bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter‐organizational trust in franchise relationships and the performance outcomes
Authors: Eser Zeliha
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine performance outcomes of inter‐organizational trust in franchisor and franchisee relationships in the fast‐food industry in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was conducted in two major cities in Turkey: Ankara (the capital and second largest city in Turkey) and Eskisehir (a major city 200 kilometers to the West of Ankara). A total of 103 questionnaires were administered to franchisees located at shopping malls in both cities. A total of 87 usable questionnaires were received, yielding a response rate of 84 percent.

Findings

Trust is found to be positively related to cooperation and satisfaction, and negatively related to transaction costs. The duration of relationship is negatively related to transaction costs. Levels of trust, cooperation, satisfaction and transaction costs have not differed significantly on the basis of franchisor's origin or respondent's position.

Research limitations/implications

This empirical study investigates only the perspective of franchisees in the dyadic relationship of franchisor‐franchisee in one industry (fast‐food) in two major cities of a country.

Originality/value

The study contributes significantly to an overall understanding of the function of trust for successful franchise channel relationships, and is the first study to address performance outcomes and trust issues in the fast‐food industry in Turkey.
The market performance of franchise stock portfolios
Authors: Hachemi Aliouche E. , Kaen Fred , Schlentrich Udo
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper's aim is to examine the risk‐adjusted market performance of an overall franchise and three sub‐sector franchise common stock portfolios from 1990 through 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

Four sets of franchise sector portfolios are constructed, their returns are calculated, and their performances relative to three market benchmarks are evaluated using the Sharpe ratio and Jensen'sα.

Findings

The all franchise portfolio significantly outperformed the three market benchmarks. Among the sector portfolios, the services and restaurant portfolios also outperformed the market benchmarks, but not the lodging portfolio. Results support the theoretical hypothesis that franchising may provide superior advantages to investors and point to a possible “franchising anomaly”. Investors consider franchise firms to be less risky than the average publicly traded firms and therefore require a lower rate of return.

Practical implications

The results of the study suggest that in the past, franchise managers may have paid a much higher cost of capital than warranted by their firms' risk characteristics. Study results also have positive implications for franchise firms' access to capital and for evaluating franchise managers' compensation arrangements. Investors should consider allocating a portion of their investible funds to franchise stocks. Many lodging firms may not have taken full advantage of the benefits of franchising to reduce their financial risks. Restaurant firms may further improve their financial performance by selling their riskier units.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive study of the risk‐adjusted market performance of franchise firms over an extended period of time covering a variety of economic conditions that also analyzes the risk‐adjusted performance of the main business subcategories in franchising.
Developing our understanding of patronizing frontline employees
Authors: Anaza Nwamaka A. , Rutherford Brian N.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

In an overwhelming portion of the US service economy, the multifaceted responsibilities that frontline employees play as patrons have been overlooked within the academic literature. The notion of employees as customers is a common business practice that garners sizeable benefits to both the firm and its employees; unfortunately, research on this topic is still in its infancy. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of internal marketing and job satisfaction on employee patronage, and the role of patronage on employee engagement in a Cooperative Extension Service System.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey administered to Cooperative Extension employees in frontline service roles was used to test the proposed structural model. Structural equation modeling carried out using the Amos 18.0 software program was employed to analyze the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

It was found that internal marketing is composed of five dimensions, as tested using a second‐order hierarchical structure. Based on the hypothesized linkages, internal marketing and job satisfaction were revealed to be two important factors relevant in determining employee patronage. Furthermore, the results show that employee patronage positively influences employee engagement, thus advancing the benefits of employees in dual roles.

