bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEC guidance on broker‐dealer expense‐sharing arrangements
Authors: Cohen Lawrence
Published: June 2007

In the Spring 2003 issue of this Journal, I addressed the regulatory uncertainty surrounding the treatment of broker‐dealers’ expense‐sharing arrangements. As pointed out in that article, in 2002 the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) conducted a comprehensive “sweep” examination of member‐firms’ financial reporting procedures, with special attention to the treatment of expenses and liabilities. The results of the sweep confirmed that many broker‐dealers, particularly small firms, relied on parents and affiliates to pay for part or all of their expenses. The results of this regulatory audit raised the NASD’s concern that many broker‐dealers failed to adhere to the financial responsibility rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In large part, this was due to an inherent conflict between the general accounting standards governing the recording of expenses and liabilities and the requirements imposed on broker‐dealers to accrue and book expenses and liabilities under the Exchange Act’s financial reporting rules. Following the sweep, the NASD wrote to certain member firms that did not appear to be following the financial responsibility rules. These letters asked the firms to explain their failure to report expenses that were paid, or subject to payment by, affiliated parties and to justify their procedures on expense and liability reporting. Some broker‐dealers responded that it was not possible to coordinate the accounting of expense‐sharing arrangements with the reporting requirements set forth under the Exchange Act’s rules.
The “Unhappy Lot”: Limits on preferred stock protective provisions
Authors: Hammersmith Gary S.
Published: June 2007

“The lot of a holder of junior preferred stock is not always a happy one,”
observed the Delaware Chancery Court in Benchmark Capital Partners IV, L.P. v. Vague. It certainly wasn’t for Benchmark Capital Partners. Benchmark’s fate holds important lessons for institutions and funds that invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock investors typically seek voting rights or veto rights over certain significant corporate actions and against direct economic impairment of the preferred stock investment. The Benchmark case illustrates some limitations of such traditional preferred stock protective provisions. Examining these limitations illustrates several ways that investors may help limit impairment of their preferred stock investments.
Know your customer: Good for compliance, great for client service
Authors: Graham Nelson M.
Published: June 2007

Anti‐money laundering is a global initiative that is a priority at all financial institutions. It is important that while considerable focus is being placed on compliance, firms cannot forget another top priority: their clients. Luckily, these two areas of focus are not mutually exclusive. The answer is in knowing your customer and all that can do to benefit your business.
Hedge fund use of soft dollars
Authors: Lins Gerald T.
Published: June 2007

While many hedge fund activities have attracted more scrutiny recently, the use of soft dollars by hedge funds has been a source of regulatory concern for years. A fund manager’s decision under a classic soft dollar arrangement to pay more than the lowest commission in return for research or brokerage services is expressly protected by the safe harbor in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“1934 Act”). Many hedge fund managers use commissions to obtain not only research and brokerage services, but also a number of services that may be outside the Section 28(e) safe harbor. Whether or not a particular service constitutes “research” is generally a fact‐specific determination. A key element of such determination is whether the product or service aids the investment manager’s investment decision‐making responsibilities rather than the manager’s marketing or general administrative activities. Where proposing to use client or fund commissions for non‐research or non‐brokerage services, the fund manager must be very careful to ensure that such use is both fully disclosed and permissible under applicable law and documents.
New era dawns for listed companies: NYSE and Nasdaq adopt final corporate governance rules
Authors: Tsaganos Vasiliki B. , Bard Lawrence R. , Moore Erika J.
Published: June 2007

In one of the last major Enron‐related corporate reforms, the SEC approved on November 4, 2003 the final versions of both the New York Stock Exchange’s and Nasdaq’s corporate governance proposals. Generally, both sets of rules require listed companies to have a majority of their boards comprised of independent directors. In addition, the rules impose significant responsibilities on listed companies’ nominating, compensation, and audit committees. With certain exceptions, both NYSE and Nasdaq companies will have until the earlier of (i) the company’s first annual meeting occurring after January 15, 2004 or (ii) October 31, 2004 to comply with the new rules. This article compares both sets of new rules to current rules, discusses the differences between the NYSE’s and Nasdaq’s new rules and suggests steps issuers should take to comply with the new rules.
Global investment management survey identifies regulatory and compliance issues as top industry challenge
Authors: LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers
Published: June 2007

