Mushtaq Luqmani

Advertising in Saudi Arabia: Content and Regulation

More competitive now than a few years ago, the Saudi Arabian market has changed considerably into one marked by more vigorous advertising. Advertising content and regulation in this influential, conservative Middle East country is discussed. The commentary emphasises that since religion has such a pervasive and abiding influence, it is imperative that advertising should be compatible with religious standards. In addition, advertising should be sensitive to other cultural norms and responsive to changing governmental priorities.

A Convenience‐oriented Approach to Country Segmentation: Implications for Global Marketing Strategies

Suggests that traditional approaches to the segmentation of international markets cluster countries according to discrete environmental macro factors. Instead, international markets need to be viewed on a continuum rather than as being entirely similar or dissimilar. Posits that the level of convenience demanded in products and services by consumers worldwide represents such a continuum. A cross‐cultural measure of convenience orientation can be adequately expressed in terms of two human dimensions: a time‐saving orientation and a comfort orientation. When used in conjunction with economic measures of affluence, a convenience orientation can serve as an effective international market segmentation variable. A convenience‐oriented framework is developed to help marketers identify global marketing opportunities and design appropriate strategies to reach consumers at various points on the convenience continuum.

Facilitating the adoption of information technology in a developing country

Abstract Many developing countries are ardently seeking ways to encourage greater computer usage. But results have been disappointing. The slow diffusion is partially attributed to social factors. This study, based on a survey of 187 professionals, examined the efficacy of opinion leadership approach in accelerating the acceptance of computers in Saudi Arabia. Findings indicate that the approach has promise. Opinion leaders, who express greater satisfaction with computers, can be crucial as change agents in helping to reduce anxieties and dissonant feelings towards computers. Marketing strategy implications of the findings are discussed.

Organisational Commitment, Job Satisfaction, Work Values: Saudi and Expatriate Managers

This article reports the results of a survey which compared Saudi and expatriate managers on organisational commitment, job satisfaction and work values. Saudi and expatriate managers were found to be similar in their commitment to their organisations and in their work values; but some difference was observed in the job satisfaction levels. Implications of these findings are discussed and directions for future research are offered.

Purchasing Efficacy in an Arabian Gulf Country

The days of effortless profits for Saudi firms and for companies in the Gulf region are over. The current status of purchasing efficacy in Saudi Arabia is examined at a time when the economies of the Gulf countries are going through a critical transformation. A survey undertaken in Saudi Arabia is described, its results presented, and its findings and their implications discussed.

Privatizing state‐owned enterprises: a model for developing countries

Purpose – This paper aims to describe a planning and implementation model for privatizing state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) in developing countries.Design/methodology/approach – The privatization model, developed within the context of selection, transition, and sustainability phases, identifies certain SOEs and how they transition into privatized firms that are socially responsible and contribute to economic development. Illustrative examples and cases drawn from the Pakistani privatization experience demonstrate how the model applies various frameworks.Findings – The active support of key stakeholders is essential for privatization in developing countries to succeed. Targeted marketing strategies, together with financial considerations and public sector initiatives and oversight, can bolster successful implementation of privatization objectives and initiatives.Practical implications – Privatization of failed or poorly performing SOEs into viable private sector firms can improve market efficiencies, reduce g...

A framework for building competitive sectoral capabilities in developing countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic framework for guidance to developing countries in promoting competitive capabilities in targeted sectors.Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper that incorporates experiences culled from the literature on national sectoral development (call centers).Findings – Many businesses today are dissecting their value chains and outsourcing functional activities offshore. Beginning in the 1990s, developing countries tried to attract manufacturing (sub) activities such as assembly. More recently, in a deeply interconnected business world, developing nations are fostering sectoral development through a process of attracting offshore activities other than manufacturing to their shores.Practical implications – Many developing countries are searching for ways to emulate the success of countries such as India to spur economic development. A framework for developing national sectoral competitiveness can benefit policymakers in the public and p...

Product rejuvenation strategies

Abstract If you had just kept it a little longer, that old suit would have come back into style and, with a few alterations, you could have worn it again. Likewise, most companies have quite a few abandoned products which might need only a few alterations to make them marketable again.

Religion, Markets, and Digital Media: Seeking Halal Food in the U.S.

This study explores the role that social media serves in mediating and connecting religious communities and markets through a netnographic study of the search for halal food in the U.S. We find that social media websites can serve as important tools for overcoming obstacles to finding and verifying halal food sources, including barriers of physical access, authenticity, and quality. At a macro level, social media platforms have the potential to moderate the relationship between religion, the market, and consumption in a number of important ways, such as providing a venue for dialogues related to standards of commitment and faithfulness, serving as a community-based arbiter of standards, supporting identity constructions, and helping to overcome the marginalization associated with minority populations.

The cycle of business education in Malaysia: Institutional development and marketing strategies

Purpose – The growing professionalization of Malaysian industry over the past three decades, and the need for skilled business talent, have led to an increased demand for business education. This paper aims to examine how institutions in Malaysia have responded to this need.Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study that synthesizes and organizes institutional experiences in delivering business education in Malaysia.Findings – Malaysian academic institutions have responded to the demand for business education through a process modeled by the authors as a “cycle of business education” (CBE). The authors discuss institutional developments and competitive marketing strategies directed toward target markets during the five stages of the CBE.Practical implications – The Malaysian experience in meeting business education needs can provide valuable guidance to educators and policy makers, among others, in developing countries engaged in similar initiatives. These countries can benefit from understanding ...