bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hedonic and utilitarian shopping motivations among Portuguese young adult consumers
Authors: Ribeiro Cardoso Paulo , Carvalho Pinto Sara
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the main factors that explained the shopping motivations among Portuguese consumers and to categorize possible groups based on those dimensions. The paper also intends to confirm the results obtained in previous studies carried out in the USA, applying their measure instruments to a sample of young adult Portuguese consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed a quantitative analysis by means of a personal survey using a sample of Portuguese undergraduate students. Principal axis factoring and cluster analysis were carried out to identify main dimensions in shopping motivations and categorize shopper groups.

Findings

The paper identifies seven shopping dimensions: “Pleasure and gratification shopping”, “Idea Shopping”, “Social Shopping”, “Role shopping”, “Value Shopping”, “Achievement” and “Efficiency”. Based on these factors, the paper finds five groups of consumers: “Social shopper”, “Dynamic Shopper”, “Pragmatic Shopper”, “Moderate shopper” and “Involved Shopper”. The findings on the whole confirm the results obtained in previous studies carried out in the USA. This fact contributes to the validation of this motivations framework showing its application on different contexts.

Practical implications

The paper may contribute to the knowledge of the South European consumer, and states some implications for the international retail chains that work, or intend to work, in this region. Based on the shopper groups, the paper suggests some marketing communication strategies and tactics for retailers.

Originality/value

The results confirm the results obtained in the USA by Arnold and Reynolds and Kim. These findings demonstrate the international applicability of those authors' scales. The paper also proposes a new Portuguese young adult consumer profile based on hedonistic and utilitarian shopping motivations.
How much does labour turnover cost?
Authors: Davidson Michael C.G. , Timo Nils , Wang Ying
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Employee turnover is a significant challenge for human resource management (HRM) strategies and organisational performance. This study seeks to present findings drawn from an extensive survey of labour turnover in the Australian accommodation sector. A particular focus is placed on turnover rates and costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on labour turnover literature and an industry panel, an online survey was designed and distributed to four‐ and five‐star hotels across Australia. Human resource managers from 64 hotels participated in the survey, providing a representative sample and a response rate of 29 percent.

Findings

The research shows that the major costs are attributed to labour turnover. These are costs that both the industry and individual operators should examine closely, as they impact substantially on hotel operating costs and profitability. It also indicates that the levels of service, consumer experience and value may be impacted.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is its main focus on tangible labour turnover costs. Additionally, findings based on four‐ and five‐star hotels may not apply to other accommodation sectors.

Originality/value

The literature on hotel labour and turnover costs is limited and the paper provides the first major study in the Australian context, adding new knowledge to one's understanding of labour turnover and cost impact on hotels. It also suggests areas where hotels may better address the turnover issue.
Career management systems: what are China's state‐owned hotels practising?
Authors: Kong Haiyan , Cheung Catherine , Qiu Zhang Hanqin
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the current situation of career management in China's state‐owned hotels and to delve into employees' perceptions of such activities.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain a comprehensive view of the career management situation, three qualitative research methods were applied in the study, namely, case study, focus groups, and in‐depth interviews. The results were combined to provide a better insight into career management activities in China and employees' perceptions of these activities. Based on the data collected, career management practices in China's hotel industry are grouped into four dimensions: assessment tools, career development information, professional training, and promotion system.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that not all Western career management activities are being practised in China's hotels. The results of the qualitative research methods also reveal several career management techniques with Chinese characteristics. Although career management plays an important role in human resources management, there is a gap between hotel career management and employees' career needs. To obtain the best result, it is necessary to find a match between the requirements of the hotel and the aspirations of the individual employee.

Practical implications

Based on the data collected, recommendations and directions on career management practices are established and given to state‐owned hotels management. By developing the four dimensions of career management activities, the paper generates important references and suggestions for further study in the area of employees' career development.

