1.        

Track Title: Business Competitiveness Drivers in the Post Crisis Era: The European Mediterranean Perspective

Description: Globalization has increased competition among firms. Reduced trade barriers, spread of technology and lower cost of communication and transportation have sharpened international competition, which requires firms to improve their competitiveness with a direct impact on the competitiveness of the economy as a whole. For this, firms must have a strong financial condition and performance to ensure sustainability and development on a micro and macro level. The purpose of this track is to develop an adequate framework of firm competitiveness, especially in the post crisis era, to define what competitiveness means and how it is to be measured, to identify the critical factors affecting it and how competitiveness, sustainability and development are connected. Exportability, management practices, governmental policy, structural changes, innovation, technology, etc. are some of the issues that can be analyzed. Emphasis is given in the Euro - Mediterranean area.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Fotini Psimarni-Voulgari, TEI of Crete, Greece fvoulgari@staff.teicrete.gr

2.        

Track Title: The degree of regional competitiveness in the Mediterranean Area

Description: The importance of territorial competitiveness has increased rapidly in recent years, leading to examining main drivers affecting it. Most contributions are addressing two important questions: how to define competitiveness and which indicators measure it and how can competitiveness be improved. There exists, however, scarce literature concerning the measurements and indices of regional competitiveness. The lack of a model able to provide a measure of regional competitiveness is an obstacle preventing from measuring the competitive potential of a region and from assessing how to increase competitiveness itself. Specifically focusing on the Mediterranean Regions, some of the key issues to be addressed in this track could be: theories of regional competitiveness; determination of main drivers affecting the level of regional competitiveness; measurement of regional competitiveness; strategies of regional development.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Milena Viassone, University of Turin (ITALY) milena.viassone@unito.it

3.        

Track Title: Territory, cooperation and common goods

Description: The challenge we face as citizens in managing economic, social, cultural development, implies means of organizing and providing a sense of collective action. Defining what we share; what we have in common is crucial. Common goods are in the same time a resource and something we need to identify. The modern global crisis combines financial, economic, social and cultural dimensions. It becomes necessary to question the very ideals on which modern societies are built, including the philosophy of freedom for all. This track attempts a reconsideration of private property, not from an exchange value standpoint but rather from the perspective of use value. Support for this view stems from analyses of brand communities and co-operative development, which also could support innovative microfinance projects.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Bernard PARANQUE, Euromed Management/Kedge Business School

bernard.paranque@euromed-management.com

4.        

Track Title: Green growth and sustainable development

Description: This track focuses on papers addressing issues related to green growth, the environment and sustainable development, green productivity and the impact of development on the environment from economics, business and management perspectives. We need green growth because risks to development are rising as growth continues to erode natural capital. If we want to ensure that the progress made in living standards in these past fifty years does not grind to a halt, we have to find new ways of producing and consuming things, and even redefine what we mean by progress and how we measure it. To this effort, the track especially welcomes empirical research, best practices and case studies, and policy papers focused agenda for delivering on a number of Rio’s key aspirations, green growth and sustainable development.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Jung Wan Lee, Boston University, USA jwlee119@bu.edu

5.        

Track Title: The impact of migrations on the economic and regional development in the Mediterranean Area

Description: When immigrants settle in destination Countries, they affect the economic, social, urban environment. Many theoretical frameworks have been proposed to inquire the phenomenon and many empirical studies have been conducted but up to now there is no general agreement on the impact immigrants can cause. Studies focusing on the above topics are encouraged in reference to this track.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Claudia De Biase, Second University of Naples Claudia.DEBIASE@unina2.it

6.        

Track Title: Leapfrogging Business for Sustainability

Description: In response to increasing concerns towards the world environment, it becomes imperative for business to move towards sustainable practices. However, the challenges are huge and adapting business practices to an environmentally changing world calls for focus on many key areas. It calls for a radical thinking and execution for re-aligning business for sustainability. A holistic understanding requires studying the interplay between global regulatory framework, country regulatory framework, practices by industries and the customers for products and services. Focus The track calls for papers focusing on the direct and indirect effects of stakeholders on the sustainability of business.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr H.S. Srivatsa, TAPMI, Manipal, Karnataka , India hs.srivatsa@tapmi.edu.in

7.        

Track Title: Agribusiness in Rural Development

Description: This track invites conceptual and empirical papers on agribusiness particularly related to rural development. The papers should mainly focus on the influence of agribusiness in rural development in terms of financial development, social development, communal development will get preference. The track will particularly encourage submissions on new and innovative model development and on implications regarding agribusiness from the perspectives of rural development. The track also welcomes papers that have applied the experimental research to valid any proposed framework or model.  

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Abu Zafar Mahmudul Haq, City University, Dhaka, Bangladesh abuzafar67@yahoo.com

8.        

Track Title: The role of technology in growth and development

Description: This research theme addresses the relationships between technological change, productivity, economic growth and socio-economic development at the macro level. It focuses on a range of questions with respect to the impact of innovation and technological change on productivity, growth, employment, human capital, inequality, poverty, sustainability and socio-economic development. These questions are studied in an international comparative perspective including advanced economies, developing economies and economies in transition. The analysis of growth and development will be enlarged to include processes of catch up, forging ahead and falling behind.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Suhail S. Sultan, Palestine Polytechnic University sultan@ppu.edu

9.        

Track Title: Environmental Communication and sustainable development

Description: The track’s main goal is to investigate the role of communication in the field of the environment, especially regarding the sustainable management of natural resources, other environmental concerns and climate change. The objective of the proposed "track" is threefold. First, to register stakeholders’ attitudes that may influence the stages preceding efficient policy -making and second, to study the attitude of businesses in relation to a range of environmental issues. The track intends to determine the communication strategies that should be implemented over the following years, in the place of organizing unified actions and formative interventions regarding environmental conflicts. In view of the above the track invites papers focusing on: Environmental communication in business relations; Environmental issues and business; Environmental communication and protected areas; Environmental Policy; Environmental Education and sustainable development; Mass Media as environmental educators; Environmental journalism and education

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Georgios Tsandopoulos, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece

tsantopo@fmenr.duth.gr

and

Dr Stamatis Aggelopoulos, Alexander TEI of Thessaloniki, Greece stamagg@farm.teithe.gr

10.     

Track Title: Management of Science, Technology, Innovation, Quality and Conformity Assessment Business

Description: Papers and Abstracts should cover the subject under this Track: Earning competitive edge as well as ensuring sustainable market access in the global trade regime under WTO, due to three major Agreements: TBT, SPS and TRIPS. Identifying needs and demand, formulating suitable strategies, developing national, regional and international technical infrastructures, devising business plans for efficient-transparent management through leadership, earning technical competency, developing human capital, evaluating, monitoring and controlling are major challenges not only for developed economies but also for developing, least developed and transition economies. Various tools and techniques are to be developed, applied, verified and disseminated. The global views, options and knowledge realms are to be built, shared, and applied through continuous research and communications among the communities in the above mentioned area.

Track Chair/Chairs: KM Mostafa ANWAR, TCA Global The Croft Alliance Ltd. & European Organization for Quality mostafa_anwar@yahoo.com

2 - Conflict, Diversity and Cohesion

11.     

