bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial dynamics in small business service firms
Authors: Glancey Keith , Greig Malcolm , Pettigrew Malcolm
Published: April 2007

This paper examines the nature of entrepreneurial dynamics in small business service firms. The past decade has seen a rapid growth in the number of small business service firms, with a corresponding increase in their importance in terms of employment and income generation. Despite the growing body of research on the impact that the entrepreneur has on the performance of small firms, very little of this research has focused on small business service firms. This paper reports findings from a study of the entrepreneurship process in a sample of 20 small business service firms based in the west of Scotland. Using a qualitative research design, evidence is found that entrepreneurs revise their motivations, objectives and strategies over time as a result of changes in market conditions or their own expectations. The most prevalent new objective is found to be business growth which was pursued as a means of increasing profitability, which in turn satisfies both pecuniary and non‐pecuniary intrinsic motivations.
Factors associated with the provision of job‐related formal training by employers
Authors: Westhead Paul
Published: April 2007

Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to detect the combination of factors associated with the provision of job‐related training provided by employers located throughout the United Kingdom. The efficacy of broad brush policy initiatives to encourage the provision of training in all very small firms is questioned. A case for targeting training provision assistance is presented.
An investigation into SMEs’ use of languages in their export operations
Authors: Crick Dave
Published: April 2007

This paper reports on an exploratory investigation into the use of languages within UK small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) which are engaged in export activities. Results from a postal survey and subsequent interviews provide a contribution to the literature by reporting on empirical findings in relation to four areas: managers’ perceived importance and benefits of using foreign languages, issues preventing their use, the functional use of languages within businesses and issues affecting firms’ recruitment and training in respect of languages. The results suggest that, although most firms are aware of the importance of languages and the benefits they can bring, this is not reflected in their use in certain functional areas and within the recruitment and training policies of many businesses.
Entrepreneurship education within the enterprise culture
Authors: Jack Sarah L. , Anderson Alistair R.
Published: April 2007

The enterprise culture is founded on the premise that entrepreneurship is the engine that drives the economy. One aspect of this cultural pervasion is the increase in the numbers of educational institutions teaching entrepreneurship courses. Yet this hegemony of the encouragement of new business start‐up, almost for its own sake, needs to be critically reviewed. One aspect is the enigmatic nature of entrepreneurship itself; what is it, and can it be taught? Another aspect is the very different expectations of those stakeholders promoting entrepreneurship education. Argues that the process of entrepreneurship involves both art and science; consequently our students need more than SME management skills. Graduating enterprise students must be innovative and creative to satisfy the need for entrepreneurial novelty ‐ the art. Yet, paradoxically they also need to be competent and multifunctional managers ‐ the science. Explores both these areas to argue that theory can bridge the art and science. The final section explains briefly how the recent research and practice at Aberdeen University attempts this synthesis. The intended outcome of our educational process are reflective practitioners, fit for an entrepreneurial career.
International market development through networks
Authors: Johnsen Rhona E. , Johnsen Thomas E.
Published: April 2007

Within the Ayrshire knitwear industry in Scotland, a group of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) have formed a network with the purpose of developing group branded products for export markets. The initiative was instigated by the Ayrshire Textile Group (ATG), which was created in 1991 as a partnership between Enterprise Ayrshire, a government funded body, and the local textile industry. This paper briefly reviews the existing literature describing the internationalisation process of firms and discusses why SMEs may consider networks as a means to developing international markets. The case study of the ATG empirically illustrates how network relationships may facilitate foreign market development by SMEs, the role of enterprise companies in this process, and the problems that SMEs are likely to face in the process. The paper concludes with a discussion of future directions of the research.
An analysis of the efficiency and competitiveness of Vietnamese port system
Authors: Van Thai Vinh , Grewal Devinder
Published: April 2007

Ports, as one of the important links between different modes of transport within the logistics chain, have special essence since their efficiency and competitiveness will certainly have an impact on the chain, and hence the national and regional economy. Vietnam, as a developing country gradually integrating into the regional and global economy, is rationalizing its economic sectors, including transportation. In this environment, ports play a vital role for the purpose of achieving comparative advantages in the international market. However, the Vietnamese port system is burdened with outdated work practices, low efficiency and poor competitiveness compared to other ports in the region. This paper identifies some of the problems in the Vietnamese port system and proposes strategies to address them.
Customers behaviourial responses to sales promotion: the role of fear of losing face
Authors: Oly Ndubisi Nelson , Tung Moi Chiew
Published: April 2007

