bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic field generating inductor for cancer hyperthermia research
Authors: Nemkov V. , Ruffini R. , Goldstein R. , Jackowski J. , DeWeese T.L. , Ivkov R.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to continue studies previously reported with the primary focus of optimizing an inductor design. The potential benefits of hyperthermia for cancer therapy, particularly metastatic cancers of the prostate, may be realized by the use of targeted magnetic nanoparticles that are heated by alternating magnetic fields (AMFs).

Design/methodology/approach

To further explore the potential of this technology, a high‐throughput cell culture treatment system is needed. The AMF requirements for this research present challenges to the design and manufacture of an induction system because a high flux density field at high frequency must be created in a relatively large volume. Additional challenges are presented by the requirement that the inductor must maintain an operating temperature between 35 and 39°C with continuous duty operation for 1 h or longer. Results of simulation and design of two devices for culture samples and for in vitro tests of multiple samples in uniform field are described.

Findings

The inductor design chosen provides a uniform distribution of relatively high magnetic field strength while providing an optimal reduction in the voltage and power requirement. Through development of design and selection of magnetic concentrator, the exposure of the cell cultures to the heat generated by the inductor is minimized.

Originality/value

This method of generating uniform high AC magnetic fields in a large volume is beneficial for the study of hyperthermia in cells for a high throughput, necessary for cancer treatment research.
Online social network acceptance: a social perspective
Authors: Li David C.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Building upon studies of social psychology and information system literature, this study aims to propose and empirically test a research model that incorporates interpersonal motives (sociability and status) and hedonic motive (perceived enjoyment), and the three processes of social influence: compliance, identification and internalisation, to explain one's intention to use social network (SN) web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained from an online survey of 274 SN web site users. Structural equation modelling analysis was used to validate the proposed model.

Findings

The results indicate that social influence affects intention directly through the compliance process. Social influence, when exerted through the identification and internalization processes, affects intention indirectly via the two interpersonal motives (sociability and status) and perceived enjoyment. The two interpersonal motives affect intention indirectly via perceived enjoyment.

Research limitations/implications

This study advances theory by examining how the social influence processes affect one's behavioural intention via the interpersonal and hedonic motives.

Practical implications

These findings help online SNs to devise strategies to attract and retain users.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence that social influence processes are also operative in one's adoption of information technology in non‐work settings. It also shows that people have two interpersonal motives in mind when they develop an online relationship with others.
Swift trust in leaders in temporary military groups
Authors: Hyllengren Peder , Larsson Gerry , Fors Maria , Sjöberg Misa , Eid Jarle , Kjellevold Olsen Olav
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The study seeks to illuminate factors that benefit, or do not benefit, the development of swift trust towards leaders in temporary military groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The study group comprised 50 Norwegian cadets, 34 Norwegian military officers, 317 Swedish cadets, and 190 Swedish military officers. Data were gathered using a questionnaire which included two open‐ended questions on aspects which contribute to swift trust (and lack thereof) towards leaders, as well as Likert‐scale questions on temporary group characteristics, and a personality inventory.

Findings

A qualitative clustering analysis of the open‐ended responses yielded a hierarchical model of aspects which contribute to swift trust (or the lack thereof) with the following two superior categories: individual‐related characteristics such as emotional stability and relationship‐related characteristics such as encourage involvement and creativity. The latter superior category covaried most strongly with ratings of the groups' performance.

Research limitations/implications

The results need to be substantiated by further research in other professional groups and cultures.

Practical implications

The findings can help leaders of temporary groups become more conscious of how they may affect the group members' development of swift trust.

Originality/value

The hierarchical and detailed model of aspects which contribute to swift trust in leaders of temporary groups is new.
Team approach, idea generation, conflict and performance
Authors: Wood Stephen , Michaelides George , Thomson Chris
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The punctuated equilibrium model of group activity and the positive task conflict‐performance relationship are prominent in the team literature; however, their respective underlying concepts, team approach and ideas‐task complexity fit have been neglected. The first aim of the paper is to introduce these concepts, show how these underlie the two theories, and how they might be linked together in a novel way. The second aim is to illustrate the value of these ideas through the use of a case study of three teams working separately on an identical software engineering project.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance, conflict levels, approaches and ideas of three teams working on an identical software project are compared. The data were largely collected by observation of all the teams' meetings.