Originality/value

For both hotel operators and hotel employees, the paper is the first attempt to provide comprehensive information concerning China's hotel career management. The development of the four career management dimensions may serve as a basis for future study.
“One size doesn't fit all”
Authors: King Ceridwyn
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of internal brand management (IBM) practices on tourism and hospitality employees' ability to demonstrate brand supportive behaviours. A model, which includes brand knowledge dissemination, role clarity, brand commitment and brand supportive behaviour is proposed. To provide further insight, the study seeks to examine the impact that hierarchical roles have on employees' responses.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research methodology was adopted, resulting in the development of a self‐administered online survey instrument. Using a national database of service employees, respondents were invited to participate in the online survey, resulting in the completion of 137 surveys.

Findings

While all paths were significant in the overall model, differences were found when comparing front line and management models. Overall, brand commitment played a more significant role in the front line model, whereas role clarity was not shown to be significant in the management model with respect to influencing brand supportive behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that the tourism and hospitality employee market is not homogeneous. IBM has a positive effect on all employees but it is what they choose to do with that information that differs. Managers should endeavour to develop brand‐committed front‐line employees, while the management employees should be encouraged to apply their brand knowledge, thereby “leading by example”.

Originality/value

An IBM strategy should be paramount in the tourism and hospitality industry, given the critical role the employee provides to a guest's overall experience and assessment of the brand. The study empirically validates the effects of IBM, identifying differences in responses based on hierarchical position, which has ramifications for practitioners and academics in developing best practice.
How determinant attributes of service quality influence customer‐perceived value
Authors: Chen Po‐Tsang , Hu Hsin‐Hui
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate empirically how the determinant attributes of coffee quality, service, food and beverage, and extra benefits influenced customer‐perceived value in the coffee outlet industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐administrated questionnaire was distributed to 834 respondents from chain and independent coffee outlets for the study. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify which factors of determinant attributes of service quality influenced customer‐perceived value.

Findings

The study found that factors of determinant attributes of service quality significantly influenced functional and symbolic dimensions of perceived value with the former being related with coffee quality, service, and food and beverage, whereas the latter is positively related with coffee quality, food and beverage, and extra benefits.

Practical implications

The paper bears significant theoretical and practical results. Theoretically, determinant attributes of service quality can enhance not only functional value but also symbolic value, ignored in previous value‐based research. It is believed that perceived value should be considered as a base in designing determinant attributes of service quality. Practically, it is imperative for marketers to gain a thorough understanding of the consumption experience of their customers by enhancing value perceptions in terms of determinant attributes of service quality.

Originality/value

The study challenges the existing literature by identifying how customers perceived function and symbolic values based on determinant attributes of service quality offered in the coffee outlet industry.
China's second‐tier cities as exhibition destinations
Authors: Jin Xin , Bauer Thomas , Weber Karin
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the exhibition industry in China and to report on an exploratory study of 306 exhibitors and visitors to a trade exhibition in Guangzhou, China, which examined decision‐making factors that influence the visitors and exhibitors in exhibition‐participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research took a quantitative approach by conducting a survey at the Guangzhou International Beauty & Cosmetic Import‐Export Expo in late March 2008. A total of 306 valid responses were obtained. Descriptive analysis and factor analysis were conducted using SPSS 12.0.

Findings

Study findings indicate five categories of factors that influence exhibition‐participation. Promising second‐tier cities as exhibition destinations are also identified and discussed.

Originality/value

A contribution of the study is exploring whether participants attach importance to destination attributes when they consider attending an exhibition. It also investigated, for the first time, exhibitors' and visitors' preferences for 15 second‐tier cities in China as exhibition destinations.
Nutritional labelling in restaurants
Authors: Alexander Matthew , O'Gorman Kevin , Wood Kati
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore consumer attitudes towards the potential implementation of compulsory nutritional labelling on commercial restaurant menus in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was approached from the perspective of the consumer with the intention of gaining an insight into personal attitudes towards nutritional labelling on commercial restaurant menus and three focus groups were conducted consisting of participants with distinctly differing approaches to eating outside the home.

Findings

The research suggests that, while some consumers might welcome the introduction of nutritional labelling, it is context‐dependent and without an appropriate education the information provided may not be understood anyway. The issue of responsibility for public health is unresolved, although some effort could be made to provide greater nutritional balance in menus.

Research limitations/implications

Following this research with a quantitative investigation, the ideas presented could be verified with the opinions of a larger sample. For example, a study into the reactions to nutritionally labelled menus in various restaurant environments.

