bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security in a Web‐based environment
Authors: Hopwood W.S , Sinason D. , Tucker R.R
Published: June 2007

Emphasizes that although electronic commerce continues to grow, with it come many problems including the worry of security over the Internet. Presents a systematic approach to developing and continuously improving Web security systems — allowing for enterprise‐wide controls regarding security risks. Goes into much detail regarding systems, security and design.
The effects of audit committee activity and independence on corporate fraud
Authors: Abbott L.J. , Park Y. , Parker S.
Published: June 2007

Examines whether two key audit committee characteristics combined, activity and independence, reduce likely fraud or aggressive financial statement actions. Utilizes evidence on potential of Blue Ribbon Committee (1999) recommendations regarding composition of audit committees, and further involves a sample of 156 firms — 78 subject to SEC Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases and 78 similar sized non‐sanctioned firms. Closes by stating future research may be required regarding young and mature firms ‐ that could affect monitoring.
Rate of Return of Stock Index and the NAFTA Process: An Analysis of North America and ASEAN Financial Markets
Authors: Chatterjee Amitava , Mitra Amlan
Published: June 2007

This study analyzes the effect of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) process on two major segments of the world economy. Specifically, daily stock index returns in the North American markets and the selected Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets during the entire agreement process are employed to analyze several NAFTA related events and their effect on respective financial markets. Using an event‐study framework, dummy variable regression analysis reveals that the significance of the events on each county appears random in nature. Joint testing of events, however, shows that except for Singapore, the overall effect of NAFTA is significant on the stock index returns of all countries.
Granger Causality Tests of Stock Returns: The US and Japanese Stock Markets
Authors: Mavrides Marios
Published: June 2007

This article uses Granger‐causality tests to study the dynamic relationship between stock returns and dividend yields in the American and Japanese equity markets. The “signaling” hypothesis of dividends along with the efficient market hypothesis is considered to : a) explain the strong relationship between stock returns and the determinants of stock prices, b) show that our results cannot be considered as evidence against market efficiency.
Reliability in Income Numbers for Investment Decision: The Case of the Istanbul Stock Market
Authors: Al‐Darayseh Musa , Hussain Inam , Waples Elaine
Published: June 2007

This paper uses annual accounting data to show that the frequency of occurrence of the first and second digits contained in the income numbers of companies, listed in the Istanbul Stock Exchange, does not deviate significantly from expectations.
Artificial Neural Network and the Financial Markets: A Survey
Authors: Chatterjee Amitava , Ayadi O.Felix , Boone Bryan E.
Published: June 2007

This study describes the structure and function of a new financial modeling technique, namely, the Artificial Neutral Network (ANN) in predicting financial markets’ behavior. With the advancement of the computer technology to date, ANN allows us to imitate human reasoning and thought processes in identifying the optimal trading strategies in the financial markets. The paper identifies the theory and steps involved in performing ANN and Generic Alogorithm in financial markets, the accuracy of the computer learning process, and the appropriate ways to use this process in developing trading strategies. It further discusses the superiority of ANN over traditional methodologies. The study concludes with the description of successful use of ANN by various financial institutions.
An Autoregressive Heteroskedastic in the Mean (ARCH‐M) Analysis of International Stock Market Indexes
Authors: Tsoukalas Dimitrios
Published: June 2007

This study examines predicability and volatility in three major stock markets, (the US, UK, and Japan) using the Vector Autoregressive Approach and the Multivariate Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedastic‐in‐mean (ARCH‐M) approach. We find that in the three markets: a) stock returns are predictable, and b) there is persistence in the variance of stock returns, and c) predictability and persistence are attributed to common sources of information.
Empirical validation of a general model of growth opportunities
Authors: AlNajjar Fouad K. , Riahi‐Belkaoui Ahmed
Published: June 2007

Summarizes previous research on factors affecting the market value of a firm’s equity and puts forward a mathematical model based on the idea that its investment opportunity set is positively related to reputation, multinationality, size and profitability; and negatively related to leverage and systematic risk. Tests this on 1987‐1993 data on US multinational companies, explains the methods used and shows that the relationship is as hypothesized, although the results depend on the choice of surrogate measures for the variables. Calls for further research.
Investment opportunity set dependence of dividend yield and price earnings ratio
Authors: Riahi‐Belkaoui Ahmed , Picur Ronald D.
Published: June 2007

Summarizes previous valuation models based on accounting information, extends the basic model to include dividends and retained earnings, and develops hypotheses on the relationship between share prices, dividends and earnings for firms with different investment opportunity set (IOS) levels. Tests them using 1992‐1998 data on a sample of US multinationals and shows that the share prices of firms with high IOS levels are related to retained earnings and less strongly to dividends; while for low IOS firms dividends are more relevant than earnings.
Description, explanation, prediction – the evolution of bankruptcy studies?
Authors: Cybinski Patti
Published: June 2007