Findings

The findings show that the team approach and ideas‐task complexity fit are significant in determining performance. It is also found that ideas emerge as frequently outside of conflict as in it and that the team's approach shapes conflict, not vice versa. Though the team with the most conflict performed best, it was differences in approach and the matching of the variety of ideas (not conflict) to task complexity that was important. Conflict in the teams reflected the approach, influencing its execution more than its development.

Practical implications

The research highlights the importance of initial meetings and the need to consider the team approach concept in teamwork training.

Originality/value

The paper re‐emphasises the significance of Gersick's conception of team approach and the importance of the level of ideas fitting the complexity of the task, which is itself shaped by the approach; the case study makes a valuable contribution as it focuses on teams conducting an identical project for a single client.
The effect of process conditions on mechanical properties of laser‐sintered nylon
Authors: Starr Thomas L. , Gornet Timothy J. , Usher John S.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the effect of process conditions on mechanical properties of laser‐sintered nylon 12 (Duraform®) and to determine the range of conditions that provide consistent mechanical performance for additive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Tensile test specimens were fabricated over a range of well‐characterized process conditions including laser power, laser speed, scan spacing, layer thickness, build orientation, and build position. Tensile modulus, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation‐at‐fracture were measured and related to process parameters.

Findings

Tensile properties are strongly related to the amount of energy deposited during scanning. Strength and modulus approach their maximum values as the energy deposited exceeds the amount needed to fully melt the applied powder. Elongation‐at‐fracture does not reach its maximum until higher energy‐melt ratio. Performance of blends with reused powder matches that of virgin powder when blend composition is adjusted to a standard melt‐flow index. The volumetric energy density and the energy‐melt ratio are useful for correlating mechanical properties with multiple process parameters and material thermal properties.

Originality/value

This work presents the most extensive data to date on mechanical properties of nylon 12 (Duraform®) as they relate to the full range of process parameters. These data show that mechanical performance correlates strongly with the volume energy density. In contrast to the area energy density (a.k.a. Andrews Number), this volumetric parameter includes the effect of varying layer thickness and can be related directly to the melting characteristics of the polymer material. Within the parameter range studied, this relationship allows adjustment of one scan parameter for improved speed or dimensional accuracy while ensuring good strength by an offsetting adjustment of another parameter. Such trade‐offs will be important in future manufacturing applications of the laser sintering process. Understanding the energy‐melt ratio provides insight into the relationship between scan conditions and the physics of powder melting and sintering, and offers a methodology to relate results at other bed temperatures and with other polymer powders.
Laminated object manufacturing of LZSA glass‐ceramics
Authors: Gomes Cynthia , Travitzky Nahum , Greil Peter , Acchar Wilson , Birol Hansu , Pedro Novaes de Oliveira Antonio , Hotza Dachamir
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to detail the fabrication of a glass‐ceramic substrate, based on the LiO2‐ZrO2‐SiO2‐Al2O3 (LZSA) system, by laminated object manufacturing (LOM) using water‐based cast tapes.

Design/methodology/approach

Small amounts of ZrSiO4 were added to control the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of the original glass‐ceramic (LZSA5Zr: LZSA+5 wt% ZrSiO4). In order to verify the influence of the amount and nature of crystalline phases on the thermal and dielectric behavior of the material, LZSA and LZSA5Zr laminates were sintered at 700°C for 30 min and crystallized at either 800 or 850°C for 30 min.

Findings

LZSA laminates (sintered and crystallized at 700 and 800°C, respectively) exhibited a relative density of ∼90 percent, a dielectric constant of 8.39, a dielectric loss tangent of 0.031 and TEC of 5.5×10−6 K−1 (25‐550°C). The addition of 5 wt% ZrSiO4 to original LZSA glass‐ceramics led to a nearly constant TEC value of 6×10−6 K−1 throughout the whole temperature interval (25‐800°C). Dielectric properties of LZSA5Zr did not show any remarkable change when compared to original LZSA.

