bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The information content of Canadian open market repurchase announcements
Authors: Li Kai , McNally William
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the role of firm characteristics and insider private information in affecting Canadian firms’ repurchase decision and the associated announcement period stock return.

Design/methodology/approach

Past studies of announcement returns employ a standard event‐study methodology, which produces biased parameter estimates when the corporate event is voluntary. This study employs the conditional event study methodology, which is free of self‐selection bias. The conditional model also provides a direct test of whether private information is conveyed through the announcement.

Findings

It is found that firms are more likely to buy back shares if they have greater free cash flows, lower market‐to‐book ratios, poor prior stock performance, and their insiders have large shareholdings. It is shown that the announcement period returns are strongly and positively related to the private information possessed by company insiders. The market reacts to the reason given for the repurchase and reacts less positively to repeat repurchases. Overall, the evidence is consistent with Isagawa's model which argues that repurchases signal that the insiders are not the type to waste their free cash flow.

Research limitations/implications

This methodology should also be applied to US open market repurchases.

Originality/value

This is the first study to: explicitly test whether the abnormal return is attributable to private information; employ the conditional event study methodology in examining the announcement return; and study the returns to Canadian repurchase announcements.
The price linkages between Malaysian unit trust funds and the stock market
Authors: Low Soo‐Wah , Azlan Ghazali Noor
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The primary objective of the paper is to examine the short and long run price linkages between Malaysian unit trust funds and the stock market index as proxied by the Kuala Lumpur composite index (KLCI) over the period 1996‐2000.

Design/methodology/approach

Cointegration analyses are used to identify the long run relationship between unit trust funds and the stock market index while Granger causality tests are used to measure the short run price linkages.

Findings

Cointegration results show that the long run pricing performance of the unit trust funds differs significantly from that of the KLCI. Interestingly, the findings also reveal that two index funds are found not to be cointegrated with the stock market index. In the short run, one‐way Granger causality test shows that changes in the KLCI Granger causes changes in the unit trust funds. This suggests that fund managers are responding to the past changes in the stock market index over the short run.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of non‐cointegration between passively managed funds and the KLCI are restricted to only two index funds in the sample among other actively managed funds. Since there were not enough index funds available over the study period, future research should include more index funds in the analysis.

Practical implications

In the short run, investors may gather information on the changes in their portfolio composition by observing the movement in the KLCI.

Originality/value

The paper represents the first evidence on the pricing relationships between unit trust funds and the local stock market index and the findings are important to investors in terms of their investment strategies.
Investigation of performance of Malaysian Islamic unit trust funds
Authors: Abdullah Fikriyah , Hassan Taufiq , Mohamad Shamsher
Published: January 2007

Purpose

One of the implications of Islamic investment principles is the availability of Islamic financial instruments in the financial market. The main aim of this research is to observe the differences in terms of performance between Islamic and conventional mutual fund in the context of Malaysian capital market.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the major objectives of this paper standard methods wereused for evaluating the mutual funds performance, for example, Sharpe index and adjusted Sharpe index, Jensen Alpha, Timing and selectivity ability. The scope of the paper is to measure the relative quantitative performance of funds which was managed based on two different approaches.

Findings

The basic finding of the paper is that Islamic funds performed better than the conventional funds during bearish economic trends while, conventional funds showed better performance than Islamic funds during bullish economic conditions. In addition to that finding, both conventional and Islamic funds were unable to achieve at least 50 per cent market diversification levels, though conventional funds are found to have a marginally better diversification level than the Islamic funds. The results also suggest that fund managers are unable to correctly identify good bargain stocks and to forecast the price movements of the general market.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that the samples of conventional and Islamic mutual funds were from one developing market. The findings could be better validated if the sample included the mutual funds from other developed and developing economies, where both Islamic and conventional funds are available.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that having Islamic mutual funds in an investment portfolio helps to hedge the downside risk in an adverse economic situation.

