bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of analytical relation between maintenance, quality and productivity
Authors: Rotab Khan M.R. , Darrab Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Factory management needs to find the technically feasible point up to which maintenance and quality activity levels of a factory should be selected to achieve highest productivity with a view to fulfil company objectives for higher profitability. This research paper aims to report the development of an analytical relation between maintenance, quality and productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical relation is designed and developed incorporating graphical analysis and regression analysis to support outputs of graphical method, which creates an appropriate model. A mixed research approach is used, including application of a practical case example.

Findings

The study displays a wide range of productivity performance profiles with the strategic aim of identifying the technically feasible highest productivity result obtained. It has formulated an important analytical link, and suggested a few recommendations. The formulated model predicts the best possible productivity result out of maintenance and quality‐related practical data of a factory. The analysis enables managers to analyze, compare and identify improvement opportunities in order to enjoy competitive advantages.

Practical implications

Modern factory managers, particularly in food production, who live in a world of rapid changes, extensive interactions and complex situations, and face everyday challenges in a competitive global market, can use this model as a hands‐on tool for measurement, evaluation, logically better and proper realistic planning and implementation of maintenance and quality activities to attain maximum manufacturing productivity for their companies.

Originality/value

The model is the result of an attempt to design and develop, fulfil identified technical managerial needs and offer practical help to make logical decisions. Evidence from the literature confirms that this is a newer outlook on analytical diagnostic tools, which demonstrates the weaknesses in existing factory production system and thus helps in identifying key areas for productivity improvements. Therefore, this research is one step to further the potential and practical value added contribution in food and other industries.
Minimizing completion time with maintenance schedule in a manufacturing system
Authors: Chen Wen‐Jinn
Published: October 2010

Purpose

In practical environments, machines subject to maintenance are prevalent in many production systems. This paper aims to find a schedule that minimizes the completion time (or equivalently, the total setup time) subject to maintenance and due dates.

Design/methodology/approach

An efficient heuristic is presented to provide the near‐optimal solution for the problem. The performance of the heuristic is evaluated by comparing its solution with the optimal solution obtained from the integer linear programming model.

Findings

In many production systems, the sequence‐dependent setup time of a job cannot be ignored when a switch between two different jobs occurs. The paper studies the sequence‐dependent setup time problem with periodic maintenance, where several maintenances are required. Computational results show that problems with larger time interval and smaller maintaining time can produce a smaller completion time.

Practical implications

Here an efficient heuristic is developed to provide the near‐optimal schedule for the problem. The proposed integer linear programming model is also presented to provide the optimal schedule. However, the proposed heuristic and the integer linear programming model developed in the paper are appropriate for those companies where maintenance is performed periodically and the sequence‐dependent setup times of their jobs are required.

Originality/value

The paper presents the heuristic and the integer linear programming model to deal with sequencing and maintenance problems.
Optimal redundancy allocation in complex systems
Authors: Agarwal Manju , Aggarwal Sudhanshu , Sharma Vikas K.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on solving highly constrained redundancy optimization problems in binary complex systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed algorithm searches a possibly improved solution in thek‐neighborhood (k≥2) of the current best feasible solution, by adding one unit in a selected subsystem and eliminating one from some other subsystem(s).

Findings

The algorithm is tested on complex system structures from the literature by solving a set of problems (with both linear and non‐linear constraints), with given and randomly generated data. It is observed that, compared with the other existing heuristics, there is much overall improvement in various performance measures.

Practical implications

The proposed algorithm is a better alternative and can be easily and efficiently applied to numerous real life systems such as computer and communication systems, telecommunication networks, automobile, nuclear and defense systems etc., giving optimal/near‐optimal solutions.

Originality/value

Researchers in reliability optimization have placed emphasis on heuristic approaches. The paper presents a new heuristic algorithm for solving the constrained redundancy optimization problems in complex binary systems.
The financial crisis: impact on key clothing markets and suppliers
Authors: Curran Louise , Zignago Soledad
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the international financial crisis on key clothing markets and their suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was undertaken on the basis of trade figures from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Eurostat over the period 2005‐2009, and in particular over the period July 2007 to July 2009, when the strongest impacts from the crisis can be seen.

