bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crime‐based survey instrument for police integrity measurement
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The common survey instrument for police integrity consists of case descriptions that are mainly concerned with corruption. However, the diversity in police criminal acts calls for a revision of this survey instrument. Based on cases of convicted police officers in Norway, this paper aims to propose a new survey.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of 57 court cases in Norway was carried out.

Findings

Rather than focusing mainly on police corruption, a diversity of police criminal acts was identified in the content analysis.

Research limitations/implications

Court cases in other countries should be analysed to improve the proposed questionnaire in future iterations. Rather than measuring police integrity only in terms of corruption, future empirical studies of police integrity should focus on the variety of police criminal acts found in court cases.

Originality/value

The paper focusses on an empirically based survey instrument.
Best practices in vehicle stop data collection and analysis
Authors: Tillyer Rob , Engel Robin S. , Calnon Cherkauskas Jennifer
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Within the last 15 years, law enforcement agencies have increased their collection of data on vehicle stops. A variety of resource guides, research reports, and peer‐reviewed articles have outlined the methods used to collect these data and conduct analyses. This literature is spread across numerous publications and can be cumbersome to summarize for practical use by practitioners and academics. This article seeks to fill this gap by detailing the current best practices in vehicle stop data collection and analysis in state police agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The article summarizes the data collection techniques used to assist in identifying racial/ethnic disparities in vehicle stops. Specifically, questions concerning why, when, how, and what data should be collected are addressed. The most common data analysis techniques for vehicle stops are offered, including an evaluation of common benchmarking techniques and their ability to measure at‐risk drivers. Vehicle stop outcome analyses are also discussed, including multivariate analyses and the outcome test. Within this summary, strengths and weaknesses of these techniques are explored.

Findings

In summarizing these approaches, a body of best practices in vehicle stop data collection and analysis is developed.

Originality/value

Racial profiling continues to be a contentious issue for law enforcement and the community. A considerable body of research has developed to assess the prevalence of racial profiling. This article offers social scientists and practitioners a comprehensive, succinct, peer‐reviewed summary of the best practices in vehicle stop data collection and analysis.
Betwixt and between: the perceived legitimacy of campus police
Authors: Wada James C. , Patten Ryan , Candela Kimberlee
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The literature on campus police (CP) is not as developed as mainstream or municipal police (MP). While there are several studies discussing the perception of CP, there are, however, no empirical studies investigating the perception of CP based on their legitimacy. Through the theoretical framework of liminality, this paper aims to address the literature gap by examining the perceived legitimacy of CP compared to MP.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through the use of survey instruments distributed among 593 college undergraduates at a doctoral extensive land grant institution in the Pacific Northwest. Since the purpose of the study was to determine student perceptions of legitimacy between MP and CP, two surveys were utilized to capture those perceptions, one for each police group respectively. The two sets of surveys were equally administered in each selected class.

Findings

Through the framework of liminality, this research demonstrates the marginalization of CP as sworn law enforcement officers, especially when compared to their MP counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

As this is the first study addressing the perceived legitimacy of the CP there needs to be further research in this area before substantial conclusions can be reached. Future research in this area should address the opinions of minority students, faculty and staff. Additionally, CP and MP officers themselves should be assessed to determine any potential legitimacy concerns based on perception.

Originality/value

The theoretical framework reveals that the CP are trapped in a liminal state and are unable to transition into perceived legitimate police officers.
Beyond “flavor of the month” Institutionalizing problem‐oriented policing (POP) in the CMPD
Authors: Eric Ikerd Trent
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The process of institutionalizing police reform has been relatively ignored in the policing literature. Owing to this, there is no established framework for institutionalizing police reform. This article seeks to add to the knowledge regarding the institutionalization of police reform by presenting the results from a study that examined the institutionalization of problem‐oriented policing (POP) in the CMPD.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was guided by the limited amount of organizational change in policing research and the limited amount of organizational development literature pertaining to institutionalization. The research utilized captain interviews and rank‐and‐file surveys to determine officer knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes towards POP in the CMPD. The CMPD's policies, procedures, and practices pertaining to POP were also outlined.

