bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed methods research: don't – “just do it”
Authors: De Loo Ivo , Lowe Alan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the dilemmas involved in the debate on the how, when and why of mixed methods research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' starting point is formed by developments in the philosophy of science literature, and recent publications on mixed methods research outside of the management accounting domain.

Findings

Contrary to recent claims made in the management accounting literature, the authors assert that uncovering points of disagreement between methods may be as far as researchers can go by combining them. Being reflexive can help to provide a deeper understanding of the research process and the researcher's role in this process.

Research limitations/implications

The paper should extend the debate among management accounting researchers about mixed methods research. One of the lessons drawn is that researchers are actively immersed in the research process and cannot purge their own interests and views. Accepting this lesson casts doubt on what the act of research may imply and achieve.

Practical implications

The paper shows that combinations of research methods should not be made based on a “whatever works” attitude, since this approach ultimately is still infused with ontological and epistemological considerations that researchers have, and should try to explicate.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the provision of philosophical underpinnings that have not been widely considered in the management accounting literature on mixed methods to date.
Isomorphism and foreign subsidiary staffing policies
Authors: Ando Naoki
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore determinants that affect foreign subsidiary staffing policies by employing institutional theory as a theoretical foundation.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are developed regarding determinants of the ratio of parent country nationals (PCNs) to foreign subsidiary employees. To examine the hypotheses, Tobit regressions are run using a sample of 1,998 foreign subsidiaries of Japanese manufacturers in 40 countries.

Findings

The PCN ratio of foreign subsidiaries is positively associated with the parent firm's taken‐for‐granted PCN ratio and the PCN ratio adopted by other Japanese firms in the same cognitive category. In addition, the positive relationship between the PCN ratio adopted by other Japanese firms in the same cognitive category and the PCN ratio of foreign subsidiaries is moderated by the international experience of the parent firm, such that the positive relationship is weaker as the parent firm accumulates international experience.

Originality/value

The study described in this paper incorporates a sociological perspective into a framework that explains foreign subsidiary staffing decisions. In addition, it shows that under conditions of uncertainty, foreign firms adopt a normatively rational staffing policy, although this does not necessarily guarantee economic rationality.
Work role and work adjustment in emerging markets
Authors: Kittler Markus G. , Rygl David , Mackinnon Alex , Wiedemann Katja
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze four major aspects of the work role and how they influence the expatriate work adjustment in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a quantitative design. Self‐reported data were collected from 113 German expatriates assigned to the CEE region and Russia.

Findings

The results of the study confirm the hypothesized negative association of work adjustment with role conflict and support a positive association with role clarity. Positive relationships of work adjustment with role flexibility and negative relationships with role novelty are not supported.

Originality/value

The empirical results partially confirm but also challenge the established connection of work role and work adjustment in a less well understood geographical context and provide relevant material for the business practitioner with implications for future research.
Fostering expatriate affective commitment: a total reward perspective
Authors: Tornikoski Christelle
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether organizations can encourage the loyalty of their international employees through the composition of their expatriate packages.

Design/methodology/approach

Two separate but complementary theoretical perspectives – the total reward approach, and the exchange‐based construct of state of the psychological contract (SPC) – are used to explain the affective commitment of expatriates. Hypotheses are developed and tested on a sample of 263 assigned and self‐initiated expatriates from Finland.

Findings

A positive SPC relating to tangible universal rewards (i.e. the compensation package traditionally considered in previous expatriate research) is not linked to an increase in the overall affective commitment of expatriates. In contrast, a very strong positive relationship was found between the expatriates' SPC relating to total rewards (which include intangible particularistic rewards (IPR)) and affective commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The sample only includes highly educated Finnish expatriates, which limits the external validity of the results. Moreover, the cross‐sectional nature of this study does not allow for confirmation of the cause‐effect relationship between the SPC and affective commitment.

Practical implications

The results suggest that, as a rule, organizations could improve the retention of their valuable international employees via the exchange of IPR usually found in socio‐emotional and trusting employment relationships.

