bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Going international? Important factors executives should consider!
Authors: Hua Nan , Upneja Arun
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the likely main driving forces behind the internationalization process for publicly traded restaurant firms in the USA, and to offer restaurant executives insights for successful expansions into the international arena.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data from publicly‐traded restaurant firms in the USA that have made the decision to expand internationally. The data spans both sides of the decision, i.e. before the international expansion and right after.

Findings

This paper finds that firms that are growing rapidly, have lots of debt, or are in an economy that is growing rapidly prefer to expand in the domestic market. In contrast, firms that have achieved a high level of market penetration tend to expand in the international markets.

Practical implications

The paper recommends the following key factors to be considered before a decision is made to expand internationally: size, leverage, penetration, and annual market excess return.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to provide, for the first time, systematic financial evidence about the factors that executives should consider during their strategic decision making process of firm internationalization.
Towards a more comprehensive accounting framework for hotels in China
Authors: Chan Wilco , Wong Kevin
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to enhance the level, scope, and detail of management information under the current accounting format in hotels in China, and suggests a preliminary research framework on development of China‐based uniform hotel accounts.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group interviews with industrial executives were carried out to give a deeper insight of the issue and to gather more information for a better understanding of the up‐to‐date situation.

Findings

The preliminary findings of this paper reveal that there are nine new hotel business drivers that are currently not fully reported in the financial statements.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the paper is that the number of accounting professionals interviewed was of smaller proportion among the interviewees.

Practical implications

The findings in this paper provide informative details on the existing financial performance reporting in Mainland hotels from a managerial perspective, and point out limitations of adopting the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry in China.

Originality/value

The paper shows that identifying the current financial reporting system in Mainland hotels is important to some new expatriate managers who are unfamiliar with local business conditions. A comprehensive and meaningful accounting framework could provide enriched managerial information to managers to make decisions and reduce dispute between hotel owning company and hotel operating company arising from different views on the typical way of calculating management fee that is based on the definition of revenue stipulated in the management agreement.
How might hospitality organizations optimize their performance measurement systems?
Authors: Cruz Inês
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the use of “old” and “new” performance measurement (PM) techniques in a joint venture (JV) set up by two partners, a global hotel chain and a Portuguese company.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data upon which this paper is based was collected through a prolonged contact with the specific organizational context. Qualitative or semi‐structured interviewing is the main source of information.

Findings

The paper finds that budgeting and budgetary control practices have been the cornerstone of the PM activity at the JV, where few “new” management accounting techniques are used. Yet, changes were made to the way the “old” PM techniques are drawn on and they have been supplemented with rolling forecasts prepared at the hotel level. The objectives are to encourage local managers to become more forward‐looking and to broaden the knowledge of the global partner about the future operating activities of the JV. Simultaneously, local adaptations of PM practices introduced by this partner are occurring.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of interviews with people from headquarters and area management of the global hotel chain has to be seen as a limitation of the present study. To minimize the risk of bias, a triangulation of data was pursued by interviewing multiple people at the JV and at the Portuguese partner, and by discussing preliminary findings on several occasions.

Originality/value

The present study provides insights on how PM practices have evolved over time in a globalized organization, enriching our understanding of those practices in the context of hotel management.
Spatial analysis of small hotel activity in Tanzania
Authors: Sharma Amit , Sneed Jeannie , Ravichandran Swathi
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether there were significant differences in the factors affecting economic contribution and performance of small hotel clusters in the three regions of Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Mwanza in Tanzania. This paper also assesses whether there were significant differences in developmental policies, and industry and competitive environments of small hotel activity in these three regions.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper data were collected using a novel method of educational workshops held in the three regions. Three short questionnaires were used in the paper to gather data on demographic information of participants and businesses, business environment, and economic transactions of these businesses.

Findings

The paper finds that statistical analyses indicate that factors including development policies, competitive and business environment are significantly different among the three regions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presented a framework within which policy and industry practices could be comparatively benchmarked amongst multiple locations. Continued future research is essential to contribute towards the dearth of literature formally assessing small hotel activity in developing economies.

