i-manager's Journal on Management (JMGT)


Volume 13 Issue 2 September - November 2018

Research Paper

Co-Design in context of Design Management

Tom Page*
Associate Professor, Department of Product Design, Nottingham Trent University, England.
Page, T. (2018). Co-Design In Context Of Design Management. i-manager's Journal on Management, 13(2), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.13.2.14354

Abstract

This paper report aims to explore the value of designers involving end users, also known as consumers, in the design process. It investigates the issues surrounding participant interest, covering subjects such as fear of talking in front of groups of unknown people and fear of expressing ideas to senior designers. Through exploring these issues, this paper discusses ways in which designers are able to plan accordingly to attract consumers to the co-design process, while enabling them to express their views confidently in an environment suitable to their investigation. The other aims include looking at how co-design between designers and end users can create better products and to explore whether or not this process can be changed or improved, while the ways in which designers advertise co-design activities to specific members of the public are also included. There are three main methods of research included in this paper. Primarily, the literature review collects and contrasts various authors' arguments on these points, while a focus group with seven end users aims to present the point of view from the consumer. Lastly, an interview with a senior designer with experience in sustainability, creativity and systemic thinking, provides the opinion on the other end of the spectrum. These research methods are brought together into findings, which are then discussed under the research questions: Are consumers interested in providing designers with the information they desire; how designers plan co-design activities to gain the feedback they desire; what are the advantages of using consumer opinions in the design process. The paper is then concluded, summarising the benefits of co-design to the design process, as well as the issues involving user participation.

Research Paper

Internet of Things in the Workplace

Franklin Ramsoomair* , Elliot Kolb**
* Faculty, Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
**Quality and Operations Professional, Pharmaceuticals and Cannabis Production, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Ramsoomair, F., Kolb, E. (2018). Internet Of Things In The Workplace.i-manager's Journal on Management, 13(2), 13-23. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.13.2.14367

Abstract

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) as a viable technology for businesses has been changing how the workplace functions since its introduction. The versatility of the IoT has enabled companies to improve their competitive advantage through increased autonomous decision making, allowing for improvements in productivity, and resulting in better bottom-line performance. An examination of the impact that the IoT is having was performed in order to validate its positive effects and better understand its shortcomings. The results have shown that in the majority of applications, the IoT improves efficiency, quality, and cost metrics, but potential vulnerabilities in security preclude it from being recommended for all applications. Therefore, managers are advised to evaluate areas of their business that could benefit from IoT's analytical abilities, but do not require high security protocols in order to maximize gains from its implementation.

Research Paper

A Cluster Analysis Approach Towards Goods And Services Tax After Implementation

Gowtham*
Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Madras Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Ramkumar, G. (2018). A Cluster Analysis Approach Towards Goods And Services Tax After Implementation. i-manager's Journal on Management, 13(2), 24-30. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.13.2.14366

Abstract

Any indirect tax will have an impact on the consumer spending ability. Even direct taxes will affect the consumer spending ability but confines more to the tax payers. Goods and Services Tax (GST) has also affected the purchasing capacity of the consumers. This is because any economic reform will result in short term or medium term inflation which will reduce the purchasing power of the consumers. This research seeks to group the consumers based on the spending ability after goods and services tax implementation. Cluster analysis is a most commonly used analytical technique to classify homogeneous groups. The study classifies consumers into three major clusters and tries to explain each of these cluster characteristics by indicating priorities of the clusters based on their spending ability. While there are many type of cluster analysis being followed, this study uses K-means clustering to classify homogenous groups. Finally, the study arrives at a meaningful conclusion and can be used as a basis for further researches relating to taxes and consumer choices.

Research Paper

Role Of Brand Leadership On Brand Management Practices - A Study On Hero Motocorp

CH. Sahyaja* , K. S. Sekhara Rao**
* Research Scholar, KLU Business School, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
** Associate Professor, KLU Business School, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Sahyaja, C., Rao, S. S. K. (2018). Role of Brand Leadership on Brand Management Practices - A Study On Hero Motocorp.i-manager's Journal on Management,13(2), 31-36. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.13.2.14447

Abstract

Brand image can play an important role in the business of two wheeler industry. The study determines the significant parameters that influence the brand image of locally manufactured vehicles in India. Parameters such as: customer service, innovation, and organizational values greatly influence the brand image of any motor vehicle industry. Other parameters that significantly influence the brand image include the people related aspects such as competence and trustworthiness. The study mainly focused on finding the performance of Hero Motocorp, and the influence of brand image on its performance. The outcome of this research can significantly contribute in designing the strategies by the company in order to improve its brand image and company performance. The role of brand leadership helps in improving its brand management practices at Hero Motocorp.

Research Paper

Rethinking the Shopping Mall: A Synergetic Strategy

Alen Badal*
Ph.D., University of Liverpool, England.
Badal, A. (2018). Rethinking the Shopping Mall: A Synergetic Strategy. i-manager's Journal on Management, 13(2), 37-41. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.13.2.14368

Abstract

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal reported that according to a Credit Suisse Group AG report, a quarter of the 1,200 malls in the United States may face closure over the next five years (Whelan, 2018). Many challenges may have contributed to lack of physical sales, such as ease of shopping online, more options to shop at home utilizing the Internet, which allow shopping various sites at once; possibility of lower prices/incentives; and shopping around-the-clock. Benefits of physical shopping include receiving your product in real time and possibility of no shipping; physically 'seeing' the product before buying; lastly, easy/free returns, locally, among others. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the shopping mall location trends at select countries and share possible considerations mall landlords and retailers/restaurant and entertainment establishments may consider to boost revenues housed within shopping malls. Specifically, conducting a strategic analysis may yield specific strategies to consider implementing.

Research Paper

Role Of Entertainment In Fostering Consumer Delight At Shopping Malls In Coimbatore City

K. Sasi Kumar* , M. Sadika Sultana**, M. Vasudevan***
*Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration, Vivekanandha College, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
**Associate Professor, PG & Research Department of Management Science, Park's College, Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India.
***Assistant Professor, Institute of Management, Christ University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Kumar, S. K., Sultana, S. M., Vasudevan, M. (2018) Role of Entertainment in Fostering Consumer Delight at Shopping Malls in Coimbatore City, 13(3), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.13.2.14055

Abstract

Shopping malls have developed to be the one-stop destination for entertainment, shopping and have granted a new aspect to the retail industry in India. Entertainment acts as a significant element in all shopping malls. Entertainment is a form of action that grasps the interest and attention of audience, provides delight and pleasure which are crucial in a highly mechanical and business world to get relief from stress. The elements such as movie theatres/multiplex, children's play area, food court, indoor sports and video games zone influence the shoppers to choose shopping malls for entertainment purpose.