bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spread decomposition with common spread components
Authors: Henker Thomas , Martens Martin
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to incorporate a market wide buying and selling pressure cost component into a spread decomposition model as spread cost component.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper extends a commonly used trade indicator spread decomposition model to include a component common to all stocks of a specialist firm and a market wide component common to all stocks.

Findings

Strong evidence is found that specialists consider this common factor cost component when they set bid and ask quotes. Some specialist firms also take the next logical step and specifically manage their firm wide stock inventories. The common factor is in percentage terms largest for securities with the highest trade frequencies.

Research limitations/implications

The relative importance of the common factor spread component decreases as the pricing grid becomes finer, but remains highly significant under the decimal trading regime.

Originality/value

This is the first study to document not‐security‐specific spread cost components that are common to all stocks for which a specialist firm makes markets and to all stocks in the market. Using the model it is shown that market wide uncertainty translates into spreads of individual securities.
Impact of capital control measures on the Malaysian stock market
Authors: Raghavan Mala , Dark Jonathan , Maharaj Elizabeth Ann
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the capital control measures implemented by the Malaysian central bank in late 1998 had an influence on segmenting the Malaysian equity market from other major equity markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The S&P 500, the Nikkei 225 Index, the STI Index and the KLSE Composite Index are considered. The discrete wavelet transform technique – “Haar” is employed to decompose the series into various time scales during the pre‐ and post‐capital control periods in Malaysia. The decomposed series are then used to estimate the interdependence between KLSE Composite Index with the other three markets at various time scales.

Findings

The empirical findings support three conclusions. First, in the pre‐capital control period, Singapore is the most influential market followed by the US across all time scales in transmitting news into Malaysia. Second, after the imposition of capital controls, the spillover effects from Singapore to Malaysia have declined substantially, suggesting a reduced integration between these two markets. Finally, in the post‐capital control period, all three markets appear to be imparting a similar but moderate level of influence on the Malaysian market.

Research limitations/implications

To explore the return and volatility spillovers, the use of return and volatility series at different time scales provided a greater level of insight into the dynamics than the standard approaches which employ only one series in the time domain.

Originality/value

The results from this paper will have potential implications for asset allocation, the pricing of domestic securities, the implementation of global hedging and trading strategies and the evaluation of regulatory proposals to restrict international capital flows.
Dividend and debt policies of family controlled firms
Authors: Setia‐Atmaja Lukas
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper's aim is to examine whether board independence influences debt and dividend policies of family controlled firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines panel data on a sample of Australian publicly‐listed firms over the period 2000‐2005 using panel (random effects) regression.

Findings

Empirical test demonstrates that family controlled firms appear to have higher levels of leverage and dividend payout ratios than their non‐family counterparts. More importantly, the result indicates that the positive impact of family control on dividend policy is due to the higher proportion of independent directors on family boards. This underlines the significant role that independent directors play in influencing firm's dividend policies, especially for family controlled firms. The result also supports the notion that independent directors and dividends are complementary government mechanisms. This paper, however, finds little evidence that board independence moderates the relationship between family control and debt.

Research limitations/implications

While not all family firms are the same, this research treats them as a homogeneous grouping (i.e. firms are delineated into family versus non‐family). The fact that family firms are difficult to identify and define (reflected in the diversity of definitions in the literature) may also affect the validity of studies of family business. For policy makers, the finding could serve to justify initiatives to encourage more independent directors on boards, especially in family controlled firms.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence about the relationship between board independence, dividends and debt from a country with higher levels of private benefits of control, strong legal shareholder protection but less significant role of external governance mechanisms compared to the USA.
Optimal timing of relocation
Authors: Azevedo‐Pereira José , Couto Gualter , Nunes Cláudia
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the problem of the optimal relocation policy for a firm that faces two types of uncertainty: one about the moments in which new (and more efficient) sites will become available; and the other regarding the degree of efficiency improvement inherent to each one of these new, yet to be known, potential location places.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the relocation issue as an optimal stopping decision problem. It uses Poisson jump processes to model the increase in the efficiency process, where these jumps occur according to a homogeneous Poisson process, but the magnitude of these jumps can have special distributions. In particular it assumes that the magnitudes can be gamma‐distributed or truncated‐exponential distributed.