Practical implications

The results of this paper could be used to evaluate industry practices as comparative benchmarks across regions. Policy makers in Tanzania can use the data provided to close gaps in services provided to support the three regions. This could lead to a more balanced development of small hotels across the country.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the sparse literature on small hospitality business research, comparative spatial analysis within the hospitality industry, and offers an insight into factors affecting operations of small hospitality businesses in developing nations. The paper also introduces the usage of novel data collection methods from small businesses that are otherwise inaccessible to such research studies. The paper found this data collection method mutually beneficial for both the participants and the researchers.
Supporting dyslexic Scottish university hospitality students: positive actions for the future?
Authors: Ingram Arthur , Pianu Emily , Welsh Rita
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the issues of dyslexia and the management of learning support within two Scottish suppliers of premier HE hospitality education: Napier and QMU universities of Edinburgh.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory, qualitative fieldwork outlines course managers', teachers' and disabilities support staff perceptions of dyslexia support. Students' views are noted, not interviewed. The paper describes the views of 12 of a sample of (eight female and four male) staff interviewees. Napier University and Queen Margaret University are post‐1990 “new” universities; Napier has a larger student/staff population than QMU.

Findings

The emergent findings in this paper highlight the fact that managers, teachers and support staff operate an under‐resourced and largely ad hoc system of dyslexic support, although Napier, with greater central funding, shows signs of more strategic insight with the appointment of a full‐time dyslexia coordinator with strategic potential. The findings pinpoint the strengths (personal attention) of decentralised support with ambiguity problems and the need for a generic centrally coordinated support system capable of codifying tacit experience into customised support packages for hospitality students.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a small exploratory study of the views and perceptions of dyslexia of course managers', hospitality teachers' and support staff from two of Edinburgh's new universities. Both have decades of internationally respected work in hospitality education and elsewhere in higher education.

Practical implications

The fieldwork draws attention to this situation and suggests ways to make concepts of dyslexia and disability more relevant to academic hospitality managers teaching in higher education and to those practising in the field.

Originality/value

The paper examines the proposition that, while dyslexia is a condition open to support and improvement, it is for many practitioners a vague concept. What emerges from the interviews is that disability and what to do about it seems to be an attitude of mind, a question of perceptions, frames of references, intangible properties: that the essence of enhanced dyslexic support is how to do things better. Napier and QMU give valuable ad hoc examples here on which to design future practice. What is needed is a systematic approach to design, implementation and sustainability, and an understanding of the tacitly held knowledge that underpins experience‐generated systems of knowledge. Bringing out such tacit and explicit notions of the complexity of perceptions of knowledge lies in future studies.
The development of the modern UK public house
Authors: Pratten J.D.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the main changes to the British pub brought about by the Beer Acts.

Design/methodology/approach

There has been a heavy use of secondary sources drawn from the whole of the period studied. This has been augmented by discussions with licensees, retired licensees and older pub customers, to collect their reflections on the industry.

Findings

The paper finds that ownership of public houses has changed, and the brewers ceased to be pub owners. Separate pub‐owning companies have emerged, involved in either retailing or renting. Long leases were offered instead of short tenancies. The struggle for customers has hastened changes to the industry, so that pubs are now concerned with customer satisfaction and appealing to specific sectors of the market. Government legislation and external factors have also influenced these changes.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reports the changes in the industry, and examines some of the causes. It is also shows that further work could examine the causes more carefully, and could include regional studies for comparison purposes.

Practical implications/implications

The paper demonstrates the extent of change, and suggests that further change is likely.

Originality/value

The paper shows that there have been other attempts to examine the history of the public house. This is the most detailed, and as such could be of interest to the general reader as well as practitioners and students of the hospitality industry.
How well are information risks being communicated to your computer end‐users?
Authors: Pattinson Malcolm R. , Anderson Grantley
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is, first, to discuss how the risk perceptions of computer end‐users may be influenced by improving the process of risk communication by embedding symbols and graphics within information security messages. The second aim is to describe some pilot study research that the authors have conducted in an attempt to ascertain whether the embedding of symbols and graphics within information security messages achieves a shift in the risk perceptions of computer end‐users.