Track Title: Managing Diversity and Promoting Collaboration in the Context of Conflict

Description: Diversity of the workforce and organizational membership has become a reality in most parts of the world, exerting considerable influence on organizational behavior especially on teamwork, intra-organizational and inter-organizational collaboration. Managing diversity in organizations presents a special challenge in divided societies, where social divisions (e.g. national and ethnic protracted conflicts, socio-economic gaps, gender inequality) are prominent. This track will discuss recent research attempts addressing queries with regard to diversity management, particularly fostering intra and inter-organizational collaborative interactions (partnerships) in the context of social conflicts. The issues will be explored through a wide variety of conceptual angles, research methodologies and practice orientations, emphasizing comparative and cross-cultural research.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Helena Desivilya Syna, Max Stern Yezreel Valley College (YVC), ISRAEL

desiv@yvc.ac.il

12.     

Track Title: Solidarity, Polarization, Inequality and Xenophobia

Description: Contemporary society is characterized by globalization, neo-liberalism, and structural changes that strengthen conflicts about income distribution and social justice. Solidarity is viewed as a basis of the welfare state and of settling conflicting interests between groups. Some scholars examine social solidarity across three dimensions: democratic solidarity, civil solidarity and distributional solidarity. Others emphasize the distinction between social solidarity and civil solidarity. Most scholars emphasize xenophobia and excluding attitudes towards minorities, and the two main sources of these phenomena: a sense of threat as a result of competition for social-economic resources, and a sense of threat as a result of the loss of homogeneity of the majority group.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Liema Davidovich, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel Liema@ruppin.ac.il

13.     

Track Title: Revitalization of cultural heritage as an element of export supply

Description: Cultural heritage is a common wealth of humanity and its protection is one of the important factors for recognizing, defining and affirming cultural identify. It is the link between countries and people because the language of heritage is the same everywhere. It is an indicator of history, culture, religion and tradition of a country or particular area as well as of a nation but at the same time it is an indicator of the impact of art and culture. Heritage could serve as a tool for uniting and increasing a sense of community among people of different orientations, races and religion. The track discusses: how cultural heritage and its revitalization can be included as an element of export supply, methods of financing revitalization, and the extent to which heritage revitalization could be a means of democracy in a country.

Track Chair/Chairs: Ivana Busljeta Banks, Zagreb School of Economics and Management, Croatia

ibanks@zsem.hr

3 - Corporate Governance

14.     

Track Title: Corporate Governance, Strategy and Performance

Description: Increased competition has prompted companies to enhance their efficiency. One of the areas most influenced is corporate governance. The aim of this track is to analyze the relationships between corporate governance, strategic process and corporate performances of firms. It attempts to distill a better understanding of the pivotal role played by ownership structure in influencing firm strategy and performance. Relevant topics of invited papers: Corporate Governance and Corporate Strategy; Corporate governance and value creation; Corporate governance and firm performances; Corporate Governance on SMEs

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Matteo Rossi, University of Sannio – Benevento, Portugal mrossi@unisannio.it

15.     

Track Title: The role of intellectual property strategy  in corporate governance

Description: Intellectual property holds a big part, if not the complete value of a project. The Codex of Corporate Governance is a document describing the system by which companies are directed and controlled, along with additional information important to internal and external audiences. It is not only a code of conduct but at the same time serves as an instrument supporting the shareholders’ rights, improves managers’ efficiency and effectiveness, supports the stability of a company, and a way to ensure consumer security and environmental preservation. Going through both a number of Codexes of Corporate Governance and OECD’s Principles of Corporate Governance, we discovered that they do not address the role of intellectual property strategy. The track focuses on the positive and negative aspects that could arise if a Codex of Corporate Governance contained guidelines concerning intellectual property strategy. 

Tomislav Sokol, Zagreb School of Economics and Management, Croatia tsokol@zsem.hr

16.     

Track Title: Intercultural Competence

Description: Research work related to assessing and/ or educating/training intercultural competence is welcome to be presented. Empirical research related to evaluating current methodologies is also encouraged to be forwarded. In addition, this track welcomes new research developments interrelating intercultural competence, diversity management, intercultural communication or intercultural sensitivity.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Ruediger Kaufmann Hans, University of Nicosia and EMRBI Vice President

kaufmann.r@unic.ac.cy

and

Englezou Maria, University of Gloucestershire maria.englezou@hotmail.com

17.     

Track Title: Cross Cultural Perspectives of Human Resource Management

Description: Cross-cultural HRM (CCHRM) has become significant for countries, firms and individuals. Not only are Western and Japanese companies increasingly operating globally, but companies from the BRICS countries and those emerging regions are also rapidly internationalizing. The interaction and collaboration among people from diverse backgrounds has become a significant factor for the organizations’ success. Managing global talents is more critical than ever before. Hence, this stream calls all the HR professionals to addresses specific HR issues at country, region, firm, group and individual level faced by any international enterprises in the context of international management. The focus of stream could potentially include but is not limited to the following: the analysis of different national/regional business systems/ employment systems; cross cultural perspectives in leadership, communication, teamwork, motivation, learning, conflict, communication, negotiation from the perspective of the individual manager; and recruitment/selection, training/development, reward/compensation, performance management for expatriates.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr. Crystal Zhang, Leeds Metropolitan Universityc.zhang@leedsmet.ac.uk

18.     

Track Title: Cross-Cultural Perspectives of Foreign Direct Investment

Description: Besides a deep analysis of the market attractiveness and a judicious competitive analysis that support the FDI decision of the great majority of organizations a huge number of investments fail. Cultural reasons are at the origin of problems that emerge at several different levels in International Business Management. Contributions on this topic can be focused on: Human Resource Management; Market Entry Decisions; Cooperation; Mergers and Acquisitions; Financial Investment Management

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Hortênsia Barandas-Karl, Universidade do Porto, Portugal 

barandas@fep.up.pt

19.     

Track Title: Online Social networks: Facebook, Twitter, etc.... and their contribution to Business

Description: Online social networks and media have rapidly become the fastest growing Web component and in many aspects have changed our society while many millions of people spend hours every day in these networks. As a result, social networks become fascinating for businesses willing to leverage this tremendous opportunity. Exploring this new phenomenon from the users' perspective, as well as from the commercial perspective, can optimize the value both audiences get from the network. Among others, this track invites papers  focusing on: Social network users' community; Marketing and advertising in social networks; Social networks finance; Strategic considerations of social networks; Reputation and trust management of social networks; Mobile social networks; Modeling of social networks; Social mining and social search

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr.Oren Gil-Or,College of Management and Open University, Israel.

oren@gil-or.com and Enric López, EUHT CETT, Barcelona, Spain enric.lopez@cett.es

20.     

Track Title: Technology application management in banking: Business process reengineering, customer satisfaction, payment system, risk management, financial integration and stability

Description: Recent technological advancements in banking; technological changes affecting customer satisfaction; risk management: recent trends in risk management and the extent to which service providers are getting benefitted by adapting those measures; reengineering of the banking processes for survival in the global competition; financial integration and stability: delivery of financial services, at affordable costs, to disadvantaged and low income segments of society; evaluating the processes through which a country’s financial markets are becoming more closely integrated with those in other countries or with those in the rest of the world; elimination of barriers for foreign financial institutions from some (or all) countries to operate or offer cross-border financial services in others - linking banking, equity and other types of financial markets

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Saroj Kumar Datta, VIT Business School dattasaroj@gmail.com

and Sukanya Kundu, sk54015@gmail.com

21.     

Track Title: e-learning web based models for business and accounting: Requirements, procedures, implementation experiences and implications on lifelong learning

Description: In this track we welcome papers that deal with e-learning in business and accounting in several fronts. Papers that analyze and describe the tools used in developing such models, user requirements in e-learning environments, accounting and business learning efficacy and effectiveness implications thanks to technology enabled learning, e-learning shortcomings and facilitations, the use of e-learning in the service of lifelong learning are some of the issues that could be addressed and presented in this track.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Dr George Venieris, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece venieris@aueb.gr

22.     

