bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University incorporated: implications for professional information security education
Authors: Watters Paul A.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast university governance structures with those of commercial providers of information security education.

Design/methodology/approach

Policy analysis methods from social research are used. Professional information security education (and certification) is generally provided by commercial training arms of major IT vendors, independent industry groups and universities. While the “for profit” status of commercial training organisations is recognised, the commercial standing of universities is unclear, since they increasingly charge commercial‐grade (or higher) fees for professional development, especially at the postgraduate level. The independence from commercial interests is one of the main attractions for students to undertake professional education at universities; however, if universities are becoming commercial, at what point and according to which criteria is the veracity of vendor‐supplied training and university education considered equal, or indeed, superior?

Findings

This paper briefly reviews the key drivers of university commercialisation, and discusses the implications for postgraduate education in the very sensitive area of information security, in an Australian context, especially where universities directly compete with private sector interests. The key findings are that universities who wish to offer information security programs in competition with private providers will need to adopt corporate‐style governance policies and procedures, which include industry representation on boards, and ensuring that academic independence is not compromised by deeper vendor relationships.

Originality/value

No other papers have specifically investigated the emerging trends in information security education, in an Australian context, and related these to the necessary changes in governance that will be required for universities to compete on equal terms with corporate providers.
Values‐based corporate governance and organization behavior – guidelines from Manusmriti for ethical and social responsibility
Authors: Sivakumar N.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a typology of organization behavior based on the guidelines from Manusmriti, an ancient Indian law text. The paper also purports to provide guidelines from the text for values‐based corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first develops an organizational behavior typology based on Manusmriti. The paper then provides guidelines for various aspects of values‐based corporate governance.

Findings

The paper finds that the guidelines from Manusmriti are relevant in providing a holistic approach to corporate governance which promotes ethical and social idealism.

Practical implications

The paper has practical implications to practitioners of corporate governance in terms of developing structures which promote ethical and socially responsible behavior.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is in deriving guidelines for values‐based corporate governance from Manusmriti.
A specific role for boards in a regulatory framework: the New Zealand banking case
Authors: McIntyre M.L. , Tripe David
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present competing theories that argue: that boards of directors of locally incorporated subsidiaries of trans‐national entities contribute positively to local operations; and that locally constituted boards are an unnecessary expense and can confound the governance efforts of the trans‐national entities' boards of directors.

Design/methodology/approach

The relative merits of the competing theories are considered by examining whether a small sample of trans‐national entities choose to limit the role of their boards to the local regulator's minimum requirements, or to voluntarily exceed them.

Findings

The paper finds that in all cases board construction meets the local regulator's requirements, but in some cases, trans‐national entities have chosen to exceed minimum requirements, suggesting that in some cases a well constructed local board can make a positive contribution to local operations.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the fact that it considers one sector (banking) in one jurisdiction (New Zealand). Future research could consider other sectors and locations.

Practical implications

The results in this paper suggest that there is latitude for regulators to expect more of local boards than is currently the case. Moreover, there is no conclusive empirical support for the argument that a local board is an unnecessary expense and might confound the governance initiatives of a parent company.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to empirically examine the two competing theories of locally constructed boards of directors set out above. It is of interest to regulators and others considering the role of local boards of directors.
An examination of the governance practices of Ghanaian media institutions
Authors: Alufar Bokpin Godfred
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the governance practices of Ghanaian media institutions by comparing the governance practices of public media institutions to that of private media institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a comparative case study methodology by comparing the governance structures of public media institutions to that of the private media institutions. This is meant to ascertain whether public media institutions exhibit different or similar governance practices to that of private media institutions. The discussion is done in line with Taylor's nine principles of good governance.

Findings

The findings reveal that governance lapses are widespread reflected in board appointment to slate of other procedures that depart from Taylor's principles of good governance. It is also discovered that some of Taylor's principles are not present in the governance structures of these institutions. These raise serious questions about the going concern of these institutions in playing their role as the fourth arm of government in Ghana.