Findings

It was found that POP has become institutionalized in the CMPD. POP principles are evident in the captain's culture, rank‐and‐file's culture, and the policy and procedure of the CMPD.

Practical implications

The study puts forth a framework for assessing and institutionalizing police reform that other departments can test and utilize in their efforts to institutionalize police reform.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to examine the institutionalization process of police reform. A framework is put forth to assess and aid in other police departments' efforts to institutionalize police reforms.
Explaining the macro‐economy and retail real estate sector dynamic interaction between prime and suburban retail real estate sectors
Authors: Hin David Ho Kim , bin Ibrahim Muhammad Faishal
Published: March 2010

Purpose

From the perspective of the macro‐economy and real estate sector interaction, this paper aims to examine the maturing prime retail real estate sector versus the developing suburban retail real estate sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a highly specific dynamic computable general equilibrium model under system dynamics programming to structure the resulting system complexity within the context of Singapore.

Findings

Ex post and ex ante model estimations find that the suburban retail real estate sector is on the whole more susceptible to gross domestic product (GDP) growth policy that affects both GDP expansion and retail rents in actual and expectation terms as well as returns.

Research limitations/implications

The DCGE model ex ante estimations for the planned scenarios, under low or high GDP growth for the prime and suburban retail real estate sectors, enhances understanding of structural factors and dynamic interaction in the maturation phase of the prime retail real estate sector in Singapore.

Practical implications

In comparison, Singapore's suburban retail real estate sector is found to be in a developing phase.

Originality/value

There is limited local research on the underlying relationship between the economy and the retail real estate sector, although Singapore's retail sector and retail real estate sector form an integral part of sustainable economic expansion.
Legal framework for collective sale of real estate in Singapore
Authors: Christudason Alice
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the profile and differing perspectives of strata owners (subsidiary proprietors) involved in collective sales in Singapore. It aims to examine their position within Singapore's legal framework, and consider the repercussions of the power‐play between them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises legislation and case‐law to reveal the problematic aspects of the collective sale process through majority rule. Similar legislation exists in Hong Kong, South Korea and Taipei. Data on collective sales from real estate information systems and property analysts are also utilised.

Findings

The findings reveal the dichotomy of concerns between different groups of subsidiary proprietors, namely the owner‐occupiers and property investors. This causes delay and acrimony which characterise many collective sale exercises. This is fuelled by a lack of differentiation in the voting rights of the different groups of subsidiary proprietors. However, Parliament and the Courts have been dynamic and sensitive in seeking to strike a balance between the legitimate concerns of both groups.

Originality/value

The findings assist both groups of subsidiary proprietors to be more alert about the pitfalls and profits in a collective sale. Policy makers in other jurisdictions can learn from Singapore's experience of the collectives sale phenomenon as an avenue for urban renewal. It provides insights to the multiple issues which arise when majority rule can dictate the trajectory of collective sales.
Permanent and temporary retail space: shoppers' perceptions of in‐line stores and retail carts in Singapore
Authors: Faishal Ibrahim Muhammad , Peow Chua Chung
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The unconventional concept of leasing temporary retail space has taken the retailing world by storm in the past decade. In addition to permanent retail space (in‐line stores), many shopping centre management staff have leased temporary retail space as a form of maximizing the net lettable area of the shopping malls, thus hoping to reap better returns for the real estate investors. Using Singapore as the study area, this paper aims to investigate shoppers' perceptions of in‐line stores (permanent retail space) and comparing them to their perceptions of retail carts (temporary retail space) in shopping centres.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine shoppers' perceptions of in‐line stores and retail carts, the paper adopts a mixed method sequential design by way of qualitative/quantitative sequence.

Findings

In terms of image structures, in‐line stores and retail carts share three common image dimensions, namely, “atmosphere”, “variety of product” and “service quality”. In‐line stores recorded an additional factor, “value”. However, the shoppers displayed better perception ratings towards all retail space attributes and factors of in‐line stores relative to that of the retail carts. In addition, the data also revealed that age of the shoppers has a direct influence on shoppers' perceptions of retail carts and in‐line stores.

