bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compendious reflections on VINE's technology inquiries
Authors: Mohamed Mona A. , Mohamed Mirghani S.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to integrate and reflect on different ideas about the role of knowledge management (KM) technology that have been published in VINE. In effect, the paper seeks to relate, interpret, and synthesize various technology milestones discussed by various authors. It also aims to discusss the literature that describes technology as an “enabler”, but “not enough”.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses the role and the importance of technology as appeared in articles in VINE about technology within the last three years. Different ideas from different authors are compared and contrasted with the general trend in technology advances in the field of KM.

Findings

Because of the immaturity of KM technology there is still disagreement about its real role in the KM lifecycle. There is an obvious lack of standardization and generalization about the role of inter‐ and/or intra‐organization technology transfer today. Although technology has made a quantum leap in the proportionality of the expressed tacit knowledge, many investigators still believe that technology is no more than an enabler.

Practical implications

This paper provides useful information as a result of summary and augmentation of different opinions discussed in this journal about technologies in the last three years.

Originality/value

This paper provides information to researchers and practitioners who need to know about the practical recent KM technology implementations.
The top five – globalization and the law – predictions for the first half of the twenty‐first century
Authors: Gayton Cynthia M.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline what the author believes will be the top five legal issues relating to globalization and business for the first 50 years of the twenty‐first century.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a wrap‐up paper articulating the author's opinion about what she considers to be the top five legal issues that will be face in the first half of the twenty‐first century.

Findings

The paper reveals cooperative censorship; intellectual property treaty harmonization domination by developing country interpretations; international tribunal dispute resolution clauses; return of the law merchant; and eminent domain or public utility – the future for dominant search engines/content aggregators as the possible top five legal issues pertaining to businesses and globalization.

Originality/value

The paper presents an interesting prediction of the top five legal issues relating to globalization and business for the first 50 years of the twenty‐first century.
The depth of knowledge: surface, shallow or deep?
Authors: Bennet David , Bennet Alex
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider knowledge from a new perspective that permits a rational analysis and interpretation of knowledge as it applies to learning and action in simple, complicated and complex situations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a fine‐grain analysis of knowledge. Specifically it looks at: the special relationship between knowledge and information (KnIand KnP); knowledge types, the characteristics of knowledge used for different types of work; and levels of knowledge in terms of surface, shallow and deep. Following a discussion of knowledge from the these three frames of reference, this model is used to explore similarities in levels of learning, then it is applied to the complexity of situations, the complexity of making decisions and the complexity of actions.

Findings

There appears to be a correlation among the levels of knowledge and the corresponding levels of learning and action. In addition, the breakdown of systems into the classic three areas of simple, complicated and complex carry over into the three corresponding levels (surface, shallow and deep) as applied to learning and knowledge.

Originality/value

This is a new frame of reference for considering knowledge. This analysis can be used to ask relevant questions about specific levels of knowledge. It also enables managers to recognize the scope and depth of knowledge available to maximize problem solving, decision making and action in simple, complicated and complex situations. Further, it permits knowledge developers to tailor learning and knowledge to improve knowledge sharing and conservation.
Breakdowns to breakthroughs: an ontological approach to thought loops and growth edges
Authors: Staib Duffy Karen
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on an ontological approach to executive coaching and transformational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is largely drawn from the methodology for ontological coaching designed by Newfield Network. Concepts are applied in actual coaching examples.

Findings

The paper finds that through a transformational process of reflection and deliberate change, we can create a new coherence of self to meet and transcend challenging circumstances. This is consistent with double‐loop learning.

Originality/value

This work explains in concrete terms and examples how the ontological approach can be applied to expand knowledge and engage in transformational learning.
Welcome to the Intelligence Age: an examination of intelligence as a complex venture emergent behavior
Authors: Vandergriff Linda J.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Aid knowledge management (KM) and business intelligence (BI) practitioners explore and exploit the Intelligence Age complex venture model focusing on intelligence as an emergent behavior. The paper aims to extend the discrete model used by classical system engineering (SE) for a wisdom, knowledge, information, data, and measurement (WKIDM) pyramid to add a wrapper of emergent intelligence to support successful decision making and implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on previous theoretical complex venture work, this research explores the value of extending the WKIDM or “Knowledge Pyramid” model proposed by classical SE and KM approaches. The resultant IWKIDM model builds on the insights derived from chaos and complexity theories; KM research; observations of several acquisition successes and failures; and doctoral research on agile enterprise decision support.

