bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The antecedents of strategic pricing and its effect on company performance in the case of industrial service firms
Authors: Indounas Kostis
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research paper is to examine the impact of a number of variables on the adoption of strategic pricing by industrial service firms, and the effect of this adoption on company performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 301 industrial service firms operating in seven different service sectors through a mail survey. Moreover, qualitative research through 35 in-depth interviews was conducted.

Findings

– The findings reveal that market orientation and market growth boost the development of strategic pricing. On the other hand, technological and market turbulence hinder this development, while the overall impact of turbulence is reduced in market-oriented firms. Finally, strategic pricing has a positive impact on company performance in both quantitative and qualitative terms.

Research limitations/implications

– The adoption of strategic pricing requires attention to a variety of company- and market-related factors, while this adoption can improve various aspects of company performance. The addition of other moderating and mediating effects could certainly provide additional insights.

Originality/value

– The current study represents one of the first attempts to empirically examine the above topics in an industrial service context.
Performance evaluation of the science and technology policy in Chongqing
Authors: Du Chunyan , Xiao Yacheng , Lv Weiyin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to exhibit performance evaluation research science and technology (S&T) policy in strengthening economic growth of Chongqing. Chongqing is the only one municipality in western China, and its S&T development absolutely will affect other fields to carry on in the whole nation. This research will offer a framework of S&T policy performance evaluation for the strategic management of S&T policy in Chongqing.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) and grey relational analysis (GRA) to measure up S&T policy performance evaluation in Chongqing based on data from 2007 to 2012.

Findings

– The key finding is that only S&T policy DEA value in 2008 is invalid, and four input factors and six output factors strongly relate to S&T efficiency.

Practical implications

– Policy makers should focus on S&T policy performance and evaluate it with the scientific method to stimulate S&T's healthy development.

Originality/value

– The paper gives an insight into the perspectives of input–output of S&T efficiency in Chongqing and forms an evaluation system which will benefit policy formulation and implement in the future.
Different choice of strategic innovation among companies in China market
Authors: Yang Xu
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test the difference among foreign and domestic cosmetics firms in terms of types of strategic innovations they chose in the Chinese market, and the difference between domestic large-sized cosmetics firms and cosmetics small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about types of strategic innovation they choose in the Chinese market.

Design/methodology/approach

– The independent-samplet-test was used to compare foreign and domestic cosmetics firms and domestic SMEs and large-sized cosmetics firms.

Findings

– Foreign and domestic cosmetics firms should not choose the same type of strategic innovations, and it also showed that Chinese domestic large-sized firms and SMEs should not choose the same types of strategic innovations.

Research limitations/implications

– China is the exclusive place of focus. Only 19 types of strategic innovations were analyzed. There may be other variables that have not been addressed in the study.

Practical implications

– Though other large-sized companies achieved considerable profitability or growth by using some types of strategic innovations, the same types may not contribute to the same profitability or growth for SMEs. Although foreign cosmetics companies had great growth and profitability in the Chinese market, domestic large-sized companies should not blindly follow them as their needs and situations are different.

Originality/value

– From thist-test analysis, it is clear that foreign cosmetics firms and domestic cosmetics firms chose different types of strategic innovation in the Chinese market. Meanwhile, domestic large-sized cosmetics firms and SMEs chose different types of strategic innovation.
Google Scholar versions: do more versions of an article mean greater impact?
Authors: P. Pitol Scott , L. De Groote Sandra
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The growing dominance of Google Scholar (GS) as a first-stop resource for scholars and researchers demands investigation of its influence on citation patterns, freedom of information, and scholarly communication. The purpose of this paper is to break new ground in understanding the various versions GS indexes, correlations between the number of GS versions and citation counts, and the value of institutional repositories for increasing scholarly impact.

Design/methodology/approach

– GS listings for 982 articles in several academic subjects from three universities were analyzed for GS version types, including any institutional repository versions, citation rates, and availability of free full-text.

Findings

– First, open access articles were cited more than articles that were not available in free full-text. While journal publisher web sites were indexed most often, only a small number of those articles were available as free full-text. Second, there is no correlation between the number of versions of an article and the number of times an article has been cited. Third, viewing the “versions” of an article may be useful when publisher access is restricted, as over 70 percent of articles had at least one free full-text version available through an indexed GS version.

