bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring organizational learning capability in Indian managers and establishing firm performance linkage
Authors: Bhatnagar Jyotsna
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to measure Organizational Learning Capability (OLC) perception in the managers of public, private and multinational organizations and establish the link between OLC and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected from a sample of 612 managers randomly drawn from Indian industry, using a questionnaire survey. Findings – Organizational capability perception for the managers of the IT sector and of multinational firms was the highest, while it was lowest for the engineering sector. Mixed results were found for the market indicators of firm performance, i.e. firm's financial turnover and firm's profit as predictors of OLC in Indian organizations, where financial turnover was predicting organizational learning capability. Research limitations/implications – The research paper does not test the possibility of firm performance affecting OLC, which may be true, and the author acknowledges it as a limitation of the research study. Future studies may investigate this further. Originality/value – The managers felt that the processes for encouragement of experimentation and environmental scanning needed more attention in Indian industry. The variable of sensitivity to people and their potential provides implications for a rigorous talent management strategy. If adequate attention is paid to this dimension, then it can lead to gaining of competitive advantage, through retention and development of key talent.
Assessment of development of the learning organization concept in Jordanian industrial companies
Authors: Abu Khadra Marah F. , Rawabdeh Ibrahim A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact on organizational performance of the application of management and human resource practices, and to attempt to outline key elements and assess development of the learning organization (LO) concept in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The tool described in this article assesses relationships between LO practices and financial and operational performance measures. The empirical research aims at deconstructing the LO formation through the development and validation of a conceptual model. A total of 41 companies belonging to large industrial sectors in Jordan participated in a survey by responding to a research questionnaire.

Findings

The outcomes of the study indicate that the LO concept can be explored in Jordanian industry using eight constructs. These constructs were found to be strongly correlated. In general, this study identifies basic steps in the process of transformation into a learning organization in Jordan.

Originality/value

The study identifies the sequence of stages in the process of transformation into a learning organization in Jordan, which might be regarded as a developing country. The study culminated in a novel measurement instrument to evaluate learning organizations. Application of the tool facilitated LO constructs to be analyzed.
Towards a learning organization? Employee perceptions
Authors: Dymock Darryl , McCarthy Carmel
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore employee perceptions of the development of a learning culture in a medium‐sized manufacturing company that was aspiring to become a learning organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The research comprised an extended interview with the company's Organizational Development Manager, a validated questionnaire on the learning organization with a cross‐section of 80 staff, and semi‐structured interviews with a stratified sample of 20 employees.

Findings

The company was using learning to develop its competitive edge, and employees were at various stages of understanding and acceptance of the need for learning and competence development on the job to sustain and develop the company. A tension was detected between the company's objectives and the aspirations of some employees, but the majority appeared to accept the overt learning policy as good for them and the company.

Research limitations/implications

Through circumstances, the sample of employees included a fairly high proportion already involved in training, so there was potential for some positive bias towards training and a learning culture. Nevertheless, the study provides some pointers for involving employees in the development of an organization that values learning and for resolving possible tensions between institutional objectives and individual aspirations.

Originality/value

As well as adding empirical data to the theory‐dominated literature on learning organizations, this study contributes towards a better understanding of the perceptions of employees in the development of a learning organization, rather than from the organizational or management perspectives that tend to dominate the literature.
A framework for assessing organisational culture of Chinese construction enterprises
Authors: Liu Anita M.M. , Shuibo Zhang , Meiyung Leung
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In recent years, China is exerting effort to improve the performance effectiveness of its construction industry. This paper aims to report a preliminary study on organisational culture of five selected construction enterprises from different geographical locations in China and to discuss a framework for developing effectiveness measurement criteria for Chinese construction enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach focuses on the culture profiles of the selected enterprises which have similar size, number of employees, general reputation (in terms of quality of construction), business type (building works) and tax bracket. The measuring instrument of organisational culture is adopted from previous tested research.

Findings

It is found that the hierarchy culture is dominant in four cases; Shantou in the Special Economic Zone is the exception. The Shantou enterprise has a market culture and Shantou was one of the first regions to embark on economic reform. Further analysis is required of the spread of the culture profiles in terms of geopraphcial regions and developmental stages of the construction enterprises in China.