Findings

The paper finds that successful classical SE complicated systems models built with the closed system assumptions of linearity, predictability, and context independence do not scale to the needed open system Intelligence Age solutions. It is necessary to build on a Complex Venture model that guides the engineering solutions that: leverage emergent behavior insights to develop an improved intelligence model for the interaction of complex venture intellectual capital (i.e., self‐organizing agents) with the WKIDM pyramid entities and the intelligence products consumer context; and examine WKIDM pyramid levels of abstraction for detachable and complex representations (e.g., explicit versus tacit knowledge).

Originality/value

A complex venture conceptual model informs the architecture and systems engineering acquisition practices for new solution category to empower the venture's intellectual capital to produce needed emergent intelligence.
Leadership role in making effective use of KM
Authors: Anantatmula Vittal S.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The challenge facing knowledge management (KM) professionals is how to leverage knowledge for improving organizational performance. From a management perspective, it is important to utilize KM systems for improving communication, and collaboration to enhance employee skills with a focus on improving productivity. From a leadership perspective, it is critical to ensure that KM investments result in promoting collaborative culture both at individual and organizational levels to encourage knowledge sharing for better decision making and innovation. Ultimately, the purpose of KM is to leverage knowledge in order to improve organizational performance internally and externally. This paper aims to address these challenges from leadership perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research addressed the following questions: how does an organization manage knowledge resources to gain and sustain competitive advantage? What is the role of KM leadership in making effective use of KM? A literature review was used to understand the role of leadership and the relation between KM and organizational performance. Further, two research studies, which employed interpretive structural modeling (ISM) were used to answer these two questions.

Findings

The study finds that selection of a competent leader is critical first step establishing an effective KM initiative as the leader plays an important role in obtaining top management and budgetary supports and in building technology infrastructure to accomplish KM goals. Further, KM leadership assumes greater importance during its initial implementation phase.

Practical implications

Effective KM leadership is a prerequisite to implementing a KM initiative and organizations will experience better results if they choose a leader before a detailed plan for KM initiative is developed and implemented.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information on the effective KM leadership role.
Lesson learned: organizational realities influence KMS implementation
Authors: Burley Diana L. , Pandit Gayatri
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This case study aims to describe the lessons learned from the implementation of a Lessons Learned Knowledge Management System (LLKMS) at Global Safety Assistance (GSA), a US Department of Defense contractor working in support of a global security initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study was designed around five related objectives to examine the knowledge integration and transfer processes of GSA. Schwandt's Organizational Learning Systems Model (OLSM) was used to conceptualize the study and inform the findings. The OLSM describes the organizational transformation process whereby information is converted into useful knowledge. The authors worked collaboratively with GSA staff to gather observations about GSA knowledge integration strategies and their relative effectiveness through semi‐structured interviews, participant observation, and the analysis of internal documents.

Findings

GSA's LLKMS implementation strategy attempted to simultaneously change organizational culture, individual behavior, group communication patterns, and technology use. This strategy inhibited the implementation of the LLKMS because it underestimated the impact of key organizational realities such as the silo structure, existing communication patterns and information sharing processes, and critical elements of the organizational culture.

Originality/value

This paper discusses GSA's implementation strategy, identifies specific challenges resulting from the attempt to simultaneously change multiple organizational processes and individual behaviors, and provides practical recommendations for future LLKMS implementations.
A model of information technology opportunities for facilitating the practice of knowledge management
Authors: Wild Rosemary , Griggs Kenneth
Published: October 2008

Purpose

There is controversy about the role information technology (IT) should play in knowledge management (KM) spanning extremes that either overvalue or undervalue IT's role. This study recognizes the balance required between the two extremes and aims to present a KM process and a three‐dimensional model to assist in identifying opportunities in which IT can effectively facilitate KM practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a synthesis of KM literature the paper developed a KM process that consists of identification of classifications of knowledge and their particular value to an organization, sources of knowledge, and application opportunities. It developed a three‐dimensional model consisting of KM life cycle, KM level, and KM objectives to assist in identifying the most effective IT application opportunities.