Practical implications

The findings show that the internal and external role of employees is reflective of the firm's ability to grow two important relationships that are vital to the company's success. To tap into employees as patrons, organizations must carefully and simultaneously implement internal marketing practices most suitable to the structure of their market and firm. Particularly, communicating to employees the favorable qualities of a service through reoccurring training programs also serves as a vital means of building interaction between the firm and its customers.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is two fold. First, it reveals an alternative way of measuring internal marketing, and encourages the future assessment of internal marketing as a multi‐dimensional structure rather than a one‐dimensional factor. Second, this research confirms the presence of employee patronage, while also examining predictors and outcomes of employee patronage in a service industry.
Challenges in serving the mass affluent segment: bank customer perceptions of service quality
Authors: Strandberg Christer , Wahlberg Olof , Öhman Peter
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible usefulness of a combined multi‐attribute and Kano model in analysing how service quality is perceived by mass affluent bank customers. More precisely, to identify quality dimensions, attributes, and items in terms of taken‐for‐granteds, proportionals, delighters, and neutrals.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey, the authors measured how mass affluent customers in one region in a major Swedish bank perceived service quality. Responses were analysed with reference to both multi‐attribute service quality and Kano models.

Findings

The combined model seems to provide some guidance regarding how service quality is perceived by bank customers in the mass affluent segment. The significant number of neutral items reveals potentially wasted resources. The finding of only one delighter item reveals that mass affluent customers are difficult to please. However, substantial heterogeneity exists in customer perceptions of the service quality items investigated.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory study examines only one bank in one region in one country, implying a need for additional research applying this combined model and other methods to investigate private banking in the mass affluent segment.

Practical implications

The significant number of neutrals implies that banks might be more efficient if they avoided spending resources on such items. The conspicuous spread in conceptions of service quality items suggests that bank managers and personal bankers may benefit from co‐creating services with mass affluent customers.

Social implications

Banks are intermediates on financial markets. Improved and customized service quality could make mass affluent customers inclined to invest their resources in ways that promote economic growth.

Originality/value

In addition to traditional measurement models, the Kano model may contribute to service quality assessment in private banking.
Validation of Eventserv‐Short
Authors: Martin David S. , Howell Ryan , Newman Christopher , Martin Kelly
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate a shortened measure of consumers’ satisfaction with the service quality at sporting events. The scale's ability to predict both customer satisfaction and future behavioral intentions is also measured.

Design/methodology/approach

The measure, entitled Eventserv‐Short, was tested across the five most popular American sports and across two levels (collegiate and professional). An online survey was utilized with a total of 854 respondents.

Findings

Results showed that Eventserv‐Short is a reliable and valid measure of satisfaction with service quality that is invariant across various sporting events; also, Eventserv‐Short predicts overall customer satisfaction and future behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

The paper's importance is demonstrated by the measure's consistent performance across the different types of sports and settings. Further, these results show that researchers and managers can now more quickly, reliably, and accurately measure consumers’ satisfaction with the service quality they perceive while attending sporting events.
The impact of financial services quality and fairness on customer satisfaction
Authors: Chen Houn‐Gee , Yu‐Chih Liu Julie , Shin Sheu Tsong , Yang Ming‐Hsien
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Customer satisfaction in the banking industry has long been measured as a function of service quality by using a variation of the SERVQUAL instrument. The purpose of this paper is to build a broader understanding of the determinants of customer satisfaction throughout the financial services industry by incorporating the perceptions of fairness in service delivery (FAIRSERV) and outlining why and how FAIRSERV is important to customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a cross‐sectional questionnaire survey, including samples of 420 customers from the financial services industry in Taiwan. PLS‐Graph is used to evaluate the measures of reliability as well as validities, and to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that fair service not only has a significant impact on customer satisfaction, but also plays a role equivalent to service quality in determining customers’ trust and perceived value, which in turn lead to customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The impact of FAIRSERV on customer satisfaction should be emphasized. Future studies examining the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction should incorporate the concept or instruments of fair service as a major contributor.

Practical implications

The results imply that financial institutions must carefully implement policies and practices to ensure that perceptions of fairness are propagated throughout the organization.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a complementary component to service quality in determining the perceived value and satisfaction. The paper emphasizes the significance of fairness on service, and provides additional insights into the impacts of FAIRSERV on customer satisfaction.
Engaging international students
Authors: Burdett Jane , Crossman Joanna
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Australia has enjoyed two decades of growth in international student enrolments. This phenomenon, combined with the evolution of quality assurance policy frameworks, has stimulated interest in the social and academic experiences of international students and their educational outcomes. The Australian Universities Quality Agency's (AUQA) second round of quality audits assessed and reported on the performance of Australian universities in the area of “internationalisation”. AUQA findings and recommendations for required action send powerful messages to guide university priorities, practices and strategies in pursuit of quality enhancement in relation to student engagement. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a thematic analysis approach to explore “internationalisation” in 14 AUQA audit reports published between 2006 and 2010.

