bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing paradigms: managed learning environments and Web 2.0
Authors: Craig Emory M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how emerging technologies and Web 2.0 services are transforming the structure of the web and their potential impact on managed learning environments (MLS) and learning content management systems (LCMS).

Design/methodology/approach

Innovative Web 2.0 applications are reviewed in the paper to explore how they incorporate a new paradigm, reshaping the web as an electronic platform for social networks, where users share, edit and collaborate on the publication of content.

Findings

The paper finds that, in this rapidly changing environment, educators need to consider the implications of these developments for the current design of the LCMS. An emerging generation of users influenced by social networking experiences and empowered to create, publish, appropriate and redistribute content may find the structures of the LCMS traditional and inflexible in contrast with the user‐centered approach of Web 2.0 services. This fundamental shift in the experience of the digital environment in the social world will require innovative solutions, including broad institution‐wide dialogues on the role of organizations in a Web 2.0 environment, innovative approaches to faculty training, a new emphasis on the role of faculty as learners in a rapidly changing environment, and rethinking the underlying architecture of the LCMS model.

Research limitations/implications

The recent emergence of these new developments and the essentially fluid nature of these innovations on the web suggest that the conclusions here remain essentially speculative in nature.

Originality/value

This paper identifies a critical challenge in the integration of technology into the teaching‐learning environment and the re‐evaluation of the role of a vendor‐specific enterprise LCMS in the design of e‐learning facilities.
Challenges and lessons learned: moving from image database to institutional repository
Authors: Piorun Mary E. , Palmer Lisa A. , Comes Jim
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to chronicle the Lamar Soutter Library's effort to build an educational image database, and how the project developed into an institutional repository.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is divided into three phases and highlights the organizational, political, technological and resource issues that are unique to a specialized library with a medium‐sized staff, lacking the resources of a traditional university campus. The case concludes with a list of barriers and facilitators to success and a summary of lessons learned.

Findings

The paper finds that a library with limited staff, funding, and systems development resources can initiate and support an institutional repository. Facilitators of success include clear lines of authority, a strong champion, and the appropriate technology for the project.

Originality/value

This paper serves as an example to libraries that are in the beginning phases of developing an institutional repository by discussing the barriers to and facilitators of success.
Developing an institutional repository: Cranfield QUEprints – a case study
Authors: Bevan Simon J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of the Institutional Repository at Cranfield University – Cranfield QUEprints (http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the methodologies involved in acquiring research output, and covers advocacy strategies, policies, and also provides data on cost and usage.

Findings

The Cranfield QUEprints is a managed repository where the archiving is undertaken by library staff. This has proved to be a successful method of acquiring research outputs and increasing content. Selected methods of persuading academics to contribute to the IR, including personal contact, and marketing information, have also proved successful.

Research limitations/implications

That the report is specific to an institution, but provides experiences that will be generally applicable.

Originality/value

The paper provides reassurance that, when it comes to populating an institutional repository, an alternative method to self‐archiving can be successful and cost‐effective. It is hoped that the descriptions provided in the paper will provide encouragement to institutions currently without an IR that there are no insurmountable barriers to the development of such a system.
User‐centered evaluation of information: a research challenge
Authors: Raban Daphne R.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to present the concept of the value of information, review the descriptive, rational, social and behavioral approaches for assessing the value of information, and explain why user‐centered rather than information‐centered evaluations are the most relevant.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts by highlighting the main facets and market characteristics which influence the value of information. Next, four approaches to assessing the value of information are explained, including a discussion of advantages and limitations of each approach. The approaches reviewed include descriptive, rational, social and behavioral research. Finally, an information value assessment recommendation is given and a theoretical framework is offered.

Findings

The descriptive approach is useful in raising new angles for theory development. The rational approach assumes that the value is inherent in information and offers models that describe how information should be valued. The social perspective suggests that markets are enhanced by social activity. The behavioral aspect teaches that value perception changes by person and circumstance and is a key influence on information markets.