Originality/value

The result of the five case studies is indicative of the presence of the dichotomy in hierarchy – market culture dominance. Evaluation of operational effectiveness of such organisations must depend on their developmental stages in line with their stated objectives, and a framework for effectiveness measurement is proposed.
Public hearings in Thailand's infrastructure projects: effective participations?
Authors: Manowong Ektewan , Ogunlana Stephen O.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to report the results of research on whether the public hearing in Thailand's infrastructure development projects can be an effective vehicle for the project's public participation and conflict resolution on projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance of public hearing depends on factors such as the structure of the process, participation, management, and resource required by the process. A case study approach is used to assess the performance of public hearings conducted in infrastructure development projects in Thailand by examining the project stakeholders' attitude by means of questionnaire survey and interviews. Evaluation by hearing participants and their level of satisfaction are interpreted to derive the effectiveness of the hearings. The extent to which satisfaction effects on evaluation is also considered.

Findings

It is shown that the hearings had moderate to low effectiveness primarily because the participation and management performance aspects did not meet the participants' expectations. The relationships of evaluation and satisfaction indices were examined. The hearing participants focus both on the process and outcome of hearings.

Originality/value

The research reported the results of scientific assessment of public hearing performance, constituting a significant step towards understanding and implementation of public hearings in the Thai context as well as their influence on the efficiency and effectiveness of the project management concerning the stakeholder values.
Disputing the existence of a dispute as a strategy for avoiding construction adjudication
Authors: Ndekugri Issaka , Russell Victoria
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a critical analysis of court decisions on what amounts to a dispute that may be referred to adjudication under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.

Design/methodologyapproach

Legal research methods were followed. The first stage entailed a review of relevant literature. Reports of court decisions were then studied to identify cases involving litigation on what amounts to a dispute. A total of 26 cases, going back to 1965, were identified. Each case was then analysed to extract the applicable legal principles, particular attention being paid to clarity and consistency with not only other cases but also the policy underlying the relevant legislation.

Findings

Until only recently, first instance judges adopted the one or the other of two opposing approaches to the question, thereby causing considerable litigation. The Court of Appeal has twice approved a flexible approach based on the principle that a dispute arises only after a party has been given reasonable opportunity to consider the other party's claim and has rejected it expressly or by implication.

Originality/value

The novelty and global spread of adjudication lends the article considerable originality and value. Its main value is in the guidance it provides as to the principles that the court is likely to apply in answering the question whether a dispute capable of being referred to arbitration or adjudication exists. It is hoped that knowledge of these principles will reduce litigation on this issue.
Open‐planning concepts and effective facilities management of commercial buildings
Authors: Ilozor B.D. , Ilozor D.B.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effect coefficients of the complex connections between selected open‐plan office and effective facilities space management variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on offices, management control and effective facilities space management measures were collected through questionnaires administered to 102 facilities space managers of 102 randomly selected open‐plan offices in Sydney.

Findings

Some open‐plan attributes were found to have direct impacts on several effective facilities space management variables, while others exhibited indirect effects through management control aspects. In most cases, management control considerably reduced the effect coefficients.

Research limitations/implications

While the study is limited to discrete effective facilities space management aspects of only selected open‐plan commercial offices in Sydney, the research implications though far‐reaching, may not be universally applicable. However, a better understanding of the associations provides directions to where attention would be fruitfully focused in future research replications and practice.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this result is for re‐engineering of work environments to consider aspects of management that invariably moderates and/or intervenes in the relationship of space, people and work process. This paper concludes that, with dedicated management control, the impact of open‐plan on facilities space management may be less extensive.