Findings

Current IT infrastructures provide support for the organization, formalization, and distribution of organizational knowledge. However, there are relatively few applications that perform the generation, application, and evolution of organizational knowledge. The paper describes a distributed simulation prototype system that demonstrates the potential ability of IT to perform these important KM activities and contribute to the effective facilitation of KM.

Research limitations/implications

This study is by no means exhaustive, but is intended as a starting point to explore opportunities in which IT may be most effective in realizing the goals and objectives of KM.

Originality/value

The proposed KM process guides knowledge workers toward a systematic understanding of how to view the use of IT in the most effective way to achieve organizational objectives and goals. The model permits them to assess how they are currently using IT for KM and where they may either leverage their current IT infrastructure or develop focused IT applications to achieve benefits through better use of IT in facilitating knowledge management. The Navy planning system described demonstrates one such application.
Working knowledge, the university‐industry linkage in Thailand: concepts and issues
Authors: Worasinchai Lugkana , Ribière Vincent M. , Aurélie Bechina Arntzen Aurilla
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present a general framework for fostering research collaboration and knowledge flow between university and industry in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

With the aim of comprehending complex interactions of the university‐industry (U‐I) linkage, the adopted research methodology for collecting data is based on a combination of various approaches, such as qualitative methods encompassing in‐depth interviews, researcher participations and various documents analysis.

Findings

A framework (Government, University, Industry and Networks: G‐U‐I‐N) was developed encompassing the main factors that could make U‐I relationships more successful in Thailand. Knowledge management is an important enabler of this framework.

Originality/value

This paper presents the various elements (enablers) necessary for an emerging country, such as Thailand, to establish or strengthen successful collaboration and research projects between universities and industries in order to remain competitive.
An emerging global knowledge management platform: the case of iBridge
Authors: Grossman Martin
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to serve as an introduction to a networking platform called iBridge, recently launched by the administrative office of Zhongguancun Haidian Science Park (HSP) in Beijing, China. With the goal of enabling knowledge sharing and collaboration between members and businesses across the world, iBridge has evolved to include features such as communities, blogs, search, recommendation and content customization. The emergence of iBridge is viewed in the context of China's national innovation policy, paying specific attention to the role that collaboration plays as a means of fostering the exchange of ideas and innovation. The paper also aims to discuss the challenges involved in adopting this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The information for this paper was gathered through visits by the author to HSP in 2006 and 2008, as well as through secondary written and web‐based sources.

Findings

The paper finds that, since its inception in 2006, the iBridge platform has incorporated many new features and increased its membership substantially. It is anticipated that Web 2.0 features, such as blogs and community forums, will encourage greater levels of innovation as iBridge membership increases.

Research limitations/implications

No empirical evidence is presented in this paper to support the claim that iBridge has increased innovation. However, a greater exchange of ideas is expected, as a “network effect” takes hold and the platform grows in terms of functionality and usage.

Originality/value

The iBridge platform is still in its infancy, having a very limited member base. While it has started to gain notoriety in the high‐tech community within China, it has still not received much international attention. With this paper the iBridge platform will be known to a wider audience.
Knowledge management initiative at the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Bahrain: a case study
Authors: Al Nawakda Ebrahim , Hameed Fathi Abdul , Ribière Vincent , Mohammed Mirghani
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This case study aims to present the implementation of knowledge management (KM) in the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Ministry is a very complex environment and it is suffering from information overload. The health care industry is a very intensive knowledge field where experience and tacit knowledge play an important part in delivering efficient health care to the nation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a case study conducted by people involved in the implementation of the KM initiative at the MoH and by the observation and interviews conducted by external researchers.

