bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated decision support model for a knowledge city's strategy formulation
Authors: Ergazakis Kostas , Metaxiotis Kostas , Psarras John , Askounis Dimitrios
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The concept of knowledge cities (KCs) offers advantages to any urban region. Many cities globally claim themselves as being already KCs, while other cities have elaborated strategic plans in order to integrate this concept into their operational structures. The examination of their approaches reveals however that these initiatives are fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to present a multi‐dimensional and integrated decision support model for a KC's strategy formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Reference is made to a methodological approach (KnowCis) for the integrated development of a KC, consisting of five main phases and taking into account nine different dimensions. The strategy formulation phase is a particularly complex procedure for any authority (e.g. local government or city's development agency). The reasons for this complexity are related to the amplitude of the KC concept, to the variety of the factors to be considered as well as to the challenge for balancing the needs and interests of different target groups.

Findings

The proposed model consists of the following building blocks: identification of the appropriate actions (based on the KnowCis methodology), modeling of the city's current status as a KC (via the development of related indicators), assessment of actions' necessity (based on the indicators' outcomes and through the benchmarking of other successful KCs cases), selection of the most appropriate form for each proposed action (based on their efficiency during the last reference period) and, finally, prioritisation of the proposed actions (based on a multi‐criteria approach).

Research limitations/implications

The main suggestion for future research is the development of an intelligent information system which will incorporate the building blocks of the proposed model.

Originality/value

The originality and value of the paper is that the proposed model can be a really helpful decision support tool for any city which is developing a knowledge‐based strategy.
Regional development through knowledge creation in organic agriculture
Authors: Morales Galindo Isabel
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Rural regions have rarely been the topic of inquiry in economic development studies or research related to knowledge management. Most studies on knowledge management have focused on high‐tech regions. The purpose of this paper is to present a case which illustrates the mechanism and factors of learning regions with knowledge‐based development engaged in growing agricultural activities such as organic agriculture.

Design/methodology approach

The paper is a case study of a Mexican cooperative.

Findings

The case study illustrates how organic agriculture standards and the attractiveness of the market change the rural setting by promoting knowledge creation and application in the field. The results of such knowledge generation are endogenous growth practices for people who otherwise abandon agriculture as a means of living. Learning, innovating and networking are requirements and outcomes of following organic standards. Simultaneously, the creation of efficient institutions and the solidity of local governance are promoted within the region.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the description of the case rather than the theoretical features. This paper highlights characteristics and critical elements present in an agricultural success through the depiction of knowledge creation within a cooperative and surrounding community, that pose elements which consequently can be extended to promote regional development in other rural settings.

Originality/value

Characteristics of the organic industry place a region in a competitive position and encourage community involvement to coordinate, to learn, and to improve processes. The organic agriculture industry requires a knowledge foundation essential for meeting industry standards and, thus, requires organization of the community including farmers as well as local institutions.
Knowledge‐driven development indicators: still an eclectic panorama
Authors: Passerini Katia
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight that research on the measurement of key indicators that represent drivers of the knowledge economy still spans several different, although interrelated, directions. The results of this review call for further integration of metrics through cross‐disciplinary international, multinational and organizational partnerships that could reconcile and define de facto standards for the assessment of the drivers of knowledge‐based growth.

Design/methodology/approach

General review, literature review. The paper reviews extant literature and practical experiences in knowledge‐based development assessments.

Findings

The review finds that many institutions are still adopting a variety of approaches which are difficult to reconcile. Additional coordination efforts are required to overcome contextual and non‐replicable approaches and, thus, increase standardization of metrics.

Research limitations/implications

While the paper discusses limitations of extant approaches, it does not build (another) alternative theoretical solution. Rather it suggests actionable strategies that require a high level of international coordination.

Practical implications

The paper shows the path and examples of multi‐agency approach to achieve standardization.

