What cat food says about the cat owner

When I teach about positioning, I often refer to the market for cat food, using an example unashamedly stolen from my fabulous former colleague, David James. There are 2 key aspects to positioning. One is to find an angle for the product that is unique and, hence, differentiates it from the competitors. Otherwise, you … Continue reading What cat food says about the cat owner

Do you want to work with me?

At Oxford Brookes University, we are looking for 4 amazing people to join the Department of Marketing of the Faculty of Business. The deadline for applications is June, 20th 2014 and we have the following positions open: Professor Reader Research Fellow Research Assistant We are a great bunch of people to work with. We … Continue reading Do you want to work with me?

May round-up

At the start of the month, I wrote in my research journal: “May must be very, very productive”. By productive I meant researching and writing a lot. And I really meant it. But… ... my good intentions went down hill very, very, very quickly. As I look at the square in my diary that … Continue reading May round-up

Co-Creation mind map

I am working on a paper using co-creation, which required me to survey the related literature. To help me capture the key themes discussed in the various papers that I read, I created a mind map. This is still work in progress but, as this is such a relevant topic in marketing (and management, in … Continue reading Co-Creation mind map

Slow down to speed up

In a recent speech to graduating students at Tufts University, Anne-Marie Slaughter talked about the importance of slowing down. She said: "Celebrate idleness. Yes, idleness. (...) our greatest insights and discoveries come not when we are doubling down staring at a computer screen or into a microscope, but when we sit back, rub our eyes, go for a … Continue reading Slow down to speed up

Is a branded mobile app a step too far for book publishers?

I wrote a short piece for The Conversation (a website that disseminates academic research and provides analysis of news by academic researcher on) on the rationale behind Mills & Boon’s move into mobile apps. Mills & Boon, like other book publishers, has been dramatically impacted by digital technology and the associated changes in consumer behaviour, … Continue reading Is a branded mobile app a step too far for book publishers?

New book ‘Management Research – Applying the Principles’

I don’t think I’ve told you this, yet: I co-authored a book with Susan Rose and Nigel Spinks. The title is ‘Management Research - Applying the Principles’ and is published by Routledge. As suggested by the title, it is a research methods book focused on the context and the needs of those conducting research … Continue reading New book ‘Management Research – Applying the Principles’

Writing when there is too much going on

April just flew by! Well, at least for me. What about you? For me, April was marked by assignment marking, group presentations and visiting LUISS in Rome, as part of their internationalisation programme. The LUISS visit was very energising and gave me lots of food for thought research-wise, even if I did not get … Continue reading Writing when there is too much going on