This research evaluates the impact of sales promotional tools, namely coupon, price discount, free sample, bonus pack, and in‐store display, on product trial and repurchase behaviour of consumers. In addition, the moderation role of fear of losing face (or embarrassment) on the relationship between the sales promotional tools and product trial was examined. The sample points for the research were supermarkets in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. A total of 420 randomly selected customers were surveyed using structured questionnaire, out of which, 312 usable responses were received. The results of data analysis show that price discounts, free samples, bonus packs, and in‐store display are associated with product trial. Coupon does not have any significant effect on product trial. Trial determines repurchase behaviour and also mediates in the relationship between sales promotions and repurchase. Fear of losing face significantly moderates the relationship between in‐store display and product trial. Details of the findings and their implications are discussed.
Malaysian consumers’ evaluation of products made in Germany: the country of origin effect
Authors: Sadiq Sohail M.
Published: April 2007

This study examines the country of origin effect of products made in Germany. The study focuses on the questions of the sources of information in evaluating products; the evaluation of specific product dimensions by Malaysian consum ers; and consumers’ assessment of different product categories. Results based on the analysis of data relating to 240 responses indicate that the most highly rated source of obtaining product information was through newspaper and magazines. Products made in Germany had been rated highly for their quality. Automobiles were generally found to be the most highly rated product category by Malaysian consumers. The managerial implications of these are discussed, limitations of the study are highlighted, and further research is suggested.
Understanding the interrelationship between regional differences and material aspiration in the context of Indian diversity: Results of an exploratory study
Authors: Roy Chaudhuri Himadri , Haldar A.K.
Published: April 2007

In the last decade, the scope of consumer research has been expanded beyond choice and decision‐making to include various behaviour parameters like the meanings of possession and materialism but that should be studied in the background of cultural differences. Consumer behaviour has been found to be affected by regional differences that come out of various geographic, topological and cultural factors including values, motives and lifestyle. These give rise to distinct subcultures and can be an important determinant of both consumption and non‐consumption behaviours. India being highly diversified, the differences in geographic subculture are hypothesised to be significant. Accordingly this present study extends the current literature and explores the interaction among cultural adherence, materialism, preacquisition dream propensity and pre‐purchase “wish list” all of which are hypothesised to be actually reflecting the influence of regional differences. The degree of materialism was found to be significantly correlated with the intensity of cultural adherence. Regional differences and cultural adherence, as a whole, was also found to be significantly related to materialism and prepurchase dreaming propensity. An interesting perspective was revealed from the content analysis of wish list. Implications of the findings for the study of materialism are also discussed.
Corporate social responsibility – a PR invention?
Authors: Frankental Peter
Published: April 2007

Considers the paradoxes inherent in the phrase “corporate social responsibility”. These include procedures of corporate governance, the market’s view of organizations’ ethical stances, the lack of clear definition, acceptance or denial, the lack of formal mechanisms for taking responsibility and the placing and priority that most organizations give to social responsibility. The article concludes that until these paradoxes are properly addressed, corporate social responsibility can legitimately be branded an invention of PR. It can only have real substance if it embraces all the stakeholders of a company, if it is reinforced by changes in company law relating to governance, if it is rewarded by financial markets, if its definition relates to the goals of social and ecological sustainability, if its implementation is benchmarked and audited, if it is open to public scrutiny, if the compliance mechanisms are in place, and if it is embedded across the organization horizontally and vertically.
The Lamfalussy process four years on
Authors: Schaub Alexander
Published: April 2007

The Lamfalussy process was implemented from early 2001, following the report of the Committee of Wise Men on the Regulation of European Securities Markets, chaired by Alexandre Lamfalussy. Four years on, this paper concludes that, while it is too early to assess progress in areas such as implementation and enforcement (Levels 3 and 4 of the Lamfalussy process), significant progress has been made in implementing the proposals contained in the original Lamfalussy Report. Preparation of EU legislation affecting securities markets is now more transparent, with better involvement of external stakeholders and enhanced political cooperation between all the institutions (Commission, Council and European Parliament). This has resulted in an improvement in the quality of legislation and an acceleration of the legislative process. The use of implementing measures will make it easier and faster to adapt Community legislation in the future. The process is also encouraging regulatory and supervisory convergence. Nevertheless, this paper suggests further improvements that could be made in areas such as consultation, including better involvement of consumers; timetables for transposing measures into national law; focusing more on general rules and principles in framework legislation (Level 1) and avoiding over‐prescription in implementing measures (Level 2); achieving more consistent implementation across member states (Level 3); further strengthening political accountability; and strengthening efforts to foster greater understanding of the Lamfalussy process.
Operational risk within an insurance market
Authors: Manning Stephen , Gurney Andrew
Published: April 2007

