bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the use of bid information in predicting the contractor's performance
Authors: On Cheung Sai , Wong Peter S.P. , Fung Ada Y.S. , Coffey W.V.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of bid information, including both price and non‐price factors in predicting the bidder's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The practice of the industry was first reviewed. Data on bid evaluation and performance records of the successful bids were then obtained from the Hong Kong Housing Department, the largest housing provider in Hong Kong. This was followed by the development of a radial basis function (RBF) neural network based performance prediction model.

Findings

It is found that public clients are more conscientious and include non‐price factors in their bid evaluation equations. With the input variables used the information is available at the time of the bid and the output variable is the project performance score recorded during work in progress achieved by the successful bidder. It was found that past project performance score is the most sensitive input variable in predicting future performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows the inadequacy of using price alone for bid award criterion. The need for a systemic performance evaluation is also highlighted, as this information is highly instrumental for subsequent bid evaluations. The caveat for this study is that the prediction model was developed based on data obtained from one single source.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is in the use of an RBF neural network as the prediction tool because it can model non‐linear function. This capability avoids tedious “trial and error” in deciding the number of hidden layers to be used in the network model.
The impact of developmental relationships on the learning of practice competence for new graduates
Authors: Lombardozzi Catherine , Casey Andrea
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This study of the impact of relationships on the development of practice competence in new graduates entering the workforce aims to contribute to the understanding of relational learning activities and enrich the knowledge about the overall process of learning practice skill.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a qualitative interview methodology with thematic data analysis.

Findings

Findings revealed that the process of learning through relationships involved an iterative interplay between specific developer‐led teaching activities, learner‐led activities in interaction with others, and learner action and cognitive processing.

Originality/value

A model for the process of learning through relationships specifically for new graduates who have academic backgrounds in their fields of practice is proposed.
The pitfalls of collegial coaching
Authors: Truijen Karin J.P. , van Woerkom Marianne
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Competent clinical teachers are essential for clinical teaching. According to the literature, coaching can contribute to improved levels of reflection and better performance of clinical teachers. By engaging in a dialogue about coachee's teaching behaviour, coaches can stimulate reflection of novice teachers. This study aims to gain insights into the effectiveness of coaching processes in which experienced clinical teachers act as coaches for less experienced teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted in a Dentistry Faculty of a University Medical Centre in The Netherlands. Semi‐structured interviews with nine coaching couples were conducted.

Findings

The findings indicate that only one coaching couple succeeded in using coaching as an effective tool for stimulating reflection and the performance of the beginning clinical teacher. Instead of discussing and analysing coachees' teaching behaviour, the other couples merely discussed the knowledge and experience of the coach.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the pitfalls of collegial coaching, and discusses various factors that might affect coaching such as a hierarchical relationship between coach and coachee, the academic climate, the personality of coach and coachee, and finally the importance of using the right coaching model.
Organizational socialization of women in the Italian Army
Authors: Atzori Milena , Lombardi Luigi , Fraccaroli Franco , Battistelli Adalgisa , Zaniboni Sara
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This study aims to examine the organizational socialization of women soldiers in the Italian Army.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an interactionist interpretation of socialization, a model was tested to determine the influence of organizational socialization tactics, proactive behaviours, supervisor support on organizational identification, and cohesion of teamwork. This study used a comparative research design. The sample consisted of 324 soldiers, 43 per cent of whom are men and 57 per cent per cent are women.

Findings

Structural equation models showed the influences exerted by general socialization and by the acquisition of organizational values/goals on the outcomes of socialization. Multisample analysis showed gender differences. Compared to men, women seemed to set greater value on tutoring by expert colleagues. Women also seemed to value the support provided by their superiors for learning the organizational values and goals on which the degree of identification with the military structure depends.

Practical implications

These findings could add new information concerning the organizational socialization strategies (e.g. newcomers' training, tutoring/shadowing programmes) giving some guidelines for the insertion of woman newcomers in a non‐traditional organization.

