Editorial

Citation

Phau, I. (2010), "Editorial", Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/apjml.2010.00822baa.001

Editorial

Article Type: Editorial From: Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, Volume 22, Issue 2.

The first piece of good news that I would like to share is that submission to APJML is now fully automated through Manuscript Central. I envisage that we will need some time to get used to the system but this will give us better control, record and audit procedures. All EAB members and ad hoc reviewers will be informed in writing to register for the new system. We are also reviewing the board members for the next term of two years.

This issue opens with two papers focusing on the Australian market. In the first paper, Weaven, Frazer and Giddings delve into the franchising conflict literature in dyadic exchange relationships through investigating the causes of conflict from the perspectives of both franchisor and franchisee. By using an exploratory method conducted on franchising experts, findings revealed that unrealistic expectations are grounds for future relational conflict. In the second paper, Johnston examines the impact of 51 sponsorship announcements and their impacts on the stock prices of firms sponsoring in Australia. It was found that small, positive increase in wealth effects was observed. Although investors appeared indifferent to sponsorship cost, they valued short-term sponsorships of less than two years. The findings provide insights into the potential of sponsorships in transcending cultural boundaries and possibilities of contributing to financial performances in regional markets.

The next three papers focus on “superpowers” of Asia. First, Bartikowski, Kamei and Chandon examine whether verbal rating scales are viable formats for attitude measurements. Based on Japanese consumer's product quality perceptions, the new scale possesses nomological validity and has qualities that are rarely found in existing literature. It explored an alternative format for measuring attitudes which could open up a wealth of measurements useful for future research. Second, Skallerud and Grønhaug investigated Chinese food retailers' positioning strategies. Specifically, the authors examined the retail segments and critical factors that are related to the nature of food supplier relationships that maybe influenced by positioning strategies. It is noted that the study is limited to only two regional retail markets and other retail sectors and markets should be examined. However, the findings lend deep insights into what maybe still relatively under researched in modern marketing. Third, Pettigrew and Charters examine the way Hong Kong drinkers have internalized the meanings associated with alcoholic beverages and how these meanings influence the motivation to drink. The findings have strong implications for the alcoholic beverage market both in Hong Kong and China.

The last three papers of the issue focused on logistic issues. Chun and Cadeaux examine several aspects of supplier category management policy that may affect category sales performance of Korean supermarkets. Findings for both small and large supermarkets were derived to allow for efficient retail distribution. Grant and Banomyong qualitatively investigated how product recovery management activities affected the strategic design and implementation of a closed-loop supply chain for a fast moving consumer good – single use camera. It was found that the company was able to design an effective and efficient product recovery and recycle manufacturing system. Garg and Deshmukh examined and highlighted the various issues involved in flexibility in maintenance. The authors have applied an SAP-LAP framework to understand and analyze the concept based on a government maintenance organization in India. The study proposed numerous practical implications. It is an original approach to apply the concept of flexibility in the area of maintenance management.

In the last year we have received in excess of 150 papers. It is with great pleasure to have authors choosing the APJML as an outlet for their research. We are all impressed with the myriad topics and the exceptional quality. We are also actively looking for ad hoc reviewers to help with the review process. Once again, we have to thank the EAB and reviewers in providing constructive feedback and support for the APJML. I do hope that this issue has been able to contribute to future research ideas and expand your research horizons.

Ian PhauCurtin University of Technology, Australia