bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of ethnicity in recruiting domestic labour
Authors: Lendaro Annalisa , Imdorf Christian
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Referring to the sociology of conventions, the purpose of this paper is to examine how various conventions of work coordination and employee relations affect how recruiters in the domestic labour industry use ethnic categories to match jobs to applicants in the domestic services sector and how institutional gatekeepers relegate immigrant women to jobs with poor career opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies of a public job centre, a domestic service provider and an occupational integration service show the core conventions structuring job placement in Marseille's domestic service industry. Based on nine semi‐structured interviews with representatives of the three respective intermediaries, the authors reconstructed conventions and compromises between them related to the use of ethnic categories as significant criteria in recruitment.

Findings

Characteristic compromises of work conventions frame the organisational use of ethnic categories in the job placement process. Market and domestic conventions are particularly crucial for ethnic criteria to become meaningful in the recruitment process as indicators of cheap and readily available labour. Intersecting with gender, they signal competence in the “domestic world” of beneficiaries’ private homes. Ethnic categories are less meaningful, however, when coordination between intermediary, clients and workers is based on the civic and industrial work conventions.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to better understanding ethnic labelling processes in the placement of immigrant job seekers in the domestic service industry. It points to the problematic fact that denying the recognition of foreign certificates in the industry works to the economic benefit of domestic service providers, while it impedes the careers of female immigrant workers.
Immigrant workers’ (im)mobilities and their re‐emigration strategies
Authors: Pereira Sonia
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to challenge the idea of the immobile immigrant worker, trapped in the bottom segments of the labour market, by exploring how immigrants and their descendants (sometimes designated second generation immigrants) develop re‐emigration strategies in their first country of settlement in Europe when faced with structural or conjunctural barriers to the advancement of their socio‐economic situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical evidence was collected through structured interviews aimed at capturing labour market and residential trajectories of workers of African origin and their descendants in Portugal, with a particular emphasis on the period between 1998 and 2006.

Findings

Findings suggest that in some cases, immigrants draw on social networks available to them to engage in processes of continued intra‐European mobility. International re‐emigration emerges as a work‐space mobility strategy for migrant workers and their descendants when there was no significant social mobility in the first destination. Similarly, international geographical mobility may constitute a self‐perpetuating strategy across generations to escape structural immobility faced by certain immigrant groups in destination contexts.

Research limitations/implications

Experiences reported are situated, so cannot be taken to represent those of all workers of African origin in Portugal.

Social implications

Findings presented in the paper highlight potential consequences of perpetuating geographical mobility throughout time, namely in terms of labour market conditions and family dynamics. They also highlight the need to look at socio‐economic mobility trajectories within Europe as integrated space and not just within national borders.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an encompassing view of migrants’ (im)mobilities over time, to include the conditions of their labour market incorporation and its links to further spatial, international, mobility.
The effects of academic optimism on elementary reading achievement
Authors: Bevel Raymona K. , Mitchell Roxanne M.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between academic optimism (AO) and elementary reading achievement (RA).

Design/methodology/approach

Using correlation and hierarchical linear regression, the authors examined school‐level effects of AO on fifth grade reading achievement in 29 elementary schools in Alabama.

Findings

Correlational analysis revealed that AO was positively correlated with RA (r=0.78,p<0.01), as were all the components of AO, namely: collective efficacy (r=0.70,p<0.01); faculty trust in students and parents (r=0.83,p<0.01); and academic emphasis (r=0.58,p<0.01). Percent free and reduced lunch, which was a proxy for socio‐economic status (SES), was negatively correlated with all the variables in the study. Hierarchical linear regression revealed that academic optimism had a significant effect on RA (b=0.52,p<0.01) and accounted for approximately 18 per cent of the variance in reading achievement above the effects of SES.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the small sample size of 29 schools and the fact that these schools were a part of a sample of convenience. Findings support the conceptualization that AO has a positive effect on RA.

Practical implications

While SES has been often seen as an insurmountable factor, this research suggests that the contextual conditions of trust, efficacy, and academic emphasis create an environment conducive for higher academic achievement, despite the level of poverty in the school.