Originality/value

The findings not only add to the current retail literature, but will also aid retail industry players in improving their marketing and overall tenant‐mix structures for more successful leasing strategies. This will maximize the usage of retail real estate space that may in turn result in higher returns for real estate investors.
Collective sales and related valuation issues: a Singapore case study
Authors: Yuan Lim Lan
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The sale of a strata titled development collectively by individual owners is a unique experience in Singapore's real estate industry. This collective sale process is legislated by law, which allows dilapidated developments to be redeveloped to take advantage of the site potential. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the nature of strata titled developments, the collective sale process and the various valuation issues encountered.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is adopted to illustrate the mechanics and the difficulties involved in the collective sale process. The different methods of valuation used to arrive at a fair distribution of the sale proceeds are illustrated.

Findings

The study reveals the appropriate methods of distribution of sales proceeds to be used under different circumstances. A few managerial implications arise from the study. These include the need to adopt a fair and reasonable attitude when approaching collective sales and to be in touch with the property market and the target market in order to arrive at a reasonable distribution method of the sale proceeds in order to satisfy the various stakeholders in the development.

Originality/value

The study provides an overall framework on how future collective sales in Singapore can be successfully conducted.
The network neutrality inquiry
Authors: Carter Donahue Hugh
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The article addresses the FCC Network Neutrality Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to clarify its importance, timeliness and concerns in relation to Commission market administration and industrial rationalization duties and obligations. It notes industry rivalry, proposed regulatory policy concerning managed services and non‐discriminatory network administration, and voluntary and mandatory Network Neutrality standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides and analysis of the FCC Notice.

Findings

The article notices the FCC's approach to “non‐discriminatory” conduct as a feasible public policy, which could stimulate innovation and investment. It specifies fruitful areas for Network Neutrality public policy.

Originality/value

The article concisely evaluates a major FCC initiative.
Trinko and mandated access to the internet
Authors: Meisel John B.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify five lessons of the Trinko decision and apply them to internet access issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The research identifies five lessons and then relates these lessons to access issues involving the internet.

Findings

Based on application of the lessons of Trinko, it is likely that access to the public internet will be maintained but it is uncertain as to what the nature of access requirements will be, if any, for private internets.

Originality/value

The research provides an economic analysis of the milestone legal decision in Trinko and applies the lessons of Trinko to access issues involving the internet.
Telecommunications after competition: challenges, institutions, regulation
Authors: Levin Stanford , Schmidt Stephen
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the remaining aspects of telecommunications service that might require continued economic and technical regulation even after competition is present to the maximum extent feasible. The paper further explores the regulatory institutions and practices that will best accomplish this required regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper evaluates the traditional choices between a sector‐specific regulator and a competition authority, as well as ex post and ex ante regulation. In addition, the paper evaluates less traditional methods of regulation including laws of general application, such as consumer protection laws, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and self‐regulation. The characteristics of each of these means of regulation are identified, and, following a set of principles, the regulatory institutions and practices are matched to the areas of telecommunications requiring regulation.

Findings

The paper identifies five areas of telecommunications that will likely require continuing regulation and matches a regulatory institution or practice to each of the five areas of regulation. These five areas are retail regulation of local services in rural and remote areas with insufficient competition for forbearance, interconnection of competing networks and essential facilities, duty to serve (carrier of last resort and obligation to serve), subsidies for high‐cost or low‐income customers, and social regulation such as emergency service and message relay obligations.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not focused on the need for continuing regulation after competition develops to the maximum extent feasible. Also, studies typically consider the limited framework of a sector‐specific regulator or a competition authority and do not consider the other regulatory options or institutions available.
Broadband infrastructure investment in stimulus packages: relevance for developing countries
Authors: Zhen‐Wei Qiang Christine
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Reviewing a dozen of fiscal stimulus packages in developed countries, this paper analyzes one common strategy that has found widespread support in these stimulus packages and its relevance for developing countries: investing in broadband and next‐generation networks, as a counter‐cyclical tool to create jobs and provide the foundation for economic recovery and long‐term sustained growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the various impacts broadband investment is expected to have: short‐term job creation and aggregate demand effects, and long‐term productive activities in other sectors of the economy. Moreover, broadband investment is more fiscally sound than other public spending stimulus options, in the sense of coming closer to, or in some cases actually being, self‐financing.

