the impact of activity promotion on retaliatory behaviors was more pronounced following a more severe disruption to a consumer’s activity-derived identity than a minor disruption. Based on these findings, specific propositions that identify the antecedents, moderators, and outcomes of consumer-activity identification are developed. The outcomes are discussed in terms of their impact on the consumers’ relationship with both the consumption activity and the brands enrolled in the consumption activity. The implications from the empirical analysis also suggest that marketing strategies are needed that place priority on facilitating consumers engagements in consumption activities. Therefore, the thesis formulates four market orientation strategies that embrace the notion that firms provide resources for consumers to enroll into their consumption activities in an effort to accommodate and support the consumer-activity relationship. Accordingly, this thesis composed of three articles empirically explores consumer-activity and consumer-brand relationships together to better understand consumer retaliatory behavior; theorizes on the impact the consumer-activity relationship has on consumer behavior; and, develops four market orientations that focus on inserting offerings into consumers’ consumption activities.Los comportamientos de represalia son las acciones que llevan a cabo los consumidores para perjudicar una marca por sus acciones. Estudios anteriores han descubierto que, cuanto más incorpora un consumidor la identidad de una marca dentro de su propia identidad, con más fuerza actuará en represalia cuando cambie de marca. Pese a las evidencias que demuestran que los consumidores utilizan sus actividades para construir sus identidades, la investigación en materia de represalias se ha centrado principalmente en una sola faceta de la construcción de la identidad, la posesión de la marca. La presente investigación viene a cubrir este vacío estudiando si la relación existente entre el consumidor y la actividad que lleva a cabo es un predictor de la intención de adoptar un comportamiento de represalia al cambiar de marca. En concreto, en el diseño de una investigación experimental a través de una encuesta, se ha observado que la tendencia a promover una actividad tiene una relación positiva significativa sobre la probabilidad de que un consumidor adopte comportamientos de represalia al cambiar de marca. Además, la incidencia de la promoción de una actividad sobre los comportamientos de represalia era más acusada si era más grave la alteración en la identidad del consumidor, derivada de dicha actividad. A partir de estas conclusiones, se han desarrollado propuestas específicas que identifican los antecedentes, los factores moderadores y los resultados de la identificación de la actividad del consumidor. Los resultados obtenidos se analizan en cuanto a su incidencia en las relaciones de los consumidores tanto con la actividad de consumo como con las marcas implicadas en dicha actividad. Las consecuencias de este análisis empírico también indican que se necesitan estrategias de marketing para dar prioridad a facilitar a los consumidores la participación en actividades de consumo. En consecuencia, esta tesis formula cuatro estrategias de orientación al mercado que engloban la idea de que las empresas proporcionan recursos a los consumidores para que se apunten a sus actividades de consumo, en un intento de ajustar y apoyar la relación entre el consumidor y la actividad. A tal efecto, la tesis, compuesta por tres artículos, estudia empíricamente las relaciones consumidor-actividad y consumidor-marca a la vez, para entender mejor los comportamientos de represalia de los consumidores; teoriza acerca de la incidencia que tiene la relación consumidor-actividad sobre el comportamiento del consumidor, y desarrolla cuatro orientaciones al mercado que consisten en introducir ofertas en las actividades de consumo de los consumidores.