Originality/value

– This paper investigates GS versions as an alternative source for a scholarly article. While other articles have looked at GS through various lenses, the authors believe this specific aspect of the topic has not been previously explored.
Open access to research data in electronic theses and dissertations: an overview
Authors: Schopfel Joachim , Chaudiron Stéphane , Jacquemin Bernard , Prost Hélène , Severo Marta , Thiault Florence
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Print theses and dissertations have regularly been submitted together with complementary material, such as maps, tables, speech samples, photos or videos, in various formats and on different supports. In the digital environment of open repositories and open data, these research results could become a rich source of research results and data sets, for reuse and other exploitation. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– After introducing electronic theses and dissertations (ETD) into the context of eScience, the paper investigates some aspects that impact the availability and openness of data sets and other supplemental files related to ETD (system architecture, metadata and data retrieval, legal aspects).

Findings

– These items are part of the so-called “small data” of eScience, with a wide range of contents and formats. Their heterogeneity and their link to ETD need specific approaches to data curation and management, with specific metadata and identifiers and with specific services, workflows and systems. One size may not fit for all but it seems appropriate to separate text and data files. Regarding copyright and licensing, data sets must be evaluated carefully but should not be processed and disseminated under the same conditions as the related PhD theses. Some examples are presented.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper concludes with recommendations for further investigation and development to foster open access to research results produced along with PhD theses.

Originality/value

– ETDs are an important part of the content of open repositories. Yet, their potential as a gateway to underlying research results has not really been explored so far.
Methods and resources to monitor internet censorship
Authors: Fourie Ina , Bitso Constance , J.D. Bothma Theo
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the importance for library and information services (LIS) to take the responsibility to find a manageable way to regularly monitor internet censorship in their countries, and to suggest a framework for such monitoring and to encourage manageable on-going small scale research projects.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper follows on contract research for the IFLA Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression on country specific trends in internet censorship. Based on an extensive literature survey (not fully reflected here) and data mining, a framework is suggested for regular monitoring of country specific negative and positive trends in internet censorship. The framework addresses search strategies and information resources; setting up alerting services; noting resources for data mining; a detailed break-down and systematic monitoring of negative and positive trends; the need for reflection on implications, assessment of need(s) for concern (or not) and generation of suggestions for actions; sharing findings with the LIS community and wider society; and raising sensitivity for internet censorship as well as advocacy and lobbying against internet censorship. Apart from monitoring internet censorship, the framework is intended to encourage manageable on-going small scale research.

Findings

– A framework of internet censorship monitoring can support the regular, systematic and comprehensive monitoring of known as well as emerging negative and positive trends in a country, and can promote timely expressions of concerns and appropriate actions by LIS. It can support sensitivity to the dangers of internet censorship and raise LIS’ levels of self-efficacy in dealing with internet censorship and doing manageable, small scale research in this regard.

Originality/value

– Although a number of publications have appeared on internet censorship these do not offer a framework for monitoring internet censorship and encouraging manageable on-going small scale research in this regard.
Attaining competitive positioning through SPC – an experimental investigation from SME
Authors: Sharma Rajiv , Kharub Manjeet
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework which connects theory with straightforward application of statistical process control (SPC) in discovering and analyzing causes of variation to eliminate quality problems, which not only helps small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to improve their processes but also helps to attain competitive positioning.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on theory and methodological framework, an experimental study has been presented. Use of histograms, X (bar) and R control charts and process capability plots and cause-and-effect diagrams have been made to analyse the assignable causes. A case from an SME engaged in machining of automotive parts is investigated.

Findings

– The results demonstrate the effectiveness of SPC in evaluating and eliminating quality problems. The machine capability (CP) and the process capability (CPk) values are also obtained to know inherent variation in the process. If these quality tools are applied with management support and apt knowledge, attained through proper training and motivation, then in this cut-throat competitive world, SMEs can establish their market position by enhancing the quality and productivity of their products/processes.

