bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the RSQS in apparel specialty stores
Authors: Yeap Ai Leen Jasmine , Ramayah T.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to validate the Retail Service Quality Scale (RSQS) developed by Dabholkar et al. in the Malaysian business setting, specifically in the context of apparel specialty stores.

Design/methodology/approach

Two well‐known retail clothing store chains were selected for this study. Purposive sampling method was used, with a total of 211 responses collected from customers of all X and Y's chain stores in the northern region of Malaysia.

Findings

The paper finds that all the five dimensions: physical aspects, reliability, personal interaction, problem solving, and policy, are highly suited for measuring retail service quality in clothing stores, also proving that the instrument is applicable in the Malaysian setting. Retail service quality is furthermore associated with future consumption behaviour in terms of the customers' intention to visit, purchase and recommend the stores to others.

Research limitations/implications

The instrument is proven to be valid, reliable and appropriate for studying retail businesses that offer a mix of services and merchandise. The instrument is also applicable in another culture other than the USA, namely Malaysia.

Practical implications

Retailers can utilize the instrument for benchmarking current levels of retail service quality, carrying out periodic inspections to measure service performance and improvement, as well as to detect problematic areas of service quality within the stores that are in need of attention.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the somewhat limited studies carried out on instrument validation in Malaysia. Furthermore, the RSQS is tested in Malaysia – a country with a vibrant, dynamic retail environment and heightened consumer awareness for fashion and retail.
Online consumer communities, collaborative learning and innovation
Authors: Rossi Carla
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to outline the managerial challenges faced by the organizations interested in leveraging knowledge and creative talent embedded in online customers' communities to sustain innovation in b‐2‐c industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a detailed case study analysis of a leading food producer who launched an online open collaborative platform to gather users' idea for new products the paper aims to highlight the transformational effort that firms have to make in order to leverage knowledge absorption from customers in the context of innovation.

Findings

The paper suggests potential strategies for conventional companies to engage consumers in knowledge (co‐creation) and collaborative innovation processes, formulating some hypothesis that could support an interpretative model of the capabilities needed to develop, maintain and increase customers' engagement in the exchange.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents the first results of an ongoing research that needs to be deepened and widened to cover other kinds of business sectors.

Practical implications

On the basis of the case analyzed, the paper suggests some managerial actions that could be adopted to facilitate customers' engagement in processes of collaborative learning and innovation, outlining the potential barriers (in primis managerial reluctance) that could prevent a successful result.

Originality/value

The case contributes to the literature on co‐creation, demonstrating how it can be progressively achieved and improved, through a combination of management and marketing strategies, addressed at accruing not only users' motivation but also managerial commitment.
International new ventures in “low tech” sectors: a dynamic capabilities perspective
Authors: Evers Natasha
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Drawing on the dynamic capabilities perspective and the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm, this paper seeks to further understanding of international new ventures (INVs) operating in a traditional low technology sector – an understudied context in international entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research merited qualitative research as the chosen methodology. Multiple case study design and critical incident technique were the main qualitative techniques employed.

Findings

The case entrepreneurs' objective and subjective capabilities emerge as a critical key resource for strategically managing and developing the dynamic capabilities of the firm in areas of research and development (R&D), logistics and production. The firms' capability to adapt and renew themselves through product diversification strategies was also critical for sustainable competitive advantage in a highly turbulent and competitive sector of seafood.

Research limitations/implications

The study is sector‐specific and, while the sample size is small, findings are consistent. The paper presents a conceptual research framework for exploring further dynamic capabilities theory across diverse empirical high and low‐tech industry contexts.

Practical implications

Low technology sectors are considered a “forgotten sector” of innovation policies in small‐developed economies. Findings from this study identify a number of important implications of relevance to policy‐makers and managers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge and understanding of how INVs in traditionally low‐tech sectors develop competitive advantage on international markets. The study presents an entrepreneurial perspective to the dynamic capabilities theory of the firm and presents a conceptual research framework to further understanding on INVs.
Network resources and international performance of high tech SMEs
Authors: Kenny Breda , Fahy John
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This study aims to identify and examine the relationship between network resources and international performance of high tech small to medium‐sized enterprises (HTSME) in the telecommunications industry in Ireland. The network resource construct for this paper comprises three dimensions: network human capital resources, network resource combination, and information sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research was carried out using a mail survey in which 154 firms completed and returned the questionnaire. Three hypotheses were analysed using structural equations modelling using LISREL.