The inaugural Global Investment Management Survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC identified 10 key issues faced by industry leaders. 1) Customers come first, but demands can sap profits. 2) A good reputation is more valuable than money. 3) Rebuilding customer trust is difficult in a culture of suspicion. 4) Retaining talent will be more difficult than ever as the investment markets rebound. 5) Scale is necessary for global players, but difficult to achieve outside the United States because of friction in the markets. 6) Traditional employee benefit consultants need to understand investor risk appetites and guard against distancing investment managers from end users. 7.) Growth needs to be built on margin ‐ concentrating on products where substantial scale can be added without substantial cost. 8) Consolidation across investment products, service providers, and manufacturers is expected but is hampered by cross‐border regulatory and tax barriers. 9) Distributors have increased influence and negotiating power over investment managers. 10) Head offices must balance protecting their brands with delegating to those with local knowledge.
The arbitration of whistleblower cases
Authors: Masucci Deborah
Published: June 2007

Disputes regarding termination of employment under the Whistleblower provisions of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Corporate Reform Act of 2002 are subject to required arbitration according to the “Boss” decision. This article explores the requirements under self regulatory organization (SRO) rules of employees in the securities industry to arbitrate disputes with their employers, exceptions to the requirement to arbitrate, and the expansion of the requirements to cover activities under the Sarbanes Oxley statute. The article sets out to demonstrate the commitment to arbitration in the securities industry not only to resolve investor disputes, but to apply the same standards and requirements to employees and the industry as a whole. The article also shows the resilience of the rules and procedures to adjust and improve to meet the challenges presented by new types of claims, and to ensure that statutory rights are addressed adequately
Market structure and market share: Understanding the NYSE’s competitive position
Authors: Rude Michael G.
Published: June 2007

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is at the center of an increasing chorus of market professionals who complain that investors are at the mercy of a system that caters to exchange specialists. While structural change may be necessary to address the NYSE’s governance issues, talk about wholesale structural change in the trading of NYSE‐listed securities is misguided. As this paper discusses, the real issue is the lack of competition among the marketplaces that trade NYSE‐listed shares. The article is intended to contribute to the market structure debate by exploring the market structure of the NYSE, the competitive environment for exchange‐listed securities, the limitations associated with the current structure, and what changes might be pursued. In particular, the author calls attention to the “trade‐through” rule, implemented through the Intermarket Trading System (ITS), which benefits the NYSE by discouraging orders from being routed to alternative marketplaces
China's new rules on anti‐money laundering
Authors: Yang TieCheng , Zhang Nan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to outline some key features of China's new rules on anti‐money laundering.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the expanded definition of “anti‐money laundering”; the application of the rules to a broader group of financial institutions; the three required anti‐money laundering systems (client identity recognition, retention of client identity documents and trading records, and reporting of large‐sum transactions and suspicious transactions); the expected manner of anti‐money laundering investigations by the People's Bank of China; liabilities for breach; and anti‐money laundering regulations in the insurance and securities sectors.

Findings

The paper finds that new anti‐money laundering rules expand the definition of “anti‐money laundering” broaden the scope of institutions to which anti‐money laundering regulations apply, and establish more stringent requirements for the three key internal anti‐money laundering systems that financial institutions and certain non‐financial institutions must have: client identity recognition, retention of client identity documents and trading records, and reporting of large‐sum transactions and suspicious transactions. Compared to the old rules, the new anti‐money laundering rules impose more serious punishment on violations.

Originality/value

The paper provides a detailed and readable reference on the new Chinese anti‐money laundering regulations for those working in the China market and those who wish to compare these Chinese regulations with similar ones in other countries.
Construction tools and equipment – their influence on accident causality
Authors: Gibb Alistair , Hide Sophie , Haslam Roger , Gyi Diane , Pavitt Trevor , Atkinson Sarah , Duff Roy
Published: June 2007

This paper presents tools and equipment aspects of the results from a three‐year United Kingdom Government funded research project investigating accident causality (ConCA). The project has used focus groups and studied in detail 100 construction accidents site audits, interviews with involved persons and follow‐up along the causal chain. This paper concentrates on the influence of construction tools and equipment which were found to be important contributory factors identified by the research. They have largely been overlooked by previous studies and are not typically acknowledged as accident contributors. This paper argues for further work to confirm these links and for the inclusion of tools and equipment in the list of categories in statutory reporting procedures. This would also require an increased acknowledgement by construction managers of their influence, leading to better design and management of their supply and care on site.
England and Wales electricity industry – experiences in deregulation
Authors: Odubiyi A.O. , Davidson I.E.
Published: June 2007