Practical limitations/implications

– From the study, the authors conclude that application of SPC requires thorough preparation, management commitment and human resource management through proper training, teamwork and motivation embedded with a sound measurement and control system.

Originality/value

– The present study bridges the gap between theory and practice by developing a conceptual framework and providing a practical support by illustrating a case from an SME engaged in machining of automotive parts.
Validity and reliability of lean product development frameworks in Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Vamsi Krishna Jasti Naga , Kodali Rambabu
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the article is to identify suitable existing lean product development (LPD) framework that is useful to implement in Indian manufacturing industry. The number of successful products is one of the most deciding factors in any organization revenue. Lean principles can be applied across product development processes to eliminate waste activities. Thus, to fulfill the objective, the present study has performed validity and reliability analysis on the existing LPD frameworks with the help of empirical data collected from Indian manufacturing sector through a survey questionnaire methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical data was collected from 180 manufacturing organizations from Indian manufacturing sector. The study has gathered the empirical data from respondents from top and middle level personnel. Factor analysis was conducted on the collected empirical data to find the unidimensionality of the each framework. Reliability of each individual framework was determined through Cronbach’s alpha value. Finally, the frequency distribution analysis was performed to find familiar constructs in the selected frameworks sorted on the basis of validity and reliability analysis.

Findings

– The present study found that only eight LPD frameworks have displayed unidimensionality with respect to the construct, i.e. the LPD it measures. The study also found that those eight frameworks have displayed a high level of reliability. Further, the study tried to find the most familiar constructs from the selected eight frameworks by applying frequency distribution analysis. The frequency distribution analysis has identified that most of the constructs have showed a high value in terms of mode and mean. The study also concluded that there is a need to develop a new LPD framework, which is suitable to fulfill the requirements of Indian manufacturing industry, as well as global manufacturing industry.

Research limitations/implications

– The study collected empirical data from 180 organizations and all of the respondents were restricted from Indian manufacturing industry. Hence, the study believes that there is a chance some more amplification before being generalizes over across the sectors and countries.

Originality/value

– The main objective of the present article is to find out the suitability of the existing LPD frameworks to Indian manufacturing sector. The study also anticipates that the products development managers and executives may collect complete information on the existing LPD frameworks and also a chance to executing proper suitable framework in the respective manufacturing organization.
Partnering hierarchy of needs
Authors: Jacobsson Mattias , L. Wilson Timothy
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– First, the purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the role of the components in the creation of a partnering way of working; second, to illustrate how the achievement of such collaborative state is dependent on a hierarchy of constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper builds on a large case study of a successful Swedish partnering project. The case, studied through extensive interviews and observations, was process-oriented and analyzed using a theoretically driven thematic analysis.

Findings

– It is shown that components exist on different levels and constitute different types of building blocks in striving toward a “true” collaborative climate. It is also shown that as the project progressed, even the non-partnering sub-projects were infused with a collaborative way of working. To this end it is suggested that there might be a certain stickiness related to this way of working. As trust, openness, and mutual understanding are constructs on an interpersonal level, it is on the interpersonal level partnering endeavors are won or lost.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper provides a new conceptualization of the partnering components and also an understanding of how the components contribute to the creation of a collaborative climate. Because the research was built on a case study, one has the limitations common with that approach.

Practical implications

– The importance of understanding that individual expectations are the basis for the action and learning that interact in a constant feedback loop, as the partnering pyramid is climbed.

Originality/value

– This understanding should be of interest for both practitioners and academics working with partnering.
Positioning decisions within strategic groups
Authors: Duan Xiao , Jin Zhan-ming
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Strategic group has been intensively studied since this term emerged in 1970s, but previous studies have been limited to the comparisons between groups such as performance comparison. The purpose of this paper is to explore the internal structure of strategic groups by examining the effect of strategic distance from a firm to the center of its strategic group on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is based on data acquired from the annual reports of listed companies and some Chinese domestic databases, including CSMAR Solution, WIND financial database, and China Core Newspapers Full-text Database. After grouping listed pharmaceutical companies in China over the period 2010-2011, the authors test three hypotheses by using fixed effect regressions.