Findings

The different markets and suppliers have been impacted rather heterogeneously by the crisis. The key regional suppliers to the EU and the USA – Turkey and Mexico – have seen large falls in their clothing exports, as well as their textiles imports and exports. However, the EU has also seen major reductions in its trade. Others have been less strongly affected in the clothing sector. In textiles, trade fell in both directions everywhere, confirming a general tendency for intermediate product trade to be more affected by the crisis than final trade in goods. The research shows that certain sectors have been less strongly affected than others. However, the impacts have been heterogeneous across countries. The figures for the EU were extracted in euros, but also converted to dollars for comparison. The results vary quite considerably depending on the currency used for analysis.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes, for the first time, the most up to date trade data relating to flows over the period of the crisis. Through analysing the impacts of the economic downturn the potential impacts on the industrial landscape after the crisis can be better seen.
The competitive position of Thailand's apparel industry
Authors: Watchravesringkan Kittichai (Tu) , Karpova Elena , Nelson Hodges Nancy , Copeland Raedene
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Recent liberalization of the world's textile and apparel trade policies and the consequent changes in trade patterns posited threats to smaller textile‐ and apparel‐exporting nations, including Thailand. Thus it is important to understand how the new trade environment affects the competitiveness of Thailand's apparel industry. This study seeks to provide insights into how Thailand's apparel industry has responded to increasingly fierce global competition by drawing on Porter's theory of The Competitive Advantage of Nations.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the competitiveness of the Thai industry, the study triangulated data from various sources, including secondary statistics, media reports, and relevant industry publications. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were also conducted, and participants included key executives from Thailand's apparel industry, government officials, and academics. The interviews were conducted at various locations in three Thai provinces: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samutsakorn, over a two‐week period.

Findings

Findings revealed the existence of four determinants supporting the Thai apparel industry: basic v. specialized factors; sophisticated and demanding consumer market; the presence of interdependent economic agents; and strategies and structure of Thai companies and domestic rivals. These four determinants are identical to the “diamonds” outlined in Porter's theory of The Competitive Advantage of Nations and a new source of competitiveness. Furthermore, the Thai government was found to play an important role, by providing support to enhance the global competitiveness of Thai companies.

Originality/value

The study is among the first to attempt to provide insights into the competitive national advantage of the Thai apparel industry. Based on the findings, the outlook is positive for the continued success of Thailand's apparel industry in the global arena.
Australian fashion designers: the potential nexus with China
Authors: Lindgren Tim , Sinclair Marta , Miller Dale
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how Australian fashion designers perceive the impact and opportunities offered by the Chinese textile and clothing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design used personally administered, semi‐structured interviews. A purposeful sample used interviewees drawn from proactive fashion business owners. The sample covered four clothing categories. Thematic data analysis was used, and data integrity was assured, using well‐recognised techniques including triangulation and constant comparison.

Findings

The Queensland fashion designers are experiencing significant impacts from the current economic and manufacturing situations and the challenges presented by developments in China. They respond to their operational concerns, but do not deal strategically with contemporary challenges. They are unaware of opportunities that the Chinese textile and clothing industry offers, struggling with a global perspective. Although they are aware of issues with intellectual property, they have little experience in protecting their intangible assets.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could link the proposed scenario building with interviews, to develop an even more robust research design. Extensions to other Asia Pacific countries could reveal common issues and any unique perspectives.

Practical implications

Application of the proposed model and the pursuit of the scenarios for future development could assist fashion designers in the formation of a sense of community. A return to craftsmanship could nurture the local fashion design community, and create offshore links and relationships, facilitated by technology.

Originality/value

The empirical study proposes a new model, suggesting approaches and solutions, not previously considered in the context of fashion designers and their opportunities in doing business with China.
The effects of ethical framing on consumer price perceptions
Authors: Stanforth Nancy , Hauck William
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate one of the potential cues that may influence the price consumers are willing to pay for products. This paper seeks to investigate the use of ethically framed marketing efforts in influencing price perceptions among consumers of health and beauty products

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory online experiment was completed in two parts: the first with 84 participants and the second with 61 participants.

Findings

Results show that consumers expect prices to be much higher when the product is produced under ethical conditions but they are willing to pay only slightly more for ethically produced products.