Originality/value

In a systemic perspective the present study explored the process of organizational socialization using the content of organizational learning. The research highlighted the gender difference regarding the socialization process in a male‐dominated organization.
Psychosocial factors as predictors of mentoring among nurses in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Salami Samuel O.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the psychosocial factors that predict mentoring among nurses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a survey research design. Questionnaires were used to collect data on self‐esteem, locus of control, emotional intelligence and demographic factors from 480 nurses (males 230; females =250) from five states in southwestern Nigeria. Data analysis included regressing mentoring behaviour on the psychosocial factors.

Findings

Results revealed that self‐esteem, locus of control, emotional intelligence, age, job status and tenure are linear predictors mildly associated to mentoring but gender is not.

Practical implications

An implication of the findings from this study is that counselling and industrial psychologists should let the employees know the importance of mentoring and the factors that predict it among nurses in the workplace. It is suggested that formal mentoring should be introduced into the various work organizations and career counsellors employed to counsel the workers on what they stand to gain from developing mentoring relationships.

Originality/value

This study is able to demonstrate that some psychosocial factors are linear predictors mildly associated with mentoring among nurses in Nigeria. Career counsellors, personal psychologists and nurses will find the results from this study useful when they are considering factors that could predict mentioning relationships among nurses.
Cross‐disciplinary contributions to e‐learning design: a tripartite design model
Authors: Hutchins Holly M. , Hutchison Dennis
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review cross‐disciplinary research on e‐learning from workplace learning, educational technology, and instructional communication disciplines to identify relevant e‐learning design principles. It aims to use these principles to propose an e‐learning model that can guide the design of instructionally sound, usable, and interactive e‐learning courses and programs for workplace learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a review of empirical and conceptual e‐learning literature from human resource development, workplace learning, educational technology and instructional communication.

Findings

The paper presents a current review of e‐learning design research, identifies convergent areas of e‐learning design practices, and proposes a tripartite e‐learning design model. Design principles identified in the literature review include adherence to instructional design principles based on adult learning principles, ensuring human‐technology interface (usability) guidelines, and supporting online immediacy (social presence) attributes.

Practical implications

An expanded view of e‐learning design strategies grounded in a learning sciences perspective and encompassing research on behavioral, cognitive, constructivist and humanistic theories is offered.

Originality/value

The study provides an integrated e‐learning design model that represents main areas of e‐learning research and suggests competencies for e‐trainers.
Organising communities‐of‐practice: facilitating emergence
Authors: Akkerman Sanne , Petter Christian , de Laat Maarten
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The notion of communities of practice (CoP) has received great attention in educational and organisational practice and research. Although the concept originally refers to collaborative practices that emerge naturally, educational and HRD practitioners are increasingly searching for ways to create these practices intentionally in order to stimulate learning and professional development in specific fields. This paper aims to gain insight into ways in which communities of practice can be deliberately organised.

Design/methodology/approach

The study concerns a multiple case study of the deliberate initiation of 15 communities of practice of small and medium‐sized companies in the tourist sector, located in seven European countries. The analysis focuses on how meaningful, shared and coordinative activity is organised in each of the 15 cases. A multiple case study allowed for comparison between the various cases in order to target fruitful conditions and actions in organisation processes.

Findings

In the initiation of a CoP it is important that before an outsider starts to organise and coordinate activities questions such as “How are we relevant to one another?” and “Who are we and where are we going?” are answered first, and by the group itself. These questions relate to the development of meaningful activity (domain) and of shared activity (community). Following this, any coordinative system, any practice, should be subordinated to the motives of the group.

Originality/value

Besides identifying various actions for human resource developers who aim to apply the concept of CoP in professional work, the study contributes to the scientific formulation of pedagogical notions around communities of practice.
Supporting instructors in innovation: a three‐component approach
Authors: Margaryan Anoush
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to advance an approach to supporting instructors in adopting new models of teaching, particularly when new technology is involved. The approach comprises three components: conceptual principles underpinning new learning models; process by which instructors are supported in understanding and applying principles; and a technological platform which facilitates sharing of experiences and knowledge about the process and outcomes of innovation (3Ps approach).

Design/methodology/approach

The design research methodology involved joint identification of problems with practitioners (target users of the approach), iterative testing of solutions in real‐world settings and refining them based on practitioner input. Data collection methods involved walkthroughs, a questionnaire‐based survey, and semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

The 3P approach was evaluated in relation to the key requirements – validity, practicality, and systemic aspects. The findings show that the approach is valid and practical in terms of its purpose of enhancing knowledge sharing and peer learning within and across the subject disciplines, as well as in terms of enabling contextualised professional development. However, sustainability and ease of adoption of the approach were perceived by instructors as somewhat problematic. Organisational and cultural factors that could impact the sustainability of the approach were identified.