Findings

– The paper finds that the strategic distance from a firm to the center of its strategic group has a significant negative effect on the firm's financial performance. Two factors are discovered to influence that effect: corporate diversification strengthens the negative effect of strategic distance on performance, while firm's media visibility weakens that negative effect.

Originality/value

– The findings reveal the relationship between intra-group strategic positioning and firm performance, and specify how firms can gain competitive advantage through positioning choices and strategic actions. This study promotes the establishment of a more comprehensive strategic group theory by revealing the structure within strategic groups.
Factors contributing toward student performance in a distance education accounting degree
Authors: Papageorgiou K. , K. Halabi Abdel
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of five determinates of performance in students (N = 677) who completed three years of financial accounting to obtain a Bachelor of Accounting Science (BCompt) degree by distance education through the University of South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

– Regression analysis is used on three yearly measures of performance with five independent variables (age, gender, prior accounting knowledge, mathematics background and academic aptitude).

Findings

– Results show that mathematics background and academic aptitude are both significantly associated with student performance, throughout the financial accounting subjects. Prior accounting knowledge is also important in the first year of study but not thereafter.

Research limitations/implications

– Prior research has found that other factors may influence student performance, and future studies which include these variables will add to these findings.

Practical implications

– The results of this study have important implications for instructors, students and career advisers, particularly as research linking various factors with performance in accounting subjects over the length of a degree is limited.

Originality/value

– The current study considers the determinants of student performance over three financial accounting years (rather than one year or one subject) and from a distance education perspective. As distance education becomes a more important delivery method of study in the future, these results have important implications.
Accountants’ perceptions of corporate governance in public limited liability companies in an emerging economy
Authors: Alleyne Philmore , Weekes-Marshall Diana , Broome Tracey
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the perceptions of accountants on corporate governance (CG) practices in public limited liability companies in Barbados, and the perceived effectiveness of these mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

– A three-stage approach was utilized. First, an Internet-based questionnaire was sent to members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados to gain accounting perspectives on CG practices by listed Barbadian companies. Second, feedback on the survey results was obtained from the attendees of a panel session at a regional accounting conference. Third, interviews were conducted with five qualified accountants to further explore issues that emerged from the previous stages.

Findings

– The results suggest that the most important mechanisms for effective CG were the board of directors, auditors and professional accountants. The timely provision of relevant information, board room culture, qualifications and independence of directors were the tasks considered most vital to enhancing board effectiveness. However, the high concentration of ownership in family-controlled firms, interlocking directorates, weak regulatory systems and cultural issues influenced the effectiveness of CG mechanisms. Recommendations for overcoming these barriers and improving CG included purposive training, whistle-blowing mechanisms, stronger legislation and adequate disclosures.

Research limitations/implications

– The study’s small sample increases the likelihood of bias and important differences being missed, thus reducing the generalizability to the accounting profession as a whole.

Practical implications

– The research sheds light on the value being placed on CG practices by the accounting profession. The study would assist companies, board of directors and accounting practitioners in developing CG mechanisms that are suitable for emerging countries.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the dearth of literature on perceptions of accountants on CG practices in emerging economies.
Students’ perceptions of education for sustainable development in the accounting and business curriculum at a business school in New Zealand
Authors: Sharma Umesh , Kelly Martin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore students’ perceptions and understandings of, and attitudes towards, education for sustainable development (ESD) at Delta Business School (DBS) in New Zealand[1]. The aim is to extend the limited literature on students’ perceptions of ESD within an accounting and business curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

– To ascertain the students’ evaluations of their ESD, a survey was administered to 60 accounting and business students at DBS. The survey data were supplemented with interview evidence from 20 of the 60 students to obtain a deeper understanding of the students’ evaluations.

Findings

– A majority of the students perceive ESD as a “good thing.” Students were supportive of the sustainable business learning experience offered at DBS. The results suggest that students’ knowledge of sustainable business practices improved significantly from their studies.

Practical implications

– The paper should assist education providers to assess how students perceive ESD. This may help bring about changes, to improve the teaching of sustainable development. Universities can be the main providers of ESD, but other educational providers such as the professional accounting bodies will also need to manage the development of ongoing education processes. Most students at DBS believe they are obtaining a good understanding of the concept of sustainability.