Originality/value

So far there is no published evidence on the relative performance of Islamic and conventional mutual funds in Malaysia as well as other developing countries. Therefore, this paper adds new knowledge to the mutual funds literature.
Library leadership in times of crisis and change
Authors: Winston Mark D. , Quinn Susan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper addresses the coverage of issues related to crisis and societal change in the scholarly literature in relation to libraries, information services, and access to information and the leadership role of librarians and libraries in addressing such issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview and analysis of the general issue of change in the literature review, as well as a discussion of war and terrorism, civil and natural disasters, social movements, medical and healthcare crises and needs, and large‐scale economic and technological shifts. The research results address the extent to which these major economic, political, technological and social changes have been addressed in four quarterly, peer‐reviewed library and information science journals over the past six years and the extent to which the focus of the published research and discussion has shifted over the past six years.

Findings

Research based on analysis of the journal literature reflects the documentation of practices and research results in library and information science. The research results indicate increased focus on war and terrorism and large‐scale economic and technological change, as related to information services, in the literature, during and after 2001, but less focus on information access, despite the impact of war and terrorism on library collections and resulting legal and policy decisions related to access to information.

Research limitations/implications

As a result of the limited focus on research and discussion of leadership in the peer‐reviewed journals included in the research study and the fact that the articles that addressed the role of libraries and librarians in addressing various aspects of crisis and change did not also identify the roles as those of leadership, there is the need for research and publication to document the examples of library leadership that may be taking place, but which are not reflected in the research literature.

Practical implications

The efforts undertaken to influence the policy‐making and legislative processes, to provide access to information, and to design and provide information resources and services have not been articulated in the literature as leadership roles, in particular. Thus, the analysis of the literature appears to indicate further opportunities for leadership at the local, national and international levels, consistent with the numerous examples reflected in the literature.

Originality/value

In general, there is limited focus on research and discussion of leadership in the scholarly journals in library and information science. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the major economic, political, technological and social changes internationally, over the past six years, and addresses the extent to which the efforts of librarians and libraries to address these issues have been documented in the research literature.
Images of Italian art on the web – the database of the Photo Library of the German Art Institute in Florence
Authors: Bieber Christina , Schweibenz Werner
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide an overview of the construction and features of an art image database for high‐resolution images.

Design/methodology/approach

A description of technical information, standards and tools used for creating an art image database using open‐source software products ZOPE, PLONE, and DIGILIB.

Findings

Provides information about the considerations for and implementation of the digitalisation process and the set‐up of the information infrastructure. Recognises that the effort for the digitalisation project was higher than estimated.

Research limitations/implications

The focus is on specific issues of art image databases and the application of open‐source software products.

Practical implications

A source of information for applied standards and software as well as digitalisation processes.

Originality/value

The paper presents practical information for institutions planning to set up an image database.
Handling gift books in libraries: a view from the US
Authors: Cassell Kay Ann
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To define the elements of a gift books policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Research based on a review of library gift policies.

Findings

Provides libraries with general guidelines as to what should be included in a gift book policy.

Originality/value

Provides assistance to libraries to find a way to explain to prospective donors how the library handles donations and gifts.
Are we effective? How would we know?
Authors: Bawden David , Petuchovaite Ramune , Vilar Polona
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A comparison of methods for evaluating the performance of library services in three European countries – Lithuania, Slovenia and the United Kingdom – is given, with emphasis on developing trends and novel methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The published and unpublished literature is analysed and evaluated, to bring out themes and comparisons.

Findings

Common themes are identified, and suggestions made as to how the competences of the library profession can be improved, and practitioners supported, in embedding performance evaluation into a more evidence‐based practice.

Originality/value

This is the only paper to date making explicit international comparisons of evaluation of library services.
NorthStarNet: libraries harness the internet to build community
Authors: Long Sarah Ann
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To introduce a successful online community information network created and managed by libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical and operational overview by director of organization that sponsors the information network.