Design/methodology/approach

Two pilot studies were undertaken. The objective of each study was to establish whether the embedding of a relevant graphic relating to some known aspect of information security, when placed inside an information security message, would have any influence on the information security risk perceptions of any individual to whom the message was being communicated. In both studies, the method of eliciting a response from each participant involved the use of a type of semantic differential (SD) grid.

Findings

On completing an analysis of the responses to the SD grid survey for both studies, no statistically significant differences were detected between the groups with respect to any of the six relevant scales. Nevertheless, it seems that the differences were large enough for the present authors to be convinced that the SD measures used are an appropriate survey technique for future studies in a workplace environment.

Research limitations/implications

The research subjects (i.e. survey participants) for both pilot studies were students of the University of South Australia. There are many ways in which information risk communication could be made more effective and this paper only attempts to show how graphics and symbols could be used to convey risk messages more effectively. This paper does not in any way attempt to provide any “silver‐bullet” solutions for management in terms of what they can do towards managing information risk.

Practical implications

The ultimate objective of this research is to subsequently advise management on how they can communicate information risk simply and more effectively to achieve the final outcome, i.e. the mitigation of actual risks.

Originality/value

It is believed that, if the effectiveness of the various forms of risk communication within an organisation can be increased, then the general perception of the risks to the information systems will be more realistic.
Usable set‐up of runtime security policies
Authors: Herzog Almut , Shahmehri Nahid
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present concrete and verified guidelines for enhancing the usability and security of software that delegates security decisions to lay users and captures these user decisions as a security policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is an exploratory study. The authors hypothesised that existing tools for runtime set‐up of security policies are not sufficient. As this proved true, as shown in earlier work, they apply usability engineering with user studies to advance the state‐of‐the‐art.

Findings

Little effort has been spent on how security policies can be set up by the lay users for whom they are intended. This work identifies what users want and need for a successful runtime set‐up of security policies.

Practical implications

Concrete and verified guidelines are provided for designers who are faced with the task of delegating security decisions to lay users.

Originality/value

The devised guidelines focus specifically on the set‐up of runtime security policies and therefore on the design of alert windows.
On the imbalance of the security problem space and its expected consequences
Authors: Beznosov Konstantin , Beznosova Olga
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the results of an analysis of the computer security problem space, to suggest the areas with highest potential for making progress in the attacker‐defender game, and to propose questions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The decomposition of the attacker‐defender game into technological, human, and social factors enables one to analyze the concentration of public research efforts by defenders. First, representative activities are selected, then each activity is mapped into the technological, human and social (THS) basis. Afterwards, citation databases are used to estimate the relative volume of publications on each selected activity in the science and engineering communities. Finally, drawing on a number of relevant theories in organizational theory, sociology, and political science, avenues for exploring the social dimension by the defenders are discussed.

Findings

The analysis suggests that over 94 percent of the public research in computer security has been concentrated on technological advances. Yet attackers seem to employ more and more human and social factors in their attacks. The social organization of the attackers allows them to achieve the results not possible otherwise, shifting the balance in their favour. It is suggested that the scope of research should be broadened, to involve organizational behavior and structure as well as social capital aspects that are currently not high on computer security research agenda.

Research limitations/implications

The queries limit the search to public content written in the English language only. Since the authors are concerned with the relative (rather than absolute) volume of each activity, it is an open question whether this limitation biases the results.

Practical implications

As the arms race in computer security progresses, social factors may become or already are increasingly important. The side that capitalizes on them sooner may gain the competitive advantage.

Originality/value

A simple method for gauging the focus of research efforts in the computer security community and for considering computer security problem space through the lens of social sciences is developed.
Developing research journals and qualitative inquiry: the role of the editorial board
Authors: Parker Lee D.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and evaluate the roles of research journal editorial boards in fostering scholarship and nurturing new knowledge areas and research approaches, typified by the growing qualitative methodological tradition, in the accounting and management disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

Editors and their boards are considered as trustees of both journals and their stocks of knowledge. Their profiles and multiple roles are elucidated and critiqued, and their scope of influence is delineated.