Practical implications

It is argued that the 3Ps approach could enable eliciting reflections on and instruments for successful practice and provide a forum for sharing, discussing or extending practice.

Originality/value

This generic approach could be adapted to support professional development of instructors in a range of different contexts, both in companies and in educational institutions.
Experiential learning in retrospect: a future organizational challenge?
Authors: Olsson Annika , Bjöörn Urban , Jönson Gunilla
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a retrospective reflection over unconscious, emergent learning among employees of an organization and to suggest how to capture these moments of experiential learning for future organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Action research in organizations is undertaken in interaction with the employees of the organization studied. The outcome is characterized by a deep understanding of the individuals as well as of the course of events in the system. The paper therefore applies action research, focusing on the experiential learning from daily actions in the case organization at Volvo Cars’ production plant in Sweden.

Findings

The conclusion is that an evolution toward a learning organization, as exemplified by the case studied, is not identified until after it actually happens, i.e. in retrospect. It is suggested that the competence build‐up recognized in retrospect should become an integral part of future educational programs. The multidisciplinary competence established should also be considered when teams are set up for new projects.

Practical implications

Future strategies for capturing learning are provided and summarized, to structure the capturing of learning as it takes place in the daily operation, to identify the individuals who initiate changes and let them act as learning ambassadors, to integrate multidisciplinary competencies in the early stages of projects, and to facilitate multidisciplinary cooperation along organizational processes, within and between firms.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution is the identification of and reflection about emergent learning that takes place in daily work tasks. It also provides suggestions for future strategies of capturing these experiential learning occasions.
Exploration of a contextual management framework for strategic learning alliances
Authors: Dealtry Richard
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This article aims to take a further step forward in examining those important business factors that will shape the future of best practice in the quality management of internal and external strategic alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

The article presents a speculative scenario on the future of strategic alliances in education, training, development and business, inspired learning by applying information and data from well‐established professional alliance management sources as the underpinning context for its guidelines.

Findings

Many different attempts have been and still are being made by business and academic institutions to set up working relationships that are intended to work well for both parties. These relationships travel under various titles, with the term “partnership” being the most common. Problems of sustainability and/or quality of outcomes are prevalent as a result of the alliance management perspective being taken on a limited understanding of the total relationship dynamics for success; too narrow a perspective on what dynamics have to be managed. Models for success are, however, readily available.

Research limitations/implications

In the broader context there is a wealth of research, best practice and practical experience in the field of strategic alliance management. iPCo's current research is therefore focused on how this professional resource and experience can be adopted to provide a quality framework of management practice that will enable business management to ensure that they make the right choices in the selection and construction of their strategic learning relationships both internally and externally.

Originality/value

The need for major innovations in the management of lifelong training and learning is now well established. Trying to achieve the successful implementation of these developments on a piecemeal basis has, however, proved to be an unrewarding process for many managers. The inertia of large institutional bodies and the “not invented here” syndrome have been proved to slow down or sideline major innovations. Knowing the size of the problem in each situation and how to deal with it effectively and efficiently at the right level is now one of the main strategic imperatives for corporate university managers.
Role of leadership in knowledge management: a study
Authors: Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship as well as the impact of leadership styles on knowledge management practices in a software firm in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved collection of quantitative data on leadership styles and knowledge management practices by using two psychometric instruments, namely organizational leadership questionnaire and knowledge management assessment tool. The survey consisted of 331 knowledge workers working for a software firm in India who had a minimum of one year of working experience in the organization. The data which were collected underwent statistical treatment to obtain the results for the stated objectives of the study.

Findings

The research findings indicate directive as well as supportive styles of leadership to be significantly and negatively associated with the art of knowledge management practices. It also depicts that consulting and delegating styles of leadership are positively and significantly related with managing knowledge in a software organization. Finally, only the delegating mode of leadership behaviors was found to be significantl in predicting creation as well as management of knowledge for competitive advantage in software firms in India.