Electric utilities traditionally operate as government monopoly institutions in vertically integrated structures. As monopolies, secondary costs incurred as a result of inefficient operations are passed down to consumers, even when such did not constitute major operational or quality of supply problems. In the 1990s, environmental issues, regulatory and economic challenges, and changing public perception created a radically different world for electric utilities. Consumers demand price transparency and reduction of cross‐subsidies among different users. The need for higher energy efficiency in technical systems of utilities and significant growth in energy demand were recognised. Most governments were under pressure to raise funds for social services, balance budgets and to carry out economic reform. This paper presents a review and analysis of the successful deregulation of the electricity supply industry in England and Wales as a pointer to other countries (e.g. developing countries) contemplating such programme.
Architectural practices and IT: local vs international
Authors: Arif A.A. , Karam A.H.
Published: June 2007

This paper reports on the use of Information Technologies (IT) in the South African building industry. It offers an insight into the architecture profession, a profession that plays a major role in the construction sector. The analysis is based on the results of a survey conducted in the Western Cape Province during the year 2000. In an attempt to uncover the similarities and differences between the local context and the international one, this paper outlines a few elements of IT for comparison. After a brief introduction to the IT map of South Africa, the analysis concentrates on the following four issues: Response and Respondents, General IT usage, Use of Computer‐Aided‐Design (CAD) and Use of Networks. Each of these issues is framed in both the local and the international contexts. Despite the shortcomings of using different questions with different emphasis when referring to other surveys, it is still believed that reporting on local practices is not extremely meaningful in isolation. It is hoped that this type of analysis will serve to unravel the particulars of the construction industry in South Africa providing its counterparts with a new perspective.
Critical success factors for implementing ERP: the case of a Chinese electronics manufacturer
Authors: Seng Woo Hong
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation experiences of a leading Chinese enterprise. The objective is to provide Chinese enterprises implementing ERP with knowledge about ERP implementation critical success factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Construction of a case study of the company using semi‐structured interviews of the principals involved in the ERP implementation process as well as examination of company documentation supported by literature.

Findings

The major findings of this paper are that the critical success factors for the case company for implementing ERP is similar to its Western counterparts, with the addition of an underpinning theme – cultural characteristics. This study found that when an attempt is made to adapt the implementation to the Chinese culture, management and style of the company, implementation is successful.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that it presents companies wishing to implement ERP as well as vendors and consultants with a set of critical success factors that is applicable in China. Understanding the critical success factors would lead to a smoother implementation path. Although as a single case study the ability to generalise the findings is limited, support from literature and the experiences of the company before and after making changes to their ERP implementation add to the knowledge of ERP in China.
Integrated risk minimization methodology for high volume manufacture
Authors: Byrne Garrett , Sheahan Con
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology to reduce the potential risk of failures in high‐volume manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

The research documented here represents an even balance of theoretical and practical development, with validation of the methodology – referred to as integrated risk minimisation (IRM).

Findings

The success of the IRM is measured in terms of reduced defect rates, through either prediction or earlier detection of defects. The combination of an inline design and immediate operator feedback on all detected defects was a critical design element.

Practical implications

The electroplating process was chosen as a suitable case study to provide the platform from which the IRM could be developed and tested. Implementation into industry has generated the proof to support the IRM as a methodology that can successfully reduce potential risks in high‐volume manufacturing.

Originality/value

In a unique approach, failure modes and effects analysis is built into the IRM methodology, thus establishing a “closed loop” process. The IRM methodology is suitably generic, to allow the achievement of similar results for any high‐volume process.
Construction of key model for knowledge management system using AHP‐QFD for semiconductor industry in Taiwan
Authors: Chen S.C. , Yang C.C. , Lin W.T. , Yeh T.M. , Lin Y.S.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the construction of a key model for knowledge management (KM) systems using AHP‐QFD for the semiconductor industry in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance evaluation matrix was modified to set up a standard performance matrix for system introduction. The importance weights of models related to KM via the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and after consulting experts' opinions. The method of quality function deployment (QFD) was integrated for the system models of a KM system and correlation weights of key objectives to be improved.