Track Title: The use of Innovative Digital Technologies in Hospitality and Tourism

Description: The track invites submissions from various areas that analyze social media, electronic marketing, 3G mobile applications, analytics, digital mapping and their use for the Hospitality and Tourism sector.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Maria Manuela Sanches Almeida Carvalho, Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão de Lamego, Portugal mmcarvalho@estgl.ipv.pt

and Dr Evangelos Moustakas, Middlesex University in London, UK e.moustakas@mdx.ac.uk

23.     

Track Title: Digital media, Innovation and Social Transformation

Description: The advent of web 2.0 transformed the landscape of media and communication in that audience and marketing research must adapt to constant technological developments and their complex socio-cultural consequences. Increased media convergence has resulted in audiences often engaging across a range of old and new media and in new formats and genres. In addition to new patterns in media consumption, digitalization has made it possible for audiences to generate and distribute media content for multiple purposes, thus requiring changes in traditional analysis of the roles of the producer and audience in business practices. This track invites papers that critically examine the role of digital media and online cultures in the transformation of contemporary life. Topics of interest include: current trends in the consumption of digital media, design and evaluation of innovative social media systems, social media and critical thinking, affordances and vulnerabilities of evolving media ecology, emerging communication and business practices and new conceptual developments and methodological innovations in audience research.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Tao Papaioannou, University of Nicosia, Cyprus papaioannou.t@unic.ac.cy

24.     

Track Title: Digital Marketing: Interactive media and multichannel marketing, on-line consumer behavior, using social media and networks for marketing in B2C and B2B

Description: With new technologies creating new modes of marketing, companies striving to maximize their marketing impact will have to keep pace with increasing options available. Devising and implementing marketing strategies has not only become more complicated but also effort-intensive. Companies are considering alternate ways to maximize their investment and drive business. Organizations seeking to effectively promote their products and services need to employ digital marketing effectively to access the increasing number of online users. The introduction of digital media as a marketing tool creates further complexity for researchers. Intensive Research in Digital Marketing, Interactive media and multichannel marketing, on-line consumer behavior, using social media and networks for marketing in B2C and B2B will help companies seeking to leverage the digital capabilities.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Manoj. K. Jha, NITIE Mumbai, India manojkjha40@gmail.com

25.     

Track Title: Rurality and renaissance economics

Description: The track invites papers exploring the need for reassessing traditional economic models focusing on local comparative advantages at the commune or city rather than Nation level or even beyond. Among others, this track’s papers might focus on: Models of local competitive advantage developed through value and trust chains promoting diversified business growth potential; Influence of innovators and entrepreneurs on the development of local social capital; Alternative rural economic models; Impact of web 2 and social media on opportunities for rural businesses to access global markets; Contribution of value chains and quality of life decisions on the promotion of viable rural economies.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr James MacAskill, British Institute of Technology and e-Commerce,

jmacaskill@bite.ac.uk

26.     

Track Title: Management accounting and financial reporting practices: Implications for corporate governance and management

Description: In this track we welcome papers dealing with financial and management accounting focusing on their implications on corporate governance and managerial decision-making. Papers submitted may cover a range of research approaches including empirical, case-based analysis, surveys and conceptual studies. The papers may also have an analytical, theoretical or methodological focus. Papers that refer to innovations in management accounting such as Activity Based Costing, implications of financial accounting standards (e.g. IFRS) on management systems, relations between corporate governance structure and accounting systems are indicative areas of research related to this track.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Sandra Cohen, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece scohen@aueb.gr

27.     

Track Title: Interactions between the Volatility of Financial Markets and Investors’ Behaviour

Description: Risk and uncertainty are pervasive in economic life, playing a role in almost every important economic decision. Understanding individuals’ attitudes towards risk is intimately linked to the goal of predicting economic behaviour. There appears to be significant agreement among researchers that individuals’ tolerance of financial risk is related to a number of broad demographic factors. However, significant literature gaps still exist concerning: a) small investor’s risk tolerance and possible interconnections of the latter to market volatility and b) the mediating/driving role of cultural factors in shaping these links. Some of the key issues to be addressed in this track could be: interconnection between market volatility and human attitude towards risk; behavioral finance vs. rational approaches; the key drivers of risk tolerance of individuals under the behavioral finance approach; the direct and moderating effects of demographics, personality traits and culture on small investors’ risk tolerance

Track Chair/Chairs: Georgia Mouzoura, University of Gloucestershire, UKgeorgiamouzoura@connect.glos.ac.uk

and

Dr Evangelos Tsoukatos, TEI of Crete, Greece and EMRBI Director of Operations and Development tsoukat@staff.teicrete.gr

28.     

Track Title: Public Private Partnership: Business Models, Accounting Regulation, Accountability

Description: Infrastructure in some countries is built, managed and controlled directly by the public sector. However, the introduction of more and more stringent budgetary constraints, respect for the public finances (Stability Pact countries of the EU), and increasing scarcity of resources, worsened by the financial crisis led some countries to trying and consolidating over time experiences of public-private partnership (PPP), through contractual agreements encouraging the participation of private sector companies in the development, financing, operation and maintenance of works and utilities, also allowing governments to control public debt. In view of the above, this track is focused on the changing role of innovative Public Private Partnership, business models, accounting regulation and accountability of companies and Local Authorities of the Mediterranean Area.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Maura Campra, maura.campra@eco.unipmn.it

and

Dr Paolo ESPOSITO, University of Piemonte Orientale “Avogadro, Italy pesposito@unisannio.it

Prof. Paolo  RICCI, University of Sannio, Italy ricci@unisannio.it

29.     

Track Title: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in administrative contracts. Regulations and managerial implications for New Public  Management

Description: This track aims at encompassing knowledge on Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) by reviewing new public management and contrasting this with a public value paradigm. Papers, of either juridical or managerial approach, addressing the following issues among others are invited: “Administrative contracts” against private law contracts; Contracts of concession of public service, as is the case of the “Build, Operate & Transfer” international model; Public Private Partnerships (PPP) preferably with a special reference to cultural entities like museums, operas, libraries etc.; Former public enterprises transferred to private investors, called “institutional PPPs”.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Antonios Maniatis, Technological Educational Institute of Patras, Greece maniatis@dikaio.gr

30.     

Track Title: New Fiscal and Monetary Policy trends in view of economic and currency reap

Description: In line with the fiscal and monetary policy changes in the US and the E.U, it could be interesting to see the future trends for these on a medium term. Papers can bring new solutions to this area in anticipation of the salvation of the euro currency and the economic status of many Mediterranean countries, including Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, Slovenia and Portugal.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Simona Mihai-Yiannaki, European University, Cyprus S.Mihai@euc.ac.cy

31.     

Track Title: The current structure and competitive advantage of the Financial Services industry in the Mediterranean region

Description: This track can discuss (1) the historical evolution of the financial services industry in the different counties of the Mediterranean region (2) the current structure and performance of the different sectors within this industry: hedge funds, banks, investment companies, insurance companies, captive insurances (3) the competitive advantage of the different financial services sectors within each country (4) the expected future evolution and growth in value added, productivity, employment and salaries in each different financial services sector.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Joseph Falzon, University of Malta joseph.falzon@um.edu.mt

7 - Education and Training

32.     