Les conductes de represàlia són les accions que duen a terme els consumidors per perjudicar una marca per les seves accions. Estudis previs han descobert que, com més el consumidor incorpora la identitat d’una marca en la seva pròpia identitat, amb més virulència actuarà en represàlia quan canviï de marca. Malgrat les proves que demostren que els consumidors utilitzen les activitats per construir les seves identitats, la recerca en matèria de represàlia s’ha centrat principalment en una sola faceta de la construcció de la identitat, la possessió de la marca. Aquesta recerca ve a cobrir aquest buit estudiant si la relació que hi ha entre el consumidor i l’activitat que du a terme és un predictor de la intenció d’adoptar una conducta de represàlia en canviar de marca. Concretament, en el disseny d’una recerca experimental per enquesta, s’ha observat que la tendència a promoure una activitat té una relació positiva significativa sobre la probabilitat que un consumidor adopti comportaments de represàlia en canviar de marca. A més, la repercussió de la promoció d’una activitat sobre les conductes de represàlia és més acusada si ha estat més greu l’alteració que ha produït en la identitat del consumidor, derivada d’aquesta activitat. A partir d’aquestes conclusions, s’han desenvolupat propostes específiques que identifiquen els antecedents, els factors moderadors i els resultats de la identificació de l’activitat del consumidor. S’analitzen els resultats obtinguts pel que fa a la repercussió que tenen sobre les relacions dels consumidors tant amb l’activitat de consum com amb les marques implicades en aquesta activitat. Els resultats d’aquesta anàlisi empírica també assenyalen que calen estratègies de màrqueting per donar prioritat a facilitar que els consumidors participin en activitats de consum. Així doncs, aquesta tesi formula quatre estratègies d’orientació al mercat, que engloben la idea que les empreses proporcionin recursos als consumidors per tal que s’apuntin a les seves activitats de consum, en un intent d’ajustar i potenciar la relació entre el consumidor i l’activitat. Amb aquesta finalitat, la tesi, integrada per tres articles, estudia empíricament les relacions consumidor-activitat i consumidor-marca alhora, per tal d’entendre millor les conductes de represàlia dels consumidors; teoritza sobre la repercussió que té la relació consumidor-activitat sobre la conducta del consumidor, i desenvolupa quatre orientacions al mercat que consisteixen a introduir ofertes en les activitats de consum dels consumidors.
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Peirce, David. "Biodiesel and oxides of nitrogen : investigations into their relationship." Thesis, Brunel University, 2016. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/13736.
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Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that can be produced from a variety of lipid feedstocks. It has a number of perceived advantages over conventional petroleum diesel and as a result world production of biodiesel has increased dramatically since the turn of the century. Amongst its reported disadvantages is a widely observed increase in emissions of oxides of nitrogen, or NOx. Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon; in reality it is likely to be due to a combination of factors. The interplay of multiple factors affecting NOx emissions means that the increase in NOx when fuelling on biodiesel is not consistent or ubiquitous, but is instead dependent upon operating conditions and the specifics of the fuels being compared. The work documented in this thesis explores the nature and causes of the change in NOx emissions associated with biodiesel. The intention was that, by adjusting operating conditions, and using a wide range of fuels, doped with additives to achieve an even broader range of combustion characteristics, the impact of important variables would be made clearer, making it possible to reduce the problem to its lowest common denominators. In early experiments it was found that NOx emissions from biodiesel tended to be lower than those of petrodiesel under conditions where combustion was relatively highly premixed, but higher under more conventional diesel conditions where diffusion combustion constituted a larger proportion of heat release. The main experimental set revealed a definite increase in NOx emissions when fuelling on biodiesel, for a fixed start of combustion and equivalent degree of premixing. The addition of an oxygenate to petrodiesel elicited comparable NOx emissions to biodiesel, as a function of fuel-bound oxygen content; the data implies that the like-for-like biodiesel NOx increase may be a direct result of fuelbound oxygen. However, the like-for-like biodiesel NOx increase varies dependent upon operating conditions. In part, this may be related to higher apparent heat release rate (AHRR) through the diffusion burn phase when fuelling on biodiesel. This may result from the extended biodiesel injection duration. Across operating conditions, the extent to which smoke emissions when fuelling on petrodiesel exceeded those when fuelling on biodiesel was generally correlated with the magnitude of the biodiesel NOx increase; where the difference in smoke emissions was small, the biodiesel NOx increase was small, and where the difference in smoke emissions was more substantial, so was the difference in NOx emissions. This suggests a possible connection to changes in mixture stoichiometry. When differentiating between fuels, increased cetane number reduces NOx, and increased oxygen content increases NOx. Biodiesel does not necessarily have higher NOx emissions than petrodiesel: the biodiesel NOx increase exists where the difference in cetane number is insuffi cient to counteract the effects of fuel-bound oxygen content.
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Humber, Naomi. "An investigation into the relationship between anger and suicidality." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2012. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/an-investigation-into-the-relationship-between-anger-and-suicidality(068ee54b-c82d-4630-9fc1-b4a13fa5f0a2).html.