Findings

The paper finds that the implementing of KM had many positive impacts on the MoH in terms of planning and decision making. Even though it is difficult to create a knowledge sharing culture in an environment under pressure involving medical and administrative staff, the initial KM initiatives implemented at the MoH of Bahrain are believed to be the start for a serious and comprehensive KM drive within the Ministry in the coming few years.

Originality/value

The lessons learned from this case can help other health organizations to better understand the barriers and enablers associated with implementing a KM initiative in a complex environment.
Global warming and the future of Pacific Island countries
Authors: Tisdell Clem
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the cause of global warming, its trends and consequences as indicated by the International Panel on Climate Change. Sea‐level rise is one consequence of particular concern to Pacific Island states. It also reviews the views of economists about connections between economic growth and global warming.

Design/methodology/approach

International efforts, such as through the Kyoto protocol, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their atmospheric concentration are discussed and prospects for post‐Kyoto policies are considered. Ways are also examined of addressing the consequences of global warming for the Pacific Island states. How they will be affected and to what extent is discussed, together with their ability to cope with the emerging problem.

Findings

The paper finds that whereas the majority of economists did not foresee a conflict between economic growth and global warming, the possibility of such a conflict is now more widely recognized following the Stern Report. It is predicted that a significant reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions is unlikely to be achieved in the foreseeable future owing to conflicting national interest (a prisoners' dilemma problem) and because is will take time to develop new technologies which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, payment for greenhouse gas emissions (for example, via tradable permits) will accelerate desirable technological advance. Both international political action and efforts to develop and use technologies that lower greenhouse gas emissions need to be pursued. Given current and likely increases in greenhouse gas emissions, continuing global warming in this century (and beyond) appears to be inevitable and consequently Pacific Island states will be adversely affected by sea‐level rise and climate change.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes that Pacific Island states will suffer great hardship from global warming but are ill‐placed geographically, financially and administratively to prevent or adjust to the possible environmental disasters that await them. Nothing may save some from eventual environmental annihilation.
Institutions, good governance and economic growth in the Pacific Island countries
Authors: Chand Prasad Biman
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main institutional and governance issues facing the Pacific Island countries (PIC) and to point out how they affect their economic performance. The paper also provides a description of the key characteristics of the PIC and points out why these characteristics may present special challenges to achieving sustainable levels of growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the issues of governance, institutions and economic growth in the PICs.

Findings

The main conclusion of the paper is that PICs would have to align their policies so that appropriate and better economic integration is achieved not only regionally but also globally.

Practical implications

This paper allows policy makers to take note of the main issues in governance and institution building.

Originality/value

This paper provides policymakers and scholars an overview of the institutional and governance issues facing the PICs.
Growth and social development in the Pacific Island countries
Authors: Prasad Naren
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the social development situation in the Pacific Island countries (PICs). It also aims to present the various social and economic policies that are directly linked to improving social indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the theoretical framework provided by the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, which defines social policy as involving redistribution, production, reproduction and protection. The paper presents data on these four components.

Findings

The paper shows that many PICs have managed to increase some of their social development indicators especially those relating to education. Yet they are also lagging behind on many fronts, such as health, water and sanitation, social protection, and inequality.

Research limitations/implications

Issues of state capacity and governance linked to policy formulation and implementation are not addressed in this paper. More in‐depth and empirical research could be undertaken to investigate the link between economic growth and social development.

Originality/value

This paper has the merit of being able to synthesize social and economic data for the PICs and compare it with other small island economies.
Unit roots and structural breaks in PNG macroeconomic time series
Authors: Narayan Seema , Smyth Russell
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the time series properties of 26 macroeconomic variables in Papua New Guinea (PNG) over the period 1970‐2006.

Design/methodology/approach

Both unit root and stationarity tests without a structural break and the Lagrange Multiplier (LM) unit root test with one and two structural breaks developed by Lee and Strazicich are applied to each of the 26 macroeconomic variables in PNG. Compared to popular ADF‐type endogenous unit root tests such as those proposed by Zivot and Andrews and Lumsdaine and Papell, the LM unit root test with one and two structural breaks has the advantage that it is unaffected by breaks under the null.