Practical implications

Consumers would react differently if this information were to be presented in a fine‐dining restaurant rather than in a popular catering or fast food scenario. The obstacles faced by restaurants to provide not only nutritional information, but also attractive, nutritious food are significant.

Originality/value

Prior to the research there were few, if any, studies into the effects of food labelling on consumer choice behaviour in the context of hospitality management.
Effects of heat transfer on the strength of shock waves emitted upon spherical bubble collapse
Authors: Mahdi Miralam , Shams Mehrzad , Ebrahimi Reza
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study numerically the effects of heat transfer on the strength of shock waves emitted upon spherical bubble collapse.

Design/methodology/approach

The motion of bubble under ultrasound is predicted by solutions of the Navier‐Stokes equations for the gas inside a spherical bubble. The Gilmore model and the method of characteristics are used to model the shock wave emitted at the end of the bubble collapse.

Findings

The theory permits one to predict correctly the bubble radius‐time curve and the characteristics of shock wave in sulphuric acid solution. These simulations indicated that the heat transfer inside the bubble and the liquid layer plays a major role in the bubble behaviour and the strength of the shock waves. Also, the developed numerical scheme is checked for different gas bubble like air, Argon and Xenon. It is observed that the gas thermal conductivity plays an important role in the shock wave strength. A good agreement is observed by comparison of the results with the experimental data.

Originality/value

The effect of heat transfer on the emitted shock wave strength has not been studied previously. In this paper, a numerical scheme is developed to consider heat transfer on the shock. Also, this simulation is checked for different gas conductivities.
Mixed convection flow over a vertical power‐law stretching sheet
Authors: Patil P.M. , Roy S. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider steady two‐dimensional mixed convection flow along a vertical semi‐infinite power‐law stretching sheet. The velocity and temperature of the sheet are assumed to vary in a power‐law form.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is formulated in terms of non‐similar equations. These equations are solved numerically by an efficient implicit, iterative, finite‐difference method in combination with a quasi‐linearization technique.

Findings

It was found that the skin‐friction coefficient increased with the ratio of free‐stream velocity to the composite reference velocity and the buoyancy parameter while it decreased with exponent parameter. The heat transfer rate increased with the Prandtl number, buoyancy parameter and the exponent parameter.

Practical implications

A very useful source of information for researchers on the subject of convective flow over stretching sheets.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates mixed convective flow over a power‐law stretched surface with variable wall temperature.
An agile and diversified supply chain: reducing operational risks
Authors: Liu Shuguang , Lin Jun , Hayes Karen A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Recent trends of outsourcing in global competition make the firms vulnerable to operational risks. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how firms implement supply chain strategies to reduce operational risks, especially risk exposure involving catastrophic events.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawn on risk management and supply chain research, the concepts of operational risk and the underlying demand and supply uncertainties are delineated. Then, based on literature review and numerical demonstrations, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of supply chain strategies in reducing operational risks. The paper examines the benefit of these strategies and illustrate how to setup risk pooling and dual sourcing programs.

Findings

Employing the strategies of risk pooling and dual sourcing, an agile and diversified supply chain can be built to cope with the demand or supply uncertainties and in turn reduce the operational risks.

Practical implications

Leaders in any organization should consider operational and supply risk critically when planning their competitive strategy. They could foster creative solutions in supply chain strategies and essentially enhance competitiveness.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the tension between outsourcing trend in pursuit of competitive advantage and risk exposure to catastrophic events. This paper fulfils a practical need for better understanding of how supply chain strategies could be implemented to reduce operational risks.
Individual profiles as predictors of expatriate effectiveness
Authors: Downes Meredith , Varner Iris I. , Hemmasi Masoud
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the relationship between expatriate personality and effectiveness on overseas assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 118 expatriates who were currently on assignments overseas or had been on an assignment in the past.

Findings

Results of multiple regression analysis show expatriate personality traits to be significant predictors of two of the effectiveness measured used. Extraversion, emotional stability, and openness have a significant, positive impact on expatriate adjustment, and agreeableness is significant and positively associate with expatriate job performance.

Practical implications

Organizations may be well‐served to consider expatriate personality as an important criterion for selection for overseas assignments, as successful assignments reflect on the organization in a number of ways and thus contribute to the company's global competitiveness.