Originality/value

The value of the paper stems from its classification and review of selected approaches both at the country and organizational level. While it is motivated by a call for integration that is not novel to the field of knowledge management, it suggests that this coordination: needs to occur simultaneously both at the country and the organizational levels, whereby country approaches could inform and drive industry approaches; and needs to leverage international coordination models such as those of international standardization bodies.
The Austrian National Knowledge Report
Authors: Schneider Ursula
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the transferability of the intellectual capital approach methodology from the corporate to the national level. Just as financial measures fall short of covering major value drivers at the corporate level, gross national product does not sufficiently reflect future potentials to grow and to contribute to a globalising economy with trans‐national value chains, value cycles and value networks. There have been many efforts to develop core indicators of economic performance, such as ratings of competitiveness, global embeddedness, high‐tech exposure, spending in R&D, competencies to read and calculate of students and many more. The project team concluded that those measures showed two major weaknesses: they lack an overall framework and thus an analysis of their interplay and they overemphasise the reporting in relation to the development or management aspect of the factors considered by the respective approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The team aspired to create a prototype knowledge report for Austria as part of a prototype procedure, the “Agenda Knowledge”, which should fuel efforts of the country to change its role in the emerging knowledge society from imitator to inventor. The endeavour was based on the Lisbon Agenda of the European Union, which integrates economic competitiveness and social cohesion. A trans‐disciplinary design was applied which is best described as action research and makes use of many different methods at different stages of the process; all methods were evaluated in terms of their effectiveness, efficiency and social acceptance.

Findings

Results of the pilot project comprise a prototype national knowledge report as part of an overarching prototype procedure which is able to deal with incommensurabilities at the level of visions and ends as well as with different paradigms at the level of end‐mean relations in a political rather than in an academic manner.

Originality/value

First process‐oriented approach to the development and monitoring of intellectual capital at the national level.
Effective societal knowledge management
Authors: Wiig Karl M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest principles and framework for comprehensive societal knowledge management (SKM) for countries to provide acceptable conditions for their citizens and businesses and to participate equitable in the globalized knowledge economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Foundations for SKM principles and framework are based on requirements and practical experiences reported in literature and expanded by the author's work and concepts.

Findings

Comprehensive SKM is not commonly pursued in spite of its importance for national survival. Many countries need SKM guidelines and concepts and will benefit by development of an acceptable and well‐substantiated framework.

Research limitations/implications

Extensive research should be pursued in scientific, economic, social, and educational fields to identify good SKM options. Understanding must be developed of how best to undertake SKM.

Practical implications

Implications are that comprehensive SKM by nations promises to improve quality‐of‐life worldwide.

Originality/value

Notwithstanding the need for a comprehensive SKM framework, little work has been available until now.
On the financial drivers and implications of leasing real estate assets
Authors: Lasfer Meziane
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to contrast the financial costs and benefits of leasing, rather than owning real estate assets.

Design/methodology/approach

The main argument is that leasing is beneficial. The hypothesis is tested using a total of 2,343 UK‐quoted companies over the period 1989‐2002, resulting in 14,101 pooled time‐series and cross‐sectional observations.

Findings

The results indicate that large and high‐growth companies are likely to lease than to own these assets. Companies that lease are more efficient in using their real estate and that these benefits are compounded in share price valuation as leasing propensity is strongly leasing propensity is not linear, but an inverse U‐shaped, suggesting that the market is also considering the costs of not owning real estate.

Research limitations/implications

The study relied on historical accounting values of real estate rather than market values which are not available in machine readable format, and there was no data on the type of real estate and its location.

Originality/value

The results of the paper provide strong and consistent evidence that the market values the costs and benefits of leasing.
Office productivity: a theoretical framework
Authors: Haynes Barry P.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide a validated theoretical framework for the measurement of office productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study's strength is that it is based on two sizable data sets. The data collected consists of data about the physical characteristics of the office environment and data pertaining to the behavioural environment.

Findings

One of the key contributions of this study was the development of the components of office productivity, which were: comfort, office layout, informal interaction points, environmental services, designated areas, interaction and distraction. The components were reduced to four in preparation for subsequent analysis. The four distinct components were comfort, office layout, interaction and distraction.

