PurposeThis paper aims to extend knowledge about virtual teams and their advantages and disadvantages in a global business environment.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature review and reported findings from interviews with experts and practitioners in the field, the paper has identified and discussed the advantages and problems associated with creating and managing virtual teams.FindingsIn today's competitive global economy, organizations capable of rapidly creating virtual teams of talented people can respond quickly to changing business environments. Capabilities of this type offer organizations a form of competitive advantage.Originality/valueBy identifying the advantages and problems associated with virtual teams, organizations will be better able to successfully establish and manage such teams.
Using the Internet to carry out their schemes, fraudsters now have access to the consumers of the world as well as the potential to destroy the image of an entire country. One particular type of Internet fraud, known as the Nigerian money fraud, has become associated with that nation, damaging the brand equity of the country and its region, Africa. The purpose of this article is to discuss the impact that the electronic version of the Nigerian money fraud may have had on the brand equity of Nigeria and Africa and what steps can be taken to diminish these negative effects.
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the extent that extrinsic product attributes (brand name/packaging) influence consumers' perceptions and resulting evaluation of intrinsic product attributes, quality, and purchase intention.Design/methodology/approachA 2 (brand) x 2 (treatment group) experimental “taste‐test” design was created using two brands of cookies (national versus store brand) and two treatment conditions (whether the cookie was in its respective package or placed in the competitor's package). T‐tests were used to compare mean scores of six product attributes (taste, texture, appearance, purchase intent, value) measured on five‐point bi‐polar adjective Likert scales.FindingsSubjects' evaluations of the national brand were significantly higher compared to the store brand across five of the six cues with the exception of value (as measured by willingness to pay MSRP) when the national brand was in its respective packaging. Subjects also rated the national higher on four of the six cues when it was in the store brand bag. The reverse was not found when the store brand cookie was in the national brand bag.Research limitations/implicationsThe results suggest that store brand managers must increase the quality of their product if they expect to capture market share from the national brands. Further research is recommended using other brands and product categories.Originality/valueStore brands may be able to narrow the market share gap with the national brands only if the quality of the store brands increase. Consumers are more objective in evaluating intrinsic cues than previously thought.
To investigate differences in gender in the influence of user generated content (UGC) on purchase behaviour, trust, and intention to purchase. UGC refers to online comments/opinions which can influence other users' purchase decisions. Quantitative data gathered through a survey of 232 undergraduates at an American university. UGCs have a greater influence on purchase intentions and trust for females. No gender differences were found in terms of UGC's influence for a gender-neutral product, propensity to read UGCs, frequency of purchase and authoring reviews. Insights are provided for managers interested in consumers' use of UGC. It is not only important to monitor what is being written, but also who is writing it. A better understanding of the target audience can serve only to enhance an organisation's marketing efficiency. This research attempts to address a relatively unmet need for research specifically addressing gender differences relating to UGC.
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