Research limitations/implications

The participants were a convenience sample and thus the results are not generalizable. While being socially responsible is an end in itself, consumers may not allow the firms to increase prices to cover the increased costs of production. It is not apparent that consumers fully expect to share in the cost of a social responsible global economy.

Originality/value

The study offers insight into the difficulty firms have in producing products in an ethical manner and passing those costs to their customers. Considering the global financial conditions in 2008/2009, it may be even more difficult for firms to maintain ethical production methods.
Personal preferences of tween shoppers
Authors: Drake‐Bridges Erin , Burgess Brigitte
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to shed light on the behaviors of a group of consumers referred to as “tween”, a sub‐group of Generation Y, described as pre‐adolescents, aged 9 to 15, who are be“tween” the children and juniors markets, by taking previously tested measures and applying them to “tween” girls. The work of Blackwell et al. indicates that individual tastes and preferences are expected to have an effect on to whom tweens look for purchasing cues.

Design/methodology/approach

The first section of the survey included demographic items consisting of tweens' age, grade level and race. Section two of the survey consisted of nine items used to determine the influence of two reference groups: parents and friends. Items adapted from the personal involvement index were used to measure the personal involvement of tweens in apparel purchases. Store patronage was measured by assessing the frequency with which participants patronized each of eight given retail settings.

Findings

Future research should replicate or adapt the study to a larger sample in order to determine the strength of the relationships, since the majority of the respondents were between the ages of 12 to 15, leaving younger tweens under‐represented.

Originality/value

The results reveal that tweens exhibit a high level of fashion interest and that fashion interest is the only variable in the study to have significant relationships with each of the other variables.
Global financial crisis: causes and perspectives
Authors: Iannuzzi Elio , Berardi Massimiliano
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This study aims at examining the current global financial crisis, by emphasizing its main causes and perspectives to define the way they can be avoided in the future. The paper argues that there is a need for a new International Financial System with the function of coordinating and guiding the different national and supranational institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This article used complexity theory and viable system approach.

Findings

The findings suggest they are implicit features of these kinds of markets, due to their high uncertainty and hyper‐competitiveness, rather than temporary deviation from normal equilibrium. In this way, financial markets can be thought as Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS), which may precipitate in disorder and chaos because of a seemingly mild event, which activates latent forces and leads to emerging and unpredictable consequences. The orientation of international partners is to move towards a new international financial system, where the stabilization of financial system does not pass only through the bodies created in Bretton Woods, but through the endowment of new rules and new structures.

Research limitations/implications

The research faces with evolutionary issues and it is impossible to know the total value of toxic derivatives still circulating in the world. Furthermore, the banks are still using the innovative finance to generate short‐term profits and shareholders' value.

Practical implications

The findings suggest some measures to limit future instability and crises, and to reduce their negative consequences.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new methodology to examine the financial crises and the way to limit them.
Barriers to the development of environmental management accounting
Authors: Setthasakko Watchaneeporn
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to attempt to gain an understanding of the root causes of barriers to the development of environmental management accounting in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs semi‐structured interviews with key informants accompanied by site observations. Key informants include chief operating officers, environmental managers and accounting directors of three pulp and paper companies in Thailand.

Findings

The study identifies the root causes of the barriers: lack of building organizational learning, a narrow focus on economic performance and absence of guidance on environmental management accounting.

Research limitations/implications

As an exploratory case study, findings cannot necessarily be extrapolated to broader populations. To improve the generalization of the findings, future research should broaden the sample. It would also be beneficial to pursue comparative research between industries, countries and regions.

Practical implications

Developing environmental management accounting requires increasing “green” knowledge and generating a wider conception of corporate responsibility throughout an organization. In addition, government agencies have to play a significant role in promoting environmental management accounting.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the influence of organizational learning mechanisms and the role of governments in developing environmental management accounting.
The approaches to learning of European accounting students
Authors: Luis Arquero Montaño José , María González González José , Hassall Trevor , Joyce John , Germanou Eleni , Asonitou Sophia
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify the impact of differing teaching contexts on the approaches to learning of accounting undergraduates in different European countries by the use of a study process questionnaire.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire used was Biggs’ R‐SPQ‐2F (Biggs et al.). This is a 20‐item questionnaire that identifies the learning styles of individual students in terms of deep and surface approaches.