Originality/value

This is the first study of its kind in the sector, especially within Sub‐Saharan Africa
Corporate governance, social responsibility and capital markets: exploring the institutional investor mental model
Authors: Petersen Henry , Vredenburg Harrie
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend our understanding of corporate governance, social issues and capital markets by distinguishing between the socially responsible investing phenomenon and mainstream investing with respect to social issues. It attempts to clarify the domain by casting it in the theoretical frame of prospect theory and mental modeling. With a qualitative study done among large institutional investors in the Canadian securities industry, the article derives a proposed mental model of these institutional investors' cognitive model of social issues as they impact investments.

Findings

The institutional investors in this study know exactly where value is derived from social investments suggesting that there may be more alignment between directors, investors and societal expectations than has been previously suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The limited number of organizations in the study reduces the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Managers and directors must have an understanding of how shareholder value and responsibilities intersect. In our research, we have found that these executives positioned their firms as leaders on the social responsibility front. Interestingly, their major shareholders also understood how responsibility and shareholder value intersected and as a result, financial performance was not sacrificed.

Originality/value

The findings from this research shed light on previous scholars' questions regarding the alignment of interests between managers, directors and social expectations. The firms analyzed make strategic investments that are considered to meet social expectations but that are also perceived to add value to the organization making the firm more attractive to institutional investors.
Corporate governance challenges in Poland: evidence from “comply or explain” disclosures
Authors: Campbell Kevin , Jerzemowska Magdalena , Najman Krzysztof
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the reasons for non‐compliance by Polish listed companies with elements of the Polish code of corporate governance Best Practices in Public Companies 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 250 publicly available compliance statements filed in 2005 by companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) content analysis is used to classify the explanations provided for non‐compliance with those corporate governance principles that attract high levels of non‐compliance.

Findings

The data analysis reveals that, despite a high level of overall compliance, three out of 50 code principles attract high levels of non‐compliance. These principles concern the independence of supervisory board members, the composition of supervisory board committees and the appointment of auditors. The most contentious principle concerns the independence of supervisory board members, due to the presence of many majority‐owned companies on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

Practical implications

The paper sheds light on the operation of the “comply or explain” approach to corporate governance in Poland and provides suggestions for improving the level and quality of compliance with the revised corporate governance code Best Practices for WSE Listed Companies, applicable from 2008 onwards.

Originality/value

The paper provides an empirical investigation of the reasons given by Polish companies for non‐compliance with the most controversial corporate governance principles. It highlights a tendency for some companies to report compliance that is conditional, suggesting that reported compliance under‐represents the true level of compliance. We suggest that establishing a monitoring committee tasked with evaluating the quality of explanations for non‐compliance and reducing ambiguities in the wording of code principles will improve the quality of Polish corporate governance in the long term.
A review of Latin American corporate governance literature: 2000‐2009
Authors: Harris Jean E.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to promote research about corporate governance in Latin America. A set of studies published in English since 2000 is identified and classified. Also, organizations and journals are identified that support research about corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

One question guides this literature review. What pattern of research development, if any, is reflected in the literature reviewed?

Findings

Analysis shows research has moved from an initial literature descriptive primarily of national practices, to an intermediate literature with questions largely implied from inquiry about the context of change, to a current literature designed explicitly to assess change.

Practical implications

The overarching implication of recent literature is that good governance has social benefit as studied. The dominant type of recent study is grounded in finance and designed to address a specific question by adopting a market perspective and by applying methods of empirical analysis. These studies tend to find association between governance and firm performance, firm valuation or other measures of financial success.

Originality/value

The value of examining literature is in the understanding and the direction it provides. Recent research results show good governance is beneficial for understanding the behavior of markets, and this may influence business policy and public policy as well as future research. And, for future direction, the study of corporate governance literature suggests a progression to multiple perspectives relative to research design that is inclusive of contributions from a diversity of disciplines and employs a variety of methodologies.
Employee roles in governance: contrasting the UK and German experience
Authors: Lewis Timothy J. , Machold Silke , Oxtoby David , Ahmed P.K.
Published: January 2010

