Dario A. Schirone

Cluster analysis for strategic management: a case study of IKEA

Business strategy, understood as the set of choices implemented in order to achieve long-term goals [1], or as identified through SWOT Analysis [2], to which reference is so frequently made during periods of economic boom, was surpassed during the 1970s and 80s by strategic planning [3] and strategic management. The current situation of the IKEA store in Bari (Apulia, Italy) may be understood within this framework. The objective of the present study is, therefore, to identify possible reasons for the likelihood of different consumption patterns and choices by particular groups of individuals in a Primary Market Area.

Green Marketing and Sustainable Development: A Statistical Survey on Ikea Customers’ Perception

The definition and adoption of practices “sustainable” at economic, social and environmental level, is an important tool to respond to multiple pressures from different stakeholders operating at multiple levels (local, national and supranational). The idea of sustainability implies a crucial change in the relationship between the company and the community (understood in a more or less wide) belongs to. In order to assess whether the adoption of a socially responsible conduct has a positive impact on turnover of manufacturing enterprises, this works refers to the multinational IKEA, among those working in the field of furniture.

The Senior as the Protagonist of the Future Economy: A Firm Case Study

The aging of the population leads to a readjustment of society and economy and this certainly implies some costs. But the consequences on the Societies are not represented only by problems because today - more than ever before – elderly population express different needs.

Fighting in the Shadows: Health Policies and Data Availability about HIV/AIDS A Case Study in Apulia (Italy)

Despite the interventions enacted by the EU in 2009/2013 to fight HIV/AIDS, the latest Italian budget measures contain important cuts to health expenditure. These cuts are not allowing local authorities to develop health policies to fight against the epidemic in an efficient way by limiting both prevention and care.The main purpose is to analyze the incidence and policies regarding HIV/AIDS in Italy through a case study in the Apulia Region. First, are examined the national policy strategies and the modifications introduced by local authorities to face HIV/AIDS. Subsequently, are described the incidence and the main features of HIV/AIDS in Italy and Apulia; identifying the socio-demographic profile of an HIV-positive-individuals sample. The Italian situation regarding HIV/AIDS is still surrounded of shadows. The study of the infected population gives significant clues about the interventions that are needed, and constitutes the basis for public health policy and planning at a local level.

The Supply of the Tourist Services: A Case Study

The majority of studies, carried out in the field of accommodation service evaluation, provide approaches based on the analysis of the demand. As only few studies are based on the tourist service supply, the present research is original and important. Because of the seasonality of the tourist service demand, the accommodations are often used insufficiently, resulting under-used during the off-peak season, and this determines a low incidence of this part on the dynamics of the low added value. In such a way the role that the tourist sector would have on the development of a determined territorial area is reduced. The present study based on a survey carried out in Salento, an area of Apulia region in Southern Italy aims at describing the tourist hospitality structures and considering the geographical distribution of accommodations in this specific area to evaluate the economic impact that the hospitality sector may have on the Salento GDP and to study the entrepreneurial behaviour in the sector. Special attention is dedicated to the owners and managers’ entrepreneurial behaviour in accommodation sector, since it allows a better understanding of the capacity of the Bed and Breakfast structures to overcome the obstacles generated by the “peak season” factor.

Marketing strategies: support and enhancement of core business

In theory, the use of atypical marketing techniques holds the potential to support commerce. One such unconventional approach is demonstrated in the example of a specialty furniture company. The company implemented a food-marketing policy as collateral service to the core business The strategic importance of this policy was demonstrated through the resulting boost in sales. The empirical evidence was gathered through measurement and analysis of consumer expenditure. This was monitored under various purchasing conditions. Analysis presents the dimensions resulting from such a successful strategy, showing how the most effective promotional technique is carried out within a single store.