Track Title: Management of Higher Education (HE) Systems and Institutions

Description: Global economic and political development provoked the need to prepare a much better qualified workforce, which leads to reviewing higher education systems (HES). High-quality Higher Education Systems are necessary in ensuring development and international competitiveness of a country, which supports a high quality of study programs, flexibility, autonomy and accountability of higher education institutions (HEI). Such changes require new forms of higher education systems’ and institutions’ management.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Erika Vaiginienė, Vilnius University, Lithuania erika.vaiginiene@tvm.vu.lt

33.     

Track Title: Putting lifelong learning strategies into practice for business competitiveness

Description: The continuing-education needs of a changing workforce have increased demands for better LLL strategies and initiatives. Through such initiatives companies expect to achieve two distinct goals: qualified workforce and competitiveness. In this context, research needs to pay attention to the dynamics of agents’ relationships and the factors contributing to LLL strategy success. In view of the above, this track seeks research papers in the following areas: LLL strategies/programs/actions and business competitiveness; LLL strategies in the workplace; Benefits and incentives for agents to invest in LLL; The effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis of LLL strategies/programs/actions; Designing, implementing and managing LLL partnerships; Capturing and managing the learning from LLL initiatives; Public-private partnerships; Companies-education providers’ partnerships; Social capital building and LLL initiatives; Agent/stakeholder interaction and LLL strategies; Critical success factors for LLL collaborative strategies; Barriers to invest in LLL strategies and partnerships; Funding and co-funding LLL strategies; Quality and perception issues related to LLL strategies/programs/actions; Best practices in LLL strategies and partnerships

Track Chair/Chairs: Sue Betts,s.betts@linkinglondon.ac.uk

and

Kate Burrell University of London  k.burrell@linkinglondon.ac.uk

Teresa Torres-Coronas (*), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain teresa.torres@urv.cat

 (*) corresponding author

34.     

Track Title: Creativity and Innovation in Universities versus employability in the Euro-Mediterranean region

Description: The track will cover the actual methods and literature for applying creativity and innovation in teaching in Universities’ business Schools, emerging from the theories of small c and big C creativity concepts. Experiences from research projects are also welcomed from either the U.S. the E.U. or other markets.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Simona Mihai-Yiannaki, European University, Cyprus S.Mihai@euc.ac.cy

35.     

Track Title: Creativity, innovation and global entrepreneurship

Description: The present global economic and entrepreneurial reality constitutes an opportunity for innovative activity towards the new era of a knowledge based economy. The competitiveness of economies and enterprises is nowadays formed by characteristics dealing with the quality, creativity and innovativeness of products. These point to the capability of an economy to track, incorporate and disseminate new technological knowledge that is continuously evolving, as a result of a creative attitude against problems and strategic choices. This track invites papers dealing with the need of requiring and applying novel methods for the adaptation of economic activities to the continuous changes. Papers must offer a holistic framework covering the range of innovation processes and activities, creativity, strategic and/or innovation management, knowledge – intensive innovations, economics of innovation and entrepreneurship, in order for enterprises and especially SME’s, to gain the fundamental capability of adaptation to the continuous changing global entrepreneurial and economic reality.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Marios Trigkas, CE.RE.T.E.TH./Institute of Technology & Management of Agricultural Ecosystems mtrigkas@cereteth.gr  

Karagouni Glykeria, karagg@teilar.gr

and

Prof. Ioannis Papadopoulos, papad@teilar.gr TEI of Larissa, Greece

 35A

Track Title: Governmental innovation policy

Description: While innovation is widely accepted as a major factor in economic success and, therefore, in economic development, governmental policy (local, national or regional) seems to be lagging behind.  Academics have adopted through the triple helix the nexus of industry-Academia-Government, but the exact role and the tools employed by the government, balancing support without hampering competition are still widely debated, and remain unexplored. The track invites papers dealing with the nexus, the concurrent influences between the different players, the tools employed, the balance sought between competition and support, and success stories. Papers or case studies may comprise of empirical statistics or theoretical concepts.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr. Amiram Porath, amiram_p@mla.ac.il, College for academic studies Or-Yehuda, ISRAEL

Hakikur Rahman, hakik@dsi.uminho.pt, University of Minho, Portugal.

and

Isabel Ramos, iramos@dsi.uminho.pt, University of Minho, Portugal.

36.     

Track Title: Entrepreneurship and new venture creation in the Mediterranean Region: actors, tools and policies

Description: Entrepreneurship is a broad concept including the creation and management of new businesses, small and family businesses, and the features of entrepreneurs. Several theories have been proposed in reference to actors, tools and policies that can foster or delay the above cited phenomena, but empirical evidences still seem to miss. Papers focusing on one of the above topics (different types of entrepreneurs, of companies and of contexts), based on different theoretical perspectives, and using different research methods are strongly encouraged in reference to this track.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. M. Sorrentino, Second University of Naples Mario.sorrentino@unina2.it

and

Dr D. Matricano, Istituto di Ricerche sulle Attività Terziarie, (I.R.A.T.) d.matricano@irat.cnr.it

37.     

Track Title: Systemic Approaches to Business Science

Description: The track aims at providing a multi-field approach with special emphasis on the systemic approach for business. The purpose is to discuss the cutting edge research in the field of Systems Science and Cybernetics and their application to the fields of Management, Business Organization, Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Service Management, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Economics and Finance.

Track Chair/Chairs: Gandolfo Dominici, University of Palermo (Italy)gandolfo.dominici@unipa.it

and

Gianpaolo Basile, University of Salerno (Italy) gibasile@unisa.it

38.     

Track Title: Organizational Restructuring and Change

Description: This track aims to cover any kind of transformations that organizations may be subject to from initial motivations to outcomes and consequences. Major topics include: - Globalization, and the Information technology revolution- Change challenges and consequences- Restructuring strategies and motives- Innovation and organizational autonomy- Regulatory environment and considerations- Resistance to change and defensive tactics- Internationalization and growth- Restructuring plans- Integration, incentive systems- Internal controls and management- Restructuring in healthcare, and education- Organizational and restructuring evaluation- Organizational failure- Mergers and Acquisitions- Business Alliances- Corporate Bankruptcy and Liquidation- Restructuring financing- Divestitures, Spin-offs, and Carve-outs- Cross-Border operations- Psychological effects of change- Post-restructuring evaluation and integration- Corporate governance in organizational restructuring- International, cultural and gender issues- New public management

Track Chair/Chairs: Ribeiro Humberto Nuno Rito, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal

humberto@alumni.dmu.ac.uk

39.     

Track Title: Industrial Engineering and System Efficiency Improvement

Description: Industrial Engineering has been broadened to dealing with efficiency improvement of all business functions of an organization. As effectiveness and efficiency are the two fundamental performance parameters of managerial activity or of a business organization, IE is an important subject/discipline. Efficiency is an important principle of management and it is mentioned by Koontz and O’Donnell as one of the principles of management in planning, organizing and control functions. Productivity is an important management issue. Resource efficiency now got additional support from environment management discipline. This track invites papers on: Productivity improvement; Cost Management; Product Redesign for Economy;, Process Redesign for Economy; Resource Efficiency

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. K.V.S.S. Narayana Rao, National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai, India kvssnrao55@gmail.com

40.     

Track Title: Knowledge and industrial dynamics

Description: This track focuses on knowledge flows, learning, and the recombination of knowledge at the level of firms and sectors. It entails microeconomic research, or the detailed study of particular high-tech sectors such as biotechnology, information technology, and environmental technologies. The use and adoption of technologies in more traditional sectors, particularly in developing countries, is also addressed. Central issues of concern include the evolution of firm and industry structures, the possible co-existence of several technologies, the co-existence of several activities within a region, or the presence of one type of activity in several locations.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Suhail S. Sultan, Palestine Polytechnic University sultan@ppu.edu

41.     