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Background: Paper I [literature review] Anger is reported to be an important factor in suicidality yet there is no review in this area of research. Paper II [research study] Anger and suicidality are found in exaggerated levels in the prisoner population and their association required investigation using a novel and ecologically valid methodology. Aims: Paper I [literature review] To review studies which have investigated the relationship between anger and suicidality. Paper II [research study] To examine the relationship between anger and suicicidality in a sample of male prisoners. Paper III [critical review and appraisal] To critically review and appraise Papers I and II as well as the research processes involved. Methods: Paper I systematically reviewed 48 studies of anger and suicidality over a 20-year period. Paper II conducted an ecological momentary assessment study using multi-level modelling analysis to investigate anger and suicidality in a sample of adult male prisoners. Results: Paper I found preliminary evidence for a relationship between anger and suicidality which identified that the area required more empirically rigorous investigation, particularly using novel, ecologically valid methodology. In a sample of adult male prisoners, Paper II demonstrated that anger was temporally associated with suicidal ideation and related concepts. Anger was concurrently associated with suicidal ideation, when controlling for depression and hopelessness. Conclusions: Paper I indicated the potential relationship between anger and suicidality in clinical and non-clinical populations. Paper II revealed strong evidence of an association between concurrent anger and suicidality in adult male prisoners using ecologically valid assessment methods. Paper III examined the relevance of Papers I and II, in their independent additions to the empirical literature as to the relation between anger and suicidality.
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Black, Heather Ilona. "Investigation into the relationship between blunt impacts and bruising." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2017. http://digitool.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=28762.
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Bruising is an injury commonly observed within suspect cases of assault or abuse, however their interpretation is purely visual. Although the biology of bruising is known, how a blunt impact initiates bruising and influences its severity is not understood. Furthermore, the standard method of documenting bruising with colour photography is known to have limitations which in turn influence the already subjective analysis of bruise age and severity. Following ethical approval, this research aimed to address these problems through characterisation of a standardised blunt impact which was delivered to 18 volunteers. The resulting bruise was then imaged using 3 different photography techniques (colour, cross polarised (CP) and infrared (IR)) to determine if colour photography could be improved upon, whilst colour patterns using the L*a*b* colour model were taken from both colour and CP images to determine whether a measured colour timeline could be created to aid bruise age determination. Results showed that although no photography technique held any significant advantage over any other, CP provided greater image contrast than colour photography whilst IR imaging produced a clearer image of bruising over the initial stages of bruise formation. Although a general trend was seen for the measured colour patterns, they could not be characteristically attributed to any group of people, thus no colour timeline could be produced. Impact results demonstrated a characteristic tissue response which was strongly influenced by anthropometric features. These features also appeared to influence the severity of resultant bruising observed. It was concluded that both the photography and colour pattern methods assessed may not be the most appropriate for future research, whilst the potential variability of bruise severity between individuals was successfully visualised Therefore to gain a complete understanding of bruising, a detailed approach which combines impact, tissue response and the resulting bruise appearance is required.
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Ortiz, David. "Integrating Customer Relationship Management into Cloud and Database Courses." The Ohio State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1607093461884969.
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Kang, Rui, and Li Wei. "Integration of the Social Networking Media into Relationship Marketing Strategy : an investigation of sustainable cooperation between Newman and PetroChina." Thesis, Högskolan i Gävle, Avdelningen för ekonomi, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-10675.
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Network communication technology has developed for decades. As a result, nowadays, marketers can communicate clients more effectively through the use of social network media to develop a powerful relationship marketing strategy. This dissertation compares relationship marketing strategy with existing marketing theories. Based on the comparison, the dissertation uses qualitative approaches to analyze the cooperation between Newman Co. (It is a social media service firm that helps companies with relationship marketing strategy.) and PetroChina, so as to propose a successful way to integrate the social network media into a relationship marketing strategy. Some materials are gathered from email interview with Mr. Zhao, the Manager of the Service Department from Newman Co. Moreover, the dissertation conducts a case study (It is based on interview with Mr. Peik Hua, the General Manager of Southwest Branch of PetroChina) about what benefit that PetroChina has got through using Newman's social media system (Remote video conferencing system). The purpose of this dissertation is, by analyzing those materials, to identify what social media can do for relationship marketing strategy, and how it works, so as to find out and highlight the benefits of social media networking. Meanwhile, this dissertation attempts to definite how SMEs form large clients relationship, such as Newman co., to approach large clients and gain their trust to incorporate social networking media into their relationship marketing strategy.