The paper examines the role of employees in governance. The paper highlights from a theory basis that employee and shareholder utilities can be coincident. However, it shows that corporate practice with respect to employee involvement in governance and decision‐making is diverse. The paper draws out the contrast in approaches between the Anglo‐American and the German approach to employees by detailing differences in employee power, career patterns, ownership patterns and legal obligations. These lead to enactment of a different structural and cultural governance systems; which are encapsulated in the unitary board structure of the UK and the two‐tier German approach. The strengths and limitations of the unitary board and two‐tier boards are highlighted, and the case for convergence examined.
Center of main interest (COMI) and jurisdiction of national courts in insolvency matters (insolvency status)
Authors: Bělohlávek Alexander J.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The applicable jurisdiction for insolvency proceedings, as provided by the Regulation (EC) No 1346/2000 on insolvency proceedings, is the court of the Member State where the debtor's center of main interest (COMI) is located (Article 3(1)). The Regulation, however, does not provide a comprehensive definition of the COMI. This paper seeks to explore the meaning and developments behind the meaning of COMI as influenced by judicial reasoning and conflicts across Member States.

Design/methodology/approach

The study centres around the emerging jurisprudence and analyses case law across Member States in order to draw conclusions on the meaning of COMI and the emerging concepts. Extensive consideration of statutory interpretation, case reports and judicial comment is present in order to inform and develop conclusions.

Findings

In the absence of a definition it appears that the only relevant European guidance emerges from recital 13 and Article 3 (1). With little guidance in the Regulation, it has therefore been left to national courts to decide how the notion of COMI should be interpreted. Determining the COMI has emerged as one of the most controversial aspect and the principle point of legal conflict, with some highly debated cases within member states’ courts. On the basis of the case law, it is suggested that the interpretation of COMI is more flexible in UK and Italian courts. The approach adopted in continental Europe is referred to as the “centre of operations approach”, i.e. the debtor's COMI has to be determined by the place where he is “ascertainable by third parties”. The Anglo Saxon approach, on the other hand, is known as the “mind of management approach”, i.e. the debtor's COMI must be situated where decisions are actually made. The latter seems to enjoy a more practical and accessible approach.

Originality/value

Not only will the findings assist those seeking to understand the process and COMI requirements across member states but it will also assist those researchers seeking to understanding the comparative and conflict of law barriers to pan‐European insolvency proceedings.
Harmonization of indirect taxes in the European Union
Authors: Tyc Vladimir
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The correct functioning of the European Union Single Market requires the elimination of discriminatory or protective internal taxation of goods. This paper aims to provide an overview of developments in indirect tax harmonization within the European Union (EU).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to provide a history of tax harmonization and a description of the present functioning of the system within the EU.

Findings

The paper illustrates that through partial harmonization of indirect taxes (value‐added tax and excise duties) the EU has reached a considerable degree of fiscal neutrality. The attitudes of Member States suggest that closer harmonization (or even unification) of tax rates may not be considered.

Originality/value

The paper provides a summary of the progress of tax harmonization in the EU.
Legal regulation of non‐profit subjects in the Czech Republic
Authors: Havlan Petr
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the theory and regulation of non‐profit subjects in the Czech Republic.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an examination of legal theory and its influence on emerging understandings and legislative changes.

Findings

It is important that recognition exists then the adequacy or otherwise of the legal controls can begin to be addressed by both policy and law makers.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the emerging categories of non‐profit subjects/ entities in the Czech Republic and raises issues about the effectiveness or otherwise of the recognition and control of their property ownership. The paper is one of the first to begin to consider the recent changes to and emergence of non‐profit subjects in the Czech Republic and the consequent need for control.
A legal analysis of sexual harassment employment tribunal cases 1995‐2005
Authors: Lockwood Graeme
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on an analysis of court judgments on sexual harassment over the last ten years.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has anaylsed a sample of 399 sexual harassment cases.

Findings

The analysis provides information on factors that influence the courts’ decision‐making process.

Research limitations/implications

Further investigation could be made by interviewing witnesses, claimants, respondents and tribunal members.

Practical implications

The article provides pertinent learning outcomes for claimants and employers.

Originality/value

The analysis allows us to develop a profile of successful SH claims over the period studied.
The ethics of corporate governance
Authors: West Andrew
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the developments in South African corporate governance since the end of apartheid, with a view to identifying themes and points of convergence and/or divergence with other models.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a critical review of South African corporate governance in the context of political and economic developments. Where relevant, aspects of corporate governance theory (in particular the stakeholder and shareholder debate) are considered in the South African context.