Originality/value

The paper's utilization of this quantitative approach is novel to understanding the connections between office attributes and effective facilities management. This approach offers a veritable alternative to examining and validating these constructs that are useful to space providers, designers, managers and users in understanding the interactions between space, people and process.
Optimum house delivery decision model from the Government's and recipients' point‐of‐view
Authors: Mahdi Ibrahim M. , Al‐Reshaid Khaled , Fereig Sami M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look into the mass production of dwelling units and the conflict encountered when the economics versus quality, sometimes resulting in a waste of public funding resources and extra re‐building time.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a decision model for deciding the optimum house delivery alternatives for both the recipients and the Government. The decision model is designed using the analytical hierarchy process. Where multiple criteria are incorporated for such as waiting time, citizen satisfaction, and quality of work, house delivery‐time, cost, losses and finally, management responsibility.

Findings

Partially constructed houses enable the possibility of many alternatives by the recipients, which in turn avoids the drawbacks of rebuilding and at the same time, maintains work quality. The partially constructed housing system is proved to be effective in making a trade‐off between the government purposes and recipients desires, but with a variable percentage of partial construction.

Originalty/value

The analysis of the surveys stresses the importance of different alternatives within the partially constructed housing system in order to reduce waiting time and construction cost thus increases the satisfaction of occupants. The validity of this study continues to be effective to this date, as the Government's housing policies have not yet changed or streamlined, consequently re‐building continues to be the theme of many public houses after hand‐over to recipients.
Toolpath generation for layer manufacturing of fractal objects
Authors: Chiu W.K. , Yeung Y.C. , Yu K.M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Fractal geometry can be used to model natural objects which cannot be easily represented by the euclidean geometry. However, contemporary computer‐aided design (CAD) and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) systems cannot be used to model a fractal object efficiently. In a general layer manufacturing (LM) workflow, a model described by the euclidean geometry is required in order to generate the necessary toolpath information. So this workflow cannot be applied for a fractal object. In this paper, to realize the fabrication of a fractal represented object by the LM technology, a methodology is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed methodology, a slab grid is generated in each layer of the object and it consists of a number of pixels. The interior property (corresponding to the fractal object) of each pixel in the slab grid is checked so that slab models of the fractal are created. The boundary of each slab is traced and refined so that the toolpath of the object can be generated from these boundaries.

Findings

Applying the proposed methodology, the LM toolpath information can be extracted from the mathematical model of the fractal and the tessellating or slicing processes are not needed to be performed. The problem of representing a fractal in a CAD platform can be eliminated.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed methodology can be applied to iterative function system (IFS) or complex fractal. However, for some fractals constructed from more than one kind of fractal objects, such as multi‐IFS fractals, the methodology must be further developed.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology is a novel development for realizing the fabrication of fractal objects by the LM technology.
Simulation of ideal grounded tunable inductor and its application in high quality multifunctional filter
Authors: Parveen T. , Ahmed M.T.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to present a simple circuit for the realization of electronically tunable ideal grounded inductor, which consists of two current controlled conveyors along with a grounded capacitor. Also its application for realization of multifunctional filter is demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach

Multifunctional filter (low pass, band pass and high pass filters) is designed using proposed grounded inductor realization which provides standard responses without any constrains in terms of matching conditions.

Findings

The multifunctional filter designed using the proposed realization has many attractive features such as low component count, high‐Q, low sensitivity performance, independent Q‐tuning of the filter without affecting its pole frequency.

Originality/value

Simulation results show excellent performance with low power consumption of 1.87 mW at ±2.5 supply voltage.
“Are you the weakest link?” The FSA's financial crime review
Authors: Burger Richard , Hatt Samantha
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The FSA Financial Crime Sector Leader, Philip Robinson, outlined the FSA's new policy on fraud within the regulated sector in his October 2004 speech. The FSA subsequently undertook a review of 16 regulated firms and how to prevent and detect fraud. This paper considers the findings of the FSA's Firm's High‐Level Management of Fraud Risk Report and the reference to financial crime in the FSA's recent Financial Risk Outlook 2006 and Business Plan 2005/2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The topic has been approached to consider the development of the FSA's policy on fraud with reference to speeches and policy documents.

Findings

That financial crime is a significant threat to the financial services sector. Firms have taken proactive steps to tackie fraud, but more can be done. The 2006 may see greater focus by the FSA on firms' anti‐fraud measures.