Originality/value

The paper confirms prior studies that have found AO to be linked to achievement and further demonstrates the positive relationships between AO and RA in a sample of elementary schools.
Administrator career paths and decision processes
Authors: Farley‐Ripple Elizabeth N. , Raffel Jeffrey A. , Christine Welch Jennie
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present qualitative evidence on the processes and forces that shape school administrator career paths.

Design/methodology/approach

An embedded case study approach is used to understand more than 100 administrator career transitions within the Delaware education system. Semi‐structured interview data were collected from 48 principals and assistant principals. Coding and analysis occurred through an iterative process, revealing patterns in processes and forces influencing the careers of school administrators.

Findings

While some career decisions are self‐initiated, most are influenced in part or entirely by other actors in the system, described as recruiting/tapping, requesting, reassigning, passing over, and removing. In self‐initiated decisions to move or stay, a number of “pushes” and “pulls” are identified. Findings also suggest the decision to stay‐equilibrium is driven by relationships with students and by district support.

Research limitations/implications

Data are limited to Delaware and represent the voices of principals and assistant principals only. Patterns evident in the data suggest a need to further investigate administrator career behavior qualitatively, as well as directions for future research.

Practical implications

There is a need to better understand and improve local human resource processes in terms of recruitment and assignment of administrators. Additional research is needed to better identify processes and forces related to career decisions in order to improve leadership recruitment and retention.

Originality/value

This research represents the first large‐scale qualitative study of administrator career behavior and is an important companion to recent quantitative analyses in this area.
National culture and infrastructure development
Authors: Mayfield Jacqueline , Mayfield Milton
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the predictive influence of national cultural models on national infrastructure development. The national culture models of Hofstede, GLOBE, Ronen and Shenkar, and the World and European Values Survey (WEVS), were measured and compared to ascertain the best prediction fit for national infrastructure development.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review examined four established cultural models, most of which (with the exception of the WEVS) assert stable, holistic models of national culture for business applications. The argument for cultural divergence in key moderators and mediators such as infrastructure development was also discussed. Then each model's predictability was measured with set correlation methodology, using GDP and population as co‐variates. Also, the marginal influence of the other three cultural typologies were controlled for in each respective analysis.

Findings

Each model was found to have a positive significant prediction relationship with national culture infrastructure growth. The most promising model is the WEVS which explains a substantial proportion of the variance in national infrastructure. Additionally, WEVS has a higher predictive link to each infrastructure area than the other models. These results are preliminary and cross‐sectional, yet they suggest that dynamic cultural models may be the best predictors of infrastructure development.

Practical implications

The study shows that increased efforts by the private sector and government can rely on dynamic models to boost national GDPs, and give better strategic guidance to foreign financial investment and human resources management.

Originality/value

The paper supports the hypotheses that national culture models can “grow” GDP to a healthy level through prediction, assessment, and then taking necessary interventions.
The effect of pre‐existing financial indicators on investor valuation of strategic alliances
Authors: Daneshfar Alireza , Adobor Henry
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the line of research on the ex ante valuation of the economic payoff from strategic alliances. The paper links a firm's related pre‐alliance situation to an alliance announcement, to predict how investors value the alliance.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers collected data on marketing alliances in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Using an empirical model, three hypotheses predicting how investors value alliances in the light of their knowledge of how the firm is doing before the alliance announcement were tested.

Findings

The findings indicate that investors assign higher value to marketing alliances for firms with lower inventory liquidity and product demand. Investors, in fact, rewarded firms with weak pre‐alliance positions, indicating that the alliance was perceived as a useful strategy to turnaround the weak situation.

Research limitations/implications

As is common with other event study research, the study is unable to predict the long‐term relationship between alliance announcements and performance of the alliance. A positive evaluation at the time of the announcement may not necessarily translate into long‐term success.

Practical implications

This research provides an important lesson for firms hoping to reap financial rewards from their alliance announcements. Firms may do well to time such alliance announcements to correspond with their internal situations.