Findings

Particular characteristics concerning the expected optimal timing for relocation, the corresponding volatility and the value of the firm under the optimal relocation policy are derived. These results lead also to the conjecture that the optimal relocation policy is robust in terms of distributions of the degree of improvement of efficiency that are considered, as long as the expected values are the same.

Originality/value

The paper provides an innovative approach to relocation problems, using stochastic tools. Moreover, the use of the truncated exponential and the gamma distribution functions to model the Poisson jumps is particularly suitable, given the situation under study. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that this type of setting is used to tackle a real options problem.
Impact of technology and culture on home economics and nutrition science education in developing countries
Authors: Aburime M.O. , Uhomoibhi J.O.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and report on the impact of technology and culture on home economics and nutrition science education in developing countries with a focus on Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Globally and most especially in developing countries, the advent of information and communication technologies has meant great changes in the manner of thinking and doing things both at home and in business, in education establishments and in society. For higher education institutions especially in developing countries, there has been the introduction of various types of information systems and the implementation of policies to facilitate the integration of new technologies in teaching and administration of new curricula. This paper examines some of these systems and the process of knowledge engineering management of nutrition science and home economics studies at the Delta State University in Nigeria. A study is undertaken of students' level of technological attainments and study approaches.

Findings

The present study reveals that special requirements for applications are important for successful establishment and use of information systems in higher education. Students need to have adequate expertise in technology to become active learners are reported. This will enhance their ability to solve problems and address system requirements. This must be identified at the knowledge engineering stages during curriculum development and be effectively managed.

Research limitations/implications

The current investigation focuses on the impact of technology and culture on two subject areas and in one country. Future work intends to extend this to other disciplines and investigate ways of enhancing education provision to meet the diverse needs of learners of mixed technological abilities and from diverse cultures as applied to other comparative countries.

Practical implications

The paper draws on results obtained from students studying approaches to propose that it is important to design and implement a curriculum that actively promotes the use of systems and technologies that develops such skills as teamwork, communications, project management and lifelong learning.

Originality/value

This work investigates students present technology attainment levels and considers the different learning and studying approaches adopted by students involved in the study of home economic and nutrition science. The learners' attitudes towards engagement with their programmes are examined as well as the impact of technology on learning. Some of the major challenges arising from institutional and individual experiences of the digital divide that permeates all people in developing countries are highlighted.
Investigating the use of Web 2.0 technology by Malaysian students
Authors: Hafiz Zakaria Mohd , Watson Jason , Edwards Sylvia L.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Many research have uncovered the use of Web 2.0 technology by students from various countries. Yet, limited studies have been done from the context of developing country such as Malaysia. This paper aims to highlight the development of a survey instrument that captured the use of Web 2.0 applications by Malaysian students for learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys had been used by most studies to gather empirical evidence about the use of Web 2.0 by young generations. The paper discussed how previously used survey instruments were redesigned, modified and constructed. Then, the survey was administered to a total of 217 Malaysian students.

Findings

Students in Malaysia are reasonably well exposed to Web 2.0 applications and comfortable to use them for learning purposes. Results are consistent with similar respondents surveyed elsewhere but varied slightly on specific Web 2.0 tools due to exposure and the nature of use. Malaysian students are also found to be passive rather than active contributors to the construction of knowledge.

Originality/value

This paper provides the insights of how Malaysian students would react towards the incorporation of Web 2.0 technologies into classroom. Studies alike have not been undertaken from the Malaysia perspective.
Exploring international multicultural field experiences in educational technology
Authors: Wilder Hilary , Pixy Ferris Sharmila , An Heejung
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an online field experience between technology facilitator candidates in the USA and K‐12 teachers in Namibia, to improve candidates' understanding of diversity and equity issues in the successful incorporation of information and communication technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A classroom‐based, exploratory action‐research methodology was used. US graduate students in an educational technology course were expected to gain knowledge, skills, and understanding by mentoring (via online communications technologies) Namibian primary and secondary schools teachers in a technology‐integration task.