Findings

The study's main finding suggests a positive relationship between a firm's network human capital resources and international performance. However, no support was found for the relationship between network resources combinations, information sharing and international performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study is cross‐sectional, confined to a single industry and focused on the role of networks in the HTSME context only. Results from this study provide policy makers and practitioners with additional insights into specific network resource‐based factors that are associated with international performance for HTSMEs. Such an assessment would help identify specific areas of relationship strengths and weaknesses in terms of the level of human capital available to firms, the combinations of complementary resources across firms and the extent and level of information exchange between firms.

Practical implications

The paper concludes with a discussion of these findings and the overall implications for policy makers and managers. Specifically, it is necessary to identify and review the types of resources that are critical to the international performance of firms and develop and implement business strategies building on those resources in order to enhance the likelihood of international success.

Originality/value

This study offers a multiple dimensionality to the network resource concept by measuring the direct effect of the type of network resources in terms of human capital, information and network resource combinations on international performance of HTSMEs in the telecommunications industry. These findings advance network research by highlighting the trade‐offs that networks impose on firms that seek to manage and leverage their network resources.
Entrepreneurship and urban growth: dimensions and empirical models
Authors: Rahman Mizan , Fatima Nafeez
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at various dimensions of entrepreneurship and the empirical models that try to explain the relationship between entrepreneurship and growth in cities for both developed (USA and Europe) and developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an in‐depth and extensive review of the existing literature on entrepreneurship and economic growth in cities. In most empirical studies, the growth rate of employment or unemployment rate is used as the dependent variable to analyze the effect of entrepreneurship on development. The important independent variables other than entrepreneurship (new start‐ups) are localization, urbanization, level of education, age, industry structure (specialization vs competition), monopoly or competition. The economic units considered for cities are labor market areas (LMAs), standard metropolitan areas (SMAs) and consolidated metropolitan statistical areas (CMSAs). The majority of studies have utilized discrete dependent variable models such as Tobit or Probit to calculate the probability of the effect of entrepreneurship on economic growth. Other studies have applied ordinary least squares estimation to find the cross‐sectional variation of employment growth that accounts for entrepreneurial activities. Panel data are employed in a number of models to control for region‐specific and country‐specific fixed effects.

Findings

In this paper, four important dimensions of entrepreneurship are identified. First, for entrepreneurial studies on economic growth, cities are considered to be appropriate economic units rather than states or countries. Second, there are several definitions and measurements of entrepreneurship available in the literature. Hence, empirical models and their results may vary depending on the model specification. Third, the relationship between employment growth (a proxy for economic growth) and innovative activity is dynamic in nature and thus the problem of endogeneity needs to be addressed. And, finally, entrepreneurship has a spatial dimension and that characteristic must be incorporated into the urban and regional models of entrepreneurship. Three different types of urban models are chosen to reflect these four central dimensions of entrepreneurship. All three urban models confirm the hypothesis that there exists a statistically significant and positive relationship between entrepreneurship and growth in cities. However, the causality of the relationship is not well established.

Originality/value

A critical and in‐depth summary of existing quantitative work on entrepreneurship and economic growth in different cities is the original contribution of the paper.
International entrepreneurship, born globals and the theory of effectuation
Authors: Andersson Svante
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to enhance the understanding of a born global firm's early internationalization process and the entrepreneur's decisions regarding internationalization by using effectuation theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An explorative case study is used to explore whether effectuation theory is a fruitful alternative perspective compared with the dominant paradigm (causation), which is primarily used in earlier studies on born globals.

Findings

The study shows how a born global company could enter many markets in a short time, by co‐operating with local network partners. The founders' prior knowledge and networks were important to understand the rapid international expansion. Effectuation theory focuses on the entrepreneurs' ability to create opportunities together with network partners and is a useful tool to understand the development in the born global firm.

Research limitations/implications

The study shows that effectuation theory holds promise for developing the international entrepreneurship area. Future research is recommended to focus not only on the entrepreneur's competencies, but also on the entrepreneur's behavior, including during the time before they started the firm.

