bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of power on information sharing in the Finnish food industry
Authors: Kähkönen Anni‐Kaisa , Tenkanen Mari
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to analyze power balance and collaboration in the value net context and to discuss the role of information as a source of power. The purpose is to find out how power affects information sharing and collaboration between buyers and suppliers. Both demand and supply perspectives are utilized, and the value net approach is combined with research on supply management and market orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method was used in order to analyze relationships and information sharing in the Finnish food industry. A 29 semi‐structured interviews were conducted in four case companies.

Findings

The results indicate that value net actors in the supplier role are willing to form collaborative relationships, but when they are in the role of the buyer the willingness to collaborate weakens. The implication is that power increases as the distance from the end‐markets decreases and that power relations affect collaboration and restrict information sharing between the actors in the value net.

Research limitations/implications

A single case study such as this does not purport to produce findings that can be generalized in a statistical sense, but the findings will be valuable in an analytical sense because they extend understanding of the existing theory. Further research should be directed towards comparative studies of value nets, power relations and information sharing in other countries and in other industries.

Practical implications

The paper sheds light on the critical factors that influence value net collaboration, making it possible for managers to focus on relevant issues when developing business relationships and the value net as a whole.

Originality/value

There is a limited amount of research on value nets in the food industry, and because of the changing business environment there is an urgent need for studies focusing on the food business in the context of networks and value nets. In combining the value net approach with purchasing and supply management and market orientation perspectives the study extends the discussion on information sharing with its emphasis on network relations and the complicated nature of collaboration.
Tracking down trends in non‐meat consumption in Finnish households, 1966‐2006
Authors: Vinnari Markus , Mustonen Pekka , Räsänen Pekka
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to examine changes in household consumption behaviour through an empirical investigation of the decision to consume meat, to not consume meat or to consume only small amounts of meat. The goal is to find out if the decision not to consume meat is becoming more prevalent, and to understand in what social categories this is happening, if any. A further aim is to investigate whether meat consumption is strongly associated with gender on the household level.

Design/methodology/approach

Expenditure survey data gathered from Finland during the last 40 years was used to identify what kinds of changes were taking place in the consumption of meat and meat products. The independent measures include six variables: the gender of the highest earner in the household (HEH), the type of household, the type of municipality and the income quintile, educational level and age of the HEH. The size of the samples varied between 2,986 and 8,258 households.

Findings

The analysis revealed that the decision not to consume meat became prevalent in Finland at the end of the 1970s but the growth rate has somewhat stabilised during recent decades. The gender of the HEH affects the family meat consumption. As non‐meat consumption has become more widespread it has also more clearly become a middle‐class phenomenon.

Originality/value

There are no previous studies available on the development of non‐meat consumption from this long‐term perspective.
Biscuit (cookie) consumption
Authors: McIntyre Charles , Schwanke Benita
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The aim is to investigate the choice and experience attributes of core – sweet (cookie) and savoury (cracker) – biscuits of a high premium, luxury or indulgent nature to investigate the possible opportunity for organic or other more healthily perceived product option developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is a qualitative focus group study involving a series of core user adult consumer groups, aged between 25 and the late 1960s, in a southern county of the UK.

Findings

The adult consumption of biscuits involves a process that aspires towards an overall “better‐life”, sensual experience by momentarily escaping the everyday realm and aiming to emulate either a perceived “real” or a mythical, largely past‐related style of existence. This is often associated with meanings inherent in the terms “natural”, “rural”, “home‐baked” and “traditional” as well as “elegant” associations and production and selling agency values around small or local, pre‐modern source structures. Organic labelling is found to have a negative “horn” effect to buyers by countering other desired associations.

Research limitations/implications

The study used a small sample in the county of Dorset in the south of England, but these are implications for new product development and marketing of luxury snacks.

Practical implications

Alternative areas of marketing focus to rational appeal are suggested that could help promote healthier biscuit choice options.

Originality/value

Irrational ideal and unreal aspects of consumer appeal are found to feature the creation of imagined or re‐created “moments of perfection” in a process of cognitive suspension.
Origin vs organic in Manchego cheese: which is more important?
Authors: Bernabéu Rodolfo , Díaz Mónica , Olmeda Miguel
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to measure the degree of influence that attributes such as price, origin, type and production system have on Spanish consumers when purchasing cheese, while also analysing various cheese differentiation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consisted in a survey of 420 Madrid (Spain) cheese consumers during the month of December 2006, whose preferences were determined through several multivariate techniques.