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Hahn, Nina. "Investigations into the vector competency of arthropods for two Ehrlichias: Ehrlichia risticii and Cowdria rumantium." Diss., Virginia Tech, 1990. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/39407.
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Three studies relating to the vector competency of several species of ticks and Simulium spp. (blackflies) for Ehrlichia risticii, causative agent of Potomac horse fever (PHF) and Amblyomma variegatum for Cowdria ruminantium, causative agent of heartwater, are described.
Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma americanum and Ixodes scapularis ticks were investigated for their ability to acquire and transmit PHF. Larval and nymphal ticks were exposed to E. risticii by feeding on mice inoculated with the organism. Molted exposed ticks were then allowed to feed on susceptible ponies or mice and were examined by light and electron microscopy. No evidence of transmission, either clinically or by seroconversion in mice or ponies was observed.
Blackflies (Simulium spp.) were trapped in an area endemic for PHF and inoculated into mice in an attempt to demonstrate I. risticii. No evidence of seroconversion by mice to E. risticii was observed.
Two laboratory colonies of Amblyomma variegatum ticks were investigated for their ability to acquire and transmit C. ruminantium and was febrile. Nymphs from both laboratory groups were simultaneously fed on a goat that had been infected with C. ruminantium and was febrile. Engorged nymphs from both groups were replete from feeding on three consecutive days. Nymphs from both groups were then incubated under identical conditions until molting.Ph. D.
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Lester, Ntsikelelo Blessings. "Preliminary investigations into the phylogenetic relationships in the genus Erica L." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/17376.
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Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Erica is a genus of about 860 species world wide, with 700 of these found in South Africa’s southwestern and southern Cape, making it by far the most speciose genus in the Cape Floristic Region. This poses a particular challenge in the construction of a molecular phylogeny of the genus. The choice of suitably variable gene regions is a crucial decision on which the successful phylogenetic reconstruction of this important genus is critically dependent. The aim of this project was therefore to determine which DNA regions, both chloroplast and nuclear, would be sufficiently variable to give adequate informative characters that may be useful at the species level phylogenetic reconstruction. A subset of 30 species, representing the range of morphological diversity and pollinator preference within Erica, was selected for study. For each of these species the variability in eight chloroplast regions (trnL-F, matK, trnS-G, rps12- rpl20, psbAtrnH, trnC-D, rps4-trnT and trnT-L) and the nuclear ITS region was investigated. The psbA-trnH, trnC-D, rps4-trnT and trnT-L chloroplast regions were found to be problematic to amplify and to possess too few Parsimony Informative Characters to be of use in phylogenetic reconstruction. Four of the chloroplast regions, trnS-G, trnL-F, matK and rpS12-rpL20 and the nuclear ITS region could be amplified and sequenced with success. The ITS region was found to be reasonably variable, with the chloroplast genes showing less variability. The DNA extraction method employed showed itself to be of critical importance in the success of the study. Two DNA extraction protocols, both modified from the original Doyle and Doyle (1987) method, were tested. The one included double the amount of β-mercaptoethanol and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and the other included an extended phenol: chloroform: isoamylalcohol step. These variables, together with the effectiveness of these methods on fresh vs. silica dried plant samples, were investigated to determine which of the two would yield high quantities and qualities of DNA and result in the best method for the extraction of DNA from Erica species.