Track Title: Social Innovation facing Bio economics (Virtual Track)

Description: Over the coming decades, Europe must ensure a safe, healthy and prosperous environment. Successfully addressing major environmental and societal challenges will change the way we live and work. Bio economy will make this a change for the better if its potential is fully exploited. The integrated Bio economy we envisage is not simply about Science, but rather a dynamic integration of Science with Business and Society. For better understanding the complexity of the building blocks and blueprints of bio economic systems, and improve our predictions about their reactions to external influences we are looking for appropriate papers and researches, able to better explain and exploit the benefit of mankind and environment. The track encourages applications from a wide variety of fields, ranging from Mathematics to Social-Economic studies. We encourage the submission of collective multidisciplinary papers that may substantially contribute to a new understanding of the complexity and dynamics of market and society phenomena.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Carmen Costea, USH Bucharest cecostea@yahoo.com

Prof. Manuela Epure, USH Bucharest prorector_cercetares@spiruharet.ro

 41A.

Track Title: Critical Management Studies and Critical Marketing in times of Crisis

At the base of Critical Management Studies (CMS) and Critical Marketing, this Conference Track searches and encourages historical-empirical studies or research springing from the Frankfurt school and/or critical theory. Drawing on a variety of noteworthy thematic in the sphere of business, this track introduces a critical analysis for the study of management and the socio-cultural diagnosis of various managerial epiphenomena; it explores the relations between power and discursive practices in contemporary corporations; it also examines the nature and consequences of current practices in organizational citizenship. The topics should look into the profounder ways of managerialism as a form of ideology and practice that is being used worldwide to intensify and deepen remarkable frames of inequality, subordination, elitism, exploitation, oppression and working discrepancies. The papers should convey the reinforcement of sophisticated critical thinking, particularly the general social theories of the present, especially with regards to the times of the systemic crisis of capitalism and neoliberalism. Best Selected papers will be published in the Journal of Critical Studies in Business & Society https://journal.euc.ac.cy/

Prof. Kostas Gouliamos, Vice-Rector European University Cyprus K.Gouliamos@euc.ac.cy

42.     

Track Title: New perspectives on Managing Multinational corporations in the Euro-Mediterranean region

Description: An increased number of multinational corporations (MNC’s) headquartered in northern countries are opening facilities in the Euro-Mediterranean area. Similarities between countries do exist, but there is also a set of differences such as language, culture, religion, regulations, and consumer preferences and behaviors. This led to asking questions on the specificity of the “Euro- Mediterranean” strategic orientation of MNCs. The other fact that characterizes the strategic headquarters-subsidiary relationship is that a growing number of MNC’s operate to enhance subsidiary initiatives. This leads to an increased interest placed on corporate entrepreneurship and innovationPapers in this track could focus on issues such as: Management headquarter-subsidiaries relations; Cross-cultural Management and international assignments; Specificities of HRM practices within Euro-Mediterranean region; Transfer of HRM practices and contextual specificities; Coordination and control of international units; Transnational strategy; Innovation and corporate entrepreneurship

Track Chair/Chairs: Dorra Yahiaoui, Normandy Business School, France d.yahiaoui@em-normandie.fr

and

Hela Chebbi, EDC – Paris, France hela.chebbi@edcparis.edu

43.     

Track Title: Internationalization and innovation in services sector

Description: Innovation in services is vital because: Certain services are essential to the development of some technological innovations, Services contribute to economic growth; Business services, particularly KIS (Knowledge-Intensive Services), are considered as intermediate inputs in production, due to their positive effects on innovation. The development of information, communication and automation technologies and greater mobility of people, knowledge and capital provide a basis for the introduction of new forms of trading in services, and making services more exportable and internationalized. Subthemes: Exportability and internationalization of services; Integration of products and services; Service quality and skilled service work; Technology and services; Internationalization in services subsectors, such as, public services, financial services, hospitality, distribution, etc.; KIBS; Fast growing gazelles from service sector; Service productivity management; Drivers of innovation in services SMEs.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Luísa Carvalho, Setubal Polytechnic Institute, Portugal

luisa.carvalho@esce.ips.pt

44.     

Track Title: Innovation, global business strategies and host country development

Description: This research theme focuses on business-oriented research on technological development and innovation. Studies under this theme analyze international R&D strategies of firms, the role of affiliates of multinational corporations (MNCs) and the effect of inter-firm networks on the global technological development process. The theme covers corporate R&D strategies and investment behavior of MNCs in the Triad, emerging and advanced developing economies. A particular focus is on host government policies regarding the role and position of MNCs and their subsidiaries in advanced developing countries and the technological catching up process of companies originating from developing countries.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Suhail S. Sultan, Palestine Polytechnic University sultan@ppu.edu

45.     

Track Title: The current structure and competitive advantage of the manufacturing industry in the Mediterranean region

Description: This track can discuss (1) the historical evolution of the manufacturing industry in the Mediterranean region (2) the current structure and performance of the different sectors (3) the competitive advantage of the different manufacturing sectors within each country (4) the expected future evolution and growth in value added, productivity and employment.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Joseph Falzon, University of Malta joseph.falzon@um.edu.mt

46.     

Track Title: Emergent Markets

Description: Future generations will admire the current century regarding the growth of Emergent economy and its affirmation on the global scene. Western countries are not aware of how profound the impact is of the high-speed development of Emergent markets and how this will affect the future. Academics have the obligation to understand the situation in order to predict and support solutions to possible problems that will emerge. This track is, therefore, inviting papers focusing on: The importance of institutions in Emergent Markets; Multinationals from Emergent Markets; The importance of informal structures in Emergent Markets; Outward Foreign Direct Investment from Emergent Markets; Whether International Business theories explain Emergent Markets path; Whether Western Governments antagonize Emergent Markets OFDI; Whether Emergent Markets firms’ opacity is related to Emergent Markets Institutions.

Track Chair/Chairs: Rui Torres de Oliveira rui.t.oliveira@gmail.com

47.     

Track Title: Chinese Direct Investments in Europe

Description: Currently the topic of Chinese Foreign Direct Investments is hot. People are worried about losing their jobs, having to pay a lot more for natural resources and the global role that China might play in the near future. On the other hand, Chinese FDIs create jobs and help to keep working places. The track aims to include, but is not limited to the following topics: Is China buying up the rest of the world?; Are Chinese FDIs causing harm or benefit? What are the top Chinese investment destinations and how are Chinese investors proceeding?; Status Quo, Perspectives, Threats and Opportunities for Chinese Investors, targeted countries and companies; Case studies; Examples of Mergers & Acquisitions. Other topics are also appropriate as long as Chinese FDIs are the focus of the paper.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Bernd Britzelmaier, Pforzheim University bernd@britzelmaier.de

48.     

Track Title: Business of agricultural products and agribusiness: Management, Financing and Decision Support Systems in Agriculture

Description: The track’s core objective is to examine the competitiveness of farms and agri-business companies, in conjunction with their business prospects under the perspective of the sector’s globalized market and the rapidly changing consumer habits and attitudes. It aims to formulate business growth proposals for the agricultural sector, stemming from a study of the farms’ and companies’ “profile”, as defined by certain social-economic and developmental parameters. Correspondingly the track invites papers focusing on: Productivity, economic results and competitiveness of farms and agri-business companies; Rational management of invested capital; Restructuring and business development of farms and agri-business companies; Valorization of available production coefficients; Adoption of new technologies and innovation by farms and companies; Efficiency of agri-business management practices; Encouraging entrepreneurship in agri-business

Track Chair/Chairs: Stamatis  Aggelopoulos, Alexander Technological Educational Institute of

Thessaloniki, Greece stamagg@farm.teithe.gr

49.     