Findings

The first result derived from this paper is the negative influence of the organic production system attribute on the cheese consumer preference structure. Therefore, this attribute becomes an inadequate differentiation strategy for cheese, while origin is the most adequate differentiation. In this sense, three consumer segments are identified: the first, shops for cheese mainly by type, the second, by a combination of origin, type and price and the third, by an origin of cheese. In this sense, except for the first segment, where competition by a type of cheese from other places could endanger the local market, possible strategies would be to continue emphasizing origin in a traditional approach.

Originality/value

The paper highlights organic differentiation in products already differentiated and accepted by the consumer does not always contribute additional utility to the consumer. It does not matter whether this differentiation and acceptance comes from origin and/or traditional production, as is the case of Manchego cheese.
Web 2.0 and the library: a transformational technology?
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper is the final one in a series which has tried to give an overview of so‐called transformational areas of digital library technology. The aim has been to assess how much real transformation these applications can bring about, in terms of creating genuine user benefit and also changing everyday library practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a summary of some of the legal and ethical issues associated with web 2.0 applications in libraries, associated with a brief retrospective view of some relevant literature.

Findings

Although web 2.0 innovations have had a massive impact on the larger World Wide Web, the practical impact on library service delivery has been limited to date. What probably can be termed transformational in the effect of web 2.0 developments on library and information work is their effect on some underlying principles of professional practice.

Research limitations/implications

The legal and ethical challenges of incorporating web 2.0 platforms into mainstream institutional service delivery need to be subject to further research, so that the risks associated with these innovations are better understood at the strategic and policy‐making level.

Practical implications

This paper makes some recommendations about new principles of library and information practice which will help practitioners make better sense of these innovations in their overall information environment.

Social implications

The paper puts in context some of the more problematic social impacts of web 2.0 innovations, without denying the undeniable positive contribution of social networking to the sphere of human interactivity.

Originality/value

This paper raises some cautionary points about web 2.0 applications without adopting a precautionary approach of total prohibition. However, none of the suggestions or analysis in this piece should be considered to constitute legal advice. If such advice is required, the reader should consult appropriate legal professionals.
A study of internet book reviews and borrowing intention
Authors: Kuei Huang Yun , Yang Wen I.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of internet book reviews on reader borrowing intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used www.yumau.com, www.ptt.cc and the bulletin board system on www.lib.ntou.edu.tw to post announcements, soliciting 33 readers who had browsed internet book reviews to identify books to borrow. Then, using a content analytic method to analyze interview content, an investigation was conducted on the effect of internet book reviews, numbers of references and content of internet book reviews on reader borrowing intention.

Findings

These results revealed that numbers of references and content of internet book reviews play an important role in borrowing intention.

Practical implications

These results can provide librarians with a reference for promoting book‐borrowing activities. They can also provide internet bookstores with a reference for managing their book reviews.

Originality/value

Electronic word‐of‐mouth reviews have become an important guide to reader borrowing intention. The study investigates readers' thoughts on internet book reviews and their effects, and advances several management suggestions.
Science vs social science
Authors: Sheeja N.K.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the information‐seeking behavior of science and social science research scholars, including service effectiveness, satisfaction level on different type of sources and various methods adopted by the scholars for keeping up to date.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered using a questionnaire survey of 200, randomly selected, PhD students of science and social science departments of four universities in Kerala, India.

Findings

Although similarities exist between social science and science PhD students with regard to information‐seeking behavior, there are significant differences as well. There is a significant difference between science and social science scholars on the perception of the adequacy of print journals and database collection which are very relevant to the research purposes. There is no significant difference between science and social science scholars on the perception of the adequacy of e‐journals, the most used source for keeping up to date. The study proved that scholars of both the fields are dissatisfied with the effectiveness of the library in keeping them up to date with latest developments.