Originality/value

This paper is believed to be one of the first to consider an additional piece of firm information in addition to an alliance announcement to gauge investor valuation of alliances. The research therefore extends existing research and offers a more complete understanding of how investors value alliances at their formation. The findings should be of interest to firms contemplating alliances, and enhance understanding of investor decision making.
Corporate governance and earnings management in Malaysian government linked companies
Authors: Har Sani Mohamad Muslim , Majdi Abdul Rashid Hafiz , Mohammed Shawtari Fekri Ali
Published: September 2012

Purpose

As the major shareholder, in 2004, the Malaysian Government embarked on the transformation initiative of the Government Linked Companies (GLCs). One of the main initiatives was to enhance board effectiveness through its Green Book. Soon after, the progress performance review revealed that the GLCs reported improved earnings. Such drastic performance turnarounds triggered the question as to whether earnings quality is at stake. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the tightening of corporate governance mechanisms on earnings management (EM) activities of the GLCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The earnings data for two periods (pre‐ and post‐transformation) were collected and tested to determine whether the GLCs experienced any improvement of board monitoring role in curbing EM activities in the post‐transformation period.

Findings

The main findings show that there is an increase of EM activities in the post‐transformation policy. Furthermore, the study also reveals that none of the corporate governance mechanisms has much impact on curbing activities, except for board meetings and leadership structure in the post‐transformation period. The board meetings and separation of chairman and chief executive officers in the companies were shown to only have a negative impact on EM activities in the post‐transformation period. Although the study has shown a positive preliminary impact from tightening the corporate governance of the GLCs, weak earnings quality might undermine the efforts to sustain such a transformation.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the limited body of literature concerning the impact of corporate governance on earnings management by examining such impact using Government Linked Companies in Malaysia after introducing the transformation programme.
True and fair financial reporting: a tool for better corporate governance
Authors: Pallissery Fincy
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Transparency of financial information promotes corporate growth. The purpose of this paper is to concentrate on the need for strengthening the law governing true and fair corporate accounting. The first part of the paper concentrates on nexus between the importance of transparency in accounting embodied under the provisions of the Companies Act in India and in the UK. Second, the paper focuses on the board of director's duty to prevent corporate fraud through proper financial reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology for this study is analytical. Comparative study of the law governing accounting provisions in India and UK is also looked into.

Findings

The law governing financial transparancy envisaged under the Companies Act in India makes it obligatory on the part of the companies to disclose the material information relevant to the investors. However, the directors of the company often show an unreal picture of the financial position of the company, so as to retain the existing shareholders and to attract more investors. This can be avoided if the composition of audit committees in the companies includes a few representatives of shareholders who are competent to asses the true and fair view of the company accounts prepared by the auditors.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of this research paper is mainly on the legal regimes and the accounting and auditing provisions of India and the UK.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the Companies Act in India should strengthen the accounting provisions and it should mandate the compulsory observance of accounting standards.
International anti‐money laundering regulation of alternative remittance systems
Authors: Trautsolt Joanna , Johnsøn Jesper
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the recommendations of an influential international advisory body, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), towards regulation of Alternative Remittance Systems (ARSs).

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is a comparative analysis of Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates, using available FATF documentation and external sources.

Findings

The analysis shows that FATF is right in pointing out that ARSs are useful vehicles for criminals to move operational expenses and launder the proceeds of their crimes. However, based on the cases of Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is argued that FATF's main approach of seeking to integrate these informal, traditional systems into the sphere and regulations of the formal banking system can be ineffective and even counterproductive in developing countries. Rather than taking a genuinely risk‐based approach, all ARS operators are required to be registered or licensed, conduct Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and fill out Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), just like commercial banks.

Research limitations/implications

The impact of mandatory registration and requiring CDD and STRs has been negligible in Afghanistan and the UAE. Therefore, the article calls for new approaches to control money laundering in ARSs.

Originality/value

The paper is the first independent, comparative case study analysis of FATF regulations and implementation. It illustrates the limited knowledge/research in the field, and the inherent limitations of the current regulatory approach.
Characterising and predicting cyber attacks using the Cyber Attacker Model Profile (CAMP)
Authors: Watters Paul A. , McCombie Stephen , Layton Robert , Pieprzyk Josef
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Ethnographic studies of cyber attacks typically aim to explain a particular profile of attackers in qualitative terms. The purpose of this paper is to formalise some of the approaches to build a Cyber Attacker Model Profile (CAMP) that can be used to characterise and predict cyber attacks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds a model using social and economic independent or predictive variables from several eastern European countries and benchmarks indicators of cybercrime within the Australian financial services system.