This paper describes a number of models used in bankruptcy studies to date. They arise from two basic model designs used in studies of financial distress: cross-sectional studies that compare healthy and distressed firms, and time-series formulations that study the path to failure of (usually) distressed firms only. These two designs inherently foster different research objectives. Different instances of the most recent work taken from each of the above research groups, broadly categorized by design, are described here including new work by this author. It is argued that those that investigate the distress continuum with predominantly explanatory objectives are superior on a number of criteria to the studies that follow what is essentially a case-control structure and espouse prediction as their objective.
Detection of financial distress via multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Gamesalingam S. , Kumar Kuldeep
Published: June 2007

Describes the ability of modern computer‐driven multivariate statistical analysis to deal with complex data and the development of statistical models for predicting financial distress. Applies multivariate techniques to 1986‐1991 financial ratio data for Australian failed (29) and nonfailed (42) companies; and explains the techniques used (principal components analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis and cluster analysis) and the different types of information they can provide to help identify the distress levels of companies. Predicts that multivariate methods will change the way researchers think about problems and design their research. An unusually clear exposition of the application of multivariate methods.
Predicting return outcomes to shareholders from companies entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Authors: Partington Graham , Russel Philip , Stevenson Max , Torbey Violet
Published: June 2007

Reviews previous research on predicting financial distress and the effects of US Chapter 11 bankruptcy (C11B); and explains how survival analysis and Cox’s (1972) proportional hazards model can be used to estimate the financial outcome for the shareholders of C11B. Reduces a previous data set (Russel et al 1999) of 154 companies entering C11B between 1984 and 1993 to 59 (54 of which gave no value to shareholders) and estimates two models to predict this: one based on firm‐specific covariates only and the other adding market‐wide covariates. Explains the methodology, presents the results and uses receiver operating characteristic curves to compare the predictive accuracy of the two. Finds little difference between the and suggests using the simpler model. Briefly summarizes the variables which are most useful in predicting the value outcomes of C11B for shareholders and recognizes the limitations of the study.
Volatility in currency markets
Authors: Kazantzis C.I. , Tessaromatis N.P.
Published: June 2007

Restates the importance of asset volatility forecasts for option pricing and portfolio management and outlines previous research on forecasting models. Discusses the relative information content and predictive power of implied and historical volatility and the existence of overreaction in option markets. Analyses 1989‐1997 daily exchange rate data for six currencies to examine this. Presents the results, which suggest that implied volatility has more information than volatility based on past prices; and is better than GARCH‐based or historic volatility forecasts for horizons up to three months; but can be a biased predictor of future realized volatility. Finds limited evidence that long term volatilities in option prices overreact to short term volatilities.
Macroeconomic factors and stock returns in a changing economic framework: the case of the Athens stock exchange
Authors: Diacogiamnis G.P. , Tsiritakis E.D. , Manolas G.A.
Published: June 2007

Outlines previous research on the capital asset pricing model and its extensions; and fluctuations in the Greek economy and capital market between 1980 and 1992. Develops a mathematical, multi‐factor, risk‐return model and applies it to Greek data for this period, split into two sub‐periods: 1980‐1986 and 1986‐1992. Identifies and discusses the m ost important macrovariables influencing security returns for both periods. Concludes that the model does capture the features of a changing economic environment and links risk premia to macroeconomic factors, although it lacks intertemporal stability.
Equity mutual fund managers performance in Greece
Authors: Filippas N.D. , Psoma Christine
Published: June 2007

Outlines the models devised by Jensen (1968, 1969) and Treynor and Mazuy (1966) for measuring the performance of managed portfolios and related empirical research. Applies the Treynor‐Mazuy model to a sample of 17 Greek equity mutual funds using 1995‐1998 daily returns data and presents the results, which show no evidence that fund managers can select the right market timing or (except for four) undervalued securities.
Assessing country risk using a multi‐group discrimination method: a comparative analysis
Authors: Doumpos M. , Pentaraki K. , Zopounidis C. , Agorastos C.
Published: June 2007