Practical implications

Decision‐makers in the early development of born global firms are recommended to use his/her own and his/her company's resources and network. Also advantage should be taken of opportunities when they are recognized or created, instead of focusing on traditional planning activities.

Originality/value

There are few studies that have used effectuation theory as a basis for understanding the early development of a born global firm.
The role of the Office of the Public Guardian in investigations of abuse
Authors: Hartley‐Jones Peter
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the investigation process employed by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). This process is used whenever an allegation of abuse is received against either an attorney acting under a registered lasting or enduring power of attorney or against a deputy appointed by the court of protection to make decisions on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to make those decisions themselves.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies are used to demonstrate both how the investigation process works in practice and how one works in partnership with other organisations to help safeguard vulnerable adults.

Findings

The OPG works in partnership with a range of other relevant organisations to protect vulnerable adults from financial abuse. It details the types of activities, the OPG investigating officer may undertake to examine allegations of abuse and the targets set to help ensure any allegations are investigated promptly and effectively.

Originality/value

The duties bestowed upon the public guardian under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, together with a general growing awareness of financial abuse, have had a significant impact upon the work of the investigations team. The case studies included exemplify the kinds of outcomes in cases of abuse and also demonstrate how Attorneys are subject to the same investigative scrutiny as court appointed deputies.
Food and drink – the basic requirements of life
Authors: Dennis Monica , Allen Judith
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the experiences of people visiting elderly relatives in hospital, detailing the lack of care and negligent attitudes of nursing staff with regards to providing appropriate food and drink to the elderly patients.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses responses from 94 concerned readers, who empathised with an article published in the Daily Mail detailing negligent, unprofessional and uncaring practice in an elderly relative's hospital care. They each wrote to A Dignified Revolution (ADR) and provided their own examples of either being a patient in hospital or witnessing their loved one's distress. This paper addresses one of the most common areas of concern: the management of hydration and nutrition.

Findings

The vast majority of the criticisms in the e‐mail correspondence that was received by ADR was directed towards severe deficits in nursing practice. The experiences that were shared demonstrated not only a contravention of the nurse's code of practice (Nursing and Midwifery Council), but also an abuse of older people's human rights. They also demonstrated not only the severe harm that could be caused to vulnerable older people and the trauma caused to relatives but also carers. Many respondents were dismayed at the complete lack of nursing assessments and the inconsistencies in the documentation about their relatives' care, including food and fluid charts, which was so fundamental to their care needs.

Originality/value

Older vulnerable people in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals are being deprived of the fundamental right to eat and drink, a right whereby the lack of nutrition and hydration causes not only untold suffering, but can cause death. To deprive a person of food and fluid is tantamount to abuse, and to be able to eat and drink is a basic human right. However, perhaps the challenge is greater than this with regard to older people. Perhaps, a significant cultural change in attitudes and behaviour towards older people by the NHS, if not the wider society, is required in the first instance.
In pursuit of a sustainable global market economy
Authors: Appleton Arthur E. , Lehmann Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Presented on behalf of the Evian Group @ IMD, this paper aims to expand upon points made in the keynote speech at the 9th Annual EABIS Colloquium on Corporate Responsibility and Emerging Markets held in St Petersburg, Russia on 20‐21 September 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

Three themes are explored within the context of the BRICs: geopolitics and global governance in the twenty‐first century; the balance between public good and private enterprise; and frameworks for equitable trade and inclusive growth.

Findings

The global situation is precarious, characterized by multi‐polarity, asymmetrical power threats, and a vacuum in global governance. The trade‐based economic development of the BRICs is a positive economic sign but raises implications for sustainability. There is a need for balance between the ability of the public sector to provide public goods, including global public goods, and the need for government to create incentives for the private sector and unleash its creativity and energy. With the proper incentives and legal structure, including respect for the rule of law, the energy and creativity of the private sector can be harnessed to develop a framework for equitable trade and inclusive growth, and to further the development of a sustainable global market economy.