Parts of this paper are based on a presentation on the same subject given by Stephen Manning to the Basel II & Banking Regulation conference organised by the Global Association of Risk Professionals in April 2005. The paper reflects the experiences of the authors in developing and implementing risk management within the Lloyd's insurance market.
Expert witness qualifications and selection
Authors: Rasmussen Derk G. , Leauanae Joseph L.
Published: April 2007

Defines an expert witness as a specialist who uses special knowledge, skill, training or experience to provide testimony to aid the factfinder. Discusses the criteria and qualifications that should guide the selection of a forensic accounting expert witness. Outlines the areas of expertise within forensic accounting: investigative accounting, economic loss calculation, business and intangible asset valuation. Describes how the expert is matched to the engagement, using six examples; these include misappropriation of funds, business interruption, valuation of a business interest, construction contract damage, marital dissolution, and breach of contract. Refers to the Daubert and Kumho Tire cases, where expertise was challenged as “junk science”, and considers the “beauty contest” choice between two similarly qualified and experienced practitioners.
Combating corruption in Nigeria ‐ bliss or bluster?
Authors: Shehu Abdullahi Y.
Published: April 2007

Defines corruption, which includes the practices of bribery, nepotism and misappropriation. Gives an overview of the corruption situation in Nigeria. Discusses its possible causes, which are seen to be rooted in sociocultural practices and the political and economic situation of the country; however, the greatest cause is the lack of political will to deal with it. Outlines recent efforts to combat corruption, including the establishment of the new Anti‐Corruption Convention and the assistance of the United Nations and donor countries. Focuses on the Abacha case and its lessons, mentioning the specific challenges of global enforcement. Concludes that even the new democratic government’s efforts to eliminate corruption are unlikely to be entirely successful.
Examining sources of influence on employee turnover in the part‐time work context
Authors: McBey Kenneth , Karakowsky Leonard
Published: April 2007

Extensive research has examined sources of influence on employee turnover in the full‐time work context. Far less research attention has been given to addressing sources of influence on turnover in the part‐time work scenario. The aim of this study was to examine sources of influence on turnover among part‐time employees. Survey data were collected from 412 part‐time employees in the military reserves. The results of this study draw attention to a number of important sources of influence on turnover among part‐time employees. The findings suggest that the same set of factors that influence turnover among full‐time employees may not equally influence part‐time employees.
The realistic downsizing preview: a multiple case study, part II: analysis of RDP model: results of data collected and proposed new model
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Donia Magda
Published: April 2007

While downsizing has become an increasingly popular organizational tool in the achievement and/or maintenance of competitiveness and increased productivity, the negative side effect known as survivor syndrome continues to plague many post‐downsizing organizations. This article series examines the full spectrum of research with the goal of producing a model. The model is based upon the problems survivors experienced and modeled after the realistic job preview. The realistic downsizing preview, which can be effectively used before the downsizing is implemented to prevent survivor syndrome in its aftermath. This two‐part article is an exploratory study intended to produce the realistic downsizing preview instrument. The second part presents a revision/validation of the model, based on the data gathered from the nine North American case organizations. As a result, the final RDP model is the product of “best practices” proposed in the contemporary research and the feedback from actual downsizing organizations.
Organisation‐public relationships: Measurement validation in a university setting
Authors: Jo Samsup , Childers Hon Linda , Brunner Brigitta R.
Published: April 2007

Given the link between quality relationships and supportive behaviours among organisations and publics, it is not surprising that public relations scholars and practitioners have turned their attention to trying to measure public relationships and understanding their value for organisations and publics. As part of the development of a diagnostic tool for measuring relationships, the present study attempted to test a measurement scale for the organisation‐public relationship. This research effort was designed to test empirically Hon and Grunig’s proposed organisation‐public relationship instrument. Although each of the two data sets displayed slightly different operationalised items, the two groups of subjects similarly perceived the six‐factor (trust, satisfaction, control mutuality, commitment, exchange relationship, communal relationship) measures as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring their relationship with the university.
Communication and the psychological contract
Authors: Clutterbuck David
Published: April 2007