Findings

The 10‐year old online network provides a resource that puts the library in the center of their community, and in a position of leadership.

Originality/value

Using the power of the computer, information from all communities is available to everyone.
The challenges of strategic planning in academic libraries
Authors: McNicol Sarah
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper reports on the findings of the HEFCE‐funded outcomes project which aimed to investigate strategic planning in UK academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research consisted of a literature and documentation review, followed by interviews with academic library directors and senior institutional managers. There was also a survey of all UK HE libraries.

Findings

The key issues which need to be addressed by academic libraries in terms of strategic planning are: the involvement of library staff; communication of library aims and plans externally; level of active involvement in institutional and departmental planning; evaluation and target setting; and involvement in more “difficult” institutional aims such as income generation and widening participation.

Research limitation/implications

The response to the various activities of this research project indicate the lack of interest in outcomes assessment within the academic library sector. There is little rigorous evidence in this area to inform library professionals.

Practical implications

The lack of interest in outcomes assessment with the sector is worrying; there is a general view of libraries as essential part of higher education and do not need to demonstrate how they contribute to institutional aims. This may leave libraries in a vulnerable position.

Originality/value

The paper reports on an issue which should be of great concern to the academic library sector, especially in the light of the proposal to axe professional posts at the University of Wales, Bangor library.
The necessity of information literacy education in a marketing department
Authors: Korobili Stella , Tilikidou Irene
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide reliable data for the development of efficient information literacy education in a department of a higher educational institute in Thessaloniki, Greece. It requires in‐depth understanding of the current situation as well as future expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

Two research objectives were set. One was to record the use of resources by students and their perceptions, as well as the expectations of faculty regarding information literacy skills. The other was to examine the preferences of students and faculty regarding information literacy education. Two surveys were conducted among both students (cluster sampling) and faculty (census) by the utilization of relative structured questionnaire.

Findings

The project reveals that the percentage of students who use the e‐resources of the library is relatively low, and that the few students who attended the bibliographic instruction seminar use the e‐resources more for the completion of their assignments. Also faculty were found to do very little in class to motivate students to use library sources for completing long research papers. With reference to students' and faculty's preferences concerning future information literacy education, it was indicated that the greatest percentage prefer instruction at user's request, and a course integrated into the curriculum. Focusing on a course integrated in the curriculum, it is suggested that it is provided at the first or second semester of their studies, to be developed on the basis of librarian/faculty cooperation and supported by demonstration of resources and/or hands‐on workshops.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to fill the gaps left in understanding faculty attitudes toward information literacy. Also duplicating this survey in other departments of Technological Educational Institution could provide a picture of the kind of information literacy education a Greek institution should apply.

Practical implications

This research implies the need for developing a course integrated into the curriculum tailored to the interests of the students, designed to develop critical thinking skills. It is suggested that this course should be provided at an appropriate time that would allow students to acknowledge its relevance to course content. A multimedia product is suggested as a handbook to this course.

Originality/value

This research tries to fill a gap in the published literature which does not offer any surveys in Greek academic institutions about perceptions and practices of faculty and students regarding information literacy programs.
Community informatics in libraries in Pakistan
Authors: Shed Khan Noor , Bawden David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper reports a study into the current status of, and future prospects for, community informatics (CI) services in libraries in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

It is based on a questionnaire survey of academic and public libraries, and community centres, in the major cities of Pakistan, backed up by interviews with librarians and community leaders.

Findings

It is found that while most libraries provide community information services, these are of traditional kind, and there are very few examples of information and communication technologies‐based CI. There is enthusiasm for developing such services among librarians, and high regard for library services in the community. Essential factors are funding for provision of equipment and training, and awareness raising in the community.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to a sample of libraries in large cities.

Practical implications

Proposals for development of a government‐sponsored CI initiative are presented.