Track Title: Wine Business

Description: The Wine Business track of the EuroMed 2013 Conference is seeking papers that will contribute to the development and understanding of this theme. The aim of the track is to bring together scholars from various disciplines and countries interested in the wine business. In particular, we are looking for papers devoted to arising issues related to wine business and globalization. Best papers could be considered for a special issue of International Journal of Wine Business Research – ISSN: 1751-1062

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Matteo Rossi, University of Sannio, Italy matteo.rossi@unisannio.it

50

Track Title: International, Cross-cultural, Transnational Marketing and Consumer Behaviour

Description: This track invites papers on international marketing and consumer behaviour. Cross border marketing strategies, transnational marketing, transnational consumers, cross-cultural marketing are broader areas to be covered. Papers on international market entry decisions and relationships, export marketing, supply chain issues and contracts, international and cross-cultural retailing, consumer ethnocentrism, country of origin effects, international branding, structure of marketing organization, multi-cultural and multilingual marketing teams, place branding and marketing, advertising, and new product development are welcome. Papers adopting quantitative or qualitative approach are equally welcome.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Ibrahim Sirkeci,European Business School London & Regent's Centre for Transnational Studies, Regent's College, United Kingdom.sirkecii@regents.ac.uk

Dr. Maktoba Omar,Edinburgh Napier University, UK, m.omar@napier.ac.uk

50A.

Track Title: Emerging Services Marketing Paradigms in the Competitive Environment of the 21^st Century

Description: Even for hard core manufacturing sectors, services have an increasing share in the product mix. It is therefore imperative that services are managed efficiently and effectively in today's competitive environment. Areas covered under this track: Service Marketing Philosophy; Emerging Trends in Service Marketing; Service Brand Management; Service Relationship Marketing; Service Innovation and Design; Employee’s Role in Service Delivery; Delivering Service through Electronic Channels; Integrated Service Marketing Communication; Marketing Retail Services; Consumer behavior; Industrial Service Marketing; Retail Marketing; International Service Marketing; Internet Marketing; Rural Marketing; Marketing for SMEs; Societal Marketing; Destination Marketing; Marketing Tourism and Hospitality Services

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Bhavesh Vanparia, Tolani Institute of Management Studies bhavindh@gmail.com

51.     

Track Title: Innovation in Pricing

Description: The literature extensively discusses traditional pricing approaches. Little is known, however, about pricing innovation: What are innovative pricing approaches? How do companies actually innovate in the area of pricing? What is the effect of pricing innovation on company performance? How does pricing innovation affect customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty? What are innovative ways to organize the pricing function? What are innovative approaches to measure the contribution of the pricing function to firm profitability? What is the role of top-management in pricing and innovation?

Dr Andreas Hinterhuber, HINTERHUBER & PARTNERS andreas@hinterhuber.com

and

Dr Stephan Liozu, Case Western Reserve University sliozu@case.edu

52.     

Track Title: Services Marketing and Services Branding

Description: In light of the increasing number of service organizations and the intensification of competition between them, any service organization is forced to provide high end quality. Among the difficulties that service delivery firms are faced with is the gap that exists between the understanding and knowledge of the needs of customers and the quality of service expected by the latter. In view of these the following topics might be addressed by invited papers in this track: Customer relationship marketing and management in services; Services Management and Marketing; E- Services, Social media in services marketing; Services brands; Service Gap; Service culture; Ethical issues in services  marketing; Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction; Services Online brands; Services brand awareness

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Tareq Nael Hashem, Philadelphia University tareqhashem1975@yahoo.com

53.     

Track Title: The study of brand equity as a relationship between brand personality and consumer personality

Description: The development of a strong brand is the goal of many companies. Building a brand through significant capital overlays clearly provides companies with secure long-term income. The power of a brand lies on what customers have learned, felt, seen and heard about the brand over time. The challenge for marketers in building a strong brand is to ensure that consumers have the right experience about the product and/or service as well as all marketing programs that companies have undertaken. Because of this, companies must discover whether desired thoughts, feelings, images, beliefs, perceptions, opinions are associated with the trademark. The key topics relating with this will be: Branding strategy; Brand equity, loyalty, knowledge, awareness, identity, attributes and associations; Consumer and brand personality

Track Chair/Chairs: Irma Shyle, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania irmitash@yahoo.com

54.     

Track Title: Marketing of Public and Nonprofit Organizations

Description: This track invites conceptual and empirical papers from a variety of theoretical perspectives that contribute to advance academic knowledge in this field of interest. Topics may cover, but are not limited to: Business/Public and Non-profit Sector interactions, Marketing of Healthcare Organizations, Fundraising strategies, Innovation and new trends in implementing Marketing strategies in the public and non-profit setting.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Isabel M. Macedo, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal

imacedo@eeg.uminho.pt

55.     

Track Title: Relationship Marketing & Customer Experience Management

Description: The proposed track is focused on Relationship Marketing and Customer Experience Management. Papers are sought in any area of these two thematic groups. Potential themes include but are not limited to: Management of dyadic relationships and networks; Management of online relationships; Relationship quality and service quality relationship; Experience quality; Managing product and service experiences; Customer relationship management; Case studies of the development and implementation of CRM strategies. Applications of any of the above in both B2C and B2B, various industries and cultures are welcome. All rigorous and thoughtful conceptual papers, literature reviews, case studies, empirical studies and practice papers using a wide range of methodologies are encouraged. All papers will be required to have an original perspective and a distinct contribution to any of the areas mentioned above.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Apostolos Giovanis, TEI of Athens, Greece agiovanis@teiath.gr

and

Dr Pinelopi Athanassopoulou, University of Peloponnese, Greece apinelopi@hotmail.com

56.     

Track Title: Marketing in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Description: Drug policy, export and import policies and strategies in North America, Asia, Africa, Europe and  Mediterranean countries, Marketing mix strategies, quality and cost effectiveness of medicine, use of Six Sigma, pricing policy and strategy,  TRIPS for developing countries, prescription drugs and over the counter drugs across the countries, use of promotional tools.

Track Chair/Chairs: MD. ZAHIR UDDIN ARIF, Jagannath University (JnU), Bangladesh.

mjarif2004@yahoo.com and mzarif04@yahoo.com

57.     

Track Title: Consumption culture

Description: Consumer behavior in international markets is still not well understood. Moreover an understanding of culture and how this influences consumer behavior is a key issue nowadays in market research. The purpose of this track is to share research and points of view on consumer behavior, consumption culture and market research, from a cross-cultural perspective.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Carmen Rodríguez Santos, University of León, Spain

carmen.santos@unileon.es

and

Dr Ruediger Kaufmann Hans, University of Nicosia and EMRBI Vice President 

kaufmann.r@unic.ac.cy

58.     

Track Title: Strategic Brand Management

Description: Customer based brand equity, CRM system to build brand equity, brand positioning and repositioning, factors affecting to build brand equity, integrated marketing communication to build brand equity, designing branding strategies, branding strategy of not-for-profit organization.

Track Chair/Chairs: MD. Zahir Uddin Arif, Jagannath University (JnU), Bangladesh.

mjarif2004@yahoo.com and mzarif04@yahoo.com

59.     

Track Title: Innovative technology marketing strategies

Description: The track invites both conceptual and empirical papers on innovative technology marketing particularly focusing on CRM, RM and CKM. The track will also focus the critical success factors of innovative marketing and these concepts as well as their impact on the organizational financial and marketing performance. The track will particularly encourage papers that have proposed any new insights or innovative models in the subject area as well as any extensive empirical studies through the application of any new and novel methodological approach.