Explains the importance of assessing country risk to lenders and investors, outlines previous research on techniques for doing this and describes a classification method: the multi‐group hierarchical discrimination method (MHD). Applies this to 1978‐1995 data for 143 countries, subdivided into four income groups, and compares the results with those from multiple discriminant, logit and probit analyses using jackknife procedures. Finds MHD more accurate overall and for most income groups except the lower‐middle income economies. Briefly considers other applications for MHD and avenues for further research.
Deregulation and operating efficiency: the case of the Greek banks
Authors: Noulas Athanasios G.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the deregulation of banking in Greece and previous research on measuring banking efficiency. Uses 1993‐1998 data to assess the effects of deregulation on both private and state‐controlled banks. Shows that the state banks were less efficient than the private and that the gap widened during the period for both non‐interest and labour expenses as a proportion of operating income, as the private banks increased their efficiency. Finds the relative efficiency measured by data envelopment analysis supports the greater efficiency of private banks although the difference is only significant at the 5 per cent level for 1996. Compares the four most efficient banks and briefly considers the underlying reasons for the findings.
Investigating the profitability of technical analysis systems on foreign exchange markets
Authors: Papadamou Stephanos , Tsopoglou Stavros
Published: June 2007

Reviews previous research on exchange rate forecasting, identifies some problems in building a predictive model and examines the profitability of using various technical rules (as used by traders) in the USD/DM and USD/BP foreign exchange markets. Takes 1989‐1996 data, divided into two sub‐periods with different macroeconomic features; and compares the results from the technical rules in detail and with a buy and hold strategy. Finds that no rules produced statistically significant profits for the whole period (although they did for the first sub‐period) and some evidence that buy and hold is superior, especially if risk is taken into account. Considers the implications of the findings and the underlying reasons for them.
An empirical investigation of Greek drachma foreign exchange market
Authors: Agorastos K.A.
Published: June 2007

Examines the formation of expectations, efficiency and conditional volatility in the foreign exchange market for the Greek drachma using 1987‐1998 data. Presents the statistical results in detail and considers consistency with other research. Identifies the theoretical and empirical implications of the study and suggests further research.
The euro as an opportunity for value creation
Authors: Blanco Jose
Published: June 2007

Asks whether the introduction of the euro has added value to firms, noting that it has reduced imports, exchange rate volatility and transaction costs in member states; and stimulated European mergers and acquisitions and cross‐border deals, even though these may be hampered by nationalism, tax/legal differences and problems with language and culture. Constrasts trens towards consolidation with restructuring, divestment and downsizing in some companies; and looks at the effect of changes in euro values on manufacturing industry, prices and margins. Believes that uniform pricing will not be achieved until the euro is used by all firms in the region, buyers are able to act on price differentials and obstacles to eliminating differentials are removed; and explains why none of these conditions are met at present. Suggests that businesses should prepare for the greater complexity in themarketplace which also represents an opportunity for value creation.
Earnings management and auditor conservatism: effects of SEC enforcement actions
Authors: Bannister James W. , Wiest David N.
Published: June 2007

Outlines previous research into the factors influencing managers’ choice of accounting procedures and auditors’ acceptance of them, including regulatory action by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Studies data from 1980‐1996 SEC enforcement actions against big five accounting firms or their staff to investigate the levels of discretionary accruals made by the relevant clients during the period of investigation. Explains how the discretionary accruals are estimated over various time frames and shows that clients have more income decreasing accruals as the investigation takes place. Considers possible reasons for this and concludes that it is due to the auditors becoming more conservative.
Growth opportunities and earnings management
Authors: AlNajjar Fouad , Riahi‐Belkaoui Ahmed
Published: June 2007

Uses previous research on firms’ potential investment (i.e. growth) opportunities, profitability and political cost/risk to suggest that a high level of growth opportunities may encourage managers to use income reducing accruals. Tests this on 1987‐1990 data from a sample of US multinationals classified into high or low growth groups. Explains the methods used to estimate discretionary accruals and to measure the investment opportunity set. Presents the results which suggest that discretionary accruals are higher in high growth firms; and support the political cost hypothesis of Watts and Zimmerman (1978) and the political risk hypothesis of Monti‐Belkaoui et al (1999)
The long memory of time‐varying beta: examination of three emerging Asian stock markets
Authors: Choudhry Taufiq
Published: June 2007

Reviews previous research on the nature of beta and investigates the stochastic structure of time‐varying beta in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore using the bi‐variate GARCH‐in‐mean model and fractional tests. Develops mathematical models and applies them to 1989‐1998 daily data from all three stock markets. Presents the results, which suggest, in contrast to other findings, that all three time‐varying betas are slowly mean‐reverting (long memory).
Taking stock at the new millennium: a study of twelve stock markets
Authors: Poon Ser‐Huang , Lin Han
Published: June 2007