Research limitations/implications

There are a few limitations which may affect the scope of the study. First, the study was conducted in only one software firm situated in the national capital territory of India. Hence, blanket generalization of the findings of the study to each and every software firm in India should be done with caution. Second, it was leadership styles alone more than any other variable which was taken to study its impact on knowledge management processes and practices. Therefore, it is suggested that future research, if any, in the area of knowledge management should take note of these two important limitations for the benefits of the industry as a whole.

Practical implications

The research investigation offers several recommendations/suggestions for helping knowledge workers as well as top management to design and implement knowledge management architecture for organizational excellence.

Originality/value

The paper offers unique empirical directions to manage knowledge in a software company in India. As there is a dearth of empirical research in the area of knowledge management in India, the empirical evidence obtained in this paper will be of use to organizations wanting to become knowledge management companies.
Ensuring the effectiveness of a knowledge management initiative
Authors: Bishop James , Bouchlaghem Dino , Glass Jacqueline , Matsumoto Isao
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify a set of critical success factors, which ensure the effectiveness of knowledge management initiatives, with particular focus on the effect of people‐oriented success factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review of knowledge management literature, substantiated by ten qualitative interviews with leading academics and industrial representatives in the field of knowledge management in the construction industry.

Findings

The research suggests that organisations need to consider several key areas, in particular, the processes and practices undertaken to understand and define knowledge management, the implementation of dedicated champions, the integration of the initiative into the business, and effective communication of its benefits to members of staff. Each of these factors will have a direct bearing on the level of effectiveness reached by an organisation's knowledge management initiative.

Research limitations/implications

The industry‐based interviewees were all strategic‐level managers. This means that, in relation to the application of knowledge management initiatives, they adopt primarily managerial roles. Further interviews with the practitioners of these initiatives would be beneficial in reflecting the more “hands‐on” perspective of knowledge management implementation.

Originality/value

A holistic overview of the best‐practice for maximising the effectiveness of a knowledge management initiative by addressing the issues, which concern the people involved with its implementation.
Beyond the knowledge sharing dilemma: the role of customisation
Authors: Matsuo Makoto , Easterby‐Smith Mark
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how business professionals learn both through sharing knowledge with others, and from their own direct experience.

Design/methodology/approach

There are two contrasting approaches to knowledge management. One suggests that knowledge should be disseminated efficiently through the use of information technology‐based systems, the other maintains that it is more important to encourage and share the “knowing” that arises directly from the experiences of employees. This paper examines these two approaches from interviews with consultants and project managers in six major Japanese companies.

Findings

The paper concludes that there is often a trade‐off between technology‐based systems and experience, where strong technological systems inhibit experience‐based learning, and refer to this as the “knowledge‐sharing dilemma”. But this is not always the case. The results suggest that when employees are encouraged to customize technology‐based knowledge for their own purposes this will actually enhance their capability for experiential learning.

Research limitations/implications

Since the data presented in this research are limited to the IT professionals in Japanese firms, further studies could consider the international context and other industries in order to generalize the findings.

Originality/value

A major dilemma about combining experiential learning with computer‐based knowledge sharing was identified. This “knowledge sharing dilemma” implies that the more computer‐based knowledge sharing is promoted, the less that experiential learning may take place. By introducing the idea of customisation the paper extends the concept beyond a simple trade‐off in knowledge sharing.
Knowledge management solutions for the leaving expert issue
Authors: Hofer‐Alfeis Josef
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The leaving expert (LX) is often regarded only as an issue for the retention of his or her knowledge for the business or organization. The purpose of this paper is to show that a more comprehensive knowledge perspective reveals various issues and leads to different knowledge management (KM) remedies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper approaches the topic from an instruments or process aspect as well as from a case study view. One of the remedies is described in depth based on considerable application experience: the Leaving Expert Debriefing, a planning and knowledge transfer process. The general approach of prophylaxis and/or bridgeover by excellent KM is also taken into consideration with an overview on useful KM detail processes or instruments.

Findings

The Leaving Expert Debriefing process based on a comprehensive perspective of knowledge has proven to be a useful planning and knowledge transfer instrument, especially when applied early enough. On the other hand, continuously furthered good KM solutions and processes considerably reduce risks in LX issues.