Originality/value

This study establishes that it is the behavioural environment that has the greatest impact on office productivity. It demonstrates that it is the dynamic elements of the office environment, interaction and distraction that are perceived as having the greatest positive and negative influences on self assessed productivity.
The financing and abandonment options in Chinese real estate development projects
Authors: Ke Changwen , Wang Zongjun , Cheng Guo
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper has the purpose of looking into the role that financing and abandonment options play in the value of Chinese real estate development projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on library research, which is used to support and extend the authors' personal knowledge and experience.

Findings

The paper finds that financing and abandonment options create important value in the real estate projects of China, and produce enormous profits for the developers.

Practical implications

The paper indicates that the Chinese government should improve the legislative and regulatory frameworks to control excessive value produced by the financing and abandonment options, and restrict the ability of developers to amass social wealth by exploiting legal loopholes.

Originality/value

The paper examines the financing and abandonment options embedded in Chinese real estate development projects, measures the specific value of the two options based on a case study, and analyzes some factors affecting the value of the two options.
The vision of integrated IP‐based building systems
Authors: Maile Tobias , Fischer Martin , Huijbregts Rick
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to share the vision of integrated building systems based on internet protocol (IP) based on the presentations and facilitated discussions at the BuilConn: Cisco's Connected Real Estate Roundtable in Spring 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the observation of the BuilConn Conference Roundtable and related literature, this paper lays out requirements to support IP‐ and computer‐based integration of building systems.

Findings

The authors detail the value proposition, challenges, and related engineering and business transformations of integrated building systems. While cost savings, new advanced services, and flexibility in building operations are the major benefits, the main challenges are the missing awareness and knowledge in the building industry, the educational gap among real estate professionals and owners, the implementation of appropriate security, the use of intelligent building technology, performance and cost saving issues, specific problems for building renovation projects, and the realization of reliable critical building operations. Furthermore, the balance between IP and non‐IP devices, benefits of the IP itself, and the need for more elaborate standards were discussed at the Roundtable. The Roundtable participants identified the following critical transformations within the building project environment to make integrated IP‐based building systems a reality: more flexible design, construction, and facility management contracts, earlier involvement of integration experts, and more flexibility in today's design process.

Practical implications

The participants felt that only when these transformations are accomplished and the mentioned challenges resolved will companies be able to take full advantage of the benefits and realize the vision of integrated IP‐based building systems.

Originality/value

This paper summarizes the presentations and facilitated discussions at the Roundtable, which have, so far, only been accessible to the roundtable participants, and provides a reflecting point of view of participants from the building industry, building owners, and academic representatives on strategic and operational issues around IP‐based building systems.
Opportunity costs and spectrum reform
Authors: Akalu Rajen
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterise opportunity cost associated with the development of spectrum.

Design/methodology/approach

Differential Ricardian rent theory is used in the paper to explain the relationship between the development of spectrum along internal and external margins. Opportunity cost is introduced to characterise the link between spectrum and spectrum substitutes.

Findings

The study finds that workable strategies for spectrum reform require that economic externalities be internalised. Opportunity cost considerations can serve to improve spectrum management policy by justifying policy constraints and distribute the spectrum to the user with the best relative use.

Research limitations/implications

Ricardian rent theory assumes that the “best” spectrum would be utilised first. In addition, there is no objective value‐based unit of spectrum and this limits the efficacy of Ricardo's theory.

Practical implications

The paper provides a more coherent explanation spectrum development and the spectrum management reform process.

Originality/value

The study provides a model for policy makers to introduce incremental change in the advent of novel wireless technologies
When public meets private: conflicts in information policy
Authors: De Saulles Martin
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the policy debates surrounding the commercial reuse of public sector information. It aims to provide an overview of these discussions in the light of the 2003 EU Directive on this matter and the UK's implementation in the form of the 2005 Reuse of Public Sector Information Regulations. It also aims to argue that there is an inherent conflict of interest between the UK policy of making public sector information more freely available and the financial targets imposed by government on some of the key producers of this information.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussions presented in this paper draw on secondary academic and commercial research carried out in Europe and the USA. Primary analysis of the financial accounts of public bodies is also utilised to consider the potential conflicts of interest between revenue generation and information dissemination.