Originality/value

In examining the FSA's policy on anti‐fraud management this papers seek identify what the FSA requires from firms in terms of anti‐fraud measures. This paper should be of interest to compliance officers, MLRO Officers, fraud investigators and regulatory lawyers.
Treating customers fairly
Authors: Edwards Jonathan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a practical insight into the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) “Treating Customers Fairly” (TCF) initiative for financial services firms endeavouring to implement such an approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative paper subjectively considers the TCF initiative in the context of the wider ethical approach to financial services by drawing an analogy with the FSA's earlier initiative in seeking to establish an ethical framework for financial services. Reference is made to recent practitioner literature and supported by key academic literature where appropriate.

Findings

The paper highlights the FSA's aim of adopting a high‐principled regulatory approach to TCF as a real alternative to highly prescriptive rules. It consider the scope of TCF and the inherent practical implications for firms seeking to implement such a policy by drawing an analogy between TCF and the ethical framework for financial services.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a useful insight into TCF from a critical, practical perspective and is part of a wider organizational cultural change debate which may be developed as the experience of the FSA and those it regulates matures.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that TCF is part of a greater need for the FSA and financial services firms to review their business in terms of an ethical approach, which in turn requires them to consider organizational cultural change.

Originality/value

The paper questions the FSA's strategic approach to embedding fairness in a firm's value system as part of TCF, rather than recognizing the TCF is a major component of the broader and more beneficial goal of changing a firms's ethical culture.
Setting the research agenda for governmental communication
Authors: Vos Marita
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To discuss topics that need future research in governmental communication; setting the research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on two studies by the Research Group for Governmental Communication.

Findings

The development of this field would benefit from research on monitoring methods, accountability and return of investment.

Research limitations/implications

Focuses of governmental organisations.

Practical implications

Priorities to professionalise communication.

Originality/value

Based on two studies that are unique in Europe: trend study governmental communication and development of a balanced scorecard for communication in this field.
Culture and science
Authors: Sivak Leda
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research investigated ideas regarding the concept of culture in contemporary New Zealand by critically evaluating the formal consultation processes surrounding the issue of genetic modification. Such analysis provides a basis for advising those who work within public relations on subtle forms of marginalisation and exclusion, which could be reduced with increased awareness of the dynamics of privilege.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design involved a multi‐sited ethnographic approach drawing on three bodies of empirical data: participant observation within the Royal Commission of inquiry into genetic modification, textual analysis of the written submissions by Interested Persons to the inquiry, and interview material from people who were involved in the inquiry to varying degrees.

Findings

The main findings indicate that “culture” is often used in bureaucratic structures to describe the knowledges and practices of minority groups, where “minority” refers to those with less power, rather than those of smaller number. Lack of acknowledgement of the implicit privileging of dominant rhetorics allows for the further marginalisation of less‐dominant viewpoints. Insofar as policymakers have a responsibility to incorporate moral legitimacy and social justice within legislation, the findings encourage alertness to the dynamics and implications of unintentional exclusion.

Practical implications

I aim to assist in providing a language with which to better articulate subtle dynamics of power and privilege, exclusion and marginalisation, both generally and within discussions of best practice in public relations.

Originality/value

By providing a critique of a particular consultative process, this research highlights some of the limitations of bureaucratic consultation and discusses these theoretically as well as descriptively. It is hoped that these critical observations (from within a consultation setting that was remarkably inclusive and egalitarian by most standards) will assist consultative and advisory bodies, as well as policymakers, to design more inclusive processes for democratic participation and deliberation, particularly in relation to controversial technologies.
Jamaica: “shhh…it's secret money”: lawyers, money laundering and terrorist financing
Authors: Ali Shazeeda
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight to lawyers the need for concern about the source or destination of their clients' wealth, in light of the serious legal implications.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the Jamaican legislation dealing with money laundering, terrorist financing and forfeiture. Also, an examination of relevant case law.

Findings

The potential liabilility of lawyers for money laundering and terrorist financing was examined. The investigative tools that may affect lawyers whose clients are being investigated was reviewed, and the implications of such laws for legal professional privilege.