Practical implications

The paper offers many details, for the most part based on practical experience on how to successfully apply the Leaving Expert Debriefing process and what else KM can also contribute.

Originality/value

The Leaving Expert Debriefing process is described in detail showing that various knowledge transfer and development actions for the different forms of knowledge have to be defined and focused on strategically business‐critical knowledge areas. It is positioned as one of many KM remedies for the LX issue. Two quite different real‐life LX cases and KM applications for them are described: the LX as a knowledge vault versus a node in a knowledge network.
Online communities as communities of practice: a case study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Watts Stephanie
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate to which extent the concept of communities of practice (CoPs) can be applied to online communities and to explore how organizations can better utilize online social structures for their knowledge management practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was used to examine an online community with the practice‐and‐identity framework that characterizes conventional CoPs. Qualitative data analysis was conducted primarily on 7,853 messages downloaded from the online community during a six week period.

Findings

The results showed how an online community could manifest the practice and identity characteristics of conventional CoPs as community members actively engaged in their shared practice and identity development while pursuing a joint enterprise.Research limitations/implications–The study was conducted in a single Chinese online community on traveling, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

This study suggested how organizations can nurture online CoPs. In addition, a hierarchical model was proposed to help organizations identify the appropriate online social structure for their knowledge management purposes.Originality/value–This study empirically verified that CoPs can emerge from online communities and demonstrated that the concept of CoPs can be used to guide knowledge sharing and knowledge creation in online environments.
The epistemology of knowledge and the knowledge process cycle: beyond the “objectivist” vs “interpretivist”
Authors: Williams Roy
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critique current epistemologies of knowledge and intellectual capital, and provide a way forward within an integrated framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The principles of linguistic philosophy and semiotics provide the basis for a rigorous analysis of the production of signs and of knowledge. The Knowledge Process Cycle is used to explore this further, to analyse how different types of communities produce a range of different kinds of information and knowledge, and to formulate a more coherent, theoretically rigorous epistemology.

Findings

The current epistemological confusions can be resolved, by taking into account the arbitrary and conventional nature of signs, and the different epistemological requirements of the different phases of the Knowledge Cycle.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses on the confusions around “objectivist” and “interpretivist” epistemologies, and on how an analysis of the articulations of the various phases of the knowledge process cycle can resolve these confusions. A more detailed analysis of strategic knowledge and communities of practice will be explored in further research.

Practical implications

Both knowledge management (KM) and intellectual capital (IC) will benefit from a resolution of the confusions surrounding the roles of “objectivist” and “interpretivist” epistemologies, and from a more nuanced understanding of the production of knowledge. Reporting on IC would benefit from finer distinctions, and from a more rigorous epistemology.

Originality/value

The paper brings together concepts and analytical tools from different disciplines (KM, IC, applied linguistics, linguistic philosophy, and semiotics) to develop a new approach to the epistemology of knowledge and intellectual capital.
Knowledge management in the Peruvian non‐profit sector
Authors: Sébastien Matzkin Daniel
Published: August 2008

Purpose

In third world countries the subsistence of millions of persons depends on the work of organizations operating in the non‐profit sector. The purpose of this paper to explore how knowledge management awareness and practices could create more efficient organizations despite their lack of human and financial resources. This paper aims to make a contribution to the knowledge management literature in the non‐profit sector of third world countries. In particular, the main results from an explorative survey of Peruvian non‐profit organizations are analyzed and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was generated from a questionnaire survey of 106 Peruvian organizations operating in the non‐profit sector. Part of the questionnaire was inspired from an existing knowledge management acquisition cycle for non‐profit organizations.

Findings

Though only medium to low levels of knowledge management awareness were found in the Peruvian non‐profit sector, implicit knowledge management practices were observed on a large scale independently of the size and category of the non‐profit organizations. Some organizational variables and their negative effects on knowledge management practices are discussed.

Practical implications

A guideline to increase organizational efficiency based on the development of knowledge management awareness is suggested.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to explore and present statistical‐based results on knowledge management practices in the non‐profit sector from a third world country.
Inquiry in health knowledge management
Authors: Sheffield James
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reduce ambiguity in diverse approaches to health knowledge management by surfacing key issues, perspectives and philosophical assumptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Knowledge management research in health is critically reviewed. Issues are grouped into research domains, and examined in the light of associated knowledge management perspectives, and philosophical assumptions.