Originality/value

– There is a shortage of research concerning how students perceive sustainable development education. This paper contributes to the discussion of what to incorporate in sustainable education programmes, to help students properly to understand sustainable development. We believe accounting and business education should develop graduates into broad-minded thinkers with a capacity for independent and critical thought. This will prepare them for future leadership roles.
Environmental management framework of persistent organic pollutants in India
Authors: Sharma Ashwani
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The current situation in India concerning the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), aimed at regulating their production and use has been examined. The purpose of this paper is to present data on the quantities of POPs generated and accumulated in the country. Measures for environmental sound management of POPs and effective implementation of the Stockholm Convention have been recommended.

Design/methodology/approach

– A national implementation plan (NIP), presenting the status and inventory of POPs in India was developed. Ground-level situation of 12 POPs were assessed through inventorization, samples collection, analysis and interpretations.

Findings

– As per the inventory of POPs; to date, the total amount of polychlorinated biphenyls is assessed as up to 28,000 MT in the power sector and total quantity of date-expired obsolete pesticides stock was around 47,000 kg. The total emission of dioxins was estimated to be ∼8.7 kg toxic equivalent, with the main contributions coming from waste incineration followed by ferrous and non-ferrous metal production. There are gaps in the implementation, in terms of existing legal and regulatory framework and Stockholm Convention requirements.

Practical implications

– The analysis, results and recommendations presented would be useful for other developing countries in a comparable position to India confronting similar challenges of POPs management.

Originality/value

– During the development of the NIP, primary data on POPs were collected and assessed. This perhaps is the first research paper from India on the status and environmental management framework of POPs listed under various Annexes of the Stockholm Convention.
Valuing “Raise Your Rate” certificates of deposit
Authors: Brous Peter , G. Buchanan Bonnie , Orcutt Tony
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The “raise your rate” (RYR) certificate of deposit (CD) allows investors to raise the rate on their CD to the current market rate over the life of the CD. The purpose of this paper is to present a binomial option pricing model to value this option to raise the rate. The model also demonstrates conditions under which the investor should choose to exercise their option and raise their rate prior to maturity. Understanding the value of this option is useful to both banks setting rates, and investors comparing alternative investment opportunities. The results of this model suggest that, for CDs with short maturities and low yields, the value of the option is relatively small, roughly one to four basis points, however, for CDs with longer maturities and higher yields the value of the option can be as much as 50-80 basis points.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper demonstrates how to value raise your rate CDs by applying a binomial option pricing model and provides the value of this option over a range of current CD yields and over a range of CD maturities.

Findings

– When CD rates are low and maturities are short the value of the option is small (one to four basis points), however, when CD rates are high with longer maturities, the value of this option can be significant (50-80 basis points).

Research limitations/implications

– The research implication is that the rate discount that the institution offers and the investor accepts should reflect the value of the option to raise the rate. The benefit to the institution and the cost to the investor reflected in the rate discount can be determined by the procedures presented in this paper regarding the valuation of the option to raise the rate.

Practical implications

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how to apply a binomial option pricing model to value the option that is attached to a raise your rate CD. Knowing the value of this option should be useful both to banks, in determining the discounted rate they should offer on these CDs, and to investors choosing among alternative investment opportunities. An additional benefit of applying a binomial model to value the option is that the model can be used by investors to determine the optimal point at which to exercise their option and lock in the current higher rate.

Social implications

– Given the recent financial turmoil, pressure has been placed on banks to increase their liquidity and deposit base. CDs are crucial to this. Understanding the value of the RYR option is useful to both banks setting rates and investors comparing alternative investment opportunities.

Originality/value

– Given the current economic climate, deciding which strategic investment options to pursue is of paramount importance. To the best of the knowledge this is the first study that applies binomial option pricing to certificates of deposit to help investors make these decisions.
Student perspectives: recovery college experience
Authors: Meddings Sara , Guglietti Shannon , Lambe Hazel , Byrne Diana
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore Recovery College from a student perspective and consider what contributes to making Recovery College effective.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors draw on interviews with students, course feedback forms, a detailed narrative of one of the authors’ experiences as a student and the authors’ own reflections.