Originality/value

Extant research on the connection between expatriate personality and effectiveness has been limited, relies on expatriate or supervisor perceptions of which traits they believe are important to success, and has been inconsistent in measuring the effectiveness construct. This paper directly assesses personality and employs multiple dimensions of effectiveness, thus contributing to the understanding of this relationship.
Cycles of poverty and consumption: the sustainability dilemma
Authors: Farias Christine , Farias Gerard
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the dilemma of global sustainable economic development and poverty alleviation in the context of the environmental concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recently published literature focusing on the bottom of the pyramid (BoP) is reviewed. The arguments that are in favor and against the notion of poor being a “market” are examined. The implications of increased consumption by the poor even while the developed countries maintain their levels of consumption are discussed.

Findings

This paper argues that current levels of consumption by the developed world is not sustainable even as the world's poor begin to consume more to maintain a reasonable standard of living. New business models and models for sustainable development are called for.

Research limitations/implications

Sustainable development is an extremely complex issue and it is impossible to address this complexity in a single article.

Practical implications

The paper challenges businesses to develop new business models that have more stringent constraints imposed on them.

Originality/value

This paper challenges the current norm of unbridled growth. The paper calls for academicians and practitioners to develop new models.
The enterprise perspective: a new mind‐set for competitiveness and sustainability
Authors: Harris Drew L. , Twomey Daniel F.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purposr of this paper is to introduce a new perspective on the organization's role, purpose, and relationships, both within and among organizations, that holds the promise of more ecologically sustainable and economically competitive business practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes critiques of the current corporate perspective of organizations and builds upon Roome's framework for sustainable management to articulate a new model for organizational relationships that engage value‐chain members in an enterprise‐based competitiveness model. The paper offers examples to illustrate the potential of the new model.

Findings

The new model requires a shift in the mind‐set of executives and major shareholders, but that shift holds the theoretical potential to improve long‐term competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

Practical implications

The enterprise perspective model (EPM) holds the promise of improving competitive strength for firms and reducing negative environmental impacts from their operations. Executives who have embraced this model also find renewed energy and sense of purpose in their work.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the EPM and provides a framework for thinking about the assumptions and practices that need to change to move from the corporation perspective model to the EPM. The paper raises important research questions about implementing the EPM.
Socioeconomy of innovation and entrepreneurship in a cluster of SMEs in emerging economies
Authors: Islam Faheem
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to profile the socio‐economy of an internationally competitive textile industry cluster of small and medium‐sized enterprises in the Faisalabad region of Pakistan and present how the agglomeration has helped the small enterprises to overcome growth constraints and supported them to compete nationally and abroad.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on secondary data, semi‐structured interviews, and questionnaire survey including 267 enterprises. Top managers of small, medium, and large sized enterprises answered the questions. Mixed methods of inquiry and concurrent triangulation approach is used to corroborate and analyze the data.

Findings

The paper presents how the agglomeration has allowed the constituent small and medium sized firms to benefit from various forms of market and nonmarket spillovers, which, in turn, has raised local endogenous innovation and productivity growth.

Originality/value

The paper presents significant new insights for policy makers, practitioners, educators, and researchers into the socio‐economy of agglomerated small and medium sized firms in the context of an emerging economy.
An analysis of marketing programmes adopted by regional small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Parrott Guy , Azam Roomi Muhammad , Holliman David
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create an understanding of the true nature of contemporary SME marketing activities. While acknowledging operational constraints, the paper aims to hypothesize that, if effective marketing planning was employed, this would improve the long‐term growth of small to medium‐sized enterprises. The paper seeks to assess the implications current practices may have on the long‐term survival of enterprises and to identify significant SME marketing development and training needs.

Design/methodology/approach

A marketing audit approach yielded data from the collation of 125 completed online questionnaires within the East of England region. Statistical analysis using SPSS was applied to produce an in‐depth quantitative analysis of these data. In addition, qualitative data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews of some 20 owner‐managers. These responses were further inductively analysed and interpreted.