Illustrates the impact of major events on UK share prices/returns in the last 35 years and the time series trends of Asian stock markets. Looks at the impact of the 1997 Asian crisis on Asian financial markets from the US investor’s point of view, comparing 1994‐1999 data for the “tiger markets” with the mature markets of the USA, UK and Japan using a conservative investment strategy to “minimize the probability of loss”. Shows that a mixed portfolio gave higher returns than US domestic returns with less risk. Confirms this using the tail index based on extreme value theory; and shows that correlation has a positive relationship with volatility but a negative relationship with returns. Adds that, during stock market downturn, the increase in correlation and volatility may cancel out the benefits of diversification.
The implications for employment conditions of foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia: lessons from the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation
Authors: Al‐Salamah Abdullah , Wilson Rodney
Published: June 2007

Outlines the role of the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) in Saudi economy policy: chiefly industralisation through joint ventures with foreign multinationals. Reports a 1993 survey of 312 SABIC employees divided into Saudi nationals, expatriates from developed countries and those from developing countries. Compares their educational and employment levels, family attitudes towards their jobs and the provision and take‐up of training; and finds significant dissatisfaction with SABIC’s training policy and the skills acquired. Considers the importance of salary levels, the implications of pay and promotion differentials between the groups and the likely impact of giving higher pay rises to the Saudis. Discusses the attitudes of the three groups towards management decision‐making, job termination/transfer proceedings, holidays, working hours, shift scheduling, working conditions and safety.
The Islamic model of administration: strategy, implementation and implications
Authors: Al‐Buraey Muhammad A.
Published: June 2007

Puts forward an “ideal Islamic administration model” (based on Islamic principles “synthesized with modern thought”), explains the role of the Islamist as change agent and outlines the sources, process, outcome, implementation methods and end results of administrative development in Muslim countries. Discusses implementation methods in more detail, contrasting the informal/personal method with the formal/institutional method suitable for Islamic states. Considers the effects on society of introducing the Islamic model and the likely sources of resisteance to it.
Privatisation in Saudi Arabia: an attitudinal survey
Authors: Al‐Sarhan Mohammed , Presley John R.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the background to privatization in Saudi Arabia and reports a survey to assess the attitudes of businessmen and public sector employees to it. Finds that 91 per cent support the idea and tabulates the proportions expecting various benefits from it (top: 77 per cent expect improvements in quality of service). Shows that significant proportions of businessmen are not confident of the quality of necessary preconditions for successful privatisation (e.g. financial markets and business law); and illustrates the degree of support for privatising specific government projects (top: Saudi Arabian Airlines 94 per cent).
Closed‐end country fund discounts and systematic UK and US market movements: co‐integration and error corrected Granger causality tests
Authors: Bennett Andrea , Gronewoller Paul L. , of Finance Department
Published: June 2007

Summarizes three explanations put forward in previous research for the deviation of closed‐end fund (CEF) share prices from their net asset values and tests the theories based on market sentiment (noise trading) and market segmentation (market frictions). Analyses 1991‐1997 data on 18 UK CEFs (13 investing in the UK and 5 in the USA) to explore the pattern of cointegration and error corrected Granger causality between the fund discounts and indices which proxy for UK and US investor sentiment. Discusses the results, which support both theories for UK CEFs and show some evidence of cointegration and information transmission. Briefly considers consistency with other research and the implications of the findings.
The initial listing performance of Indian IPOs
Authors: Krishnamurti Chandrasekhar , Kumar Pradeep
Published: June 2007

Describes the environment for making initial public offerings (IPOs) in India and the process itself; and discusses the applicability of various research explanations for underpricing to the Indian Market. Suggests that it will be greater for new firms and issues managed by reputable merchant bankers; and analyses 1992‐1994 data on 386 IPOs to assess their performance. Shows that issues with high risk and/or smaller offer prices are more underpriced; and that returns are strongly correlated with subscription levels. Discusses the underlying reasons for this and the implications for public policy.
The long run performance of Malaysian initial public offerings (IPO): value and growth effects
Authors: Corhay Albert , Teo Stanley , Tourani Rad Alireza
Published: June 2007

Outlines previous research on the underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs), describes the institutional framework for IPOs in Malaysia and presents a study of long run Malaysian IPO performance using 1992‐1996 data on 258 IPOs, classified into growth or value portfolios. Explains the methodology and presents the results, which show that value IPOs outperform growth IPOs, while both outperform the market. Finds their cumulative market adjusted return (averaged at 41.7 per cent) positively correlated with book‐to‐market equity, earnings‐to‐price, cashflows‐to‐price and the time lag between close of application and actual listing; and negatively related to the IPO price and size. Briefly considers consistency with other research and the market implications.
Emerging markets and financing with preferred stocks: the case of Pacific rim countries
Authors: Fatemi Ali , Fooladi Iraj J. , Kayhani Nargess K.
Published: June 2007