Findings

Several factors highlight the potential of broadband infrastructure as an important area of public investment during economic downturn, an option also open to policymakers in developing countries. Spending initiatives on next‐generation telecommunications networks at a time when labor market conditions are particularly weak can help preserve jobs and head off a potential burden on social safety nets. Bringing forward longer‐term aggregate spillover effects of broadband can improve the productivity of the entire economy and is consistent with enhancing longer‐run growth and development. Public support also “crowds in” private investment when access to private financing is decreasing and more expensive.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies with a focus on the emerging broadband network, its impact on economy and the role of the public sector in rolling out next‐generation networks, during economic downturn and in general. A detailed summary of broadband initiatives in more than a dozen developed countries is provided in the paper.
The pitfalls of auctioning universal service – the Australian experience
Authors: Bahtsevanoglou John
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the degree to which auctioning the right to provide universal service is a viable option in developed countries with high teledensity and near ubiquitous fixed line and mobile networks. The paper also aims to provide signposts on the types of issues regulators need to consider and resolve when designing auctioning mechanisms for the competitive provision of universal service.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the nature and scope of universal service, the approaches that have been used to identify the costs of universal service provision and the difficulties in using an auction process to allocate the right to provide universal service in countries with near ubiquitous network infrastructure. Australia is used as a case study on the difficulties of using auctions to encourage new entry in universal service areas served by a powerful incumbent. The paper also examines the types of issues regulators need to resolve when designing auction mechanisms for universal service provision.

Findings

The paper concludes that for developed countries, it is unclear whether the use of auctions for the provision of universal service will have the desired effect of ensuring a market‐based approach to service provision. This is because the risks associated with becoming an alternative universal service provider are likely to outweigh the benefits of doing so. Further, the risks faced by an alternative universal service provider are not borne by the incumbent operator thus further increasing the disincentive to bid for the right to provide universal service. The paper also concludes that the practical design of the universal service rights and obligations which will be attached to a winning bidder's license conditions is an extremely important mechanism by which some of the risks to potential universal service providers can be overcome.

Originality/value

The paper stimulates thinking about whether universal service auctions are a viable means of providing universal service in developed countries. In presenting empirical evidence of the difficulties in using auctions to introduce competition in universal service provision, the paper may provide valuable input to the regulatory proceedings associated with introducing universal service contestability arrangements that are currently being conducted in various countries.
Proposed national market system changes aim to lighten dark pools
Authors: Owens Andre E. , Yim Soo J. , Stekler Beth A. , March Cristie L.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain rule changes proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission designed to address regulatory concerns related to “dark pools” of liquidity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the background and policy issues related to dark pools, discusses the SEC's amended definition of “bid” or “offer” under Regulation NMS to include “actionable indications of interest” (“actionable IOIs”), outlines a proposed reduction of the average daily trading volume threshold that triggers a public display of ATS orders from 5 percent to 0.25 percent, discusses a proposal to require an alternative trading system (“ATS”) to disclose its identity in real time on its reports of executed trades, and explains proposed size‐discovery exclusions to the changes detailed above.

Findings

The paper finds that the proposed rules represent the Commission's attempts to improve the NMS without inhibiting the use or continued technological development of trading strategies that are consistent with NMS goals.

Originality/value

The paper provides a clear explanation of complex market mechanisms and proposed rules by experienced financial institution and securities lawyers.
SEC holds roundtable on securities lending/short selling
Authors: Campion Kevin J. , Hirschfeld Arik
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and provide excerpts from a two‐day roundtable on securities lending and short selling hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 29‐30, 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides summaries and participants' comments from two days of SEC commissioner's questions and panel discussions. Day one – securities lending: Panel 1 – overview of securities lending; Panel 2 – securities lending and investor protection concerns; Panel 3 – improving securities lending for the benefit of investors; Panel 4: the future of securities lending and potential regulatory solutions. Day two – short selling: Panel 1 – controls on “naked” short selling; Panel 2: making short sale disclosure more meaningful.