Findings

Data analysis demonstrated a significant disparity between their perceived marketing effectiveness compared with their actual practices recorded at interview. Significantly, they failed to understand why campaigns did not yield results, as they routinely did not employ appropriate controls and procedures. SMEs believed that they were fully cognisant of the effectiveness of their marketing activity, through further exploration; evidence revealed that they failed to employ sufficient review procedures, and in the extreme cases these procedures were non‐existent. A direct correlation was also witnessed between company size and the application of effective marketing planning. Larger enterprises demonstrated a greater awareness of strategic marketing competence.

Originality/value

Their ability to understand their marketplace and to become truly competitive relies on SMEs developing a deeper understanding of their current marketing decision‐making processes through the systematic adoption of more robust strategic procedures. In summary, there is an observable difference between marketing activities conducted by SMEs and best practice defined in academic theory.
Is there a relationship between information technology adoption and human resource management?
Authors: Carroll Wendy R. , Wagar Terry H.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the adoption of information technology is associated with human resource management and organizational restructuring.

Design/methodology/approach

SMEs in Nova Scotia were visited and complete data from 130 firms were obtained.

Findings

The rate of IT adoption varies noticeably among SMEs in Nova Scotia, with less than 10 per cent being high adopters. IT adoption was strongly associated with employer size, organizational restructuring and investment in human resource management.

Research limitations/implications

The data are cross‐sectional and the generalizability of the results may be limited. While it was found that HRM and IT were strongly related, it was whether they are associated with higher employer performance was not examined.

Practical implications

The results suggest that IT may play a role in enhancing the human resource function.

Originality/value

There has been little research exploring the link between HRM and IT adoption, particularly among small firms. This paper fills some of the gaps.
Financing entrepreneurship in different regions
Authors: Berggren Björn , Silver Lars
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the financial search behaviour of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in different regions and the perceived importance of different external financiers for these firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A postal survey targeting the chief executive officers (CEOs) of 459 SMEs was distributed in different regions of Sweden.

Findings

Large differences exist in the financial search behaviour exhibited by firms in the four different types of regions. In the metropolitan areas, firms are more active in searching for new owners, especially professional investors. In smaller municipalities, banks dominate as the most important financier.

Research limitations/implications

The study might not be generalised for other settings because it was carried out in Sweden. Furthermore, the regional types used might cause some concern as to whether the findings can be generalised.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence that policies need to be tailor‐made for different regions because the predominant type of financier differs greatly between regions. The findings also emphasise the need for policymakers to focus on equity gap issues in regional centres.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils an important role in elaborating on the use and importance of different types of financing in various regions.
Meeting entrepreneurs' support needs: are assistance programs effective?
Authors: Yusuf Juita‐Elena
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This study sets out to examine the effectiveness of US start‐up assistance programs in meeting support needs of nascent entrepreneurs. It also aims to address whether (in)effectiveness influences entrepreneurs' perceptions of the value of the support provided by assistance programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the US Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics, the research answers three questions: What are the nascent entrepreneurs' support needs? What assistance do entrepreneurs receive from assistance programs? How do entrepreneurs value the assistance? These are used to determine: effectiveness of assistance programs, defined as the extent to which assistance provided addresses entrepreneurs' support needs; and the impact of effectiveness on perceived value of the assistance.

Findings

Assistance programs were effective in addressing the entrepreneur's support needs 26 percent of the time. However, entrepreneurs continued to perceive the support as being valuable, regardless of the lack of effectiveness. A likely explanation is that there is a mismatch between entrepreneurs' latent and expressed needs.

Practical implications

Three implications are: more effort may be needed to assist entrepreneurs in identifying their latent needs; effectiveness as defined in the study may not be the most appropriate approach; policymakers and program administrators should focus on making sure that the “right” entrepreneurial needs are being met.

Originality/value

In contrast with other studies that focus on entrepreneurs' satisfaction, the research measures assistance program effectiveness from the perspective of meeting entrepreneurs' support needs. Whether support services meet the needs of the entrepreneur could be a precursor to satisfaction, so this dimension of effectiveness should be examined.
Developing environmental supply chain performance measures
Authors: Shaw Sarah , Grant David B. , Mangan John
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review extant literature and present a proposed research agenda to examine whether environmental, i.e. green performance measures, can be integrated within an existing supply chain performance framework, explore what a meaningful industry‐recognised environmental measure should look like, and understand the direct benefits of incorporating environmental measures within a supply chain performance framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an extensive literature review in four key areas: performance management, supply chain performance management, environmental management and benchmarking.