Originality/value

This is the only study to date which investigates the role of libraries for CI provision in Pakistan, and one of very few which studies this topic in a developing country.
Intellectual gambling: betting on the future public library
Authors: Sheppard Tamara
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Research in library and information science today generally lacks an intelligible vision for the future of the public library. Because technology has predominantly contributed to this deficiency, this paper attempts to recommend a rational approach to technological change which would benefit the public library.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the peer‐to‐peer (P2P) file sharing trend to highlight the impact of technology, this article expounds on the idea that technological advances should be managed in a way which underscores the opportunities for the library's progression. At the same time, this paper points out the imperative that libraries adhere to principles, such as: print collections, free access, and the library as a place, which have served as a foundation for the public library since its inception.

Findings

Technological agents of change (such as P2P) have had, and will continue to have, profound effects on the perception of the public library; as well as its subsequent business practices. Building upon the previously established foundation of past ages will go far in providing a solid groundwork upon which future growth depends; yet is not beyond the astute utilization of technology in order to attain it.

Originality/value

The deep‐rooted ideals of fair use and the public domain are currently under attack and the public library all too often overlooks the efficacy of public involvement. Reach out to your patrons regarding important issues and they will respond in kind.
Quality management on information services according to ISO 9000
Authors: Valls Valéria Martin , de Castro Santos Vergueiro Waldomiro
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper focuses on the use of ISO 9000 standards for the introduction of quality management in information services, with a special emphasis on the Brazilian experience, aiming to provide support to information services managers in the use of quality management.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a comprehensive review of the literature, from the earliest citations to those published more recently, principally articles relating to the application of quality programs in Brazilian information services.

Findings

The paper presents and discusses the main benefits (ordered according to the eight principles of quality management), the concerns and the difficulties of the use of ISO 9000 mentioned by the analyzed literature.

Research limitations/implications

Although the literature describes several practical experiences and theoretical studies that analyze the application of ISO 9000 in information services, each organization has its own typical characteristics and their internal and external environments may differ, helping or making it more difficult to implement projects related to quality management.

Practical implications

The paper observes a general predisposition towards the principles defined on the ISO 9000 standard series, which can be used as a parameter to guide and support quality improvement initiatives.

Originality/value

The research supports the idea that ISO 9000 standards are a guideline for the implementation of quality management in organizations of different types and sizes. The exponential growth on the number of ISO 9000 certificates in Brazil has created a scenario that has certainly favoured the option of several information services towards the ISO 9000 standard series.
Librarianship: from collections control to tools understanding
Authors: Nissen Pedersen Karsten
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To contribute to and evoke ongoing reflections on librarians' professional identity, i.e. librarianship. Inherent hereto is a questioning of the feasibility of collections and collections control as basic constituents hereof. Instead, it is argued that an inquiry into proprieties of librarians' actual and potential tools allows for establishing firmer grounds for present and future librarianship.

Design/methodology/approach

In a number of analytical steps, the concept of librarianship is deconstructed.

Findings

Collections and collections control are shown to equal conceptual quicksand for librarianship at a time where access to information is largely outside librarians' control. Alternatively, an understanding of actual and potential librarians' tools may potentially provide firmer conceptual basis.

Practical implications

It is suggested that librarians are to reflect critically on the appropriateness of actual and potential tools applied.

Originality/value

Questions whether collections and collections control constitute a feasible primary constituent for librarianship. Suggests, instead, that firmer conceptual grounds for librarianship are to be established.
Recovery and renewal: libraries lead the way in post‐Katrina New Orleans
Authors: Long Sarah Ann
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present observations of hurricane‐damaged New Orleans and the current status of library services for the area.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the author's personal observations from a visit to a library conference, and a commentary from residents and library staff.

Findings

Libraries in the New Orleans area sustained extreme damage, but through the efforts of library staff, they have emerged with a much higher community profile. Now the library is considered when any major event or recovery effort is mounted in the area.

