Barbara Frazier

The Role of Market Embeddedness in Market Scanning and Marketing Competence

Abstract This study uses the social network paradigm to examine how small business network relationships influence the flow of local business information, and whether the ability to obtain relevant, timely and accurate information leads to increased levels of marketing competence. One hundred nineteen retail store owners were surveyed to look at the role of network relationships in market scanning. The study found that retailers who had strong network relationships characterized by high levels of social capital perceived information from these networks to be more relevant, accurate and timely. Although marketing competence was related to performance, obtaining quality information about the market did not lead to the development of distinctive capabilities. More attention to networking and market research skills may help small retailers create and sustain a competitive advantage.

Barriers to Bolivian participation in the global apparel industry

This paper examines the perceptions of Bolivians engaged in the countrys apparel industry regarding barriers and challenges to participation in the global textile and apparel complex. Small Bolivian apparel producers perceive the apparel industry as a source of employment and an opportunity to improve the well being of their families. Government/small business relationships, economic and political uncertainty of trade partners, inadequate infrastructure, a depressed domestic market, and global trade policies were identified by participants as barriers to further development of the apparel industry. Apparel producers require support from both public and private sectors to foster entrepreneurship, promote Bolivian apparel products and join regional production networks to revitalize the apparel industry in Bolivia.

An Industry View of Competencies for Entry-Level Merchandising Jobs Application of the ITAA Meta-Goals

University clothing and textile programs must respond to increasing pressure from stakeholders to prepare graduates for successful employment. This challenge calls for educators to connect with employers to identify competencies needed for entry level merchandising positions in order to develop strong curricula to meet industry needs. In this study, the authors explored the merchandising component through a survey of mid-level retail managers’ (n = 109) perceptions of the competencies needed by new graduates to succeed in early career positions. The International Textile and Apparel Association meta-goals served as a framework for assessing retailers’ views on the importance of knowledge, skills, and abilities for new graduates. Retail managers favored soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication, over traditional clothing and textile content knowledge. The authors found support for curricular emphasis on experiential and collaborative learning, and continuing efforts to invigorate core clothing and textiles content knowledge.

Optimism for new business survival in rural communities: an institutional perspective

This study uses institutional theory to examine the relationship between rural community norms and optimism for new firm survival. A survey of 1161 residents and business owners in 32 rural US communities explored community-wide attitudes toward change and norms related to community and local business sector symbolic and performative actions and their influence on local residents’ optimism about prospects for success of new businesses. Multiple regression analysis revealed that institutional norms supporting change and reflecting positive attitudes regarding residents’ and business owners’ actions in the task environments are positively related to community optimism about new firm survival. Evidence also supports differential effects of population size on norms related to openness to change and retailer performative actions. Findings suggest that the rural community institutional environment may have an influence on efforts to attract and retain new businesses in rural communities.