Findings

Systemic complexity in health knowledge management derives from tensions within and between issues in three domains: specific value‐laden aspects of clinic practice (knowledge creation); integration of workplace practice into generic process flows (knowledge normalization); and the technical integration of disparate information systems (knowledge application). These concepts are related to three knowledge management perspectives, viz., personal values, social norms and objective facts, respectively. Both domains and perspectives are anchored in philosophical assumptions about the interests served by knowledge (viz., emancipatory, practical, and technical), and in approaches to inquiry (critical pluralist, interpretivist, and positivist).

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on selected literature about Western health care practices

Practical implications

The framework assists understanding of the practical reasoning that motivates the use of technology in health knowledge management. The conceptual linkages that are developed are of value to practitioners and researchers sensitive to the intertwining of facts, norms and values.

Originality/value

In total, the concepts and relations developed in this paper constitute both a framework for inquiry in health knowledge management, and a normative theory for a critique of patient care. Recognising, and articulating, the relative importance one ascribes to facts, norms, and values is crucial in tackling the hard problems in health knowledge management.
The USA – no longer a haven for the foreign bank
Authors: Smith Iyandra
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current dilemmas facing foreign banks and countries in the pursuit of eradicating money laundering and international financial crimes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the recently enacted Title III of the USA Patriot Act which regulates foreign banking institutions in order to curb international money laundering. The paper examines the recent decision of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals discussing foreign banks' liability when their depositors have deposited funds obtained as a result of money laundering.

Findings

The US Government can easily forfeit funds derived from or connected to a money laundering offence found in correspondent accounts of foreign banks.

Practical implications

Owing to the great risk of seizure in the US of money laundered funds, foreign banks must decide whether the difficulty of recovering any US seizure from their customers call for them to implement additional security measures or limit contact with American financial institutions. Foreign banks may be required to initiate anti‐money laundering programs which exceed what they would have been required to do according to the laws of their home country.

Originality/value

This paper is one of first to examine Title III's effect on innocent foreign banks, as it was written shortly after the interpretation of Title III and its applicability to foreign banks and it examines any defences foreign banks may have in asset forfeiture actions, and any recourse it has in recovering seized funds.
Russia's anti‐money laundering regime: law enforcement tool or instrument of domestic control?
Authors: Orlova Alexandra V.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to cut through the rhetoric that shrouds Russia's anti‐money laundering regime to uncover the reality that lies beneath.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relies on both primary and secondary sources in Russian and English that deal with the problems of money laundering in the Russian context. Relevant sections of the Russian Criminal Code as well as Russia's anti‐money laundering regulations have been consulted.

Findings

Overall, the Russian anti‐money laundering regime has thus far proved ineffective in terms of meeting its stated purposes of combating organized crime and terrorism. Its limited success stems largely from structural weaknesses in the Russian banking system as well as that industry's lack of a culture of regulatory compliance. Moreover, Russian authorities have opportunistically seized on the current anti‐money laundering regime as a useful tool in the pursuit of ends unconnected to the fight against organized crime and terrorism. The Russian authorities have used the regime to attempt to reform the banking system and to extend their strategic control in the domestic political and business realms. The ineffectiveness of the anti‐money laundering regulations and their usage to achieve ulterior aims undermine the legitimacy of the regime as a whole.

Originality/value

The paper looks beyond the technical difficulties in applying the anti‐money laundering regulations and examines the misuses of the anti‐money laundering regime in the Russian context. However, the problems raised in the paper are not unique to Russia and have relevance to other jurisdictions, especially countries that are members of the Financial Action Task Force.
Comparing AML legislation of the UK, Switzerland and Germany
Authors: Fiona Preller Sabrina
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare, contrast and evaluate the anti‐money laundering (AML) legislation practised by the UK, Switzerland and Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

To facilitate the evaluation process, AML legislations and regulations of all three countries are compared based on four different aspects, i.e. criminal law, the reporting stage, the collation stage and the investigation stage.