Originality/value

The article profiles the continuing challenges for a major city that experiences massive destruction and devastation after a natural disaster.
Internationalization of LIS education in Europe and North America
Authors: Abdullahi Ismail , Kajberg Leif , Virkus Sirje
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to stress the importance of international and intercultural opportunities in serving as essential components in educating and training library and information professionals. More specifically, it provides an overview of issues and trends in internationalization of higher education (HE) in general and illustrates how the concept of and approaches to internationalization have affected library and information science (LIS) educational settings and programs primarily in Europe and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, the paper discusses the meaning and definition of the concept of internationalization. Using a framework that draws on theoretical work on internationalisation of HE programs/contexts an analysis is then presented of the changing nature of internationalization in HE environments. The theoretical analysis is coupled with illustrations of current internationalisation practices, projects, strategies and players within LIS education communities in Europe and the USA. Finally, a discussion of the principal issues of internationalization of the LIS curriculum is presented

Findings

A synthesis is provided of the body of knowledge on the topics of internationalisation in general and within the HE sector in particular. Also presented is an overview of the multifaceted internationalisation activities taking place within LIS education. A range of thoughts and suggestions are given on how LIS schools can respond to the challenges of an increasing global world and, more specifically, how they can develop LIS programs and create classroom settings that are truly international in orientation and scope.

Research limitations/implications

The geographical scope is limited to Europe and North America and the focus of the study is particularly on issues and challenges within the LIS education community.

Practical implications

Exposure to international educational environments and acquisition and absorption of intercultural values and skills serves to enhance and enrich the academic background of LIS students/graduates and add to the employability and career development of the coming LIS professionals. International outlook, networking and intercultural communication skills are essential for practitioners, policy makers, leaders, decision makers, researchers and educators in the LIS field.

Originality/value

No comprehensive study of the internationalization of LIS programs in the context of HE sector‐specific internationalization theory has previously been published. The paper makes a difference in the way it reflects on LIS internationalization issues and tasks from the perspective of the published literature on internationalization of HE.
Collaboration in LIS education in Southeast Asia
Authors: Sattar Chaudhry Abdus
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to look into projects undertaken to promote collaboration between LIS education programs in Southeast Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

The author surveys the efforts made by information studies programs to promote resource sharing.

Findings

An accreditation scheme is being implemented for improving the quality of education in LIS programs in Southeast Asian countries. A plan for developing a repository of learning objects is under development for facilitating sharing of teaching materials for improved LIS education. Faculty development is considered another important area of possible future collaboration in the region with possible involvement of international forums for improving LIS education.

Originality/value

The experiences reported in this paper will be an aid to anyone interested in implementing LIS into their educational facilities.
Education for library and information studies in Canada: a cross‐cultural comparison
Authors: Haycock Ken
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the unique characteristics and homogeneity of the Canadian accredited programs in library and information studies compared with those programs in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Each year the Association for Library and Information Science (ALISE) collects statistics from accredited graduate programs. By disaggregating the American and Canadian information and limiting the data to the accredited degree program only, comparisons could be drawn between the two data sets. The generalizations and themes were then validated by comparison with the recent history of development of Canadian schools.

Findings

The history of development of Canadian graduate programs and the national context has resulted in programs that are more homogenous than diverse. The programs are housed in public research institutions, with competition for spaces. The students are full‐time, studying a curriculum with more required courses. Faculty have more time for research. Access is an issue. The profession is generally satisfied, but points to inadequacies in education for management and favors more internships.

Research limitations/implications

While commenting on developments and trends the report relies primarily on three secondary sources, thus creating a snapshot.

Practical implications

The separation of Canadian and American models allows for greater attention to national approaches providing a beginning point for discussion, analysis and suggestions for further study.