Findings

Through this effective multicultural field experience for technology facilitator candidates, US participants learned about the digital divide as it exists in developing nations, and the impact of socio‐economic and technological inequities on the incorporation of ICTs in teaching and learning.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this pilot study warrant further studies which explore this method in a broader population and across a wider range of educational settings. As developing nations increase their access to ICTs, difficulties faced in this study should be minimized in future studies.

Practical implications

The paper suggests an effective, diverse, technology‐embedded field experience for school professionals preparing to become technology facilitators. Programs that cater to full‐time teachers working in schools which do not meet the diversity requirements set by accrediting organizations such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education may consider this approach.

Originality/value

Online international field experiences have the potential to enhance US participants' ability to demonstrate technology facilitator standards in the context of diverse school settings, backgrounds and populations, as well as to aid teachers in a developing country in technology integration knowledge and skills.
Health beliefs related to willingness to accept treatment of pain with potentially addictive drugs
Authors: Marshall Kimball P. , Micich Lisa A. , Cosby Arthur G.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Almost 40 years after Zborowski in People in Pain demonstrated that cultural orientations underlie reactions to pain and willingness to accept treatment, and despite documented high US prevalence rates for acute and chronic pain, little is known about health beliefs regarding pain. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how health beliefs toward pain may influence willingness to approve pain treatment with potentially addictive drugs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 633 randomly sampled, general population telephone interviewed respondents from the southern region of the USA, this paper used difference of means and multiple regression analyses to investigate 11 health beliefs toward pain and their relationship to willingness to accept medical treatment with potentially addictive drugs.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that six of the 11 health beliefs about pain have statistically significant relationships to willingness to approve medical treatment for oneself with potentially addictive pain medications.

Originality/value

These health beliefs may prove useful in social marketing programs and in practitioner‐patient communications in clinical settings with the objective of enhancing patients' receptivity to approved medical treatment regimes that involve the use of potentially addictive medications for pain relief.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and customer orientation for pharmaceutical salespeople
Authors: Pettijohn Charles E. , Rozell Elizabeth J. , Newman Andrew
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between salesperson emotional intelligence, dispositional affectivity, and customer‐orientation levels in pharmaceutical marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 71 pharmaceutical salespeople working in the UK provided responses to scales designed to assess emotional intelligence, dispositional affectivity (positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) and customer orientation). The emotional intelligence and dispositional affectivity scores provided by the salespeople were then analyzed to determine the degree to which they related to customer‐orientation levels.

Findings

The findings indicate that salesperson emotional intelligence levels are positively correlated with their customer‐orientation scores. Positive dispositional affectivity levels are also significantly correlated with salesperson customer‐orientation levels. This result suggests that UK pharmaceutical salespeople who possessed more PA tended to also be more positively oriented to the customer. However, NA levels are not significantly correlated with salesperson customer‐orientation levels.

Research limitations/implications

From a theoretical perspective, these findings provide a venue for future research in professional sales which could focus on the relationships existing between salesperson behaviors/characteristics that relate to salesperson customer‐orientation, skills, social desirability, and performance.

Practical implications

From a practical basis, the findings suggest that pharmaceutical firms in the UK who are focused on increasing the customer‐orientation levels of their sales force would be well advised to assess the emotional intelligence and dispositional affectivity levels of both their potential and current salespeople and use this information in their selection and training activities.

Originality/value

The research reported provides an initial assessment of the relationship between these variables in a pharmaceutical sales situation in the UK.
Management commitment to service quality and service recovery performance
Authors: Rod Michel , Ashill Nicholas J.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a model of management commitment to service quality (MCSQ) and service recovery performance in the context of public and private hospitals in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

In a cross‐sectional survey grounded in Bagozzi's reformulation of attitude theory, frontline hospital employees (FHEs) were asked about how MCSQ impacted on their service recovery performance in both the public and private sectors.

Findings

The results of the study suggest that the relationship between MCSQ and service recovery performance is mediated by organizational commitment. With the exception of the relationship between MCSQ and organizational commitment, there are no differences between FHEs in the private and public sectors.