Originality/value

The thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of LZSA glass‐ceramic laminates fabricated by LOM makes them potential candidates for substrate applications.
Manufacturing optimization of laminated tooling with conformal cooling channels
Authors: Ahari Hossein , Khajepour Amir , Bedi Sanjeev
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper proposes sheet thickness determination in manufacturing of laminated dies as an optimization problem. The aim of this optimization procedure is finding the best set of thicknesses which minimizes the volume deviation between actual computer‐aided design (CAD) model and assembled slices.

Design/methodology/approach

This works uses a modified version of genetic algorithms for the optimization purpose. Each set of thicknesses that can cover the whole CAD model surface is considered as a chromosome. Genetic operators such as crossover and mutation have to be modified to be used in this application.

Findings

A new method for finding the total volume deviation between assembled slices and the actual CAD model was developed in this research. On the other hand, the results show how the program can automate the slice plane locations search process.

Research limitations/implications

Premature convergence does not allow the algorithm to search the entire solution space before getting trapped in a local optimum. Even the mutation operator cannot postpone this untimely convergence.

Practical implications

The proposed method is a good substitute for the manual methods that are currently used in industry. These experience‐based methods are mostly based on the decision made by a well‐trained technician on picking up the thicknesses for a specific CAD model.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt at optimizing the slicing method in laminated tooling. Other methods are mostly based on rapid prototyping (RP) and they are not applicable in the laminated tooling process since, despite RP, here not all optimization outputs can be used in practical procedure.
Support fast generation algorithm based on discrete‐marking in stereolithgraphy rapid prototyping
Authors: Bo Qian , Lichao Zhang , Yusheng Shi , Guocheng Liu
Published: October 2011

Purpose

In stereolithgraphy rapid prototyping, the support can constrain the model deformation and avoid a lot of problems such as collapse, shift, and imbalance of the model. The support automatic generation algorithm has become the key research of rapid prototyping technics software; however, presently the efficiency of support automatic generation algorithm is low, and its algorithm is complex. Thus, it is of great importance in improving the overall efficiency of rapid prototyping technics software through enhancing the support generation efficiency. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on this, this paper proposes a discrete‐marking support algorithm for treatment of processing on manufactured part model of all triangle‐based discrete‐marking on the support plane, which realizes the three‐dimensional computation of intersection for each line associated with the triangle automatically, and avoid invalid computation between all the support lines and other triangles.

Findings

The algorithm efficiency has reached O(n). Meanwhile, the technics support generation speed has been improved. Furthermore, the new mesh discrete‐marking and automatic support generation algorithm has been successfully applied to the sterolithography apparatus and selective laser melting of HRPS series.

Practical implications

Practical application indicates that the new support generation algorithm based on discrete‐marking considerably improves the support technics efficiency and stereolithgraphy rapid prototyping efficiency of the technics software.

Originality/value

The research presents a Noval support fast generation algorithm based on discrete‐marking in stereolithgraphy rapid prototyping.
The role of educational diversity in investor relations
Authors: Hoffmann Arvid O.I. , Tutic Aida , Wies Simone
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the role of educational diversity in improving investor relations (IR) quality and examine how this impacts the number of shareholder activism incidents a firm encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature on marketing, finance, and corporate communications to develop a conceptual framework which is tested using a combination of secondary data and primary data collected through a survey amongst IR professionals working at companies in the Euronext 100 stock index.

Findings

The empirical results support the conceptual framework, showing higher IR quality levels and lower shareholder activism intensity for companies with educationally diverse IR teams. In particular, the presence of marketing and communication experts in IR teams contributes to higher IR quality and lower shareholder activism.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may investigate the robustness of the results with larger and internationally diversified samples and examine how, besides educational diversity, other organizational arrangements through which finance professionals work together with marketing and communication professionals impact IR quality.

Practical implications

The results suggest that to improve their IR quality and minimize shareholder activism, companies should check and when necessary increase the educational diversity of their IR teams.

Originality/value

This is the first paper investigating the role of educational diversity on IR quality and the impact on shareholder activism, developing and testing an innovative conceptual framework that integrates marketing, finance, and corporate communication theory.
Executive positions involved in white‐collar crime
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical study of white‐collar crime in business organisations, to create insights into perceptions of potential offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was developed and submitted electronically to the chief financial officers of the 500 largest business organisations in Norway.