Findings

Significant differences were found in the approaches to learning of the students in the countries concerned. The differences were rooted in two subcomponents: motive and strategy. Gender differences were also identified.

Originality/value

A major factor in the development process of future accountants is the education process that they undertake. This study identifies a methodology that is capable of comparing accounting students in different countries and potentially identifying the underlying reasons why the quality of the learning outcomes achieved may differ under differing educational systems.
Downside risk optimization in securitized real estate markets
Authors: Kroencke Tim‐Alexander , Schindler Felix
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the risk and return characteristics as well as the allocation of mean‐variance (MV) and downside risk (DR) optimized portfolios of international real estate stock markets and to discuss implications for portfolio management.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis focuses on real estate markets only and examines the appropriateness of the Markowitz approach based on MV optimization in comparison to the DR framework suggested by Estrada. Therefore, the two frameworks are presented before the properties of the return distributions are analyzed. Afterwards, the risk and return characteristics as well as the allocation of the efficient portfolios in both frameworks and the divergences are analyzed.

Findings

Because of non‐normally distributed returns, negative skewness, and probably non‐quadratic utility functions of investors, MV optimization is not appropriate and the alternative approach by Estrada has its merit compared with other DR frameworks. Furthermore, MV‐efficient and DR‐efficient portfolio allocation differ, as shown by a similarity index. Summarizing, MV optimization is inherent with misleading results and DR optimization shows stronger out‐of‐sample performance – at least during time periods characterized by high market volatility and financial market turmoil.

Originality/value

This study provides some interesting and valuable insights into the DR of international securitized real estate portfolios and the limitations for portfolio management based on MV optimization.
Long‐run price behaviour of equity REITs: become more like common stocks after the early 1990s?
Authors: Lee Ming‐Long , Chiang Kevin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The US real estate investment trust (REIT) market experienced a structural change in the early 1990s. This paper aims to examine the following two issues: is the equity REIT market movement positively linked with the stock market movement in the long‐run? If so, how does the long‐run relation between the two markets change after the early 1990s?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the long‐run relation between REIT prices and common stock prices within a four‐price system, i.e., REIT prices, common stock prices, bond prices, and private real estate prices, for two sub‐periods: 1978‐1993 and 1994‐2008. This study uses the more advanced Johansen procedure, which is more robust than the Engle‐Granger procedure, to test the co‐integrated relation.

Findings

The results show that REITs behave like common stocks during the earlier 1978‐1993 sub‐period. In contrast, REITs become less like common stock and more like private real estate after the early 1990s structural change. These results are at odds with the conclusion of Glascocket al., who examine the relationship between REITs and common stocks within a bi‐variate system with the Engle‐Granger procedure.

Originality/value

The paper, as far as the authors are aware, is the first study focusing on the long‐run relation between REIT prices and other asset prices within a multi‐price system. With a more complete price system and a more robust estimation method, this study is the first to document formally that the impressive growth and maturation of the REIT market since the early 1990s has made REITs less like common stocks and more like private real estate in the long‐run. The immediate implication is that REITs are capable of providing investors, such as immature defined benefit pension plans, real estate exposures in the long‐run.
Implications of the change in user preferences in the economic downturn on investment strategies
Authors: French Nick , Salisbury Jones Laura
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The current world economic climate is uncertain. The credit crunch has led to occupiers rethinking their strategic requirements, and, at the same time, they are fire fighting to keep their occupation costs at a level that will allow the companies to survive. This briefing note aims to look at the activity between landlords and tenants in the market to determine, indicatively, the changes that are happening due to the downturn.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an indicative survey and market commentary.

Findings

In this market, more than any other, tenants are approaching landlords with the idea of renegotiating their rental liabilities. Landlords are considering each proposal on its merits and solutions are ranging from side agreements to not demand full payment, to surrender and renewals to provide a more even cash flow or outright surrenders with a reverse premium being paid.

Practical implications

This paper looks at the UK market and the nature of agreements being made with a background of such uncertainty. The booming investment market of the last few years has shielded the profession from the need to consider fully the role of proactive management. This paper argues that good relationship management and a foresight to negotiate to protect future cash flows means that, now more than ever, management surveyors can enhance and protect capital values.