Findings

This paper identifies three key areas arising from AUQA audit reports that form a basis for discussion in this paper. These areas are: the social and academic engagement of both international and local students, and matters relating to English language standards and support. Observations arising from AUQA university reports direct attention to examples of initiatives that appear to be enriching the quality of the student engagement and indicate where further development may be required.

Practical implications

In seeking strategies for enhanced student experience, AUQA supports collaboration across universities in devising models for identifying student needs and creating mechanisms that bring about quality student experience, engagement and language outcomes. This analysis of the reports will likely assist those stakeholders working in universities who wish to identify successful approaches to promote the engagement of international students and refine existing useful and positive strategies in implementing and developing ideas in their own individual university contexts.

Originality/value

Analysis of the substantial text of AUQA reports have been underexploited by researchers to date. This paper is likely to be of interest to those stakeholders of international education in universities, not only in Australia but in other national contexts where international students are significantly represented.
What matters most
Authors: O'Driscoll Finian
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This study presents institutional research and aims to explore the underlying factors that contribute to hospitality management students' satisfaction and perceptions of service quality at a higher education college in Ireland. Research focusing on hospitality and leisure management education argues for greater cognisance of the relevance of students' experience with third level education. Therefore, the current paper seeks to address the issue of student feedback and satisfaction measurement in light of recent proposals.

Design/methodology/approach

The responses to a “course satisfaction questionnaire” taken from a database of first year students (n=263) were factor‐analysed using the principal component technique, the purpose of which was to identify latent explanatory variables of the student satisfaction concept as applied in a hospitality management context. Descriptive analysis was used to examine the level of satisfaction within the data. Tests for gender and nationality differences were conducted. Correlational analysis along with multiple regression techniques were applied to the data set to explore the salient relationships between satisfaction variables.

Findings

Analysis reveals a multidimensional structure of student satisfaction. Six underlying factors accounted for a high percentage of variance in explaining student satisfaction. Academic support, welfare support and course communication structures are identified as being significant determinants while differences based on nationality are observed, particularly in relation to pre‐placement support.

Practical implications

Issues such as quality of student life and other non‐institutional factors need to be accounted for in offering a more comprehensive explanation of student satisfaction. The role of pre‐work placement preparation is emphasised. The potential to chart the level and structure of student satisfaction throughout the whole institution is suggested. Furthermore, the prospect of conducting longitudinal research serves as a unique opportunity. The use of quantitative techniques, bolstered by qualitative methods, is recommended as a future direction for data collection, analysis and synthesis.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to fill a gap in student satisfaction research from a hospitality and tourism management perspective.
Exploring quality assurance in sixth form colleges
Authors: Stoten David William
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the changing nature of quality assurance systems within the sixth form college sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten sixth form colleges were surveyed across England and staff from varying levels within college hierarchies questioned about how quality assurance systems were implemented. Research involved interviews and questionnaires to staff, as well as documentary research.

Findings

The main finding was that there is no single model of quality management system within the sixth form colleges sector and that the clearest differences in practice are between the colleges in the north and south of England which may suggest different organisational cultures in play.

Research limitations/implications

This paper was limited by the relatively small sample size – ten from 94 sixth form colleges. However, it does provide a foundation for further research and a basis upon which to debate whether the sixth form college sector should aim for a standardised model of quality assurance.

Originality/value

Insufficient research is undertaken into the work of sixth form colleges compared to the school and general further education sectors. This paper provides an insight into an under‐researched area.
The changing nature of teaching and unit evaluations in Australian universities
Authors: Shah Mahsood , Sid Nair Chenicheri
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Teaching and unit evaluations surveys are used to assess the quality of teaching and the quality of the unit of study. An analysis of teaching and unit evaluation survey practices in Australian universities suggests significant changes. One key change discussed in the paper is the shift from voluntary to mandatory use of surveys with the results used to assess and reward academic staff performance. The change in the direction is largely driven by the introduction of performance‐based funding as part of quality assurance arrangements. The paper aims to outline the current trends and changes and the implications in the future such as increased scrutiny of teaching and intrusion to academic autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the analysis of current teaching and unit evaluation practices across the Australian university sector. The paper presents the case of an Australian university that has introduced performance‐based reward using various measures to assess and reward academic staff such as the outcome of student satisfaction surveys. The analysis of external quality audit findings related to teacher and unit evaluations is also presented.