Originality/value

The study is based on actual situation and the result can be used for library service redesign for different types of users.
The grounding of the “flying bank”
Authors: Hermann Aaron , Rammal Hussain G.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of effective, knowledgeable and accountable management and board structures in business organisations. Using the case of Swissair, the paper aims to demonstrate the importance of competent industry knowledgeable executive boards, with regard not only to company profits and sustainability but also to stability and socially responsible decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory and descriptive case study approach was undertaken utilising historical data and literature‐based information and research on Swissair. The analysis of the case is guided by the use of the Resource Dependence and Group Conformity theories.

Findings

The findings suggest that the alliance and acquisition strategy pursued by Swissair's management and the lack of leadership and accountability by the CEO and Chairman of the board were the main contributing factors to the company's collapse.

Practical implications

The implications include impacts on the way in which European organisations are governed and the composition of the management teams and Board of Directors. Additional implications include changes to the legislation in Europe, more specifically Switzerland and the European Free Trade Alliance, aimed at the prevention of similar future collapses.

Originality/value

The paper's originality stems from the application of decision making and group theory, coupled with corporate governance ideas applied in a practical sense to the contemporary case of Swissair in a manner previously not considered, to demonstrate the importance of effective, knowledgeable and accountable management and board structures in organisations. Value is demonstrated with the recent issues experienced by Austrian Airlines and its subsequent acquisition by Lufthansa, indicating a need to address the corporate governance requirements in the European airline industry.
Corporate mission, corporate policies and business outcomes: evidence from Japan
Authors: Hirota Shinichi , Kubo Katsuyuki , Miyajima Hideaki , Hong Paul , Won Park Young
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This study sets out to explore questions such as: “Does mission statement matter? If so, in what ways?” Using data on mission statements of 128 large Japanese firms, the paper aims to show that corporate mission has a significant impact on corporate policies that determine employment, board, and financial structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides evidence that strong‐mission firms are more likely to retain incumbent employees, promote managers from within firms, and have less debt and a higher percentage of interlocking shareholdings than weak‐mission firms.

Findings

The evidence supports the view that strong‐mission firms value their organizational capital and thus tend to adopt policies to preserve it. It also confirms that corporate mission and its embedded policies contribute to better corporate performance. The paper suggests that the effect of explicit corporate mission and its implementation has practical impacts in corporate policies and business outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is based on firms from Japan. The criteria used to discriminate between strong mission and weak mission firms need further refinement with more rigorous sub‐dimensions. In the Japanese context the percentage of inside directors is an important indication of internally promoted managers – one might argue that a measure of external pressures (e.g. law, codes, investors, etc.) might be a better one. The small number of cases and the richness of statements need a richer qualitative analysis in the future.

Practical implications

The empirical results provide helpful insight on the organizational behavior of Japanese firms during the long economic downturn from the 1990s to 2000s in Japan and an insight on what to do in view of the challenges facing Japanese firms.

Originality/value

The paper presents a model that clarifies the role of mission statement. The extensive literature review includes a diverse set of papers on the role of mission statement. The empirical results suggest how strong Japanese corporate mission, expressed in mission statements, might have impact on corporate outcomes through the formation and utilization of Monozukuri.
Soy consumption fits within a healthy lifestyle
Authors: Aerenhouts Dirk , Hebbelinck Marcel , De Vriese Stephanie , Clarys Peter
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe health‐related factors and behaviors associated with soy consumption and to present a better identification of a soy consumer's profile at meso‐level.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 104 women and 49 men, 22‐77 years old and employed at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, participated in the study. A physical activity questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire were administered. Body height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, body fat percentage (2‐pole BIA), blood glucose and total blood cholesterol were measured in a fasting state.

Findings

Compared with the general population, the sample showed healthier eating habits (breakfast frequency, fruit and vegetable consumption) and lower prevalence of smoking. Women regularly consuming soy had lower waist circumference, body fat percentage and total cholesterol levels than infrequent soy consumers. Men consuming soy foods regularly participated significantly more in high‐intensity physical activities and consumed less meat, poultry and fish.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to recruitment in a university setting, a healthy volunteer effect and socio‐economic bias may exist. Therefore, generalization of the results is not possible and interpretation of the results must be performed with the utmost caution.

Practical implications

It can be concluded that, especially in men, soy consumption fits in a healthy lifestyle.

