bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significantly better: the benefits for an academic institution focused on student learning outcomes
Authors: Shupe David
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe how a college or university can develop the organizational capacity to focus on student learning outcomes. It seeks to show how the consistent application of this capacity would provide not only a response to external expectations, but also unexpected benefits that, when taken together, would create a significantly better academic institution.

Design/methodology/approach

Six years of research and development, primarily as part of an expanding collaborative endeavor between participating colleges/universities and an independent academic R&D firm, has provided a laboratory for iteratively creating and testing new academic processes and supporting technologies.

Findings

Five essential elements of outcomes assessment, when incorporated into a system‐supported academic process, can enable an institution to generate data on actual student learning directly out of its regular program wherever and whenever it chooses to do so, with seven significant benefits.

Originality/value

The organizational capacity described in this paper directly overcomes organizational invisibility of student achievement within its educational program – a century‐old deficiency within higher education.
Learning outcomes and the development of expertise
Authors: Tagg John
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the visibility of learning outcomes within an academic institution permits the re‐imagining of general education as the conscious development in students of expertise that is more general than and perhaps more important than the specific outcomes of any major.

Design/methodology/approach

The study of expertise shows that it is a dynamic state; in any field of endeavor, experts learn differently than non‐experts. Likewise the study of students shows similar differences. Consciously developing the ability to learn well contributes greatly to becoming an expert in a specialized field.

Findings

The paper finds that explicitly attending to the progressive development of students' abilities to learn, and the application of those abilities in majors, creates a different model for general education.

Originality/value

Enabling explicit institutional attention to learning outcomes changes the assumed context for general education and opens up new possibilities.
The impacts of corporate ownership structure on the incentive of using capital structure to signal
Authors: Tse Chin‐Bun , Ying Jia Joanne
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper attempts to investigate what kind of firms is more likely to use capital structure to signal; and in particular to investigate the impacts of corporate ownership structures on firms' capital structure signalling decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops theoretical models and then uses OLS multiple regression, piecewise regression and logistic regression analysis on a set of data derived from 327 UK firms listed in the FTSE ALL share index to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results show that capital structure is not homogeneously used as a signalling tool; and firms with insider ownerships less or equal to 1.14 per cent are more likely the signallers.

Research limitations/implications

Although other variables have been examined, this paper focuses on the impacts of insider ownership on capital structure signalling. Further work is required to investigate other variables that are mentioned but they are outside the scope of this paper.

Practical implications

This paper provides useful practical insights to both managers and investors to help them better understand and interpret firms' capital structure signals.

Originality/value

Before this paper, most people commonly agreed that capital structure contains signalling values. However, the findings suggest that it is not always the case.
Exploring the distinctions between a high performance culture and a cult
Authors: Spector Bert , Lane Henry
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Challenges the popular explanation for Enron's failure as being simply about financial reporting or criminal behavior and offers a more subtle and complex explanation.

Design/methodology/approach

With a framework developed from the literature on cults and cult behavior as well as secondary research, the authors develop the perspective that Enron's senior leaders created an organization that encouraged executives to act in ways that were criminal. Five characteristics of cults: persuasion, isolation, elitism, charismatic (and dogmatic) leadership and wealth not benefiting group members were found to apply.

Findings

The major differences between a high performance organization and a cult were transparency, accountability and dialogue.

Practical implications

It highlights the small difference between a high performance culture and a cult and raises “red flags” or warning signs for executives to be aware of. Executives looking for long‐term outstanding performance through high levels of social cohesion and strong behavioral norms need to be aware of the cult trap.

Originality/value

There are important management lessons from the Enron story that transcend accounting and financial reporting techniques and lessons beyond the illegal behaviors. It provides an understanding of how an organization's culture and systems can lead to cult‐like behavior and encourage employees to act in illegal ways.
The off‐line imperative
Authors: Barsoux Jean‐Louis , Bottger Preston
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper highlights the importance of executives taking a timeout to reflect – and to build that habit into their work routines.

Design/methodology/approach

It is based on extensive observation of and discussion with executives.

Findings

Most are so immersed in action and decision‐making that they have no time to think. The paper considers some of the barriers to pragmatic reflection and proposes ways round them – the aim being to help executives practice a new “learning cycle.”