Making the psychological contract a practical construct for organisations in managing relationships with stakeholders demands a simple but accurate model of the perceptual dynamics. The model presented here is based upon three meanings of the term value — value as worth, as respect and as beliefs. Aligning the perceptions of employees and the organisation on the nature of the value exchange provides a basis for measuring the quality or ‘perceived fairness’ of the psychological contract in action. The same principle applies to the psychological contract with all other stakeholder groups.
Value consistency within the police: the lack of a gap
Authors: Caldero Michael A. , Larose Anthony P.
Published: April 2007

This paper reports the results of a 1992 City of Tacoma, Washington study of police values which was designed to test similar research conducted by Milton Rokeach in 1971. Our data support the hypothesis that individual value systems are more important than occupational socialization in understanding police selection and behavior. Value patterns not only were consistent over time, but also reflected a pattern of conservative beliefs. This work suggests that any attempt to reform or improve police community relations must begin with the restructuring of recruiting practices and the re‐socialization of police practitioners.
A social constructionist account of police culture and its influence on the representation and progression of female officers
Authors: Dick Penny , Jankowicz Devi
Published: April 2007

The police organisation receives much media attention regarding its record on Equal Opportunities. Research suggests that the organisational culture in police organisations plays a major role in impeding the progress of women. Using repertory grid technique, the culture of a police force, conceptualised at the level of performance value judgements or recipe knowledge was investigated. It is argued that rank, rather than gender has the greatest influence on the content of performance value judgements and that this is attributable to the way that hierarchy influences the way in which the grass‐roots role is constructed. We argue that women’s progression is impeded not because of dominant constructions of the roleper se, but by the way such constructions intersect with broader socio‐cultural constructions of women’s domestic roles.
How to configure the corporate university for success
Authors: Dealtry Richard
Published: April 2007

Explores ideas and processes that can bring the corporate university concept to fruition as a dynamic business development platform. Builds upon the empirical research findings presented in previous articles and the new ways of thinking that are beginning to surface concerning the configuration of corporate university properties and attributes to achieve intellectual leadership in different business sectors. Describes one approach to making intellectual relationships more productive and manageable in the context of achieving strategic fit, by combining a dynamic strategic learning approach with the resource capabilities offered by the growing portfolio of corporate university schools of thinking.
Knowledge work and the new demands of learning
Authors: Garrick John , Clegg Stewart
Published: April 2007

The idea of knowledge work has been around for some time. Mintzberg spoke about “knowledge intensive firms” outlining differences between knowledge intensive organizations and professional bureaucracies. A professional bureaucracy, for instance, typically relies on standardized knowledge, skills and routines, relying on typical professional features: codification, strong and clearly defined professional associations and codes of ethics. In the past professional identities have been shaped by (at least) symbolic association with such features. With sweeping changes to professional life and organization, many “knowledge workers” no longer belong to any of the traditional disciplinary professions. Cross‐disciplinary approaches are often now in favour and the symbolism that might have once reinforced professional identity has all‐but been replaced by the new competencies required in the high‐tech era: extensive communication, problem‐solving and coordination skills. The labour market is not stable and, as Mintzberg aptly put it, “knowledge intensity” has become a premium product.
Values development and learning organizations
Authors: Hall Brian P.
Published: April 2007

This article is about the creation of a learning organization, based on the collaboration over the last three years of two organizations: Values Technology and Wallenius‐Wilhelmsen Lines. The intervention utilized and combined values measurement and business processes to create an empowered learning environment. In order to understand how the process worked, we will begin the article by an examination of what knowledge and values are about within the context of global trends. Finally, we will draw some conclusions about the creation of a learning organization, and the place of values and culture measurement for the post‐millennium organization.
A model for enterprise portal management
Authors: Kotorov Rado , Hsu Emily
Published: April 2007

The article identifies the risks and challenges of using enterprise portal technology for managing corporate information and knowledge. Many of the risks and challenges are attributed to the inherent limitations of the software solutions for information and knowledge management. It is argued that the risks of adverse effects from the inherent limitations of artificial agents can be reduced if the technical solution, i.e. the portal architecture, is embedded into adequate relational human architecture. The article proposes a management model for enterprise portals analogous to the management model for newspaper production, and argues that the model provides the adequate organizational structure for overcoming the inherent limitations of enterprise portals.
Narrative and social tacit knowledge
Authors: Linde Charlotte
Published: April 2007