Originality/value

First, this paper focuses on expatriate perceptions regarding their compensation. Second, it applies the “concreteness” and “particularism” dimensions developed by Foa and Foa to distinguish between the constituting components of the bundle of total rewards and provide an evaluation‐oriented measure of the SPC relating to this bundle. Third, this approach enables explaining expatriates' affective commitment.
Expatriate compensation packages: what do employees prefer?
Authors: Warneke Doris , Schneider Martin
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Heterogeneous employee preferences may encumber employers' attempts to standardize expatriate compensation packages. The purpose of this paper is to outline an empirical approach that informs employers about their employees' preferences concerning an international assignment.

Design/methodology/approach

Utility theory and conjoint measurement techniques are applied. Employees, it is argued, derive utility from the multiple characteristics of the assignment in terms of working conditions, career prospects, and living conditions. Employees perceive that utility relative to their country‐specific status quo. Such preferences may be measured with conjoint analysis.

Findings

To illustrate the methodology, German and Spanish employees in one company were given the scenario of an assignment in the USA. Measured preferences, though partly heterogeneous, were systematically related to the home country's institutional and cultural environment (societal effect).

Research limitations/implications

More countries should be included in future studies. Studies of this kind may be related to the concepts of institutional and cultural distance.

Practical implications

Based on these findings, worldwide policies and procedures on expatriate compensation packages may be formulated to strike a better balance between standardization and the needs of a heterogeneous global workforce.

Originality/value

The paper presents a first systematic model of the preferences that guide the employee decision to accept or decline an international assignment, and it illustrates how these preferences can be measured.
Modeling effects of oxygen inhibition in mask‐based stereolithography
Authors: Jariwala Amit S. , Ding Fei , Boddapati Aparna , Breedveld Victor , Grover Martha A. , Henderson Clifford L. , Rosen David W.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model that can be used to simulate the photopolymerization process in micro‐stereolithography (SL) in order to predict the shape of the cured parts. SL is an additive manufacturing process in which liquid photopolymer resin is cross‐linked and converted to solid with a UV laser light source. Traditional models of SL processes do not consider the complex chemical reactions and species transport occurring during photopolymerization and, hence, are incapable of accurately predicting resin curing behavior. The model presented in this paper attempts to bridge this knowledge gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The chemical reactions involved in the photopolymerization of acrylate‐based monomers were modeled as ordinary differential equations (ODE). This model incorporated the effect of oxygen inhibition and diffusion on the polymerization reaction. The model was simulated in COMSOL and verified with experiments conducted on a mask‐based micro‐SL system. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the possibilities to improve the accuracy of the model for predicting the edge curvature.

Findings

The proposed model predicts well the effect of oxygen inhibition and diffusion on photopolymerization, and the model accurately predicts the cured part height when compared to experiments conducted on a mask‐based SL system. The simulated results also show the characteristic edge curvature as seen in experiments.

Research limitations/implications

A triacrylate monomer was used in the experiments conducted, so results may be limited to acrylate monomers. Shrinkage was not considered when comparing cured part shapes to those predicted using COMSOL.

Originality/value

This paper presents a unique and a pioneering approach towards modeling of the photopolymerization reaction in micro‐SL process. This research furthers the development of patent pending film micro‐SL process which can be used for fabrication of custom micro‐optical components.
The guide to glass 3D printing: developments, methods, diagnostics and results
Authors: Marchelli Grant , Prabhakar Renuka , Storti Duane , Ganter Mark
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the steps and processes behind successfully adapting novel materials, namely virgin glass and recycled glass, to three‐dimensional printing (3DP).

Design/methodology/approach

The transition from 3DP ceramic systems to glass systems will be examined in detail, including the necessary modifications to binder systems and printing parameters. The authors present preliminary engineering data on shrinkage, porosity, and density as functions of peak firing temperature, and provide a brief introduction to the complexities faced in realizing an adequate and repeatable firing method for 3D printed glass.

Findings

Shrinkage behavior for the 3D printed recycled glass showed significant anisotropy, especially beyond peak firing temperatures of 730°C. The average shrinkage ratios for the slow‐ and fast‐axes to the Z‐axis were 1:1.37 and 1:2.74, respectively. These extreme differences can be attributed to the layer‐by‐layer production method and binder burn‐off. At 760°C, the apparent porosity reached a minimum of 0.36 percent, indicative of asymptotic behavior that approaches a fully dense 3DP glass specimen. At low firing temperatures, the bulk density was similar to water, but increased to a maximum of 2.41 g/cm3. This indicates that 3DP recycled glass can behave similarly to common glass with accepted published bulk densities ranging from 2.4‐2.8 g/cm3.