Originality/value

Very little attention has been given to a comparative examination of those managerial practices critical for improving frontline employee service recovery efforts in a public and private healthcare context. Our research addresses this paucity.
Chinese business schools and the future of management in the post‐crisis era
Authors: Cremer Rolf D.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the responsibilities and opportunities that arise for management education out of the 2008/2009 economic and financial crisis, with a focus on the emerging leadership role of Asian business schools, notably in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by identifying three fundamental challenges for management education. It then discusses two conceptual issues relating to, first, the contents and systems to be included in curriculum reform and learning, and second, the drivers of change in management education. The paper draws upon conceptual papers advanced by leading business school deans, and identifies conditions which provide Asian business schools with a unique, transformational role.

Findings

The depth, breadth and seriousness of current economic and social problems in emerging economics suggest that the necessary reform and transformation of management education is most likely going to be led by business school deans and management education faculty located in and working with business leaders in emerging markets. China business schools are likely to emerge as thought leaders in the reform process in part due to the quality of scholars, especially “returnees”, now locating there.

Practical implications

Thought leadership from Asian/Chinese business schools will change the current academic model, based on one‐way knowledge transfer, to a two‐way learning model. This transformation from industrialized to emerging economies will have far‐reaching consequences for curriculum design, faculty exchanges and international cooperation between business schools.

Social implications

The shift toward Asia‐ or China‐originated thought leadership is evidence of a wider international social trend.

Originality/value

The paper challenges existing views of management education which are still led by Europe and North America, thus offering a new perspective on the drivers of change in management education.
The crisis management in Chinese and Estonian organizations
Authors: Alas Ruth , Gao Junhong , Vanhala Sinikka
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover and compare the implementation of crisis management in Chinese and Estonian companies and the strategies the managers have used to prevent or manage crises.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted in two economies in transition: China and Estonia, in 2008. Interview data were collected from 102 Chinese companies and 67 Estonian companies. The data were analyzed applying content analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the managers of Chinese and Estonian organizations have identified different crises reflecting the politico‐socio‐economic situation of the countries. The most common type of crises in Chinese organizations is those related to economy, while in Estonian organizations, they are related to human resources. Estonian companies are better prepared for handling crises beforehand than Chinese companies. However, the majority of companies in both countries started reacting after a crisis had already come true. A triangular model of crisis management is presented.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical study is tentative focusing on major differences and similarities in crisis management between two countries in transition. The differences are interpreted from societal‐level development. More in‐depth research in needed based on the results of this study.

Originality/value

The transfer of market‐economy practices often fails due to institutional and cultural tensions and conflict. The study of crisis management in Chinese and Estonian companies tries to increase understanding of the different routes of transition economies and its impact on management and, specifically, on crisis management. The crisis management model based on the study illustrates the interconnection between different elements of crisis management.
Doing business in China and performance: a review of evidence
Authors: Quer Diego , Claver Enrique , Rienda Laura
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The number of papers focusing on foreign companies doing business in China has increased significantly since the open‐door policy came into effect in the late 1970s. Performance has been one of the most researched topics. This paper aims to carry out a review of the empirical papers which have analysed the performance drivers of foreign companies in mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews 62 empirical papers dealing with the performance of foreign firms in mainland China, published in ten leading international academic journals between 1978 and 2006.

Findings

An analysis of the main findings is offered, along with a summary of the theoretical approaches, methodologies, samples and performance measures used.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the factors which contribute to greater performance in mainland China. Although other studies have reviewed the literature in the Chinese context, none had specifically tackled this topic through a comprehensive review.
Examining Chinese managers' work‐related values and attitudes
Authors: Li Jessica , Madsen Jean
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Chinese managers' perceptions of work ethic (work‐related values and attitudes) and to provide insights on how managers interact with their workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study using a series of in‐depth interviews to draw state‐owned enterprises (SOE) managers' perceptions of work ethic. The inquiry process led to a single‐case level of analysis where data are aggregated to incorporate a thematic approach. Underlining theoretical frameworks that guide the study are a combination of Western and Eastern work ethic frameworks and cross‐culture management understanding of the concept of guanxi.

