Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Olimpia C. Racela Author-Name: Amonrat Thoumrungroje Title: EXPORT MARKET ORIENTATION, INTERFIRM COMMUNICATION, INTERFIRM COOPERATION AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess the role of export market orientation on interfirm communication and interfirm cooperation, and ultimately, on export performance. Drawing upon the resource-based view, cognitive structures in social psychology, and relationship marketing theory, a conceptual model is developed and relationships between the key constructs are tested empirically from a diverse sample of 242 exporting firms in Thailand. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that highly export market-oriented firms engage in higher levels of communication frequency and communication quality. However, while communication quality is related to cooperation, communication frequency is not. These results have significant theoretical implications for academics of international business and marketing, as well as practical implications for exporters. Classification-JEL: L1, M1, M3 Keywords: Export Market Orientation, Exporters, Communication Frequency, Communication Quality, Interfirm Cooperation, Emerging Market Journal: International Journal of Management and Marketing Research Pages: 1-14 Volume:7 Issue: 1 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/ijmmre/ijmmr-v7n1-2014/IJMMR-V7N1-2014-1.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:ijmmre:v:7:y:2014:i:1:p:1-14 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sean M. Hennessey Author-Name: Dongkoo Yun Author-Name: Roberta MacDonald Title: SEGMENTING AND PROFILING THE CULTURAL TOURISM MARKET FOR AN ISLAND DESTINATION Abstract: Culture is an important part of the tourism product and is one of the variables that can increase the attractiveness and the competitiveness of a tourism destination. Cultural tourism covers all aspects of travel and provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about a destination’s history and way of life. However, the size and importance of cultural tourism for specific destinations is still a matter of some debate. Some suggest that it is difficult to truly document the size of the cultural tourism market due to the issues of defining a "cultural tourist." This paper examines the magnitude and significance of cultural tourism for Prince Edward Island, a major Canadian tourist destination. In doing so, the paper segments and profiles the tourism market, and identifies distinguishing trip characteristics. Based on the research, two segments of travelers, based on cultural related activities, are clearly evident. The results indicate that culture-seeking tourists and other interest tourists are significantly different in terms of many travel variables, and particularly in spending patterns. For the destination studied, the extra economic impact associated with cultural visitors is substantial due to three factors: a closer personal connection to the destination, a longer overall length of stay, and higher per person per night spending. Classification-JEL: L83, M31, Q21 Keywords: Cultural Tourism, Cluster Analysis, Travel Activities, Economic Impact, Cultural Events Journal: International Journal of Management and Marketing Research Pages: 15-29 Volume:7 Issue: 1 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/ijmmre/ijmmr-v7n1-2014/IJMMR-V7N1-2014-2.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:ijmmre:v:7:y:2014:i:1:p:15-28 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Gavin L. Fox Author-Name: M. Todd Royle Title: HUMAN CAPITAL IN SERVICE INNOVATION STRATEGY Abstract: The purpose of this research is to examine a driving force behind innovation - human capital – which we contend is useful in identifying and exploiting opportunities in both goods and services contexts. Traditional predictors of innovation, such as research and development and marketing expenditures, are based largely on physical goods literature and are not necessarily appropriate given the unique challenges inherent in services. Drawing on the literature related to human capital theory, this research proposes that investment in employees is an innovation predictor that embraces the nuances of bothgoods and services firms. Our results suggest that human capital investment is a stronger predictor of innovation than traditional physical goods based predictors across both goods and services contexts. For managers, the findings suggest that greater long-term investments in human capital lend themselves to greater innovation. Classification-JEL: M31, J24 Keywords: Innovation, Human Capital, Resource Investments, Knowledge Journal: International Journal of Management and Marketing Research Pages: 29-47 Volume:7 Issue: 1 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/ijmmre/ijmmr-v7n1-2014/IJMMR-V7N1-2014-3.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:ijmmre:v:7:y:2014:i:1:p:29-47 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sekhar Muni Amba Author-Name: Hussain Abdulla Title: THE IMPACT OF ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS ON SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN Abstract: The study explored the benefits of Enterprise Resource Planning systems to small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom of Bahrain on improvement in decision-making ability, employee performance monitoring, resource management, cost reductions, cycle time reductions and organizational benefits empowerment and achievement. Data collected through survey questionnaire from 48 SME’s, of which 36 had implemented Enterprise System. The study found significant positive relationship between ERP implementation and improved decision-making ability, improved employee performance monitoring, the achievement of cost reductions and the achievement of cycle time reductions improved decision-making and performance monitoring. Thus, it is perceived, a wider adoption of Enterprise Systems by SME’s in Bahrain can help them to expand and achieve business growth, thus contribute to the economic growth of Bahrain, in line with the ambitious goals of the Bahrain’s economic vision 2030. Classification-JEL: N85, Q55 Keywords: ERP, SME, Bahrain Vision 2030, Bahrain Journal: International Journal of Management and Marketing Research Pages: 47-57 Volume:7 Issue: 1 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/ijmmre/ijmmr-v7n1-2014/IJMMR-V7N1-2014-4.