Findings

The paper reviewing function is revealed as complex and multifaceted, with reviewers falling into several categories of approach to their responsibilities. Supported by journal editors, editorial board members are portrayed as having both direct action and journal policy responsibilities, accepting such positions and roles for a variety of rationales. Their responsibility for fostering the emerging qualitative research tradition in accounting and management is explored and presented as a primary example of the editorial board's role in pushing the boundaries of the discipline.

Research limitations/implications

This paper offers a wider than hitherto articulated specification of the roles and contributions to disciplinary advancement potentially on offer from editors' and editorial board members' strategic approach to their roles.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first in the published accounting and management research journal literatures to focus on the roles and rationales relating to research journal editorial board membership as a foundation for the academy's knowledge construction.
Calculative practices in a total institution
Authors: Jayasinghe Kelum , Wickramasinghe Danture
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present empirical evidence on how and why a poor rural community is engaged in certain calculative practices, and how these are embedded in a “total institution” defined in terms of “relations of production” and “relations in production”.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on the traditional fishing industry in the Sri Lankan village of Kalamatiya, this study employs a qualitative, ethnographic methodology to collect and analyse data.

Findings

The underlying calculative practices are shown to resemble an articulated mode of production fabricated with some heterogeneous complexities, especially patronage relations, village cultures, and local capital and political power, rather than mere economic rationalities.

Originality/value

The paper argues that the notions of the “total institution” and the “articulated MOP” can inform accounting researchers to conceptualise research sites beyond the organisation as a novel “field” for empirical studies.
Negative relationships in the workplace: a qualitative study
Authors: Morrison Rachel L. , Nolan Terry
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose this paper is to expand upon existing knowledge of this important topic by providing an expanded inventory of the causes and consequences of having enemies at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected from 412 respondents using an internet‐based questionnaire with respondents spanning a wide range of occupations, industries and nationalities. Using a structured methodology for handling a large data sample of qualitative responses, emergent thematic categories are identified and explained by means of verbatim text.

Findings

It was found that several aspects of the work environment directly exacerbated or created negative relationships which, in turn, negatively impacted respondents' experiences of work. Findings illustrate some strongly held employee expectations of behaviour and felt‐obligations defining both formal and informal organisational roles.

Research limitations/implications

The findings discussed here emanate only from data emphasising negative relationships at work. A study into other relational factors may provide interesting and important points of comparison as well as serving to overcome the inevitable bias towards the negative within this inquiry.

Practical implications

The conclusions present a number of important challenges to employers and managers for anticipating and dealing with negative co‐worker relationships. Employees seek an equitable and reciprocal relationship with their organisations. An important lesson for management is that workers expect and depend upon their managers to provide support and assistance in overcoming negative workplace relationships.

Originality/value

The data, discussions and conclusions are derived from specific questions which have not previously been expressed in the literatures.
Activity‐based costing: effects of long‐term buyer‐supplier relationships
Authors: Agndal Henrik , Nilsson Ulf
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The literature on activity‐based costing (ABC) that deals with the allocation of indirect purchasing costs primarily draws on a transactional approach to purchasing. This presents a problem, since a large share of purchasing takes place within relationships. The purpose of this paper is to point out complexities in applying ABC to indirect purchasing costs, when purchasing takes place within long‐term relationships. The interaction model is used as a framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is conducted on a first‐tier supplier in the Swedish automotive industry to illustrate real‐life purchasing practices and to point out subsequent difficulties in applying ABC principles. This firm is selected because efforts have simultaneously been undertaken to employ supplier relationship management (SRM) and to implement costing techniques. About 23 interviews were conducted and approximately 31 hours of interview data were collected.

Findings

The case shows that many functions tend to be involved in exchange within long‐term relationships. This generates additional purchasing‐related costs not previously recognized in the costing literature. It also leads to difficulties in allocating these costs.

Originality/value

Complexities when implementing ABC are presented, concerning: allocation of costs relating to SRM; allocation of costs pertaining both to transactions and to relationships; less apparent cost drivers due to involvement of many functions in exchanges; and cost allocation over time.
Study and analysis of maintenance performance indicators (MPIs) for LKAB
Authors: Parida Aditya
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to identify and develop maintenance performance indicators (MPIs) for a mineral processing plant producing high quality iron ore pellets, as well as studying and analyzing the short plant stops and planned maintenance stops.