Originality/value

This paper offers a concentrated multi‐dimensional theoretical basis on a topic of central importance to anyone interested in Internet research, information consumption and production. Theory offered here constitutes a basis for a large number of potential empirical research endeavors.
Seeking equity in the national information infrastructure
Authors: Doctor Ronald D.
Published: June 2007

Available evidence indicates that there is a growing gap between the
information rich and information poor. That gap is part of a larger
struggle for control of information resources and for the societal power
that accompanies such control. New institutional arrangements are needed
to spread the benefits of modern information technologies to all
segments of the population. Achieving social equity objectives requires
governmental leadership and funding. But current legislative proposals
for shaping the National Information Infrastructure (NII) lack clear
statements as to how the social equity objectives enunciated by the
President and Vice President would be accomplished. These proposals seem
to make insufficient provision for expanding the development of more
than 150 computerized community information systems (CCIS) created by
grass‐roots organizations over the past several years. Locally
controlled information delivery systems supported by a federally
sponsored system of National and Regional Institutes for Information
Democracy could help meet the daily information needs of all people,
regardless of economic class or community environment. The Institutes
would provide sustained support for anc coordination of social equity
and empowerment objectives, and could servie as the institutional
structures lacking in current legislation
A learning organization perspective on training: Critical success
factors for Internet implementation
Authors: Hert Carol A.
Published: June 2007

This paper argues that training is a critical success factor for the
implementation of the Internet in organizations. Given the Internet′s
potential for transforming organizations, it is imperative that we
develop training that goes beyond the teaching of Internet skills and
instead enables trainees to become active participants in the strategic
planning process. This perspective on training is termed the learning
organization perspective. A number of conceptual areas are suggested as
relevant to the development of the necessary training and the associated
theoretical perspective. It is hoped that this initial articulation of
the critical role of training will provide the impetus for others to
expand on the perspective and its actual implementation in organizations
AskERIC and the virtual library: lessons for emerging digital
libraries
Authors: Lankes R. David
Published: June 2007

AskERIC was begun as a pilot project by the ERIC system of the US
Department of Education in the fall of 1992. Since its inception, the
project has grown from a pilot study to one of the major education
digital libraries on the Internet. Major issues in creating and
maintaining Internet services are explored, particularly the use of user
input to drive and shape the service. It is the emphasis on the user and
the inclusion of the human intermediary that makes AskERIC a model for
other Internet services.
Cognitive Arts Aims for New E‐Learning Paradigm
Authors: Newman Adam
Published: June 2007

An advertorial for a company that supplies e‐learning. Tells us a little about the courses they develop and the benefits of them.
Winning new customers using loyalty‐based segmentation
Authors: Markey Rob , Ott John , du Toit Gerard
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The article shows how to combine loyalty and segmentation tools to define attractive new customer segments.

Design/methodology/approach

Bain's research shows how companies that use the combination excel at three skills. Successful firms: firstly, broaden their appeal by narrowing their focus. They seek new opportunities to deepen relationships with the loyal, profitable customers they know best before trying to appeal to new groups. Secondly, they grow faster by staying close to what they do best. They look inward to identify and tap the capabilities that enable them to meet target customers' needs in unique ways. Finally, they spur innovation by listening patiently. They engage customers in an ongoing dialogue that guides decisions about how their products, services and business evolve.

Findings

Over a five‐year period, businesses that successfully tailor product and service offerings to desirable customer segments post annual profit growth of about 15 percent. By contrast, companies that fail to connect the right value propositions to the right customer segments have annual profit growth of only 5 percent.

Practical implications

Innovative marketers study consumer needs and wants in detail to develop insights about a small, attractive customer set that becomes the focus of their product development, a group called the Design Target.

Originality/value

The Design Target is the group that your company comes to understand so completely that when you design products and services for them, they say: “This is absolutely perfect for me.” They're the customers your company has the capabilities to serve better than your competitors.
Learning by doing: six dimensions of complexity in researching SMEs
Authors: Lewis Kate , Massey Claire , Harris Candice
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present practical methodological insights into doing research with the owner‐managers of small and medium enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Practical methodological lessons are reported from a project involving interviews with owner‐managers of a set of 50 firms recruited from a random sample of 500 New Zealand “manufacturing” or “service” firms employing 5‐50 full‐time staff.

Findings

The experiences of the project team were reflected on, refined, and presented as six practical “lessons” to be considered by others contemplating engaging with SMEs to achieve a research objective.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are subjective (in that, they are the opinions and experiences of the researchers involved) and are derived from a specific context (the SME sector in New Zealand).

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the small, but growing, body of literature that specifically deals with “good practice” research methodology in relation to small firms.
The importance in accounting of ambiguity tolerance at the national level
Authors: Harding Noel , Ren Mingchuan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of the research is to examine potential differences in the levels of ambiguity tolerance between Australian and Chinese accountants at the national, rather than individual, level.