Originality/value

The paper provides a catalyst for discussion that bridges the gap between business school education, legal education, political science and economics.
Stewardship: a new vision for the purpose of business
Authors: Karns Gary L.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

A new vision for the purpose of business is vitally and urgently needed for emerging and developed markets to replace the shareholder wealth maximization paradigm that has contributed to contemporary ethics scandals, creating a credibility and trust crisis for business. In response, this paper seeks to present the stewardship model, a new, humane, and sustainable vision for the role of business as a contributor to human flourishing.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper builds on the thinking of those who have championed various reformulated paradigms in pursuit of responsible business behavior.

Findings

The center of economic gravity is shifting towards emerging markets. During this time of transition there is both a window of opportunity and an urgent need to change the social contract with business to achieve human flourishing, a more desirable goal than mere economic growth. Efforts to promote virtuous personal and corporate behavior need the mutually reinforcing element of a new business paradigm. The stewardship model casts business in the role of being a responsible steward contributing to the wellbeing of customers, employees and the community; acting with positive ethics; and partnering with other social institutions for the common good.

Practical implications

Business people and business educators should give the Stewardship Model serious consideration.

Originality/value

The paper offers a new paradigm for business that aligns with human flourishing and fits the emerging market context. Adopting this new vision will help to re‐write the social contract under which business operates and to rebuild business credibility and trust in emerging and in developed markets.
A new era of sustainability in emerging markets? Insights from a global CEO study by the United Nations Global Compact and Accenture
Authors: Lacy Peter , Hayward Rob
Published: August 2011

Purpose

As a multi‐speed recovery from the downturn accelerates progress towards a multi‐polar world in which economic power is more widely dispersed, the emerging markets will play a critical role in the future success of multinational companies. The imperatives faced by companies seeking to secure their future competitiveness can be better appreciated through an understanding of the sustainability landscape, and this paper seeks to examine perspectives on environmental, social and governance issues from CEOs in the emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on extensive conversations with business leaders, both through the authors' work with leading multinational companies and their survey of over 800 global CEOs conducted in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact – the largest CEO study on sustainability to date. In the spirit of contributing to the debate on corporate sustainability, the paper presents the findings not as an academic submission, but rather as a reflective practitioner paper based on the authors' applied research. Their intention throughout is to faithfully report the views of the CEOs interviewed and surveyed, offering in places the beginnings of their own explanation of their results, and highlighting areas for future research and engagement by academics and educators.

Findings

As one looks towards the next decade, and new waves of growth, it is clear that CEOs are beginning to recognize the scale of the challenge they face in aligning sustainability with core business. They also recognize, however, that this transition will depend on the economy's most powerful force, business – and that, with immediate and sustained action, individual companies can play a critical role in building the foundations of a more sustainable economy. From the wide‐ranging set of interviews and survey responses, it seems that nowhere does this seem to be more keenly felt than in the emerging markets, and it is hoped that this is a timely and useful contribution to advancing the debate, with a unique insight into the views of CEOs and global leaders on what it will take to reach a new era of sustainability.

Originality/value

This paper, based on extensive conversations with an unprecedented set of leading global CEOs, presents perspectives of leading CEOs in the emerging markets. By examining the forces shaping businesses' response to societal demands and the challenges of corporate sustainability, the authors set out some of the ways in which business is responding – and some of the capabilities that will be required to secure companies' competitiveness on the journey to a new era of sustainability.
CSR priorities of emerging economy firms: is Russia a different shape of BRIC?
Authors: Preuss Lutz , Barkemeyer Ralf
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Against the backcloth of a growing geopolitical and economic importance of emerging economies, this paper seeks to ask whether emerging economy firms are willing to match their increased economic weight with greater social responsibility. Given a relative scarcity of research into CSR in Russia, particular attention is to be given to firms from that country.

Design/methodology/approach

The research question is examined through an analysis of differences between firms from industrialized nations, transition economies, and newly industrialized countries in terms of the breadth and depth of their sustainability reporting. This three‐way comparison analyses corporate sustainability reporting according to the GRI G3 framework developed by the Global Reporting Initiative.

Findings

The firms in the sample display clear evidence of a divide between industrialized and emerging economies, with Russia occupying a middle position. Contrary to expectations, however, emerging economy firms outperform those from industrialized nations in their coverage of GRI indicators.