Track Chair/Chairs: Mohammad Fateh Ali Khan Panni fkpanni@yahoo.com

and

Md. Shahriar Parvez msparvez_educator@yahoo.co.uk City University, Bangladesh

60.     

Track Title: Internet Business Activities, Innovative Marketing Techniques and the Transformation of Business

Description: Internet activities from supply chain controls to social media have had severe transforming effects on the way that firms conduct business. These range from changes in internal operations, new ways of raising capital, shifts away from traditional marketing techniques to consumer empowerment. The power of this transformation has been deep with sweeping effects. While the past ten years has been kind to those firms slow to change it is highly unlikely that the next years will as generous. The track is designed to accept papers, across business functions that look at ways firms are developing internet efficiencies or utilizing innovative marketing techniques to develop competitive advantages.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Kip Becker*, Boston University (USA) KBECKER@BU.EDU

and

Dr Helena Nobre, University of Minho and Boston University hnobre@bu.edu

*Corresponding track chair

61.     

Track Title: Consumer Behavior and Branding of Food Products

Description: This track welcomes papers covering issues of branding and consumer choice for food products. The study of consumer choice of food products is a complex phenomenon, since it requires the consideration of many aspects such as taste, health/nutrition claims, sustainability claims, food labels, packaging, which often affect the way food products should be branded. Yet, from a branding perspective, food brands may require different approach on how they should be built and their performance may be influenced by all the above mentioned aspects. The track will consider papers covering the following topics: Consumer behavior and choice of food products; Branding and brand management of food products (e.g. loyalty, brand performance, brand equity)

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Polymeros Chrysochou polyc@asb.dk

and

Prof. Krystallis Athanasios ATKR@asb.dk Aarhus University

62.     

Track Title: Brands and their stakeholders

Description: The main goal of this track is to explore how brands establish relationships with their stakeholders. Corporate brands could be traditional manufacturers but also, service, financial, sport or tourism related brands. It will be also interesting to understand why some brands are loved by consumers and others not. Finally, what the role of social networks in brands notoriety is. In view of the above, this track invites papers on: Attachment theory and brand relationships; new theoretical perspectives for understanding consumer-brand relationships; corporate brands and their stakeholders; the commitment process between a brand and a consumer; social networks and the communication process of corporate brands; consumers who love and consumers who hate brands.

Track Chair/Chairs: Sandra Loureiro, ISCTE-IUL-business school sandra.loureiro@iscte.pt

63.     

Track Title: Strategic use of CRM for Relationship Marketing

Description: The aim of this track is to demonstrate the importance CRM in enhancing the information analysis quality about the customer and ultimately increasing profitability. This is possible when we use a customer management including customer loyalty, multichannel marketing and call center operations to establish a marketing strategy. This is based on the analysis of information, which result from CRM, datamining, datwarehouse, information system and lifestyle data. However, the problem in this area is related to what one can prepare to implement this technology? Establish a long term relationship with consumers requires considering the changes of cultural and management approach; and the exchange, knowledge and mutual trust.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Nedra Bahri Ammari, IHEC CARTHAGE bahri.nedra@planet.tn

64.     

Track Title: Compulsive Buying Behavior: Strategic Challenges and Opportunities

Description: Compulsive buying is characterized by the strong urge to buying mostly indicated by habitual shopping behavior conditioned by impulsive choices. The customers more often than not tend to buy for the sake of possession and not for the sake of consumption or use. Impulse buying, habitual shopping, in store buyer behavior and reference group influence are some aspects that could be part of this track.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. G.V. Bhavani Prasad, Kakatiya University, Warangal

bhavaniprasadgv@gmail.com

65.     

Track Title: Organizational Behaviour: Theory, Cases and Practice

Description: A significant amount of attention is being paid to OB primarily through a range of debates regarding the importance of knowledge economy, knowledge workers and management, emotional intelligence, organizational structures, organizational learning and the development of competencies conducive to particular organizational behaviours. At the challenging crossroads of the contemporary global economic situation, potent analyses of organizational behaviour are as timely as ever. Possible themes for submission might include: Examination of OB and organization theory in organizations; Cross-cultural comparisons of OB and development of theories, approaches and practice; Innovation stemming from studies on OB and theory – new directions and approaches; The implications of OB cases for the practice of initiatives and policies – changing structures and contexts; Critical issues relating to, for example, identity, power, discourse and language; Potential for focus also includes: team-working, motivation, wellbeing at work, talent management, performance management, ethical conduct at work, identity at work, teambuilding, coaching, conflict at work and conflict resolution.

Ideas and positions that offer material beyond these topics are welcome.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Peter Stokes* p.stokes@chester.ac.uk

Dr Neil Moore, n.moore@chester.ac.uk

Prof. Caroline Rowland c.rowland@chester.ac.uk, University of Chester, UK.

and

Peter Scott, Liverpool John Moores University, UK p.scott123@btinternet.com

*corresponding track chair

66.     

Track Title: Employee engagement, work engagement, well-being, psychological contract, emotional engagement

Description: This track welcomes papers which: articulate on conceptual and theoretical work analyzing, mapping, modeling and seeking understanding of employee engagement and how the construct is developing from the perspectives of academics and practitioners; challenge  our thinking about employee engagement and how it differs from similar constructs such as participation, commitment, motivation, involvement etc. and papers which broaden our thinking of employee engagement in terms of ‘engagement with what?’ and ‘what aspects of the person is engaged?’,  to a fuller understanding of the construct; report findings of applied research on employee engagement and in particular seeking to show the relationship between employee engagement and other factors such as performance, well-being, social responsibility, culture, intercultural competence, innovation etc. It also invites critical and applied work highlighting what employee engagement means for different employee and people groups e.g. gender, ethnic groups, sector, location.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Julia Claxton, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK J.Claxton@leedsmet.ac.uk

67.     

Track Title: Human Resource Management

Description: The importance of understanding and strategically managing human resources has never been greater than it is today. As companies strive to survive during these financially challenging times, they must intensify their efforts to adopt HR practices and policies that will help them to achieve their strategic aims. Managers must understand the antecedents and consequences of their employees’ attitudes and behaviors, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their organization’s structure. This need has become even more imperative in the current environment of increased workloads, job insecurity and high unemployment. To this end, this track invites papers concerned with theoretical, applied or case study research on human resource management (especially pertaining to the Euro Mediterranean region). Papers on all HRM topics that contribute to a better understanding of individual, group and organizational performance and that offer insights as to how human resources can be more effectively managed are welcome.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Andrew Michael, Intercollege Larnaca, Cyprus & UGSM-Monarch Business School, Switzerland mandy@cytanet.com.cy

68.     

Track Title: Gauging Employees for Managing Change and Innovation

Description: Human Resources have always been related with organizational change and innovation. Some approaches look at HR as agents for change while others treat them as the target of change. This perspective is commonly explored by Human Resources Development when addressing issues related with training, skills acquisition and development. In a more strategic approach to the change process, HR are understood as a critical factor when focusing on change implementation and success. This track welcomes both theoretical and empirical work focusing and enlightening the relation between employee engagement and organizational change and innovation. Topics include, but are not limited to: Role of employee involvement, participation and engagement; Climate and organizational culture; Learning organizations; Strategic issues in managing change and innovation;  Engagement through entrepreneurship for managing change and innovation; Approaches to foster creativity; International and cross-cultural issues; Ethics and social responsibility within change and innovation; New approaches to innovation (open innovation and crowdsourcing) and employee engagement; Other HR determinants and consequences of organizational change and innovation

Track Chair/Chairs: Elizabeth Real, Lusiada University Portugal e.real@fam.ulusiada.pt

and

Pedro Ferreira, Lusiada University and Portuguese Institute of Marketing Management, Portugal ferreirapedrojorge@gmail.com

69.     