Design/methodology/approach

An action research approach was adopted for this study, with interactive process of interviews. The existing MPIs are analyzed and a set of MPIs are developed to measure the performance of balling area of the pelletization plant, where the effect of shorter stops in the process have been studied, analyzed and measured, and linked to the management's objectives. The utility of the MPIs are tested and validated within the framework of a multi‐criterion and hierarchical maintenance performance measurement (MPM) framework. The plant stop data of the plant were collected and analyzed for MPIs and for maintenance decision making. Some other criteria were also considered from a holistic, integrated and balanced viewpoint in the model.

Findings

This study resulted in identifying a set of MPIs for the operational level of the pelletization plant of LKAB, after analyzing the short plant stops and planned maintenance stops data, and the stakeholders' requirements. This study has identified nine MPIs at operational level or shop floor level that describe the status of plant and at the same time facilitates linking of plant performance with corporate strategy.

Practical implications

The approach used in the paper to study, analyze and develop MPIs, can be useful for plant managers and asset owners to select and develop MPIs that can describe the health status of their plant and asset and that also can be linked to the corporate strategy. The framework used to verify the multi‐criteria hierarchical framework can also be used by similar asset managers and infrastructure owners. This study has also lifted the impact of short duration stoppages, thus highlighting the total influence in terms of reduced life length, quality and productivity. This approach can be used by plant engineers, asset managers and infrastructure owners to assess the performance of maintenance process.

Originality/value

This paper presents an approach for identifying MPIs relevant to the plant status and facilitating measuring maintenance performance at corporate level in a structured way.
An evaluation of TPM implementation initiatives in an Indian manufacturing enterprise
Authors: Ahuja I.P.S. , Khamba J.S.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify maintenance‐related losses for ascertaining and addressing the performance losses, and affecting improvements in the manufacturing performance in an organization through strategic total productive maintenance (TPM) initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper TPM initiatives in the steel manufacturing plant have been elaborated to ascertain the tangible and intangible benefits accrued as a result of successful TPM implementation. The approach has been directed toward justification of TPM implementation for its support to competitive manufacturing in the context of Indian manufacturing industries.

Findings

The paper establishes the long‐term effects of TPM on organizational performance in the Indian context. TPM implementation initiatives have shown marked improvements in the equipment efficiency and effectiveness, and have also brought about appreciable improvements in other manufacturing functions in the organization. It has been observed that systematic interventions regarding TPM deployment have significantly contributed toward improving the manufacturing system productivity, quality, safety, morale and besides ensuring the cost effectiveness of the manufacturing function within the organization. The case study reveals that holistic TPM implementation has lead to establishment of strategic proactive maintenance practices in the organization for avoiding future system and equipment‐related losses, and has marshaled the organization toward capability building for sustained competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the contributions of maintenance function to ensure enhanced equipment reliability, thereby affecting improvements in the manufacturing system performance. In this study the TPM implications in a steel manufacturing plant have been highlighted, which may be implemented in other manufacturing plants to improve their performance.

Originality/value

The present study encompasses systematic identification of maintenance‐related losses, setting up of targets regarding maintenance performance improvements and developing guidelines for achieving enhanced manufacturing system performance through strategic TPM initiatives in the steel manufacturing plant, which can also be important to all concerned with maintenance and safety in various manufacturing enterprises.
A maintenance optimisation framework in application to optimise power station boiler pressure parts maintenance
Authors: Tam Allen S.B. , Price John W.H. , Beveridge Alan
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The boiler pressure parts are a major asset of a power station, and the maintenance cost is often accountable for a huge portion of the annual budget. In the power generation industry, the outage costs due to loss of production, both planned or forced, are very significant and thus it is of interest to seek for a meaningful approach to the management of boiler pressure parts maintenance such that the enterprise performance is optimised. This paper aims to do this.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a framework that introduces the division of the enterprise objectives into the three decision dimensions. The framework is applied to the case of power station boiler pressure parts maintenance to optimise maintenance outages decisions for Loy Yang, a power station in Victoria, Australia.