Findings

Seven key objectives need to be improved. Correlations between the key objectives to be improved and the KM system models are located via QFD for eight critically important models to be improved.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the questionnaires were e‐mailed to respondents sampled from the list of the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA).

Practical implications

Actual cases are investigated and a KM system prototype is established in this research to provide reference for the semiconductor industry when introducing a KM system.

Originality/value

Companies can evaluate the performance of system introduction rapidly and regulate their investments in resources efficiently using the measurement, analysis and improvement methods provided here so that the performance of introducing the KM system will be increased effectively at the lowest cost.
Globalization, inequalities and the “Polanyi problem”
Authors: Śliwa Martyna
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the consequences of globalization, in particular the increasing disparity between the wealth of nations and individuals in society. It discusses mechanisms which lead to perpetuation and reinforcement of the situation in which, despite being characterized by inequalities and fragmentation, societies remain by and large cohesive and stable.

Design/methodology/approach

This article engages with the so‐called “Polanyi problem” and with Polanyi's and other authors’ responses to it. In the discussion, the analytical approach is adopted by reference to Aldous Huxley'sBrave New World, in particular his concept ofsoma.

Findings

Using the metaphor ofsoma, developed into four interrelated dimensions, illustrations of social and organizational processes, which ensure sustainability of, and cohesion within, a society based on inequality and fragmentation, are indicated. It is argued that the existence of stratified societies, and inequalities of wealth within and between them, is accompanied by phenomena which support and sustain them.

Practical implications

Drawing upon literary fiction can offer valuable insights into issues pertinent to contemporary academic debate.

Originality/value

Engagement with Huxley's work provides an alternative way of contributing to the globalization debate and, in particular, to the literature addressing the so‐called “Polanyi problem”.
The notion of Brazilian organizational culture
Authors: Alcadipani Da Silveira Rafael , Crubelatte João
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Brazilian literature about national and organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

A postmodern epistemological perspective is taken to discuss culture, focusing first on its contribution to the analysis of culture within organizations. Then the central ideas in the articles published in Brazilian periodicals and congresses, between 1991 and 2000, which talked about Brazilian organizational culture, are presented and an attempt is made to outline their fundamental characteristics.

Findings

The majority of studies which deal with Brazilian culture, and which have been developed within the context of management, analyze the theme in a homogeneous manner and do not take into account the plurality and heterogeneity within the country and organizations.

Originality/value

Postmodern approaches to discussion of culture seem to be important in dealing with cultural contexts (national and organizational) where nuances and variations cannot be ignored without serious political and social implications.
Evaluating performance of Nordic and Baltic stock exchanges
Authors: Mačiulis Nerijus , Lazauskaitė Vaiva , Bengtsson Elias
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and compare performances of three Nordic (Sweden, Denmark, Finland) and three Baltic (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) exchanges.

Design/methodology/approach

Portfolio performance is estimated using two different approaches: traditional measures – Sharpe, Sortino and Treynor ratios; and alternative measures – reward to value‐at‐risk and reward to expected tail loss (RETL).

Findings

The findings highlight the differences and similarities in Nordic and Baltic stock exchanges and their performance trends after creation of common marketplace OMX. Returns of Baltic, like Nordic, exchanges are normally distributed. During the period of 2000‐2006, Baltic exchanges outperformed Nordic exchanges.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to six stock exchanges that are members of common marketplace OMX. Proposed alternative performance measures did not diverge from traditional approaches, because, apparently, Baltic exchanges offer normally distributed returns and should not be considered emerging markets. These measures should be further tested in developing and emerging markets.

Originality/value

The findings have both theoretical and practical implications. To the authors' best knowledge, it is the first public attempt to estimate performance of Baltic and Nordic exchanges in the context of modern portfolio theory and, alternatively, new science of risk management (value at risk and expected tail loss). The paper argues for the usage of an alternative measure for performance valuation – RETL. Furthermore, the paper discuses merits and limitations of different approaches to risk and performance measurement.
Under what conditions do subsidiaries learn?
Authors: Johansen Trude
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate literature on subsidiary learning, and to trace the main logics and conventional opinions in international business. A secondary purpose is to evaluate the fit, suitability and applicability to this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on subsidiary learning and knowledge transfer in International Business and Economic Geography was conducted following an explorative design. Through a survey of articles on subsidiary learning sources, barriers, and the required mechanisms were identified. Some underlying theoretical contributions were also surveyed to better capture core constructs.