Originality/value

This paper provides an insight into the confluence of requirements between landlords and tenants in a market driven by a lack of capital and access to borrowings on both sides.
Learning from each other: promises and pitfalls of benchmarking in communications policy
Authors: Bauer Johannes M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

International benchmarking is increasingly used to inform information and communications policy. The paper aims to discuss the conditions under which learning from the experience in other jurisdictions (communities, nations, and super‐national regions) is possible.

Design/methodology/approach

Research from different disciplines is reviewed and synthesized to provide an integrated conceptual framework that can be used to design more robust international benchmarking approaches.

Findings

Drawing lessons from the policy experience in other jurisdictions is more difficult than is commonly perceived. Nonetheless, as long as the conditions for policy learning are met and it is properly done, international comparisons yield valuable data that can be used to improve the design of information and communications policy.

Research limitations/implications

In conducting internationally comparative inquiries, researchers need to ascertain that the prerequisites of the methods employed are aligned with the structure of the problems that are investigated. Each method (e.g. qualitative, qualitative comparative analysis, panel data) has strengths and weaknesses and may not be an appropriate tool. Given these concerns, methodological pluralism and regular attempts to triangulate findings with other methods would be desirable.

Practical implications

Policymakers should resist the temptation to search for “best practice” approaches elsewhere and to imitate them. Successful policy approaches, while learning from abroad, need to be adapted to, and attuned with, local conditions.

Originality/value

The paper provides a timely discussion of the intricacies of benchmarking to improve policy decisions. It cautions against blind‐faith reliance on best practice models and encourages policy diversity as a way to facilitate continuous learning.
How to decide on the priorities and coordination of information society policy? Analytical framework and three case studies
Authors: Poel Martijn , Kool Linda , van der Giessen Annelieke
Published: October 2010

Purpose

ICT is everywhere, but information society policy cannot address all the sectors and policy issues in which ICT plays a role. This paper's aim is to develop an analytical framework to assist policy makers in deciding on the priorities and coordination of information society policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical framework is based on public management literature and innovation literature. The framework can be applied to individual ICT issues – when to lead, advise, explore or refrain from policy intervention. The framework consists of seven questions, including the rationale for intervention, stakeholders, the mandate of fellow policy makers (e.g. other ministries) and the costs, benefits and risks of intervention. The framework was applied in three cases.

Findings

A leading role for information society policy is most clear for e‐skills. For services innovation, several market failures and system failures appear to be relevant. This calls for a mix of policy instruments, with roles for several ministries. Policy coordination is crucial. For ICT in health sectors – and other public sectors – the conclusion is that information society policy can take the lead on cross‐cutting ICT issues such as privacy, standardisation and interoperability.

Originality/value

The article addresses one of the main challenges of information society policy: how to increase its scope, yet maintain effectiveness and coherence.
The benefits of introducing European competition principles into national public broadcasting policy
Authors: Donders Karen
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This article aims to investigate whether and how the application of European state aid rules to the public funding of public broadcasting organisations in Europe has advanced public broadcasting as a policy process and made it more adaptive to the challenges of the digital age.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are based on a triangulation of literature study, document analysis and expert interviews (with over 50 stakeholders involved with the topic of state aid and public broadcasting).

Findings

The article consists of four main parts. Firstly, the issue of state aid and public broadcasting is contextualised within the heated discussions on the legitimacy of European intervention in a cultural policy domain such as broadcasting. Secondly, the analytical framework is presented. Thirdly, analysis of specific state aid cases follows. Finally, some conclusions and recommendations are outlined. The article concludes that European state aid policy has furthered a public service media project in the EU member states.

Research limitations/implications

The article fills a void in current fragmented and often overly descriptive or overly ideological assessments of the relevance of state aid policy for public service broadcasting.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to ongoing policy debates about the issue of state aid policy for public service broadcasting.