Points out that preference shares are much more heavily used in emerging economies than in advanced ones to finance new investment projects and develops a mathematical model to show the conditions under which companies are willing to issue them at a price which will attract investors. Outlines the tax systems in Taiwan, South Korea and New Zealand and uses the model to explain why companies in the former two countries issue preference share but New Zealand firms to not.
A re‐examination of reconciling items between Canadian and United States GAAP
Authors: Bandyopadhyay S.P. , Hilton A.S. , Richardson G.D.
Published: June 2007

Explains that Canada is currently deciding whether to harmonize with US or international accounting standards and whether to allow Canadian SEC registrants to file their financial statements using US standards, outlines previous research on the information content of US/Canadian differences and tests the relative and incremental information content of 156 interlisted firms 1996‐1998. Explains the methodology and presents the results, which suggest that there is little difference in the relative information content of the two sets of standards although each provides information incremental to the other. Concludes that investors will not be harmed either by harmonization or by allowing financial reporting under US standards.
The effects of multinationality on earnings response coefficients
Authors: Riahi‐Belkaoui Ahmed
Published: June 2007

Refers to previous research on the firm characteristics which affect the relationship between unexpected returns and unexpected earnings to suggest that multinationality may proxy for all of them. Develops mathematical models to investigate the effect of multinationality and applies them to 1995‐1999 US data on multinational firms. Describes the methodology and presents the results, which suggest that firms with relatively more multinationality have smaller, less significant earnings response coefficients and vice versa. Concludes that multinationality is a good proxy for firm size, quality of preannouncement information, earnings predictability etc.
Analysis of P/E ratios and interest rates
Authors: Amoako‐Adu Ben , Smith Brian
Published: June 2007

Criticizes previous research on price/earnings ratios (PER) for neglecting their historical links with interest rates and analyses the causal links between interest ratres and the PERs of the Toronto Stock Exchange 300 Index (TSE300) and of seven major Canadian industries 1965‐1997. Explains the methodology and identifies three “distinct PER regimes”: 1965‐1974 (average PER 17.17), 1975‐1982 (average PER 8.92) and 1983‐1997 (average PER 17.2 with a higher standard deviation). Looks at the economic conditions for each period and suggests that current PERs “may not be too high”. Finds a negative correlation between PERs and treasury bill rates, differing between industries; and that the bill rate explains 95 per cent of PER variation for the TSE300, although it is not significant for the gold and silver industry. Adds that divided payout ratios and lower investor risk aversion are positively related to PERs, but that growth rate has a more variable influence. Summarizes the findings and their implications for PER forecasters.
The sustainable growth model in banking: an application to the National Bank of Greece
Authors: Vasiliou Dimitrios , Karkazis John
Published: June 2007

Explains how growth in banks is constrained by equity growth and regulations on leverage; and expresses the sustainable growth rate (SCR: i.e. maximum increase in total assets which can be supported by internally generated equity capital) mathematically. Applies the model to the National Bank of Greece 1993‐1998 and shows that its growth exceeded the SGR except for 1994 and 1995. Discusses four possible financial strategies for dealing with this: increasing return on assets, increasing profit retention, selling new shares or increasing leverage. Demonstrates numerically how the SGR model can calculate any of the four variables, given the other three, and thus help with decision making.
Capital structure, product differentiation and monopoly power: a panel method approach
Authors: Frangouli Zoe
Published: June 2007

Explains the links between R&D investment, product differentiation and monopoly power, referring to previous research; and argues that internal financing of R&D creates even more competitive advantage. Develops mathematical models and applies them to 1990‐1996 data for a panel of 40 Greek firms and presents the results. Suggests that firms do use R&D to create entry barriers regardless of industry, that internally financed firms are more profitable but that these impacts may vary between individual firms.
Managing distressed companies: adapting to a new legal culture
Authors: Milman David , Cook Gary
Published: June 2007

Outlines UK law and practice relating to the responsibilities of directors of insolvent companies with particular reference to small firms: and explains the changes introduced by the 1985 and 1986 Insolvency Acts and the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. Considers the practical effects of the new law, referring to relevant cases; and stresses the psychological barriers which directors erect against facing the risk of failure and taking action to avoid it. Notes that the Insolvency Act 2000 allows directors to be disqualified without the need for costly court proceedings and makes practical suggestions on how they can protect themselves. Describes four stages of organizational crisis from denial to collapse, pointing out how managerial decision making becomes impaired in this situation and referring to relevant research. Calls for further research to “inform future legislation”.
Corporate failure rates and the impact of the 1986 insolvency act: an econometric analysis
Authors: Liu Jia , Wilson Nick
Published: June 2007

