Gillian Rice

Islamic Ethics and the Implications for Business

As global business operations expand, managers need more knowledge of foreign cultures, in particular, information on the ethics of doing business across borders. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to share the Islamic perspective on business ethics, little known in the west, which may stimulate further thinking and debate on the relationships between ethics and business, and (2) to provide some knowledge of Islamic philosophy in order to help managers do business in Muslim cultures. The case of Egypt illustrates some divergence between Islamic philosophy and practice in economic life. The paper concludes with managerial implications and suggestions for further research.

Quality Practices of Indian Organizations

Identifies critical factors that must be practised to achieve effective quality management in an organization based on the synthesis of literature on quality concepts. A framework to be used by organizations to evaluate their quality practices was developed. A field study was conducted to identify the degree to which quality management is being practised in Indian manufacturing organizations and to locate the organizational areas where better management control can make the quality programme more effective. Finds that all requirements for effective quality management can be classified into the following nine major critical factors: top management; quality policies; role of the quality department; training; product design; vendor quality management; process design; quality data; and feedback and employee relations. Seventy‐three organizations with more than 500 employees and a total sales volume of over 251 million rupees participated in the study. Concludes that all nine factors need not be present to ens...

The challenge of creativity and culture: a framework for analysis with application to Arabian Gulf firms

As the governments in the Arabian Gulf region privatize and liberalize their economies, the firms in their countries are challenged to develop managerial expertise and to improve competitiveness. Like other firms around the world, these firms must be more creative and innovative if they are to succeed in todays increasingly knowledge-based economy. Based on a review of the literature, this paper includes a conceptual framework that explains how the process of knowledge creation in firms might be moderated by cultural variables. The framework is then applied within the specific context of the culture of the Arabian Gulf, and a number of propositions (Propositions 1-6)(Propositions 1-6)(Propositions 1-6)(Propositions 1-6)(Propositions 1-6)(Propositions 1-6) are developed. The paper concludes with recommendations for researchers and managers.

Bridging the gap between theory and practice in forecasting

Abstract The successful implementation of forecasting in many organizations is hampered by gaps in communication and understanding between forecast preparers and forecast users. Different individuals in organizations may have varying political agendas which impact the forecasting process. Advances in forecasting can be limited because of the gap between forecasting theorists and practitioners. This paper discusses these issues. In particular, it reports on a series of roundtable discussions on the gap between theory and practice which took place at the 1991 International Symposium on Forecasting. The paper includes suggestions on ways to bridge the gap.

Conceptualizing Inter-Attitudinal Conflict in Consumer Response to Foreign Brands

Abstract Few studies in the product-country image literature focus on negative imagery; most studies emphasize positive imagery such as product quality. The phenomenon of negative product or brand imagery is complex, but has become particularly relevant in the era post 9-11 and post-invasion of Iraq. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the literature by investigating the formation of consumption and non-consumption responses to brands of foreign origin. The study adds to existing insights by integrating the concepts of consumer ethnocentrism, antiglobalization and consumer animosity in a conceptual framework and in a set of propositions describing consumer preference for, or resistance to, foreign brands.

Developing and Validating AFFINITY: A New Scale to Measure Consumer Affinity toward Foreign Countries

ABSTRACT Consumers do not look at attitudinal objects (products, nations) in terms of black and white. Because conflicting attitudes exist, it is important to understand how these translate into consumer buying behavior. Our objective is to build a parsimonious affinity scale (AFFINITY) by collecting data from Thai consumers concerning their affinity and animosity toward the U.S. and Singapore. We find that affinity and animosity form different constructs and relate to different stages in the purchase decision process.

Forecasting US exports: An illustration using time series and econometric models

Forecasting exports efficiently enables policy makers to plan more appropriately and thus to help to improve the US balance of trade. Exports traditionally are forecast using econometric methods. This study focuses on a comparison of various simple time series models and an econometric model. The results show that simple time series techniques can forecast exports more accurately than can an econometric model. Future emphasis needs to be placed on complementary forecasting approaches, careful data analysis and understanding of the variables and forecasting environment.

Forecasting in US firms: a role for TQM?

Focuses on the implementation of forecasting systems and processes by large organizations. Reports the results of a survey of US firms which reveal that, despite advances in computer technology, judgemental forecasting continues to be the method managers prefer. Notes, however, that the incorporation of total quality practices appears to be having some impact on improving systematic approaches to forecasting.

Reviews of books, software, and videos

The book review section of a journal is often the first section perused by readers. This section provides a valuable service to readers who, because of ever-present time pressure, wish to learn about new publications and seek guidance on book selection. As the new editor of the book review section, I would like to express my thoughts on the role of this section in knowledge development and transmission. I also would like to provide some guidelines for contributors.