Design/methodology/approach

Ambiguity tolerance levels of final year accounting students (proxying for entry level accountants) and first year accounting students from Australia and China were measured using the MacDonald AT‐20 Ambiguity Tolerance Index. Comparisons were made across the four subject pools with a view to identifying national level differences suggested by the cultural, sociological, historical, and contemporary issues impacting on the accounting profession in the two countries.

Findings

Entry level accountants in China are less tolerant of ambiguity than their Australian counterparts. There are, however, no statistically significant differences in the levels of ambiguity tolerance between first year accounting students in China and Australia.

Research limitations/implications

The research employed final year accounting students as surrogates for entry level accountants. Future research could usefully extend this research to practicing accountants at different ranks.

Practical implications

Given the central role of ambiguity in contemporary accounting practice, the potential implications are broad. This is particularly the case with regard to the harmonization of accounting practices in that accountants with different tolerances for ambiguity might make different decisions in the face of similar accounting standards and circumstances. Interestingly, the results from the research suggest that differences in ambiguity tolerance are attributable to events occurring while students are studying.

Originality/value

This research examines ambiguity tolerance at the national level (rather than the individual level), thereby allowing practical implications to be prescribed.
Customer empowerment in tourism through consumer centric marketing (CCM)
Authors: Niininen Outi , Buhalis Dimitrios , March Roger
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain consumer centric marketing (CCM) and adopt this new technique to travel context. The paper seeks to outline the benefits and disadvantages of the CCM together with warnings of typical caveats.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an exploration of the CCM concept and demonstrates several applications in the tourism, travel and hospitality industries.

Findings

CCM will be expected as the norm in the travel industry by customers of the future, yet it is only the innovators who gain real tangible benefits from this development.

Practical implications

The paper offers tangible examples for the travel industry on how to utilise this new technology. The technology is already available and the information communication technologies (ICT) companies are keen to establish ways as to how consumers can utilise it, i.e. by providing “content” for these ICT products the travel industry can fully gain from these developments and also enhance consumers' gains from it. This can result in more satisfied customers for the travel (as well as ICT) companies thus truly adopting the basic philosophy of marketing.

Originality/value

The paper outlines current and future opportunities to truly place customers at the centre and provide organisations with some real savings/gains through the use of ICT.
Comparisons of Asian and US workplace gender roles
Authors: Simeon Roblyn , Nicholson Joel D. , Yu Wong Yim
Published: June 2007

Uses the research of Dorfman and Howell’s work‐related cultural value scale to measure masculinity versus femininity across the USA, Japan and China. Attempts to contrast gender role typing attitudes. Describes how men in each country had significantly differing attitudes to the role of women in the workforce whilst women were found to be less willing to accept roles based on gender. Highlights clear differences between each country.
Adaptation to International assignments: dimensionality and strategies to facilitate adjustment of expatriate managers in Turkey
Authors: Yavas Ugur
Published: June 2007

Uses data collected from a sample of expatriate managers on assignments in Turkey to attempt to examine the dimensionality of expatriate adjustment. Suggests that the results offer support to earlier findings that expatriate adjustment is a multifaceted construct. Shows that the measure developed to capture the different dimensions demonstrate satisfactory internal consistency reliability and concurrent validity. Discusses strategies to facilitate the adjustment of expatriate managers to their assignments.
The tropical fish problem revisited: a Malaysian perspective
Authors: Fontaine Ridhwan , Richardson Stanley , Peik Foong Yeap
Published: June 2007

This article revisits cross‐cultural management in Malaysia by challenging some fundamental assumptions. Most models of culture, such as Hofstede’s, assume that a country is reasonably homogeneous to make an analysis meaningful. We argue, conceptually and by providing empirical data that Malaysia is not a homogeneous country, and therefore Hofstede’s model is not suitable in Malaysia. Although this article deals with Malaysia specifically, there are a number of countries where Hofstede’s assumption might not work. In this context, we use Malaysia as an exemplar. We conclude that a better alternative is the model of Schwartz.
A cross‐cultural comparison of business ethics: cases of Russia, Slovenia, Turkey, and United States
Authors: Hisrich Robert D. , Bucar Branko , Oztark Sevgi
Published: June 2007

Presents the empirical findings regarding the ethical attitudes of business people in four culturally and economically different countries (Russia, Slovenia, Turkey, and the United States) based on the assumptions of integrative social contracts theory. Given the quality of institutions in the four surveyed countries and the quality of economic interactions, it was anticipated that the United States would rank the highest in ethical attitudes, followed by Slovenia and Turkey, and then Russia. The hypothesis was largely confirmed with some interesting, situationally induced, exceptions.
The cross‐cultural transfer of management practices: the case for creative synthesis
Authors: Ogbor John O. , Williams Johnnie
Published: June 2007