Findings

The study identified financial misconduct by chief executive officers in the company as the crime associated with the most serious consequence for the company. However, a person in a purchasing and procurement function is assumed to be the most likely involved in and vulnerable to white‐collar crime.

Research limitations/implications

This is a survey approach that does not reflect actual crime.

Practical implications

Both control mechanisms and ethics are needed to prevent and detect white‐collar crime.

Social implications

No executive should be left alone to handle business matters that can benefit himself/herself. Rather, the four eyes principle should always be applied.

Originality/value

The paper provides statistical evidence that top‐level executives are involved in financial crime.
Underground banking or hawala and Greece‐Albania remittance corridor
Authors: Liargovas Panagiotis , Repousis Spyridon
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study underground banking between Greece and Albania and provide policy makers with specific policy recommendations to reduce hawala, reduce remittances commissions and improve access of banking services to both remittance senders in Greece and beneficiaries in Albania.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors measure loans to customers (non‐banks), total assets and net revenues from commissions, including remittances commissions, of a sample of 26 Greek commercial banks during 1996‐2004 and examine recent remittances commissions of the four largest Greek commercial banks and the Greek Postal Office.

Findings

Results indicate that Greek commercial banks charge less for remittances services than Western Union, Eurogiro and hawala banking, although remittances are not a core business for them (loans to customers – non‐banks – are their core business).

Practical implications

Practical solutions are: lowering remittances commissions to Greek Postal Office for low amount remittances; raising awareness of migrants on benefits of access to formal banking system; implementing bilateral initiatives between Greece and Albania; facilitating development of transfer mechanisms for remittances; promoting economic activities; increasing transparency and offering insurance for remittances; and make it compulsory for employers to pay legal and documented Albanian workers through migrant bank accounts. Also, Albania could support the growth of ATMs networks, to increase access of people to more areas even to rural areas, where remittance‐recipient households receive most of remittances. On the other hand, Albania, could find alternative sources to finance current account deficits, due to a possible future reduction of remittances inflows.

Originality/value

The paper presents an explanation about low access of Albanian migrants in Greece to remittances services offered by the banking system and suggests the implementation of specific policies to banks and alternative formal money remittance service providers.
The role of commercial banks in combating money laundering
Authors: Simwayi Musonda , Guohua Wang
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the role of commercial banks in combating money laundering in the People's Republic of China (PRC). An effective anti‐money laundering (AML) regime within the banking sector can make a significant contribution to the fight against money laundering both nationally and internationally.

Design/methodology/approach

An assessment based on the AML law of China, rules and regulations issued by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) was conducted on commercial banks in Xichang City. A questionnaire and guided oral interviews were employed to collect data for the study.

Findings

The study found that all the five banks that responded to the questionnaire have, for the period 2006‐2010, not been assessed by the PBOC, despite being independently audited by external auditors. All banks have AML policies and procedures in place, have designated a compliance officer for AML activities and trained their employees.

Research limitations/implications

Only five banks responded to the questionnaire as most of them were not willing to release information on their AML activities, for various reasons. This raises the question of generalizing the findings of the current study.

Originality/value

The paper shows the extent to which AML rules and regulations have been embraced and implemented by commercial banks at a micro level. It is envisaged that the findings of this study will encourage similar studies in other cities of the PRC and help policy makers, especially at the PBOC, to re‐align their strategies in line with what is obtaining on the ground.
Terrorism financing and the threat to financial institutions
Authors: Simser Jeffrey
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore countering the financing of terrorism and its impact on financial institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Actual examples of terrorist financing are considered, as well as the international and Canadian framework for financial institutions.

Findings

The system for countering the financing of terrorism can be improved to lower costs and risks to financial institutions and to enhance actionable intelligence. A balance must be sought between the objective, actionable intelligence and the mechanism used to advance that objective.

Research limitations/implications

There is limited research on terrorism financing and little statistical data.

Practical implications

Some simple and modest reforms to the framework are suggested; policy makers need to consider their goals and revaluate the existing framework.

Originality/value

There is little writing in this area. This paper would be of interest to financial institutions, regulators, law enforcement and the intelligence community.
Training, knowledge and confidence in safeguarding adults: results from a postal survey of the health and social care sector in a single county
Authors: Pike Lindsey , Gilbert Tony , Leverton Corinne , Indge Roger , Ford Deirdre
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between safeguarding adults training, staff knowledge and confidence.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 647 responses from a cross sectional postal sample survey of the health and social care sector in Cornwall, were analysed.