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:ijmmre:v:7:y:2014:i:1:p:49-57 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jackson Ongong’a Otieno Author-Name: Paul A. Odundo Author-Name: Charles M. Rambo Title: INFLUENCE OF LOCAL AUTHORITY TRANSFER FUND ON SERVICE DELIVERY BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES IN KENYA Abstract: The Local Authorities Transfer Fund (LATF) is an intergovernmental transfer system, supplementing the financing of service delivery within the framework of fisc0al decentralization. LATF’s objectives are to improve service delivery, enhance financial management and accountability as well as reduce debts accumulated by local authorities. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of LATF on service delivery by local authorities, focusing on Siaya Municipal Council. We gauged residents’ perspectives about improvement of water supply, garbage collection, and sewerage services. We sourced primary data from 188 household heads and 202 market traders. The study found that 63.2% of the participants believed that there was no change in water supply consistency, while 69.5% reported the same about adequacy of water provided by the Council. Besides, 55.6% of the participants indicated that garbage collection had deteriorated, while 63.8% said the same about sewerage services. The findings suggest that access to LATF resources over the preceding decade had not improved service delivery in Siaya Municipality. Delivery of services was constrained by political interference (57.4%), procurement malpractices (44.1%), weak revenue base (38.7%), and understaffing (33.1%), among other factors. In view of this, local authorities should shape up to meet the current service demand, as well as gear up to address the needs of urban population, which is set to grow over the coming years. Classification-JEL: 016 Keywords: Local Authority, Service Delivery, Municipality, Decentralization, Fiscal Decentralization Journal: International Journal of Management and Marketing Research Pages: 59-72 Volume:7 Issue: 1 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/ijmmre/ijmmr-v7n1-2014/IJMMR-V7N1-2014-5.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:ijmmre:v:7:y:2014:i:1:p:59-72 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Moisés Alejandro Alarcón Osuna Title: INNOVATION AND INTERNATIONALIZATION AS A SINGLE STRATEGY OF THE FIRM: A UNIFICATION OF THEORIES Abstract: Recently, innovation and internationalization strategies have explained firm success. Some authors argue that innovation settles internationalization while some others point that internationalization settles the firm’s innovation level. This work unifies these theories, arguing that both are a single strategy of the firm. We also argue that both theories are founded in the same set of variables like technological capabilities, technology investment, alliances and firm decision structure. Tests are based on correlation and regression analysis. We demonstrate the existence of a relationship between innovation and internationalization that can’t be explained by separating them into separate theories. Classification-JEL: M10, M13, M16 Keywords: Innovation, Internationalization, Firm Strategy, Technology, Alliances, Decision Making Journal: International Journal of Management and Marketing Research Pages: 73-84 Volume:7 Issue: 1 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/ijmmre/ijmmr-v7n1-2014/IJMMR-V7N1-2014-6.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:ijmmre:v:7:y:2014:i:1:p:73-84 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Njoku O. Ama Author-Name: Kagiso T. Mangadi Author-Name: Helen A. Ama Title: CHARACTERIZATION OF INFORMAL CROSSBORDER TRADERS ACROSS SELECTED BOTSWANA BORDERS Abstract: This study was cross-sectional and used the quantitative (survey methods) and qualitative methods (Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews) to characterize the informal cross-border traders drawn from four major activity border posts in the northern and southern parts of Botswana. The systematic random sampling and snow ball techniques were used in identifying the 520 informal cross-border traders who participated in the study. The study analysed the demographic characteristics of the traders, main commodities they traded on, the sources and amount of start-up income, reasons for participating in informal cross-border trade (ICBT), the extent of profit generated from the trade, major constraints faced by the traders, and factors that significantly predicted profit generated from ICBT. The study recommends that government should recognize ICBT and provide enabling facilities and infrastructure to ease delays at the border posts, minimize stiff trade completions and ease transportation for ICB traders. A nationwide study covering all the 21 border posts needs to be embarked on to provide data necessary for monitoring the informal cross border trade in Botswana. Classification-JEL: F13, F16 Keywords: ICBT, Qualitative, Quantitative, Multiple Regression, Cross-Sectional, Agricultural Products And Output, Industrial Goods, Characterization Journal: International Journal of Management and Marketing Research Pages: 85-102 Volume:7 Issue: 1 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/ijmmre/ijmmr-v7n1-2014/IJMMR-V7N1-2014-7.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:ijmmre:v:7:y:2014:i:1:p:85-102