Joyce A. Young

Student Evaluation of Instructor: A Nomological Investigation Using Structural Equation Modeling

Structural equation modeling is used to examine the nomological relationships between the five latent constructs that comprise the Student Instructional Rating System (SIRS), a widely used student evaluation of instructor form. Our results indicate that input factors, that is, course organization and student-instructor interaction, influence the endogenous factors, that is, instructor involvement and student interest, in a positive manner. However, the factor—course demands affects these endogenous factors in a negative manner. In addition, course demands is also negatively associated with the other two input factors. Despite their apparent intuitive appeal, users of student evaluation forms often ignore these relationships. The authors hope that users of student evaluation forms take these relationships between the latent constructs into account when using the results.

An investigation of relationalism across a range of marketing relationships and alliances

Abstract The authors describe four important aspects of the “new” relational environment: (1) the organizational forms of marketing relationships, (2) the governance mechanisms which exist between exchange partners, (3) the perceived effectiveness of the organizational forms, and (4) expectations that the exchange relationship will continue in the future. Two contexts, National Association of Purchasing Management members and Fortune 500 executives, provide a cross-sectional investigation of vertical and horizontal exchange relationships. The results indicate that alliances are more relational than nonalliance exchanges; however, one cannot assume a relational gradation across the organizational forms (i.e., traditional supply agreements, just-in-time relationships, vertical supply alliances, and co-marketing alliances). Further, co-marketing alliances are reported as the exchange relationship with the highest expectation of continuation, but there are no differences in the perceived effectiveness across organizational forms.

Intra, Extra, and Internets in Franchise Network Organizations

ABSTRACT This study integrates thoughts related with electronic communication systems, labeled as Intra, Extra and Internet, with the core concepts of network theory and proposes a conceptual model for business-to-business firms. The context used for this model development is franchise systems. During this process, advantages and disadvantages associated with viewing franchise systems as network organizations as well as incorporating electronic communication systems as a catalyst of movement towards network organization are discussed. We hope that this study forms a basis for future investigation of franchise systems from a network perspective (rather than just a dyadic perspective), with the Intra, Extra, and Internet as a catalyst.

An exploratory examination of the relationship between channel support mechanisms and relational norms in an international context

Empirically examines the validity of three of Macneil’s relational norms within the context of Indian buyer‐seller relationships. Finds initial evidence to suggest that the underlying structure of relationalism between buyers and sellers in India possesses both an immediate and a long‐term perspective, tangible and intangible monitoring, and general versus specific performance expectations. Indicates that both the current degree of trust and long‐term relational perspective are positively associated with more strategic and marketing‐related support mechanisms offered to channel members. Conversely, only long‐term orientation and tangible monitoring concerns manifest themselves through tactical support to channel members. The remaining three sub‐dimensions which are more related to performance aspects of relational norms are not directly associated with channel member support.

Food service franchisors and their co‐branding methods

The current paper describes various co‐branding methods that are available to franchisors and franchisees. The paper also presents an exploratory study that provides some insight into the activities in which franchisors in the food service industry may be willing to engage, in collaboration with other firms, when entering and maintaining co‐branding relationships. A sample of International Franchise Association (IFA) members was selected for the survey.

An exploratory comparison of the casual dining experience: chain versus independent restaurants.

Abstract Chain restaurants in the United States now represent the majority of dollars spent in terms of overall sales when compared to independent restaurants. As a result, independents struggle to remain competitive in the marketplace. This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study that was conducted to compare consumer perceptions toward the casual dining experience between chain and independent restaurants. The results clearly show consumers view dining experiences at chain units more favorably than dining experiences at independent units. Food quality has the greatest impact on satisfaction levels in terms of chain restaurants, whereas, server responsiveness is the driving force behind satisfaction as it relates to independent restaurants.

Assessing Effective Exchange Relationships: An Exploratory Examination

This article presents the findings of an exploratory study examining how suppliers can strengthen customer relationships by developing more effective partnerships. Using a relationship marketing framework, we assess four aspects of interorganizational relationships and their impact on effectiveness. A mail survey was sent to all available retailers licensed by the state of Oklahoma LP Gas Board. An OLS regression indicates that the four predictor variables explain over one-third of the variance in relationship performance. Relational context and the ability to predict changes in the environment are both significant predictors of effectiveness; higher levels of each lead to more effective relationships. Though the coefficients for strategic synergy and environmental volatility are as expected, neither is significant. Managerial and research implications are discussed.

Using Sales Management Students to Manage Professional Selling Students in an Innovative Active Learning Project.

This paper describes an application of active learning within two different courses: professional selling and sales management. Students assumed the roles of sales representatives and sales managers for an actual fund-raiser—a golf outing—sponsored by a student chapter of the American Marketing Association. The sales project encompassed an entire 16-week semester and required the participation of two faculty members since the two courses must be taught simultaneously in terms of days and times. Six weeks were spent in the classroom combining lectures and applied learning exercises, followed by nine weeks of real-world learning, then ending with a final week of feedback and assessment. Student evaluations of both courses were higher than when more traditional (less active) teaching methods were used.

An Examination of Marketing Channel Conflict and Cooperation in the Motorsports Industry

This article describes underlying causes and effects of marketing channel conflict. Channel conflict can produce benefits and drawbacks to the channel members. This article identifies factors that affect cooperation between channel members in the motorsports industry. Motorsports is a major component of the global entertainment industry influencing other major industries, such as motor vehicle manufacturing, hospitality, and tourism. Within the marketing channel, there are various factors that create and impact the level of conflict among the channel members. Typical sources of conflict among motorsports channel members include goal differences, competition over channel resources, expectations divergence, role clarity, and non-fulfillment of roles. Managers of organizations in the motorsports industry can influence the intensity of these conflicts to improve performance of the marketing channel.

The web as an e-commerce medium: an exploratory study of consumer perceptions in a restaurant setting.

Abstract National pizza franchisors can increase overall sales by simply increasing the number of customers who prefer to order online on the Internet. Typically, a customer ordering online spends approximately 15% more per ticket online than ordering via phone to a store or call center. Yet, many franchisors have reached the conclusion that relatively few consumers have the willingness to use the Internet as a mechanism for ordering. This article reports the findings of an exploratory study that was conducted (1) to compare differences in consumer perceptions between those who choose the online ordering option and those who do not and (2) to investigate the relative importance of the consumer attributes in terms of predicting online ordering behavior. The results clearly show customers who have previously ordered pizza via the online method prefer e-commerce over more conventional telephone ordering. The challenge then is to persuade consumers that there is an advantage to using e-commerce over the traditional telephone ordering system. Respondents in this study report that the primary perceived benefits are time utility and accuracy of order. Thus, franchisors need to develop communications that inform and persuade consumers that e-commerce ordering may deliver greater overall customer satisfaction.