Findings

The paper found a very strong link between perceived corruption and GDP in two distinct groups of countries – corruption in Russia was closely linked to the GDP of Belarus, Moldova and Russia, while corruption in Lithuania was linked to GDP in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine. At the same time corruption in Russia and Ukraine were also closely linked. These results support previous research that indicates a strong link between been legitimate economy and the black economy in many countries of Eastern Europe and the Baltic states. The results of the regression analysis suggest that a highly skilled workforce which is mobile and working in an environment of high perceived corruption in the target countries is related to increases in cybercrime even within Australia. It is important to note that the data used for the dependent and independent variables were gathered over a seven year time period, which included large economic shocks such as the global financial crisis.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to use a modelling approach to directly show the relationship between various social, economic and demographic factors in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe, and the level of card skimming and card not present fraud in Australia.
The impact of money laundering on economic and financial stability and on political development in developing countries
Authors: Aluko Ayodeji , Bagheri Mahmood
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Money laundering is indeed a global phenomenon which undermines the economic and political stabilities of States. However, as much as money laundering is a global phenomenon, over the last decade, it has been apparent that development countries have been more exposed and vulnerable to its exploits. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate, specifically, the impact of money laundering on economic development, financial stability and also political development of “developing countries”. Hence, the aim and purpose of the paper is to deeply analyse the immense scale, concise effect and impact of the phenomenon of money laundering that hinders economic and political growth in developing countries in contrast to the developed countries. The paper also intends to examine the above issues in the context of Nigeria as a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

In developing this paper, emphasis was placed on primary sources of information and references to secondary sources of information where relevant. Therefore, the methodology employed in this paper is analytical and based on the facts reflected in the secondary sources and also legal and socio‐economic analyses of money laundering phenomenon.

Findings

The phenomenon of money laundering, amongst other economic and financial crimes have had better success in infiltrating into the economic and political structures of most developing countries therefore resulting to economic digression and political instability. Although, developing countries have responded and continue to respond, through legislative measures, to the menace of money laundering, at national level, however, money launderers, have exploited the lax regulatory environment, vulnerable financial systems along with persistence civil and political unrest of most the developing countries. The findings of the paper also highlight the relationship between corruption and money laundering in developing countries.

Originality/value

The paper is very unique in its approach as it combines legal analyses with social philosophy or combating money laundering and from a perspective of law of development both at the national and international levels, it focuses on the negative impacts of money laundering on the development of developing countries such as Nigeria.
Sick building syndrome in open‐plan offices
Authors: Gou Zhonghua , Siu‐Yu Lau Stephen
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present a sick building syndrome (SBS) survey in open‐plan offices. The design factors (indoor plants, workstation partitions, and operable windows) that predict SBS were described for architects and interior designers, and the indoor environmental characteristics (thermal comfort, air quality, noise and lighting) that contribute to SBS symptoms were also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a standard Building Use Studies (BUS) questionnaire that included sick building syndrome symptoms, environmental satisfaction and perception, and background information about the respondents and their office space. The questionnaire was conducted in 30 offices of building‐related professionals in Hong Kong. There were 469 Chinese office workers that participated.

Findings

Indoor plants and operable windows were related to a reduction of SBS symptoms; while workstation partitions did not affect the incidence of SBS symptoms. There were fewer sick building syndrome symptoms reported in the more satisfied respondents.

Originality/value

This study highlights a perception‐based solution for facilities design and management.
Analysis of risks associated with facilities management outsourcing
Authors: Ikediashi Dubem I. , Ogunlana Stephen O. , Boateng Prince , Okwuashi Onuwa
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the risk factors associated with outsourcing of facilities management (FM) services.