Findings

The unit root and stationarity tests without structural breaks find at best mixed evidence of mean reversion and/or trend reversion for most variables. This result is likely to reflect the failure of these tests to allow for structural breaks, given the power to find stationarity declines if the data contain a structural break that is ignored. When the LM unit root test with one and two structural breaks is applied, it is found that at least 23 of the 26 macroeconomic variables are trend stationary.

Originality/value

The time series properties of macroeconomic variables have important implications for several macroeconomic theories. There are, however, few studies of the time series properties of macroeconomic variables in developing countries and no comprehensive studies for any of the Pacific Island countries. This paper begins to fill this gap as the first to provide a systematic examination of the time series properties of macroeconomic variables in Paua New Guinea.
Exchange market pressure in a small Pacific Island country: a study of Fiji: 1975‐2005
Authors: Jayaraman T.K. , Choong Chee‐Keong
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Under the fixed exchange rate regime Fiji's currency, which is pegged to a basket of currencies of its major trading partners, has been experiencing severe pressures. The purpose of this paper is to study annual exchange market pressure (EMP) over a 31‐year (1975‐2005) period and attempt to determine the factors behind EMP.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing procedure, which is applied to a multivariate model covering four variables, namely EMP in index numbers, and budget deficit, domestic credit to private sector and external debt, all the three expressed as percentages of gross domestic product. Additionally, an uncertainty variable is added to the regression analysis with a view to finding out whether political uncertainty has been responsible for speculative attacks on currency. Existence of a cointegration vector is then investigated. It is then followed by Granger‐causality tests in an error‐correction model with view to exploring the short‐ and long‐term relationships between the variables.

Findings

The study findings are: there existed a long‐run relationship between EMP and budget deficit, domestic credit to private sector, external debt and political uncertainty; and EMP was positively related to budget deficit, domestic credit to private sector and external debt as well as speculative pressures exercised by political uncertainty.

Originality/value

The empirical study on EMP in the South Pacific Island countries and in Fiji in particular is the first of its kind. The paper is expected to promote further interest in the studies of currencies of small island countries.
Forecasting Fiji's exports and imports, 2003‐2020
Authors: Narayan Paresh Kumar , Narayan Seema , Chand Prasad Biman
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to forecast Fiji's exports and imports for the period 2003‐2020.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal of this paper, the autoregressive moving average with explanatory variables (ARMAX) model was applied. To this end, the paper drew on the published export demand model and the import demand model of Narayan and Narayan for Fiji.

Findings

The paper's main findings are: Fiji's imports will outperform exports over the 2003‐2020 period; and current account deficits will escalate to be around F$934.4 million on average over the 2003‐2020 period.

Originality/value

Exports and imports are crucial for macroeconomic policymaking. It measures the degree of openness of a country and it signals the trade balance and current account balances. This has implications for inflation and exchange rate. By forecasting Fiji's exports and imports, the paper provides policy makers with a set of information that will be useful for devising macroeconomic policies.
An econometric model of the determinants of private investment and a CGE model of the impact of democracy on investment and economic growth in Fiji
Authors: Narayan Paresh Kumar
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct an econometric model of the determinants of private investment with a particular focus on the impact of democracy on investment.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step was to econometrically derive the long‐run elasticities; then to modify the Fiji computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to incorporate the investment function. Also the econometrically derived long run elasticities in the CGE model were used.

Findings

It was found that democracy has a positive and statistically significant impact on private investment in Fiji. The paper's simulation of Fiji becoming a fully democratic country on investment and other macroeconomic fundamentals, based on a CGE model, reveals that real gross domestic product and real national welfare increase by around 0.01 and 0.05 per cent, respectively; government savings and revenue performance improves; there is a trade balance surplus; and both private consumption and disposable income increase by around 0.05 and 0.12 per cent, respectively.

Originality/value

This is the first study that uses a CGE model to examine the impact of democracy, via investment, on other macroeconomic fundaments. No other study is known to have modelled democracy in a CGE framework.
The determinants of corporate debt ownership structure
Authors: Antoniou Antonios , Guney Yilmaz , Paudyal Krishna
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the determinants of choice between private and public debt for British and German listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on three strands of theories: the “liquidation and renegotiation” hypothesis; the “moral hazard and adverse selection” hypothesis; the “flotation cost” hypothesis. The regression analysis was adopted to test these hypotheses. The specific econometric method used for panel data is generalised method of moments (GMM).