Findings

Differences in knowledge and confidence around safeguarding were observed between staff groups and agencies. Training contributed to an approximately 20 per cent increase in knowledge and a ceiling effect was noted. Confidence linked knowledge and action. More confident staff offered more sophisticated responses regarding improving safeguarding processes.

Research limitations/implications

Low response rates and the specific context limit generalisability. Knowledge and confidence measures were simplistic. Further research is needed on the mechanism of action by which safeguarding adults training is effective.

Practical implications

Safeguarding adults training and a targeted approach to the analysis of learning needs should be debated in the context of training transfer. Training should be evaluated to ascertain its effectiveness.

Originality/value

This is the first major multi‐agency UK survey of its kind. Findings provide a baseline for further research.
Improving patients' satisfaction through more effective utilization of operating rooms resources
Authors: Ferreira José , Gomes Carlos , Yasin Mahmoud
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present an applied research effort aimed at re‐engineering the utilization practices of operating rooms for a public Portuguese hospital. This re‐engineering effort is motivated by the desire to enhance the patient‐orientation of the hospital. The role of information systems in facilitating such organizational change is also to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Actual data are used to simulate outcomes of three different operational scenarios related to the utilization of operating rooms and surgical teams. As such, the critical constraint related to surgical capacity is relaxed under different utilization scenarios.

Findings

Based on the findings of the study, it appears that there is no conflict between operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. Well‐designed operational changes can lead to both efficiency and patient satisfaction benefits. This, in turn, can translate into competitive strategic advantage for the hospital.

Research limitations/implications

The simulation results derived from this applied research are positive. In general, they tend to point to potential operational and strategic benefits to the hospital and its patients. Although the simulation model used in this study was validated using actual data, more research is needed to test its general applicability. Such research should shed more light on the interrelationships which exist within the hospital operating system.

Practical implications

The approach advocated in this research has operational and strategic relevance to healthcare policy makers and hospitals' administrators. In this context, the role of the information systems in providing information relevant to tracking and improving a hospital's performance is emphasized.

Originality/value

The paper presents a practical, applied, systematic approach toward enhancing operational effectiveness in healthcare organizations. It draws on bodies of knowledge pretending to system theory, simulation and operations management in order to improve the short‐term performance of hospitals.
Current use of electronic medical records in primary care of chronic disease
Authors: Shaw Nicola , Aceti Victoria , Campbell‐Scherer Denise , Leyland Marg , Mozgala Victoria , Patterson Lisa , Sunley Shanna , Manca Donna , Grunfeld Eva
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the perceptions of facilitators and barriers to their using electronic medical records (EMRs) for these functions and contributes baseline data about the use of EMRs for chronic disease management. The sub‐study reported here is a baseline process evaluation of EMRs and their current use, preliminary to a larger, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial. Its purpose is to understand how EMRs are currently being used by primary care physicians to facilitate chronic disease prevention and screening in their practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative case study where the lead physician at each of eight primary care clinics (four in Alberta, four in Ontario) participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Findings

Although EMRs are being used in a limited fashion for chronic disease prevention and screening, clinicians identified few current benefits. Participants noted some instances in which paper charts were preferred and that the lack of human and financial resources is inhibiting the use of chronic disease applications already incorporated in EMRs.

Research limitations/implications

To understand fully how EMRs can best be used in the logistical management of chronic disease prevention and screening requires research efforts towards improvement of the data structures they contain.

Practical implications

Data extraction needs to be easier so that screening of patients, at risk or living with chronic disease, can be facilitated.