Practical implications

Many executives are deluding themselves that their current mode of operation is sustainable. They must realize that they sometimes need to stop in order to progress.

Originality/value

The more turbulent the context, the higher the need for executives to reassess their priorities and the effort they require, and to develop a fresh perspective. Paradoxically, the less they can afford the time, the more they need to make the investment. Taking time out from the fray has become a matter of survival.
Preparers’ perceptions of the decision usefulness of FRS15
Authors: Hooks Jill , van Staden Chris
Published: June 2007

The objectives of financial reporting encompass a decision usefulness role for accounting information. Information is decision useful when it assists users to make decisions about investing in or doing business with an entity. Decision usefulness is therefore an essential part of the framework within which financial reporting standards are developed. The aim of this research is to assess the decision usefulness of the recently promulgated Financial Reporting Standard 15 (FRS15). To this purpose a random sample of 48 Chartered Accountants and Financial Controllers completed a self‐administered survey regarding various aspects of FRS15 and other factors related to the concept of decision usefulness. Statistical analysis of the responses indicates that respondents agree that overall FRS15 has a positive impact on providing decision useful information. There is strong support for the balance sheet approach on which the standard is based but respondents consider taht the matching approach also provides decision useful information, particularly in respect of allowing the recognition of provisions that do not meet the definition of a liability. The research also considers what respopndents intend to do with current provisions and future provisions following the implementation of FRS15. Although the respondents support consistency, they indicate that, in the case of contingencies, prudence should override consistency. The findings provide an important contribution to the knowledge pertaining to provisions and contingencies.
Determinants of disclosures of A‐, B‐ and H‐share companies
Authors: Liu Jinghui , Alexander Eddie Ian
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study attempts to examine the issues relating to corporate financial reporting of Chinese listed companies under specified institutional settings as companies with different share‐categories are required to prepare annual reports under various General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study selects Chinese companies that issue negotiable shares to examine whether corporate disclosure patterns are different under various institutional settings. Negotiable shares can be traded on stock exchanges and are divided into A‐, B‐ and H‐shares. The extent of corporate disclosure is obtained from the content analysis of annual reports for 191 sampled Chinese listed companies with various share categories. The association are hypothesized and tested between the level of corporate disclosure and the following corporate determinants: company size, profitability, auditor, leverage, industry and ownership structure.

Findings

The extensive regulations and different standards influence on disclosures of companies with foreign investment participation and overseas listing status. By reconciliation of their annual reports according to the IFRSs or the GAAP of the listing country, these companies increased information disclosure voluntarily in order to enhance their reputation and credibility. Some corporate factors, such as company size, profitability and the size of auditor, have influenced the level of corporate disclosure in annual reports of domestic and foreign share‐based companies. Ownership structure has positive impact on the level of disclosure for companies with domestic investors.

Originality/value

This study advances knowledge of the influence that legislative circumstances and ownership structures can have on disclosure decisions made by management in their annual reports. This information is of high interest to domestic and foreign investors and regulators in understanding of financial reporting in Chinese listed companies.
Going behond twentieth century leadership: a CEO develops his company’s global competitiveness
Authors: Adler Nancy J. , Brody Laura W. , Osland Joyce S.
Published: June 2007

Makes the case that companies intending to become globally competitive must recruit and develop the most talented people, men and women. Describes the experience of one company in developing women for global leadership positions. Shows how this initiative integrated organizational development, team and network building and individual leadership development.
Training employees to work in the Mid East safely
Authors: Avitabile Louis , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Offers some direction to the potential expatriate employee destined for any Middle Eastern country. Addresses issues such as personal safety and that of any accompanying family in addition to advice on moving and settling in. Gives details of support and help that can be employed. Concludes that as the culture differences with the West are so huge, only preparedness and thorough understanding based on cultural background will really support the individual.
The new US anti‐money laundering offensive: will it prove successful?
Authors: Reynolds John A.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this analysis is to present the history of anti‐money laundering efforts in the United States as it applies both domestically and internationally, and demonstrate how this new legislation, if enacted, will mark a dramatic change in the customary treatment of international financial transactions and to international long‐arm jurisdiction and law enforcement. If enacted as proposed, this legislation may provide the tools necessary to achieve substantial progress in this effort.
Acme vending
Authors: Grunewald Donald , Baron Philip
Published: June 2007