Research limitations/implications

Heating schedule analysis and optimization may reduce geometric variations, therefore, the firing method should be investigated in greater depth.

Originality/value

This paper provides a guide to successfully adopting glass to commercially available 3DP hardware. This research has also enabled rapid prototyping of recycled glass, a monumental step towards a sustainable future for 3DP.
Self‐assembly in additive manufacturing: opportunities and obstacles
Authors: Crane N.B. , Tuckerman J. , Nielson G.N.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers substantial flexibility in shape, but much less flexibility in materials and functionality – particularly at small size scales. A system for automatically incorporating microscale components would enable the fabrication of objects with more functionality. The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential of self‐assembly to serve as an automated programmable integration method. In particular, it addresses the ability of random self‐assembly processes to successfully assemble objects with high performance despite the possibility of assembly errors.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐assembled thermoelectric system is taken as a sample system. The performance expectations for these systems are then predicted using modified one‐dimensional models that incorporate the effects of random errors. Monte‐Carlo simulation is used to predict the likely performance of self‐assembled thermoelectric systems and evaluate the impact of key process and system design parameters.

Findings

While assembly yield can drop quickly with increasing numbers of assembled parts, large functional assemblies can be constructed by arranging components in parallel to provide redundancy. In some cases, the performance losses are minimal. Alternatively, sensing can be incorporated to identify perfect assemblies. For small assemblies, the probability of perfection may be high enough to achieve an acceptable assembly rate. Small assemblies could then be combined into larger functional systems.

Originality/value

The paper identifies two strategies that can guide the development of AM processes that incorporate miniature components to increase the system functionality. The analysis shows that this may be possible despite significant errors in the self‐assembly process because systems may be tolerant of significant assembly errors.
Enterprise education: the effect of creativity on training outcomes
Authors: Lourenço Fernando , Jayawarna Dilani
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to draw on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to explore the effects of a creativity‐enhancing training programme on the learning intentions of nascent entrepreneurs. The key focus is to evaluate the impact of the nascent entrepreneurs' perceived level of creativity on training outcomes, measured in terms of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and intention to exploit learning. Implications for theory and enterprise education policy are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on data from a cross sectional survey of two groups of trainees: final‐year business‐enterprise degree‐students, and participants from a leading UK enterprise programme, New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES). The data from a total sample of 384 were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Data were subjected to essential validity and reliability tests prior to using in the SEM analysis.

Findings

The results supported the hypothesis that participants who perceive themselves as having higher perceptions of creativity will have higher tendencies to learn. There is also support for a full mediation role of new learning in explaining the relationship between creativity and intention to exploit learning. Creative individuals also rate other training outcomes as positive; both perceived usefulness and perceived ease‐of‐use received statistical support. Perceived usefulness acts as a strong mediator to the relationship between learning from creativity training and nascent entrepreneurs' intention to exploit their learning. On the whole, results largely agree with the TPB as applied to entrepreneurship and suggest trainees' perception of creativity as a driver for enhancing learning habits among nascent entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

The research has highlighted several issues that influence the learning behaviour of nascent entrepreneurs and so helps to inform entrepreneurship theory and enterprise policy related to enterprise and entrepreneurship education. As this is one of the first attempts to situate enterprise education within the theory of planned behaviour, this study will particularly be useful to frame questions for future research.

Originality/value

The study is useful as it proposes a new dimension to an already popular debate around learning and entrepreneurial potential. This paper emphasises that the development of enterprising skills should be spread and integrated into different aspects within an entrepreneurship programme, as opposed to small‐blocks of consecutive sessions, to avoid negative effects caused by the perception of creativity.
Financial constraints of ethnic entrepreneurship: evidence from Germany
Authors: Bruder Jana , Neuberger Doris , Räthke‐Döppner Solvig
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The theory of small business finance predicts that ethnic minority‐owned businesses are more likely to be credit constrained in the start‐up process than are native‐owned businesses. In Germany, empirical evidence for this issue is scarce because of missing data. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews previous studies and uses data from a survey of ethnic and native entrepreneurs in Germany that include detailed information about start‐up financing. The hypotheses were tested for differences in financial constraints using univariate analyses and apply multivariate regression models to identify the causes of credit constraints in start‐up financing.