Research limitations/implications

These findings leave open two possible conclusions: either emerging economy MNEs have leaped to the front in terms of addressing sustainability or they have been able to use GRI reporting as window‐dressing to hide a dirtier reality. From a different angle, the strong evidence of a North‐South divide in the sample also lends support to the national business systems approach to CSR.

Originality/value

The paper adds to a small but growing body of cross‐national studies into CSR that go beyond OECD member countries. In particular, it constitutes one of the first studies not only to tease out CSR priorities of large Russian firms but also to elucidate differences in terms of CSR priorities between newly industrialized countries and transition economies.
Dynamic capabilities, strategic stakeholder alliances and sustainable competitive advantage: evidence from China
Authors: Cui Yu , Jiao Hao
Published: August 2011

Purpose

With increasing research focus paid to dynamic capabilities, there is an increased need to explore how dynamic capabilities can help business firms to realize corporate responsibility with stakeholders for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to explore the mediation effect of strategic alliance with stakeholders on the relationship between dynamic capabilities and sustainable competitive advantage in China, an emerging market, to give suggestions on how to manage corporate responsibility to address a rapidly changing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tested its hypotheses on a sample in the context of China. Specifically, 700 questionnaires were sent out; 300 were collected, of which 227 were usable. The partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling approach was used to analyze the data and test the hypotheses.

Findings

The paper has incorporated dynamic capabilities view and corporate responsibility perspective to explain the effects of strategic alliance with different stakeholders to sustainability in emerging markets. The empirical results show that opportunity‐sensing capability, reconfiguration capability and technological flexibility capability have significant impacts on sustainable competitive advantage. Additionally, the finding indicates that the effect of opportunity‐sensing capability on sustainable competitive advantage is fully mediated by strategic alliance with stakeholders. Moreover, the result indicates that the influence of reconfiguration capability on sustainable competitive advantage is partially mediated by strategic alliance with stakeholders. The result indicates that the influence of technological flexibility capability on sustainable competitive advantage is partially mediated by strategic alliance with stakeholders too.

Originality/value

Combining theory and evidence from the study, an empirical verification of the links between dynamic capabilities and sustainable competitive advantage in the context of China's emerging economy was conducted. This theme has not yet been studied in the current literature in corporate responsibility. The research suggests that business firms can employ dynamic capabilities to achieve sustainable competitive advantage by means of strategic alliance to meet corporate responsibility to address hyper‐competitive environments.
Sustainability assurance and internal auditing in emerging markets
Authors: Ridley Jeffrey , D'Silva Kenneth , Szombathelyi Marta
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Despite the increasing recognition that organizations should report on relevant sustainability matters, the importance and value to stakeholders of these reports being independently assured are not well appreciated. The objective of the paper is to underline that such assurance can be (and is) provided by the internal audit function and, in doing so, that function makes a significant contribution to effective corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical in nature, the paper makes reference to a few “real‐world” illustrations. It is review in character and in a relatively systematic manner reviews key internal auditing professional standards‐guidance in conjunction with prior theoretical and empirical research.

Findings

The paper reinforces the argument that reporting of sustainability policies, practices and measures, without independent assurance, is of reduced value to stakeholders. The paper provides evidence to show how, despite the potential to do so, internal auditing has not always been promoted globally in this role.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to a theoretical consideration. There is potential for it to be enhanced by further empirical research demonstrating the value of independent internal auditing within sustainability programs and reporting.

Originality/value

The paper is possibly the first to make explicit the linkage between the reporting of sustainability and the assurance of such reports. It should help make boards of organizations in emerging markets more aware of internal audit in relation to sustainability in terms of corporate responsibility and governance.
A United States perspective on electronic discovery rules and electronic evidence
Authors: Ward Burke T. , Sipior Janice C. , Volonino Linda , Purwin Carolyn
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges confronting organizations in responding to the recent electronic discovery (e‐discovery) amendments to the US federal rules of civil procedure. Failure to comply with these rules, even unintentionally, can have significant adverse legal consequences for parties of the lawsuit. The vast majority of information and data is electronic and stored in numerous files and on a variety of media. Thus, there is a critical need to better manage electronic content and implement a strategic approach to accommodate new rules, legislation, and ever‐changing technology. In response, the authors provide recommendations for enterprise‐wide e‐discovery readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the legal theory for e‐discovery, the authors examine precedent‐setting legal cases for the purpose of providing managerial recommendations for developing and implementing a comprehensive policy for compliance and litigation purposes.