Findings

The evidence presented suggests that the sale of information collected by a number of key public bodies and the financial targets that are set by HM Treasury for them are a barrier to innovation within the private sector and to the wider development of an information society.

Practical implications

This research provides useful evidence for developers of UK information policies within the context of stimulating the development of a more vibrant information economy.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to combine the financial analysis of UK public accounts with discussions about the commercial reuse of public sector information.
3G mobile telecommunications licenses in Europe: a critical review
Authors: Gruber Harald
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make a critical review of the introduction of first third generation (3G) mobile services and the evolution of market structure. It aims to look for reasons for the poor market performance of 3G.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses market data from 17 Western European countries and tests propositions with statistical methods.

Findings

The paper finds that there is evidence in support of to the “overbidding” hypothesis, i.e. license fees determined in auctions were higher than ultimately compatible with the originally envisaged market structure based on the n+1 rule. 3G markets therefore are more concentrated than 2G markets. The correct design of market structure is crucial for accelerating the speed of introduction of 3G services: the speed increases with the number of licenses granted, but decreases with the number of idle licenses. Auctions are not superior to other methods with respect to speed of innovation.

Originality/value

This is the first study of this kind and should be read by academics or practitioners dealing with regulation, spectrum licensing and technology forecasting.
Telecommunications expenditure potential of Korean households and income turning point
Authors: Bae Seoung‐Hun , Shin Minsoo
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The growth of telecommunications spending is the single most vital factor for continuity of the virtuous circle in the overall information communications technology (ICT) industry. This article aims to attempt to gauge the future telecommunications expenditure potential of Korean households by adopting the Kuznets curve which considers the income turning point.

Design/methodology/approach

This study begins by examining the structural pattern of household telecommunications expenditures, and then analyzes them using the fully modified least squares estimation method. Household survey raw data collected on a quarterly basis between 1982 and 2005 were used.

Findings

The paper finds that the Korean telecommunication market has grown at a high pace and adopted new technologies quickly. Most previous studies on the Korean telecommunication market have predicted that growth will continue on the basis of the past trend of continuous growth in consumer communications service expenditure, and the technological innovations which have rapidly taken place in the industry over recent years. However, the research paper finds various interesting points that contradict the prediction.

Research limitations/implications

The main research limitation is the range of telecommunication expenditures. The main idea was to examine the relationship between household income and communications expenditure based on the concept of Kuznets hypotheses and to calculate an income turning point to measure spending potential.

Practical implications

The case of Korea offers implications for other countries that are putting in special efforts to manage the telecommunications service market.

Originality/value

The Kuznets hypotheses have never before been utilized in gauging consumers' expenditure potential in the ICT industry, and therefore the process and results discussed in this paper can be classed as pioneering.
Cable consolidation and deployment of advanced broadband service
Authors: Seo Sangho
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the implications of consolidation in the US cable industry in terms of deployment of advanced broadband services in local markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study estimates a cable operator's deployment of advanced broadband services using a binary probit model of profits from advance broadband services.

Findings

This study finds that larger and more powerful multiple system operators are limited in the transfer of efficiency deployment of advanced broadband services in local markets; therefore, the implications of the efficiency of horizontal integration do not have significant meaning.

Originality/value

Previous literature examined the relationship between horizontal integration, rates and the quality of traditional video services. By examining the relationship between horizontal integration and deployment of advanced cable services in local markets and making a policy suggestion for further consolidations in the US cable industry, this study fills a gap in extant cable industry research.
Internet topology measurements for identifying and understanding policy issues
Authors: Kaart Marnix , Vrancken Jos , Vree Wim
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that insight into internet topology at various levels of aggregation is necessary for identifying and understanding policy issues in the areas of fair competition, reliability and performance in the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

Using three areas of social concern in relation to the global information infrastructure as a context, the paper provides some theoretical examples, supported by case examples, which show the importance of gaining insight into internet topology.