Examines the interaction between Western leader ship and authority practices and those of a non Western culture (Nigeria) in their managerial and or ganisational context. Data concerning the experience of an organisational change in a non‐Western cultural context fail to confirm some of the ideas advanced in the convergence and divergence theses. An alternative framework for conceptualising the process of interaction and outcome of organisational development in situations of cross‐cultural transfer and application of management practices is proposed.
Intercultural service encounters: an exploratory study of customer experiences
Authors: Barker Sunita , Härtel Charmine E.J.
Published: June 2007

Intercultural contact occurs on a daily basis across all facets of life, and is reflective of Australia’s multicultural society. This trend is observed in many Western industrialised nations and has contributed to a growing body of research and literature in the field of managing cultural diversity. While much of this research is focused on the internal context of the workplace, relatively little attention has been given to the impact of culture on the service provider and customer interface. In an effort to shed some light on the service experiences of culturally diverse customers, a series of exploratory interviews were conducted. The findings suggest that on the basis of service provider behaviors (both verbal and nonverbal), culturally diverse customers perceive they are the recipients of inequitable service and consequently experience low levels of satisfaction.
Workforce diversity, temporal dimensions and team performance
Authors: Saji Beena S.
Published: June 2007

Temporal dimensions of work is about how individuals perceive the concept of “time”. Time is the critical success factor in any organisation. This article focuses on the theme time, diversity and team performance with an attempt to emphasise that time acts as a mediator between the group and its performance in organisations. The question addressed in this paper is whether the different temporal dimensions of the diverse work force affects the team performance. The study also attempts to understand the impact of task meaningfulness, performance norms and organizational temporal orientations on the team performance in diverse work force.
Individualism and collectivism in Taiwan
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Hsieh Yi‐Ching , Lee Monle , Krishnan Krish
Published: June 2007

Individualism collectivism measures, along with decision styles, are examined in Taiwan. About 600 questionnaires were distributed directly to employees with managerial positions in private, public, and mixed enter prises in the capital, Taipei. In general, Taiwanese were found to be more collectivist than individualistic. Participants displayed a strong preference for consultative and participative styles and determined that these two styles were the most effective in practice. Further more, participants indicated that their immediate supervisors were mostly consultative and autocratic.
Culture and innovation
Authors: Herbig Paul , Dunphy Steve
Published: June 2007

Explores the relationship between culture and innovation. Discusses culture at some length, noting some differences between national behaviours – such as the relative importance of a group versus an individual. Infers that existing cultural conditions determine the way in which innovations are adopted. Indicates that cultures which value creativity, technical ability and higher education are more successful at adopting innovations. Identifies a relationship between innovation and the status given to entrepreneurial efforts. Suggests that cultures emphasizing individualism and freedom are more likely to be creative and, therefore, to benefit more from innovative ideas. Refers to previous studies on culture and innovation (mentioning Hofstede’s work). Investigates the role religion plays, in particular the cultural bias against technology that is prevalent in traditionalist religious countries. Concludes that strongly religious countries are not receptive to innovation.
Public opinion and franchising in an emerging market
Authors: Paswan Audhesh K. , Prasad Kantamneni S.
Published: June 2007

A framework for evaluating public opinion towards franchising is proposed and empirically tested in an emerging market, India. Franchising in an emerging market was selected as the context because – (1) future growth is likely to come from newly emerging markets, (2) franchising is primarily seen as a foreign concept in emerging markets and has attracted its fair share of attention, both positive and negative. The results indicate that people evaluate franchising using four key factors – well being of small businesses, socio‐economic, socio‐cultural well being, and employment opportunity. This study further investigates the relationship between these factors and patronage behaviour. Some of these factors were associated with patronage behaviour and the associated residual feeling. Clearly, in order to succeed in emerging and developing markets, the franchising industry must pay heed to public opinion.
The relationship between destination cues of Asian countries and Korean tourist images
Authors: Chung Ki‐Han , Shin Jae‐Ik
Published: June 2007