Findings

According to the authors' evaluation of the amendments and applicable case law, the new rules make clear that electronic information and data are discoverable, and that failure to protect and store in a retrievable format may lead to adverse legal consequences.

Practical implications

To better prepare for the duties imposed by the e‐discovery amendments, the authors recommend the formation of an enterprise‐wide multi‐functional electronically stored information Discovery Team to develop, implement, and periodically review a comprehensive electronic records management policy and procedures for compliance and litigation purposes.

Originality/value

The authors take into consideration the dearth of information systems literature addressing the critical need to better manage electronic content and to implement an enterprise‐wide strategic approach to accommodate the requirements of e‐discovery, or face costly consequences.
An empirical investigation of organisational antecedents on employee job satisfaction in a developing country
Authors: Halepota Jamshed A. , Shah Naimatullah
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Increasing dynamic technological and communication net working environment today reflects to employee attitudes and behaviours with respect of their inputs. Employee motivation is an important and critical issue specifically for health organisation where they relate to patients. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the employee perception regarding procedural justices, on job training, esprit de corps, and job clarity variables towards job satisfaction in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a cross‐sectional study which applied a self‐administered survey questionnaire for data collection. By using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 15.0 version for Windows, analytical techniques were used to the results of descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlations. The hypotheses were tested using the hierarchical regression analysis techniques.

Findings

The findings showed significant and positive impact of procedural justices, on job training, esprit de corps for job satisfaction. However, employees reported less job satisfaction with their jobs due to lack of job clarity in a developing country.

Research limitations/implications

This study has three limitations such as single source of data, examined limited factors, and small sample of population.

Practical implications

With few limitations this study contributes to literature in the field of human resource management and organisational behaviour and can support public sector management to design policies that may help to enhance employee job satisfaction in the context of developing countries.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical evidence of employee job satisfaction in a developing country.
Beyond the commercial versus social entrepreneurship divide
Authors: Williams Colin C. , Nadin Sara
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate critically the extensively used social versus commercial entrepreneurship dualism that depicts these as entirely discrete realms possessing distinct and separate logics.

Design/methodology/approach

To challenge this dichotomous representation of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship, empirical data gathered during 865 face‐to‐face interviews in urban and rural deprived and affluent English localities are reported.

Findings

Uncovering entrepreneurs’ rationales the finding is that entrepreneurs do not pursue either purely commercial or social goals. Rather, most voice both commercial and social logics when explaining their entrepreneurial endeavour, displaying that there is not a dichotomy but rather a continuum from purely commercial to purely social entrepreneurship. Neither do entrepreneurs’ logics remain static over time. What begins as a commercial entrepreneurial venture may become more socially oriented over time or vice versa. Logics underpinning entrepreneurship also vary socio‐spatially. Those living in deprived populations and rural populations are more socially‐oriented, whilst relatively affluent and urban populations are comparatively more commercially‐driven.

Research limitations/implications

This is only a small sample and the data are not up to date. A more extensive contemporary survey will be required to more fully unravel how commercial and social entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship are not wholly separate and distinct.

Practical implications

The findings raise questions about whether it is appropriate to any longer differentiate between social and commercial entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship, such as in economic policy.

Originality/value

This paper displays the need to transcend the long‐standing commercial versus social entrepreneurship dualism and begins to document how logics of entrepreneurship vary temporally and spatially.
A conceptual model for social entrepreneurship directed toward social impact on society
Authors: Jiao Hao
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The emerging literature on social entrepreneurship and its role in economic development and social value creation is riddled with inconsistencies, overlapping definitions, and contradictions. However, the theoretical and practical importance of developing and applying social entrepreneurship to sustain social development and enhance human well‐being in rapidly changing environments has catapulted this issue to the forefront of the research agendas of many scholars. In light of advancement, the purpose of this paper is to clarify the concept of social entrepreneurship. Further, a conceptual model is developed encompassing antecedents and consequence of social entrepreneurship in an integrated framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the work of others and to this adds personal conclusions from both direct experience and observation.

