8 research outputs found
Structure of Abrikosov Vortices in SU(2) Lattice Gauge Theory
We calculate the electric flux and magnetic monopole current distribution in
the presence of a static quark-antiquark pair for SU(2) lattice gauge theory in
the maximal Abelian gauge. The current distribution confines the flux in a dual
Abrikosov vortex whose core size is comparable to the flux penetration depth.
The observed structure is described by a dual Ginzburg-Landau model.Comment: 15 pages, latex file, three figure postscript files appended, Report
No. LSUHEP No. 138-199
Resource Advantage Theory and Fair Trade Social Enterprises
This paper will investigate the competitive position of both fair trade (FT) social enterprises Divine Chocolate Ltd (Divine) and CafĂ©direct in their respective UK markets, namely chocolate confectionery and hot beverages. Using Eisenhardtâs (1989, 1991, and 2007) approach to building theory from multiple case studies, this four-year PhD study aims to identify the resources that enable FT social enterprises to compete. This research draws on recent developments in competition theory such as resource advantage theory (R-A theory), termed a general theory of competition. The paper will critically analyse if the social and ethical elements of these firmâs product offerings really constitute meaningful differentiators (i.e. comparative advantage) as required by R-A theory (Hunt and Morgan 1995, Hunt 2001). Hunt and Derozier (2004) argue that R-A theory can ground theories of business and marketing strategy and therefore identifying the competitive resources of FT social enterprises will have important strategic implications. The research findings show that both Divine and CafĂ©direct have established a mainstream competitive position in specific product segments and distribution channels. Thus illustrating intra-industry demand to be heterogeneous. In addition, both companies have been a catalyst for change by influencing the strategies and policies of both branded manufactures and retailers such as Cooperative Food (CF). The key theoretical contribution validates âsocial resourcesâ and its three inter-related components: ethical and social commitments, connections with partners and consistency of behaviour as a resource to extend R-A theory. These âsocial resourcesâ in combination with both relational resources and threshold capabilities (e.g. product quality) result in a competitive position for both case organisations. The ethical and social commitments of âsocial resourcesâ also appears to provide an example of an ethical underpinning to Relationship Marketing. The identification of âsocial resourcesâ has important wider implications for both other social enterprises and those companies who are aiming to achieve a competitive position based on social commitments