Findings

Motivation, knowledge, absorptive capacity, and role of the subsidiary influence on learning, and the more embedded the subsidiary the better for performance. Furthermore, more advanced economies are expected to create more valuable knowledge, and knowledge flows therefore from advanced to transition economies. The more value‐chain activities that are carried out, a greater flow of knowledge flow is expected. Not much research is conducted on the value of the knowledge flows. Subsidiary learning is not studied in transition economies by economic geographers, or international business researchers. Subsidiary learning is not studied in transition economies by economic geographers, or international business researchers.

Research limitations/implications

Little knowledge exists on knowledge flows from subsidiaries in transition economies, to multinational corporation (MNC') entities in developed economies. Mapping of ongoing relations through the lenses of business networks may be one viable way to capture evolution and change in the role of subsidiaries, or it could be mapped through analysis of evolution and change in the routines between dyads in the MNC.

Practical implications

MNCs may overlook learning opportunities due to biases in literature. Knowledge management and formal and informal integrative mechanisms for knowledge transfer may be as important in transition – as in developed economies. As Western firms continue to offshore critical activities to transition economies, they should explore the learning opportunities for organisational learning and improved strategic performance.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in questioning the conventional knowledge on learning and knowledge transfer which is most often researched in developed economies.
Individual correlates of organizational commitment and intention to leave the organization
Authors: Labatmedienė Lina , Endriulaitienė Auksė , Gustainienė Loreta
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The goals of the present study are three‐fold. First of all, the paper aims to test the three‐component model (emotional, continuance and normative components) of organizational commitment in the Lithuanian population. The second goal is to analyze the relationships among individual factors (age, gender, personality traits) and organizational commitment. Finally, the paper aims to test the hypothesis if there was a relationship between organizational commitment and intention to leave the organization in the Lithuanian sample.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants of the study were 105 employees working in various Lithuanian organizations (41 men and 64 women). The average age was 34.9 (SD = 11.6). The subjects completed the questionnaire that included responses to three‐dimensional measure of organizational commitment, self‐reported measure of temperament, as well as questions about demographic information. Following Meyer et al., intention to leave the organization was assessed with three questions: first, how frequently the employee thinks about leaving his or her current employer; second, how likely it is that employee will search for a job in another organization; and third, how likely it is that an individual will actually leave the organization within the next year. The regression analysis was used to predict the relationships between individual factors and organizational commitment.

Findings

The results of the investigation revealed that the three‐component measure of organizational commitment is valid in Lithuanian sample. Contrary to expectations, it was found that there was no significant relationship between personality traits and organizational commitment, but there was a significant relationship between organizational commitment and intension to leave the organization. It was also found that there was a significant relationship among organizational commitment, age, and the level of education.

Research limitations/implications

The design of the study does not allow making causal statements. In addition, the sample is quite small and may not be representative, so one should be careful to make generalizations to other populations. Third, since all measures used are self‐reports, common method variance is a problem, as well as social desirability effects.

Practical implications

Organizational commitment is an important research topic of human resource management, having both practical and theoretical implications. Managers could benefit from understanding the predictors of committed manpower because they can initiate the interventions when the problem exists.

Originality/value

The research contributes to organizational commitment literature by providing empirical findings and theoretical interpretations regarding the role of individual factors in explaining interrelationships among different forms of organizational commitment and employee behaviour.
Post‐acquisition integration: ways of sensemaking in a management team meeting
Authors: Rovio‐Johansson Airi
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate actors' ways of sensemaking through the use of rhetorical strategies, frames, and categories, in a management team meeting.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were generated from a video recorded and transcribed management meeting, and participant observation. The analysis of institutional discourses and practices builds upon the assumption that language and texts are the main tools for understanding actors' social reality. The managers' ways of sensemaking of institutional discourses and practices is captured through their use of tools like rhetorical strategies, frames, and categories in talk‐in‐interaction.