Findings

Many pension and mutual funds view securities lending as an investment activity. Securities lenders see cash collateral as an important risk. FINRA and the SEC have considered the need for increased transparency and the possible benefits of a central counterparty for securities lending. The securities lending market is highly regulated, including through requirements imposed by Regulation T, 15c3‐3, 15c3‐1, Regulation SHO, and ERISA guidelines. The SEC has considered “hard locate” and “pre‐borrow” requirements for short sales, which some market participants believe would be uneconomical. An estimated 50 percent of fails are from ETFs. The SEC has considered enhanced disclosure requirements for short sales, both anonymous and public, their possible effects on fraud prevention and market efficiency, and any harm they could do to market makers.

Originality/value

The paper provides a discussion by regulators and industry experts on the most important current regulatory issues related to securities lending and short selling.
A Stern look at hedge fund risk
Authors: Kosky Jeremy , James Simon , Carty Helen
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to give an overview of the English law position on potential liability for misstatements and claims which investors may be considering.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses liability for information contained in prospectuses, where liability for misrepresentation can arise, various possible remedies for investors, how criminal liability for misrepresentation can arise, and how hedge funds can protect themselves from misrepresentation claims.

Findings

A recent study by the Stern Business School found that 42 per cent of a group of over 400 hedge funds had either misrepresented information to investors or provided information that was inconsistent with material obtained from other sources.

Practical implications

The Stern Business School report is a timely reminder that all communications to investors, however informal, should be carefully verified and consideration should be given as to how pronouncements on future performance or investment opportunities are couched.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced financial institution and securities lawyers.
What is the consequence of the missing compliance function at hedge funds? Fraud is! Analysis, lessons and solutions
Authors: Muhtaseb Majed R.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer case studies of hedge fund fraud, solutions that could mitigate hedge fund fraud risk, and a proposal for the industry to establish a hedge fund information depository (HFID) where participants/stakeholders could provide information on any hedge fund on regular basis.

Design/methodology/approach

Four major hedge fund fraud cases, Bayou Funds, Lipper Holdings, Manhattan Investment Fund and Maricopa Investment Corporation are used as examples of the complete absence of independent oversight and the application of HFID.

Findings

The paper finds that investors in the four funds lost more than $1.3 billion. In all four fraud cases, independent oversight and compliance function were conspicuously missing. In each fraud case there was at least one serious alert (warning) that took place at least 14 months prior to SEC first filing against the fund.

Research limitations/implications

Some hedge fund industry stakeholders may reluctantly join HFID due to concern over possibly disclosing information deemed crucial for their own competitive advantage.

Practical implications

Had third parties become aware of the alerts, they could have made a different investment or business decision. Most importantly, this depository would allow all hedge fund industry stakeholders (accountants, administrators, auditors, investors, marketers, prime brokers, custodians and regulators) to communicate with one another regularly.

Originality/value

The paper makes two proposals: the founding of a hedge fund information depository; and outsourcing of the compliance function for hedge funds where it is more cost effective.
Trademark registration can provide financial services companies with valuable benefits
Authors: Alter Beth H.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to educate financial services companies about the importance of trademark registration.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews what a trademark is, what the advantages are to trademark registration, and the steps involved in registering a trademark.

Findings

The paper finds that trademark registration can assist financial services companies in protecting their corporate identity, which is one of their most valuable assets.

Practical implications

Financial services companies should give serious consideration to registering their trademarks and should register their trademarks where appropriate.