Findings

The evidence records a few similarities in debt‐mix structure of German and UK firms but it also detects some important differences. Therefore, the paper concludes that the relation between dependent and explanatory variables is country‐dependent. This can be attributed to the differences in corporate governance mechanisms and institutional features of the countries.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation mainly has come from data unavailability for public debt. Future research could be to extend the number of countries to have a better idea for the impact of institutional factors on corporate debt‐mix.

Practical implications

The findings confirm that the debt ownership decision of listed firms is not only the result of their own characteristics but also the outcome of legal and financial environment and corporate governance traditions in which they operate. The way managers decide about the type of debt financing is not universal. Furthermore, the factors such as liquidation and renegotiation, moral hazard and adverse selection, flotation costs are found to be significantly relevant while deciding the mix of corporate debt.

Originality/value

This study offers a unique comparison of the evidence from a bank‐based economy (Germany) and a market‐based economy (UK) that should have direct implications on the choice between bank debt and public debt. Firms with a long‐run debt ownership target attain it through an adjustment process. The authors are not aware of any other study on debt ownership that controls for endogeneity using the GMM technique.
The impact of corporate governance on the timeliness of corporate internet reporting by Egyptian listed companies
Authors: Ezat Amr , El‐Masry Ahmed
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the key factors that affect the timeliness of corporate internet reporting (CIR) by the Egyptian listed corporations on the Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use firm characteristics and corporate governance variables to investigate the influence on the timeliness of CIR. They also develop a disclosure index to measure the timeliness of CIR for the listed Egyptian corporations.

Findings

The primary analysis finds a significant relationship between the timeliness of CIR and firm size, type of industry, liquidity, ownership structure, board composition and board size. The results indicate that firms typically in the service sector, that are large and have a high rate of liquidity, a high proportion of independent directors, a large number of board directors and a high free float disclose more timely information on their web sites. Furthermore, a significant association between the entire independent variables and some items of timeliness of CIR is found.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first empirical studies to investigate the relationship between the corporate governance and the timeliness of CIR in an emerging market.
Financial decisions as determinants of ownership structure
Authors: Pindado Julio , de la Torre Chabela
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyse how financial decisions influence corporate ownership structure of Spanish family and non‐family controlled firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors derived two models in line with financial theory, which have then been estimated by using a sample of Spanish companies. Panel data methodology and estimation by the generalized method of moments allow the unobservable heterogeneity to be eliminated and the endogeneity problem controlled.

Findings

The main findings are as follows. First, increases in debt lead outside owners and managers to limit the risk they bear by reducing their holdings. Such reductions are also found in family controlled firms. Second, both outside owners and managers are encouraged to increase their stakes in the firm in view of higher dividends. This reaction is also observed in family controlled firms, and it is even stronger in the managers of family controlled firms. Third, outside owners in non‐family firms increase their holdings when a new investment project is undertaken, whereas the reaction of family controlled firms is the opposite. The expected positive effect of investment on insider ownership is only observed in family controlled firms.

Practical implications

When analysing the determinants of corporate ownership structure, the analysis should be controlled for family ownership.

Originality/value

Overall, this paper contributes to the strand of literature on the determinants of corporate ownership structure in two ways: first, by focusing on the role played by financial decisions; and second, by accounting for family control.
An empirical survey of the motivation for share repurchases in the UK
Authors: Dixon Rob , Palmer Graham , Stradling Bob , Woodhead Anne
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Most research on share repurchases is based on the USA. Recently, the rate of share repurchases by UK companies has increased significantly; such a marked increase in activity would suggest a change in strategic factors generating this activity. This paper aims to focus on UK practice, the motivations of UK companies to repurchase shares and compares similar research in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategic motives for share repurchase activity are examined by a questionnaire survey of the finance directors of the top UK 200 companies. The outcome is compared to equivalent US research. The theoretical underpinning of the survey is based on six prominent hypotheses from the academic literature.