This paper discusses the role of narrative in the expression and transmission of social knowledge as a specific type of tacit knowledge. Narrative is a central mechanism by which social knowledge is conveyed. Narrative provides a bridge between the tacit and the explicit, allowing tacit social knowledge to be demonstrated and learned, without the need to propositionalize it. Institutions can best maintain their stock of stories by providing occasions on which they can be told. Archival systems such as databases, lessons learned systems, and video records are less effective, particularly when they attempt to store records or transcripts of oral stories. However, they can be improved by attention to key design dimensions, including appropriate allocation of the effort required from system administrators and users, and attention to translation between genres.
Transparency regimes and management by content in global organizations. The case of institutional currency trading
Authors: Knorr Cetina Karin , Bruegger Urs
Published: April 2007

Argues that informational arrangement may make an organization less of a cumbersome machine by exteriorizing organizational processes on screen, making them transparent, witnessable and (reflexively) self‐changing. The platform organization addresses how some organizations – global investment banks engaged in institutional currency trading and big science collaborations engaged in high energy physics knowledge production – implement a transparency regime of information that extends to local and implicit knowledge. In other words, through being exteriorized, knowledge is kept current, alive and distributed in the respective organizations; to a significant degree, it is effectively precluded from becoming implicit and embodied in places and persons. Corresponds to a form of coordination that is content‐driven rather than social authority based. “Management by contact” is a knowledge‐enhancing, specialist activity closer to mediating and coaching than to “governing” and deciding.
The performance prism in practice
Authors: Neely Andy , Adams Chris , Crowe Paul
Published: April 2007

This article describes and illustrates the practical application of a new measurement framework – The Performance Prism – which addresses the shortcomings of many of the traditional measurement frameworks being used by organisations today. The Performance Prism, with its comprehensive stakeholder orientation, encourages executives to consider the wants and needs of all the organisation’s stakeholders, rather than a subset, as well as the associated strategies, processes and capabilities. DHL’s board for the UK have used this framework to re‐engineer their corporate measurement and reporting system and the article explains DHL and other firms’ experiences with the Performance Prism.
Financial supervisory unification and financial intelligence units
Authors: Masciandaro Donato
Published: April 2007

Examines the relationship between two recent developments in regulation and supervision of banking, financial and insurance markets: unification of supervision, and the establishment of financial intelligence units (FIUs) in many countries. Analyses FIUs, using a Financial Authorities Concentration Index to measure concentration of supervisory powers, and an alphabetical listing by 68 countries of their supervisory authorities. Asks whether creation of FIUs could be an obstacle to consolidation of supervision, with a tradeoff between the two. Lists by country its FIU’s title, type of institutional model (administrative, judicial or law enforcement) and the principal official concerned. Concludes that the creation of FIUs has so far not caused friction with the current consolidation process of financial supervision.
Assessing the impact of the USA PATRIOT Act on the financial services industry
Authors: Fisher James , Gilsinan James , Harshman Ellen , Islam Muhammed , Yeager Fred
Published: April 2007

Outlines the requirements of the PATRIOT Act of October 2001; together with subsequent legislation, it has led to a dramatic increase in surveillance activities affecting both traditional financial institutions and the newer types known as Money Service Businesses. Lists its demands, that all financial institutions: establish a more formal anti‐money laundering programme with a compliance officer, implement an employee training programme, file Suspicious Activity Reports, verify new customers’ identities etc. Indicates the cost to the financial services industry of compliance. Concludes that, given the massive quantities of information collected, even the best technology may not ensure that the tiny minority of terrorist traces actually get followed up
Systems thinking about anti‐money laundering: considering the Greek case
Authors: Angell Ian O. , Demetis Dionysios S.
Published: April 2007

Describes some aspects of money laundering through the lens of systems terminology. Claims that this approach can give insights beyond those of the conventional “linear” methodologies, and gives the American dominance of the Financial Action Task Force as an example. Sees money laundering and anti‐money laundering as coupled activities, subsystems each of which stimulates the other to expand its own powers within its particular domain, so that the harder that anti‐money laundering pushes, money laundering pushes back. Relates this to how the suspicious transaction reporting system works in the Greek context and recommends improvements. Argues that anti‐money laundering is not a “solution” to the “problem” of money laundering, and that there can be no solution: money laundering is as old as money itself.
Workplace strategy: What it is and why you should care
Authors: Ellison Schriefer Audrey
Published: April 2007