Findings

The central argument is that desirability and feasibility of social entrepreneur in the decision‐making process, human capital, and social capital at the individual level will have the positive effects on social entrepreneurship. The author also discusses the moderation effects between the desirability and feasibility of social entrepreneur in the decision‐making process on initiating social entrepreneurship activities. Moreover, it is argued that social and institutional environment factors also promote social entrepreneurship activities which push the social improvement.

Originality/value

The paper presents a theoretical research model incorporating antecedents and consequence of social entrepreneurship to direct a future research agenda. The paper could be used as the research model by researchers to empirically test antecedents and consequences of social entrepreneurship. Moreover, practitioners can also gain benefits from the conceptual framework and promote social entrepreneurship.
Rural transport in peripheral rural areas
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Mary , Casey Enda , Enright Patrick
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of a rural‐based, social enterprise organising rural transportation to improve access to remote areas. It highlights the very important impacts of such a service for local residents and describes some of the challenges threatening the long‐term sustainability of this local initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes both quantitative surveys of the service users and in‐depth qualitative interviews with selected passengers and key stakeholders.

Findings

Typical services users are shown to be long‐term residents, female, elderly and living alone in isolated rural areas. The benefits of the service to these users include increased independence, reduced isolation and access to health and related care services.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that such services are very vulnerable to fluctuating priorities at the political level and recommends that further research and social return on investment may help to address this.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insight into the important social contribution of social enterprises in peripheral rural locations and highlights the vulnerability of these initiatives in difficult economic times.
Forecasting future trends in Dubai housing market by using Box‐Jenkins autoregressive integrated moving average
Authors: Hepşen Ali , Vatansever Metin
Published: August 2011

Purpose

It is important to forecast index series to identify future rises, falls, and turning points in the property market. From the point of this necessity and importance, the main purpose of this paper is to forecast the future trends in Dubai housing market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the monthly time series of Reidin.com Dubai Residential Property Price Index (DRPPI) data. In order to forecast the future trends in Dubai housing market, Box‐Jenkins autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting method is utilized.

Findings

The results of the ARIMA modeling clearly indicate that average monthly percentage increase in the Reidin.com DRPPI will be 0.23 percent during the period January 2011‐December 2011. That is a 2.44 percent increase in the index for the same period.

Practical implications

Reidin.com residential property price index is a crucial tool to measure Dubai's real estate market. Based on the current index values or past trend, real estate investors (i.e. developers and constructors) decide to start new projects. Attempts have also been made in the past to forecast index series to identify future rises, falls, and turning points in the property market. The results of this paper would also help government and property investors for creating more effective property management strategies in Dubai.

Originality/value

There is no previous study analyzing the future trends in Dubai housing market. At this point, the paper is the first academic study that identifies this relationship.
The impact of proximity to cell phone towers on residential property values
Authors: Filippova Olga , Rehm Michael
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to determine if proximity to cell phone towers influences house prices with a focus on isolating the impact of tower aesthetics on nearby property values.

Design/methodology/approach

Sales transaction data from the Auckland Region during 2005‐2007 were analysed using a series of hedonic models testing various proximity specifications across two populations of cell towers: residential‐only and global (all towers).

Findings

The study could not establish a relationship between cell towers and house prices with the exception of armed monopole towers located in residential areas due to such towers' acute visual disamenity.

Practical implications

The study's findings can be directly applied to residential valuation practice and can assist government regulators and telecommunication companies in siting new cell towers.

Originality/value

This research provides three distinct methodological improvements: unconventional geocoding that improves spatial accuracy, separate analysis of towers in residential areas that enhances internal validity and inclusion of tower mast data to isolate the impact of tower aesthetics.
Multi‐owner low‐cost housing management in Malaysia
Authors: Rima Muhamad Ariff Nor , Davies Hilary
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Homeownership is considered both economically and socially beneficial for homeowners. However, in the collective living arrangement, reaching a consensus with regard to the residential environment is difficult. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that can reduce the conflict among the stakeholders in multi‐owner low‐cost housing in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tested three hypotheses examining whether the demographic and socio‐economic characteristics of owner‐occupants and occupancy rates affect owner‐occupants' satisfaction with stakeholders' relationships. Data were collected through questionnaires from owner‐occupants of multi‐owner low‐cost settlements in Selangor state. Data on housing characteristics were collected from chairpersons of the respective owners' organisations. The data were treated as parametric, and analysis of variance was conducted.