This case concerns a decision to become an entrepreneur by entering the vending machine business. A high school teacher wants to supplement his income, and a part‐time business seems an attractive possibility. The case points up issues involved in such a decision and raises the matter of information required to make such a choice. The underlying issue is the problem of what needs to be known to enter a business, what factors should be considered, and the importance of approaching the matter systematically.
Cross‐cultural research in Malaysia
Authors: Fontaine Rodrigue , Richardson Stanley
Published: June 2007

This article takes stock of the state of cross‐cultural management in Malaysia. It first focuses on a number of problems that cross‐cultural management faces generally, namely the lack of integrated knowledge and the possibility of subjectivity influencing the research design. Then the article looks at the state of cross‐cultural management research in Malaysia. It concludes that cross‐cultural management in Malaysia is, as yet, a series of “snapshots” with little follow‐up. Lastly, a number of themes for future research in Malaysia are proposed.
Evidence for crossvergence in the perception of task and contextual performance: a study of Western expatriates working in Thailand
Authors: Fisher Gregory B. , Härtel Charmine E.J.
Published: June 2007

The applicability of the Western model of task and contextual performance to the context of Thai and Western managers, professionals and consultants working together in Thailand is addressed in this research. The results show a clear difference in the factor structure of how Western and Thai managers perceive the importance of performance factors. Moreover, the task and contextual factor structure found for Western managers working in a Western culture did not hold for Westerners working within the Thai cultural environment. These findings provide evidence of adaptation by the Westerner to the Thai cultural environment, supporting the notion of crossvergence.
Introductory essay: new horizons in cross cultural management
Authors: Zhu Yunxia , Ulijn Jan
Published: June 2007

In this special issue, we present a research forum on current issues in cross cultural management in New Zealand, Australia and the Asian‐Pacific Region. Our theme is new horizons in cross cultural management, which is reflected in both topic and approach. Our topics are related to the Asia Pacific Region and its relations with the rest of the world, such as with Africa (South‐Africa), America (US) and Europe (The Netherlands). They are interdisciplinary in nature; our approach focuses on promoting culture‐specific perspectives. Moreover, the research forum intends to push forward knowledge toward new boundaries by means of developing new models and paradigms for comparing cultures and management practices.
Cultural values and advertising in Malaysia: views from the industry
Authors: Waller David S. , Shyan Fam Kim
Published: June 2007

Considers the environmental differences that may need to be considered when marketers enter into a new country such as media restrictions. Cultural and legal factors. Observes a study of Malaysian media professionals’ perceptions towards various media and advertising restrictions in their country. Presents findings suggesting that advertising images, particularly nudity, indecent language, and sexist images were perceived as major reasons for advertising restrictions.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Decisions to Dare for Corporate/Country Survival
Authors: Chacko George K.
Published: June 2007

Develops an original 12‐step management of technology protocol and applies it to 51 applications which range from Du Pont’s failure in Nylon to the Single Online Trade Exchange for Auto Parts procurement by GM, Ford, Daimler‐Chrysler and Renault‐Nissan. Provides many case studies with regards to the adoption of technology and describes seven chief technology officer characteristics. Discusses common errors when companies invest in technology and considers the probabilities of success. Provides 175 questions and answers to reinforce the concepts introduced. States that this substantial journal is aimed primarily at the present and potential chief technology officer to assist their survival and success in national and international markets.
Australian retailers need to engage with private labels to achieve competitive difference
Authors: Miranda Mario J. , Joshi Malay
Published: June 2007

Private label growth in Australia has not kept pace with the growth in private labels elsewhere. This research paper establishes that the odds of a consumer being highly pleased with a store label product when they are supportive of the quality of private labels, is more than the odds of the consumer being highly satisfied when purchasing private label products simply because they are priced significantly lower than manufacturer brands. It would therefore be useful for Australian retailers to increase investment in private label programs including changing their customers’ attitudes to the quality of private labels if they are to stay competitive.
The effect of cultural allegiance and values on the perception of spokespersons denying commercial rumours
Authors: Kobinah Thomas , Mizerski Dick , Mizerski Katherine
Published: June 2007