Originality/value

The article fills a void in current fragmented and often overly descriptive or overly ideological assessments of the relevance of state aid policy for public service broadcasting.
From security versus privacy to identity: an emerging concept for policy design?
Authors: Lusoli Wainer , Compañó Ramón
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the electronic identity (eID) market from a social, technical and regulatory viewpoint, and the opportunities/challenges for policymakers. The paper also aims to discuss whether a single European market for identity is realistic and whether a common eID framework for Europe is timely and appropriate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a structured review of user behaviours, a timeline of technical developments, and an analysis of market trends and policy analysis in relation to the eID ecosystem.

Findings

Users of electronic systems and applications disclose increasingly more identity‐relevant data. These data are often a prerequisite to the supply of advanced electronic services. In economic terms, the utility functions of users and service providers in relation to eID data are divergent. This generates a market asymmetry, as service providers are able to extract value from user data via opaque value propositions. European policymakers have different options to redress this unbalance. An eID framework based on the “privacy by design” approach is seen to offer a solution to excessive disclosure, market fragmentation and unclear value propositions. The strengths and weaknesses of the approach are assessed.

Research limitations/implications

Results from the application layer of the eID market are based on exploratory research. Evidence from a larger number of cases and sectors is required to determine and articulate emerging value chains.

Practical implications

In discussing an eID framework, policymakers should address critical issues concerning resources and funding, balance between online versus offline transactions and between present versus future technologies, users' actual behaviours, the infrastructure of certification and trust, and governance at the industrial, member state and EU levels.

Originality/value

The paper draws together research in four domains – social, technical, market and regulatory. It addresses for the first time the barriers to the “privacy by design approach”, alongside its virtues.
Secondary education and broadband diffusion: a qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: María Castellano José
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the determinants of broadband diffusion, taking into account supply‐side factors such as market entry regulation and demand‐side factors such as secondary education attainment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes 27 countries from the European Union (EU) from 1996 to 2009 using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), which combines quantitative and qualitative methods.

Findings

The main findings point out that there is one way for “innovator” adopters and “laggard” adopters in broadband diffusion, while there are few ways for the remaining adopters. Moreover, high entry regulation is associated more with “innovator” adopters, “early adopters” and “early majority adopters” in broadband diffusion, while medium and low entry regulations are associated more with “late majority” and “laggard” adopters in broadband diffusion.

Social implications

This paper suggests that high secondary school attainment is a necessary factor for broadband innovator countries. By contrast, low income and low secondary school attainment are factors connected with late majority and laggard broadband adopters.

Originality/value

At present, there is no other research about broadband diffusion or technology diffusion that uses this mixed approach. While the results may not be very conclusive, they will serve as an initial springboard for further research into more specific‐variable studies.
Innovation and ancient Roman facilities management
Authors: Bröchner Jan
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review facilities management among the ancient Romans with an emphasis on features that are relevant for understanding the evolution of current innovative practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Ancient Roman literary sources, inscriptions, other archaeological findings and secondary literature are used to identify facilities management functions and facilities managers. The advanced management of public baths and gymnasia is discussed as well as relations between lifestyles and workplaces. Roman information technology and contractual skills are included.

Findings

It is meaningful to speak of facilities managers in Roman times, although mostly for buildings such as baths with complex technologies. There is a striking lack of differentiation between offices and homes, and the meanings of work and leisure were understood differently. Primitive information technology is a possible explanation, although it did not impede the development of contracts with detailed service‐level agreements. Availability and use of energy in facilities emerges as the most important change.

Originality/value

Recent studies of innovations in facilities management concern very short‐time periods. In this paper, the long historical perspective allows identifying the importance of large technology shifts. Practitioners may benefit from implications for specialised building design, in particular the link between a particular level of information technology and the need for offices.
Incentives for individual metering and charging
Authors: Siggelsten Simon , Hansson Bengt
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look more closely at incentives for a landlord to use individual metering and charging of heat and water. This paper also aims to look at the possible reasons for the differences in use of individual metering and charging between Sweden and Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

The research in this paper is based on a questionnaire and interviews with landlords, in Sweden, using individual metering and charging.

Findings

The two main incentives for the landlords in the survey to use individual metering are the possibility to save energy and the possibility to create a fair allocation of heating cost between tenants. Sweden has a long history of heat and water included in the rent leading to a possibly tougher transition to individual metering.