Findings

The data provide evidence that entrepreneurs with an immigration background (“ethnic entrepreneurs”), defined as German residents who hold foreign citizenship or who were born outside Germany, are significantly more likely to be denied credit or to be awarded smaller loans than requested than are native entrepreneurs. However, the underlying reasons for this effect may be differences in risk factors and financial relationships, rather than ethnicity.

Research limitations/implications

The dataset consists of 234 observations. The results refer to the sample and might not be representative of ethnic minority start‐ups in general.

Practical implications

Apart from the risk factors observed in the study, communication problems and lack of information about possible sources of external financing may be relevant. Better communications between financial institutions and ethnic minority businesses may help to reduce the financing gap vis‐à‐vis native entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This is the first examination of the financial constraints of ethnic entrepreneurship in Germany using univariate and multivariate analyses. Previous evidence has been limited to observations about possible discrimination against ethnic minorities and has not tested the significance of observed differences in access to credit.
Developing a conceptual framework of strategic entrepreneurship
Authors: Luke Belinda , Kearins Kate , Verreynne Martie‐Louise
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the integration of entrepreneurship and strategy to develop a conceptual framework of strategic entrepreneurship. The framework is developed through an analysis of theory and refined through an examination of practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This framework is considered in the context of potentially entrepreneurial and strategic activity undertaken by 12 of the 17 state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) operating in New Zealand in 2006‐2007. Based on a review of documents, observation, and interviews with SOE executives, cases of 12 SOE activities were analysed to compare and contrast strategic entrepreneurship in practice.

Findings

The findings reveal distinct elements within the four activities classified as strategic entrepreneurship, activities, such as leveraging from core skills and resources from a strategic perspective, and innovation from an entrepreneurial perspective.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the nature of strategic entrepreneurship in practice and the associated financial returns.
The state of the public relations profession in the UK
Authors: Gregory Anne
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a status report on the development of the public relations profession in the UK in the first decade of the twenty‐first century. This is the most comprehensive review to date and its aim is to provide a definitive overview of developments and trends in the UK and the issues it faces.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of three major surveys of the public relations profession taken at three points in the first decade of the twenty‐first century, along with six other reference reports, supplemented by appropriate literature.

Findings

The report provides a perspective on the profession as a whole, the work and demographics of professionals and CEO views on the profession and the issues and opportunities facing it.

Research limitations/implications

The main three research studies are based mainly on membership of the professional body in the UK and therefore could have a potential bias. The four research studies which includes CEO interviews have limited numbers of participants and two studies are based on National Health Service CEOs only so the results may not be entirely representative.

Practical implications

The uses of this study are fourfold: first, the UK public relations profession is second in size to the USA and worth investigating in its own right. Second, the study will allow comparison with other benchmark investigations in other countries. Third, the study will identify the state, issues, trends and challenges of the profession in the UK and help those studying the practice into setting a research agenda which will help the profession practically and generate opportunities for theory building and testing. Fourth, it will inform curriculum content for those designing study programmes in public relations and corporate communication.

Originality/value

The findings presented here provide the most comprehensive study of the UK profession's development over the first decade of the twenty‐first century to date.
Ethical Positioning Index (EPI): an innovative tool for differential brand positioning
Authors: Sagar Mahim , Khandelwal Rishabh , Mittal Amit , Singh Deepali
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Ethical Positioning Index (EPI), an innovative ranking scale based on the ethical issues in brand positioning. This paper is based on the core idea that ethics can be used as a product differentiator and can create a strategic advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Five basic elements of brand positioning, brand identity, brand image, brand personality, brand awareness, and brand communication, are blended with the three basic elements of ethics; beliefs, values, and symbols and customs. The EPI emerges from the established ethical brand positioning framework and the analysis from the conducted survey which was composed of brand positioning and ethics questions.

Findings

Consumer driven weights have been obtained and a mathematical model has been proposed to evaluate the total score and finally the ranking of the brands.

Research limitations/implications

The EPI parameters' weight will vary owing to the non‐existence of universal ethics and hence subsequently every cohort will have its own weight.

Practical implications

EPI will be an important tool from the managerial point of view as it serves as a step‐by‐step guide to compare the position of the brand in an integrated and ethical manner.