Innovative workplace solutions have been known as “workplace of the future”or “alternative fficing.” Today these concepts are being adopted by a cadre of forward‐thinking companies of all sizes, across industries. These companies have begun to tailor their workplace to meet their particular needs. They are seeking ways to use their investments in space and technology to enable rather than inhibit progress toward their objectives. While still far from being universally embraced, these changes in workplace conceptualization and implementation are worth a closer look. This paper identifies key trends, discusses the forces driving them, debunks some myths that have arisen, outlines the potential benefits of these approaches, and discusses the need for an integrated approach to achieve successful implementation. Several examples are provided to demonstrate the appeal of workplace strategy across industries and suggest lessons that can be applied by the reader to their own unique situations. Primary workplace research conducted by the author as well as her corporate and consulting experience informs the points made throughout this article.
Benchmarking in QFD for quality improvement
Authors: Shen X.X. , Tan K.C. , Xie M.
Published: April 2007

Through listening to the voice of the customer, quality function deployment (QFD) is a systematic methodology for quality improvement and product development. The quality of a product or service is ultimately judged in terms of customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction benchmarking can help decision makers identify areas for improvement, make strategic decisions, and set targets on desired satisfaction performance. The main purpose of this paper is to study procedures and methods for successful benchmarking in QFD for quality improvement. It discussed the customer satisfaction benchmarking process in QFD and proposed the use of hierarchical benchmarks for strategic competitor selection and decision making. A case study was presented to illustrate the use of this method. This paper may provide a road map to achieve world‐class performance through benchmarking in QFD, especially for small to medium‐sized enterprises or companies in developing countries.
Benchmarking for strategic maintenance quality improvement
Authors: Muthu S. , Devadasan S.R. , Ahmed Saleem , Suresh P. , Baladhandayutham R.
Published: April 2007

Points out that the concepts of total productive maintenance (TPM) were formulated by combining the principles of total quality control (TQC) and maintenance engineering. Claims that the theory of TPM is not yet exhaustive. Proposes a model called “strategic maintenance quality engineering” (SMQE) to make the theory of TPM exhaustive. Deals with the last phase of SMQE which envisages the evaluation of each cycle of SMQE performance. Applies benchmarking with suitable modifications to carry out the last phase of SMQE. Presents the salient features of pilot implementation study conducted in two companies. Suggests that the use of information technology (IT) for benchmarking SMQE would aid in improving strategic maintenance quality more effectively.
Total Quality Design: An Approach for Customer Satisfaction in Critical
Advanced Technologies
Authors: Karbhari Vistasp M. , Burns James S. , Wilkins Dick J.
Published: April 2007

Composites are prime examples of technology moving faster than the
underlying science. Faced with increasing global competitiveness, the
issues of high cost, product robustness and long lead times associated
with product development are emerging in the forefront of problems
facing emerging and existing performance‐critical industries, such as in
the area of advanced materials. However, the mere use of the new
paradigms or philosophies, such as concurrent engineering, is
insufficient to guarantee successful completion of the product
realization process (PRP). Planning for competitiveness and quality as
an integral part of the programme goals and decision process is a key to
success. It is essential that clear plans be developed and measurable
attributes of performance be identified as early in the design process
as possible. The approach described herein provides the framework for
successful implementation of an integrated decision‐production system
within the basic definition of Total Quality Management (TQM). Discusses
the five elements critical to the success of a new technology or
product: definition; requirements; benchmarking; concepts; and review.
Serviced apartments in the UK – a growth sector?
Authors: Foxley Sue
Published: April 2007

Up until relatively recently there have been few alternatives to hotels for business or leisure travellers seeking longer‐term accommodation in the UK. While serviced apartments are well established in the USA and the Far East, the UK sector is in an embryonic stage. The current supply is dominated by higher‐end accommodation, with corporates providing the core area of demand. However experience in other countries suggests that the scale and profile of the market may be considerably broader. This paper details the current profile of the serviced apartment sector in the UK, focusing on London in particular, drawing on an interview survey with “new entrants” to the market. It also considers the factors influencing the potential supply of new units and the future drivers of demand. The paper concludes with a summary of the challenges and opportunities that may emerge in the UK serviced apartment sector over the coming years.
An assessment of the impact of valuation error on property investment performance measurement
Authors: Bowles G. , McAllister P. , Tarbert H.
Published: April 2007