Findings

– Students’ experience is that Recovery College is effective because of the social relational factors, learning from other students and the collaborative co-production approach; the educational approach learning skills and knowledge, and choice and progression to personal goals.

Originality/value

– This paper explores key aspects of Recovery College from a student perspective, informing the authors about possible components to their effectiveness.
Remarkable lives: Andrew Aldred in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Carson Jerome , Aldred Andrew
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer a profile of Andrew Aldred.

Design/methodology/approach

– Andrew provides a short biography and is then interviewed by Jerome. Areas covered in the interview include Andrew's experiences during the Falklands War, his poetry and his time in hospital care.

Findings

– His experiences in the Falklands War brought home to Andrew the trauma of war as well as its futility. Its personal effects proved long lasting. His descent into mental illness led to years of institutional care and terrible physical complications as a result of the medications he was given.

Research limitations/implications

– One person's account of the factors influencing their recovery.

Practical implications

– Offers insights into the recovery process and the factors that can facilitate this.

Social implications

– Emphasises the importance of social factors in the recovery process.

Originality/value

– Andrew's story shows his long journey of recovery from his Falklands War experiences to prolonged hospital incarceration. Poetry helped him process these experiences and finding his wife gave him the support and love to rebuild his life.
My evolving understanding of recovery
Authors: Lorna Lees Robyn
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this viewpoint is to discuss a personal account of the author's personal journey of recovery and evolving understanding of recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

– A personal narrative describing the ways in which the author's understanding of recovery has been challenged and has evolved. Reference to theories of learning is made to understand this process.

Findings

– That reflection and re-evaluation of long held beliefs is a painful process. It involves not simply adding to existing knowledge but “supplantive learning” – learning as loss: changing how the author sees things having processed new “threshold concepts” (Atherton, 2013b).

Originality/value

– A personal account of the painful process of change that has relevance for both people rebuilding their lives with mental health conditions and those who are working with them.
Overcoming ostracism at work: the remedial role of positive exchange relations
Authors: Ahmed Ishfaq , Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail Wan , Mohamad Amin Salmiah
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is, in considering the significant role of social exchange relations at work, to add value by highlighting the remedial effects of the individual guanxi network (IGN), perceived organizational support (POS) and leader–member exchange (LMX) in overcoming ostracism at work.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 247 Chinese employees working in the services sector in Western Malaysia at two points in time. A questionnaire was used as a tool to gather responses from the selected sample. Respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Results of the study support the hypothesis and prove that the presence of social exchange relations (i.e. POS and LMX) can have a positive effect on reducing ostracism at work. The Chinese social value of IGN is also an important predictor in overcoming ostracism in Chinese organizations.

Research limitations/implications

– This study covers employees working in the service sector. A good and more realistic picture could be drawn by increasing the sample size and drawing comparisons with the manufacturing and trading sectors both in and outside Malaysia.

Practical implications

– One clear implication of this study is a suggested means of overcoming ostracism and its adverse effects at work.

Originality/value

– Determining a means of overcoming ostracism and eradicating its negative consequences is the main contribution of this study.
Vendors’ team performance in software outsourcing projects
Authors: Qu Gang , Shen Lishan , Bao Xiaona
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study how the software outsourcing teams, namely, vendors, transfer effective knowledge to enhance team performance; it reports on a study of transactive memory system (TMS) theory and makes deep analyses and discussions about the influence of the cooperative behaviors of TMS on software outsourcing team’s performance under the framework of three behavioral characteristics dimensions – specialization, credibility and coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is an empirical study based on investigation interviews to 28 software outsourcing teams and data of questionnaire surveys on 124 software outsourcing teams; structural equation model is used to test the data we collected.

Findings

– This paper finds that both credibility and coordination have a significantly positive impact on knowledge transfer and project success, whereas specialization has a significant negative impact on project success. The results of data analysis show that TMS is an effective coordination mechanism.