Findings

The team managers' ways of sensemaking through mobilizing rhetorical strategies, institutional categories, and how they recontextualise frames in negotiation of a disputed issue, adds new aspects to previous studies of the multi voiced complex integration processes in a cross‐border acquisition. The significance of the results is the revealing of actors' frequent use of rhetorical strategies, frames, and categories in sensemaking processes. The study calls for further research on structural features of institutional talk as related to the dynamics of talk‐in‐interaction.

Originality/value

The findings and methods of analysis contribute to international business studies and to the empirical‐based research on institutional interaction through text and talk.
Defining qualitative management research: an empirical investigation
Authors: Johnson Phil , Buehring Anna , Cassell Catherine , Symon Gillian
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of research which explores how the concept qualitative management research is variably constructed and defined by those who have a direct interest in, and influence upon, important aspects of qualitative management research.

Design/methodology/approach

Information was gathered through the use of semi‐structured interviews conducted with 44 individuals who were drawn from four observer‐identified types of “expert” informant who were taken to generally represent key groups of stakeholders in the conduct, evaluation and dissemination of qualitative management research. Interview data from these individuals were analysed though an iterative process using the NVivo software package to inductively generate definitional categories and explore aspects of their interrelationships.

Findings

From data analysis it was apparent that there are eight different, but often interrelated, ways in which interviewees define qualitative management research. The philosophical dimensions of each of these variable definitions are outlined and their relationships to the methodological literature are explored. The variety identified amongst informants, indicates how there is a potential dissensus possible regarding what qualitative management research might entail, as well as regarding its provenance and its academic status. This dissensus potentially can create problems with regard to its evaluation.

Originality/value

So whist there is little evidence to suggest any systematic relationship between the variable institutional backgrounds of informants and how they variably define and perceive qualitative management research, philosophical influences upon this contested terrain are explored and the implications of the identified dissensus for how qualitative management research is perceived and evaluated is discussed. The implications of this evidently contested terrain are discussed with particular reference to the future constitution of qualitative management research and its evaluation.
Structuring qualitative enquiry in management and organization research
Authors: Atherton Andrew , Elsmore Peter
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To explore the cases for and against the use of computer‐assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) in qualitative organisation and management research.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflecting the debate inherent in the questions raised about the use of CAQDAS, a dialogue between the authors is used.

Findings

There are risks associated with using CAQDAS without considering its underpinning principles and assumptions about data analysis. If these are considered explicitly as part of a research methodology, then CAQDAS may be a valuable analytical tool. If not, there is risk of distortion and bias in results from the use of CAQDAS.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a commonly posed question for qualitative researchers, in a format and structure that is likely to stimulate further debate.
Discovering complex interdependencies in organizational settings
Authors: Bertolotti Fabiola , Tagliaventi Maria Rita
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper's aim is twofold: to display how the application of social network analysis techniques to observational data provides researchers with a unique set of data to make sense of the dynamics of organizational settings; to contribute to knowledge on group design, self‐managing teams, and processes of technology diffusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the findings of qualitative research, recently published, that were conducted in a major Italian clothing company producing garments for the top‐end market. Observation, ethnographic interviews and analysis of documents for data collection were employed. Coding procedures and social network analysis techniques were used to analyse data.

Findings

The long presence in the field allowed for the building of two grounded theories. One deals with the process of Computer Aided Design technology diffusion into a small group and it connects a number of variables usually studied separately in the literature. The second accounts for the enactment of spontaneous self‐managing practices in a group formally designed as a manager‐led team.

Research limitation/implications

The grounded theories are formulated for specific social settings and future research could benefit from replications in different contexts to capture other phenomena leading to different categories to be integrated into the theories or to corroborate them.

Originality/value

The paper derived enacted network data from the direct and prolonged observation of actors as opposed to self‐reported network data. This allowed clarification of the actual content and the quality of the interactions among actors, and to move beyond their quantification, thus enhancing the comprehension of the impact of network relationships upon organizational behaviour.
Benchmarking China firm competitiveness: a strategic framework
Authors: Li‐Hua Richard
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This editorial aims to review various theoretical frameworks in measuring firm competences, including marketing competences, strategic flexibility, innovation capacity building of organizations and attempts to propose a conceptual framework to benchmark and rank the Chinese firms in terms of competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview and conceptual paper based on observations and research experience. Drawing on the prevalent theoretical models of building up competitiveness and reports from well established research centres, government and international associations worldwide, this paper presents a strategic framework for evaluating and measuring firm competitiveness in China.