Originality/value

The paper will be of interest to a wide range of financial services companies who are concerned about protecting their corporate identity, particularly in light of the financial crisis.
Foreign IPOS by Russian issuers: new rules
Authors: Kartashkin Alan , Kuleshov Maxim , Sazykina Yulia
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain new regulations for foreign securities offerings by Russian issuers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains existing restrictions for insurance of depositary receipts (DRs) by Russian issuers, details additional restrictions introduced by the new regulations, and discusses other changes concerning amendment to a deposit agreement governing issuance of DRs, possible reorganization of a Russian issuer of DRs and possible termination of FSFM approval for DR issuance.

Findings

The new regulations reduce the number of Russian issuers' shares that can be traded outside of Russia in the form of depositary receipts.

Originality/value

The paper provides expert guidance by experienced Russian financial institutions and securities lawyers.
SFC consults on proposals to enhance protection for the investing public
Authors: Rogers Martin , Shipman Mark , Walker James , Dare Bryan Paget , Robins Charlotte
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) Consultation Paper on Proposals to Enhance Protection for the Investing Public, issued on September 23, 2009, and some of the key issues that financial services providers operating in or dealing with the Hong Kong market will need to consider.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the purpose of the Consultation Paper and summarizes its proposals in three subject categories: retail products offered to the public in Hong Kong, intermediares’ conduct, and post‐sale arrangements and cooling‐off periods.

Findings

The paper finds that the SFC's overall intention is to enhance Hong Kong's existing regulatory regime for the sale of retail investment products.

Practical implications

The Consultation Paper addresses a significant number of wide ranging proposals that could have a material effect on those issuing and distributing retail investment products to the Hong Kong public, whether from inside or outside Hong Kong.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced securities and financial institution lawyers.
Effect of operation size, environmental conditions and management on municipal sewerage services
Authors: Prado‐Lorenzo José M. , García‐Sánchez Isabel M.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on assessing the effect which factors that cannot be controlled by the public administrator on the efficiency of municipalities on rendering sewerage services.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses performed to date focus mainly on technical efficiency due to the low importance of public outputs value. For it, a four‐stage process was followed in order to observe the overall effect produced by operation size and environmental conditions on efficiency index estimated by data envelopment analysis.

Findings

The results obtained show that operation size and environmental conditions have a significant impact on efficiency indices and on reducing the variability between indices; however, the type of management proprietorship, public vs private, does not impact the degree of efficiency.

Practical implications

As regards decisions stemming from intermunicipal comparison, it can be seen that a drastic decrease occurs in input reduction and output increase percentages geared towards making the municipality under observation efficient in relation to those initially detected, without taking into consideration factors which cannot be controlled by the administrator.

Originality/value

This paper is pioneering in knowing the intensity of the effect of certain factors on the benchmarking process.
Managing corporate performance
Authors: Aras Güler , Aybars Aslı , Kutlu Ozlem
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility is important and fundamental to the sustainable operations of corporations. Similarly financial performance is undoubtedly fundamental to the continuing operating of any corporation. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility and firm financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The main part of this paper is based upon an exploration of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in developing countries. The authors do this by investigating the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) 100 index companies and their social responsibility policy and financial indicators. The relationship between CSR and financial performance is empirically examined between 2005 and 2007 with different approaches and measurement methods. The authors show that some causality is related to lagging between periods for financial performance and CSR. Based upon previous empirical studies, this study conducts the analysis based on the assumption that there may be a relationship between firm size, profitability, risk level and CSR.

Findings

In doing this analysis the authors found a relationship between firm size and corporate social responsibility. However the authors were not able to find any significant relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance/profitability.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has implications in enhancing the understanding of performance management through understanding the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance particularly in a developing country, although it is necessarily limited by the size of the sample.

Originality/value

This paper increases the understanding of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance. This research is also the first research that has examined Turkish companies.
Does efficiency matter?
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed M.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the link between efficiency and profitability in the US specialty retailers and food consumer stores using cross‐sectional data for the year 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a non‐parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to measure the relative efficiency of 45 retailers in the USA. The study also quantitatively examines the link between efficiency and profitability.

Findings

The results indicate that there is a positive link between efficiency and profitability in the US specialty retailers and food consumer stores. The results also indicate that the performance of several retailers is sub‐optimal, suggesting the potential for significant improvements over both profitability and marketability dimensions. Separate benchmarks were derived for possible reductions in resources used, and significant savings are possible on this account.