Originality/value

– The conclusion of the study can help us understand the coordination mechanism of knowledge transfer in software outsourcing team and provide theoretical support and paradigm reference for vendors in China to accumulate knowledge and improve the success rate of projects in the context of software project development.
Board independence, CEO succession and the scope of strategic change
Authors: Li Wei’an , Xu Jian
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of independent directors based on the perspective of strategic control.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is an empirical study carried out between 2007 and 2012 based on a sample of Chinese A-share-listed companies.

Findings

– The results indicate that the departure of a CEO provides conditions for the new CEO to become empowered to carry out strategic change. The behavior of a new CEO results in the phenomenon of “a new broom sweeps clean” and increases the scope of strategic change. In addition, the results indicate that the board’s independence negatively moderates the relationship between the CEO’s succession and the scope of strategic change, and that independent directors are effective in supervising risk-taking behavior on the part of the CEO which ultimately results in damaging company performance.

Practical implications

– The corporate internal and external supervisory mechanisms should be improved during the process of succession of a new CEO, and the effectiveness of the supervision of board directors should also be strengthened during the implementation of the strategic process of a new CEO.

Originality/value

– Previous research on the effectiveness of independent directors mostly focuses on financial control, with a single leap from independent directors to corporate performance, which neglects the strategic control of independent directors. From the micro perspective of the strategic control process as a means of discussing the independent directors’ watchdog role, this paper extends and enriches the research on “the effectiveness of independent directors”.
Exploring the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and corporate performance
Authors: Jia Jianfeng , Wang Guofeng , Zhao Xi’nan , Yu Xifeng
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to explore the mediating role of executive competency in entrepreneurial-orientated corporations between entrepreneurial orientation and corporate performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted a survey of entrepreneurial-oriented enterprises mainly located in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenyang, Dalian, Anshan, Chengdu, Guiyang, Wuhan, Taiyuan, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and so on, areas which cover North China, northeast of China, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, and are largely representative of the population as a whole. A total of 300 questionnaires were issued with 276 returns, a response rate of 92 per cent; 248 of these were valid.

Findings

– First, executive competency in entrepreneurial-oriented corporations has four dimensions. These are profession features, concept features, interpersonal features and individual internal drive features; 15 competency elements are included in the above dimensions. Second, entrepreneurial orientation does improve corporate performance, and the positive influence is mainly through two dimensions, which are innovation and antecedence. Third, executive competency has a positive influence on corporate performance, thus confirming the effectiveness of executive competency as a dependent variable. Finally, executive competency has a partial mediating influence on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and corporate performance, with a full mediating influence on innovation and corporate performance, and a partial mediating influence on antecedence and corporate performance.

Originality/value

– The conclusions have important implications. Theoretically, the executive competency model, which fits entrepreneurial orientation, is constructed, and the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and corporate performance is enriched and extended to include executive competency, which provides a theoretical foundation and empirical support for understanding and explaining entrepreneurial strategy in Chinese corporations. In terms of practical implications, this study helps entrepreneurial-orientated corporations to develop a proper human resources management system to recruit, evaluate, train and develop executives, resulting in continuous performance improvement.
A study of drug‐related police corruption arrests
Authors: Stinson Philip M. , Liederbach John , Brewer Steven L. , Schmalzried Hans D. , Mathna Brooke E. , Long Krista L.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to provide empirical data on cases of drug‐related police corruption. It identifies and describes incidents in which police officers were arrested for criminal offenses associated with drug‐related corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a quantitative content analysis of news articles identified through the Google News search engine using 48 automated Google Alerts queries. Statistical analyses include classification trees to examine causal pathways between drugs and corruption.

Findings

Data were analyzed on 221 drug‐related arrest cases of officers employed by police agencies throughout the USA. Findings show that drug‐related corruption involves a wide range of criminal offenses, and that cocaine is the most prevalent drug. Older officers and those employed by large agencies are less likely than others to lose their jobs after a drug‐related arrest.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the quality of the available content in each case. The data are also limited to cases that involve an official arrest. Additionally, the data are the result of a filtering process that includes the exercise of media discretion as to types of news stories reported and the content devoted to particular news stories.