Findings

The paper finds that proper detectors for internet policy are lacking and insight into the topology of the internet is needed. The only feasible way of obtaining this insight is by topology measurements, but still some fundamental pathologies in the available measurement tools and techniques need to be overcome. All internet topologies published to date suffer from these limitations and their use for identifying internet policy is limited.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a general overview of importance and limitations. Future research should be focused on increasing the usability of internet topology by solving fundamental issues in the area of internet topology measurement.

Practical implications

The availability of high‐quality internet topology maps at various levels of aggregation would dramatically improve one's ability to identify and understand certain policy issues in the internet.

Originality/value

In policy analysis it is often ignored that certain policy issues have their base in the internet infrastructure and knowledge of this infrastructure is limited. In internet topology research, focus is mainly on technical and operational issues and limited attention is given to the usability of inferred topology for identifying policy issues. Until now, an approach that addresses both fundamental topology research and internet policy issues in concordance has been lacking.
The impact of technological factors on information systems success in the electronic‐government context
Authors: Hussein Ramlah , Shahriza Abdul Karim Nor , Hasan Selamat Mohd
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This study is being conducted in order to investigate the influence of technological factors on up‐stream model of Delone and McLean's IS success dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey method, data were gathered from 201 users from four electronic government (EG) agencies in Malaysia. The technological factors were represented by IS competency, IS facilities, IS integration, IS structure and user support. The IS success dimensions used in the study were systems quality, information quality, perceived usefulness, and user satisfaction.

Findings

The findings indicate that all the technological factors are significantly correlated with the four IS success dimensions. Further analyses also found that IS competency and IS facilities were the two highest predictors of IS success, followed by IS integration. The study concludes that the technological factors investigated were very important in ensuring the successful utilization and implementation of information systems in the EG agencies.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should consider other attributes besides the technological factors in order to look at success in a more meaningful way. Further research should also look into the empirical studies on net benefits of IS success as included in Seddon's and DeLone and McLean's models. Also, future studies should consider other sets of setting.

Practical implications

The findings should assist policy makers in formulating new policies on technical factors influencing systems implementation success. The study should also assist public managers to identify the key technological factors in ensuring systems effectiveness and success.

Originality/value

The study has incorporated the key technological factors as independent variables into DeLone and McLean's IS success model.
Framework and meta‐model for specifying business components
Authors: Fettke Peter , Loos Peter
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Component‐based software development is a potential reuse paradigm for the future. While the required technologies for a component‐style system development are widely available (e.g. Sun's Enterprise Java Beans), the breakthrough of the component paradigm in business application domains is impeded by the following problem: compared with traditional engineering disciplines there is a lack of standardized methods to describe business components. The objective of this paper is to develop a holistic approach to specify business components.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a design science approach is used. Based on well‐known specification notations, a new specification framework is proposed. The usefulness of the framework is demonstrated by an example.

Findings

It is argued that a specification framework for business components has to address several aspects: what services are offered and requested by a business component? How can these services be used? Are there any interdependencies between the services of a set of business components? What quality characteristics do the offered services fulfil? And so on. The proposed approach consists of seven specification levels addressing both technical and business aspects.

Originality/value

According to the authors' knowledge the developed specification framework is the first one which allows a holistic description of business components. The proposed approach can be used to precisely specify business components in practice. The main contribution is to tie together various well‐known and preferably standardized specification notations. Furthermore, the authors develop a meta‐model for the proposed specification framework that facilitates the communication about the framework, supports training on the framework, and simplifies the implementation of the framework. To conclude, this work is meant to implement theory in practice.
Information systems outsourcing
Authors: Adam Suhaimi Mohd , Hussin Husnayati , Mustaffa Muzzafar
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to aid in understanding the motivations for information system (IS) outsourcing decision and its initial implementation at one of the top commercial banks in Malaysia. The scope of the study includes the motivating factors, the implementation strategy and managing the change process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a case study approach where 40 interviews were conducted among the staff, covering the management as well as non‐management group.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that the motivating factors are the focus on core competencies, turning non‐profit activities into profit‐generating activities, and cost reduction. The implementation strategy involves the setting up of a two‐tier relationship between the bank and the service provider. The challenges involved in the transition phase include managing the partnership and handling the staff transition and morale.