Originality/value

To see the overall picture and understand the purpose of individual metering is important to avoid conflicts between landlords and tenants. The paper aids this process.
Sustainability life cycle comparison of biofuels: sewage the saviour?
Authors: Ketola Tarja , Salmi Tiina
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of this research is to conduct a holistic sustainability life cycle assessment (LCA) comparison of different kinds of biofuels, integrating environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability. The feasibility of a vision that by year 2015 households, companies, and other organizations all over the world will turn their sewages into biofuels, instead of discharging them into the environment is tested through these comparisons.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews of biofuels' experts in Finnish companies, industry organizations, research institutions, and non‐governmental organization were conducted.

Findings

Biogases are environmentally more sustainable than bio‐oils, field biomass, wood‐based biomass and peat, all of which cause loss of biodiversity. Bio‐oils and field biomass are socio‐culturally unsustainable when they affect farming for food. Launching any kind of biofuel system is expensive, but running it reaps benefits. Biogases, bio‐oils and liquid field biomass use the cradle‐to‐grave approach; solid field biomass, wood‐based biomass and peat use the cradle‐to‐cradle approach in their life cycles. Biogases made of sewage have an endless supply with little need for an endless life cycle, which, however, could also be developed.

Practical implications

Refining sewage into biofuels solves two global environmental problems at once: carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels contributing to climate change and over‐fertilization of waterways causing sea, lake and river deaths. Hence, the launching expenses are well worth the effort. Yet other biofuels compete so heavily that large‐scale global turning of sewage into biofuels by 2015 is unlikely.

Originality/value

This is the first holistic sustainability LCA comparison of biofuels which integrates environmental, socio‐cultural and economic sustainability views of industry, research and civil society experts.
Managing environmental training in organizations
Authors: José Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel , Alves Teixeira Adriano , Henrique Caldeira de Oliveira Jorge , Fouad Soubihia Davi
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of this work is to address the issue of environmental training in organizations, presenting a theoretical review on the subject and proposing a model that highlights the importance of this type of training for organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a thorough, updated literature review, discusses typology and the best practices of environmental training, and presents a framework integrating environmental training and organizational results.

Findings

A careful consideration allows identifying a significant theoretical gap related to the lack of theoretical references, best practices, and an alignment between environmental training and organizational results. To overcome this gap, a model was proposed that helps to manage the environmental training process in organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The paper needs to be complemented with empirical research on the topic.

Originality/value

Environmental training is considered to be an essential element for organizations seeking to mitigate their environmental impacts. ISO 14001 states that environmental management is a duty of certified organizations. However, there have been few published articles that suggest models and insights to improve the environmental training in organizations.
Testing the impact of sustainable development policies in Canton Geneva
Authors: Catenazzo Giuseppe , Epalle Alexandre , Fragnière Emmanuel , Tuberosa Jean
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify the impact of two Canton Geneva pedagogical tools devised to sensibilise the local population to sustainable development issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey attempts to verify individuals' awareness and opinion towards sustainable development, as well as the influence of both tools on their routines. In total, 992 people who live and work in Canton Geneva answered a questionnaire that was administered between January and February 2008.

Findings

People feel concerned by sustainable development issues and seem to be motivated to adapt their routines to comply with its needs. However, they feel not to be sufficiently informed: experiencing either or both pedagogical tools seems to positively influence individuals' behaviours.

Originality/value

The paper provides some measures about the impact of educational driven programmes on individuals' awareness and behaviours towards sustainable development.
An empirical study on the influences on the acquisition of enterprise software decisions
Authors: Palanisamy Ramaraj , Verville Jacques , Bernadas Christine , Taskin Nazim
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the decision process of enterprise software acquisition. The research aims to focus on identifying significant influences on enterprise software acquisition decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

As a research model and theoretical background, the organizational buying model (OBB) is proposed for the acquisition of enterprise systems. Influences on enterprise software acquisition decision processes were found by an empirical study carried out from a practitioner's perspective. The study collected data via a mail survey administered to information systems (IS) professionals involved in the acquisition of enterprise software (ES). The survey questionnaire was developed based on a previous research project and a literature review. Organizational buying behavior (OBB) models in the literature served as the basis for the influences included in the survey instrument. Factor analysis was carried out on the survey data to identify the most significant factors/influences.