Commercial rumour can have a very negative impact on companies and products. As soon as a negative rumour begins to spread, sales often fall drastically. The major battle is not only to recover sales but how to recover consumer confidence before buyers eliminate the company’s brands from their evoked set. The literature on commercial rumour implicitly assumes that consumers will react to commercial rumours in a homogenous manner. However, most marketing scholars involved in studying cultural effects suggest that the culture of the buyer will influence their reaction specifically through their acceptance/rejection of the source attempting to refute the rumour. Therefore, any attempt to address commercial rumour without regard to the buyers’ cultural backgrounds may not be effective. An experiment was developed to test the effect of cultural background on choice of spokesperson to refute commercial rumours. The results of this experiment show that consumers from Eastern and Western cultural backgrounds respond in a different manner to spokespersons addressing commercial rumours. Their cultural backgrounds and values appear to influence their belief about the veracity of the source responding to the commercial rumours and their message. It is recommended that marketing personnel consider consumers’ and buyers’ core values when developing strategies for and selecting sources for controlling commercial rumours.
Greek and Chinese classical rhetoric: the root of cultural differences in business and marekting communication
Authors: Yunxia Zhu , Hildebrandt Herbert W.
Published: June 2007

This paper aims to compare the Greek and Chinese rhetorical traditions and explore their influences on today’s business and marketing communication across relevant cultures. In particular, it uses the Aristotelian persuasive orientations as reference points to introduce the Chinese rhetoric, and interpret cultural differences in persuasion from a historical and sociocultural perspective. It has been found that Greek and Chinese rhetoric and persuasion were developed to meet the needs of the social and cultural environments and this rule still applies to today’s business communication. The logical approach has been emphasised in the English rhetorical tradition while both qing (emotional approach) and li (logical approach) are the focus of persuasion in the Chinese tradition. This difference is also the root of cultural differences in modern business communication. Findings from both English and Chinese texts and data are examined to substantiate our focal argument.
The influence of market orientation on marketing competency and the effect of internet‐marketing integration
Authors: Aziz Norzalita Abd. , Yasin Norjaya Mohd.
Published: June 2007

The Internet technology has been recognised as a key business resource and is increasingly being used and integrated into firm’s marketing activities. This study explored the relationship between market orientation and marketing competency and investigated the role of the Internet marketing integration in the market orientation‐marketing competency linkage. From an analysis of a survey data from 47 manufacturing firms involved in exporting and 33 travel agencies, four dimensions – Providing Customer Value, Competitor Orientation, Management Commitment and Customer Retention were extracted from factor analysis result of market orientation. However, this study found that Competitor Orientation and Management Commitment influenced marketing competency of the firm. Compared to the previous study, the integration of the Internet marketing did not seem to moderate the influence of market orientation on marketing competency. In addition, the Internet‐oriented profiles of the Malaysian exporters and travel agencies were constructed using characteristics in terms of its size, age in operations, the importance of different regional market to the firm, level of market orientation, and market area responded, which can be used for future research.
A macro and micro perspective of the global software industry with specific orientation to India, China and the Philippines
Authors: McManus John , Floyd David
Published: June 2007

Much has been made of the importance of the Indian market as the future of the software industry. However, according to mainstream internationalisation theory the market in India may be seen as a less preferential market to other higher growth and low cost markets such as China and Russia. India will have to move higher up the value chain if it is to maintain this favourable position. This article sets out to explain the main reasons why India is proving attractive for foreign direct investment by examining theories of internationalisation and drawing on key FDI data. Contrasts are also made with other important markets including China and Philippines. The article then goes on to examine industry specific variables. The article then considers some alternative historical and cultural factors that may also have a role in explaining the success of this particular industry and location.
Learning and information dissemination in logistics alliances
Authors: Ratten Vanessa
Published: June 2007

Alliances have been increasing at an alarming rate for the past decade. Many of these alliances are used predominately in the supply chain side of businesses and industries. They are used to facilitate communication and interaction between firms that require resources of one another. Alliances facilitate the learning that takes place between firms involved in them. The aim of this article is to take an alliance learning perspective in explaining the processes of information dissemination and communication between firms involved in supply chain management. A conceptual model is developed which examines the learning and information communication dynamics of supply chain management in an alliance setting. Propositions are espoused which led to future research directions being discussed.
The use of Chinese classical strategies in international construction marketing: some anecdotal evidence
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Tian Sin Wee
Published: June 2007

