"Malaysian department stores under-performed', preliminary desk research says. "Department stores need to monitor the consumers and use merchandising as a competitive tool", practitioners and academicians advise. Within this parameter, the thesis examined the relationship between consumers, department stores and retail merchandising. First, the author explored the impact of the changing market on this `universal provider' and underlined how the latter had coped (successfully/unsuccessfully) with these changes through its merchandising activities. Second, she investigated on the multifaceted dimensions of retail merchandising and established a framework for strategic merchandise decisions. Third, she tested this framework in the Malaysian market. Given that the key to effective merchandising depends heavily on defining and understanding the target clients, to test the above construct, a consumer survey was undertaken. Likewise, since fashionable items made up the bulk of department stores' merchandise, the research instrument was constructed towards uncovering the shoppers' attitudes towards fashion. The gathered responses were then subjected to factor and cluster analysis. The former technique was used to identify the fashion lifestyle orientations. On the other hand, the latter method was used to classify the `cases'. Through these techniques, five fashion lifestyles orientation were uncovered and seven types of customers with fashion lifestyle orientations ranging from as few as two to as many as five factors were underlined. Further analysis established that local department stores should concentrate on three clusters, which made up 77 per cent of the total market. A broad overview shows that although they are department store shoppers, they shopped in other store types as well and engaged in extensive cross shopping. Moreover, when making purchases, their main trade-off was `quality' and `price'. Although they generally did not seek the cheapest price, there were on several occasions that quality was compromised for a `better' price. This behaviour was mostly evidenced in the cluster that made up of many Chinese. Another significant discovery was, wide assortment, an attribute most notable in department store retailing, was not distinctively important to these target markets. At the end of the investigation, a strategic merchandise mix - set of merchandise that meet the needs and expectations of these three clusters, was offered. It is only through this attainment (a strategic merchandise mix) that local department stores can realise their true potential.

This study is an inter-disciplinary investigation into the nature of corporate strategy and the forces shaping industrial development with particular reference to a science based industry such as the chemical industry. The central objective of the study 1S to analyse the critical role of technological change as a major force ln strategic planning - a largely neglected area in the literature on corporate strategy. Traditional writings on corporate strategy tend to be self limiting 1n that they focus on a "single profit objective" and associated with this is the heavy emphasis placed on acquisition strategies in order to realize managerial profit objectives. The present study suggests that much more attention should be given to other than profit objectives, the conflict between them and their reconciliation. For this purpose a synthesis of the behavioural model of the firm and the managerial discretion model is proposed. The method uses four types of standards - historical, external, intentional and innovative - 1n setting multiple objectives at a target and at a constraint level. In this target constraint approach the difference between the two levels determines a margin within which conflicting claims of multiple objectives can be reconciled and a consensus level can thereby be reached. The study shows that the existence of a gap between the innovative and the other standards signifies that growth will mainly come through technological change. Theoretical aspects of technological change, in particular the economic and sociological approaches to diffusion of innovation are also discussed with special reference to the chemical industry. Against this background i i a generalized growth pattern for basic chemicals is developed and this pattern identifies the competitive and innovative modes of growth. In the competitive mode the individual chemical producer seeks to increase the level of usage of his material in its established end use categories. In the innovative mode, on the other hand, growth is sought by innovating new end use categories. Given a specialized producer willing to grow in his area, the competitive mode is characterized by the fact that marketing, financial and organizational measures can compensate for scientific and technological weaknesses, whereas intensive research and development activities are all important in the innovative mode . . The discussion finally leads to the formulation of a method of pinpointing technologically based opportunities. This method~ the technological growth tree, is developed as a managerial tool for mapping out strategic opportunities for the chemical industrialist. The tree consists of two principal branches, technological expansion and technological diversification, which subdivide into relevant strategies and tactics. Technological expansion strategies can be utilized in the competitive mode while the technological diversification strategies are appropriate in the innovative mode. The usefulness of the technological growth tree, in particular its diversification strategies, is illustrated by reference to the bromine industry where application of the former has resulted in a number of potential opportunities. These require further research and development efforts for their realization. ·Resulting from this, the principles outlined in the present study can also be applied in other science based industries for strategic planning.

Results found in this thesis draw attention to limitations in the conventional approach to modelling forest management strategy, where models have insufficient spatial resolution and ignore industry. Addressing these limitations, a Model One linear programming framework was developed in which models built can model strategically relevant spatial resolution, and include industry representation. In a case-study on Nova Scotia's Crown Central Forest, models from this framework were compared with Woodstock\texttrademark, a commercial modelling framework. When strategically relevant spatial resolution was modelled, these models found solutions in substantially less time than Woodstock. Of further interest, the framework's industry representation allows novel analysis to be performed. A comparison between a model that includes industry and a conventional model demonstrates that the conventional model schedules unprofitable stands for harvest. Then, models with industry representation are used to demonstrate industry based analysis, such as assessing the cost of a clearcut restriction policy and investigating the benefit of industrial expansion. Taken together, the results herein contained make an argument for modelling forest management strategy at strategically relevant spatial resolution, and including industry representation in modelling.