Social implications

The EPI will bring a change in the ideology of the brands, making them employ more ethical perspectives in their branding, which will be highly welcomed by consumers and society.

Originality/value

The role of ethics in brand positioning has been studied and blended to generate a novel‐ranking scale (EPI).
Revisiting strategic communication's past to understand the present
Authors: Waters Richard D. , Lemanski Jennifer L.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the communication styles on the web sites of a random sample of the top American corporations and non‐profit organizations. By revisiting the traditional approach to understanding strategic communication, the four models of public relations provide insights into the direction and nature of organizational communication.

Design/methodology/approach

A random sample ofFortune500 (n=180) andPhilanthropy400 (n=170) was conducted. Although public relations research has never measured internet communication using the four models, the researchers created original scales to measure their web performance.

Findings

The research reveals that both corporations and non‐profits have strong preferences for using one‐way communication on their web sites. However, both groups moderately incorporated two‐way communication practices as corporations were more likely to use two‐way research practices and non‐profits were more likely to engage in conversations online.

Originality/value

This research examines organizational communication by returning to a previous method of analysis that has been cast aside by current scholars. However, assessing communication from the models of public relations perspective provides insights that current research strategies have not provided because they assume two‐way communication is the preferred form of communication.
Overview and outlook of through‐silicon via (TSV) and 3D integrations
Authors: Lau John H.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on through‐silicon via (TSV), with a new concept that every chip or interposer could have two surfaces with circuits. Emphasis is placed on the 3D IC integration, especially the interposer (both active and passive) technologies and their roadmaps. The origin of 3D integration is also briefly presented.

Design/methodology/approach

This design addresses the electronic packaging of 3D IC integration with a passive TSV interposer for high‐power, high‐performance, high pin‐count, ultra fine‐pitch, small real‐estate, and low‐cost applications. To achieve this, the design uses chip‐to‐chip interconnections through a passive TSV interposer in a 3D IC integration system‐in‐package (SiP) format with excellent thermal management.

Findings

A generic, low‐cost and thermal‐enhanced 3D IC integration SiP with a passive interposer has been proposed for high‐performance applications. Also, the origin of 3D integration and the overview and outlook of 3D Si integration and 3D IC integration have been presented and discussed. Some important results and recommendations are summarized: the TSV/redistribution layer (RDL)/integrated passive devices passive interposer, which supports the high‐power chips on top and low‐power chips at its bottom, is the gut and workhorse of the current 3D IC integration design; with the passive interposer, it is not necessary to “dig” holes on the active chips. In fact, try to avoid making TSVs in the active chips; the passive interposer provides flexible coupling for whatever chips are available and/or necessary, and enhances the functionality and possibly the routings (shorter); with the passive interposer, the TSV manufacturing cost is lower because the requirement of TSV manufacturing yield is too high (>99.99 percent) for the active chips to bear additional costs due to TSV manufacturing yield loss; with the passive interposer, wafer thinning and thin‐wafer handling costs (for the interposer) are lower because these are not needed for the active chips and thus adds no cost due to yield loss; with the current designs, all the chips are bare; the packaging cost for individual chips is eliminated; more than 90 percent of heat from the 3D IC integration SiP is dissipated from the backside of high‐power chips using a thermal interface material and heat spreader/sink; the appearance and footprint of current 3D IC integration SiP designs are very attractive to integrated device manufactures, original equipment manufactures, and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) because they are standard packages; and underfills between the copper‐filled TSV interposer and the high‐ and low‐power chips are recommended to reduce creep damage of the lead‐free microbump solder joints and prolong their lives.

Originality/value

The paper's findings will be very useful to the electronic industry.
Testing on dynamic behavior of PBGA assembly by considering fixed‐modes
Authors: Yang Ping , Chen Zixia
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a systematic experimental investigation for testing dynamic behavior of plastic ball grid array (PBGA) integrity in electronic packaging and to investigate the dynamic behavior of PBGA assembly by considering fixed‐modes for design and reliability evaluation of PBGA packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

A PBGA assembly prototype with different structure and material parameters is designed and manufactured. The modal distribution under excitation cycling can be tested by hammering test. The dynamic test about the PBGA assembly prototype can be implemented with different structure characteristics, materials parameters and fixed‐modes. To illustrate the validity of experimental test, the numerical simulation for the dynamic behavior of the PBGA assembly prototype is developed by using finite element method. Comparison between the experimental results and simulation can illustrate the validity of the experimental test and finite element modeling each other.