Design/methodology/approach

The study administered questionnaires on 146 registered members of International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), Nigeria chapter, who carry out their professional practice in Lagos, Nigeria. The survey, conducted in February, 2011 targeted facilities managers, property managers, maintenance officers and procurement officers cutting across the three levels of management. A total of 61 of them returned valid questionnaires, giving a response rate of 41.8 percent.

Findings

Findings reveal that “poor quality of services” was rated the most critical risk factor associated with facilities management outsourcing, while “security” and “inexperience” closely followed in that order. Also, there was no significant difference in the rankings of the stakeholders on more than 75 percent of the factors.

Research limitations/implications

Most practitioners would have been left out of the survey due to non‐registration with IFMA due to the seeming novelty of facilities management practice in Nigeria.

Originality/value

This paper provides an unambiguous empirical‐based analysis of outsourcing risks from the perspective of facilities management practice in Nigeria.
Shared services: lessons from private sector for public sector domain
Authors: Mustafa Kamal Muhammad
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is primarily to analyse the implementation of shared services models in business enterprises or private sector and the benefits realised, thereafter; to a greater extent, focusing on the lessons learnt from such operations and exploring the potential of applying similar models in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research attempts to examine whether or not the concepts regarding shared service in the private sector are valid and applicable in the public sector.

Findings

Even though the shared services concept and related models are significantly prevalent across the business enterprises or private sector and government sector, the author argues that the shared services model developed in the private sector may further significantly facilitate governments and public agencies in dealing with the recent changes (i.e. due to global financial crisis) in their environments and to become more effective and efficient.

Originality/value

This paper brings together some of the key discussions from the business and private sector on shared services and discusses their applicability in the public sector context.
A case study of Bayesian belief networks in industrial work process design based on utility expectation and operational performance
Authors: Quintana Rolando , Leung Mark T.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to illustrate a practical approach for industrial work process design that, in an integrative manner, captures essential concerns from different parties associated with manufacturing. It aims explicitly to incorporate utility expectation from the perspectives of operational managers, floor workers, and financial planners into the decision making process.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a real industrial scenario, the case study illustrates the use of a Bayesian belief network (BBN)‐based expert system and influence diagram in work process design. What‐if analysis is performed. Statistical tests are then used to benchmark and validate the experimental results and actual data.

Findings

The results suggest that the proposed BBN framework is effective in modeling and solving the work design problem. The findings can draw meaningful insights into the adoption and capacity of BBN in the fields of ergonomics, worker health management, and performance improvement.

Practical implications

Practically, the industrial problem is to compare the new stand‐up sewing cells against the traditional sit‐down sewing layout while taking into consideration of ergonomic effect (repetitive motion injury (RMI) likelihood), floor space (SF), yield (%), and cost ($). The study illustrates the use of an expert system and influence diagram to evaluate different alternatives for ergonomic work design in production process.

Social implications

The results of this study can potentially improve health safety management and worker ergonomics.

Originality/value

The paper is among the few systematic studies that have applied BBN and influence diagram to production ergonomics and worker health management. A methodological framework utilizing these probabilistic reasoning techniques are developed. This new framework can capture essential concerns from different parties in manufacturing.
Determinants of ownership structure and performance of seasoned equity offerings
Authors: Abidin Sazali , Reddy Krishna , Chen Liehui
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Since the initiation of the share split reform by the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in 2005, the private placement has become the major source of raising equity after IPO. The purpose of this paper is to investigate why listed firms in China prefer private placements compared to other options of raising capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The ordinary least squares regression, the piecewise regression and the cross‐sectional regression analysis were undertaken to investigate the determinants and characteristics of the seasoned‐equity offerings announcement effects. Probit regression analysis was taken to estimate the probability of a firm choosing private placements.

Findings

The authors find positive significant announcement abnormal returns for private placement. The findings also indicate that operating performance deteriorates immediately after announcement and poor operating performance is more likely to be contributed by large size portfolios, which suggests size effect.

Research limitations/implications

The paper's evidence contributes to an understanding of the wider implication of the share split reform undertaken by the CSRC.

Practical implications

The paper provides insights for policy makers in China and around the world who have and wish to adopt similar practices within their jurisdictions. Similar research can be conducted in other emerging markets to enable better understanding and implications of seasoned equity offerings on firm financial performance.