Analyses the effect of valuation error on the implied precision of investment performance measurement of property assets. A prerequisite for measuring the absolute or relative performance of commercial property investments is that valuations provide a reliable proxy for prices. However, there are conceptual and empirical grounds to suggest that uncertainty is inherent in the valuation process. This is primarily due to the structure of the commercial property market and the techniques and guidelines of the property valuation process. Sampling theory is used to measure portfolio valuation error confidence bands for hypothetical property investment portfolios based on different assumptions concerning assumed levels of valuation error, size of portfolio and number of measurement time periods. It is concluded that, for the majority of investment portfolios, property investment performance measures will include some uncertainty and thus the property fund manager should be sceptical of the implied precision in reported measures of return.
Compensation or restitution?
Authors: Fleming David
Published: April 2007

Examines the resolution of rights to former expropriated owners of
land and buildings in Hungary. Looks at social and economic implications
of the choice between compen‐sation and restitution. Analyses the
initial results of the Compensation Acts 1991‐92. Indicates that the
social goals may now have been achieved but the land market remains
largely dysfunctional. Analyses the results of the first Government
auctions. Suggests that the resultant price structure is unreliable.
Outlines what has been achieved in the transformation process. Concludes
that the future is still uncertain and dependent on public policy and
general economic conditions.
From forecasting and scenarios to social construction: changing methodological paradigms in futures studies
Authors: Slaughter Richard A.
Published: April 2007

This paper looks at shifts that have occurred in underlying methodological paradigms in futures studies (FS) over the last several decades. It suggests a progression from forecasting to scenarios to social construction and seeks to account for the rise of the latter.
An ageing perspective
Authors: Bartlett Helen
Published: April 2007

The consequences of population ageing for Australia are increasingly debated at a national and state level. Ageing issues on the policy agenda now reflect the need to take a broader societal approach. However, the evidence to inform policy is still lacking in a number of areas. In particular, more needs to be understood about ageing from the community perspective, including evidence on values and attitudes across the generations and the expectations and needs of older age groups. This paper explores the evidence on community perspectives and attitudes on ageing and the extent to which it has informed policy and program development. Using illustrations from Queensland, key policy challenges presented by some of the broader emerging issues will be highlighted, along with possible strategies for policy development in the future.
Japan's ubiquitous mobile information society
Authors: Srivastava Lara
Published: April 2007

Mobile communication technologies have come a long way, but they are far from completing their evolutionary path. An examination of the Japanese mobile sector, with its cutting‐edge technologies, may provide a glimpse of what is to come for the rest of the world. Japan's mobile users are demanding ever more functionality, and service providers are responding. Moreover, the mobile phone is affecting social norms of behaviour and its use has become integrated within Japanese society as nowhere else. Even though the technology is developing rapidly, the case of Japan suggests that self‐regulation and individual restraint can work.
Organizational memory and the completeness of process modeling in ERP systems
Authors: Van Stijn Eveline , Wensley Anthony
Published: April 2007

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems not only have a broad functional scope promising to support many different business processes, they also embed many different aspects of the company’s organizational memory. Disparities can exist between those memory contents in the ERP system and related contents in other memory media, such as individuals’ memories, and the organizational structure and culture. It is our contention that, in general, these disparities or memory mismatches, as we will refer to them, lead to under‐performance of ERP systems. In this paper we focus on potential memory mismatches that may arise with respect to the embedding of process knowledge within ERP packages. Packages such as SAP provide a varied and rich environment for process modeling. However, we suspect that there are still many instances where process knowledge is either lost or represented in different ways in different parts of the organization. As we will discuss, the results of such memory mismatches will often not become evident until the system is in use. The overall thrust of the paper is to identify a variety of concerns, intriguing questions and avenues for future research.
ERP and best of breed: a comparative analysis
Authors: Light Ben , Holland Christopher P. , Wills Karl
Published: April 2007

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is the dominant strategic platform for supporting enterprise‐wide business processes. However, it has been criticised for being inflexible and not meeting specific organisation and industry requirements. An alternative, best of breed (BoB), integrates components of standard package and/or custom software. The objective is to develop enterprise systems that are more closely aligned with the business processes of an organisation. A case study of a BoB implementation facilitates a comparative analysis of the issues associated with this strategy and the single vendor ERP alternative. The paper illustrates the differences in complexity of implementation, levels of functionality, business process alignment potential and associated maintenance.
IS’97 model curriculum and enterprise resource planning systems
Authors: Hawking Paul , Ramp Adrian , Shackleton Peter
Published: April 2007