Originality/value

This paper is based on a presentation to the ALA President's Forum on International Library Education in June, 2006. Both American and Canadian participants demonstrated limited knowledge of the subject and urged publication. No such explication has appeared previously.
Library education in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Rodríguez Gallardo Adolfo
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyze the number of schools and programs of library science that have existed in Latin America and the Caribbean from 1985 to date. It was written in order to understand the nature of library science teaching, and to provide a numerical analysis of the schools and programs identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on previous works that collected information on programs and institutions devoted to library science teaching. The main sources are the works of Fang (1985), Fang et al. (1995) and Maris and Giunti (1999). Differences between the Hispanic‐Portuguese and Anglo‐Saxon educational systems are described, as well as what they mean to library science teaching. With the purpose of standardizing the Anglo‐Saxon and Hispanic‐Portuguese systems, the various study programs were divided according to the classification used by Fang and Nauta.

Findings

It is evident that the number of schools and programs has been increasing and decreasing, and although the causes of this trend are not known, the data show that Latin American library science studies are continuously in motion. Regarding the creation of schools and programs, the data that have been gathered suggest an influence from European and American schools first and UNESCO programs later. Numerical data are provided per country on the number of schools and programs for training, technical studies, tertiary‐undergraduate studies, tertiary‐graduate studies and tertiary‐postgraduate studies.

Research limitations/implications

Because this study is based on previous works that collected information on programs and institutions, one has to admit that they do not provide information on all the schools that have existed in Latin America and the Caribbean and, thus, data are not fully accurate; however, there is enough information to provide a clear overview of the situation and the trends of library science in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the knowledge of library education in Latin America and the Caribbean. It points out the formation of human resources in reference to education levels and affirms the diversity of library education in those regions.
Trends, challenges and opportunities for LIS education and training in Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Ocholla Dennis , Bothma Theo
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the status, trends and challenges of library and information education and training in Eastern and Southern Africa. It notes that library and information education and training in Africa is undergoing rapid change, with difficult challenges to be overcome. For example, during the past 20 years, the number of library schools has grown in some regions and declined in some, such as South Africa. Common LIS factors include amalgamation, re‐orientation, and curriculum review and revision.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' extensive experience with and exposure to LIS education has been used together with observations and literature survey in the field to inform this paper.

Findings

It is evident that LIS schools have, to a greater or lesser extent, been redesigning their curricula to keep track of the latest developments in the information world and keep their teaching market‐related. New qualification programmes have been developed to provide opportunities for further specialization. In many cases departments have changed their names to reflect these new focus areas and extensions, and in many cases departments have realigned themselves within their universities. It is evident that LIS schools have taken the challenges of the changing information environment very seriously, and have adapted their curricula, their names and their institutional alignments to reflect these changes.

Research limitations/implications

The paper raises fundamental issues concerning trends, challenges and opportunities for LIS education and training in eastern and southern Africa by largely drawing examples from the authors' experience and related African studies in the domain.

Practical implications

The paper provides useful current information to inform LIS educators, researchers, students and other stakeholders on the issues and challenges of LIS education in the region.

Originality/value

Information provided in this paper is of value for comparative studies on LIS education and training. The paper is current and largely informed by participant observation, participation and experiential knowledge that is fresh and well informed.
International credentialing, certification, and recognition in the United States
Authors: Dowling Michael
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overview of the situation with international credentialing, certification, and recognition in the USA from the perspective of the American Library Association.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews history of changes to methods of international credentialing and recognition in the USA.

Findings

Though the recent changes in policy from ALA now allow for equivalency of degrees at the Master's level, libraries in the USA are not bound by the policy and many still have questions about accepting applicants with foreign degrees based on concerns such as compatibility, quality assurance, and acceptability.

Practical implications

More work has to be done by ALA to publicize its new policy and gain acceptance by libraries in the USA and to gather lists of accredited or recognized programs from other countries. The issue of international credentialing, certification, and recognition needs to be addressed by IFLA and library educators, library associations, and libraries as employers to make progress toward creating “global librarians.”