Findings

The literature suggests there is an opportunity to explore the relationship between the environment and logistics and that environmental supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) should enable organisations to more effectively benchmark their supply chain environmental performance. A framework incorporating these notions and a research agenda for empirical study are also presented.

Practical implications

The paper provides direction for practitioners on measuring the environmental impact of their supply chains in the context of their overall business performance. The proposed research agenda integrates an environmental measure into an extant supply chain performance framework to provide practitioners with a more holistic view of their supply chain performance in relation to competitors.

Originality/value

There has been limited research conducted in this area. This paper provides insights into developing a green SCPM framework.
Green operations initiatives in the automotive industry
Authors: Nunes Breno , Bennett David
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on investigating and benchmarking green operations initiatives in the automotive industry documented in the environmental reports of selected companies. The investigation roadmaps the main environmental initiatives taken by the world's three major car manufacturers and benchmarks them against each other. The categorisation of green operations initiatives that is provided in the paper can also help companies in other sectors to evaluate their green practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper is based on existing literature on the topic of green and sustainable operations and the “unsustainable” context of automotive production. The second part relates to the roadmap and benchmarking of green operations initiatives based on an analysis of secondary data from the automotive industry.

Findings

The findings show that the world's three major car manufacturers are pursuing various environmental initiatives involving the following green operations practices: green buildings, eco‐design, green supply chains, green manufacturing, reverse logistics and innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this paper start from its selection of the companies, which was made using production volume and country of origin as the principal criteria. There is ample evidence that other, smaller, companies are pursuing more sophisticated and original environmental initiatives. Also, there might be a gap between what companies say they do in their environmental reports and what they actually do.

Practical implications

This paper helps practitioners in the automotive industry to benchmark themselves against the major volume manufacturers in three different continents. Practitioners from other industries will also find it valuable to discover how the automotive industry is pursuing environmental initiatives beyond manufacturing, apart from the green operations practices covering broadly all the activities of operations function.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is in its up‐to‐date analysis of environmental reports of automotive companies. The paper offers value for researchers and practitioners due to its contribution to the green operations literature. For instance, the inclusion of green buildings as part of green operations practices has so far been neglected by most researchers and authors in the field of green and sustainable operations.
Benchmarking for sustainability: an application to the sustainable construction industry
Authors: Presley Adrien , Meade Laura
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology and framework to assist construction firms and contractors in incorporating sustainability measures into their benchmarking efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodology that incorporates both strategic and activity‐based criteria for identifying areas for benchmarking is developed by modifying an existing methodology of enterprise performance management. The benchmarking framework makes use of aspects from well‐established management practices such as activity‐based management, balanced scorecard, and multi‐attribute decision models. It allows for the integration of sustainability measures into more conventional measures of construction practice.

Findings

The paper finds that activity and strategic metrics can be integrated into a framework for benchmarking. Additionally, metrics specific to sustainability can be incorporated with more traditional measures to provide a holistic analysis of construction practices.

Practical implications

The framework for sustainable construction is useful for benchmarking. It provides a generic structure, which allows for flexibility when applied to a specific organization. The methodology and model, while geared toward the construction industry, can be easily adapted to other industries.

Originality/value

The paper presents a framework for benchmarking in the important area of sustainability within the construction industry. The framework represents a novel integration of activity and strategic analysis into the benchmarking process.
Audit tenure and earnings surprise management
Authors: Jennifer Ho Li‐Chin , Liu Chao‐Shin , Schaefer Thomas
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relation between audit tenure and how clients manage the annual earnings surprise.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 5,029 firm‐year observations from 1996 to 2003 were employed to examine whether audit tenure is negatively related to the incidence of accrual‐based‐upward earnings management to avoid negative earnings surprises; and whether audit tenure is positively related to the incidence of downward forecast guidance to avoid negative earnings surprises.