Findings

The results indicate that a primary motive of share repurchases in the UK is to achieve an optimal capital structure, and that the requirement to cancel shares is fundamental to buy‐back decisions in the UK.

Research limitations/implications

USA/UK comparison has limitations, nevertheless it highlights differences and possible reasons. A follow‐up study in the current market conditions may give further clarity. Also, a survey of smaller quoted companies may further enhance our understanding of the motives.

Practical implications

The likelihood is of this trend being maintained, especially in view of legal development.

Originality/value

Individual respondents indicated that finance directors have a genuine interest in this topic and that further research would be beneficial in both practical and academic use. Share buy‐backs can be an effective part of the overall strategy of a company, however the effects of a repurchase are ultimately short term.
The impact of board independence and ownership structure on the timeliness of corporate internet reporting of Irish‐listed companies
Authors: Abdelsalam Omneya , El‐Masry Ahmed
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This study seeks to provide valuable new insight into the timeliness of corporate internet reporting (TCIR) by a sample of Irish‐listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply an updated version of Abdelsalamet al.TCIR index to assess the timeliness of corporate internet reporting. The index encompasses 13 criteria that are used to measure the TCIR for a sample of Irish‐listed companies. In addition, the authors assess the timeliness of posting companies' annual and interim reports to their web sites. Furthermore, the study examines the influence of board independence and ownership structure on the TCIR behaviour. Board composition is measured by the percentage of independent directors, chairman's dual role and average tenure of directors. Ownership structure is represented by managerial ownership and blockholder ownership.

Findings

It is found that Irish‐listed companies, on average, satisfy only 46 per cent of the timeliness criteria assessed by the timeliness index. After controlling for size, audit fees and firm performance, evidence that TCIR is positively associated with board of director's independence and chief executive officer (CEO) ownership is provided. Furthermore, it is found that large companies are faster in posting their annual reports to their web sites. The findings suggest that board composition and ownership structure influence a firm's TCIR behaviour, presumably in response to the information asymmetry between management and investors and the resulting agency costs.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the need for improvement in TCIR by Irish‐listed companies in many areas, especially in regard to the regular updates of information provided on their web sites.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the first comprehensive examinations of the important dimension of the TCIR in Irish‐listed companies.
The relationship between capital structure and ownership structure
Authors: Al‐Najjar Basil , Taylor Peter
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the comparatively under‐researched relationship between ownership structure and capital structure in an emerging market. It is also one of the first studies to apply both single and reduced‐form equation methods using a panel data approach. Design/methodology/approach – The study applies econometrics modelling using both single equation and reduces equation models for panel data.

Findings

The results demonstrate that Jordanian firms follow the same determinants of capital structure as occur in developed markets, namely: profitability, firm size, growth rate, market‐to‐book ratio, asset structure and liquidity. In addition, institutional ownership structure is found to be determined by: assets structure, business risk (BR), growth opportunities and firm size. Finally, the results reveal that assets tangibility, firm size, growth opportunities and BR are considered to be joint determinants of ownership structure and capital structure.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the study is that investors and managers should consider both capital structure and ownership structure when they take their investment decisions.

Originality/value

This is the first study of the interaction between institutional ownership and capital structure in Jordan where there are differences, as regards institutional and financial structures, relative to those in developed markets.
Ownership structure and corporate governance in China: some current issues
Authors: Wei Gang , Geng Mingzhai
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate some current issues of ownership structure and corporate governance in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a review, analysing issues of ownership structure and reviewing problems in corporate governance, followed by some suggestions for improvement.

Findings

It is found that the heavily concentrated equity ownership in the hands of large state‐owned shareholders mainly decides the status quo of the corporate governance system in China. In order to improve the effectiveness of corporate governance of Chinese‐listed companies, it is imperative to restructure roles of the government, restrict hands of controlling shareholders, enhance independence of the board of directors, reform the supervisory board, set up independent directors‐dominated sub‐committees and align the interests of managers with those of the shareholders.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only investigates Chinese‐listed companies because of data availability.