Social implications

Evaluation of the benefits, for the content of care and care relationships, conferred by this new method of communicating, needs to be complemented by a parallel exploration of the risks.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that with the tremendous investments in EMRs it is important to learn how changes in their design could facilitate improvements in patient care in this important area.
Understanding environmental management accounting (EMA) adoption: a new institutional sociology perspective
Authors: Jalaludin Dayana , Sulaiman Maliah , Nazli Nik Ahmad Nik
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to report the results of a study that explains the relationship between institutional pressure and environmental management accounting (EMA) adoption. Specifically, it looks at the pressure of government and other parties in society concerning EMA adoption among manufacturing companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the new institutional sociology theory, the paper seeks to identify the extent to which institutional pressure influences EMA adoption level. A total of 74 accountants from manufacturing companies in Malaysia participated in the survey. Institutional pressure (coercive isomorphism, normative pressure and mimetic processes) was tested against the level of EMA adoption via multiple regression analysis. Next, semi‐structured interviews were employed with four survey participants to gain further insights into the survey results.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal some influence of institutional pressure on EMA adoption. Of these, normative pressure in terms of training and accounting body membership was found to be the most forceful.

Practical implications

Recognising the important role of accountants in managing environmental issues in organisations, this study highlights the influence of education and training as determinants of EMA adoption.

Originality/value

This paper offers a preliminary understanding from the new institutional sociology perspective concerning the type of pressure that influences manufacturing companies in Malaysia to adopt EMA.
CSR development problems in Lithuania: evaluation of promoting and hindering factors
Authors: Vilke Rita
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarise corporate social responsibility (CSR) development issues by organising critical CSR promoting and hindering factors, and to evaluate CSR development problems in Lithuania according to organised factors, legal context and previously implemented empirical investigations in new EU member states and Lithuania.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis and generalisation of various literature sources were applied to organise critical CSR promoting and hindering factors. In order to evaluate the CSR development problems in Lithuania, legal documents and collateral analysis of empirical CSR research in new EU member states and Lithuania methods were applied.

Findings

The antithesis between economic and social firms' objectives has existed for a long time, but the current modern world's construct refuted this concept in economic terms and has highlighted social, ethical and environmental values, taking into account definite quality options for everyone – the public sector, NGOs and society – with great expectations to act in a socially responsible way. The priorities of CSR, as emphasised by the European Union (EU), are relevant not only to old EU member states, but also to new ones. The research results show that despite the Lithuanian CSR development vision and goals, the main problems relate to the lack of understanding of CSR and a systematic CSR implementation approach.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on previously implemented empirical investigations in new EU member states with particular attention to CSR promoting and hindering factors and deeper insight into Lithuanian CSR development issues, which provide a starting point for further CSR research in the area of transitional economies.

Practical implications

The paper summarises empirical investigations implemented in new EU member states during the last few years and brings a broader understanding of CSR development problems in transitional economies.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to stimulate discussion about CSR promoting and hindering factors in new EU member states with particular insight into Lithuanian problems.
The interaction between corporate social responsibility and value added intellectual capital: empirical evidence from Turkey
Authors: Aras Guler , Aybars Asli , Kutlu Ozlem
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become one of the mainstream issues for sustainable corporate performance in recent decades. Engagement in CSR activities has proven to have certain benefits for companies, ranging from better financial performance to shareholder wealth maximisation. Companies' value creation process has been dominated by companies' hidden assets and concurrently the concept of value added intellectual capital (VAIC). The purpose of this study is to provide evidence from an emerging market about the interaction between CSR and VAIC, and thus contribute to the understanding and awareness of the significance of socially responsible investments for companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analyses, which take into account VAIC and its dimensions, are conducted on a sample of manufacturing companies listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) during the period 2007‐2008. It is shown that some causality is related to the existence of a lag during the periods for the variables CSR and VAIC. Based on previous empirical studies, this study conducts the analyses based on the assumption that there may be a relationship between firm age, financial leverage, return on sales and market‐to‐book ratio and CSR.

Findings

The results fail to provide any significant relationship between CSR and VAIC during the period analysed. These findings should not overshadow the benefits of CSR, but should be attributed to the time it takes for these investments to have an impact on firms' intellectual capital.

Practical implications

A larger sample of firms covering a longer time span could be utilised. Generation of a CSR index in Turkey that eliminates the subjectivity of CSR measurement will undoubtedly improve the accuracy of the analyses.

Originality/value

This paper increases the understanding of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and value‐added intellectual capital. This research is also the first research to have examined Turkish companies for CSR and VAIC issues.
Identifying time‐space constraints: a neglected element of the development discourse
Authors: Grieco Margaret , Crowther David
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide conceptual provocation in the context of collective expertise on the identification of time‐space constraints – a conceptual provocation that pushes understandings of routines and practices and the tensions that exist around schedulability and social efficiency when the collective dimension of all social action is ignored by social policy, be it in the developing or developed context.