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Erica is ‘n genus van omtrent 860 spesies wêreldwyd, met 700 van hierdie spesies aanwesig in die suidwes en suid Kaap van Suid Afrika, wat dit by verre die mees spesieryke genus in die Kaapse Floristiese Streek maak. Dit stel ’n besondere uitdaging in die konstruksie van ’n molekulêre filogenie van die genus. Die keuse van geskikte variërende geen-areas is ‘n belangrike besluit waarvan die suksesvolle filogenetiese rekonstruksie van hierdie belangrike genus krities afhanklik sal wees. Die doel van hierdie projek was dus om te bepaal watter DNS areas, buide chloroplas en kern, genoegsaam varieer om voldoende informatiewe kenmerke te lewer om bruikbaar te wees in ’n spesie-vlak molekulêre rekonstruksie. ’n Subgroep van 30 spesies, wat die reeks van morfologiese diversiteit en bestuiwer voorkeure in Erica verteenwoordig, is dus vir die studie geselekteer. Vir elk van hierdie spesies is die variasie in agt chloroplast areas (trnL-F, matK, trnS-G, rps12- rpl20, psbA-trnH, trnC-D, rps4-trnT en trnT-L) en die kern ITS area ondersoek. Dit was problematies om die psbA-trnH, trnC-D, rps4-trnT en trnT-L chloroplast areas te amplifiseer, en daar is gevind dat hulle te min Parsimonie Informatiewe Kenmerke besig om bruikbaar te wees in filogenetiese rekonstruksie. Vier van die chloroplas areas, trnS-G, trnL-F, matK en rpS12-rpL20 en die kern ITS kon suksesvol geamplifiseer word en die basisvolgordes kon suksesvol bepaal word. Daar is gevind dat die ITS area redelik variërend is, terwyl chloroplas areas minder variasie getoon het. Die DNS ekstraksie metode wat gebruik is het die kritiese belang van die ekstraksie metode in die sukses van die studie bewys. Twee DNS protokolle, beide gemodifiseer van die oorspronklike Doyle en Doyle (1987) metode, is getoets. Die een het dubbel die hoeveelheid β-mercaptoetanol en Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) bevat, en die het ’n uitgebruide fenol: chloroform: isoamylalkohol stap ingesluit. Hierdie veranderlikes, saam met die effektiwiteit van hierdie metodes op vars teenoor silika-gedroogde plant monsters, is ondersoek om vas te stel watter een van die twee die hoogste kwaliteit en kwantiteit DNS sou lewer en dus sal lei tot die beste DNS ekstraksie metode vir Erica spesies.
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Sethi, Srishti. "Making serendipity stick : translating short, live online interactions into meaningful relationships." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/98618.
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Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2015.Cataloged from student-submitted PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 109-111).
Deep personal connections foster rich learning. Making such connections is one of the most valuable benefits of attending face-to-face conferences. Online technologies offer the opportunity to meet with more people at a fraction of the cost. However, it is more challenging to experience the immediacy of face-to-face meetings in online gatherings and virtual conversations. Forming strong ties with people at conferences is much easier offline, than online, where it is easy to get distracted and harder to reach out and connect. This thesis extends Unhangout, a platform for online unconferences, and investigates how we can help people translate short, live online interactions into lasting relationships. I mimicked some of the successful features of the offline unconferences into an online experience on Unhangout. I designed and implemented a series of interventions around three distinct phases of an online event, "Who to connect with?", "How to connect with others?" and "How to stay connected?" and explored their impact on people's behaviors and ability to form relationships with each other. Throughout this study, the purpose is to help users of an online event make deeper and longer-lasting connections with other participants.
by Srishti Sethi.
S.M.
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Wroe, Chris. "An investigation into brokered inter-organisational relationships within the supply chain." Thesis, Sheffield Hallam University, 2001. http://shura.shu.ac.uk/3170/.