Research limitations/implications

To some extent, there may be some subjectivity involved in interpreting the results of analysis, as with any other studies that adopt a case study approach.

Practical implications

Amidst the complexity involved in any IS outsourcing endeavour, the management of a bank may learn some lessons from the experience reported in this study. At the initial stage, the bank should be concerned with the approach in establishing the partnerships and staff matters should not be undermined.

Originality/value

The study provides a real life example of IS outsourcing implementation in the banking sector of a developing country.
A business‐revenue model for horizontal portals
Authors: Burgess Stephen , Tatnall Arthur
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Horizontal web portals fill an important place in the operation of the internet and this paper seeks to look at how these portals may become profitable. A portal is simply a gateway, and a web portal can thus be seen as a gateway to content and services on the internet, or on a corporate intranet. This paper aims to compare several different views of what constitutes a portal, and to offer a specific definition. The main focus of the paper is on general horizontal (or public) portals and the relationship between their business‐revenue models and the content they provide. This paper aims to briefly review the relevant literature before describing a revenue model consisting of players, strategies and content. This is then examined and synthesised to match various revenue models and content.

Design/methodology/approach

After proposing the model, the paper tests how the matches proposed between revenue and content in the model compare with two currently operating popular horizontal portals.

Findings

An examination of two popular portals (one world‐wide and one based in Australia) has provided typical examples of how the advertising/revenue can be employed by horizontal portals and shown that they appear to match fairly closely with the proposed revenue/content model. After having examined the content of these two well‐known portals, it appears at this early stage that the revenue‐content model may show some promise.

Research limitations/implications

While the paper cannot claim complete generalisability of a model based on a comparison of only two horizontal portals, the results are promising and should be useful for horizontal portal managers looking for how to balance the revenue of their portal with the content that they generate and the services they offer.

Practical implications

When fully tested, the model will provide horizontal portal operators assistance with the process of determining suitable content for their portals to match their chosen revenue strategies.

Originality/value

It is believed that this model is one of the few revenue/content matching models developed for horizontal portals.
The role of organizational capabilities in successful e‐business implementation
Authors: Lee Chih‐Ping , Lee Gwo‐Guang , Lin Hsiu‐Fen
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Based on organizational capabilities and information technology implementation literature, this study seeks to propose a research model to examine the influence of organizational capabilities on e‐business implementation success.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 202 information systems executives in large Taiwanese organizations were employed to test the relationships between the research model constructs. The results from the structural equation modeling approach provide quite a strong support for the hypothesized relations.

Findings

The results showed that certain factors related to organizational learning and knowledge management capabilities are important antecedents of e‐business value.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not test all organizational factors, and focused particularly on learning capacity and knowledge capability factors. A knowledge asset must be rare and inimitable to become a source of competitive advantage. Without secure processes, knowledge loses the key qualities of being rare and inimitable. Future research could assess the influence of knowledge protection processes on e‐business implementation success.

Practical implications

Knowledge management means recognizing and managing all of an organization's intellectual and social capital to meet its e‐business objectives. An organization needs a well‐designed knowledge management infrastructure to create and maintain the e‐business knowledge required to improve back‐office efficiency, customer intimacy and efficiency of coordination with business partners.

Originality/value

This study is significant for at least two reasons: it determines the key antecedents to successful e‐business implementation based on organizational learning and knowledge management perspectives and it helps to understand the effects of organizational capabilities and e‐business contribution on a firm's performance.
HR BPO service models for small and medium enterprises
Authors: Kim Gyeung‐Min , Jung Won Hyun
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The goal of this research is first to investigate the outsourcing needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in each of the following HR sub‐processes: recruiting, training, HR administration, payroll, and benefit processes. Then, the outsourcing needs are analyzed against the characteristics of the companies such as company size, operating environment, culture and information technology maturity. Lastly, integrated business process outsourcing (BPO) service models are developed according to the characteristics of the company.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfil the objective of this research, the questionnaire is used to assess the outsourcing needs of the companies. The data collected by questionnaire are analyzed against the characteristics of the companies. Then integrated BPO service models are developed based on the analysis of the questionnaire data and the interviews with HR managers. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

Findings

This study suggests BPO service industry with two different service models: partially integrated model where e‐recruiting and e‐learning are integrated and fully integrated model where all of the HR‐subprocesses are integrated.