Reviews previous research on the links between business failures, macroeconomic conditions and insolvency law; and develops a mathematical, econometric model to investigate them further, using 1996‐1998 UK data. Presents and discusses the results, which suggest that the 1986 Insolvency Act did help to reduce the overall level of business failures and estimates that it saved 1100 companies from bankruptcy in the first three years after implementation. Finds that interest rates, price levels, levels of business formation, credit conditions and profit levels also affect business failure rates.
Rules for withdrawing money from tax deferred retirement plans and portfolio value implications
Authors: Sigler Kevin J.
Published: June 2007

Explains the new US tax rules for calculating the required minimum distributions from employer‐sponsored qualified retirement plans, 403(b) plans and individual retirement accounts, pointing out that when the owner of a tax‐deferred retirement account dies the beneficiary of the fund becomes liable for tax. Gives numerical examples to illustrate the application of the rules.
Are mutual fund prospectuses written in plain English?
Authors: Johnson Don T. , Bauerly Ronald J. , Waggle Doug
Published: June 2007

Notes US efforts to make documents easier to read and reviews previous research on readability. Presents a study of the readability of the investment objective sections of two mutual fund prospectuses, using a sample of college students, the Cloze Readability Procedure and the Flesch readability analysis. Finds the Cloze test scores well below the “moderately readable” level of the Flesch assessment “difficult”. Analyses the relationships between students’ understanding and their training, investment experience, financial information, gender etc.; and notes that they misjudged their ability to read the prospectuses accurately. Calls for pressure to make the mutual funds improve their literature and for universities to provide training impersonal finance.
Speed of share price adjustment to information
Authors: Chan Dennis , Ariff M.
Published: June 2007

Builds on the work of Damodaran (1993) and Brisley and Theobald (19967) on measuring the speed with which stock markets convert information into price changes by using a simpler model of the price adjustment coefficient and applying it to 1988‐1966 data from the Hong Kong, US and Japanese markets and the Morgan Stanley Capital International indexes. Explains the methodology and presents the detailed results, which show that the Hong Kong adjustment is similar to the US and Japan for systematic and for all information; although the range of adjustment speeds depends on the sector and composition of the indexes. Makes many comparisons between the three markets and suggests that this method of describing market efficiency could provide a more consistent and objective ranking of worlds capital markets.
Calculating abnormal returns in event studies: controlling for non‐synchronous trading and volatility clustering in thinly traded markets
Authors: Bjarte Solibakke Per
Published: June 2007

Reviews previous research based on event study methodology, pointing out that events can influence returns in many ways, and applies the method to a sample of mergers and acquisitions in the thinly traded Norwegian market 1983‐1994. Explains how the classic market model can be adjusted to control for non‐synchronous trading and changing/asymmetric volatility; and how the event and non‐event periods can be combined into a single model. Applies two different models to the data, compares the results and finds the ARMA‐GARCH approach superior to the OLS. Discusses the implications of this for researchers.
Trading systems designed by genetic algorithms
Authors: Núñez‐Letamendia Laura
Published: June 2007

Outlines the development of genetic algorithms (GA), explains how they generate solutions to problems and applies four GA models incorporating different factors (e.g. risk, transaction costs etc.) to financial investment strategies. Uses 1987‐1996 share price data from the Madrid Stock Exchange (Spain) and a buy‐and‐hold strategy in the IBEX‐35 index as a benchmark. Shows that all four GA models generat superior daily returns of long positions with lower risk; and discusses the variations between them in detail.
Measuring productivity changes in Australian banking: an application of Malmquist indices
Authors: Sathye Milind
Published: June 2007

Gives an overview of the Australian banking industry, reviews relevant research and analyses productivity changes 1995‐1999 in a panel of 17 banks to assess the effects of deregulation and the reforms introduced by the Wallis report (1997). Explains the methodology (Malmquist indices calculated by data envelopment analysis) and presents the results, which show a decline of 3.1 per cent in technical efficiency over the period and of 3.5 per cent in the total factor productivity index, although there was an annual productivity growth rate of 1.3 per cent. Discusses the underlying reasons for this, compares productivity changes in individual banks and finds that size makes no difference. Considers the implications for policy makers, describes the industry as having a “limit of deregulation” syndrome and believes that further productivity gains depend on advances in technology.
Australian mutual fund performance appraisal using data envelopment analysis
Authors: Galagedera Don U.A. , Silvapulle Param
Published: June 2007