The tourism industry is experiencing a tremendous growth with an everincreasing pressure from a variety of types of competition. The change of tourism market in Asia and the ever‐increasing competitive nature of the tourism industry require tourist destinations to develop an effective marketing plan and strategy. This article identifies the relationship between destination cues of Asian countries and Korean tourist images of destinations, the differences of Korean tourist images on revisiting and recommend intention for destinations, and the differences of demographic factors on destination cues and Korean tourist images and revisiting/recommend intention for destinations.
A study of Asean import channel performance
Authors: Kuang‐Jung Chen
Published: June 2007

Looks at a study into the effect of customer regulation on the performance of the import business in a developing country. Focuses on the performance of Society de Generale Surveillance (SGS) and the selection process criteria of importers relative to their foreign partner and suppliers. States that the predictive results are encouraging but much more would still depend on importers’ risk attitude to its usage.
Characterisation of Polyimide‐glass‐metal Joints Bonded with Anisotropic Electrically Conductive Adhesives
Authors: Savolainen P. , Kivilahti J.
Published: June 2007

Tape automated bonding (TAB) circuits were joined by hot compression bonding to copper or nickel conductors on glass with two anisotropic electrically conductive adhesives. One of the adhesives had a thermoplastic polystyrene‐polyester matrix which contained easily deforming metal‐coated polymer particles, while the other was a thermosetting bisphenol (A) based epoxy resin filled with nickel particles. The resistance values and the mechanical strengths of the joints were measured before and after the ageing treatments. The thermoplastic adhesive had the lowest resistance values with copper conductors and the joints produced with this adhesive showed increasing strength values during the ageing tests. The joints between the Ni conductors had smaller values of electrical conductivity irrespective of the adhesive used. The SEM/EPMA technique revealed that particles of the thermoplastic adhesive tended to agglomerate. This may cause problems when components with very fine lead pitch are joined, either by short circuiting or leaving some contacts without particles.
Acceleration Factors for Thick Film Gold Conductors on Ceramic for Temperature, Humidity and Bias Testing
Authors: Kripesh V. , Bhatnagar S.K. , Osterwinter H. , Gust W.
Published: June 2007

Temperature humidity acceleration factors for surface conductance are
obtained to relate the reliability of film conductors formed by different processes. Analytical expressions
for acceleration factor are evolved for both screen‐printed and laser micromachined conductor
samples. The rapid solidification of metal conductors due to laser micromachining and its effect on
surface conductance are also studied. An analytical expression for the most common accelerated test
condition (85°C, 85% relative humidity) is also derived for both
screen‐printed and laser micromachined samples.
Interconnection Technology for Advanced High Density Thick Films
Authors: Vrana M. , Van Calster A. , Vanden Berghe** R. , Allaert K.
Published: June 2007

Thick film screen printing technology is able to reach a
pitch of 250 μm. In an attempt to achieve lower values, two approaches have been developed so far.
Both are based on the combination of screen printing as a deposition technique and photolithography
for the patterning. The first approach uses photoimageable conductor and dielectric pastes; the
second is based on photoimageable dielectric and etching of the fired conductor. In order to obtain a full characterisation of both processes, a test module was designed
and manufactured by using the first process and identical test modules were provided by the supplier
using the second technology. The design of the test module is based on a two‐layer interconnection
pattern including structures for testing cross‐overs, via interconnections with various resolutions (down
to 50 μm via size), in order to investigate the limits of these technologies. This paper gives a
comparison of these two approaches based on the results of electrical and mechanical measurements
performed on both sets of the test modules. Electrical parameters and resolution data are discussed for
both processes. The chip and wire assembly method is evaluated to prequalify the technology as an
advanced MCM‐C technology for telecoms applications. Finally, the results of reliability tests (humidity
ageing and burn‐in) are presented.
Synergistic Combinations of Thermally Conductive Fillers in Polymer Matrices
Authors: Cross R.
Published: June 2007

The use of thermally conductive adhesives to
bond heat generating devices to heat sinks is an alternative production method for thermal
management. It is of interest to be able to predict the thermal conductivity of an adhesive based on
composition and rheology. A semi‐empirical model, for predicting
the thermal conductivity of binary mixtures can be enhanced by taking into account filler interactions
which affect the rheological profile of the system. Combinations of thermally conductive fillers, which
can form structure within the polymer matrix, are shown to offer higher thermal conductivity. The Lewis
and Nielsen model, can be used to predict the thermal
conductivity of structured matrices by relating the rheology of the system to the effective aspect
ratio of the filler particle.
Thermal Transient Testing
Authors: Székely V. , Rencz M. , Courtois B.
Published: June 2007