Findings

Five themes that emerged from data analysis became the five dimensions of Chinese managers' work ethic profile. In addition, the study revealed four overarching themes that influence managerial behavior in Chinese SOEs: the absolute power of the boss; work is the center of life; social network ties to the workplace; and place hope in the hands of the boss.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides comprehensive understanding of the Chinese management work ethic profile. Future studies should expand to include managers from different generations and industry sectors.

Practical implications

The paper highlighted the importance of matching cultural values with management practices. It identified differences between the west and east of their work‐related values and attitudes, which have practical implications for developing effective management strategies and practices when working with Chinese SOEs.

Originality/value

The paper provides an indigenous description of Chinese managers' work ethic profile and provides suggestions for future research.
Performing stock price prediction use of hybrid model
Authors: Pan Wen‐Tsao
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an analysis method based on a hybrid model, which combines principal component regression (PCR) model and general regression neural network (GRNN) to solve both multicollinearity problems and non‐linear problems at the same time.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the financial ratio data of companies with stocks listed in regular stock market and over‐the‐counter stock market in Taiwan and Mainland China are collected and used as sample data. Grey relational analysis is used to rank the enterprises' operation performance, and the enterprises in Taiwan and Mainland China with business operation performance in the first place are selected and their stock information collected to perform the prediction of stock closing price.

Findings

Five indices such as the root mean square error, revision Theil inequality coefficient, mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error and coefficient of efficiency of the test result are calculated; the empirical results show that the prediction power of the hybrid model of PCR+genetic algorithm general regression neural network is obviously better than the model of PCR, GRNN and PCR+GRNN.

Originality/value

The paper adopts a hybrid model and parameter adjustment to increase prediction capability.
Roles of the Islamic banks in the monetary transmission process in Malaysia
Authors: Sukmana Raditya , Kassim Salina H.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the importance of the Islamic banks in the monetary transmission process in the Malaysian economy. In particular, the paper analyzes the relevance of Islamic banks' financing and deposit in channelling the monetary policy effects to the real economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on the co‐integration test, impulse response functions, and variance decomposition analysis, focusing on the period from January 1994 to May 2007.

Findings

The results show that both Islamic banks' financing and deposit play important roles in the monetary transmission process in the Malaysian economy. In particular, both Islamic deposit and financing are shown to be statistically significant in linking the monetary policy indicator to the real output.

Practical implications

The results imply that the monetary authority should also consider the Islamic banks in the implementation of monetary policy in Malaysia. The results also imply that ensuring the stability of the Islamic financial institutions is just as important as that of the conventional counterpart to achieve an effective transmission of monetary policy in the economy.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneer study undertaking empirical investigation on the role of Islamic banks in the monetary transmission process in an economy.
Islamic structured trade finance: a case of cotton production in West Africa
Authors: Suayb Gundogdu Ahmet
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show a creative way to fulfill financing needs of entities involved in pre‐ and post‐harvest production activities in extreme cases while mitigating inherent risks by Islamic structured trade finance from the real‐life case of cotton production in Burkina Faso.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing Islamic structured finance design for SOFITEX was analyzed in details so as to provide clear understanding of the subject matter. This structure was evaluated and a new design is proposed to better accommodate the financing need of SOFITEX.

Findings

There are some inherent drawbacks, explained in details, of the existing Islamic finance structure. Salam contract for pre‐harvest input financing in favor of farmers can, unlike existing structure, accommodate the complete supply chain financing solution, hence, support the whole production cycle from input procurement to the exports of cotton fiber. That is, it fits better for financing the agricultural sector.

Research limitations/implications

The case and the structure studied in depth are limited to the cotton sector. This could be widened in subsequent researches.

Practical implications

Islamic finance instruments provide us enough room to fulfill financing needs in extreme cases as a better alternative to conventional financing tools. A method of mark‐up calculation for structured cotton trade finance is developed for Murabaha and Salam contracts.

Originality/value

The paper sheds new light on how to finance the agricultural sector starting from input procurement to the sale/export by Islamic finance instruments. It also shows how to get guarantees in the form of commodities in warehouse rather than bank guarantees, mortgage, sovereign guarantees, etc.
Consumerism and ethical attitudes: an empirical study
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Wisniesk Joette M.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate consumerism and consumer ethics and the relationship between the two concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

About 500 questionnaires are distributed to students at two universities in the United Arab Emirates. Frequency distribution and one‐way multivariate analysis are used to analyze the data. Two scales are used: consumerism and consumer ethics.