Findings

The findings suggest a shift in trend from the use of voluntary to mandatory tools to assess and reward quality teaching. The case of an Australian university outlined in the paper and the approach taken by seven other universities is largely driven by performance‐based funding. One of the key concerns for many in higher education is the intrusion of academic autonomy with increased focus on outcomes and less emphasis on resources needed to produce excellence in learning and teaching and research. The increased reliance on student happiness as a measure of educational quality raises the questions on whether high student satisfaction would strengthen academic rigour and student attainment of learning outcomes and generic skills which are seen as key factors in graduate exit standards.

Practical implications

The renewal of quality assurance and performance‐based funding using student satisfaction as a measure of educational quality will result in increased use of student voice to assess learning and teaching outcomes. Such direction will increase the accountability on academics to improve student experience and the measures will be used to assess academic staff performance.

Originality/value

The paper outlines the trends and changes in the teacher and unit evaluations in Australian universities and its implications in the future. The paper also provides a case of an Australian university that has recently made teacher and unit evaluations compulsory with the results used in academic staff annual performance review and linking reward with performance outcomes.
The value relevance of corporate responsibility reporting: South African evidence
Authors: de Klerk Marna , de Villiers Charl
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Corporate responsibility reporting (CRR) deals with companies’ ethical, economic, environmental, and social impacts. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on whether CRR is associated with the information set that shareholders use to value a company's equity and therefore, the value‐relevance thereof for investment decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a modified Ohlson model developed by Hassel, Nilsson and Nyquist to examine the role of CRR in providing information to shareholders that may affect their valuation of a company. The paper uses two data sets, namely a KPMG dataset on the CRR of the top 100 South African companies and the McGregor BFA database for financial data.

Findings

It was found that the share prices of companies with higher levels of CRR are likely to be higher.

Originality/value

Prior research in which different valuation methods and different assessment periods were used was conducted in different developed countries. Some studies show value relevance, while others do not. South Africa is a developing country and by bringing a developing country to the literature the authors’ aim is to contribute to the current debate on the value relevance of CRR.
Dynamics in capital structure determinants in South Africa
Authors: Ramjee Anil , Gwatidzo Tendai
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a dynamic model to investigate capital structure determinants for 178 firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for the period 1998‐2008. The sample of firms is also used to examine the cost and speed of adjustment towards a target debt ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

A target adjustment model is estimated using a generalized method of moments technique to examine the cost and speed of adjustment towards a target debt ratio. The determinants of target capital structure for South African listed firms are also examined.

Findings

The results show that South African firms adjust relatively fast towards a target leverage level. It is also found that asset tangibility, growth, size and risk are positively related to leverage, while profitability and tax are negatively related to leverage. The results also suggest that capital structure decisions of South African listed firms follow both the pecking order and trade‐off theories of capital structure.

Research limitations/implications

The sample chosen focused on listed firms, thus the results cannot credibly be generalized to all South African firms (listed and unlisted). Also, whilst a lot can be gleaned from the results, they may not be readily applicable to firms in other African countries.

Originality/value

The issue of dynamic adjustment towards a target or optimal debt ratio has not received sufficient attention in developing economies. Using data from an emerging economy, this paper attempts to fill this gap in the literature. A target adjustment model is estimated using a generalized method of moments technique.
Understanding propensity to initiate negotiations
Authors: Volkema Roger J. , Fleck Denise
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to introduce a model of the initiation process in negotiations, and to describe a study of the effects of culture and personality on propensity to initiate and assertiveness in negotiations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey research approach and hierarchical regression analyses, initiation propensity and assertiveness were regressed against two country cultures diverse with respect to perceived appropriateness of initiation (Brazil and the USA) and four measures of personality (self‐efficacy, locus of control, risk propensity, Machiavellianism).