Findings

The paper stresses the importance of keeping‐up with the fast pace of technological change and the emerging new global paradigms of the business environment. It addresses the development trajectory and the way through which firms can contribute to capacity building and the creation of competitive advantage in facing the pressing challenges of globalization. It aims to establish the potential indicators of competitiveness by analysing the theoretic elements and the microeconomic business environment.

Originality/value

This paper presents the crucial tenets of the strategic framework of developing firm competitiveness, which include: creation of core competence, establishment of competitiveness index and competitiveness rankings. These are closely linked with the development of corporate strategy, marketing strategy and technology and innovation strategy within firms. These core features will have strong implication to Chinese and foreign enterprises and provide an invaluable instrument for firms to enhance their performance through benchmarking and evaluating their current competitive position and determine new strategies to create competitiveness.
Knowledge transfer through effective university‐industry interactions
Authors: Wang Yi , Lu Lucy
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a strategic framework of successful knowledge transfer through the development of university‐industry interactions in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is designed based on a single case study with qualitative analysis. Data were collected through documentary analysis, semi‐structured interviews and participated observations of the commercialization project within Tsinghua University (China), which is one of the world leading research universities in science and technological innovation.

Findings

Four modes of university‐industry interactions during the process of knowledge transfer have been identified, which contribute to the success of knowledge transfer at different stages of university‐industry relations. They are: university‐dependent low sticky interaction; university‐dependent high sticky interaction; mutual‐dependent high sticky interaction; mutual‐dependent low sticky interaction. In addition, the development of entrepreneurial spirit within the university and the implementation of Professors of Practice have also been recognized as vital for building and maintaining effective university‐industry interactions.

Originality/value

The distinctiveness of this paper lies in contributing to the existing theories of knowledge transfer between university and industry by identifying the specific modes of interactions that contribute to the success of knowledge transfer between university and industry. The findings also have important implications for government policy makers, university academics and business practitioners for designing and implementing knowledge‐base innovation strategies and creating sustainable competitive advantages through successful knowledge transfer between university and industry. This may enable policy‐makers to understand the complexity and dynamics involved in the process of technology commercialization and take into account the importance of the institutional arrangement and appropriate incentive system in supporting effective knowledge transfer and commercialization.
Inter‐organizational knowledge management in complex products and systems
Authors: Chen Jin , Tong Liang , Ngai Eric W.T.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The vast majority of evidence about knowledge management (KM) is based on studies within a mass‐producing context and at intra‐organizational level. Little has been reported in the complex products and systems (CoPS) literature about KM processes across firm boundaries. To contribute to this gap, this paper reviews the literature of CoPS, inter‐organizational collaboration and KM, discusses some challenges of inter‐organization KM faced by CoPS manufacturers, and explores a research framework which is helpful to provide a preliminary understanding of inter‐organizational KM within a CoPS context.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and research experience are presented.

Findings

The study has identified some challenges faced by CoPS manufacturers when they try to manage knowledge from an innovative network, and developed a framework extending KM processes into an inter‐firm collaborative network for CoPS development. Both, project level collaboration and firm level linkages need to be taken into consideration when attempting to implement KM at inter‐organizational level. Knowledge acquisition from network, knowledge integration, and knowledge sharing in the network are the main inter‐organizational KM activities in a CoPS context.

Originality/value

As KM based on inter‐organizational collaboration has received little attention in prior studies, especially in CoPS conditions, this study is an exploratory discussion of KM issues within a CoPS context, combining the cross‐school theories of inter‐organizational linkages, KM and CoPS innovation. This paper tries to account for knowledge‐related activities involved in CoPS development, identifying some challenges in CoPS innovation.
Corporate entrepreneurship and market performance: an empirical study in China
Authors: Yang Zhong , Li‐Hua Richard , Zhang Xiao , Wang Yonggui
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper reviews literature of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and explores the relationship between CE and market performance in China by taking a disaggregated approach after developing a reliable and valid scale of CE.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical paper is based on questionnaire survey and statistical analysis.

Findings

This paper identifies the key dimensions of CE and finds that each dimension exerts differentiated impacts on market performance of firms in China.