Findings

The results of a reliability test and correlation analysis indicated that both scales are reliable and that the consumerism scale is positively and significantly correlated with the consumer ethics scale. Furthermore, the paper reveals that participants scored moderately high on both scales.

Originality/value

Unlike most of the existing literature, it is found that the tendency to spend and enjoy buying does not translate into a low score on consumer ethics. In fact, there is a positive correlation between consumerism and consumer ethics scales. This may indicate that religion does play a role in shaping consumers' orientations and attitudes.
Bank margin determination: a comparison between Islamic and conventional banks in Indonesia
Authors: Hutapea Erwin G. , Kasri Rahmatina A.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Islamic bank margin (BM) and its determinants. It also compares the BM behavior of Islamic and conventional banks in the Indonesian dual banking system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a time series approach under the dealership framework of Ho and Saunders. The autoregressive distributed lag model is used to inspect cointegration between BM and its determinants for the period of January 1996 to February 2006 of five sample banks (two Islamic banks and three conventional banks).

Findings

The result confirms that there exists a long‐running relationship between the Islamic BM and its determinants. In particular, as interest rate volatility increases, Islamic BM responds negatively while that of conventional banks responds positively. The findings differ from most of the other studies as they found a positive relationship between BM and interest rate volatility. This paper also shows that the margin behavior changes as the basis of bank operations changes from conventional to Islamic principles.

Research limitations/implications

The paper uses a relatively small sample of three (out of 150) conventional banks as a comparison to two sample Islamic banks. However, as they come from the same peer with the Islamic banks, it is believed that the finding is valid. Islamic banks in Indonesia are not remote from the interest rate volatility in their presence under a dual banking system. It is the displaced commercial risk that threatens Islamic banking profitability in a changing market interest rate situation.

Practical implications

Under a dual banking system, the stability of interest rates and the financial system is of great importance for the policy maker in developing the Islamic banking industry in Indonesia. As long as the BM is still a major source of income to the Islamic banks, it is necessary for Islamic banks to have prudent risk management to mitigate the negative effect of displaced commercial risk and maintain its profitability. Implementation of profit equalization reserves concept is a possible measure for Islamic banks to shield their operation.

Originality/value

This paper is believed to be the first study on Islamic BM behavior in Indonesia. It is expected to provide useful information for policy makers and Islamic bank management to develop a sound and profitable Islamic banking industry in Indonesia.
Islamic hospitality in the UAE: indigenization of products and human capital
Authors: Stephenson Marcus L. , Russell Karl A. , Edgar David
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges faced by the hospitality industries in developing an Islamic hospitality identity and indigenous styles of management, particularly in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – especially Dubai. It also aims to identify and comprehend the socio‐cultural implications of Islamic hospitality in terms of products and marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual‐based paper critically reviews and amalgamates a diverse range of literature concerning Islamic hospitality (and tourism), Arab management and leadership qualities, human capital and nationalization of employment, industry skills and educational directives in hospitality and destination and product strategies.

Findings

The work critically accounts for the changing nature of skills needed by localised hospitality managers and the industry in general, especially to keep pace with dynamic customer demands and an increasingly sophisticated market and consumer. The outcome of the paper concerns the operationalisation of soft skills and managerial expertise attuned to ethnic and religious attributes of the host society. The evaluations propose ways in which the education sector can extend the career development and progression pathways for UAE nationals. The work also indicates how product development, innovation, transformation and marketing have a crucial role to play in advancing an Islamic and cultural approach to hospitality.

Originality/value

This paper uniquely concerns an under‐developed area of academic study: the role Islamic‐based principles and practices of hospitality and ways in which they can be developed through an indigenous‐led workforce, and Islamic and Arab styles of management, leadership and service sector operation.
Applying Islamic market‐oriented cultural model to sensitize strategies towards global customers, competitors, and environment
Authors: Zakaria Norhayati , Abdul‐Talib Asmat‐Nizam
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to attempt to introduce an Islamic market‐oriented cultural model to illustrate the role of market orientation within an Islamic culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes an Islamic‐based view of a market‐oriented cultural model that aims to help understand how cultural principles, practices, and values are discussed within an Islamic culture, and subsequently understand the effects of this view on the market performance of the exporting firms. Reviews of literature in market orientation and cultural values served as a foundation for the development of the conceptual arguments. The model is adapted from several market orientation and cultural frameworks including Homburg and Pflesser, Hofstede, and Schein.

