Web based regional newspapers : The role of content : A thesis
- Authors: Knox, Ian
- Date: 2002
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
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- Description: The phenomenon and acceptance of electronic publishing has proliferated in the last five years due to the expansion in the use of the World Wide Web in the general community. The initial fears that newspapers would be decimated by the introduction of this technology have been proven groundless, but despite a high web presence by newspapers world wide, profitable models of cyber papers are elusive. In an online environment traditional relationships between newspaper advertising and editorial may not stand. Despite the considerable body of published literature concerning the movement of print newspapers to an online environment, little was found concerning online content. A need to re-evaluate what content and functions are considered to be desirable by print readers, in an online environment was identified as the main objective of this research. Evaluation the of user attitudes to web based newspapers provides a foundation for future research into areas such as developing effective models for profitable online newspapers. To achieve this objective, the research tools used were a content analysis, an online newspaper user survey and newspaper management personal interviews. The study looked at Victorian regional daily newspapers that also had online versions. By focussing on the regional newspapers, meaningful comparisons could be made between content, staff attitudes and readership interests. The content analysis measured the quantum and nature of the content of the print and online versions of the regional dailies during a one week period. This provided a measure of the type and source of the articles included both in print and online. Newspaper editorial staff interviews contributed a personalised view of content priorities, which was then contrasted with a web based questionnaire which measured user requirements in relation to content and interactivity. It was found from the survey that content alone would not provide a sufficient basis to build a profitable online regional newspaper site. The findings were analysed in relation to the literature, newspaper site content and editorial staff interviews. Despite regularly accessing online newspaper sites, it was found that users are unwilling to pay for the experience. Users indicated a desire for a higher level of interactivity, in addition to the content, which is currently provided, by online regional newspapers. Evaluation of user attitudes to web based newspapers provides a foundation for future research into the development of effective for profitable online newspapers.
- Description: Master of Business
Endgame : Optimal selling strategies in online auctions
- Authors: Knox, Ian , Lynch, David
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 4th International AGSE Entrepreneurship Research Exchange : Regional Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research 2007, Brisbane Graduate School of Business, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland : 6th-9th February 2007
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- Description: Principal Topic: Online auctions have emerged as a major opportunity for individuals to start businesses or for established businesses to diversify and grow their markets. To-date, research interest has focused largely on the technological entrepreneur rather than the Internet based (cyber) entrepreneur. The aim of this study was to examine the behaviour of participants in online auctions, measuring their response to actual market conditions and rules. Do online markets react to quality uncertainly (Akerlof, 1970) in the same way as off line markets, and is the contention that Internet shopping emphasises cost reduction over brand-based differentiation (Pine and Gilmore, 1999) valid? The purpose of this paper is to present findings from an analysis of secondary data collected from online auctions. By better understanding buyer behaviour in online auctions, sellers will be able to select the best selling strategies for individual and/or unique businesses types. Methodology/Key Propositions: With the cooperation of an existing online book seller, the study examined three main auction-start pricing strategies; fully priced, cost priced and below cost priced. Auction duration and postage cost were also varied and the combined effects on buyer behaviour established. Data from 1,200 auctions was provided for the study. While the study primarily took an empirical approach, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were used as information asymmetries play an important role in online auctions for both buyers and sellers. Subjective opinions of optimal selling strategies were gathered from online discussion boards, to allow comparisons to be made between auction user perceptions and measured auction outcomes. Results and Implications: Even within disparate product categories the study found that optimal selling strategies are predictable. The mix of start price, auction duration and postage cost, effects product sale price in a manner that indicates the desirability of high start pricing. In the rapidly evolving online auction marketplace there is a need for ongoing evaluation of buyer preferences to aid seller pricing strategies. Contrary to the findings of earlier Internet auction studies that focused on cost reduction as primary buyer motivators, this study found that buyers are drawing on a wide range of experiential value sources. Average selling prices on auction sites may actually have increased, although it is acknowledged that some product category prices may have fallen due to over supply. Auction selling management will become increasingly important.
- Description: 2003005186