Findings

Although specific differences and similarities between the three AML regimes are highlighted, based on the current literature, it is rather difficult to reach a valid conclusion regarding their effectiveness and efficiency.

Originality/value

A wide range of literature, in the original languages, was analyzed during the compilation of this paper.
Money laundering with particular reference to the banking deposit transactions
Authors: Mohamed Sanusi Mahmood
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the theoretical framework of money laundering and expanded to study it from the Islamic perspective. As money laundering sustain truly “global issues” and thus should be treated as such. The purpose is to examine the conception of money laundering under Islamic law in conjunction with the discussion of Islamic law of contract; the most common methods in money laundering involving numerous cash deposits at various bank branches, followed by the purchase of a secured bank instrument, such as cashiers' check; how far is Islamic law able to provide rules, norms in protecting financial institutions, customers and the public from criminal activities?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper depended on primary data. The data were procured from the Holy Quran, Prophetic Sunnah which embodied all tenets of Islamic law, and in addition, from the books of the Classical Muslim scholars.

Findings

It has been revealed that Islam has initially taken great interest in the market condition, business conduct and economic system. Generally speaking Islam law prohibits all business conducts which compromise unjustified consumption, misappropriation of one's wealth thus creating parasitical classes of people obtaining wealth and money being the root of all criminal activities; financial crimes and the concept of money laundering have been categorised as a division of Islamic criminal law which has been addressed via many provisions in the Quran and Prophet's Sunnah; the prophet and his successors have developed the Institution of Hisbah to control malpractices and criminal activities. Moreover, Islamic law prescribes a set of principles, rules and measures to deal with acts that are most likely to affect the economic scenario.

Originality/value

This invaluable paper identifies the attitude of the Islamic law in monitoring and preventing the concept of money laundering, further distinguishing between illicit gains (al‐Kasb al Haram) and lawful gains. Finally, this paper reviews the Islamic norms relating to confiscation and forfeiture of Ill‐gotten wealth and property.
Indonesian stakeholder viewpoints of Indonesia's anti‐money laundering legislation
Authors: Rusmin Rusmin , Brown Alistair M.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gather Indonesian stakeholders' viewpoints of issues arising from Indonesia's recent anti‐money laundering (AML) legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews are conducted to elicit viewpoints about issues raised by Law No. 15 of 2002 on Money Laundering Crimes (as amended by Law No. 25 of 2003).

Findings

Although there are teething problems with the application of Indonesian AML legislation, many respondents consider the Act as essential in driving out Indonesia's money laundering. The implications for Pusat Pelaporan dan Analisis Transaksi Keuangan (PPATK) is that by encouraging more training and providing more feedback on suspicious reporting transactions, many Indonesian organizations may be encouraged to join PPATK in stamping out AML practices.

Originality/value

The report is piquant given Indonesia's recent record on corruption and cronyism, external pressure on Indonesia to stamp out money laundering practices, and the apparent success of the PPATK on securing co‐chair of the Asia‐Pacific Group in AML. By considering Indonesian stakeholder viewpoints of Indonesian legislation, authorities are better able to gauge how limited resources may be spent to fulfill the ambit of that legislation.
Can corruption and economic crime be controlled in developing economies – and if so, is the cost worth it?
Authors: Salifu Adam
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the question of whether corruption and economic crime can be controlled in developing economies and whether the cost of doing that can be justified. It also explores the implications of corruption in the development of developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews a range of published articles (1964‐2005), which offer theoretical and empirical research on corruption, economic crime and development. Themes discussed range from; the causes, implications, controls and the cost of controlling economic crime and corruption in developing economies.

Findings

Provides a critical analysis of the debate on corruption and economic crime in developing economies. The paper generally concludes that no single institution can be used to control corruption and economic crime and efforts to control these phenomena need to come from multiple fronts. The best way to tackle corruption in developing countries is through sector‐by‐sector control and that efforts to eliminate corruption are unlikely to be entirely successful in developing countries, not even in the developed countries.

Practical implications

The paper reminds developing countries to adopt measures that best suit their local circumstances in setting up anticorruption agencies/institutions while taking into consideration the borderless nature of crime – economic crime and corruption. Policy makers, especially in developing countries should re‐examine both local and international tools for combining economic crime and corruption to ensure development.