Findings

National culture, which underlines employee's cultural values, attitudes, and beliefs, has a profound impact on organizations and thus its impact on market performance should not be underestimated.

Research limitations/implications

Since the paper presents only the conceptual framework, it does not include empirical validation of the argument. Further empirical research could be carried out in order to validate the arguments presented in this paper.

Practical implications

In response to increased global competition, firms need to employ effective international marketing strategies in order to enhance performance. When exporting halal products, managers need to comply with Islamic guidelines, practices, and standards that serve as the main criteria by which Muslim's customers' needs and preferences are met.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework integrates market orientation with Islamic cultural values. The discussion strengthens the need for firms to apply an Islamic market‐oriented cultural model when they deal with customers in Muslim countries.
The relationship between religiosity and new product adoption
Authors: Rehman Ateeq‐ur‐ , Shahbaz Shabbir Muhammad
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between religiosity and new product adoption (NPA) among Muslim consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed to university students. Religiosity represented the independent variable and was measured using five dimensions: ideological, ritualistic, intellectual, consequential and experimental dimensions. NPA represented the dependent variable.

Findings

Religiosity affects NPA among Muslim consumers; their beliefs influence how and what products they adopt.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to investigate the relationship between religiosity and NPA, not only in Pakistan but also in the entire Islamic market. Moreover, this is a relatively new issue that remains largely undiscovered by researchers worldwide. This paper will help to emphasize its importance and implications to business decisions.
Shariah observation: advertising practices of Bank Muamalat in Malaysia
Authors: Haque Ahasanul , Ahmed Khaliq , Irfath Jahan Syeada
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the existing advertising practices in Malaysia and their compliance with the Shariah (Islamic Law).

Design/methodology/approach

Using descriptive observations, the promotional tools and practices used by the prominent conventional banks were compared to those used by the Islamic banks. A total of 40 different advertisements were assessed as well as staff and personnel from 30 branches were interviewed.

Findings

The paper reveals that customers remain unaware of the Islamic banks' products. Shariah‐based promotions will help increase customer awareness of these banks and their offerings.

Research limitations/implications

Future research on Shariah‐based promotions and advertising will improve banks' effectiveness and help position them as role models for other advertisers, both Islamic and non‐Islamic. The producers of Islamic advertisements need to apply precise screening procedures that ensure the delivery of their message through Shariah‐compliant methods.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to research through improving understanding of the main issues relating to the effect of advertising practices in Islamic societies.
Perceived recovery after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in individuals with or without depression
Authors: Hedlund Mathilde , Zetterling Maria , Ronne‐Engstrom Elisabeth , Ekselius Lisa , Carlsson Marianne
Published: April 2010

Aims.  The aims of the study were to describe what patients with no or only minor neurological deficits after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) perceived to be important for recovery, and perceived consequences of the illness.

Background.  Quantitative studies indicates unfavourable outcomes after aneurysmal SAH, concerning for example mental health and return to everyday life, among patients expected to recover completely. Thus, it is important to investigate the perceptions of patients and to give them the opportunity to communicate what they consider important for recovery.

Design.  Qualitative descriptive design.

Method.  Semi‐structured interviews with 20 aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhagic patients were conducted approximately 12 months after the onset. Analyses were carried out in two steps, beginning with a qualitative content analysis. Due to the findings in the initial content analysis, a structured clinical interview for psychiatric disorders was used as a second step to verify the presence or absence of depression in the participants.

Results.  Two patterns were identified. One pattern revealed that informants without depression experienced a ‘confident perception of recovery’, which included perceptions of meaningfulness. Another pattern revealed that depressed informants experienced a ‘pessimistic perception of recovery’, which included perceptions of hopelessness. Expectations regarding care after departure from the neurointensive care unit were not met.