Originality/value

Regular soy‐consuming women differed from infrequent soy‐consuming women on anthropometrics and cholesterol, while regular consuming men differed behaviorally from infrequent soy‐consuming men. Overall, regular soy consumers were generally more health‐conscious and had better health outcomes.
First reference curves of waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio of 607 children from Thessaloniki, northern Greece
Authors: Papandreou Dimitrios , Malindretos Pavlos , Rousso Israel
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Waist circumference (WC) is a better predictor than total body fat for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and a sensitive marker of abdominal obesity for both adults and children. The purpose of this paper is to provide, for the first time, percentile curves of WC in children from Thessaloniki, northern Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 607 children (324 boys‐283 girls) aged 7‐15 years participated in the study. Sex‐specific descriptive statistics for three age groups (7‐9, 10‐12 and 13‐15) and smoothed percentiles curves of WC were derived and presented.

Findings

WC increased with age in both boys and girls. Boys had higher mean values of WC in two age groups (10‐12 and 13‐15 years) compared with girls, while girls showed a higher mean value in the age group of 7‐9 years compared with boys. Percentile levels were higher for girls above the 90th percentile for the age groups of 7‐9 and 10‐12 years. WC correlated closely with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.90 vs 0.89, for boys and girls, respectively). Reference curves of WC were provided for the first time. Considering the lack of such reference curves and also the high incidence of pediatric obesity in northern Greece's children, the paper aims to help identify and prevent early obesity risk factors associated with high WC values.

Originality/value

The paper informs nutritionists and clinical dietitians of new data of percentile ranges regarding waist circumference in a pediatric population.
Evaluating the nutritional quality of menus by using software in professional kitchens
Authors: Tikkanen Irma , Jaakkola Leila
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore evaluating the nutritional quality of menus by using software in professional kitchens.

Design/methodology/approach

Nutritional quality and the core factors used when evaluating the nutritional quality of menus are discussed. The empirical data were collected in 2008 by theme interviewing nine municipal food service employees. The data were analysed by a thematic analysis.

Findings

The results indicated that both positive and contributing factors emerged as follows: productisation of menu; using a plate model; length of a control period concerning the nutritional quality of the menu; checking the nutrition content when making changes in menus, dishes and food items; dealing with the results of the evaluation in the meetings; including the results in the service agreements; employers' positive attitude displayed towards software suppliers' training; including nutritional quality as a part of service quality; and implementing nutritional quality according to the job descriptions.

Practical implications

A variety of courses should be offered for the students concerning the guidance of food production by using software in professional kitchens; integrating working life into the curriculum; continuous training of the food service personnel; and cooperation with the professional kitchen's software suppliers. Moreover, further implications could involve, for example, developing and diffusing the national model for the nutritional quality follow‐up; and taking the Sinfos‐product information data bank into use.

Originality/value

Active updating of the software and training of the employees are needed in order to ensure the nutritional quality of menus.
Sugar utilization behavior of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisae) types and doses on bread quality
Authors: Muhammad Anjum Faqir , Zubair Sabir Muhammad , Issa Khan Muhammad , Pasha Imran
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae is the most important ingredient of leavened products and is best known for its characteristic physiological property: the rapid fermentation of sugar to ethanol and carbon dioxide. The purpose of this paper is to exploit this feature to determine the effect of three commercially available yeast types: Instant, Dried, and Fresh on sugar utilization during the fermentation process and bread quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Three commercially available yeast types – Instant, Dried, and Fresh were used at three levels, i.e. 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 percent in order to assess sugar utilization during the fermentation process and bread quality after baking.

Findings

The rate of utilization of glucose was much faster than fructose and sucrose. Instant yeast at 1.00 percent exhibited maximum sugar utilization during the fermentation process. It also contributed to improving the bread texture, loaf volume, grain texture, crust and crumb color. Dried and Fresh types could not depict any significant difference in their sugar utilization behavior and bread quality. The results indicated that yeast quality as well as quantity is one of the major indices of bread quality.

Practical implications

The findings of the research can be used by bakers in order to select the proper yeast type and its level for production of quality bread. It also gives an idea about sugar type best suited for bread production.