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The concern of this thesis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of "the broking process" - the process by which a broker facilitates inter-organisational relationships. It is the product of the author's research into a programme to facilitate business networking that was in operation at several Business Links - the four research sites being at Bristol, St.Helens, Sunderland and Sheffield - and complementary personal action research on two network broking initiatives. The thesis begins by suggesting that the brokered network entity represents a form of postmodern organisation ideally suited to the globally competitive business realities of the Postmodern era due to its inherent flexibility of structure and purpose. It notes that within this "new competitive landscape" 1 collaborative inter-firm relationships are considered to provide a way of securing a "collaborative advantage" (Huxham 1996) that enables greater opportunities for process and product innovations - facilitating an organisation's capability to learn and its responsiveness to changing circumstances. As the management of inter-firm relationships is argued to be critical to the organisational competitiveness of the supply chain this research is seen as having relevance to all organisations. A review of the literature on networks highlights the significance of others' research findings to this study as well as directing attention to the social aspects of relationship and the important issue of 'trust' in the facilitation process - the 'glue' that enables progress in the development of relationships. Having established a context for the research the thesis then proceeds to describe the research approach adopted, the research process, the case studies produced and the initial sensemaking of the research 'findings'. A hen-neneutic perspective recognising participants' sensemaking of activities as 'interpreted' and only 'meaningful' within the context of a system was adopted throughout the research process. Each of the case studies resulting from the research highlights a separate issue of concern to brokers within their broking practice and provides insights into their conceptions of the broking process - an empathetic understanding grounded in experience was gained by the author as a consequence of personal action research in two broking initiatives. Consideration of these issues results in the identification of the four themes of governance, identity, learning and time-dependency that provide `themed lenses' for a reflective review of the research findings and the development of a conceptual framework that enables a comprehensive understanding of the broking process. Each of the themes is explored in the following chapters. The effective governance of the broking process is argued to depend upon the broker's ability in managing the mobilisation of the network's resources and in 'managing the meaning' attributed to network development by its membership - the former facilitating effective operation, the latter facilitating members' commitment. Effectiveness in the development of the network's identity and the memberships' identification with the network is argued to depend upon the broker's ability to determine appropriate stakeholder definitions that meet the needs of the network and to provide 'a vision' of network purpose and possible development that's attractive to its members. The effectiveness of the learning that occurs within the broking process is argued to depend upon the broker's ability to facilitate members in the development of a collaborative mindset and in accepting the necessity of 'learning through doing' as a practical response to inherent dynamism within the brokered network form as well as that within its markets. Time-dependency dictates the effectiveness of the network's activities (ie. members' activities) and is argued to depend upon the broker's ability to create and sustain momentum as well as their willingness to satisfice. Each of these 'lenses' results in new insights into the broking process and working definitions of each theme. In the concluding chapter these insights and definitions are brought together to form a comprehensive working definition of the broking process and to establish the foundations for a theoretical framework that enables a comprehensive understanding of the broking process. 1a phrase coined by Bettis & Hitt (1995) to signify the dawn of Postmodern business realities.
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Kolp, Manuel. "A Metaobject protocol fot integrating full-fledged relationships into reflective systems." Doctoral thesis, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/2013/ULB-DIPOT:oai:dipot.ulb.ac.be:2013/211991.
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Sonntag, Courtney E. "A Guy Walks into a Bar...: Exploring Clients' Preferences for Humor and Ratings of Therapy Sessions." UKnowledge, 2014. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/hes_etds/21.
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Humor has been identified as an important factor in the establishment of relationships. This study explores the use of humor in mental health therapy and how clients’ preferences for humor impact an evaluation of the therapy session. Forty-eight individuals currently receiving mental health therapy were examined along with the use of three forms of humor: positive, negative, and instrumental. There was a significant relationship between a preference for negative humor and session evaluation scores in which the more negative humor preferred, the lower the session ratings. Although not significant, other trends were noted between self-enhancing humor and session depth, aggressive humor and session depth, and affiliative humor and positivity. Gender differences and preference for humor were also examined with men reporting higher value on negative humor than women and women reporting greater post-session arousal than men. These findings are discussed in terms of the need for further research to consider factors that may have influenced the present study’s results.
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Miralam, Mohammad. "An exploratory study into buyer and supplier relationship problems : causes, control strategies and effects in Saudi Arabian companies." Thesis, University of Stirling, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/3558.