As businesses world‐wide begin to adopt enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in increasing numbers, academics are deciding how to utilise these types of systems in information systems (IS) curricula. Alliances with some of the ERP vendors have enabled some universities to develop innovative courses and subjects. Nevertheless, the limited research in this area has only outlined case studies or examples of ERP use in IS. In this paper we outline how ERP systems can be incorporated into a broad IS curriculum model such as IS’97, thus providing a guide to institutions that may be contemplating the use of ERP in their curriculum.
Modeling top management influence on ES implementation
Authors: Dong Linying
Published: April 2007

How to minimize risks involved in enterprise systems (ES) implementation while maximizing benefits has become a challenge for top management. This article proposes a conceptual model exploring impacts of top management on ES implementation effectiveness. Taking a perspective of innovation implementation, this paper addresses two research questions: what influences does top management exercise on the ES implementation? Second, what does top management contribute to a successful ES implementation under different implementation modes? Based on Klein and Sorra’s model, this paper develops a research model and identifies three top management influences. The paper concludes with potential contributions to IS researchers and business practitioners.
BPR and ERP: realising a vision of process with IT
Authors: Koch Christian
Published: April 2007

This article analyses enterprise resource planning (ERP) as a tool for realising business process reengineering (BPR) in manufacturing. It combines theories from organisational sociology and management with technology‐analysis. Change is viewed as involving choice and coalition building. The case studies cover 30 implementations of ERP with different types of change. Two cases of the variant labelled “BPR followed by ERP” are focused on. The change proceeds as a co‐operation between enterprises, consultants and IT‐suppliers. In the first case, a superficial management change programme of BPR and ERP emerges into a more elaborate change program, which was then relatively successfully realised. The other case is a multi‐front exercise for the management coalition. The BPR strategy was poorly supported, and restated the long term split between manufacturing and sales. The two cases exhibit different experiences, but they underpin that process integration cannot be taken for granted when implementing BPR and ERP.
Critical factors for successful implementation of enterprise systems
Authors: Fui‐Hoon Nah Fiona , Lee‐Shang Lau Janet , Kuang Jinghua
Published: April 2007

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have emerged as the core of successful information management and the enterprise backbone of organizations. The difficulties of ERP implementations have been widely cited in the literature but research on the critical factors for initial and ongoing ERP implementation success is rare and fragmented. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, 11 factors were found to be critical to ERP implementation success – ERP teamwork and composition; change management program and culture; top management support; business plan and vision; business process reengineering with minimum customization; project management; monitoring and evaluation of performance; effective communication; software development, testing and troubleshooting; project champion; appropriate business and IT legacy systems. The classification of these factors into the respective phases (chartering, project, shakedown, onward and upward) in Markus and Tanis’ ERP life cycle model is presented and the importance of each factor is discussed.
Grey literature and library and information studies: a global perspective
Authors: Aina L.O.
Published: April 2007

A lot of studies on grey literature abound in the literature. Most of the studies, however, relate to disciplines other than LlS. This study determines the focus and trends of grey literature publications. Other objectives include determining the proportion of grey literature published that focuses on national, regional and global issues, identifying the various formats of grey literature prevalent in LIS, and the major sources used by information professionals in publishing their grey literature research.
HyCon: virtual prototyping in hybrid concrete construction frame design
Authors: Zhang X. , Goulding J.S. , Sexton M.G. , Aouad G. , Kagioglou M.
Published: April 2007

Hybrid concrete construction is a technologically advanced approach to frame construction. It utilizes an optimal mix of structural materials;eg, in situ concrete with precast concrete and steelwork. The process of selecting an hybrid‐optimized solution, however, often requires several factors to be considered, eg, “hard”criteria such as time and cost, and “soft” criteria such as safety and aesthetics (to be considered simultaneously) – the complexities of which can often be a core barrier to implementation. This paper introduces the concept of hybrid concrete construction and presents a virtual prototyping tool to assist the decision‐making process. This model is able to import computer aided design information into a central database – the details of which are then layered with additional information; eg, hard and soft performance criteria and so on. Solutions can be interrogated and demonstrated through an interactive virtual environment, in which multi‐option scenarios can be evaluated against specific user‐defined criteria. Findings have identified several core benefits, including the ability to: justify decisions corroborated with detailed data; evaluate options against each other; interrogate objects at a much greater detail than before; and see the effects of changes in a “real‐time” environment.