Originality/value

The paper describes unique research work, as both yeast types, along with their levels, are tested for their fermentation capacity on different types of sugars, as fermentation is an important step in bread making.
Microbiological, physico‐chemical and sensorial quality of small‐scale produced stirred yoghurt on the market in Kampala city, Uganda
Authors: Mukisa I.M. , Kyoshabire R.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the quality of selected small‐scale produced yoghurt brands on the market in Kampala city, Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

Four samples of each of four brands of small‐scale produced yoghurt were purchased from different shops in Kampala on four different occasions within a period of one month. Physico‐chemical, microbiological and rheological analyses were carried out on each of the samples. An untrained sensory panel was also used to assess their acceptability and purchase index. A premium brand (Fresh dairy yoghurt) was used as a control.

Findings

Lactobacilli counts ranged from 7.12‐9.25 log cfu ml−1 while lactococci ranged from 6.29‐6.8 log cfu ml−1 in the small‐scale yoghurt brands. All the small‐scale yoghurt brands were contaminated with fungi and coliforms at levels beyond the acceptable minimum, indicating insufficient process hygiene and also raising concerns of consumer safety. The protein, ash, carbohydrate and titratable acidity were not significantly different from the control. Fat, total solids, pH, viscosity and syneresis varied significantly between brands. The small‐scale produced brands were less viscous and exhibited more syneresis. All the small‐scale yoghurt brands were less acceptable compared with the control and two of them were disliked. The variation in their purchase index was related to their acceptability.

Practical implications

Regulatory and standards agencies should strengthen the surveillance of such products and the premises where they are produced. They should also work with other stakeholders in training small‐scale processors to ensure that their products meet both quality and safety requirements.

Originality/value

The paper assesses the quality of one of the many small‐scale produced products on the market in Kampala city.
Using business process modelling to examine academic library activities for periodicals
Authors: Tbaishat Dina
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to examine the process for the acquisition of print and electronic periodicals acquisition process in academic libraries using a business process modelling technique, role activity diagram (RAD).

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review examined process modelling in academic libraries. Multiple methods were used for data collection, including documentary analysis, and interviews (n=8) with library staff (mostly recorded) provided other details about the library processes. Two sites were studied. Direct observation was used occasionally as a less formal method. RAD was used as a modelling technique; this is part of the Riva business process‐modelling suite (Ould).

Findings

The role activity diagram examples illustrate the differences in processes between the sites and the paper explores how they were used to discuss comparisons and possible improvements with the library staff. In many ways this is a type of action research study, as discussions with the research participants and ongoing evaluations are integral to the research.

Research limitations/implications

This work is limited to one process in academic libraries; periodical acquisitions. It is also limited to two cases, although these are two contrasting sites, one in the UK and the other in Jordan.

Practical implications

The modelling technique used was feasible, and provides a basis for improvement and management by supporting the analysis of process performance and behaviour.

Originality/value

A particular important aspect in bridging the gap between research and practice is communication, through presentation of information in a structured way – the pictorial representation in the business process analysis is used to assist in discussions between researchers and practitioners.
Distributing leadership and cultivating dialogue with collaborative EBIP
Authors: Pan Denise , Howard Zaana
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of collaborative evidence based information practice (EBIP) as an organizational effectiveness model.

Design/methodology/approach

Shared leadership, appreciative inquiry and knowledge creation theoretical frameworks provide the foundation for change toward the implementation of a collaborative EBIP workplace model. Collaborative EBIP reiterates the importance of gathering the best available evidence, but it differs by shifting decision‐making authority from “library or employer centric” to “user or employee centric”.

Findings

University of Colorado Denver Auraria Library Technical Services department created a collaborative EBIP environment by flattening workplace hierarchies, distributing problem solving and encouraging reflective dialogue. By doing so, participants are empowered to identify problems, create solutions, and become valued and respected leaders and followers.

Practical implications

In an environment where library budgets are in jeopardy, recruitment opportunities are limited and the workplace is in constant flux, the Auraria Library case study offers an approach that maximizes the capability of the current workforce and promotes agile responsiveness to industry and organizational challenges.