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Around the world, companies are rapidly moving towards outsourcing to enhance their competitive position in the market through reduction in product development cycle times (costs), demands for better quality, improvement in supply chain management and higher expectations from more discriminating and demanding customers (Lyons and Krachenberg, 1990). An outsourcing mechanism consists of two parties, buyer and supplier. Hence, the success of the buyer and supplier relationship is the main factor to achieve successful outsourcing operations. This research studies the buyer and supplier relationship in each relationship type in the Saudi Arabian market; market exchange, captive buyer, strategic partnership and captive supplier. The main objective of this research was to study in depth buyer and supplier relationships (outsourcing) by discovering which problems exist in each type of relationship, how they can be controlled and what are their effects. It examines and tests certain factors associated with the relationships, such as incentives for their creation, relationship problems, cause of problems, problem control mechanisms and finally the effects of these problems on the buyer, the relationship and the market. The methodology used in this study was as follows: an interpretative research philosophy, an inductive research approach and an exploratory research strategy. Semi-structured interviews were found to be the most appropriate method of data collection because they enabled the researcher to gather valid and reliable data. The research model involved all the components affecting the buyer and supplier relationship. These components were categorized and classified in a meaningful way, describing the flow of the relationship from the research perspective in terms of testing the effect of each component in the relationship between buyer and supplier in general and its effect on the category to which it belongs. The data was collected from purchasing employees on the buyers’ side and sales employees on the suppliers’ side. The total number of participating buyer and supplier firms was 57, distributed across manufacturing and service industries. The first data collection phase involved all the buyer data and the second following up, reviewing and completing the data that the researcher thought had been missed during the first phase of interviews, and which needed to be explained more fully by the interviewees. This phase also involved collecting all the supplier data. 40 interviews were conducted to collect buyer data within three months. The 40 interviews involved 88 recorded hours, and each buyer discussed 4 relationships (not necessarily 4 different types of relationship), resulting in a total of 64 market exchange, 30 captive buyer, 22 strategic relationship and 44 captive supplier relationships, accounting for the total of 160 different types of relationships across the 40 different buyers. Supplier data was collected by conducting 17 interviews within 27 days. The 17 interviews involved 34 recorded hours. While the researcher was analyzing the data collected, a special case in market exchange relationship was found. In this case, buyers preferred to deal with suppliers under a captive buyer relationship though the relationship characteristics were market exchange relationship because of their interests. The researcher also found that Saudi firms are the same as other firms in the rest of the world. They are trying to maximize their competitiveness in the market by improving product or service quality and speed of delivery, reducing product or service costs and enhancing decision making efficiency. Additionally, it was found that relationship incentives, arising from buyer wishes or compulsory reasons, create any one of the buyer and supplier relationship types, which were other than what has been mentioned in the outsourcing reasons in the literature. In addition, the researcher also found that relationship incentives might cause problems, so the buyer should be more careful with them. Additionally, there are also other causes that might create agency problems than those mentioned in previous studies. At the same time, it was observed that there are new control mechanisms, not previously discussed in the literature. The study found that the outsourcing relationship is affected negatively, and there are other effects than those mentioned in the literature by Tezuka (1997). In addition, the researcher found that because of the ‘agency’ system in Saudi Arabia its economy is affected negatively. Finally, the original research conceptual model was found applicable to all types of relationship.
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Caldera-Noriega, Juan Bautista, and jean_caldera@hotmail com. "A purchaser�s perspective of environmental uncertainty in the international manufacturing products supply chain." RMIT University. Management, 2005. http://adt.lib.rmit.edu.au/adt/public/adt-VIT20060314.162500.