Design/methodology/approach

The article examines time‐space constraints in three distinctive environments – low‐income children in urban Ghana, women's space in the North West Frontier province of Pakistan and low‐income elderly sick within the National Health system of the UK. A case study approach is taken.

Findings

The analysis draws attention to the impact of mobility constraints on dignity and social functioning in policy environments that maximise rather than address and redress such constraints.

Research implications

A time‐space constraint approach leads towards more fundamental practices of process investigation rather than a parading of apparent patterns of outcomes, and this in turn leads towards a practice of process correction. There are significant policy implications from this research.

Originality/value

Identifying time‐space constraints represents a woefully neglected element of the development discourse, and it is time for the correction of this neglect with detailed analysis of time‐space constraints across the range of social action. This paper addresses this.
Perceptions of corporate social and environmental accounting and reporting practices from accountants in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Muhammad , Dellaportas Steven
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study is to elicit accountants' perceptions regarding corporate social and environmental accounting and reporting practices in a developing country such as Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) were surveyed to determine their perceptions on issues pertaining to social and environmental accounting and reporting practices in Bangladesh.

Findings

Whilst the findings show that accountants have positive attitudes toward corporate social and environmental accounting, progress is limited, with the absence of ICAB in making any noticeable effort to develop such practices.

Research implications

Unlike prior studies, the implications of this study suggest that without international influence, it is less likely that institutional forces in Bangladesh (ICAB and the government) would be effective in dealing with social and environmental accounting and reporting issues.

Originality/value

While prior studies advocate proactive roles of the accounting profession, this study argues that proactive roles are less likely to prevail in the context of Bangladesh without direct intervention from institutional and regulatory authorities in the international arena.
Institutionalizing corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Uganda: does it matter?
Authors: Nkundabanyanga Stephen K. , Okwee Alfred
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between CSR, managerial discretion, competences, learning and efficiency and perceived corporate financial performance in order to establish the legitimacy and value of CSR, taking managers' perspectives in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used quantitative, correlation and regression analyses and collected primary data through a structured questionnaire on a sample of 100 firms.

Findings

The results indicate that managerial discretion and competences, learning and efficiency are significant predictors of perceived corporate financial performance, but CSR is not. However, the results show serendipitously that managerial discretion's predictive potential of perceived corporate performance is moderated by CSR.

Result limitations/implications

The study focuses on corporate social responsibility, a concept not very well appreciated and only understood as philanthropic and not really viewed as a means for improved financial performance in Uganda.

Practical implications

Our study implies that while upholding the ideals of CSR, companies in Uganda need to enhance managerial discretion in their contracting process and develop competences, learning and efficiency in order to impact positively on performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the dearth of CSR literature on the African experience by examining the perceptions of managers on CSR's predictive potential of corporate financial performance in Uganda.
Opportunity formation in social entrepreneurship
Authors: Korsgaard Steffen
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of opportunity and its role in social entrepreneurship processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a single‐case study of a sustainable community in Denmark. The data include interviews, documents and television programmes.

Findings

The case study finds that the opportunity takes a number of different forms in the process. These different forms are the result of a continuous mobilisation of actors. On the basis of these findings a model of social entrepreneurship processes is proposed, where the process is driven by mobilisation and transformation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the case provide support for a creation view of opportunities and the view that opportunity discovery does not necessarily precede resource mobilisation. The proposed model contributes to the development of the creation view of opportunities as an alternative to the discovery view and to understanding of the role of opportunities in the social entrepreneurship process.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that the social entrepreneur is one who actively creates external circumstances rather than responds to opportunities already present therein. This implies a focus on different skills and ways of thinking.