Originality/value

From a policy perspective, this study highlights the economic importance of encouraging increased efficiency throughout the retailing sector in the US. At the theoretical level, the study empirically confirms the existence of a positive and significant link between efficiency and profitability in the US specialty retailers and food consumer stores.
Information privacy concerns and e‐government: a research agenda
Authors: Carter Lemuria , McBride Anastasia
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint is to identify the potential for future research on information privacy and e‐government.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a concise review of major privacy studies, the paper presents an overview of information privacy research in e‐government. Using privacy calculus, it proposes seven factors that have an impact on one's concern for information privacy (CFIP) when disclosing information to or completing a transaction with the government.

Findings

The model posits that seven factors – perceived internet privacy risk, collection, error, secondary use, improper access, reputation, and third party certificate – have a significant impact on CFIP.

Originality/value

This viewpoint provides a timely discussion on information privacy and e‐government. It also provides several suggestions for future research in this area. This viewpoint is a call for research on information privacy and e‐government.
Transformational government and improving services for older adults through the DIADEM assistive technology
Authors: Fernando Senaka , Money Arthur , Elliman Tony , Lines Lorna
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Transformational government has been on the European agenda for several years. However, progress towards transforming public services for older adults with age‐related cognitive impairments has been very limited. While socioeconomic factors associated with the older adult community which can hinder their usage of governments' online services, partly explain such slow progress, the paper argues that inability of current web‐based technologies and services to adequately cater for specific cognitive impairments of older adults plays a major part in this. Highlighting such limitations, the purpose of this paper is to present the results from a research project currently being undertaken in the UK, Norway and Italy, to demonstrate how assistive web‐based technologies can be developed to assist the transformation of governments' services for older adults with age‐related cognitive impairments.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach includes three phases. The aim of Phase 1 is to develop a comprehensive list of requirements for the development of the first version of the delivering inclusive access to disabled and elderly members (DIADEM) application. In Phase 2, a usability evaluation is carried out from the perspective of the older adult target user group. These two phases include the literature revive, the focus group interviews and the user trials. Currently, DIADEM project activities are about to go into Phase 3.

Findings

The key findings of the study indicate that the users of the DIADEM assisted online form filling seemed report comparatively high levels of satisfaction. Furthermore, the innovative use of experts systems has brought significant benefits to the older adults with cognitive decline as the DIADEM technology appears to be sensitive to the users who present high level of cognitive decline, and provides increased levels of assistance accordingly. The paper shows how such benefits can transform the governments' services to older adults with age‐related cognitive impairments when the DIADEM technology is commercialised and diffused.

Research limitations/implications

The DIADEM enabled transformations is not simply about technology. It is an organisational change too. As a result further research needs to be carried out on the challenges around change management, and the level of commitment to change which will be required to achieve the DIADEM enabled transformation in governments.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on transforming governments' online services for older adults with age‐related cognitive impairments. This research area has been neglected for several years by both researchers and practitioners.
New service development in e‐government: identifying critical success factors
Authors: Angelopoulos Spyros , Kitsios Fotis , Papadopoulos Thanos
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a model that incorporates critical factors contributing to the success in new service development (NSD) projects in electronic government (e‐government).

Design/methodology/approach

After a brief introduction to e‐government and NSD in respect to models for successful implementation, the authors justify and build on the existing literature that advocates the use of critical success factors (CSFs) to study the implementation of these projects. They suggest a model that incorporates the determinants of success or failure for a new service through a set of variables.

Findings

This paper proposes a framework, which is believed to help with the empirical research of CSF in NSD. The suggested framework attempts to bring experience in leadership and coordination of work theory and practice together by synthesising the existing literature with real‐life experience.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to the e‐government implementation literature in terms of suggesting a model that takes under consideration important CSF for implementing NSD.

Practical implications

The projects a number of implications for public sector scholars as well as administrators. A vast amount of taxpayer money can be saved if decision makers can promptly identify potential waste of funds in prone‐to‐failure projects.