Findings

South African corporate governance can be seen to broadly follow Anglo‐American examples with the notable exception of the stakeholder approach of the two King reports. This approach emphasises the responsibilities of companies to various stakeholders and encourages stakeholder engagement as an integral element of company strategy. There has not, however, been any substantial incorporation of stakeholder interests into formal corporate governance structures such as board structure and financial reporting.

Practical implications

The ongoing consideration of corporate governance developments in South Africa is important for its continued development in the country and the region.

Originality/value

A review of South African corporate governance is timely given the probable release of the third King report in 2009, together with new company legislation.
Constitutionality of check‐off programs: the right not to speak
Authors: Sprotzer Ira , Goldberg Ilene
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The specific purpose of this paper is to research the relevant case law with regard to the constitutionality of generic advertising, i.e. “check‐off” programs, when they are required by state or federal legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed is traditional legal research and analysis.

Findings

The research indicates that although there have been various US Supreme Court cases which address the issue, the law in the USA is still in a state of flux regarding the constitutionality of check‐off programs. Determination of the constitutionality of a specific program is dependent upon the scope of the legislation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a starting point for those interested in the study of this type of advertising, which is becoming increasingly popular in the USA.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to both legislative bodies and producers in deciding the constitutionality of a check‐off program. Specifically it would be of use to a legislative body when determining how to design a constitutional “check‐off” program and to a producer in determining if a specific “check‐off” program is constitutional.
Towards a better understanding of unfair commercial practices
Authors: Howells Geraint , Micklitz Hans‐W. , Wilhelmsson Thomas
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of unfair commercial practices in advertising and marketing law.

Design/methodology/approach

The differences addressed in the paper relate to the role or tasks of consumer law in regulating the marketplace.

Findings

A comparison of the UK, German and Nordic approaches reveal interesting differences at least in nuances in the approach to omission of information as an unfair commercial practice.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful analysis of the deeper understandings behind unfair commercial practices law.
Economic globalization and the construction of China's corporate social responsibility
Authors: Sibao Shen , Huaer Cheng
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace the history of the emergence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) among enterprises in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws upon the comparative and international influences on the development of reform and expectations in China.

Findings

The raising of a sense of CSR among enterprises who are supposed to assume such responsibility is subject to the material foundation of a society and the stage of social development. In other words, the extent of social responsibility assumed by enterprises is decided by what development stage the society is on and how much the society can provide. China is no exception. Nowadays, more social responsibility is supposed to be undertaken by enterprises in China – this brings to the country a special and complicated social task, which to complete requires common effort by enterprises, government and the society.

Originality/value

This paper provides a contemporary view of the emerging picture of CSR in China.
Alternation of legislation of foreign investment in China
Authors: Ben Li
Published: January 2010

Purpose –This paper seeks to assess the extent to which China has both encouraged and achieved growth through foreign investment. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides an examination of the incentives developed and deployed and seeks to assess evidence of their performance. Findings – “Market Economic” development of legislation of foreign investment in China has significant meanings toward promotion of Chinese economy. Since the basic policies of reform and opening coming into force in China in 1970s, China has adopted the opening, welcoming and incentive attitudes for foreign investment, making the positive activities acclimating to economic development rules to achieve the win‐win results all around the world. Investment in China by foreign investors has been initially carried out by “enterprises with foreign investment”, which always turned out to be the cooperative or independent direct investment basing on the funds. During the recent years, China has become the second country (only behind of USA) which absorbs the most direct foreign investment in the world. FDI has played an important role in the Chinese economic development. Correspondingly, the legislation for foreign investment in China has gradually been improved and perfected and has protected and enhanced the foreign investment and economic development. Viewing the alternation of legislation of foreign investment in China, it has fully embodied the corresponding to the global and regional international investment legislation cooperation. Originality/value – This study will be of interest to those seeking an “insider's” view on the success or otherwise of foreign direct investment strategies in China.
Codes of ethics in Spanish corporations: an exploratory content analysis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Domínguez Luis , María García‐Sánchez Isabel , Gallego‐Álvarez Isabel
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the contents of ethics codes from Spanish manufacturing companies disclosed on their corporate web sites. The analysis of these contents will reflect the main ethical concerns faced by Spanish organizations in the current business context.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of companies listed on the Madrid Stock Market was used. The initial sample was made up of all the quoted companies. Firms belonging to the finance and insurance sectors were removed, leaving a final population made up of 117 corporations from different sectors. The Pearson's correlations were analysed to detect the sign of the relationships and some non‐parametric tests of mean differences – Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon W – were run to validate the statistical significance of the relationship.