Outlines previous research on measuring the performance of investment funds, suggesting that data envelopment analysis (DEA) techniques can overcome some of the problems of the capital asset pricing model and give pointers for improvement. Uses DEA to assess the relative performance of 257 Australian mutual funds 1995‐1999 and logistic regression to investigate the characteristics which affect it. Describes the methodology and presents the results, which suggest that scale efficiency is the main source of overall technical efficiency and that both are higher for risk‐averse funds with high positive net asset flows. Explains the ASSIRT rating system for managed funds and finds the ratings strongly associated with DEA relative efficiency scores. Believes the findings are useful to analysts, investors and managers.
The nature and determinants of the economic currency exposure of non‐financial UK firms
Authors: Moles Peter , Bradley Katrina
Published: June 2007

This study examines the sensitivity of sales, profit margins and input costs to exchange rate movements for non‐financial, UK firms. The sample is a representative cross‐section of larger, publicly‐listed firms and is not limited to those directly involved in international trade. Surveyed firms provided data on both the direct and indirect components of economic exposure. As with other studies, we find a statistically significant relationship between a firm’s exchange rate sensitivity and the degree to which it sells, sources, or funds itself internationally. Contrary to the theory on economic exposure, only one indirect determinant, that for foreign‐based competition, is unambiguously significant. The other indirect effects, the degree of product differentiation, the demand elasticity for a firm’s output, and common input currencies for competitors, are not significant in our models. Our examination of the interactive effects suggested by the theory of economic exposure shows no statistical relationship to a firm’s exchange rate sensitivity. We attribute the weak evidence for competitive effects to the complexities of the indirect determinants of economic exposure at the firm‐specific level.
An examination of the benefits for privately‐held and mutual insurers’ CEOs following an IPO
Authors: Napompech Kulkanya , Kroll Mark , Shelor Roger
Published: June 2007

This study examines compensation changes among top executives of formerly privately held stock insurers and mutual insurers at the time around an initial public offering. This study explains how CEO compensation changes following an IPO differ between these two types of insurers owing to their differing agency characteristics. The results also show that CEOs’ benefits increase materially following an IPO. The authors find evidence that reduced ownership retention by managers increases agency costs and CEOs of mutual insurers exploit their positions and increase their reward at the expense of policyholders.
A nonparametric investigation of seasonality in US stock market cycle durations
Authors: Cochran Steven J. , Mansur Iqbal
Published: June 2007

This study examines the durations of US stock market cycle expansions and contractions for the presence of seasonality. Specifically, it is determined whether the distributional characteristics (i.e., location and dispersion) of the durations of market expansions and contractions are dependent on the time of the year the market phase begins or ends. The duration data are obtained from a stock market chronology of monthly peak and trough dates for the period May 1835 through July 1998 and nonparametric rank‐based tests are used to test for the presence of seasonality. In order to provide some evidence on robustness with respect to the sample data, results are obtained for the entire sample period as well as for various sub‐periods. When the data are aggregated on a quarterly basis, the evidence suggests that seasonal structures are present in stock market cycle durations. These seasonals are related primarily to shifts in location over the course of the year and to when a market expansion or contraction begins. However, when the duration data are aggregated on a bi‐annual basis, support for seasonality is much more limited.
Estimating the Gini hedge ratio
Authors: Shaffer David R.
Published: June 2007

This study compares minimum‐extended Gini hedge ratios estimated by the rank‐based method of Lerman and Yitzhaki and a nonparametric kernel method. The rankbased method is more prevalent in the Gini hedging literature, however, the kernel estimator provides a more powerful approach to estimation. The empirical results show that the hedge ratios calculated using these two methods are different for all levels of risk aversion, and that rank‐based hedge ratios are typically larger than those estimated using the kernel method. Moreover, the differences tend to be larger at moderate and high levels of risk aversion and smaller at lower levels. Statistical evidence shows that the hedge ratios are highly statistically different for three of the five commodities tested. However, despite these differences, we find no differences in hedging performance.
Return dynamics across the Asian equity markets
Authors: Anoruo Emmanuel , Ramchander Sanjay , Thiewes Harold
Published: June 2007

The degree of integration among different economies is an important issue in international economics and finance. This article employs daily stock market data for the period 1988 through 1999 to investigate the return dynamics and the extent of the stock market linkages across six newly industrialized countries (NIC’s) of Asia, and documents the role of Japan and the US in this region. Primarily, the study finds that there are significant stock market linkages among the emerging equity markets of Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. While dominant relationships do exist, no country is totally insulated from market movements that emanate from other countries in the region. Furthermore, the study documents the presence of temporal instability in the transmission mechanism that coincides with the Asian economic crisis. During the period in which the NIC’s experienced rapidly rising stock valuations, Singapore and the US had dominant causal influences on these Asian markets. However, in the period of financial crisis during the latter part of the 1990s decade, Singapore’s influence is greatly diminished while shocks from other countries, most notably India, play a more dominant role. Several important policy implications are derived from the results.
Financial market liberalization and stock market efficiency: the case of Greece
Authors: Laopodis Nikiforos T.
Published: June 2007