Findings

Empirical results indicate a substitution of downward forecast guidance for upward earnings management as audit tenure lengthens.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides evidence that, as the auditor‐client relationship lengthens over time, firms turn to downward forecast guidance as a substitute for upward earnings management. One possible limitation of the sample period involves the implementation of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002. Because of the increased financial reporting scrutiny on both management and auditors that accompanies SOX, it is likely that constraints on earnings misstatements increase after SOX. Any decrease in upward earnings management resulting from SOX would thus work against finding a relation between audit tenure and the substitution of downward forecast guidance to prevent negative earnings surprises.

Originality/value

This paper supports the notion that audit tenure affects firms' choices among various tactics in their attempts to avoid negative earnings surprises. The results also contribute to the ongoing debate on mandatory audit firm rotation by showing that audit quality increases with audit tenure.
The market mispricing of special items and accruals: one anomaly or two?
Authors: Atwood T.J. , Xie Hong
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the special items (SI) mispricing reported in Burgstahler et al. is distinct from the accruals (ACC) mispricing documented in Sloan.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs the control hedge‐portfolio test, non‐overlap hedge‐portfolio test, and regression analysis to determine whether the SI anomaly is distinct from the ACC anomaly. In addition, the Mishkin test is used to examine the impact of SI on the ACC anomaly.

Findings

This paper has four main findings. First, one‐year‐ahead abnormal returns to the special‐items‐based hedge portfolio are much diminished when holding ACC constant, whereas those to the ACC‐based hedge portfolio remain significantly positive when holding SI constant. Second, the special‐items‐based hedge portfolio loses much of its ability to earn future abnormal returns without the help of extreme ACC, whereas the ACC‐based hedge portfolio remains profitable without the help of extreme SI. Third, SI are no longer negatively associated with future abnormal returns after controlling for ACC, whereas ACC remain negatively associated with future abnormal returns after controlling for SI. Finally, SI affect the extent to which the market overprices ACC, with negative (positive) SI aggravating (alleviating) ACC overpricing.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to show that the SI anomaly is dependent on the ACC anomaly.
The performance of socially responsible mutual funds: a volatility‐match approach
Authors: Rodríguez Javier
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of a sample of socially responsible mutual funds (SRMFs) and a matched sample of conventional funds during the 1997‐2005 time period.

Design/methodology/approach

Risk‐adjusted performance is examined using several methodologies, including a measure that compares the performance of a fund with that of an efficient and volatility‐match benchmark portfolio.

Findings

On the basis of the raw returns, socially responsible funds performed better than some market indexes but this evidence of outperformance disappears once risk is incorporated into the analysis. Consistent with previous studies, no evidence was found of out performance by socially responsible funds. Also, the difference between the performance of SRMFs and conventional mutual funds is not statistically significant. This result is robust to the use of two additional measures of risk‐adjusted performance.

Originality/value

To measure risk‐adjusted performance, a measure first introduced by Graham and Harvey was employed. Similar to the Jensen's alpha of a single factor model, the Graham and Harvey measure evaluates fund performance relative to a volatility‐match benchmark but does not depend on a linear model specification and thus is free from the potential biases presented by linear models.
Level‐shifts and non‐linearity in US financial ratios
Authors: McMillan David G.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The recent unprecedented levels reached by financial ratios have led to a re‐examination of their time‐series properties, with evidence of long memory and nonlinearity reported. The purpose of this paper is to re‐examine the nature of these series in the light of potential time‐variation in the unconditional mean.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses econometric techniques designed to capture fractional integration, nonlinearity and time‐variation in the unconditional mean level of a series.

Findings

Reported results support such time‐variation, with cyclical behaviour evident in the unconditional mean of each ratio. Evidence of nonlinearity is still apparent in the mean‐adjusted series.

Research limitations/implications

A key result that arises is that accounting for this time‐variation appears to provide improved long horizon returns predictability.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that a nonlinear model incorporating a time‐varying mean improves returns predictability. This is of interest to market participants.
Risk exposure and corporate financial policy on the Ghana Stock Exchange
Authors: Bokpin Godfred A. , Aboagye Anthony Q.Q. , Osei Kofi A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which corporate managers alter their capital structure in response to risk exposures on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).

Design/methodology/approach

A panel data covering the period from 2002 to 2007 was employed under the framework of the seemingly unrelated regression approach.