Originality/value

Much of the emphasis on money laundering and terrorist financing controls is on the financial services industry. By emphasising the impact of these laws on lawyers, this paper should be of value to practising lawyers.
The significance of money laundering
Authors: Simser Jeffrey
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine money laundering generally and the response of one jurisdiction, the Philippines, to international pressure for anti‐money laundering measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Money laundering is examined and described. The source of international consensus around the problem is considered. The multilateral response, including the pressure placed on the Philippines as a formerly non‐compliant jurisdiction is examined. The initial measures of the Philippines were rejected. Finally the Philippine solutions that ultimately met with international approval are discussed: the establishment of a financial intelligence unit, the regulation of financial intermediaries and the provision of criminal and remedial measures are considered. Civil or non‐conviction based forfeiture as a remedial device is given particular attention. Finally the limited jurisprudence on topic is examined.

Findings

The Republic of the Philippines has put forward anti‐money laundering provisions that hold the prospect for success. Implementation will be challenging.

Research limitations/implications

Jurisprudence is still developing. This type of litigation takes time. As the financial investigation unit, the intermediaries and the courts respond to cases, there will be developments worthy of further research.

Practical implications

This paper looks at an international problem, money laundering, the multi‐lateral response (only Nigeria and Myanmar are non‐compliant) and the impact on the Philippines, their financial institutions and laws.

Originality/value

There is no comprehensive overview of the Philippine anti‐money laundering law currently available. There is a book published out of Manila (quoted in the paper) but it is out of date and has not caught up to recent developments.
Terrorist fund raising through criminal activities
Authors: Hardouin Patrick , Weichhardt Reiner
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how terrorist funds are raised through criminal activities and NATO's role in the international fight against terrorism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the more general context of NATO's overall role in the international fight against terrorism, the link between terrorist financing and organised crime and issues involved in confronting terrorism through the rule of law and democracy.

Findings

Deficiencies in democratic development, a weak state, a lack of civil society and the absence of sound economic institutions can be fertile bases for terrorist and criminal organisations. Even if terrorists can flourish in developed societies (and organised crime as well) it is a fact that the rule of law is a major obstacle to the development of terrorist activities.

Originality/value

The paper offers the opinion that sound democratic institutions remain the best answer to terror.
Science‐based innovation as systematic risk‐taking
Authors: Styhre Alexander
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Research on innovation and knowledge management practice would benefit from examining science‐based innovation work, that is, innovations derived from the ability to exploit scientific know‐how, in greater detail. While much engineering innovation work may be predetermined through rational breakdown analysis, there is always a factor of chance and luck in scientific work. Scientific work is never linear and predictable but must always be envisaged as the outcome of a combination of rule‐governed activities and a certain degree of unconditioned discoveries. The purpose of this paper is to report on how practicing laboratory researchers in a major pharmaceutical company regard their innovation work as being what is always of necessity inherently indeterminate and therefore put demands on top management to allow for a reasonable amount of risk‐taking.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study methodology based on interviews with 36 laboratory scientists and managers in a major pharmaceutical company.

Findings

The paper concludes that innovation research and knowledge management studies need to regard science‐based innovation as a specific form of innovation not wholly capable of being managed through rationalist management control systems.

Originality/value

The paper bridges studies of innovation work in pharmaceutical industry with the perception of risk‐taking among the practicing researchers.
Framework to study the social innovation networks
Authors: Taatila Vesa P. , Suomala Jyrki , Siltala Reijo , Keskinen Soili
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The importance of innovations in business management is a widely accepted hypothesis. Lately the research on innovation has widened to include consideration of the impact of social networks on the innovation. This paper aims to contribute to research on this approach by suggesting a framework for studying the social aspects of economic innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses economic innovation as a product of organizational competencies, highlighting the importance of social network.

Findings

This paper has three goals: we clarify the concept of economic innovation, we present the essential questions for studying the economic innovation process, and we present a proposal for an empirical approach and address problems in collecting data about economic innovations.