Findings

Regression analyses found three personality factors (risk propensity, self‐efficacy, Machiavellianism) to be most significantly associated with initiation propensity/assertiveness, along with an interaction effect involving country culture and risk propensity.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies might benefit from a broader, more diverse subject pool (beyond the two countries studied). This would allow for separate analyses of cultural dimensions, rather than treating culture as a composite measure. In addition, future research might include measures of actual initiation behavior.

Practical implications

Initiation is a manageable process. Self‐efficacy, for example, can be improved by observing others skilled in the initiation process, and through practicing initiation under more favorable conditions. Furthermore, an individual can follow a graduated approach to gain initiation confidence, beginning with simply engaging (without asking) and progressing to asking and optimizing.

Originality/value

This paper offers a model for understanding the dynamics of the initiation process in negotiations, which generally has been overlooked by negotiation researchers. The study examines two sets of factors that can influence initiation behavior that have not been investigated in total – culture and personality.
Deer Creek Land Development (DCLD)
Authors: Jagoda Kalinga , Maheshwari Bharat , Gutowski Gregory
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the experiences of a small business, Deer Creek Land Developments (DCLD), which has been very successful in negotiating the competitive pressures in a mature industry over time and has built sustainable competitive advantage. The firm has been quite successfully navigating the ups and downs of the market. The case provides an excellent example of how small businesses can open their business models to respond to changes in the external environment, such as an economic downturn, and/or simply to grow.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a single case study approach. Detailed interviews of the owner and the manager were used to collect data for the case study.

Findings

DCLD's success is found to be hinged on its ability to consistently enhance operational efficiencies, move to higher valuations by adopting an open business model that exploits core in‐house capabilities and those acquired through contractors and partner organizations.

Practical implications

The paper provides several interesting insights useful for small business managers and entrepreneurs. Small businesses can use openness of both types, as demonstrated in the case, to create strategic differentiation and also to reduce operating costs.

Originality/value

This paper initiates a rich field enquiry, which provides some interesting insights to small business managers. The case study is used to demonstrate how a small business can effectively use an open business model to negotiate competitive and environmental pressures.
Blues and hues for Color Valley
Authors: Mehta Seema , Singh Tarika , Saxena Tanjul
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The owners and promoters of Color Valley are feeling blue as their much cherished entrepreneurial endeavour is attacked by multi‐hued issues. Having chalked out a distinct position for itself in the landscape of the unorganized paint industry through aggressive brand building and marketing, the five year old company, known for its quality product and customer satisfaction, is today at a crossroads of liquidity dilemma. The severe cash crunch needs to be not only contained but reversed through well thought out actions. This is not an exception in such set‐ups: it's rather more of a norm. However, decisions of today are going to determine the fate of tomorrow. The purpose of this paper is to present a case of financial (mis)management set in the backdrop of entrepreneurial venture, which will be useful to practising managers, entrepreneurs and students alike.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers use a single case study approach by examining stages in entrepreneur development process, effect of environment, barriers to entrepreneurship and strategic decision making. In addition, secondary data on the Indian paint industry were gathered and analyzed to determine external environment for the business, and the root cause of the problems faced by young entrepreneurs identified.

Findings

The case finding encapsulates issues of general management, financial management and marketing and throws a light on entrepreneurial thinking and development.

Originality/value

This case study provides a deep understanding of the tough times faced by young entrepreneurs, resulting from the exposure of the multiple issues which offer the opportunities and problems to small‐scale entrepreneurs.
Location as a strategic retail decision: the case of the retail cooperative
Authors: Mohd Roslin Rosmimah , Rosnan Herwina
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper is a case study of a cooperative whose involvement in the retail business was exemplary of a successful cooperative, bold enough to venture into the retail business. Known as the Johor Cooperative Supermarket (JCS), it was established in 1976 with the support of a firm number of cooperative members, totaling 15,000 at its peak. The purpose of this paper is to examine the success story of JCS and the eventual demise of such an outstanding cooperative.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the case study method through in‐depth interviews with the board of directors of the cooperative, information was accumulated to conceptualize the story and trace the chronological events relevant to the case.