Originality/value

The paper is novel in regard to the data and the wider research paradigm used.
Modeling moneyness volatility in measuring exchange rate volatility
Authors: Hoque Ariful , Krishnamurti Chandrasekhar
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model to measure foreign exchange (FX) rate volatility accurately. The FX rate volatility forecasting is a crucial endeavour in financial markets and has gained the attention of researchers and practitioners over the last several decades. The implied volatility (IV) measure is widely believed to be the best measure of exchange rate volatility. Despite its widespread usage, the IV approach suffers from an obvious chicken‐egg problem: obtaining an unbiased IV requires the options to be priced correctly and calculating option prices accurately requires an unbiased IV.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors contribute to the literature by developing a new model for FX rate volatility – the “moneyness volatility (MV)”. This approach is based on measuring the variability of forward‐looking “moneyness” rather than use of options price. To assess volatility forecasting performance of MV against IV, the in‐sample and out‐of‐sample tests are involved using the F‐test, Granger‐Newbold test and Diebold‐Mariano framework.

Findings

The MV model outperforms the IV in FX rate volatility forecasting ability in both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample tests. The F‐test, Granger‐Newbold test and Diebold‐Mariano test results consistently reveal that MV outperforms IV in estimating as well as forecasting exchange rate volatility for six major currency options. Furthermore, in Mincer‐Zarnowitz regressions, MV outperforms IV and time‐series models in predicting future volatility.

Originality/value

The authors’ pioneering approach in modeling exchange rate volatility has far‐reaching implications for academicians, professional traders, and financial risk analysts and managers.
Exploring gender differences in attitudes of university students towards entrepreneurship
Authors: Dabic Marina , Daim Tugrul , Bayraktaroglu Elvan , Novak Ivan , Basic Maja
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand gender differences in entrepreneurial intentions as measured by perceived feasibility and perceived desirability, and to explore gender differences in perceptions of entrepreneurship education needs – in terms of programmes, activities or projects – to succeed in an entrepreneurial career from the university student's point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data gathered from 3,420 university students in more than ten countries, and applying the Mann‐Whitney non‐parametric test, differences between genders and different intention groups were examined. To reduce the items regarding educational needs, factor analysis was used. Gender differences in educational needs were also examined via Mann‐Whitney Test.

Findings

The results confirm that compared to males, female students are less willing to start their own businesses. There are significant gender differences in terms of perceived feasibility and perceived desirability such that although they feel more supported by their families, females are less self‐confident, more tense, reluctant and concerned about entrepreneurship. In terms of entrepreneurial intention, there are fewer gender differences among students; however, differences relating to self‐confidence and family support still exist. Furthermore, students cited establishing entrepreneurial mentoring and an appropriate tutoring structure as the most needed entrepreneurial educational activity/program/project at an academic institution; this was rated higher by females compared to males.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper could help guide educators and policy makers in designing effective entrepreneurship programmes that are customized to respond to gender specific needs to increase entrepreneurial participation.

Originality/value

This study reveals the gender differences in perceived desirability and perceived feasibility which impact entrepreneurial intentions. Gender differences in the entrepreneurial programmes/activities/projects required at an academic institution to promote entrepreneurial participation among university students is also explored.
Fathers for good? Exploring the impact of becoming a father on young offenders' desistance from crime
Authors: Helyar‐Cardwell Vicki
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This paper's aim is to explore the available evidence on whether becoming a young father can enhance desistance.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent literature on young fathers in the justice system was reviewed, alongside the major desistance theories. The findings from the review were explored in five semi‐structured interviews with five young fathers under probation supervision.

Findings

Despite the correlation between young fatherhood and offending, very little research has been conducted into the impact of young fatherhood on desistance from crime. Overall, there are good indicators that fatherhood can be a motivational “hook” for enhancing desistance.