Originality/value

The paper opens a new, socio‐psychological approach to studying the innovation processes. It proposes a holistic approach to the phenomenon by combining these with the material aspects of an organization. The paper provides a scientific framework for a new research program.
Health services management education: why and what?
Authors: Davies Stephen
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the importance of appropriate education for health services managers and to identify what might be included in the curriculum for health services management education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper approaches these two questions through an exploration of the distinctive characteristics of health services as a context for management, relating these to a less context‐specific literature on management education. The case for health services management and a description of the ideal curriculum are both developed from this analysis. The analysis is based on the UK but much of it will be applicable to other national settings.

Findings

Health services as a context for management practice are made distinctive by the circumstances of working in close proximity to clinical professionals and dominance of evidence‐based practice as a paradigm for the clinical professions. Professionalism is weak as a governing concept for managers and health is often a politicised context for management, especially in publicly owned systems like the UK National Health Service. Management education for health services managers is important for improving systems performance and should offer a broad curriculum that includes the context for practice; research awareness and skills of critical appraisal; a grounding in a range of disciplines and a reflective approach towards general management skills.

Practical implications

Greater value should be attached to health services management education and a systematic approach taken towards curriculum development.

Originality/value

The analysis presented leads to the conclusion that health services management requires a broad curriculum reflecting the rich experience that health services management can offer as an occupation. As the power and influence of managers and managerialism in health care continues to grow, so it becomes all the more important that what is required for their education is questioned and value attached to providing opportunities for that education.
Cancer Care Ontario and integrated cancer programs
Authors: Mee Cheng Siu , Thompson Leslee J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

A performance management system has been implemented by Cancer Care Ontario (CCO). This system allows for the monitoring and management of 11 integrated cancer programs (ICPs) across the Province of Ontario. The system comprises of four elements: reporting frequency, reporting requirements, review meetings and accountability and continuous improvement activities. CCO and the ICPs have recently completed quarterly performance review exercises for the last two quarters of the fiscal year 2004‐2005. The purpose of this paper is to address some of the key lessons learned.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an outline of the CCO performance management system.

Findings

These lessons included: data must be valid and reliable; performance management requires commitments from both parties in the performance review exercises; streamlining performance reporting is beneficial; technology infrastructure which allows for cohesive management of data is vital for a sustainable performance management system; performance indicators need to stand up to scrutiny by both parties; and providing comparative data across the province is valuable. Critical success factors which would help to ensure a successful performance management system include: corporate engagement from various parts of an organization in the review exercises; desire to focus on performance improvement and avoidance of blaming; and strong data management systems.

Practical implications

The performance management system is a practical and sustainable system that allows for performance improvement of cancer care services. It can be a vital tool to enhance accountability within the health care system.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that the performance management system supports accountability in the cancer care system for Ontario, and reflects the principles of the provincial governments commitment to continuous improvement of healthcare.
Mutual funds under fire: a chrononogy of developments since January 1, 2003
Authors: Smith Thomas R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive background on the recent legislative, regulatory, and prosecutorial scrutiny of mutual funds and underlying issues such as the level and transparency of fees and costs, distribution and sales practices, and fund governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a detailed chronology of events since January 2003 concerning mutual fund scandals such as trading abuses and questionable sales practices and related issues such as revenue sharing, directed brokerage, soft dollars, market timing, late trading, and selective disclosure. The chronology in this issue of JOIC will be followed an article in the next issue that describes reform initiatives that have taken place in response to the scandals.

Findings

Despite criticism and scrutiny of equity mutual funds following poor performance in 2001 and 2002, meaningful efforts to achieve reform began to lose momentum in mid‐2003. Then concern with mutual fund abuses was reignited in September 2003 when New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer announced a settlement with Canary Capital that involved market timing, late trading, and selective disclosure. Since then there have been numerous disclosures of fund trading abuses and questionable trading practices, and the resulting uproar has triggered significant efforts to reform the manner in which funds and their service providers conduct business.