Track Title: Leadership and organizational behavior

Description: The track involves a wide variety of topics in leadership and organizational behavior. In leadership, authors should submit papers on leadership traits, roles, styles, and effectiveness as well as leader-member exchange and contemporary cases that reflect specific situations in leadership practice. Cross-cultural aspects of leadership are an actual stream in the field. In organizational behavior, interpersonal relationships in organizations are the main focus.  The comparative analysis of personality traits, perceptions, attitudes, emotions, and moods that affect employee behavior in domestic and global settings will be one of the essential aspects of this track.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Ismatilla "Matt" Mardanov, Southeast Missouri  State University, USA imardanov@semo.edu

70.     

Track Title: Leadership Behaviors in Context:  Considering Organizational Culture, Organizational Climate, Organizational Justice and Individual Differences

Description: Moderating roles of organizational culture, organizational climate, organizational justice and individual differences can be most effectively addressed via a discussion from multiple perspectives.  Thus, the objective of this track is to engage in a discussion regarding moderating processes generated by types of organizational cultures, organizational climate, organizational justice  and specific individual difference constructs (such as individual values), with the objective of identifying key psychological processes and specific constructs that deserve further consideration.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Aharon Tziner Netanya Academic College, Israel atziner@netanya.ac.il

71.     

Track Title: Cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions

Description: The growth in M&A activity around the world and the volume of capital involved stand in sharp contrast to their high rate of failure. M&As can provide companies with many benefits, including new capabilities, technologies, products, immediate entry into new markets, and lower operation costs. There is a complex relationship between pre- and post-integration factors such as strategic goals, synergy potential, knowledge transfer, national and corporate culture, power differentials, post-merger integration approaches, leadership, emotions and stress, communication, human resources management, strategic agility and flexibility, organizational ambidexterity, and the adaptation of practices during various stages. The proposed track solicits papers that examine pre- and post-merger stages, as well as macro-level strategic factors with micro-level human resources practices.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Emanuel Gomes, The University of Sheffield, UK E.Gomes@sheffield.ac.uk

and

Dr Shlomo Tarba, The Open University, Israel tarba2003@gmail.com

72.     

Track Title: Strategic alliances in a turbulent economy

Description: With an ever-growing need for flexibility and competitive responsiveness, strategic alliances are playing greater central roles in allying firms’ long-term development plans despite being short- or medium-term relationships. This paradox makes strategic alliances an exciting field of research which this track aims to promote. Subject areas that are of particular interest include (but not limited to): Comparative studies of alliances and other forms of interfirm resource combinations; Value creation strategies and measurement of value created through strategic alliance; Alliance networks or alliance portfolios; Knowledge sharing and creation through alliances.

Track Chair/Chairs: Ian P.L. Kwan, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain ikwan@unav.es

73.     

Track Title: The management challenges of the future

Description: The future has to do with the beginning of something that takes us to a land of which we can only glimpse the strokes by the Centre where we are. The future will be what we will help to build on the basis of our vision and actions that we envision, plan and implement in this regard. The future therefore is open to our action unless the fear keeps us clinging to a mind that feel escape but gives us an illusion of safety. Management will listen and may be even, for reinventing themselves, reinvent the way of being of the organization looking for a competitive edge increasingly difficult to express. In this context, the following issues might be addressed by paper invited in this track: handle the unpredictable; the creative enterprise; the workplace well-being; dialogue with stakeholders; corporate reputation.

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Claudio Baccarani, Verona University, Italy claudio.baccarani@univr.it

74.     

Track Title: Tourism

Description: In this track papers should focus on the following themes: Entrepreneurship and tourism - tourist industry has come to be recognized as a way of providing strategic support for sustainable local business development; papers should point out experiences in different countries and cultures; Behaviour and culture in tourism destinations – tourism is based on cross-cultural communication; papers could  either point out anthropological and sociological aspects or tourist events as a local, regional, national and even international cultural manifestation; Tourism planning and development models and experiences – tourism planning should always consider a good relationship between social, economic and environmental aspects; papers should point out the results of implemented planning processes or could propose new planning processes for tourist destinations

Track Chair/Chairs: Vitor Ambrósio, Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril, Portugal vitor.ambrosio@eshte.pt

75.     

Track Title: Rural Tourism: typology of tourists, motivation, marketing, communication, booking process, etc.

Description: This track is intended to reflect the importance of rural tourism as part of the tourism industry, especially in the areas of: typology of tourists, motivation, marketing, communication, booking process, etc.

Track Chair/Chairs: Enric López, EUHT CETT, Barcelona, Spain enric.lopez@cett.es

76.     

Track Title: Marketing and Tourism Promotion

Description: The track will focus on tourism activity trends. The tourism industry has pioneered the unveiling of new marketing strategies successfully replicated in different sectors. Among other factors marketers need to find innovative solutions to take competitiveness in the global market. In this sense, marketers are exposed to challenges in using the latest techniques and promotional tools. In this era when knowledge is assumed to be the engine of the economy, it is intended to contribute to an enhancement of skills worthy of the twenty-first century. In view of these the track will focus on the promotional and digital communications, marketing and decision in tourism and image of tourism destinations.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Nuno Almeida, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal nunoalmeida@ipleiria.pt

77.     

Track Title: Tourist motivations and destination planning

Description: This track focuses on papers regarding tourist motivations and destination planning. Insight on the needs and preferences of tourists represents a key success factor in the tourism industry. This approaching may be an important policy tool for tourism planners and managers in the development of products and marketing strategies. In fact, the knowledge, study and monitoring of the motivations of demand should be taken into account in planning and in daily management of the tourism industry, specifically if a sustainable development of the tourism destination is envisaged.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Paula Remoaldo, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal

cris.remoaldo@gmail.com

Laurentina Vareiro, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado Portugal laurentina_vareiro@iol.pt

78.     

Track Title: Quantitative Methods in Business

Description: Quantitative methods are very useful in the decision-making process in any business, since they help to deal with the huge amount of information available in firms and to achieve more reliable and successful decisions, which have been fostered due to the development of more accurate statistical software. In this context, it would be interesting to analyse and present the possibilities that quantitative methods offers in the different fields of business, such as management, marketing, production, finance and accounting, investments, quality control. In any of those fields, both descriptive and predictive methods are applicable, depending on whether the aim of the research is to describe and summarise the available information or to predict the future development of the business. Therefore, any application of quantitative methods (descriptive, predictive or both of them) in any field in business is welcome. This track would also contribute to celebrating the International Year of Statistics (2013).

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Ana García-Gallego, Universidad de León, Spain ana.ggallego@unileon.es

79.     

Track Title: Case Studies Track

Description: A track totally devoted to case studies that authors feel appropriate to share with their piers

Track Chair/Chairs: Prof. Yaakov Weber, College of Management, Rishon Lezion, Israel and EMRBI President yweber@bezeqint.net

80.     

Track Title: General Track

Description: This track will host all submissions, the authors of which feel that they do not fit into any of the tracks described above.

Track Chair/Chairs: Dr Evangelos Tsoukatos, TEI of Crete, Greece and EMRBI Director of Operations and Development tsoukat@staff.teicrete.gr