JournalTOCs

Business and Management Studies
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 2374-5916 - ISSN (Online) 2374-5924
Published by Redfame Publishing

[7 journals]

Predicting the Success of New Cable Series from their Pilot Episode
Scripts: An Empirical Approach
- Authors: Starling D. Hunter, Yelitza Prada Breen
  Pages: 1 - 9
  Abstract: In this study we develop an empirical model to explain failure rates of new television series. Specifically, we test the ability of three factors to predict the success of new dramatic series appearing on 31 cable networks over the last 10 years. Those factors are the originality of the story, the track record of its creator(s), and the cognitive complexity of its pilot episode script—all of which are known well in advance of a network’s decision to greenlight a new series. As predicted, we find that all three variables—both individually and in combination—strongly predict the success rate of new dramatic series in their first two seasons.
  PubDate: 2017-06-13
  DOI: 10.11114/bms.v3i3.2488
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 3 (2017)
A Model for Financial Inclusion: The case of the Retail Industry in
Zimbabwe
- Authors: Cinderella Dube, Victor Gumbo
  Pages: 10 - 24
  Abstract: Inclusive financial systems allow broad access to financial services without price barriers to their use and are likely to benefit poor people and other disadvantaged groups. In Zimbabwe, little research has been done on financial inclusion since it is still a relatively new concept and hence no model has been developed to date. Therefore the purpose of this study is to explore the current extent of financial inclusion and to develop a model for financial inclusion for Zimbabwe’s retail industry. A sample of 16 bank managers and 4 supermarket managers were interviewed. The results indicated that although the retail industry had embraced some of the financial inclusion initiatives, other initiatives were still not being accepted. The resultant model was developed from the identified factors influencing financial inclusion in the study borrowing ideas from the 5Ps of financial inclusion identified in the mid 2010s.
  PubDate: 2017-06-13
  DOI: 10.11114/bms.v3i3.2489
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 3 (2017)
Diffusion of Innovation and the Technology Adoption Curve: Where Are
We' The Zimbabwean Experience
- Authors: Cinderella Dube, Victor Gumbo
  Pages: 34 - 52
  Abstract: The introduction of the Internet has led to the development of new technologies and applications that have been adopted by organisations and their users to enable them to survive in this age of technology. Online technologies have penetrated Zimbabwe, particularly in the retail industry, however, little research has been done to link the research results to theory particularly the technology adoption theories. Therefore the objective of this study was to explore the current extent of adoption of online transaction platforms in the retail industry in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, this paper purposed to determine the extent of this adoption on the Technology Adoption Curve. The online transaction platforms studied were Internet banking, Automated Teller Machines, Mobile banking, Point of Sale and Mobile money. The study took a mixed method approach where both qualitative and quantitative strategies were used. A three-sample dataset comprising of 268 bank and supermarket customers, 56 bank managers and 31 supermarket managers was used. The resultant adoption rates were plotted on Moore’s Technology Adoption Curve. The results indicated that although the retail industry had made great strides to adopt online technology platforms, but the adoption by customers was relatively low at a market penetration of 14.5%. The study thus concluded that Zimbabwe’s online technologies were in their infancy stage on the maturity model adoption curve and were inside Moore’s chasm on the technology adoption curve. The study recommended to customers to use the adopted online technologies in order to keep abreast with the digital era. On the other hand, banks and supermarkets were urged to devise marketing strategies in an effort to cross the chasm in the Technology Adoption Curve.
  PubDate: 2017-06-20
  DOI: 10.11114/bms.v3i3.2500
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 3 (2017)
The Ways to Maintain Sustainable China-Europe Block Train Operation
- Authors: Babak Besharati, Gansakh Gansakh, Feifei Liu, Xiaomin Zhang, Ming Xu
  Pages: 25 - 33
  Abstract: This paper intends to investigate the ways to maintain sustainable china –europe block train operation. Then it makes an analysis of the current situation of China-Europe Block Trains, and points out it’s fast, booming development. Meanwhile, the paper collects some data about container rate that causes the loss of operation parties. To deal with such challenge, China’s provincial governments provide subsides to maintain operation; however, it is looking for solutions to the problem, in case the challenges are sustainable.It, also, has made some proposal for using empty return wagons and coantainer from Europe efficiently.
  DOI: 10.11114/bms.v3i3.2490
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 3