Originality/value

This comprehensive chronology provides an essential reference by bringing together all the events and underlying issues related to mutual fund scandals, abuses, regulation, compliance, and reform efforts since January 1, 2003.
The new supervisory rules regime: a practical look at areas of exposure for broker‐dealers and senior personnel
Authors: Hiler Bruce , Kuczajda Thomas , Rabie Aseel
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the exposure and the responsibilities of a broker‐dealer's senior management under NASD's and the NYSE's new rules, emphasizing a regular review of supervisory and compliance systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes new rules, contained primarily in NASD Rules 3010, 3012, and 3013 and amendments to NYSE Rule 342, and the SROs' intentions underlying those rules; provides additional regulatory guidance on privilege issues related to CEO/CCO meetings and reports, documentation of compliance with the new rules, periodic review of office category designations, specific requirements for “offices of convenience,” and procedures to ensure up‐to‐date identification of producing managers; assesses the potential increase in exposure for CEOs, CCOs, and others under the new rules.

Findings

Both the NASD and the NYSE have made clear by their establishment of the new supervisory framework and in guidance to members that they expect increased attention to maintaining adequate compliance and supervisory systems at the highest levels of their member organizations.

Originality/value

Conveys an important message concerning the need for CEOs and CCOs to become increasingly involved in compliance reviews and knowledgeable about supervisory systems.
Enhanced Cash “Yield Plus” Funds: the Treasurer's new cash management complement to money market funds
Authors: Sobol Robert N.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the emergence and current role of Enhanced Cash “Yield Plus” investment pools.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an historical background and describes how Enhanced Cash “Yield Plus” investment pools define their investment strategies and invest their funds, now they are structured, marketed, and credit‐rated.

Findings

In just a few years, Enhanced Cash “Yield Plus” investment pools have emerged as a daily liquidity cash management complement to money market funds governed by Investment Company Act Rule 2a‐7. Yield Plus funds are a segment of the larger Enhanced Cash sector, which has been roughly defined as the market space of fund offerings between SEC Rule 2a‐7 money market funds and short‐term bond funds. Yield Plus funds (also known as “Cash Plus” funds) appear to be the most conservative funds in this sector, seeking to provide slightly higher returns for investors than money market funds, while maintaining a stable net asset value with daily liquidity. Only time will tell if “Yield Plus” funds become a true complement to, or perhaps even a replacement for, money market funds for institutional investors' short‐term cash management. In only a few short years, the success of these funds have proven that at least some market participants perceive the possible added risk is worth the potentially better return.

Originality/value

A useful introduction to an emerging class of short‐term investments.
E‐thics: the new moral methodology for business
Authors: Johns Paul
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new methodology called E‐thics, how it can be applied to an investment company, and how it can be used as a catalyst to develop an ethical corporate culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses recent events that have led the general public to expect improved corporate behaviour; what compels companies toward ethical behaviour; recent legislation designed to prevent the harm caused by corruption, greed, and fraud; how ethics are turned into E‐thics; and the apparatus, promise, and limitations of E‐thics.

Findings

E‐thics applies policy‐based review and control to electronic communication. It acts like a virtual conscience, sitting on the edge of all your computer screens. An effective E‐thics system should detect all messages that contain breaches of ethics and also should educate the sender about the nature of the breach and other corrective instructions. E‐thics requires the full participation of everyone in the firm, not just lip service. Its greatest value may be that it will act as a catalyst for the evolution of a corporate culture based on shared ethical values, fairness, responsibility, and stewardship. E‐thics can help the investment community move from a culture of compliance to one of true ethics.

Originality/value

While recommending a system to screen potential harmful electronic messages, an explanation is also given as to how such a system can fit into a broader effort to develop an ethical corporate culture.
Optimizing supply chain management using fuzzy approach
Authors: Gunasekaran N. , Rathesh S. , Arunachalam S. , Koh S.C.L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a fuzzy multi‐criteria decision‐making procedure and it is applied to find a set of optimal solution with respect to the performance of each supplier. This method with the use of Monte Carlo simulation produces overall desirability level less imprecise and more realistic than those of the conventional QFD methods for engineering design evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

A few responses obtained from customers are simulated using a triangular fuzzy QFD algorithm, Monte Carlo simulation and a multi‐objective model to optimise the total user preferences.

Findings

The proposed approach provides decision‐making with an optimal solution less imprecise in a QFD‐based collaborative product design environment.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed approach depends on the few responses and the random numbers derived from simulation. The random numbers need to be used after passing them through random number testing methods. The responses obtained from the customer are considered to be genuine and original.