Conclusions.  Individuals suffering from depression after aneurysmal SAH have a pessimistic view of their recovery in contrast to those without depression. These findings highlight the importance of better recognition and treatment of depression in the aftermath of SAH.

Relevance to clinical practice.  These findings highlight the importance of better recognition and treatment of depression after aneurysmal SAH, where nurses play an active role. Nurses should seek to take actions to better meet patient’s needs after departure from neurointensive care units.
Parenting satisfaction during the immediate postpartum period: factors contributing to mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions
Authors: Salonen Anne H , Kaunonen Marja , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Järvenpää Anna‐Liisa , Isoaho Hannu , Tarkka Marja‐Terttu
Published: April 2010

Aims.  To compare mothers’ and fathers’ parenting satisfaction; to identify factors contributing to their parenting satisfaction; and to evaluate the effect of these factors.

Background.  Parenting satisfaction is important for parents’ motivation to care, nurture and interact with their child. Parenting is influenced by attributes of parent, infant and the environment. However, more research is needed to understand the contributing factors.

Design.  Parenting satisfaction and several parent, infant and environment attributes were measured at hospital or in one week of discharge. A total of 2600 questionnaires were handed out to a convenience sample of Finnish speaking parents in two hospitals during the winter of 2006. Multiple‐birth and early‐discharge parents receiving support at home were excluded. Responses were received from 863 mothers (66%) and 525 fathers (40%).

Methods.  Comparisons were made by percentages and means. Significances were determined by GEE models and One Way anova tests. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations were used to determine correlations and multiple regression analysis to clarify the effect size.

Results.  Mothers were more satisfied than fathers with their parenting. Self‐concept, depressive symptoms, infant centrality, state of mind on discharge and perception of infant contributed most to parenting satisfaction. Family functioning, health and advice from personnel were major contributory factors as well.

Conclusion.  Hospital practices and social support from personnel did not correlate with parenting satisfaction. More research is recommended to evaluate them, since they had an effect when combined with other attributes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Our results will help professionals understand the experiences, resources and challenges faced by parents. Family‐oriented care and sound advice have the potential to offer the most supportive environment for both parents. If professionals can identify mothers who are afraid, concerned or insecure during pregnancy, they can also offer them extra support before the child is born.
Preventing aggressive incidents and seclusions in forensic care by means of the ‘Early Recognition Method’
Authors: Fluttert Frans AJ , Van Meijel Berno , Nijman Henk , Bjørkly Stål , Grypdonck Mieke
Published: April 2010

Objective.  The Early Recognition Method aims at improving collaboration between nurses and patients to prevent aggression in forensic psychiatric care. To achieve this goal, Early Recognition Method strongly focuses on early signs of aggression. In the current study, we investigated whether application of Early Recognition Method led to a significant decrease in inpatient incidents.

Background.  Nurses in forensic settings are often confronted with patients’ aggression. Better collaboration between nursing staff and patients may improve patients’ ability to self manage aggression and contribute to a decrease in inpatient aggression.

Design.  Naturalistic one‐way case‐crossover design.

Methods.  The Early Recognition Method was introduced on 16 wards of a maximum security forensic hospital. Using a one‐way case‐crossover design, where cases were their own controls, the effects of Early Recognition Method were assessed by comparing the number of incidents of 189 patients during ‘Treatment As Usual’ with the period after Early Recognition Method was implemented. The Early Recognition Method intervention involved weekly evaluations of signs of aggression between staff and patients. The outcome measures were the number of seclusions and the severity of inpatient incidents.

Results.  A significant decline in the number of seclusions was observed after Early Recognition Method was introduced. Apart from this decrease, the mean severity of inpatient incidents was also found to be lower during the post intervention period. The effect size was most pronounced for patients with substance abuse and personality disorders. Patients with schizophrenia, however, showed modest, yet significant, effect sizes.

Conclusions.  The results suggest that Early Recognition Method may be an innovative and effective risk management method for forensic psychiatric patients, in particular for patients with personality disorders.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This article aims to contribute to evidence‐based risk management for nurses in collaboration with their patients, resulting in a decrease in inpatient aggression.