Findings

The study finds that the framework provides meaningful approach to optimising maintenance decisions and is generic for application in different cases.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new insight and integrated approach to optimising asset maintenance for an enterprise with the use of a case study.
A multi‐criteria decision‐aiding model using PROMETHEE III for preventive maintenance planning under uncertain conditions
Authors: Cavalcante C.A.V. , de Almeida A.T.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that permits more rational planning for preventive maintenance, by controlling failures in the specific context of equipment breakdown. Thus not only the cost and reliability parameters are dealt with, but also the peculiarities of different contexts in which maintenance activities occur. Furthermore, it aims to include Bayesian methodology in the procedure to overcome main difficulties in failure data.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐criteria decision‐aiding model capable of overcoming the two main difficulties related to preventive maintenance: establishing a replacement periodicity based on more than one criterion, and the ability to provide a solution in uncertainties situations, has been developed from adaptation of classical models. This model also uses Bayesian elements to address uncertainties during equipment failures.

Findings

The paper finds that in a preventive maintenance planning, as a multi‐criteria decision problem, different types of uncertainties may be identified, which may be categorized as external uncertainties and internal uncertainties. In the proposed model a division of procedures has been established, dealing with external uncertainties first, then the internal uncertainties related to the structure of the problem and analysis of the decision are addressed using the multi‐criteria decision‐making method PROMETHEE III that allows the amplification of the notion of indifference. In this way, a suitable structure to connect two types of uncertainties was structured.

Practical implications

The model will assist the decision‐maker in preventive maintenance planning to take uncertainties into account, seeing the alternatives that are closest, through an amplification of the notion of indifference provided by PROMETHEE III. Furthermore, in practice the proposed model have an impact on maintenance cost and reliability of production plant.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a multi‐criteria decision‐aiding model capable of overcoming the two main difficulties related to preventive maintenance: establishing a replacement periodicity based on more than one criterion; and the ability to provide a solution even when failure data are unavailable or incomplete.
A comparative study of heuristic algorithms to solve maintenance scheduling problem
Authors: Asif Raza Syed , Mustafa Al‐Turki Umar
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of two meta‐heuristics in solving the problem of scheduling maintenance operations and jobs processing on a single machine.

Design/methodology/approach

The two meta‐heuristic algorithms, tabu search and simulated annealing are hybridized using the properties of an optimal schedule identified in the existing literature to the problem. A lower bound is also suggested utilizing these properties.

Finding

In a numerical experimentation with large size problems, the best‐known heuristic algorithm to the problem is compared with the tabu search and simulated annealing algorithms. The study shows that the meta‐heuristic algorithms outperform the heuristic algorithm. In addition, the developed meta‐heuristics tend to be more robust against the problem‐related parameters than the existing algorithm.

Research limitations/implications

A future work may consider the possibility of machine failure along with the preventive maintenance. This relaxes the assumption that the machine cannot fail but it is rather maintained preventively. The multi‐criteria scheduling can also be considered as an avenue of future work. The problem can also be considered with stochastic parameters such that the processing times of the jobs and the maintenance related parameters are random and follow a known probability distribution function.

Practical implications

The usefulness of meta‐heuristic algorithms is demonstrated for solving a large scale NP‐hard combinatorial optimization problem. The paper also shows that the utilization of the directed search methods such as hybridization could substantially improve the performance of a meta‐heuristic.

Originality/value

This research highlights the impact of utilizing the directed search methods to cause hybridization in meta‐heuristic and the resulting improvement in their performance for large‐scale optimization.
CSR expectations: the focus of corporate marketing
Authors: Podnar Klement , Golob Urša
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between individuals' expectations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and their readiness to support the socially responsible behaviour of companies in light of the expectational relationship a company has with its stakeholders, as defined in the corporate marketing model.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using an online survey of 354 respondents from different backgrounds. The sample was 57 per cent female and 43 per cent male with 66 per cent of respondents aged between 20 and 40 years. The authors conducted descriptive statistics, a factor analysis, and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results show that expectations of ethical‐philanthropic CSR tend to have a significant positive influence on both types of intended CSR support by customers.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the research is the limited scope of the model. For more insight into the relevance of CSR for corporate marketing, it would be interesting to include other relevant variables from this field, such as identification with a corporate brand and corporate reputation.