The current and future energy situations in Canada are put into perspective, and the importance of nuclear energy and controversies surrounding it are investigated. More specifically, to demonstrate the important role nuclear energy has to play in Canada's future, a novel energy modeling tool, Canadian Energy Systems Simulator (CanESS), is employed. CanESS is a modeling platform with a huge database that assists an analyst in defining different energy scenarios by modifying the variables such as population and contributions of different energy sources to the overall production. The CanESS results clearly show that expansion of nuclear energy production is required to meet energy demand and simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To formally study strategic issues connected to the ongoing conflict over nuclear power production in Ontario, the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR) is utilized. This flexible systems methodology is used to study the nuclear disputes that existed in Ontario at two key points in time: the fall of 2008 and spring of 2010. The results of the 2008 analysis, especially the sensitivity analyses, show that the only decision makers (DMs) involved in the conflict who hold real power are the Federal and Ontario governments, although at the beginning of the investigation the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) and the environmental groups had also been considered as participating DMs. The findings and information of the analysis in 2008, as well as an updated background for 2010, are used to perform another analysis in 2010. Meanwhile, their options or possible courses of action have also been changed. Again, at this stage the stable states of the game are found, and attitude analysis is carried out to obtain deeper insights about the dispute. The equilibria or potential resolutions of the 2008 analysis are found to be the transition states in the 2010 analysis. Specifically, it is discovered that if the Federal Government does have a negative attitude towards the Ontario Government, it is possible that the final outcome is a state that is among the least preferred states for both DMs. To formally study strategic issues connected to the ongoing conflict over nuclear power production in Ontario, the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR) is utilized. This flexible systems methodology is used to study the nuclear disputes that existed in Ontario at two key points in time: the fall of 2008 and spring of 2010. The results of the 2008 analysis, especially the sensitivity analyses, show that the only decision makers (DMs) involved in the conflict who hold real power are the Federal and Ontario governments, although at the beginning of the investigation the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) and the environmental groups had also been considered as participating DMs. The findings and information of the analysis in 2008, as well as an updated background for 2010, are used to perform another analysis in 2010. According to the results of the 2008 analysis, only the two governments are considered as the DMs in 2010. Meanwhile, their options or possible courses of action have also been changed. Again, at this stage the stable states of the game are found, and attitude analysis is carried out to obtain deeper insights about the dispute. The equilibria or potential resolutions of the 2008 analysis are found to be the transition states in the 2010 analysis. Specifically, it is discovered that if the Federal Government does have a negative attitude towards the Ontario Government, it is possible that the final outcome is a state that is among the least preferred states for both DMs.

No description available.

This thesis records the development of Scenario Network Mapping (or SNM): an integrated process for anticipating the future, derived from scenario planning. It argues that this process amounts to an innovative and comprehensive method of anticipating the future. Compared with traditional scenario planning, it is designed to be carried out on a smaller scale, and can be more readily updated. Since the literature revealed no appropriate process for developing a social inquiry methodology, the thesis also develops such a process, using action research for formative evaluation. / If foresighting methods are regarded as ways of dealing with social change, changing social environments therefore require new forms of anticipation. Following a review of foresighting methodologies and of 15 scenarios for the year 2000, it is argued that the current world social environment requires a method that fulfils different criteria from futures methods used previously. The literatures of foresighting and related social inquiry were used to develop a set of evaluation criteria for a futures method. These criteria were divided into design criteria (against which a methodological design could be evaluated) and execution criteria (evaluable during and following empirical iteration). / Thesis (PhDBusinessandManagement)--University of South Australia, 2005.