Findings

The paper finds that the direction and magnitude of the impact of risk exposures depends on capital structure measurement variables; namely, financial leverage, debt ratio, or short‐term debt to equity. The paper also finds that corporate managers adjust their capital structure differently in response to different kinds of risk exposures namely business risk or financial risk. Specifically, operating risk, bankruptcy risk, and bankruptcy cost in addition to other firm level characteristics such as asset structure, firm size and profitability are found to be significant driving factors in shaping corporate financial policy on the GSE.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is to analyze the relationship between risk exposures and corporate financial policy from a developing country perspective.
E‐government adoption in Cambodia: a partial least squares approach
Authors: Sang Sinawong , Lee Jeong‐Dong , Lee Jongsu
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors influencing end‐user acceptance and use of government administration information system (GAIS).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual structural model of end‐user acceptance and use of the GAIS was developed with technology acceptance model as a theoretical background and tested using a structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS) approach on a data collected from a survey among 112 public officers in 12 ministries in Cambodia.

Findings

The results indicate that the factors influencing end‐user adoption of the GAIS are significantly affected by perceived usefulness, relative advantage, and trust. Perceived usefulness of the GAIS is directly affected by subjective norm, image, output quality, and perceived ease of use.

Practical implications

The results are of practical significance to all those interested in this area, mainly the government policy makers and practitioners in Cambodia's public services.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to investigate end‐user adoption of the GAIS. It is unique to Cambodia. It adds to the limited literature in e‐government in Cambodia. Simultaneously, the PLS approach use in this study is quite unique with government information system research. As such, it contributes to the methodology development in the government information system research field.
Improving decision making in healthcare services through the use of existing simulation modelling tools and new technologies
Authors: Katsaliaki Korina , Mustafee Navonil
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the viability of using distributed simulation to execute large and complex healthcare simulation models which help government take informed decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares the execution time of a standalone healthcare supply chain simulation with its distributed counterpart. Both the standalone and the distributed models are built using a commercial simulation package (CSP).

Findings

The results show that the execution time of the standalone healthcare supply chain simulation increases exponentially as the size and complexity of the system being modelled increases. On the other hand, using distributed simulation approach decreases the run time for large and complex models.

Research limitations/implications

The distributed approach of executing different parts of a single simulation model over different computers is only viable when the model: can be divided into logical parts and the exchange of information between these parts occurs at constant simulated time intervals; is sufficiently large and complicated, such that executing the model over a single processor is very time consuming.

Practical implications

Based on a feasibility study of the UK National Blood Service we demonstrate the effectiveness of distributed simulation and argue that it is a vital technique in healthcare informatics with respect to supporting decision making in large healthcare systems.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, this is the first feasibility study in healthcare which shows the outcome of modelling and executing a distributed simulation using unmodified CSPs and a software/middleware for distributed simulation.
Data protection issues pertaining to social networking under EU law
Authors: Kosta Eleni , Kalloniatis Christos , Mitrou Lilian , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the introduction of new communication channels facilitates interactive information sharing and collaboration between various actors over social networking services and how social networking fits in the existing European legal framework on data protection. The paper also aims to discuss some specific data protection issues, focusing on the role of the relevant actors, using the example of photo tagging.

Design/methodology/approach

Privacy in social networks is one of the main concerns for providers and users. This paper examines the role of the main actors in social networking, i.e. the providers and the users, scrutinised under the light of the European data protection legislation. Specifically, how social networking service providers deal with users' privacy and how users handle their personal information, if this manipulation is complied with the respective legislation and how “tagging”, one of the most familiar services provided by the social networking providers, may cause privacy risks.

Findings

Social networking is one of the most remarkable cultural phenomena that has blossomed in the Web 2.0 era. They enable the connection of users and they facilitate the exchange of information among them. However, the users reveal vast amounts of personal information over social networking services, without realising the privacy and security risks arising from their actions. The European data protection legislation could be used as a means for protecting the users against the unlawful processing of their personal information, although a number of problems arise regarding its applicability.

Originality/value

The paper discusses some privacy concerns involved in social networks and examines how social networking service providers and users deal with personal information with regard to the European data protection legislation.