Findings

The modal distribution test shows the influence of structure characteristics, materials parameters and fixed‐modes of PBGA assembly board. The changing trends of the dynamic modal characteristics during the dynamic excitation can be obtained with different structure characteristics, materials parameters and fixed‐modes of PBGA assembly. Test shows that the fixed location of the assembly board is the most important factor to influence the first frequency and modal deformation of the assembly board. Higher frequency and smaller deformation can be obtained when there are more constraints in printed circuit board.

Research limitations/implications

The numerical model is a compendious model by predigesting structure. The research on more accurate mathematical model of the PBGA assembly prototype is a future work.

Practical implications

It can imply the dynamics of PBGA assembly. It builds a basis for future work for design and reliability evaluation of PBGA packaging.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information about the dynamic behavior of PBGA assembly with different structure characteristics, materials parameters and fixed‐modes.
Stabilization network optimization of internally matched GaN HEMTs
Authors: Luo W.J. , Chen X.J. , Yang C.Y. , Zheng Y.K. , Wei K. , Liu X.Y.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the stabilization network optimization of internally matched GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs).

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of the two stabilization networks on the characteristics of the device are discussed, such as the stability, power gain and output power.

Findings

With the optimized stabilization network, the internally matched GaN HEMTs with 16‐mm gate width exhibited good stability and delivers a 46 dBm output power with 6.1 dB power gain under the continuous wave condition at 8 GHz. By using the optimized stabilization network, the package process of the large‐scale microwave power device of GaN HEMTs can be simplified.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information for the internally matched GaN HEMTs.
A low‐power CMOS DC‐DC buck converter with on‐chip stacked spiral inductor
Authors: Lee Chan‐Soo , Choi Ho‐Yong , Kim Yeong‐Seuk , Kim Nam‐Soo
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a fully integrated power converter. A stacked spiral inductor is applied in a voltage‐mode CMOS DC‐DC converter for the chip miniaturization and low‐power operation.

Design/methodology/approach

The three‐layer spiral inductor is simulated with an equivalent circuit and applied to the DC‐DC converter. The DC‐DC buck converter has been fabricated with a standard 0.35 μm CMOS process. The power converter is measured in both experiment and simulation in terms of frequency and electrical characteristics.

Findings

Experimental results show that the converter with the stacked spiral inductor operates properly with the inductance of 7.6 nH and mW power range. The measured inductance of the stacked spiral inductor is found to be almost half of the circuit designed value because of the parasitic resistances and capacitances in the spiral inductor.

Originality/value

This paper first introduces the application of the integrated stacked spiral inductor in DC‐DC buck converter for display driver circuit, which requires a low‐power operation. It also shows the fully integrated DC‐DC converter for chip miniaturization.
Compensating victims of bankrupted financial institutions: a law and economic analysis
Authors: Dijkstra Robert J. , Faure Michael G.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the incentive effects of existing compensation mechanisms in case of the bankruptcy of a financial institution.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses insights of law and economics to predict the effects of compensation mechanisms on the incentives of depositors, financial institutions, financial regulators and government.

Findings

The paper shows that the current compensation system in The Netherlands will not provide sufficient incentives for all stakeholders to prevent the failure of a financial institution. Adjustments to this system are necessary to improve these incentives.

Original/value

The paper examines for the first time the impact of different compensation mechanisms on the incentives of multiple stakeholders. It also shows how these mechanisms influence each other regarding their incentive generating capability. These findings offer important insights for policy makers.
Judicial review of Financial Services Compensation Scheme's exercise of power to impose compensation costs levy
Authors: Gray Joanna
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the judicial review of Financial Services Compensation Scheme's (FSCS) exercise of power to impose compensation costs levy (R v. Financial Services Compensation Scheme Ltd and Financial Services Authority ex parte ABS Financial Planning and others; Queens Bench Division of High Court; Administrative Court (Birmingham); Mr Justice Beatson).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the judicial review action. It arose out of the FSCS imposition of an interim levy of some £32 million to defray compensation costs arising from the default of Keydata Investment Services Ltd (Keydata) and the claimants impugned, as wrong in law and procedurally incorrect, its decision in March 2010 to allocate the costs of that levy to be borne by those firms that the FSCS classified as “investment intermediaries”. The paper gives details of the decision.