Originality/value

Very little is known about the experience or context of fatherhood amongst young male offenders, nor about the relation between young fatherhood and desistance from crime. This paper fills some of the gaps.
Geocachers: the creative tourism experience
Authors: Ihamäki Pirita
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the geocaching online survey – the implications of geocaching to social interaction and tourism as useful for making small segments such as adventure tourists (geocachers) active participants in the development process of creative tourism experience in adventure tourist destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study approach presented is an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary problem within its real‐time context. The main goal of this case study was to gain detailed understanding of the current and future geocacher's positive and memorable experiences in the creative tourism context. This case study was gathered by internet survey for geocachers in October 2009, and is based on 52 responses. The study was approved by the Unit of Human‐Centred Technology, Tampere University of Technology. Geocaching players were told that their responses would be kept confidential. Secondary material is based on geocaching stories in magazines all over the world, linked to Geocaching.com, that are used here to expand the description of creative tourism products and of how geocaching is used in tourism or to design new applications around the game.

Findings

The main contributions of this study are the increased knowledge of creative tourism, especially geocacher's needs regarding sharing positive and memorable geocaching experiences, and the new creative tourism services and events by creating geocachers.

Practical implications

The paper's findings are used to discuss broader implications for location‐based creative tourism experiences and present guidelines based on results of case study.

Originality/value

The paper discusses how geocachers created a new format in adventure tourism and in the wellness tourism business.
The impact of hotel property size in determining the importance of electronic distribution channels
Authors: Kim Hong‐bumm , Ham Sunny , Moon Hye‐young
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of electronic distribution systems (EDS) in Korean hotels and investigate the differences between large and small and medium (S&M) hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative and explorative study. An in‐depth interview was conducted of seven large hotels and nine S&M hotels.

Findings

Regardless of size, the surveyed hotels received, on average, more reservations through offline systems than online. It was found that large hotels showed less variation in the use of EDS than S&M hotels. While there was no distinct difference in the overall use of EDS, in terms of average, the highest percentage of hotel EDS use was demonstrated by S&M hotels. Regarding specific components and distribution flows, large hotels overall employed a variety of distribution channels, often implemented in multi‐faceted systems. S&M hotels, in most cases, adopted simpler distribution flows, i.e. hotel web sites and online travel agencies. This difference seems to be the result of the affiliation of primarily large hotels with huge hotel corporations.

Research limitations/implications

An emphasis has been placed on the current use of an EDS within S&M hotels, given their greater competitive challenge with regards to their larger counterparts.

Practical implications

Meaningful implications are made that building an extensive and effective information system appropriate to the size and type of the hotel's operations is especially needed by S&M hotels.

Originality/value

The paper addresses EDS issues specifically for S&M hotels.
A study of compliance with AAOIFI accounting standards by Islamic banks in Bahrain
Authors: Vinnicombe Thea
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an extension of a previous study by the author into compliance by Islamic banks in Bahrain with accounting standards issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

Design/methodology/approach

A number of compliance indexes are constructed to better understand compliance by the sample banks. The use of multiple indexes addresses methodological shortcomings identified in the previous study.

Findings

Compliance is found to be higher for some Islamic issues than for others. In a relative sense, compliance is found to be similar to that for the region with standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited to Islamic financial institutions in Bahrain. This is necessitated by the lack of adaptation elsewhere. The relatively high compliance found in Bahrain suggests broader adoption would be successful and would contribute to the overall regulation of the Islamic financial sector.

Originality/value

The AAOIFI has existed for over 20 years, but little empirical research had been conducted into compliance with the standards developed by this body. This paper, along with the previous study by the author, helps address this gap.
Two sides to the same coin: relational and physical aggression in the media
Authors: Coyne Sarah M. , Stockdale Laura , Nelson David A.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This review aims to examine how aggression is portrayed in the media and how it can influence behavior and attitudes regarding aggression.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the relevant literature and examined both physical and relational forms of aggression in multiple media forms (television, film, video games, music, books).

Findings

Across media types, evidence is found that both physical and relational aggression are portrayed frequently and in ways that may contribute to subsequent aggression. Furthermore, though there are studies finding no effect of exposure to media aggression, evidence is found that watching physical and relational aggression in the media can contribute to aggressive behavior. Prominent media aggression theories are reviewed and some of these theories are applied to relational aggression media effects.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers should no longer ignore relational aggression in terms of the media, in terms of content and associations with aggressive behavior. Researchers should also focus on understudied media forms, such as music and books.