Thermal issues are becoming increasingly serious with the scaling down of integrated circuits and the increasing density brought in by advanced packaging techniques. Consequently, thermal issues need to be considered during both design and test. The present paper addresses thermal testing, and more specifically thermal transient testing.
Operational risk management for financial institutions
Authors: Foot Michael
Published: June 2007

I have been a regulator now for nine years. But for many years before that, in an explicitly non‐regulatory career at the Bank of England, I was very conscious of the efforts being made ‐ especially between the Bank and the Federal Reserve ‐ to get a dialogue under way in what bankers now know as the Basel Committee. Founders of that Committee, such as George Blunden, no doubt watched in a mixture of awe and horror at the subsequent growth of the animal they helped to create. When Basel 1 was being formulated in the mid‐1980s, there was, of course, a widespread recognition that there were many different reasons why a bank could fail. But there was a general and accurate perception that credit risk was the primary threat. An ‘adequate’ amount of capital and the division of assets into a relatively modest number of credit risk buckets were seen as a truly significant step forward. And as to what was ‘adequate’ capital, I am told that 8 per cent was arrived at as the highest number they dared to think they could get agreement on. It did not fall out (nor could it have fallen out) of any complicated mathematical formula or extensive historical research.
Non‐executive directors and the Higgs consultation paper, ‘Review of the role and effectiveness of non‐executive directors’
Authors: Keasey Kevin , Hudson Robert
Published: June 2007

This paper has the objective of reflecting on the role of non‐executive directors (NEDs) in the corporate governance process. The paper reviews the role of NEDs both from an academic perspective and from the perspective of the lead author’s practical experience of being (having been) a chairman, a chief executive and a NED on the boards of private and public companies. In addition to taking an overview of the main issues involved the paper comments on the specific issues raised in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) review of the role and effectiveness on NEDs by Derek Higgs. Finally, the paper offers conclusions and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of NEDs.
Cross‐border services into Germany
Authors: Steck Andreas , Landegren Kristian
Published: June 2007

The German Banking Act (the Act) sets out the licensing requirements for the provision of cross‐border financial services into Germany. The licensing requirements under the Act incorporate the old licensing regime as well as subsequent EU regulations. The licensing requirements for non‐European Economic Association (EEA) credit institutions were not sufficiently addressed in the Act. Consequently, controversy surrounds the lawfulness of crossborder financial services by non‐EEA institutions in Germany. While, however, the German Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fürinanzdienstleistungsaufsicht, the BAFin) followed a liberal licensing policy, this dispute was mainly academic. In April, 2002, the BAFin published a letter expressing its intention of changing this liberal policy. Market participants voiced concerns at the proposed changes to the BAFin policy. This paper describes the statutory background of the licensing requirements and discusses the possible consequences for the market of the policy change.
Developments in FSA enforcement law: From N2 to the arrival of Callum McCarthy
Authors: O’Connell Graham
Published: June 2007

This paper reviews the major developments in law and policy arising from cases involving the FSA Enforcement Division in the two years after N2. It considers how the FSA has reacted to dealing with the expectations and pressures of publicity which will lead to a change in the rules affecting confidentiality; the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the due process and safeguards within the enforcement process; and the implications for authorised firms arising from the largest disciplinary case of 2003, Lloyds TSB, which resulted in a settlement of approximately £100m.
Duties of insurance brokers
Authors: Virgo John , Ryley Philip
Published: June 2007

In this brief paper the authors consider the duties owed by professional indemnity insurance brokers to their insured clients. Given the prevalence of claims for financial mis‐selling this is an important issue of concern to all authorised advisers. Any failure to obtain or maintain cover leading to uninsured loss will naturally attract the potential attention of the broker’s own insurers. The authors summarise what the law expects of brokers in standard situations.
A critical analysis of depolarisation
Authors: Ring Patrick John
Published: June 2007

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is about to implement wholesale reforms of the regulatory structure of advice in the retail financial services sector. Instead of having to choose between a “tied adviser” or an “independent financial adviser” (IFA) under a “polarised” regime, consumers will have a much wider choice in terms of the range of products and scope of advice available under the new “depolarised” structure. In undertaking these reforms, the FSA aims “to improve consumer outcomes” by dealing with what it argues are market failures in the retail financial services market. This paper assesses whether the FSA’s final blueprint for financial advice can provide the improved consumer outcomes the FSA intends. It critically examines the issues of choice and quality for both products and advice, as well as considering the extent to which the reforms will create the kind of “empowered” consumers the FSA appears to expect. It argues that the reforms may not appreciably address the market failures the FSA sets out to remedy, and suggests that this is due to the likely inability of consumers to understand and take advantage of the new marketplace that is being created. This paper suggests that much greater emphasis should have been placed on financial education and extending the availability of advice before attempting such radical reforms.
Market abuse – A pan‐European approach
Authors: Reynolds Carmen , Rutter Mathew
Published: June 2007