Practical implications

The data provide documentation of drug‐related corruption and the drug trade in 141 police agencies and the need for police executives to develop effective strategies to address it.

Originality/value

The study augments the few drug corruption studies published and is the only study known to describe drug‐related corruption at many police agencies across the USA.
Life story resources in dementia care: a review
Authors: Kindell Jacqueline , Burrow Simon , Wilkinson Ray , David Keady John
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Life story work has a relatively long tradition in the caring sciences and is recognised as an important component of dementia care and practice. However, to date, there has not been a review of accessible life story resources. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a systematic approach to identification and inclusion, 11 life story resources were reviewed to ascertain areas of commonality and divergence between the materials.

Findings

– The authors were able to group the analysis under eight areas and at the end of this process, it was uncertain if life story work is a formal staff intervention or an informal activity that people with dementia and their families could engage in. Resources also varied in terms of whether the life story information was organised in a chronological way, or with topics of interest/discussion or with a combination of both. Life story evaluation and its impact on the life of the person with dementia is in need of development.

Practical implications

– Across the resources the authors identified four reasons to do life story work which the authors have named as: emotional connections; interactional connections; building new connections and practical care connections.

Social implications

– There was limited guidance aimed at helping people with dementia to develop and compile their own life story.

Originality/value

– This paper provides new insights into the usefulness, future directions and content of life story resources in dementia care. It will be of interest to those in health and social care as well as people living with dementia.
Still working for love? Recognising skills and responsibilities of home-based care workers
Authors: Briar Celia , Liddell Elizabeth , Tolich Martin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on care workers employed in clients’ own homes recognising the skills and responsibilities of home-based care workers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interviews and focus groups with domiciliary care workers in New Zealand centred on what these employees actually do during their working day.

Findings

– Home-based care workers require the same skills as residential care workers, but they also have greater responsibilities and receive less supervision and support, as they work largely in isolation. In addition, they must spend a large part of their working day travelling between clients: this time is unpaid, and brings their average hourly pay below the minimum wage.

Practical implications

– Although the home-based care workers who took part in this project love and are committed to making a positive difference to their clients, they also want the government, employers and the public to recognise their skills, efforts and their challenging working conditions.

Originality/value

– In earlier days of deinstitutionalisation, Graham described caring work as a “labour of love”. More than three decades years later, a New Zealand government minister described paid care workers as working partly “for love”. Care work is also currently perceived as unskilled. Both these perceptions depress the pay and working conditions of care staff, and in future may undermine the quality of care delivered to vulnerable clients.
Measuring level of market orientation for an Islamic microfinance institution case study of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM)
Authors: Kazemian Soheil , Abdul Rahman Rashidah , Ibrahim Zuraeda
Published: November 2014

Design/methodology/approach

– This study aims to evaluate the current practices conducted based on in-depth interviews with 16 Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) medium-level managers who were selected randomly, including branch managers and operational officers. All of the interviewees have two characteristics; they face customers directly and influence their decision-making.

Findings

– Based on the findings of this study, AIM has a high level of customer orientation and inter-function coordination and a middle level in competitor orientation.

Originality/value

– This paper initially presents the definition of a unique concept, namely, Islamic market orientation, which is defined based on the incorporation of Islamic concepts and market orientation by discussing the characteristics of Islamic market-oriented organisations. Then, an empirical discussion for evaluating market orientation in a microfinance provider is presented. The paper uses the synthesis of different real positions for developing discussions on whether AIM is following market orientation strategies, and, if so, at which level it is located from each dimension’s point of view.
Contrarian and momentum trading: a review of the literature
Authors: C. Galariotis Emilios
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature on contrarian and momentum trading strategies and identify areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Critical review and discussion of the literature.

Findings

– The extant literature is dynamic and is typified by a number of open questions.

Research limitations/implications

– The open questions in the literature relate mainly to the driving forces of investment performance, and the role of risk and asset pricing as well as behavioral human traits. The literature is vast and therefore difficult to classify, cover and discuss.

Practical implications

– The paper indicates the possible need for: the development of different asset pricing models and propositions that can have practical implications at a more international context.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a critical review of the literature and identifies open issues for future research.