Findings

The findings stress that the drawing up of codes in Spain is relatively recent and highlight that Spanish codes have received a dual influence. On one hand, they set out responsibilities and principles towards stakeholders and many of them reflect corporate social responsibility, as do many other European codes. On the other hand, their nature is mainly prescriptive and they set out desirable conduct for employees, as many US codes do.

Practical implications

From the analysis, it can be deduced that the main ethical concerns in Spanish corporations have to do with the adherence to law, protection of inside information, search for product quality and good relationships with customers and suppliers, conflicts of interests, the workplace and environmental issues.

Originality/value

This paper is the first study that examines the codes of ethics in Spanish corporations.
Auditing profession in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ibrahim Mukdad
Published: January 2010

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed review on the issues that cover the auditing Law 22 of 1995 regarding organization of the auditing profession in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach – The discussion revolved around different issues covered by the above law; those issues include the schedule of auditors and conditions for entry therein, procedures for entry in the schedule of auditors, audit higher commission, rights and duties of auditors, accountability and discipline of auditors, penalties and general and final provisions. Findings – From this review, one can say that this law provides relatively detailed rules and regulations in becoming an auditor. All auditors working in the United Arab Emirates are subject to this law, which is to be followed in order to function legally. To practice accounting, rules should be strict and clear; therefore, this law ensures that all residents applying are legitimate public accountants and auditors. Originality/value – This article highlights to the readers, in particular students and practitioners, the relevant analysis of the requirements of practicing the audit function in the UAE.
A consideration of the impact of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (1990) and the Insurance Act (2003) on the board of insurance companies in Nigeria. Part 1
Authors: Ogbuozobe Fidelis
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper (which is Part 1 of 2) seeks to explore the development and implementation of good corporate governance in the financial services industry in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reflects upon the identification of current problems and official legislative responses in Nigeria and tests the policy and theory against actual responses and practices.

Findings

With the collapse of such mega companies as Enron in the USA and the near‐collapse symptoms observed in such a relatively big company as Cadbury Nigeria, such research as this, on the issue of compliance or otherwise with corporate governance practices by organizations, could not have been undertaken at a more appropriate time than now. Considering the ever‐increasing scope and complexity of the subject, which cannot be covered by a single project, the particular focus here is on the impact of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (1990) and the Insurance Act (2003) on the Boards of insurance companies in Nigeria. In other words, do the said statutes contain sufficient provisions and sanctions to ensure effective performance by Boards of insurance companies in Nigeria?

Originality/value

While this research paper may not claim to fill this gap completely, it is hoped that it will create sufficient awareness to serve as a springboard for effective entrenchment and enforcement of corporate governance practices in the Nigerian financial services industry (including insurance) in particular and the economy in general.
Legal analysis of Agency Theory: an inquiry into the nature of corporation
Authors: Zubair Abbasi Muhammad
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Agency Theory in order to understand the true nature of the corporation by determining the respective roles of shareholders and directors/managers within a corporation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares the economists' depiction of the firm with the legal conception of the corporation. It then analyses the legal concept of ownership and proves that the shareholders are the owners of their shares only and not of the corporation which is a separate legal person. The theories of corporation and relevant case law are also analysed.