Practical implications

It has implications for policy makers in China insofar as it offers evidence concerning ownership structure and corporate governance of Chinese‐listed companies. It also helps investors and trading partners (especially foreign ones) understand corporate governance and the investment environment in China.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by extending the mainly US‐based board literature to China where there are important institutional differences in ownership structure and corporate governance system.
Board composition, ownership structure and dividend policies in an emerging market
Authors: Abdelsalam Omneya , El‐Masry Ahmed , Elsegini Sabri
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine dividend policies in an emerging capital market, in a country undergoing a transitional period.

Design/methodology/approach

Using pooled cross‐sectional observations from the top 50 listed Egyptian firms between 2003 and 2005, this study examines the effect of board of directors' composition and ownership structure on dividend policies in Egypt.

Findings

It is found that there is a significant positive association between institutional ownership and firm performance, and both dividend decision and payout ratio. The results confirm that firms with a higher return on equity and a higher institutional ownership distribute higher levels of dividend. No significant association was found between board composition and dividend decisions or ratios.

Originality/value

This study provides additional evidence of the applicability of the signalling model in the emerging market of Egypt. It was found that despite the high institutional ownership and the closely held nature of the firms, which imply lower agency costs, the payment of higher dividend was considered necessary to attract capital during this transitional period.
The primacy of data?
Authors: Lee Nick , Greenley Gordon
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to stimulate debate and discussion amongst marketing scholarship regarding the implications for scientific research of increasingly large amounts of data and sophisticated data analytic techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors respond to a recent editorial in WIRED magazine which heralds the demise of the scientific method in the face of the vast data sets now available.

Findings

The authors propose that more data makes theory more important, not less. They differentiate between raw prediction and scientific knowledge – which is aimed at explanation.

Research limitations/implications

These thoughts are preliminary and intended to spark thinking and debate, not represent editorial policy. Due to space constraints, the coverage of many issues is necessarily brief.

Practical implications

Marketing researchers should find these thoughts at the very least stimulating, and may wish to investigate these issues further.

Originality/value

This piece should provide some interesting food for thought for marketing researchers.
Paths to marketing's future: a sub‐first tier GATORE principle perspective
Authors: Nathaniel Carr B.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose steps marketing stakeholders should and can take to facilitate increasing the speed at which marketing proceeds to evolve – toward the stars and beyond.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the literature advanced by first‐tier scholars the confusion surrounding marketing's future is examined.

Findings

Marketing, in its various manifestations, has been, is, and will continue to be, of enormous human benefit.

Originality/value

This paper recommends that all marketers subscribe to the normative marketing stakeholders' model presented and the open‐minded exchange is prescribed.
Antecedents of the intention to seek samples
Authors: Prendergast Gerard , Tsang Alex S.L. , Yu Lo Chit
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the antecedents of consumers' intention to seek samples, a previously unexplored aspect of consumer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Using as a backdrop Ajzen's theories of reasoned action and planned behavior, a survey of 154 respondents tested the proposition that attitude toward sample seeking behavior, and the congruity between a person's self‐concept and their image of the type of person who engages in sample seeking behavior (i.e. self‐concept congruity), are linked to the intention to seek samples.

Findings

Attitudes toward sample seeking and self‐concept congruity, as well as their interaction, were found to positively predict the intention to seek samples.

Originality/value

This research is the first of its kind to identify the predictors of sample seeking. By addressing the traits that predict sample seeking, marketers can stimulate consumers to seek out samples, and this can in turn stimulate product trial and diffusion. The paper also offers directions for future research.
Dealing with environmental uncertainty
Authors: Johnston Michael , Gilmore Audrey , Carson David
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this commentary is to discuss environmental uncertainty and to illustrate the value of scenario planning for small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in a volatile environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature regarding strategy formulation, environmental uncertainty and scenario planning is reviewed and considered in the context of managerial decision making.

Findings

Given the way managers learn to “know” what is happening in their business environment, scenario planning can be adapted for use by SME owner/managers.

Originality/value

Although scenario planning was developed for use by large companies, this paper illustrates that it can be used by smaller firms.