Originality/value

Points put forward by the author will be of interest to those involved in the same field.
The revised Combined Code and corporate governance
Authors: Pass Christopher
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which a sample of large UK companies comply with the main provisions of the revised 2003 Combined Code on corporate governance. The new Code incorporates a number of key principles of compliance with regard to the roles of a company's chairperson and chief executive, the composition of its Board of Directors and the composition of the Board's three main committees – the Nominations, Remuneration and Audit Committees. Companies are expected to fully comply with the provisions of the Code or proffer an “acceptable” explanation as to why they have not done so under the Code's “comply or explain” philosophy. The Code gives greater prominence to the role of non‐executive directors in a company's corporate governance structures and decision‐making processes and emphasizes the importance of non‐executive directors being “independent”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the extent of compliance in respect of the governance provisions referred to above presenting a survey of 50 large UK companies reporting in 2005 drawn (at random) from the FTSE‐250 listing.

Findings

A total of 17 companies fully complied throughout their reporting year. Twenty‐two companies took action to comply or proffered “acceptable” explanations as to why not during their reporting year. Eleven companies, however, remained in breach of the Code on one or more counts.

Practical implications

The paper discusses some of the issues which have arisen concerning the effectiveness of non‐executive directors and addresses the controversial matter of what constitutes “independency”.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to present an empirical study of the initial impact of the new Code.
EU free market rules: strategic options for transition economies
Authors: Yeoh Peter
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to examine the strategic options open to transition economies in Central and Eastern Europe in the face of intense competition in two highly sensitive economic sectors within the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory paper makes use of cross‐country case analysis.

Findings

The investigation demonstrated that protective mechanisms are used in veiled fashion to some degree even amongst the more economically advanced members of the EU and not just the transition economies as commonly perceived. It further argues that whilst a free and open EU will contribute to the quicker full realisation of its common market aspirations, transition economies are currently not adequately prepared for its required economic adjustments. Transition economies may need to respond in measured phases, taking into account its economic and political limitations. Otherwise, it might not be able to withstand the full onslaught of globalisation.

Practical implications

This research challenges the one size fits all notion of zealous free marketers and offers a middle ground strategic option for transition economies in the EU for further evaluation by policy makers and academics alike.

Originality/value

This research uses two highly economic sectors in the EU to argue for a more middle ground strategic economic strategy for transition economies in Central and Eastern Europe. This contrasts with the more global agenda of liberal economics.
Futures dilemmas for marketers: can stakeholder analysis add value?
Authors: Clulow Val
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to offer marketers an example of the application of stakeholder theory and analysis, using a current discourse between a number of stakeholders about their views on issues raised in a report on a model for the sustainability of life in Australia in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a systematic discourse analysis of the text of the speakers on the documentary program, the relationship of each stakeholder group to the issues at the centre of the discourse is unpacked.

Findings

Four themes emerged from the analysis indicating that the thinking of the stakeholders on the concept of an “economy” was based on different theoretical schemata; their level of concern for “sustainability” of a viable economic model varied; they did not agree on the question of who is responsible for a “sustainable future”; and the philosophical positions of the stakeholders on the issue varied considerably.

Practical implications

The implications for marketing communicators or stakeholder groups, needing to lobby, negotiate or influence others who operate in a different paradigm, are discussed.

Originality/value

An integrated marketing communications model is proposed that accounts for important relationships between the organization and its key stakeholders. The contribution to marketing lies in the demonstration that consideration of each step in the plan as it relates to each stakeholder, rather than a single‐minded approach, provides an opportunity for competitive advantage.
New service development: a stakeholder perspective
Authors: Smith Anne M. , Fischbacher Moira
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To increase understanding of both the process of new service development (NSD) and the nature of services as delivered to customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Four qualitative, exploratory case studies encompassing public (health) and private (financial) sector service organisations.

Findings

Managers select stakeholder groups for involvement in NSD attributing stakeholder salience, centrality to the process and power to influence the final service design. Customers are “dormant” stakeholders, thought to lack the knowledge/experience to contribute meaningfully to NSD. Their interests and needs are channelled through other stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The research is confined to two service industries based on a key informant approach; thus generalisability to other industries may be limited.