Originality/value

Collaborative EBIP is an organizational model demonstrating a process focusing first on the individual and moving to the collective to develop a responsive and high performing business unit, and in turn, organization.
Libraries and LIS education in Vietnam: a view from the outside
Authors: Welch Bernadette , Murray Janet
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Documenting some of the developments in libraries, and LIS education in Vietnam, this paper aims to suggest directions for achieving goals of education, collaboration, policy development, and access to resources in this rapidly developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The report is based on an extensive literature review of available English language material together with information obtained from structured interviews with a group of LIS professionals in Vietnam. These data support an analysis of current initiatives, programs and developments taking place in the different library sectors in Vietnam.

Findings

Significant developments have occurred in Vietnam in terms of national policy agendas and development of the internet backbone. The pace of change, particularly in the national and university sectors, has been dramatic but the pace of change at other levels is somewhat slower. Community development, access to electronic resources, and education of information professionals are identified as areas for development. In particular, the paper focuses on the emergence of improved professional communication, which is facilitated by an improved ICT infrastructure within Vietnam, which allows managers to cooperate and share experiences more effectively.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation to the research is the fact that much of the literature about this topic is only available in the Vietnamese language. This research was conducted using the available English language material, and the interview responses of the LIS professionals in Vietnam. Further research is needed by Vietnamese library professionals on the state of the industry, and the directions being taken at the different levels.

Practical implications

The study identifies a number of strategies, and areas for development, which could have an impact on training of library staff, and moving towards more collaborative approaches at all levels of library resourcing.

Originality/value

This paper brings together information published in a variety of sources, not always readily available to give a more detailed view of library development in Vietnam for the international community.
A review of the educational and support infrastructure for family business in the UK
Authors: Fletcher Denise
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to review the educational and support infrastructure for UK family firms in order to further raise the profile/challenges and support needs of family firms in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data sources relating to family businesses are reviewed in this article with a view to identifying the current infrastructure of support for family firms. These reports are also supplemented with interview material from respondents in family business associations.

Findings

This review indicates that awareness of family business public policy issues has increased in recent years in the UK. There is also an emergent support infrastructure dedicated to the needs of family businesses. There is also a growing body of research helping to overcome the (family business) dualist theoretical legacy that has dominated the field. Greater definitional clarity is also helping to inter‐relate the special needs of family firms to issues of resource, ownership, management, size and life cycle and the propagation of new theories and perspectives as seen above are contributing to better understanding about the special needs. There is still some way to go, however, before family businesses are fully acknowledged for their significant role to the national economy.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reconsiders some of the original insights generated from occupational sociology which fully recognises the intertwining (and absorptive) relationships between family and work, and recognises the important and absorptive role that families in business contribute to the economy and society.

Originality/value

This paper signals that the entrepreneurs of today create the family businesses of tomorrow. This means progressing from a single‐heroic view of entrepreneurship and taking forward of a family embedded conceptualisation of entrepreneurship into educational programmes.
What causes economic growth in Portugal: exports or inward FDI?
Authors: Andraz Jorge M. , Rodrigues Paulo M.M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze possible causal relationships between exports, inward foreign investment and economic growth in Portugal and identify their direction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a three‐stage procedure based on unit root, cointegration and causality tests applied to annual data from 1977 to 2004.

Findings

The paper reveals that exports and FDI foster growth in the long‐run while in the short‐run there is a bi‐directional causal relationship between FDI and growth and a univariate causal relationship running from FDI to exports. FDI is viewed as a major determinant of economic growth, both directly and indirectly, via exports for both long and short‐run cases.

Practical implications

The results provide important corollaries in terms of policy implications and their relevance is far from being parochial. Some lessons in terms of domestic policies can be drawn by many countries that are now becoming EU members with economic structures and problems similar to those presented by the Portuguese economy in the 1980s.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind to analyze the role of both FDI and exports in the Portuguese economy during the 1977‐2004 period, over which many efforts were developed in order to increase the external competition of the economy, in particular in the context of community structural frameworks. In order to reinforce the inflows of FDI, authorities should continue the progressive reduction of barriers to FDI and the reforms of the labour market which started in the early 2000s.
Productivity growth of European retailers: a benchmarking approach
Authors: de Jorge Moreno Justo
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to evaluate the efficiency and productivity of the European retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying a two‐stage approach at individual and global levels, in this study the paper adopts the efficient frontier approach using the Malmquist index, based on DEA to measure productivity of European retailers.