This paper investigates the issue of whether financial market liberalization announcements in emerging economies have had any effects on the efficient operation of their equity markets. The issue is empirically examined in the case of Greece, and its emerging stock market, the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE). The sequence of tests conducted, ranging from tests of structural change to several efficiency tests, suggest that the Greek equity market was weak‐form efficient before these announcements were made. Hence, the ASE was operating as a random walk hinting that investors could not engage in systematically profitable ventures because future long‐term returns were independent of past returns. In other words, foreign and local investors guided their strategies based on the fundamentals and not on speculative grounds.
Random‐walk and efficiency tests of Central European equity markets
Authors: Gilmore Claire G. , McManus Ginette M.
Published: June 2007

The existence of weak‐form efficiency in the equity markets of the three main Central European transition economies (the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland) is examined for the period July 1995 through September 2000, using weekly Investable and Comprehensive indexes developed by the International Finance Corporation. Several different approaches are used. Univariate and multivariate tests provide some evidence that stock prices in these exchanges exhibit a random walk, which constitutes evidence for weakform efficiency. This differs in some cases from studies using data for the initial years of these markets. The variance ratio test (VR) of Lo and MacKinlay (1988) yields somewhat mixed results concerning the random‐walk properties of the indexes. A modelcomparison test compares forecasts from a NAÏVE model with ARIMA and GARCH alternatives. Results from the model‐comparison approach are consistent in rejecting the random‐walk hypothesis for the three Central European equity markets.
Accounting knowledge and skills and the challenges of a global business environment
Authors: Mohamed Ehab K.A. , Lashine Sherif H.
Published: June 2007

The rapid spread and acceptance of globalization and the enormous developments in information technology, has led to dramatic changes in the business environment. These changes have brought new challenges not only to business but also to business education. Business schools that prepare future managers in different disciplines are responsible for closing the gap between the skills acquired by its graduates and the required skills by the global markets. This paper identifies the challenges facing accounting education in providing students with the knowledge and skills that raise their competency level to meet that required by the market. These challenges warrant that the competency level of accountants should be improved. Current accounting education and the skill levels of accountants are not in line with what is required in the dynamic environments of global business. A strategic plan for closing the gap between the acquired and required skills is presented to help prepare students for facing and dealing with the challenges of the new global business environment.
Regulations and supervision of financial institutions in GCC countries
Authors: Islam Mazhar M.
Published: June 2007

In recent years, the central monetary authorities of some Gulf Cooperation Council countries have made several regulatory changes in order to achieve social & economic goals. The monetary authorities of these countries have strengthened prudential norms. Asset classifications and provisioning norms have moved closer to international standards. Banks are required to maintain capital to risk weighted assets ratios of 8 per cent required by the BIS. Local banks follow International Accounting Standards. Although the central monetary authorities of the GCC countries are active in supervising and monitoring their regulations on financial institutions, but not in a rapid way. In a global financial market, Islamic‐banking regulators that operate Islamic banks should think about the compatibility of the regulatory setting. Through a deep understanding of the nature of the Islamic banking business and the recent western banking supervisory framework, Islamic banking regulators will be able to develop a sound banking system without loosing its own distinction.
The impact of economic condition on management accounting performance measures: experience with banks
Authors: Hussain Mostaque
Published: June 2007

A number of Management Accounting (MA) researches have demonstrated the shortcomings of traditional accounting‐based performance measures for today’s uncertain Economic Conditions (EC) in technologically advancement competitive environments. The MA literature suggests the impact of economic pressures on MA practices, though there are different notions regarding the impact of EC on Non‐financial Performance Measurement (NFPM). Some researchers argue that management needs an interactive information system in more volatile and uncertain EC, and accordingly, the mode of the use of financial performance measures is greater in uncertain EC. However, some welldocumented predictions about the relationship of the external environmental, viz a viz uncertain economic environments, with the need of managers’ financial and nonfinancial information. Taking these aspects into account, it is important to consider the effect of EC on MA performance measures and their degree of responsiveness and adaptability to particular circumstances. Thus, this research made an attempt to study the impinge of EC on NFPM in Banks/Financial Institutions (BFI). The multiple case study approach, especially the study of different kinds of BFI in different macro environments, provides an opportunity to examine the effect of NFPM in different environments. The cross‐country studies help to demonstrate the rationale for the impact of EC on NFPM in three countries (Finland, Sweden and Japan). Results of this study anticipate that the uncertainty of EC increase pressures on management to improve and measure financial performance in order to survive in the hostile EC. To the contrary, managers would improve as well as measure non‐financial performance in the organizations.