Originality/value

As BPO is expected to be booming in the next few years, this study helps BPO service industry to better serve SMEs in the area of human resource management.
Business process reengineering in UAE public sector
Authors: Hesson Mihyar
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to reengineer the applications' processes of the Naturalization and Residency Department in Al Ain city and to develop an electronic version of the reengineered processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach used in this work is similar to the five‐point redesign process. Also, this work is categorized as incremental as opposed to the radical way of change. The five steps are: establishment of the business vision and objectives; identification and focus on the core business processes that support them; modeling and analysis of the business environment; streamlining; and continuous control and improvement of the previous steps.

Findings

It is believed that the best possible solution for shorter and more efficient processing paths was achieved. Great savings in cost, time and human resources were achieved. Many factors have contributed to the success of the work. These include the efficient reengineered process, efficient database design, search facilities, electronic document archive and easy‐to‐use user interface.

Practical implications

There were some critical factors that had to be considered. Perhaps, one of the most serious obstacles was the reluctance of some key decision makers to cease or reduce some of their authorities. Those officers believe that a direct supervision or control on the different stages of the processes is essential. Special considerations may be required under certain circumstances and these are only dealt with by key decision makers. The absolute minimum of two approval points model has helped to eliminate those legitimate concerns. Other factors such as reluctance of the users to accept change, job redundancy resulting from the change and financial resources were important but less significant.

Originality/value

The paper is a case study that describes the reengineering processes in the public sector in UAE. This sector suffers from a great deficiency and this work represents a leading step towards improving its working practices. The value of the paper lies in the comprehensive study and analysis of this department and the efficient customized solutions it offered.
A quantitative analysis of factors contributing electronic data interchange adoption among Bruneian SMEs
Authors: Seyal Afzaal H. , Noah Abd Rahman Mohd , Awg Yussof Hj Awg Mohammad Hj
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The primary purpose of this research is to examine and explore quantitatively the determining factors that contribute electronic data interchange (EDI) adoption among Brunei's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) not addressed previously.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based upon survey approach to collect the primary data from 50 SMEs in Brunei Darussalam based upon stratified random sampling plan. A one stage normative model that is associative in nature was developed based upon reviewing the previous researches and further in line with the research objectives. The model elicits six factors that are grouped in three categories, namely, organizational, environmental and technological.

Findings

The findings based upon regression analysis indicate that factors such as perceived benefits, government support and management support are significant determinants of EDI adoption. The 35 percent of the total variance is explained by these three factors.

Research limitations/implications

The small market size as well small sample size is one of the research limitations in addition that only 20 percent of the SMEs have adopted EDI. The inclusion of some more variables such as external pressure and competitive pressure will not only increase the shared variance, but will also bring broader perspective to the research. However, findings support similar other regional Asia‐Pacific studies.

Practical implications

The study has practical significance as it provides help to the management of the SMEs with the factors contributing towards EDI adoption. In case, these SMEs have to capitalize on EDI adoption, the management with the government support should not only take a supporting role, but also act proactively and competitively. The management focusing on the potential benefits could further trigger the adoption.

Originality/value

This pioneering study adds value to the existing knowledge and supports previous work. It further provides a platform for the future research. The EDI adoption among Brunei's SMEs could further be geared up by considering the factors mentioned above.
The SEC's enforcement of procedures to prevent insider trading
Authors: Ochs Brian A.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the SEC enforcement staff's recent scrutiny of the roles and responsibilities of securities firms for the protection of confidential information.