Practical implications

The model suggests that ethical‐philanthropic responsibilities seem to lead to a competitive advantage which is based on a desired customer response and reward. This is in line with the main focus of corporate marketing, which is the meeting of stakeholder and societal needs.

Originality/value

The paper empirically considers and challenges the acknowledged Carroll's classification of CSR, and links it with the readiness to support socially responsible behaviour of companies in general. In addition, it links the notion of CSR with that of corporate marketing, which strives to develop meaningful relationships with customers and other stakeholders.
Understanding the pitfalls in the corporate rebranding process
Authors: Gotsi Manto , Andriopoulos Constantine
Published: September 2007

Purpose

While the corporate rebranding momentum is accelerating, corporate decisions are not currently informed by strong theory and academic research in this area. To broaden the understanding, the purpose of this paper is to generate empirical insights into the key pitfalls in the corporate rebranding process.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative study included 14 personal semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with executives involved in the corporate rebranding of a leading telecommunications firm, and a review of relevant archival materials.

Findings

The analysis highlighted common reports of four key pitfalls in corporate rebranding. These are: disconnecting with the core; stakeholder myopia; emphasis on labels, not meanings; one company, one voice: the challenge of multiple identities.

Research limitations/implications

This presents a single case study but one which provides empirical insights that advance theoretical thinking in corporate rebranding, and highlights interesting avenues for further research.

Practical implications

This study highlights: the importance of marketing and organisational research in designing new corporate brands; the value of engaging staff in the rebranding process from a very early stage; the need to ensure that internal processes and systems encourage employees to endorse the new corporate brand values through their attitudes and behaviours.

Originality/value

Corporate rebranding campaigns are not only expensive exercises, but also critical for sustaining competitive advantage in light of changing corporate priorities. This is one of very few papers that provide insights on the pitfalls in the corporate rebranding process.
Relationship outcomes as determinants of reputation
Authors: Simcic Brønn Peggy
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the basis of reputation building through a relationship approach in order to demonstrate that quality of relationships is a determinant of reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted on three groups of stakeholders from a collection agency (a typical outsourcing firm) over a period of two years. A questionnaire was developed based on the work by public relations researchers on measuring relationship outcomes. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics with means and standard deviations. A correlation analysis was performed to investigate the possible effects of a number of the questions on reputation.

Findings

The findings from the study showed correlations between a number of the statements measuring the relationship outcomes and the firm's perception among its stakeholders. The most important finding in this study was the significant correlation between the firm's treatment of its clients' customers and the impact on the clients' reputation.

Research limitations/implications

While it has been used by researchers in at least three countries without discussion, the questionnaire's Norwegian translation is a challenge. The relationship described in this paper between a debtor and a collection agency is also unusual.

Practical implications

Results indicate that the quality of a firm's stakeholder relationships can impact customer image. For this reason, firms need to allocate resources for corporate marketing strategies across stakeholder groups.

Originality/value

This research adds to previous corporate identity research and provides valuable insight into the dynamics of an outsourcing relationship.
Understanding the meaning of corporate identity: a conceptual and semiological approach
Authors: Olutayo Otubanjo B. , Melewar T.C.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to examine how corporate identity (one of the elements of Balmer's 6Cs of corporate marketing) could be better understood, whilst also addressing how the deconstruction of one of the other elements (i.e. communications: corporate advertising) could provide deeper insight into what corporate identity truly means.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines various theoretical approaches which have compartmentalised the meaning of corporate identity. It also highlights how these compartments interrelate. The paper introduces the semiotic method and illustrates how this method could deconstruct firms' perception of corporate identity.

Findings

Two conceptual models and a semiotic method process were contributed. The first model reveals three main constructs of corporate identity, namely symbolism, behaviour, and corporate communications, and the second model reveals the corporate personality construct. The semiotic method reveals the positioning of corporate identity as a corporate personality construct.