Findings

An efficiency and productivity evaluation process is developed incorporating non‐parametric techniques in the European retail sector for the period of 1998‐2006. The author proposes an integrated benchmarking framework illustrated in two stages. In the first stage, work is carried out in an individualized way at the country level identifying the firms that form the corresponding efficient frontier. In a second stage a benchmarking analysis is carried out starting from the selection of the best firms made in the first stage. In this case the firms belonging to different countries are compared against each other. The aim of this procedure is to seek out those best practices that will lead to improved performance throughout the whole sample. The results confirm that convergence/divergence in efficiency and productivity growth do not have the same behaviour patterns, concluding that some countries experienced improvements while others worsened. Individual scrutiny (benchmarks) in the second stage shows that there are four groups of firms that have allowed us to extract important managerial implications.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an integrated benchmarking framework illustrated in two stages. With this methodology answers can be given to important questions such as, how efficient and productive is European retailing? What is the evolution of the productivity over time in Europe? Do different patterns of convergence/divergence of the efficiency exist among the analysed countries? What characteristics do the firms with the best managerial practices belonging to the European global frontier have?
Dynamic effects of trade and output volatility on the trade‐growth nexus
Authors: Mahadevan Renuka , Suardi Sandy
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to revisit the highly debated trade‐growth hypothesis by considering the effects of trade and output volatility on the relationship between trade and economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship is modeled by testing for the existence of output and trade (export and imports separately) using the conditional variances of the variables and then specifying an autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (ARCH) process in a vector error correction model.

Findings

Using Singapore as a case study, the paper finds the two‐way relationship between export growth and trade‐adjusted GDP growth is robust even after controlling for the effects of income and export volatility. In addition, neither trade nor GDP volatility bears any impact on the bi‐directional causality between imports and unadjusted GDP growth thereby highlighting the crucial role of imports as intermediate inputs and embodying foreign technology in promoting economic growth. There is also evidence that output volatility impedes output and trade growth, while trade volatility exerts a negative influence on the trade‐adjusted income growth.

Practical implications

Ignoring the presence of trade and output volatility in modeling the trade‐growth relationship provides biased empirical results which have serious implications for trade‐oriented growth strategies that policy makers cannot afford to ignore.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to explicitly model output, export and import volatility in empirically testing the trade‐growth hypothesis. Second, the robustness of the hypothesis is also tested by considering GDP and non‐trade GDP as it has been argued that use of GDP may lead to the problems of simultaneity and specification bias since exports and imports are themselves a component of GDP.
Gradualism in monetary policy and fiscal equilibrium
Authors: Ferreira de Mendonça Helder , Carlos de Castro Pires Manoel
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to study a monetary policy problem, where concerns with price stability and with the impact of interest rates on public debt are simultaneously addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is analytically approached under a new Keynesian monetary policy framework to which a budget constraint is added and, subsequently, the model's implications are empirically illustrated by characterizing Brazilian policies.

Findings

The findings denote the existence of a trade‐off between inflation target and public debt stability. Therefore the determination of an inflation target cannot neglect this trade‐off. Furthermore, the empirical analysis from the Brazilian case shows that the Central Bank of Brazil takes into consideration public debt when determining the interest rate.

Practical implications

The determination of the interest rate in an inflation targeting regime must consider the public debt stability.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution on the theme of consistency between monetary policy and fiscal equilibrium.
Is financial development a spur to poverty reduction? Kenya's experience
Authors: Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the inter‐temporal causal relationship between financial development and poverty reduction in Kenya during the period 1968‐2006. The study attempts to answer one critical question: is financial development in Kenya a spur to poverty reduction?

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a trivariate causality model based on cointegration and error‐correction mechanism. Unlike the majority of the previous studies, the current study incorporates the savings rate as an intermittent variable in the bivariate causality setting between financial development and poverty reduction – thereby creating a simple trivariate causality model.

Findings

The study finds a distinct causal flow from financial development to poverty reduction in Kenya. In addition, the study finds a uni‐directional causality from financial development to savings and a bi‐directional causality between savings and poverty reduction. The results apply irrespective of whether the causality test is conducted in the short run or in the long run.

Practical implications

The empirical results of this study will help policy makers to determine whether the financial development in Kenya is pro‐poor and pro‐savings.