Originality/value

Nowadays, more and more studies have been conducted on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial orientation, intrapreneurship or CE. However, no agreement has been reached about the key dimensions of CE and much less is know about the generalizability of related research findings in emerging economies. This paper is intended to bridge these gaps.
The innovation strategy of firms: empirical evidence from the Chinese high‐tech industry
Authors: Chen Yanying , Yuan Yijun
Published: June 2007

Purpose

A firm will seek an optimal balance between internal R&D and technology outsourcing when formulating its innovation strategy. This paper aims to provide a review of the determinants of firm's innovation strategy, and performs an empirical study on a sample from Chinese high‐tech industry, with the purpose of identifying two aspects of the issue: the choice patterns of Chinese firms over innovation strategy, and the innovation effect elasticity of different strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of a multiple regression model supported by data from industry level and a statistic analysis.

Findings

Outsourcing is the major innovation strategy adopted by most Chinese high‐tech firms, especially technology import, which implies the imperfection of Chinese innovation service system. The empirical analysis also indicates the insufficiency of internal R&D expenditure and the weakness of absorptive capacity in Chinese high‐tech firms. Although, Chinese high‐tech firms prefer the outsourcing strategy in their innovation, the contribution of outsourcing is much smaller than that of internal R&D. When expenditures are increased by the same rate, the innovation output form internal R&D is twice the output of outsourcing. For improving Chinese firms' innovation efficiency, the reform of innovation service system is needed on the macro‐level, while on the micro‐level, it calls for firms to readjust their innovation strategy portfolio.

Originality/value

This paper will make up for the deficiency in current researches on innovation, which often apply firm samples in developed countries, and lack evidences from firm samples in developing countries. In addition, it will provide the decision‐making basis for Chinese Government's current actions in constructing and improving China's innovation service system.
“I want the one with Harry Potter on it”
Authors: Dammler Axel , Middlelmann Astrid V
Published: June 2007

Focuses on how brands can communicate that they are exactly what children want; they do this either by borrowing key symbols popular with the target groups, or by creating brand symbols which the target group will understand and like. Contrasts the attitudes to brand advertisements of younger children and older children/adults; whereas young children remember physical characteristics of brand image, older consumers realise the real nature of the brand. Discusses the importance of fads, ie using licences to sell products and brands, and explains why they are important to children; fads force brands to react to them but can also damage them in the longer term, and brands must keep their identity.
The Internet according to kids
Authors: Clarke Jorian
Published: June 2007

Describes a six‐year study of children’s Internet usage which shows how preferences and habits have changed over time; this was conducted by SpectraCom Inc and Circle 1 network. Explains the research methodology and the objectives, which were to identify trends in the amount of time spent by children online now and in future, their opinions about the future role of the Internet in society and the future of e‐commerce, and parents’ roles in children’s online activities. Concludes that there is need for a more child‐friendly content in Internet sites and for more parental involvement, that children will be influential in the market for alternative devices like mobile phones, that online shopping is likely to flourish, and that children have a growing interest in online banking.
Understanding the dynamics of youth readership
Authors: McMahon Liz
Published: June 2007

Reviews the readership habits of under‐15 year olds and explores likely long‐term trends for specific magazines and categories, focusing on British 7‐14 year olds 1993‐2001. Relates the decline in youth magazine circulations to the ever increasing amount of choice and competition; the Internet itself presents both a threat and an opportunity for print brands. Explores four issues facing publishers: precise targeting by age, clear gender differences, rapidly changing product life cycles, and the many titles relating to specific brands and marketing phenomena. Outlines the research approach adopted, including the aspects of different reading and understanding abilities between the age groups studied, response rates, and questionnaire design.
US kids and British children ‐ identical or incomparable?
Authors: Powell James , Wicken Geoff
Published: June 2007

Compares the findings from the Youth Target Group Index (TGI) Survey of British children with those from the Simmonds Kids and Teens survey in the USA, with implications for marketers. Concludes that the two countries’ youth undeniably share a sophisticated common culture, with most but not all influences coming from the USA, and that there is as a result considerable scope for marketers of goods such as sportswear and web‐based activities; differences between the youth in the two countries include a greater degree of independence among American than British children aged 7 to 10, with somewhat higher mobile phone ownership.