Findings

Unlike other business entities, JCS was established on the foundation of a cooperative that seeks to attain profitable standing for the benefit of its members. Located strategically in the southern tip of Johor Bahru in Malaysia's southern state of Johor, the supermarket attracted a large number of Singaporeans who find the assortment of merchandise and the pricing of the vast array of goods offered by JCS an attractive lure to shop in this cosy and neighbourly supermarket. However, a strategic decision on its location eventually led to the closure of this once supreme supermarket.

Originality/value

The paper traced the history of the supermarket and trailed the strategies which the management took that led to its ultimate demise. This case is also a reflection of the brave move undertaken by the members of the cooperative board to venture into a big retail business that makes it susceptible to the peculiarities and erratic movement of the business environment.
The battle to counter disruptive competition: continuous innovation vs “good” management
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This article aims to examine an existential question that all long‐established firms need to face: is there an effective competitive response to counter disruptive innovation, and if so, what is it?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper evaluates current alternatives to dealing with the battle to counter disruptive competition: continuous innovation vs “Good” management.

Findings

The paper concludes that the most reliable strategy is continuous innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Only a small number of companies have pursued the approach and the experience is only in the ten to 15‐year range. More time is needed to assess the long‐term durability of the approach.

Practical implications

Most large organizations must make fundamental changes in the way they are managed if they wish to survive.

Originality/value

The paper offers a solution to disruptive competition, the most worrying management problem facing established organizations today.
Getting back to what matters – creating long‐term economic and social value
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This “Masterclass” aims to guide executives through three complementary sets of insights into what is fundamentally wrong with the current model of capitalism, and the specific actions that they can take to create long‐term economic and social value.

Design/methodology/approach

Three sets of insights are compared: Fixing the Game by Roger Martin; “Creating shared value” in Harvard Business Review by noted strategists Michael Porter and Mark Kramer; and Higher Ambition by Michael Beer and his co‐authors.

Findings

Martin tracks the evolution of “shareholder capitalism” during the latter part of the 20th century and explains why it has become so detrimental. Porter and Kramer show business leaders how to restore credibility to capitalism by adopting a view of corporate social responsibility. Beer and his co‐authors explain “why” high performance over time results when business leaders simultaneously create economic and social value.

Practical implications

Some steps that executives can take are: focus – shifting the focus back to the customer and away from shareholder value, turning primary attention back to the real market and away from the expectations market; executive compensation – restoring authenticity to the lives of executives by eliminating stock‐based compensation and creating new models that focus executives on real and meaningful goals; and the civil foundation – defining and institutionalizing a more expansive societal goal for business executives ‐ to be a force that improves the society in which they live and work.

Originality/value

The author synthesizes three sets of cutting edge insight about how to transform a company to achieve long‐term value and social responsibility.
Time: another frontier of value innovation
Authors: Abraham Stan
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This interview aims to explore Adrian Ott's observations and research on the impact of time on customer behavior and decision‐making. Even though people factor time into decisions on a daily basis, many executives are overlooking this key element of the customer decision process as a source of innovation opportunity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a framework for understanding how customers value offerings in relation to time and attention priorities. It also demonstrates the evolution of today's time scarcity in relation to commerce and why it is more salient today.

Findings

Companies that understand how customers value time in relation to their offerings were more successful in today's economy and often achieved competitive advantage.

Practical implications

The framework guides executives in determining actions and market opportunities for products or services based on a time and attention‐centric mindset.

Originality/value

Time‐value economics provides a new lens for organizations to understand how time shapes customer behavior and decisions. The associated Timeographics 2×2 provides a useful market segmentation model. It enables businesses to identify new innovation opportunities and actions to foster growth.
How cloud computing enables process and business model innovation
Authors: Berman Saul J. , Kesterson‐Townes Lynn , Marshall Anthony , Srivathsa Rohini
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Although cloud computing is widely recognized as a technology game changer because it offers anytime, anywhere services, its potential for driving business innovation remains virtually untapped. This article seeks to define that potential for generating new business models and disrupting industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors show how cloud technology has the power to fundamentally shift competitive landscapes by providing a new platform for creating and delivering business value.