Originality/value

The research aims at providing a better understanding of the underlying factors and dimensions that describe NSD in e‐government through the suggestion of a model that takes under consideration important CSF for implementing NSD. Therefore, it expands the scope of NSD research in e‐government context, stating the need for more research to be conducted regarding the NSD in e‐government using CSF. By identifying the potential success or failure of future projects a number of implications for public sector scholars as well as administrators comes to light.
Entrepreneurial orientation of public enterprises in Malaysia
Authors: Entebang Harry , Harrison Richard T. , Cyril de Run Ernest
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gauge the extent to which public enterprises in Malaysia demonstrate entrepreneurial orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

A face‐to‐face survey was initiated to obtain data directly from top management of public enterprises.

Findings

The results of the investigation reveal that public enterprises seemed to concentrate on incremental aspect of the marketing of true and tried products/services. Although these companies appeared to have a strong emphasis on R&D initiatives, but most of these initiatives focused on development side of the activities. In addition, the results of the study indicate that the extent to which public enterprises respond to action initiated by competitors; become the first to introduce new product/services and/or “undo the competitor posture” appeared to be quite low. On the other hand, public enterprises tended to focus on low risk projects. Hence, they prefer to explore and exploit the unknown gradually and will act when certainty exits.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this study were drawn from top management of public enterprises. Future studies should include more of top management team. Given the hostility and competitive of today's business environments, future studies should explore the extent to which entrepreneurial orientation of firm will influence public enterprises' entrepreneurial activities.

Practical implications

Given the outcomes of the study, managers may note that firm performance is associated with the degree of its entrepreneurial orientation.

Originality/value

Previous studies on entrepreneurial orientation concentrated on private entities. This paper extends the domain of entrepreneurial orientation into government business enterprises.
Perceived corporate entrepreneurship in GLCs: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Entebang Harry , Harrison Richard T. , Cyril de Run Ernest
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gauge the extent to which government‐linked companies in Malaysia demonstrate corporate entrepreneurship activities.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objectives of the study, data was solicited directly from top management through face to face survey.

Findings

The findings on nature of corporate entrepreneurship activities suggest that GLCs appeared engage in incremental aspect of CE activities. On the other hand, many of new ideas seemed to come from the top management. Given the nature of external and internal environmental factors of firm which include government policy, environmental hostility, technological forces, top management support, strategic planning, organizational strategies, internal processes, culture, regulation/controls, work discretion, rewards, structure and time/resources were noted to influence the extent to which GLCs pursued CE activities.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this study were drawn from six top management of GLCs. Future research should include more top management team. Given the external, internal and key challenges, future studies should investigate the direct and/or indirect effect of these factors on CE activities in GLCs.

Practical implications

Based on outcomes of the study, managers may learn that to benefit from CE activities, they should shift their focus from incremental to substantial and/or radical types of CE activities.

Originality/value

Previous studies on CE focused on the performance of private entities. This paper extends the domain of CE into government business enterprises.
The number 1 requirement for exiting this recession: rebuild trust! Recent survey reveals trust as critical
Authors: Bates Suzanne
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal survey findings on the impact of trust and consider how to rebuild trust in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent survey by Bates Communications, Inc. of 148 business professionals.

Findings

The clear number 1 issue emerging from the downturn was executives' ability to rebuild trust with employees, clients, and customers. Data from our survey showed that this recession caused significant damage to business relationships, damage that must be repaired if many companies are to move forward and take advantage of the opportunities of the rebuilding economy.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to our own survey, other studies have corroborated our results. According to the 2009 Midyear Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in business continues to be the issue starkly revealed in its January 2009 report that had reported a devastating loss in trust in the private sector. In the Midyear survey, when asked what companies could do to rebuild trust in the long run, 94 percent of respondents listed “treating employees well” as job one. Not far behind was “communicating frequently and honestly” for 91 percent of respondents.

Practical implications

Companies must take initiative to rebuild trust in their organization.

Original/value

This paper is of great value to CEOs and C‐level executives. They must own the trust issue in their organization.