Findings

Four factors – number of children in the family, duration of residency, participation in social activities and participation in meetings – were found to affect owners‐occupants' satisfaction with the stakeholders' relationships. The significant effect of occupancy rates was also indicated.

Practical implications

The Management Corporations (MCs) should encourage social relationships among residents. To avoid conflict, the costs and benefits of participation must be balanced. Policy makers should take two key aspects seriously: owner‐managed strategy practices by the MCs and high rates of tenant‐residents. A mechanism should be identified for assisting the MCs in housing management and for protecting the benefits of homeownership for owner‐occupants.

Originality/value

Past studies on low‐income household settlements examined public housing or low‐income homeowners of single detached dwellings. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge by examining low‐income homeowners in multi‐owner low‐cost settlements.
Time series behavior of average dynamic conditional correlations in European real estate securities markets
Authors: Hiang Liow Kim
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the time series behavior of co‐movements among 11 European real estate securities markets, with each other as well as between country‐averages, over the sample period from January 1999 to January 2010 by utilizing the asymmetric dynamic conditional correlation (ADCC) technique, long‐memory tests and multiple structural break methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

First the ADCC from the multivariate GJR‐GARCH model is used to estimate the pair‐wise conditional correlations between the 11 securitized real estate markets. Then, the 11 country‐average conditional correlation series is subject to a battery of four long‐memory tests to form an “on the balance of evidence” picture; the semi‐parametric Geweke and Porter‐Hudak procedure and Robinson test, as well as the non‐parametric Hurst‐Mandelbrot R/S and Lo's modified R/S tests. Finally, the Bai and Perron's multiple structural break methodology seeks to test whether the average conditional correlations are subject to regime switching via the detection of breaks in the co‐movements of real estate securities returns.

Findings

Low to moderate conditional correlations are found for these European real estate securities market and a higher level of correlation in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. The long‐memory correlation effect is present for nine European real estate securities markets. In addition, the conditional correlations are subject to regime switching with two structural breaks in four country‐average correlation series. Across the regimes, a higher level of correlation is linked to a higher level of volatility and a lower level of return, and this happened around the global financial crisis period.

Research limitations/implications

The findings that national real estate securities correlations exhibit time‐varying and asymmetric behavior can help investors understand how real estate securities will co‐move in different market scenarios (e.g. “crisis” and “non‐crisis” times). Moreover, the process of dynamic covariance analysis and forecasting (the ultimate objective in portfolio management) should not rely too much on short‐term autoregressive moving average models. Instead, a combination of some appropriate long‐range dependence models and regime‐switching specifications is needed.

Originality/value

This paper offers useful insights into the time series behavior of average dynamic conditional correlations in European public property markets.
Sustainability metrics for commercial real estate assets – establishing a common approach
Authors: Ellison Louise , Brown Patrick
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to establish a common framework for measuring and reporting sustainability for commercial property assets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of a series of benchmarking tools and company reports plus workshop consultation with industry.

Findings

The paper produces an initial list of common metrics for the measurement and monitoring of key sustainability indicators for commercial property. The complexity presented by the heterogeneity of property assets is discussed and suggested means of normalising for particular buildings types is provided.

Research limitations/implications

The research draws largely from desk research of existing tools and company reports. It does not attempt to produce additional reporting methods, rather to draw on and simplify those already in place. The work is largely UK focused.

Practical implications

The work has significant practical implications in that it makes recommendations for a common approach to sustainability reporting at the building level for industry to adopt. This will aid decision making as it will enhance understanding of the sustainability performance of assets relative to their peer group whilst also supporting higher corporate‐level reporting and hence transparency.

Social implications

Greater clarity of reporting for commercial property would be beneficial in reducing the negative impacts of the asset class on the environment and on society.

Originality/value

The paper aims to provide clear guidance in what has become a crowded and complex area. This is of significant value to the sector.