Findings

The following five factors emerged as significant influences on the acquisition decision process of enterprise software: ES strategy and performance; BPR and adaptability; management commitment and user buy‐in; single vendor integrated solution; and consultants, team‐location, and vendor's financing. These factors are discussed and managerial implications are extracted. Conclusions are derived from the study findings and guidelines for further research are suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides a starting point for further research in understanding a more comprehensive list of influences on enterprise software acquisition. A bigger sample from more industries is required to examine whether the significance of the influences remains stable.

Originality/value

Using OBB models has proven to be useful for organizations in making effective decisions on enterprise software acquisition.
Information systems: a “cargo cult” science?
Authors: Sharif Amir M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This article seeks to revitalise and add to the debate on the rising and declining fortunes of the field of information systems, to contrast and compare this to computer science, and to argue for a review within the field of the scientific basis of the field in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws upon the existing debate within the information systems (IS) field and highlights pertinent IS debate and dogma from the historical past – including the notion of “cargo cult science” as debated by the Nobel laureate, Richard Feynmann, as a vehicle for the viewpoint discussion.

Findings

The field of IS is still susceptible to having weak roots in terms of scientific and theoretical formality for its fundamental basis, and those in the field should be warned against complacency in developing the field in an incremental manner.

Originality/value

This article adds to the debate on IS in general.
State‐dominant and non‐state‐dominant ownership concentration and firm performance
Authors: Hess Kurt , Gunasekarage Abeyratna , Hovey Martin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between ownership structure and performance for a comprehensive sample of Chinese listed firms for the years 2000‐2004. In particular, the paper seeks to explore the effect of the dominance of state and private blockholders and control on firm performance. It aims to use a more differentiated approach than previous research on the subject, which has mainly focused on the effects of the pervasive state ownership on firm values. Accordingly, the main theme of the paper intends to relate to the analysis of the effects of private blockholders on firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tests the ownership‐performance relationship for the state and for sub‐samples with predominantly private shareholders. The paper uses both an ordinary least squares and a two‐stage least squares analysis, which treats ownership concentration as endogenous.

Findings

The paper finds evidence that large private blockholdings are to the benefit of firm value for the full sample. Conversely, for smaller samples of companies without or with very low shareholdings by the various state players, there is some evidence that large private block shareholdings might be to the detriment of firm value.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by presenting a more comprehensive treatment of the ownership‐performance relationship of listed firms in China. The main theme of the paper relates to ownership concentration and the effects of private blockholders on the performance of firms, in addition to the endogeneity of ownership. It also contributes by utilising the alternative ownership classification system developed by the National University of Singapore.
Skewness in hedge funds returns: classical skewness coefficients vs Azzalini's skewness parameter
Authors: Eling Martin , Farinelli Simone , Rossello Damiano , Tibiletti Luisa
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Recent literature discusses the persistence of skewness and tail risk in hedge fund returns. The aim of this paper is to suggest an alternative skewness measure, Azzalini's skewness parameter delta, which is derived as the normalized shape parameter from the skew‐normal distribution. The paper seeks to analyze the characteristics of this skewness measure compared with other indicators of skewness and to employ it in some typical risk and performance measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first provides an overview of the skew‐normal distribution and its mathematical formulation. Then it presents some empirical estimations of the skew‐normal distribution for hedge fund returns and discusses the characteristics of using delta with respect to classical skewness coefficients. Finally, it illustrates how delta can be used in risk management and in a performance measurement context.

Findings

The results highlight the advantages of Azzalini's skewness parameter delta, especially with regard to its interpretation. Delta has a limpid financial interpretation as a skewness shock on normally distributed returns. The paper also derives some important characteristics of delta, including that it is more stable than other measures of skewness and inversely related to popular risk measures such as the value‐at‐risk (VaR) and the conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR).

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper is to apply the skew‐normal distribution to a large sample of hedge fund returns. It also illustrates that using Azzalini's skewness parameter delta as a skewness measure has some advantages over classical skewness coefficients. The use of the skew‐normal and related distributions is a relatively new, but growing, field in finance and not much has been published on the topic. Skewness itself, however, has been the subject of a great deal of research. Therefore, the results contribute to three fields of research: skewed distributions, risk measurement, and hedge fund performance.