Originality/value

This paper provides a better understanding of the meaning of corporate identity by developing two conceptual models and a semiotic method. The conceptual models provide an analysis of how various theoretical approaches which have compartmentalised the meaning of corporate identity interrelate. The semiotic method provides a stage‐by‐stage process of how a firm's perception of corporate identity is deconstructed. The conceptual models and the semiotic method give a better understanding of the meaning of corporate identity.
The rule of law
Authors: Baldwin Fletcher N. , DiPerna Theresa A.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore complexities of compliance with international and customary law when faced with terrorist threats. The paper's thesis asserts that terrorism cannot be successfully repelled unless the legitimacy of international and domestic law is adhered to by states out of a sense of reciprocal obligation in accordance with the principle of pacta sunt servanda (pacts shall be respected).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines US pronouncements in order to assess strategic validity.

Findings

While the Middle East, particularly Iraq, has been the focus of the US “War on terrorism,” the paper suggests two questions: what has been the US response to terrorist threats in the Americas? Have US national security priorities post‐9/11 been unnecessarily diverted from the Americas where much needed support is promised but lacking, and instead have resources been concentrated far beyond domestic and international norms?

Originality/value

The paper examines the US national security priorities, concluding that they have been unproductively diverted from the Americas to the Middle East in general and Iraq in particular. The US fixation upon Middle East “regime‐change”, while neglecting to recognize the dangerous nexus and presence of organized crime and terrorist organizations in the Americas, is illustrative of how the present administration has diverted its post.
Public awareness of corruption in Australia
Authors: Bowman Diana , Gilligan George
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine public awareness and perceptions on corruption in Australia, a country that traditionally has been viewed as having relatively low levels of corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the findings of a random telephone survey of 300 people aged 16 and above, across the three most populated Australian states.

Findings

The paper suggests that corruption may be a greater issue of concern for the Australian public than has been assumed in the past, given the relatively low levels of reported systematic corruption in Australia. Moreover, while there may be widespread agreement that corruption in Australia is harmful and perhaps inevitable, people can find it difficult at times to differentiate between what is corrupt and what is not.

Originality/value

The findings presented in this paper illustrate that corruption is an issue of concern for members of the Australian public, with the majority of respondents agreeing that corruption seems to be increasing in Australia. These findings should be considered by state and federal anti‐corruption bodies as they frame their policies and processes.
Tax and terrorism: a new partnership?
Authors: Michelle Gallant M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper has the purpose of being a preliminary exploration of the link between taxation and the contemporary assault on the financial aspect of terrorism.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a discussion paper.

Findings

Locating the origins of the link in the terrorist attacks of September 2001, it considers the ramifications of the fusion of taxation and international tax havens with terrorist finance.

Originality/value

The paper considers the link between taxation and the financial aspect of terrorism.
A critical appraisal of the role of UCLAF
Authors: Quirke Brendan Joseph
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the mission of Unité de Coordination de la Lutte Anti‐Fraud (UCLAF); how it cooperated with Member States and how it accounted for its actions. The paper seeks to detail examples of its investigations and to consider the criticisms made of UCLAF by the European Court of Auditors and the Committee of Independent Experts which had been established to investigate allegations of fraud, nepotism and mismanagement within the European Commission. It will also seek to draw lessons from the UCLAF experience for the future fight against EU fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a combination of semi‐structured interviews with EU and national officials in the UK and Ireland as well as a review of secondary materials such as organisational reports and academic sources.

Findings

The paper found that the fight against fraud was fatally undermined by the high degree of fragmentation due to the multiplicity of national and EU agencies involved. There were some self‐inflicted weaknesses on the part of UCLAF such as poor use of intelligence databases and the employment of a high number of staff on temporary contracts which led to high‐staff turnover and disrupted the investigative process.

Practical implications

The paper reveals how not to fight against transnational fraud. Lessons need to be learned from the UCLAF experience, so that the same mistakes are not made again.

Originality/value

The paper is an addition to a body of work which is not particularly extensive. It strives to offer some lessons for the future fight against fraud.