Findings

The claimants argued that the error in law or irrationality were constituted by the FSCS's determination that: first, the costs of the Keydata claims arose or could be expected to arise out of one or more of the four regulated activities in the D2 sub‐class to which FSCS referred in its reasoning behind its decision. Rather, the claimants argued, the true position was that the claims did not arise out of any of these activities but arose out of Keydata's marketing of its plans; and second, the costs did not arise and could not be expected to arise out of any D1 sub‐class activity of “managing investments”.

Originality/value

This decision illustrates the increasing difficulty of drawing a clear line between discretionary management and agency broking, for the claimants made a strong argument that Keydata should be considered to have been much more than a passive distribution conduit or channel.
Insider trading: Indian perspective on prosecution of insiders
Authors: Misra Madhav
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and evaluate the Indian legal system with regard to prosecution of persons involved in insider trading.

Design/methodology/approach

The project follows an analytical and deductive methodology. The theoretical information was gathered from books and the internet. The assimilated information was analyzed on the basis of which conclusions were drawn. The sources for the research have been mentioned in the relevant footnotes when used.

Findings

Although Indian law has relevant provisions to deal with insider trading, it is not effective enough to curb this white‐collar crime. The criminal remedies are not implemented because of the lengthy formalities and the requirement of proving it “beyond all reasonable doubt”. The civil penalties, even though invoked, are not enough to act as a deterrent and face several lacunae. These shortcomings have been addressed in the papers with relevant recommendations to the law making body – the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Research limitations/implications

A field study would have been desirable to bring out some of the problems from direct sources like officials and employees of the SEBI. However, this proposal was limited by the fact that the SEBI does not have an office in the city of Jodhpur and hence the information has been gathered from sources, such as books and the internet.

Originality/value

The paper will be of value to foreign investing institutions looking to invest funds in Indian stock markets, to the regulating agencies such as SEBI, law making agencies and experts in the field of corporate law.
Missing trader fraud on the emissions market
Authors: Frunza Marius‐Cristian , Guegan Dominique , Lassoudiere Antonin
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to show evidence and to quantify with forensic econometric methods the impact of the missing trader fraud (MTF) on European carbon allowances markets. This fraud occurred mainly between the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009. In this paper, the financial mechanisms of the fraud are explored and the impact on the market behaviour, as well as the consequences on its econometric features.

Design/methodology/approach

In a previous work, the first and second authors showed that the European carbon market is strongly influenced by fundamentals factors as oil, energy, gas, coal and equities. Therefore, the authors calibrated arbitrage pricing theory‐like models. These models enabled the impact of each factor on the market to be quantified. In this study, the authors focused more precisely on spot prices quoted on Paris‐based Bluenext market over 2008 and 2009. During this period, a significant drop in performances and robustness of the model and a reduced sensitivity of carbon prices to fundamentals was observed.

Findings

The authors identify the period where the market was driven by MTF movements and were able to measure the value of this fraud. Soon after governments passed a law that cut the possibility of fraud occurrence the performance of the model improved rapidly. The authors estimate the impact of the value added tax extortion on the carbon market at €1.3 billion.

Originality/value

This paper describes the first study that attempts to prove and quantify scientifically the MTF on emission markets.
Supply chain management practices for improving patient‐oriented care
Authors: Meijboom Bert , Schmidt‐Bakx Saskia , Westert Gert
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the present paper is to discuss organisational problems that occur in situations that are complex because the treatment of patients requires input from multiple health care providers, and to argue conceptually how to resolve these problems by using SCM practices.

Design/methodology/approach

First SCM, being related to settings where several companies contribute to the production of one particular product, will be discussed in general. Since patient care is about service provision, the next to be examined will be service supply chains. Subsequently, major challenges in patient‐oriented care provision follow in settings where several health care providers are involved, based on which opportunities for applying SCM in patient care will be presented.

Findings

Based on literature addressing country comparisons of patient experiences, four major problem categories are distinguished: communication, patient safety, waiting times, and integration. Although problems also occur within organisational boundaries, the steps from one provider to the next generally represent the weakest spots in a system of health care providers. By applying insights from SCM, these problems can be tackled.