Originality/value

Although the paper argues along similar lines with the neo‐liberal approach to combating economic crime and corruption in developing countries, a major departure of this paper is that it proposes the need for a global effort to corruption and economic crime as a result of the increasing borderless nature of crime in this present age of information communication technology.
Applying importance‐performance analysis to assess service delivery performance
Authors: Tsoukatos Evangelos
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the potential of importance‐performance (IP) analysis as a decision‐making tool for service management, employing IP analysis to assess the performance of Greek insurance in delivering quality services.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in a two‐stage survey. In both stages, respondents were asked to provide importance and performance scores, in identical seven‐point Likert scales, for the 25 service attributes identified for Greek insurance. In order to qualify for the sample, individuals had to be over the age of 25 and have at least one insurance policy and one service encounter with their insurers within the previous three months. The two methodological streams of IP analysis, “gap analysis” and IP maps, were employed to analyse the data.

Findings

The value of importance‐performance analysis as a tool for managerial decision making in services was reaffirmed. Contrary to previous findings on insurers' reluctance to respond to their customers' quality requests, Greek insurance was found to have adequate reflexes in this respect. In stage one, the dimensions Responsiveness and Assurance were positioned in the “keep up the good work”, Reliability in the “concentrate”, Empathy in the “low priority” and Tangibles in the “possible overkill” quadrants of the importance‐performance map. In stage two, the industry was found to have taken actions towards keeping‐up with its customers' requirements.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this study are that it was based on a single service industry and that convenience sampling was used. However, its methodology and results are valid for various industries in the service sector and provide a solid basis for future research.

Originality/value

Service managers can exploit the approach taken by this study to improve service management. Greek insurers have to keep considering the needs and wants of their customers regarding service delivery.
Investigating “head” and “heart” value traits of tertiary students studying in Cyprus
Authors: Krambia‐Kapardis Maria , Zopiatis Anastasios
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate, for the first time in Cyprus, tertiary education students' personal values. In particular the study seeks to examine: the most important personal values for tertiary education students in two institutions in Cyprus; whether there are any differences between the individual's values as a function of variables such as gender, ethnic origin, year of study, type of academic discipline and religion; and whether there is a balance between “head” and “heart” traits amongst tertiary students.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a comprehensive literature review the paper develops a quantitative questionnaire whereby tertiary students, currently pursuing accredited degrees in two tertiary institutions (one private and one public) were surveyed in order to identify their perceived level of importance from a list of 20 values with the utilization of a five‐point Likert scale. A purposive (judgmental) sampling technique was utilized to select 1,000 cases from the population that would best meet the research purpose and address the study's research questions. The data were analyzed utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

Honesty, loyalty to family and friends, friendliness, self‐confidence and world peace are ranked as the five most important personal values for college students in Cyprus. Surprisingly, traditionally important values such as patriotism and religion were ranked last by the respondents, both Cypriot and non‐Cypriot.

Originality/value

This would appear to be the first time that an investigation of this type has been undertaken in Cyprus.
EU enlargement: a case study of branding standardisation
Authors: Melewar T.C. , Hayday David , Gupta Suraksha , Cohen Geraldine
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether or not EU enlargement would cause companies to standardise their brand portfolios and the brands they offer, between Eastern and Western Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The issue of standardisation versus localisation, and the impact of EU enlargement upon standardisation are examined based on the existing literature. The paper looks at whether fostering more member states within the EU would encourage standardisation. It also explores whether barriers for standardisation still exist. The research employs a case study methodology to set scenarios of possible outcomes.

Findings

The research findings imply that external factors, which are market‐based and product‐based elements, seem to encourage standardisation. The effect is brought about by the benefits standardisation offers in terms of efficiency. There are still some minor national barriers that impede standardisation. However, the main obstacles are endogenous to corporations and pertain to company structure, strategy and historic resistance to standardisation.

Research limitations/implications

Standardisation of the marketing mix has been practised by managers as a way to combine customers' needs with cost‐effectiveness. The paper offers scope for further research into the application of various portfolio assessment tools to examine brands which will help managers to observe these relationships, and develop customised branding strategies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the marketing literature on branding and standardisation and supports the strategy of standardisation of brands for better performance.