Past studies on strategic decision-making are mainly focused on large corporations in the western context. The knowledge on how strategic decisions are made in small to medium sized enterprises is limited. Its application in the context of a transitional economy like China is also lacking. The present study is conducted to fill such a knowledge gap and intended to advance the theory and practice to the context of transitional economy where institutional change is considered the most predominant variable affecting strategic decision-making behaviours. Hence, the overall objective of the present study is to identify the specific pattern of strategic decision-making processes by Chinese private enterprises and to analyse the unique characteristics of their strategic decision-making behaviours. In addition, the study will also address the question of what factors would contribute to the differences in processes and behaviours. / In order to explore the characteristics and the patterns of strategic decision-making behaviours and processes undertaken by private entrepreneurs in China, a qualitative approach using multiple case study method is justified and used in the study. Five companies are selected from various industries and locations in China. Fieldwork includes in-depth retrospective interviews, site observation/participation, document analyses, archival study, and informal discussion, etc. 15 decision events relating to strategic issues are reported, analysed and interpreted. The results are interesting. Firstly, bounded rationality is found the most dominant mode of strategic decision-making undertaken by private entrepreneurs in China. Secondly, dual mode is used in most of the decision events. The most common pattern is the combination of bounded rationality and adaptation/incremental approach or the combination of bounded rationality and political/visionary style. Thirdly, avoidance mode is not applied in all decision events, implying that private entrepreneurs in China tend to deal with strategic issues directly. / Moreover, the results suggest that the decision behaviours of private entrepreneurs in China are characterized with the following: no formality and procedure in making strategic decisions, preferred to search comprehensive decision information, obligatory government involvement but random or ad hoc staff involvement in decision situations, highly flexible and recursive decision making process, strong personal vision in the decision content, and great speed in decision-making. The unique patterns and characteristics of their strategic decision-making behaviours are attributed to four major factors: a) the psychological context of the private entrepreneurs, i.e. decision-makers, who are found “overconfident” and “optimistic”; b) the decision context, which is more opportunity-driven and goal-driven; c) the organizational context, which belongs to the type of “centralization of power” on one single person, i.e. the private entrepreneur; and d) the institutional context, which facilitates opportunistic behaviours of private entrepreneurs in making strategic decisions. / In sum, the study contributes to the understanding of the insight of strategic decision-making processes and behaviours undertaken by private enterprises in China. In particular, the institutional perspective is of more direct relevance in the explanation of strategic decision-making model under the transitional economy like China. Based on the findings of the study, practical implications are drawn to show how private entrepreneurs could make strategic decisions more effectively in the transitional economy like China, e.g. preparing to use dual mode, getting government involved in the decision process, using strong personal vision, making speedy decisions and paying due attention to institutional changes. / Thesis (PhDBusinessandManagement)--University of South Australia, 2003.

Domestic companies are increasingly trying to expand to become globalised firms or multinational corporations (MNCs). Existing business strategies, visions and information systems need to be re-analysed and perhaps reconstructed to fulfil the business goals, operations and characteristics of the global organisation. Information technology is a critical element in enabling globalisation, and enterprises need to identify and consider information technology and system management issues. Depending on the structure of multinational organisations, different emphases need to be placed on issues such as business information systems management, information technology management, people management, end-user management, and culture. A global transition issue priority model is constructed to support the following hypothesis: the global transition issue priority varies depending on the type of organisational structure. With the assistance of this model, MNCs are able to pinpoint the emphasis of issues in preparing the globalisation process according to their organisational structures. Surevsy were onducted to investigate the priority of issues, and outcomes suggest that the emphasis of each issue class is dependent on the type of organisational structure. The main contribution of this research is to develop a global information systems management priority model that will assist MNCs in preparing the strategic plan in the global transition process, and develop a global transition framework for enterprises which will facilitate construction of their global information systems. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This thesis illustrates the development of a new methodological tool for arts marketing, called the visibility/involvement model, through a critical analysis of promotional material of Christchurch's art galleries. The methodological tool provides insights into the quality of the art galleries' marketing activities, categorising promotional material according to their level of visibility/public accessibility and required individual involvement. The promotional material was considered according to three different dimensions of meaning: (1.) The textual dimension of meaning (Fairclough, 1992); (2.) The visual dimension of meaning (Kress and van Leeuwen, 1996; 2006); (3.) The local dimension of meaning (Scollon and Scollon, 2003). The innovation of the newly developed model lies in the combination of these three dimensions coming from the three different theoretical and methodological areas of thought: Critical Discourse Analysis, Systemic Functional Analysis, and Mediated Discourse Analysis. The model takes the above mentioned three dimensions together in order to categorise and assess a gallery's current marketing approach, and to then recommend a gallery's enhancement of marketing strategies to either deepen or broaden their audience. The visibility/involvement model also provides understanding of a gallery's underlying ideology and can explain why a certain gallery emphasises a particular marketing approach more than another cultural organisation and what implications that might have for future developments. This thesis challenges the view that traditional marketing strategies apply to arts marketing. Following Venkatesh and Meamber's (2006), who account for the cultural production process, drawing on McCracken (1986; 1988), this thesis attempts to engage in a holistic arts marketing approach. In order to attempt a holistic analysis, the thesis is based on analysis of galleries' visual signs, mission statements, and sent-out invitations. A central argument in the thesis is that each class of promotional material implies different properties, and hence requires an altered promotion strategy based on the target audience and the main communicative intention. The concept entails that the audience becomes narrower and more homogeneous from the category of visual signs to the class of sent-out invitations. Likewise, the communication needs to become more personal and specific. The audience layer model, an application of the visibility/involvement model introduced in the final chapter of this thesis, illustrates the relationship between the audience and promotional material.

Portfolio includes: Research paper 1. Generic business strategy taxonomy - an evolutionary perspective from conventionalism to pragmatism -- Research paper 2. Incorporating environmental dynamics into business strategy taxonomy: an empirical investigation of the global commercial aviation industry from 2000 to 2002 -- Research paper 3. Financial performance implications of multi-dimensional business strategy taxonomy: an empirical investigation of the global commercial aviation industry from 2000 to 2002.