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International companies are increasingly taking advantage of the benefits of globalisation such as continuous improvement in transport and communication technologies that in turn lower transportation costs and decrease logistical difficulties. However, the international environment includes business uncertainty in the form of exchange rate volatility as well as political and economic issues. Moreover, ongoing reduction of trade barriers is reversing the previous tendency to integrate business vertically, shifting international business schemes towards outsourcing all except what the company consider its core competence. Supply chain management is a strategic concept that considers the behavioural and political dimensions of conflict and dependence at the purchaser-supplier interface. Nevertheless, there is substantive ambiguity regarding its actual practice. Furthermore, although international purchasers are increasingly becoming more important, the purchasing si de of international trade remains largely ignored in empirical research. This study focuses on understanding the complexity surrounding the commercial relationship between purchasing executives and foreign suppliers. The aim is to investigate what key factors are associated with uncertainty at the cross-national purchaser-supplier interface. Of interest to this research is how purchasing executives deal with those variables. The literature review addresses the discussions of the constructs as it informs the development of hypotheses investigating patterns arising from their interactions. The result was a theoretically driven model addressing the complexity of the purchaser-supplier interface. A survey was conducted to collect data from the membership of a nation-wide professional body of Australian purchasing executives. The richness of the management reality was approached by having recourse to systems theory and the realism paradigm. The model was tested and discussed using structural equation modelling, the supply chain management literature and the responses and comments of the participating purchasing executives buying from over twenty countries. xxii The results include purchaser�s perceptions regarding five latent variables and their concurrent interactions within the uncertainty surrounding international trade. The factors are culture affinity, the strength of the commercial relationship, quality reliability, ISO 9000 certification and the country of origin effect. Findings indicate that culture affinity is particularly important for purchasing executives and that it is a significant driver of the commercial relationship with foreign suppliers of manufacturing products. Nevertheless, culture affinity does not significantly influence perceptions of quality reliability. In contrast, commitment, cooperation and conflict management have a significant influence when assessing foreign supplier�s quality reliability. Trust, traditionally seen as a social aspect of the commercial relationship, was found structurally embedded in the perceptions of quality reliability together with technical dimensions of quality. The commercial relationship between Australi an purchasing executives and foreign suppliers was found to have a high level of maturity. However, the purchasers showed no orientation towards commercial equity, and cooperation was found to be incomplete, overlooking working on cost optimisation. Further, a level of commercial partnership has not been established. It is suggested that a relational approach in the international supply chain is a necessary, but insufficient, condition to progress to the level of commercial partnerships. The study shows that Australian purchasers� perceptions regarding ISO 9000 are surrounded by controversy. However, the Standard is still considered a credible quality management system tool that enhances supplier�s competitive position. Additionally, the majority of the Australian purchasing companies were not engaged in a low-cost country sourcing strategy. Overall, it can be said that the country of origin effect and ISO 9000 certification did not have a significant influence on quality perceptions within the context of an uncertain international environment. By taking a multivariable and multidisciplinary perspective, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of mature commercial relationships in the international supply chain. The findings provide valuable information that assists organisations to tune or balance the supply management philosophy principles in the uncertainty associated with global trade.
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Jackson, Sharon M. "Exploration into the relationship between managers' sensemaking and CSR outcomes." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2009. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/6572.
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This study aims to understand the relationship between managers’ sensemaking of their
organisations’ espoused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) intentions and outcomes
through asking: 1. How do managers make sense of the CSR intentions espoused by
their organisations? 2. What are the outcomes of the sensemaking process? 3. To what
extent are these outcomes congruent with the organisations’ espoused CSR intentions?
The reason for this research is because organisations are struggling to integrate their
espoused CSR into daily business processes and are being criticised for a gap between
rhetoric and action by stakeholders. The sector chosen for this study is the electronic
consumer products industry because it has a potentially huge impact on the environment
and society and is starting to engage in CSR. There are few empirical studies on CSR
in this sector.
This exploratory, qualitative, empirical study uses a case study approach to collect data
through focus group dialogue which is analysed through Conversation Analysis.
Two main findings are 1. Managers’ sensemaking processes can lead to ‘no action’ in
terms of embedding espoused CSR intentions. 2. Organisational culture impacts on
CSR outcomes. Furthermore, managers do not read their organisations’ CSR
communications. A limitation of this research is that just two cases and fifteen
participants were studied. Future research is necessary to explore suggestions emerging
from the findings.
This study makes a contribution to theory, in that ‘no action’, status quo is a possible
outcome of sensemaking, and also contributes theoretical insight into the phenomenon
of the interrelationship between organisational sensemaking and individual
sensemaking.
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Howe, Marianne. "An Investigation into Emotional Intelligence, Relationship Quality, and Organizational Outcomes." Honors in the Major Thesis, University of Central Florida, 2005. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETH/id/763.
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This item is only available in print in the UCF Libraries. If this is your Honors Thesis, you can help us make it available online for use by researchers around the world by following the instructions on the distribution consent form at http://library.ucfBachelors
Business Administration
Management
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Brown, Stephen. "A philosophical inquiry into the relationship between feminism and postmodernism." Thesis, University of Huddersfield, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.411921.
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Gisby, William. "A sociological inquiry into the relationship between rights and risk." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2004. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.412844.
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