Findings

The analysis reveals that currently there are two distinct models of the corporation. The economists view a firm in terms of a nexus of contracts like a partnership where shareholders are the owners of the firm and the directors/managers are their agents. The law, on the other hand, regards the corporation as a separate legal entity with rights and liabilities of a natural person that is not subject to ownership. This doctrine of legal personality is the grund norm of corporate law from which other principles like limited liability, perpetual succession, transferability of shares and independent board are derived. However, both economic and legal models converge upon the purpose of corporation i.e. maximization of shareholders value.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the distinction between economic and legal models of the firm. It points out that from a legal perspective, neither the shareholders are the principals nor the managers are their agents as proposed by the Agency Theory. The economists assume conflict of interests between the shareholders and directors and devise mechanisms to reduce agency costs. Law, on the other hand, determines manifestly the rights and liabilities of each participant in corporate structure. The directors owe their duties to the corporation and manage it without interference from the shareholders. Such arrangement is a product of historical process and qualifies a corporation as a sui generis form of business organization.
Reviewing the European excellence model from a management control view
Authors: Mi Dahlgaard‐Park Su
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and identify the dominating paradigms within management control theories in order to investigate adoptability of the European excellence model (EEM) as an alternative management control model or a framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has conceptual character based on a literature survey.

Findings

The six dominating paradigms are identified within management control theories and based on the analysis it is concluded that EEM can be adapted as a management control model if its limitations are supplemented with other ideas or frameworks.

Originality/value

This is the first study which investigates adaptability and adoptability of EEM as a management control model.
What does ethical behaviour mean in management activities?
Authors: Baccarani Claudio
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revaluate the concept of ethics in management activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a literature analysis and case study.

Findings

From previous research, it has been inferred that the practice of ethics in management assures the vitality and the competitiveness of the firm. But during the last years, the word ethics has been used to explain too many situations, as a magic word, useful to solve any kind of problem. This excessive use has turn ethics into a word “full of emptiness” and now people try not to use it any more. On the contrary, it is believed that ethics is a fundamental concept in management, even though people often ascribe different meanings to this word.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is the start up stage of this new approach.

Originality/value

On the basis of a recent work developed in an Italian firm, the paper answers the following questions: What does ethics really mean in management activity? How can management turn this concept into a concrete tool to action? What is the strategic profile of this “path”, looking for organizational excellence?
Implementing Six Sigma via TQM improvement: an empirical study in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Jung‐Lang
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to review the related literature on TQM and Six Sigma, and then to construct and explore the conceptual framework via an empirical study. Discussions follow on the conceptual framework, and there is a case study on the experience of Kinpo Electronics (KE) company in Taiwan implementing Six Sigma via TQM improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of the research is to examine the relationship between TQM and Six Sigma. To achieve this, the paper conducted a conceptual framework with six improvement factors “system”, “product”, “control”, “training”, “technical”, and “assessment”. The six factors are considered in detail in a discussion of the case of KE Company with regard to its implementing Six Sigma via TQM improvement.

Findings

The results of using TQM improvement activities to implement Six Sigma may be divided into two main paradigm shifts, namely transfer and adjustment. “Transfer” means the requirements for macro change in implementing Six Sigma via TQM improvement, and “adjustment” refers to the micro changes undertaken in moving from TQM toward Six Sigma.

Practical implications

According to KE's experience in Taiwan, TQM is a prime component of Six Sigma, and KE added a Six Sigma program to its existing business system which used almost all of the elements of TQM. The formula is KE's current business system+Six Sigma = TQM. Based on this, TQM remains important and prevalent in modern industry.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is that TQM is the fundamental basis of Six Sigma. The new quality management system is integrating TQM's activities with the Six Sigma approach to gain a new competitive advantage.
Performance measurement by TQM adopters
Authors: Kumar V. , De Grosbois D. , Choisne F. , Kumar U.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Organizations wishing to implement TQM face unavoidable profound changes in performance measurement and are in need of guidance and better understanding of the role of different performance measurement methods and systems. The objective of this paper is therefore to provide guidance for future TQM adopters through investigation of existing practices implemented by a group of finalists in the total quality category of Canada Awards for Business Excellence. Especially the usage and perceived appropriateness of different methods are of interest.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of finalists in the total quality category of Canada Awards for Business Excellence was surveyed. The data were collected either through in‐depth personal interviews or by mail/phone using a questionnaire. Next, descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. T‐statistic tests were performed in order to determine the significance of the results.

