Elizabeth Levin

The impact of creative competence and project management on longevity of the client-advertising agency relationship

Purpose – The study aims to consider the overall impact of the service encounters and projects undertaken on the long-term relationship between the agency and its clients. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a parallel mixed-method design incorporating quantitative and qualitative elements in the client–advertising agency context. Data obtain via an online survey in Study 1 were analysed using structural equation modelling and bias-corrected bootstrapping technique. Study 2 featured 15 in-depth interviews with marketing managers and project leaders. Findings – The findings revealed that advertising agencies deliver value and create trust through creativity aspects as well as project management processes. In addition, both perceived value and trust have crucial roles in fostering client–agency relationships and the continuance of business relationships. Value has a stronger direct effect on loyalty when compared with trust, confirmed by the results of Study 2. Several respondents pointed out the i...

The role of information communications technology in sustainable water management practice

The availability of water is a global issue which is predicted to become more pronounced in the future. As a large and relatively dry continent, Australia is presented with a series of challenges within the agriculture sector. As a result, the adoption of appropriate, efficient and effective irrigation systems is an important element for future sustainability. In various Australian growing regions, different modes and types of irrigation are utilised. However, in many cases, the preferred system has been selected based on tradition and local norms rather than on the basis of effective water management. Consequently, there is a socio-psychological element in the adoption of new or alternative systems. This study reports on a project that identifies how the introduction of technology within a variety of irrigation system types has improved water efficiency, reduced wastage and improved product adoption. In particular, the study discusses how technology has improved the use of flood and micro irrigation systems as well as more recent developments in satellite assisted irrigation. The findings of the study suggest that the enhancement of existing irrigation systems through the addition of information communications technology can overcome some traditional barriers by adding specific features that are attractive to growers.

Improving Agricultural Water Sustainability: Strategies for Effective Farm Water Management and Encouraging the Uptake of Drip Irrigation

This research makes an important contribution by offering recommendations for sustainable water management farming approaches. Businesses, both national and multinational, are coming under increasing scrutiny with regard to social responsibility and their compliance in adopting practices that promote social and environmental well-being. Effective water management and the supply of fresh drinking water is a critical concern, which often conflicts with water supply for industrial or commercial purposes. The practices adopted frequently determine levels of environmental degradation, as well as associated social and health risks. As illustration, farming is one of the largest commercial consumers of water and the irrigation methods used have considerable impact in terms of erosion, pollution and water resource depletion. However, adopting more sustainable farming practises often means breaking with tradition and learning new approaches. This study therefore investigates the barriers to farmers adopting drip irrigation in Australia. Drip is widely regarded as one of the most environmentally sustainable irrigation approaches and Australia faces among the most extreme water stress environments. The research involves in-depth interviews with various water management stakeholders, including 146 farmers, regarding the perceived barriers to the uptake of drip irrigation. Our findings show that farmers most commonly reject drip irrigation for reasons relating to perceived costs and suitability, as well as installation and maintenance challenges. The influence of government policies towards promoting and supporting particular irrigation methods should also not be under estimated. Such understanding should facilitate the development of effective education and communication programs to improve the uptake of drip.