Originality/value

The triangular fuzzy, Monte Carlo simulation and multi‐objective optimisation are embedded into QFD environment to make the decisions less imprecise than that of conventional QFD and it is tested for a case study problem. It definitely helps the managers in a collaborative product design environment.
A knowledge‐based service automation system for service logistics
Authors: Cheung C.F. , Chan Y.L. , Kwok S.K. , Lee W.B. , Wang W.M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Effective service logistics can lower the cost and increase service value by improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, the conventional ways of the service logistics are information driven instead of knowledge‐driven which are insufficient to meet the current needs. The purpose of this paper is to present a knowledge‐based service automation system (KBSAS) to enhance the competitiveness for manufacturing enterprises in service logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

The KBSAS incorporates various artificial intelligence technologies such as case‐based reasoning which is used for achieving four perspectives of knowledge acquisition, service logistics, service automation and performance measurement, respectively.

Findings

A prototype customer service portal has been built based on the KBSAS and implemented successfully in a semi‐conductor equipment manufacturing company. It is verified that the KBSAS provides high quality customer services with fast and efficient customer responses. It also allows the company to capture the valuable experience and tacit knowledge of the staff in performing customer and field services.

Practical implications

The KBSAS yields a number of advantages over conventional service logistics which include streamlining the service logistics process; performance measurement; reduction of paper work; the provision of 24 hours worldwide automatic customer service supported by the verified knowledge base established in the date time operations as well as the driving for continuous improvement of customer service quality.

Originality/value

The paper presents the development and successful implementation of a KBSAS which allows for the capture of the valuable experience and tacit knowledge of the staff in performing customer and field services.
Transforming the supply chain
Authors: Fassoula Evangelia D.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Today's business environment emerges the need for organizations to continuously transform themselves, in order to maintain and reinforce their ability to compete successfully. The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the transformation process of supply chain in order to provide a modular structured management tool for planning, implementing and measure the effectiveness of supply chain transformation process (SCTP), in relation to overall organizational performance and business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The focal concepts upon which the overall approach is based are the strategic planning process, the human resources management techniques, the link between organizational structure and culture, the marketing integration and the importance of quality evaluation.

Findings

The success of such efforts depends on a number of correlated parameters, among which, those of top management commitment and behavioural issues of human resources are the most critical. The tool proposed in this paper for the transformation of the supply chain, provides a flexible sequence of project phases, linked together in a loop and continuously assessed against specific evaluation criteria, to assure the project quality and the continual transformation dynamics.

Practical implications

The pilot implementation of the tool to a big furniture organization led to the development of an integrated supply chain function, which would integrate planning, purchasing, production, warehousing distribution and transportation processes. The customer satisfaction rate had an increase of 25 percent, six months after the fulfilment of the transformation and three key suppliers reported a significant decrease of the duration of the overall purchasing process.

Originality/value

The paper presents a modular tool to facilitate the management of a SCTP as a project, taking under consideration the critical sensitivity factors of a transformation process.
Comprehensive performance assessment in English local government
Authors: Game Chris
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide, at a particularly significant point in its short history, an overview of a unique system of performance management to which all principal local authorities in England have been subject for the past three years.

Design/methodology/approach

Comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) is the controversial centrepiece of a system of performance measurement and improvement management that has involved the external classification of each individual local authority as Excellent, Good, Fair, Weak or Poor. It is a system that, as comparative data on the scale of local government demonstrate, could only be attempted in the UK. The article is written as a non‐technical and evaluative narrative of the introduction, early operation and impact of this system, concluding with the changes in methodology introduced to counter the phenomenon of too many of the nation's local authorities becoming officially too good for the existing measurement framework.

Findings

Key points that the article brings out concern the exceptional circumstances of UK local government that make such a performance management system even contemplatable, the improvement and recovery part of the regime, and the inherent implications of a system geared to providing regular statistical evidence of continuous performance improvement.

Originality/value

The originality lies in the CPA system itself, aspects of which at least will be of interest both to specialists in performance measurement and management and to those with an interest in decentralized government and intergovernmental relations.