Practical implications

Problems with communication and integration might well benefit from the nomination of care coordinators. Information gathering and processing, i.e. both the availability of medical records of individual patients and information on provider performance, has to be improved. Breaking down functional barriers between care “silos”, within health care providers as well as inter‐organisationally, is a necessary condition for enhanced patient‐centred integration. Policy should also stimulate the provision of more coordinated services, for example, through integral cost prices for separate diseases (“case‐mixed accounting”).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the emerging literature on using industrial processes or applying business concepts in health care. More specifically, insights from SCM are presented that contribute to patient‐oriented integration in situations where patients' needs cannot be fulfilled by one single (type of) institute. A supply chain perspective on patient care, combined with cross‐functional and cross‐organisational teams, continuous integration practices, lead time control, and appropriate information technology, shows to be promising.
Processes, episodes and events in health service supply chains
Authors: Lillrank Paul , Groop Johan , Venesmaa Julia
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore different units of analysis applicable to the analysis of healthcare service supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review, conceptual analysis and two case studies based on process mapping and longitudinal analysis of patient episodes.

Findings

Process management is appropriate in situations where there is a structured flow with a sufficient volume of similar repetitions. In the case where there are significant amounts of exceptions, a process can be decomposed into service events that can be defined and managed as part of a supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

The cases are based on data sets that do not allow empirical generalization.

Practical implications

The use of longitudinal patient episode data elicits problems in the process flow, such as delays and variable sequences. The use of events as a unit of analysis enables routinization in situations with exceptions and irregular sequences.

Originality/value

The service event is an original concept that links healthcare operations management to service‐oriented architectures and the service‐dominant logic.
Temporary employment
Authors: De Cuyper Nele , De Witte Hans , Van Emmerik Hetty
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer two questions: How do temporary workers achieve well‐being and optimal functioning? and how is it possible to promote commitment and productive behaviours among temporary workers?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review and synthesis.

Findings

Temporary employment can no longer be seen as exclusively bad or as a signal of labour market segmentation. Instead, mechanisms to promote commitment and productive behaviour that are beneficial for all parties involved can be identified. Temporary employment is a reality that is here to stay and that searches for mechanisms to reconcile the sometimes conflicting perspectives of employees and employers. This new approach is promising but researchers should also account for and create awareness about potential and sometimes less visible drawbacks associated with temporary employment (e.g. social isolation or negative implications for career success).

Originality/value

The paper shows a new approach to temporary work from both the employer and employee perspective.
Public relations as dialogic expertise?
Authors: Pieczka Magda
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer critical reflection on the role played by the concept of dialogue in public relations theory, pedagogy, and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is theoretical and therefore focused on the elucidation of the history, meaning, and application of “dialogue” in public relations in comparison with two other academic disciplines and professional fields: political science and organizational communication.

Findings

The paper argues that, despite the key normative position occupied by the concept of dialogue in much mainstream public relations scholarship, public relations as an academic discipline has not engaged extensively with the theory of dialogue. While other academic and expert practitioner fields have developed much theoretical reflection, a range of dialogical tools, and created spaces in which the expertise is applied, public relations' normative interest in dialogue seems not to have translated into developing expert dialogic tools or spaces in which public relations experts routinely use such tools.

Originality/value

The paper introduces literature and debates about dialogue largely ignored in the mainstream public relations scholarship and aims to stimulate fresh discussion about the nature of public relations knowledge and practice.
Providing, promoting and co‐opting
Authors: Pallas Josef , Fredriksson Magnus
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline a conceptual framework for the institutional preconditions for media work and how organizations establish these conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The work concurs with the stream of scholars who use social theory as their starting‐point to understand and make sense of public relations as a societal phenomenon. Based on earlier empirical analysis and theoretical arguments this paper supports the notion of corporate media work as being much more complex and extensive than was earlier recognized. Vital to this is mediatization, a concept describing how media are transformed from being a mediator between institutions to becoming an institution in themselves.

Findings

The paper outlines three different ideal types of strategies of corporate media work: providing, promoting, and co‐opting, resting on different aims and functions.

Originality/value

Organizational media work redefines, reshapes and structures the economic, political and social positions of organizations. Therefore scholars will be helped by a more developed framework to categorize and understand corporate media work in a mediatized society.