Findings

IBM research suggests that organizations are just beginning to understand the power of cloud services to help drive business innovation.

Research limitations/implications

To track how organizations use cloud tech today and how they plan to employ its power in the future, IBM surveyed 572 business and technology executives across.

Practical implications

The survey found that companies worldwide are beginning to recognize cloud's capabilities to generate new business models and promote sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

By assisting in developing new operating capabilities, cloud technology can help a company change its role within its industry or enter a different industry.
Open innovation helps Whirlpool Corporation discover new market opportunities
Authors: Muller Amy , Hutchins Nate
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper posits that by selectively applying open innovation, companies can enrich their stock of valuable ideas, effectively manage product development and upgrade their emerging businesses without wholesale changes to their innovation initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study of the open innovation process at Whirlpool Corporation written by two Strategos consultants who have worked with the firm.

Findings

Whirlpool has developed a set of questions and discussion guides that help to inform the decision to go “open” or not at each step of the innovation process.

Practical implications

Whirlpool believes that open innovation is really about building and maintaining relationships and alliances. These relationships are managed by “relationship managers” as part of the new business development activities.

Originality/value

By changing the context to competences within any organization, not just Whirlpool, the company is now considering and pursuing a number of opportunities that would have previously been rejected, and Whirlpool is successfully expanding its business to adjacent spaces through the help of open innovation partners.
Building resilience capabilities at “Big Brown Box, Inc.”
Authors: Välikangas Liisa , Georges L. Romme A.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to contend that to achieve the resilience needed to thrive long‐term in a dynamic, highly competitive marketplace companies need to commit to continual customer‐focused agility training.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses “Big Brown Box Inc.”, which is a disguised case about a real company's practices and experiences.

Findings

The paper reveals that training for resilience involves mastering three strategic management practices: cultivating foresight, rehearsing non‐routine behaviors and building an experimentation‐oriented community.

Practical implications

The takeaway from the Big Brown Box Inc. example is that all companies need to continually exercise their operational resilience to prepare for setbacks and the maneuvers of rivals.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that the rehearsing and training exercises needed to develop resilience will help an organization learn how to proactively engage in exploration and experimentation.
Influence of a mandatory IFRS adoption on accounting practice
Authors: Bayerlein Leopold , Al Farooque Omar
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the changes of accounting policy choices and the harmonisation of accounting practices for two important financial reporting items within and between three IFRS adopting countries. Furthermore, it aims to address methodological shortcomings in the prior harmonisation literature through the introduction of two newly developed significance assessment methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of the mandatory IFRS adoption in Australia (AUS), Hong Kong (HK) and the UK on deferred taxation (DT) and goodwill (GW) accounting practices as well as the within and between country harmonisation of accounting practices is investigated through an event type study. These investigations are conducted using a McNemar test with Bowker extension as well as the Split C‐Index with a newly developed bootstrapping significance testing methodology.

Findings

This study demonstrates that the mandatory IFRS adoption in the analysed countries is linked to a significant harmonisation of DT and GW accounting practices between AUS, HK and the UK. Furthermore, the increase of adequate accounting policy information in the financial reporting documents of UK firms over the period of this study is identified as an important harmonisation accelerator.

Originality/value

This study adds to the prior literature due to its focus on the mandatory IFRS adoption within the analysed countries. Furthermore, the introduction of two newly developed methodologies to evaluate the significance of accounting policy choice changes and harmonisation over time addresses an important methodological shortcoming in the prior literature.
Mutual fund selection criteria: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Jamaludin Nurasyikin , Smith Malcolm , Gerrans Paul
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Under its “Members Investment Scheme” strategic initiative, the Malaysian Employees Provident Fund (EPF) permits its members to invest part of their retirement savings in approved external funds. Given there is an increasing number of unit trust funds available in the market, it is not an easy task for members to make this investment choice decision. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived importance of fund selection criteria within the context of retirement savings in Malaysia. In addition, it also seeks to examine whether there is a relationship between religious affiliation and choice of fund.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐survey was carried out among 440 individual EPF members.