Design/methodology/approach

The article reviews the SEC's implementation and enforcement of section 15(f) of the Exchange Act and section 204A of the Advisers Act. Part I discusses the legislative history of these provisions and reviews SEC and staff pronouncements relating to procedures for the protection of material nonpublic information. Part II discusses the potential consequences, from an enforcement perspective, of a firm's failure to satisfy the requirements of section 15(f) or section 204A. Part III describes the SEC's enforcement program in this area and distills guidance for securities firms from the SEC's actions.

Findings

Sections 15(f) and 204A require brokers, dealers, and investment advisers to “establish, maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed, taking into consideration the nature of such (broker, dealer, or investment adviser's) business, to prevent the misuse” of material nonpublic information. Thus, the statutory terms frame the issues in any SEC investigation. Does the firm maintain written procedures? Are the written procedures reasonably designed to safeguard material nonpublic information? In particular, are the procedures designed with a view toward the specific structure and business activities of the firm? Has the firm taken reasonable steps to enforce its written procedures?

Practical implications

Given the SEC's current enforcement emphasis in this area, it is essential that brokers, dealers, and investment advisers look critically at whether they are taking adequate steps to protect the confidential information they may handle on a daily basis.

Originality/value

The paper presents a practical guide by an experienced enforcement attorney.
Cross‐border access to US investors: some recent proposals
Authors: Ferraro Edward J.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze and draw conclusions from recent SEC staff proposals and commissioners' comments and a recent roundtable discussion concerning access to foreign exchanges and broker‐dealers by US investors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes a proposal by Erik Sirri, Director of the SEC Division of Market Regulation; a proposal by Ethiopis Tafara and Robert J. Peterson, respectively, the Director of the SEC Office of International Affairs and its Senior Counsel; and comments in speeches by Commissioners Roel Campos, Paul Atkins, and Annette Nazareth; and draws conclusions regarding the SEC's current efforts to develop and articulate a strategic approach to mutual recognition.

Findings

As the securities market becomes globalized, there is a growing interest among US investors for foreign securities and for more direct access to foreign broker‐dealers and exchanges. The SEC is determined to remain in the forefront among US government agencies on securities exchange mutual recognition issues, and therefore is pursuing an accelerated agenda to address these issues. The SEC sees its role as not only to function as a bulwark for the protection of US investors but also to take constructive, affirmative steps that serve to strengthen the US capital markets. While the SEC has historically been an advocate for the global convergence of national regulatory standards, it is now considering proposals for a country‐by‐country bilateral approach based upon cooperation among regulators with substantively comparable regulatory regimes.

Originality/value

This paper presents a useful analysis of the direction the SEC is likely to take on the mutual recognition issue by an experienced securities lawyer.
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: recent cases and enforcement trends
Authors: Santangelo Betty , Stein Gary , Jacobs Margaret
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explain recent enforcement trends under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), providing examples of recent cases.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes recent trends in FCPA enforcement, including increased enforcement by US authorities, greater vigilance by private industry, and global anti‐corruption efforts. It provides an overview of the FCPA, including the original reason why the Act was passed, its anti‐bribery provisions, the need to show corrupt intent, the interstate commerce requirement, exceptions and affirmative defenses, record‐keeping and control provisions, and penalties. It describes recent FCPA prosecutions and enforcement actions and draws conclusions on how to reduce FCPA risk.

Findings

The FCPA is a Watergate‐era law that was passed in response to disclosures by a number of large US corporations that they had made illicit payments to foreign government officials. The FCPA applies to bribes by any US issuer or domestic concern, paid to any foreign official, foreign political party, official or candidate, or official of a public international organization in order to assist in obtaining, retaining, or directing business. To prosecute, the government must show corrupt intent. The FCPA also contains provisions that require accurate record‐keeping and internal controls of US issuers. Violations of the FCPA are subject to both criminal and civil penalties.

Originality/value

The paper presents a thorough explanation, practical advice, and examples of recent violations and penalties by experienced lawyers specializing in FCPA compliance as well as white‐collar defense, securities regulatory matters, internal investigations, and anti‐money laundering.