Practical implications

Policy makers should take careful note of the research on media and aggression when deciding on public policy and clinicians should inquire about media habits when clients show problematic aggressive behavior (physical or relational).

Originality/value

This paper is a valuable source of information regarding current research on media and aggression. Unlike other reviews, it focuses on multiple types of aggression (physical and relational) and multiple media types (TV, movies, video games, music, and books).
CSR‐OHS
Authors: Amponsah‐Tawiah Kwesi , Dartey‐Baah Kwasi
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace the path to achieving the millennium development goals (MDG) in developing countries through the lens of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organisation health and safety (OHS).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employed discourse analysis of views of participants of the workshop on CSR‐OHS project in Accra, funded by the British Council's Development Partnership in Higher Education (DelPHE). The analysis was shaped by the various theorizations and conceptualisations of CSR and OHS in developed and developing countries, in order to establish any link between CSR‐OHS and the MDG.

Findings

The paper established some linkage between CSR, OHS and the MDG. Although the paper observed divergence in practice between the two concepts of CSR and OHS, Ghanaians viewed OHS as a key competing dimension of CSR. Problem areas were identified with respect to OHS implementation and regulations and standardization proposed for its improvement. The paper calls for the provision of effective and efficient OHS services and the introduction of OHS courses in the curricula of higher educational institutions as a national strategy.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the relevance of OHS in the CSR concept as a tool for achieving the MDGs.
Corporate sustainability management: evidence from Germany
Authors: Kraus Patrick , Britzelmaier Bernd
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Sustainability has become a hot topic in business administration theory. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on how companies can manage sustainability properly. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is two fold. First, it provides an updated discussion on the potential business case for sustainability. Second, it analyses the current state of the implementation of sustainability management in Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on literature review, the paper aims to answer two research questions: are there indications for a business case for sustainability, and what is the current state of implementation of sustainability management in Germany?

Findings

A business case for sustainability seems, in principle, plausible, especially with regard to an individual company basis. The discussion of recent empirical studies in Germany may lead to the conclusion that sustainability management is not yet implemented comprehensively. Remarkably, the management control and finance departments are almost completely uninvolved in the implementation of sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical research is not provided. The paper proposes to conduct qualitative empirical studies for further research to address the research problem.

Originality/value

The paper integrates German and international literature and therefore represents a comprehensive base for further research. It also brings a number of empirical studies about the implementation of sustainability management, conducted in the German language, into the international discussion.
Detection of human papillomavirus in esophageal papillomas: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Syrjänen Kari , Syrjänen Stina
Published: September 2012

Since first suggested (in 1982), etiological role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in esophageal papillomas has aroused increasing interest. The objective of this study was to perform systematic review and formal meta‐analysis of the literature reporting on HPV detection in esophageal squamous cell papillomas (ESCP). Literature was searched through May 2012. The effect size was calculated as event rates (95% CI), with homogeneity testing using Cochran's Q and I2 statistics. Meta‐regression was used to test the impact of study‐level covariates (HPV detection method, geographic origin) on effect size, and potential publication bias was estimated using funnel plot symmetry. Thirty nine studies were eligible, covering 427 ESCPs from different geographic regions. Altogether, 132 (30.9%) cases tested HPV positive; effect size 0.375 (95% CI 0.319–0.434) using the fixed‐effects (FE) model and 0.412 (95% CI 0.295–0.540) using the random‐effects model. In meta‐analysis stratified by (i) HPV detection technique and (ii) geographic study origin, the between‐study heterogeneity was not significant (p = 0.071 and p = 0.105, respectively). In meta‐regression, HPV detection method (p = 0.260) and geographic origin (p = 0.436) were not significant study‐level covariates accounting for the heterogeneity in HPV prevalence. Some evidence for publication bias was found only for PCR‐based studies, with a marginal impact on summary effect size estimates. In sensitivity analysis, all meta‐analytic results were robust to all one‐by‐one study removals. In stratified meta‐analysis and formal meta‐regression, the variability in HPV detection rates in ESCPs is not explained by the HPV detection method or geographic origin of the study.