This paper looks at the aims and objectives behind the Market Abuse Directive, looking at some of its main features, and considers some of the changes that are expected to be made to the existing UK regime.
Mortality projections and unisex pricing of annuities in the UK
Authors: Hudson Robert
Published: June 2007

Purpose

In the UK, there is a strong government commitment to the compulsory use of annuities to manage the “decumulation” of assets in defined contribution pension schemes. Almost all annuity rates are determined by reference to the gender of the individual involved. This has the implication that females receive a lower pension for a given size of pension fund. It is arguable that this situation represents a clear case of sex discrimination and moral, legal‐ and policy‐based arguments can be made for and against this view. The purpose of this paper is to review these arguments in the light of emerging evidence about longevity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the nature of the UK annuity market and the associated methods of annuity pricing, details the difficulties of predicting longevity and discusses the economic implications of a move to unisex annuity rates.

Findings

A number of recent trends are weakening the financial and statistical arguments against introducing unisex annuity rates. The life expectancy of males and females is converging, the use of annuity pricing factors other than gender is increasingly common and it has become clear that there is great uncertainty in mortality projections.

Practical implications

Statistical and financial arguments that gender should be a primary factor for costing annuities should be accorded less weight than in the past.

Originality/value

The paper offers an evaluation of the merits of unisex annuity rates in the light of recent evidence about longevity.
Reporting suspicions of money laundering and ‘whistleblowing’: the legal and other implications for intermediaries and their advisers
Authors: Latimer Paul
Published: June 2007

Examines the status of regulation and protection of whistleblowers in Australia, focusing on intermediaries and their advisers in financial services. Outlines the ambivalence of the legal system as far as whistleblowers are concerned, and the considerable risks they take, with examples of victims; case law is scanty. Points out the limited nature of protection in specific legislation, which is limited to four states and the ACT; but finds some protection in financial services legislation, including the Corporations Act 2001, the Financial Transactions Reports Act 1988, the Proceeds of Crime Act 1987, and the Trade Practices Act 1974. Makes some recommendations for encouraging continued whistling in the interests of an informed market for financial services, and cites UK and US legislation for comparison.
Cross‐border asset protection: an offshore perspective
Authors: Aslett Pépin
Published: June 2007

Considers the ability of an applicant to reach assets in offshore jurisdictions, showing that there is a difference between the offshore world and the rest of the world; most of the “traditional” offshore states are covered by Privy Council precedent and authority and are out of step with legislative changes in England, and obviously it is in the interest of these locations to attract only legitimate commercial funds. Discusses what can be done to prevent defendants from using offshore jurisdictions from melting away assets: freezing orders in aid of foreign proceedings, extra‐territorial freezing orders, and territorial enforcement orders. Cites some relevant legal cases in England, Australia, Canada, and the offshore world, which includes the Bahamas, the Channel Islands, Bermuda, etc; these cases include the Mareva injunction, the Siskina judgment, Mercedes‐Benz AG v Leiduck etc.
Taking the profit out of crime ‐ Sri Lankan style
Authors: Marsoof Saleem
Published: June 2007

Reviews Sri Lanka’s long past encounters with terrorism, including the suicide bombing of 1996 which killed thousands and left the economy in a shambles. Outlines the Sri Lankan Code of Criminal Procedure, concluding that it falls far short of UK law in preventing terrorist financiers enjoy the profits of their crimes. Moves on to civil enforcement; Sri Lankan Common Law is based on Roman Dutch rather than English law. Gives examples of legal cases involving restitution, plus a list of eight situations where restitution will be available despite the illegal nature of the transaction, and concludes that civil enforcement law is highly inadequate against contemporary criminal activity. Moves on to the draft Money Laundering bill, which has been debated since 1995 and makes money laundering an offence; despite the long gestation, the bill should able to meet the challenges posed by profitable criminal activity.
Money laundering in Canada: a quantitative analysis of Royal Canadian Mounted Police cases
Authors: Schneider Stephen
Published: June 2007