Findings

Regarding the extent of use and appropriateness of the traditional and TQM‐related performance measures (PMs) and systems/methods (PMS) found in TQM environment, the findings reported that PMs and PMS, used and considered appropriate by TQM adopters, are predominantly process‐oriented (process sequence flow charts, Pareto chart, cause and effect diagram), long‐term‐oriented (market research/customer survey, percentage of sales from new products and absolute market share), and customer‐oriented (number of complaints, percentage on‐time delivery, overall customer satisfaction).

Research limitations/implications

The small sample limited exclusively to finalists in the total quality category of Canada Awards for Business Excellence may be a limitation.

Practical implications

This research provides guidance for companies considering implementation of TQM or in the process of adopting TQM with regard to the design of a performance measurement system that would support their TQM efforts successfully.

Originality/value

This research is looking at extent of use of performance measures and methods and at their perceived appropriateness by TQM adopters at the same time. Thanks to this approach it provides valuable insights into performance measurement in TQM both for academics and for practitioners.
Promoting excellence
Authors: Grigg Nigel , Mann Robin
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to share findings from a major international study, focusing on how custodians of business excellence (BE) frameworks promote and create awareness of frameworks at the national level.

Design/methodology/approach

The project was commissioned by the present custodians of the Australian Business Excellence Framework (ABEF), with the objectives of enhancing the ABEF and increasing its usage within Australia. The methodology consisted of a literature review, three surveys, a series of focus groups and key informant interviews. The study involved input from 16 countries world‐wide.

Findings

Awareness of the ABEF is lower than was previously estimated in Australia, with under 10 per cent of randomly sampled organisations being aware of the model. ABEF evaluators perceived the methods of promoting the ABEF to be relatively ineffective. World‐wide, custodians of BE models reported that awareness of BE had generally increased in their country in the last three years. Based on an international survey, various examples of good promotional practice from model custodians world‐wide are reported.

Research limitations/implications

The primary focus is on the Australian context, although the findings draw on a range of international sources and hence are of relevance to all BEF custodians.

Practical implications

The findings from the project were used to redesign the ABEF, and are expected to help inform national business excellence strategies world‐wide.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to focus on how a BEF custodian can and should create national awareness of a BE framework.
Kansei/affective engineering design
Authors: Dahlgaard Jens J. , Schütte Simon , Ayas Ebru , Mi Dahlgaard‐Park Su
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present and discuss theKanseiengineering (KE) methodology, and to reflect on the future development of KE. The paper presents a model of the KE methodology and illustrates how this model was applied on a simple example which all may understand – design of a new chocolate bar.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is a combination of desk research (literature analysis), data collection, data analysis, reflections and model building.

Findings

The paper suggests a structural model as a possible expanded framework for futureKansei/affective engineering research studies. According to the model profound affection is a result of the following six enabler factors: sensing experience; emotional experiences (Kansei); behavioural experiences/action; social experiences/interactions and relations; spiritual experiences/moral, ethics; intellectual experiences/cognition.

Originality/value

The paper defines “Profound affection” as a very comprehensive state, which is a result of a combination of sensing, intellectual/cognitive, emotional, social, behavioural and spiritual experiences. “Profound affection” is not only a result of sensing or emotional experiences.
Customer experience management
Authors: Nagasawa Shin'ya
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the relationships and the meaning of the customer experience management approach, which involves manufacturing and fabrication influenced by human kansei with respect to the management of technology (MOT).

Design/methodology/approach

Four cases of experience value creation from earlier work are presented. An interview was held with the product manager of each product or CEO of each company. According to the interview, the paper analyses experience values of four cases based on the five modules.

Findings

As a result of analyzing INAX “SATIS”, NISSAN “X‐TRAIL”, Canvas Bag by “Ichizawa Hampu” and Albirex Niigata from the viewpoint of the creation of customer experiences, it was found that each of them has high standards for all values of SENSE, FEEL, THINK, ACT and RELATE, meaning that they are like an ensemble of customer experiences. They create not only functional benefit but also customer experiences by the MOT approach.