Originality/value

Although several attempts have been made to investigate the relationship between financial development, savings, economic growth and other macroeconomic variables, very few studies have examined the impact of financial development on the ultimate policy goal, i.e. poverty reduction. Moreover, the majority of the previous studies are based mainly on Asia and Latin America – affording sub‐Saharan African countries very little or no coverage at all.
Strategic decisions in difficult times: stay artful and flexible, even when the going gets tough
Authors: Steinhouse Robbie
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the views of Robbie Steinhouse, a CEO of a property and insurance business, on strategic decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper comments on the best ways to make strategic decisions in business in times of difficulty. It also provides a series of questions which it suggests can help in the decision‐making process.

Findings

The paper finds that implementation of decisions is best done as slowly as possible. The great decision maker moves at the speed that is required by the situation, which may be very fast indeed, or can be quite slow.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on strategic decision making in the business environment.
In search of socio‐economic syntheses
Authors: Molteni Mario , Pedrini Matteo
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Starting from the premise that responsible managers utilize their competences and creativity to carry out projects which improve stakeholder satisfaction and economic performance simultaneously, the paper aims to present a classification of these solutions, called socio‐economic syntheses, and the way to reach them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper refers to literature on corporate social responsibility and sustainability, with special attention to contributions on the relationship between social performance and economic performance. In particular, the model presented highlights several successful case studies that have been studied or directly observed in large and medium‐sized firms.

Findings

The paper provides a classification of seven categories of socio‐economic syntheses, from solutions concerning operational management, often applicable in different industries, to projects with greater strategic value, which are typically firm‐specific. Moreover, two ways to achieve a win‐win solution are proposed: the first starting from an idea of activity aimed at improving economic performance; the second from the desire to better satisfy expectation of one or more stakeholder categories.

Practical implications

In this paper practitioners can find suggestions and opportunities for better introduction of win‐win solutions inside their firms, which could be the fruit of imitation or creativity.

Originality/value

The classification of the socio‐economic syntheses represents a new conceptualization that opens up paths for an increasing number of solutions that can improve economic and socio‐environmental performance simultaneously.
The current crisis: who is to blame?
Authors: Mortreuil Laurent
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an approach to analyze the causes of the current financial crisis. Following classic guidelines of Catholic social thought, it aims to show how personal virtues may have prevented it.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a practitioner paper summarizing personal insider experience and reflection.

Findings

The current financial crisis illustrates how personal behaviors of all, as well as ambient culture, are to be blamed more than the available instruments or the system. It questions not only the financiers but also each actor of the economy in simple everyday acts.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insider perspective on the financial crisis which looks for practical solutions available without implementing external regulation.
Aquinas on management and its development
Authors: Grassl Wolfgang
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present Aquinas' psychological theory of action as a useful guide for understanding decision making in management.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual reconstruction of Aquinas' views on the structure of the moral act is shown to apply to the process of decision making in management.

Findings

Grounded in a rich rational psychology, Aquinas' theory of action allows for prescription that harmonizes instrumental rationality, the will, and personal morality. It captures contemporary approaches well and provides better explanations of management success and failure than do models of rational choice. Since the exercise of practical reason can be learned, the model is optimistic about the possibility of management development.

Research limitations/implications

The paper stops at the conceptual level. The interplay between reason and will, or between deliberative and prescriptive stages in decision making, opens up a field of empirical research in management.

Originality/value

Aquinas' virtue ethics has been applied to management, but this is the first suggestion to draw on his theory of action. If fully developed, it promises a radical alternative to models based on functional reasoning and utilitarian values.
Competitive intelligence in service marketing
Authors: Johns Pamela , Van Doren Doris C.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to give a new look at competitive intelligence (CI) and the resulting benefits to growing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 20 questions are presented, competitive information sources are listed, and the four core components of CI are displayed to explain how a company can implement CI into the business planning. Two case studies summarize a CI system that shows how successful this technique can be.

Findings

This research will inspire marketers to take a look at their CI and reactivate it based on what is presented. The overall practice of CI shows the rewards a company that develops this program can gain.

Research limitations/implications

All data were collected by Latitude Consulting. Reference is made to journal and newspaper articles.

Practical implications

The paper will explain how to use CI in a meaningful way.

Originality/value

This is an extremely new and original concept for businesses to apply.