Analyses how money made from entrepreneurial crime is disbursed through Canada’s legitimate economy; this is one of the first quantitative studies of money laundering using a survey of police cases, and the exclusive source of primary data was the Royal Canadian Mounted Police proceeds of crime files. Finds that drug trafficking is the largest single source of these proceeds, that banks and real estate are the main destinations of the revenues, and that methods used involved hiding their true ownership and source by using nominees and establishing legitimate companies, avoiding suspicion by using “smurfs”, and avoiding reporting requirements by structuring transactions. Describes the design of the research and gives a typology of money laundering operations.
The impact of changing corporate governance norms on economic crime
Authors: Nestor Stilpon
Published: June 2007

Discusses the two types of economic crime likely to occur in a corporate setting: “governance” crimes like accounting fraud, insider trading and self‐dealing, which directly affect how the business operates; and crimes like money laundering, bribery and corruption, tax fraud and terrorist financing, whose effects are felt more outside the corporate sphere. Addresses the specific mechanisms by which corporate governance impacts on crimes committed by corporate agents; they include a corporate culture of ethics and compliance which would if necessary support whistleblowing, the functions of risk management and internal controls and audit, transparency of information flows to the board and investors, and a properly functioning audit committee.
FATF Special Recommendations and UN Resolutions on the financing of terrorism
Authors: Thony Jean‐François , Png Cheong‐Ann
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the extent to which Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Special Recommendations and UN Security Council Resolutions on the financing of terrorism have been implemented by countries and the legal issues relating to the implementation of these requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses the findings from a review of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which is based on a sample of 18 countries that were assessed on their compliance with the FATF 40 + 9 Recommendations (which include the FATF Special Recommendations and UN Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1373) between March 2004 and August 2005.

Findings

It analyses the extent to which the FATF Special Recommendations and UN Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1373 have been implemented, and in particular, the areas which countries have difficulties in complying fully with the requirements and related issues. It also discusses the difficulties with applying international law instruments such as UN Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1373 where measures were aimed at non‐state actors and their assets, as well as the need for ensuring that persons affected by these measures have adequate legal recourses.

Originality/value

In countering the financing of terrorism, the paper discusses the design of a new international legal framework, which requires development of new concepts. It suggests that, by addressing the legal challenges created by these new concepts, the latter can be further refined, improved and strengthened.
Combining vertical and horizontal collaboration for transport optimisation
Authors: Mason Robert , Lalwani Chandra , Boughton Roger
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focuss on customer driven supply chains and what this means for the management of freight transport, a key process in the supply chain as it acts as a physical link between customers and suppliers. It aims to assess whether some of the new collaborative models for transport management are delivering better optimised solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a multi‐dimensional methodological approach, which includes empirical, model building, opinion and archival evidence. Much of the thinking and findings in this paper have been derived from a series of quasi‐delphi discussion sessions with logistics industry experts from three sectors, steel, grocery and construction and experienced academics in the fields of logistics and supply chain management.

Findings

The paper sets out to argue that new innovative solutions are emerging for better transport optimisation, that exploit the competitive power of collaboration, both vertically with supply chain partners and horizontally with other logistics service providers (LSPs).

Research limitations/implications

The research was largely focused on the road freight transport industry in the UK and Europe. However, it is felt that similar thinking can be deployed in other settings for alternative transport modes and other geographical regions. From an academic perspective the paper contributes to the notion that supply chain management as well as focussing on vertical coordination and process integration also needs to incorporate the potential considerable power of horizontal collaboration.

Originality/value

In particular it is original in that it highlights how important it is to combine vertical collaboration with horizontal collaboration if better optimised transport solutions are to be achieved. This is of considerable value and interest both to practitioner and academic communities.
Supplier selection problem: integrating DEA with the approaches of total cost of ownership and AHP
Authors: Ramanathan Ramakrishnan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose a methodology to integrate the total cost of ownership (TCO) and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approaches for selecting appropriate suppliers for a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper suggests an interesting way of combining the objective and subjective information provided by the results of the TCO and AHP approaches through the application of data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Findings

Three different versions of DEA models have been used to illustrate the integration of TCO and AHP.

Research limitations/implications

The integration of DEA with TCO and AHP can be extended to more complex situations, including assessment of risk behaviour of suppliers and including fuzzy concepts.

Practical implications

The proposed integrated model could be used for supplier selection, which involves several quantitative and qualitative factors.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, the proposed integrated DEA‐TCO‐AHP model is the first of its kind to be applied for the supplier selection problem.