Originality/value

The paper presents a model of social entrepreneurship processes grounded in a deep understanding of an empirical setting. The findings and model question the value of the discovery view of opportunities in the field of social entrepreneurship, while contributing to the development of the creation view of opportunities.
Comparison of SERVQUAL and SERVPERF metrics: an empirical study
Authors: Rodrigues Lewlyn L.R. , Barkur Gopalakrishna , Varambally K.V.M. , Golrooy Motlagh Farahnaz
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The choice between SERVQUAL and SERVPERF metrics for service quality measurement is subjective and the research literature lacks evidence on whether these instruments differ in their outcomes significantly or concur with each other. Hence, empirical investigation regarding the concurrence or difference of the two instruments is the purpose of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is qualitative (meta‐analysis of service quality literature) and quantitative (application of standard statistical procedures to test hypothesis). A pilot test of 35 students was conducted followed by a stratified random sampling of 84 students each for SERVQUAL and SERVPERF. Data collection was through a self‐administered questionnaire.

Findings

The empirical study proves that there is a significant difference in the outcomes of the two metrics. The implications of the study are based on the combined use of the two instruments. The research identified that tangibles and reliability are the two dimensions of higher service quality satisfaction, whereas empathy and assurance are the dimensions of least satisfaction in a higher education sector.

Research limitations/implications

Even though the sample size is adequate, the study outcome cannot be generalized completely as it is based on a research focused on a specific service.

Practical implications

The paper gives a methodical approach to apply both SERVQUAL and SERVPERF metrics and draw implications on the combined basis. The strengths and weaknesses thus identified would facilitate the service providers in implementing total quality management.

Social implications

Social responsibility is a key issue to be addressed by higher educational institutes and the implications of this research contribute to it strengthening.

Originality/value

Research inferences are based on the primary data obtained from service receivers of higher education and the inferences would add value to the body of knowledge of service quality literature, as the two most prominent instruments of service quality are empirically investigated for concurrence.
Delighting customers of management education in India: a student perspective, part I
Authors: Sahney Sangeeta
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Educational institutions must delight their customers and provide quality of services so as to be competitive and achieve a leading position. The paper aims to present the results of an empirical study conducted on students of select management institutes in India with a focus on their orientation as a customer to the quality paradigm. The study is an attempt towards the integration of multiple methodologies so as to be able to identify customer requirements and evaluate service quality; prioritize improvement of service; and guide and develop educational services by incorporating the voice of the customer.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted across three phases. In the first phase, service quality was determined through the application of the SERVQUAL; in the second phase, the Kano model was applied; and, in the final phase, the QFD was applied. This paper, which forms the first part, is restricted to the application and findings of the first phase of the study, namely identification of customer requirements and the evaluation of service quality. The second part in the series is aimed at the establishment of prioritization for improvement of service design of an educational system through incorporation of the voice of the customer and the generalization of results.

Findings

The study helped identify customer requirements, measure performance and evaluate service quality through the SERVQUAL and gap analysis.

Practical implications

The paper can be useful to policy makers, educational planners and administrators in developing a system that could lead to customer satisfaction and delight.

Originality/value

The integration of the multiple tools and their application to the field of management education in India has not yet been made available in the literature. The integration of such methodologies and the comprehension of the findings and relationships could enable policy makers, educational planners and administrators to assess performance and guide improvement efforts, with resultant customer satisfaction and delight.
Public protection or public perception? Breach action within the youth justice system
Authors: Hart Di
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a study examining the enforcement of statutory orders within the youth justice system.

Design/methodology/approach

After an initial scoping of policy and statistical data, the study examined how the enforcement system operates when children breach their anti‐social behaviour or criminal justice order. Interviews were conducted with a youth offending team manager, Chair of the Youth Bench and a lead on anti‐social behaviour within each of six localities in England and Wales to establish their views and experiences. Interviews were also conducted with 12 children subject to a statutory order in the community and four children serving a custodial sentence for a breach offence, and their circumstances and offending histories analysed.

Findings

The small sample size and gaps in statistical data are a limitation but the findings indicate that inflexible guidance on enforcement based on incidents of non‐compliance rather than the child's attitudes and engagement can constrain practitioners and disadvantage the most vulnerable children without any evidence that it “works” in making communities safer. For many children, failure to comply was a response to their turbulent lives rather than an act of defiance. In an attempt to provide the structure that the children needed, onerous conditions were attached to orders that risked setting them up to fail.

Originality/value

The impact that enforcement policy has on children has not previously been examined and the study raises a fundamental question about whether a tough approach to enforcement is effective in changing behaviour or whether a refocusing towards positive engagement would be more productive.