Originality/value

This paper explains the relationships and the meaning of the customer experience management approach, which involves manufacturing and fabrication influenced by human kansei with respect to the Management of Technology (MOT) and will be of interest to those involved in that field.
Kansei engineering approach for total quality design and continuous innovation
Authors: Lanzotti Antonio , Tarantino Pietro
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper aims at defining a structured process of continuous innovation in the product concept development phase by a statistical‐based Kansei engineering (KE) approach. It consists in the identification of quality elements satisfying both functional and emotional user needs, i.e. the total quality elements.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is developed integrating results from Kano and KE analysis. Three statistical methods considered to be suitable for KE study, are used: supersaturated design for concept configuration, ordinal logistic regression for data analysis, and EVA method for quality evaluation of the optimal concept. These methods are compared with the most used ones in KE regarding their efficacy, efficiency and easiness of use. An innovative procedure to exhibit concepts in a KE session is also presented. It uses the abstraction and association idea principles to elicit users' grade of agreement for a particular Kansei word.

Findings

The proposed approach is fully exploited through a case study on train interior design, developed in a virtual reality (VR) laboratory. The evaluation of comfort improvements obtained by means of a new handle and handrail design is carried on with expert users in VR. A consistent increase of a quality index, by using the defined approach, was obtained.

Originality/value

This work aims at contributing to the conception of new product solutions, which are appealing and saleable. The availability of virtual reality technologies and software capable to manage complex statistical analyses, will concretely aid designers and engineers in the ideation of high‐emotional‐quality products, which can be helpful for innovative enterprises to maintain and even increase their market position.
Effect of smartphone aesthetic design on users' emotional reaction
Authors: Nanda Parul , Bos Jeff , Kramer Kem‐Laurin , Hay Catharine , Ignacz Jennifer
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper discusses the impact of aesthetic design of smartphones on users' emotional reactions and preferences towards the product. To this end, the paper presents a study that explores emotional reaction of males to varying aesthetic design of the BlackBerry and empirically evaluates their preferences for the BlackBerry in different colours and overlay patterns. The paper then presents the statistical results of the study in an innovative graphical representation.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative and qualitative research design was used, including three types of data‐collection instruments (direct observations, rating scales, and interviews) to investigate if males have a stronger positive emotional reaction for visually treated BlackBerry Pearl devices over the original treatment (piano black) of the BlackBerry Pearl. A one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out with an independent within subjects variable “Pattern” with ten different levels (i.e. ten different visual treatments).

Findings

The study indicates that varying the aesthetic design of the BlackBerry Pearl has an impact on emotional reaction of males. However, it was found that males in this population sample prefer the original, piano black treatment of the BlackBerry Pearl over the visually treated versions of the smartphone. Participants reported significantly higher scores for the original treatment of the smartphone, piano black (mean=5.5) than for other visual treatments such as skittles (mean=2.8).

Originality/value

The paper gives an insight the mobile phone industry and the effect that phones have had on people, who see them as a fashion accessory, as well as a communicating tool.
Multi‐modal visual experience of brand‐specific automobile design
Authors: Warell Anders
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper presents a questionnaire study of brand‐specific perceptions of automotive design using subjective rating methods. The purpose of the paper is to explore the multiple modalities of the visual product experience of automobile design as perceived by the general public. Furthermore, the experiences were analysed using a framework for visual product experience (VPE).

Design/methodology/approach

Respondents were asked to assess the design of two car models at an international car show in relation to brand perceptions and visually perceived attributes using, among other tools, visual analogue scales. Analysis was done using a qualitative technique.

Findings

Results from the study indicate that there is a correlation/relation between experiential modes, in that respondents tended to rate attributes consistently high or low across modes. This implies that if the aesthetics are not perceived as favourable, neither is the expression of the car. Furthermore, respondents' assessments of aesthetic appeal and expression are on an average strikingly similar, suggesting that the level of aesthetic appeal correlates with the level of semantic understanding of the design. The general rating of emotional response follows a similar consistent pattern for the two studied cars.

Originality/value

Study approach as a way to gain insights into subjective perceptions of products based on appreciation and interpretation of visual product form. VPE framework recognising, mapping and clarifying the multiple modes of the visual experience.