Practical implications

Multiple stakeholder involvement places a growing emphasis on the need for NSD managers to be skilled in managing complex, multi‐layered and multi‐faceted processes, often without legitimate power. This is likely to be a particular challenge for the public sector.

Originality/value

This paper examines the relatively underdeveloped area of NSD and from an unusual perspective, i.e. that of services as outcomes of an amalgam of stakeholder interactions and relationships. Furthermore, it represents one of only a few in‐depth studies of NSD within a health service context.
Exchange and combination of knowledge‐based resources in network relationships
Authors: Marianne Vainio Anu
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To gain a better understanding of various network relationships in the software industry by classifying relationships by type and identifying distinctions with respect to the business potential of those relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of literature, the study presents a framework for the tasks of combining and exchanging knowledge‐based resources in network relationships. In the empirical research setting, the relationships of nine Finnish software firms are first classified and placed in the framework, and then the organisational effectiveness of the relationships is measured.

Findings

The findings reveal three relationship types, each leading to different effectiveness profiles.

Research limitations/implications

It is recognised that this exploratory multiple‐case study raises the concern of generalisability and, thus, a statistical research using more accurate quantitative methods could be useful in checking the validity of the findings. Further, the selected cases exclude non‐networking companies, which is why future researchers may wish to consider whether the conclusions are valid across all firms and not just for those already in relationships.

Practical implications

A very useful information for new software firms having and planning partnerships in the software industry. For a new venture with limited resources, in particular, the partnerships may offer valuable resources. The study advances the identification of those benefits.

Originality/value

This study extends the understanding of management in strategic networks, particularly in the software industry, by classifying network relationships by type, describing the potential of these relationships, and indicating the capabilities needed for managing specific types of relationships.
Retailers' press release activity: market signals for stakeholder engagement?
Authors: Whysall Paul
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To increase understanding of the role, content and effectiveness of press releases.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of UK supermarkets' press releases in 2001/2002, a medium previously little researched in marketing, are undertaken.

Findings

Supermarkets seek stakeholder engagement on diverse issues with different mixes of groups. Treating releases as market signals demonstrates the important role of the press as filters and interpreters. Intended messages frequently fail to reach target audiences, and when they do can be significantly reinterpreted, so that positive claims are reported critically and negatively. Larger chains apparently produce more releases and gain more newspaper coverage, but generally volume of releases does not improve likelihood of press coverage.

Research limitations/implications

The nature of qualitative data, the limited time frame, and possible omissions from source archives.

Practical implications

As level of coverage varied independently of turnover, higher release activity of larger chains was questioned. Seeking differentiation through press releases becomes problematic with the press as filters.

Originality/value

This paper increases knowledge of press releases as market communications, and contributes to the literature of market signalling, notably emphasising the press as important signal intermediaries.
An empirical examination of the complex relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and stakeholder support
Authors: Giraud Voss Zannie , Voss Glenn B. , Moorman Christine
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to integrate stakeholder theory with the entrepreneurial orientation literature to explore relationships between distinct entrepreneurial behaviors and support from stakeholders with divergent interests.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal study in the non‐profit professional theatre industry examines how relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and stakeholder support evolve over time. A series of regression analyses examine how support from diverse stakeholders influences entrepreneurial behaviors and, subsequently, how those entrepreneurial behaviors influence future stakeholder support.

Findings

The findings support a multi‐dimensional conceptualization of entrepreneurial orientation, point to tensions inherent in satisfying multiple stakeholder demands, and illustrate that different stakeholders support entrepreneurial behaviors in unique and sometimes unexpected ways. The findings offer insight into the complex balancing act that entrepreneurial managers must execute to generate support from distinct stakeholder markets.

Originality/value

This research provides researchers and managers with unique insights into the evolutionary nature of the relationships between distinct entrepreneurial behaviors and external stakeholder support.