Findings

The survey results show that the ranking of mutual fund selection criteria differs between Muslim and non‐Muslim members. Past performance was the most important criterion valued by the non‐Muslim EPF members. In line with conforming to religious belief, the fund's commitment to Islamic principles was the most important criterion considered by Muslim EPF members. Both type of religious group members also considered the overall reputation of the fund as important criterion in selecting a mutual fund.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is subject to the normal limitations associated with survey research.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can help fund management companies to better promote their funds to the right investors.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical evidence regarding mutual fund selection criteria from the perspectives of individual investors.
Audit exemption among SMEs in Malaysia
Authors: Kamarudin Norashikin , Zainal Abidin Zubaidah , Smith Malcolm
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Audit helps both shareholders and stakeholders to make informed decisions about future directions, based on how the company is performing. The issue of audit exemption among small companies has been addressed in studies in the UK, Australia and Singapore, together with several others, while Malaysia still legally obligates all companies, irrespective of their size, to be audited annually. The purpose of this exploratory study is to explore the factors associated with a push for audit exemption among small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of SMEs in Malaysia's Klang Valley is conducted to examine their perceptions of audit value, audit burden and audit costs, and their implications for the acceptance of the current audit provisions.

Findings

After follow‐ups the survey yields a response rate of 83 percent, with 360 valid responses received. The results indicate that all three factors have a significant relationship with the level of acceptance of audit exemption. Their preferred audit exemption threshold is also presented.

Research limitations/implications

The results from this study provide useful information for policy makers, auditors and directors of small companies in regards to audit exemption.

Originality/value

The results of the study provide new information for policy makers, auditors and directors of small companies, with implications for future regulation on audit exemption.
The impact of social pressures, locus of control, and professional commitment on auditors’ judgment
Authors: Nasution Damai , Östermark Ralf
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of improper social pressures on auditors’ judgment in the setting of a high power distance and low individualism society. Auditors’ judgment in this paper is related to the case of auditors’ willingness to sign off on net equipment balance for assets in question. Second, the paper investigates the role of locus of control and the relationship of multidimensional professional commitment on auditors’ judgment under conditions of social pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental method is used in this research. The paper uses a case that was developed by Lord and DeZoort to manipulate the interest variable, social pressures. The paper also uses locus of control and multidimensional professional commitment as the explanatory variables.

Findings

The research finds that social pressures affect auditors’ judgment in a high power distance and low individualism society. Auditors who contend with improper social pressures make judgments that violate their integrity and professionalism. The paper also finds that locus of control and multidimensionality of professional commitment might potentially affect auditors’ judgment.

Originality/value

The research takes into account cultural influence on auditors’ judgment. The paper uses subjects who are in a high power distance and low individualism society. As Public Accountant is a worldwide profession, it is important to understand the impact of cultural dimensions on the profession. Moreover, insights drawn from this paper may be of assistance to regulators and the public accountant profession in considering and developing a mechanism that can mitigate the impact of improper social pressures.
An evaluation of the My Way transition programme
Authors: Broadhurst Sarah , Yates Kathryn , Mullen Brenda
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the My Way transition programme.

Design/methodology/approach

The programme was evaluated over a two year period via interviews with a range of stakeholders. The evaluation focused on outcomes for young people, experience of the transition process, differences in the cost of care packages and an exploration of what was different about the My Way approach.

Findings

There were positive outcomes for young disabled people using the programme, and reduced costs to commissioners. The success of the My Way programme seemed to result from its focus on implementing actions and “doing” rather than just developing plans.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence for commissioners, providers and service users of the importance of providing person‐centred facilitators who implement actions. It clearly demonstrates that when this happens savings can be made and good outcomes achieved.
Commentary on “An evaluation of the My Way transition programme”
Authors: Davies Jill
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to comment on Broadhurst et al.'s evaluation of the My Way transition programme.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflects on Broadhurst et al.'s account in the context of recent and current transition initiatives within the UK.

Findings

Transition support remains a problematic area. Successful support needs to include a number of elements.

Originality/value

There is a clear role for the kind of facilitation used in the My Way project as a means of providing creative support to young people and their families.