Presents the principles of thirty six Chinese classical strategies which includes strategies for attack, strength, confrontation, confusion, gaining ground and desperate situations. Applies these to strategic planning and marketing rather than the traditional use on battlefields. Uses anecdotal evidence to give examples and suggests that they are relevant to many other business areas.
The Intelligent Multichip Module Analyser: A Thermal Design
Tool
Authors: Stoklosa M.J.
Published: June 2007

The Intelligent MCM Analyser (IMCMA) is a software tool which allows
the designer to concurrently assess the reliability of an MCM design based on operational parameters.
Traditionally, this type of assessment takes days to accomplish and is performed after the design phase.
The Intelligent MCM Analyser does not require the designer to be a thermal/reliability expert and
gives an assessment in minutes depending on the complexity of the design and the speed of the
computer. IMCMA assists and designer in achieving a robust design which will improve both quality
and reliability. The software uses object‐oriented data representation, a blackboard
architecture and heuristic expertise to perform lower level reasoning associated with finite element
thermal analysis techniques that are normally very tedious and labour intensive. A test case is presented
comparing results from IMCMA with the results from a general purpose finite element code. The
ultimate pay‐off will be the manufacturer's ability to build higher quality, higher reliability
MCMs at a lower cost.
An Ultra High Density Technology for Microsystems
Authors: Larcombe S. , Ivey P.
Published: June 2007

This research demonstrates how a low‐cost three‐dimensional packaging technology can be ultilised to implement heterogeneous microsystems. Systems which integrate sensors, actuators and signal processing are highly complex and often require
custom packaging to maximise their potential. Using a novel multichip module packaging technology, referred to as MCM‐V (multichip module‐vertical), it has been demonstrated that
three‐dimensional MCMs can be applied in the production of high‐density microsystems incorporating
sensors, bare die and discrete components. As an example, a microsystem which integrates an image
sensor and programmable processing resources is described. The microsystem represents the first
heterogeneous system to be produced using the advanced three‐dimensional technology (MCM‐V).
How reliable are the recommendations of the Cruickshank Report? An assessment of market definition in UK competition analysis of retail banking markets
Authors: Ashton John K.
Published: June 2007

The paper considers two central issues; one, how was the definition of the UK banking market undertaken within the Cruickshank Report, and two, how might the assumptions made in defining banking markets have influenced the competition analysis and overall conclusions presented by the report. In this paper, the banking market for personal customers is discussed in relation to theoretical and empirical work and the distribution of banking branches in the UK. An assessment of the form of competition, used in the Cruickshank Report, builds on this discussion and considers the implications of a possible oversight in the definition of the UK banking market. Recommendations and suggestions for further work are provided within the conclusions.
Practical aspects of implementing a Basel II‐compliant economic capital framework
Authors: Bruggink Bert , Buck Eugen
Published: June 2007

In this case study the authors outline how a major financial institution in the Netherlands deals with the practical aspects of implementing a Basel II‐compliant economic capital framework. The paper gives an overview of the programme Rabobank has set on track for the implementation and discusses the prioritisation of project streams and how to track progress of the programme. An important aspect of the whole programme is communication between all the parties involved. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of the major challenges faced during the implementation process.
11th September and revelations from the Enron collapse add to the mounting pressure on offshore financial centres
Authors: Johnson Jackie
Published: June 2007

Offshore financial centres (OFCs) have again come under the spotlight. They have been accused of aiding terrorists by laundering their financial resources, allowing the funding of terrorism to go undetected. Their role as tax havens have also been highlighted in the collapse of Enron, a company that used OFCs to avoid paying millions of dollars in US tax. In response many OFCs have agreed to freeze terrorists’ assets, tighten money laundering legislation, provide a more open tax system and share information. There are, however, some OFCs that are resisting the mounting pressure to conform to international standards. These will become targets once more in June, 2002, when the Financial Action Task Force starts the process of identifying jurisdictions that ‘lack appropriate measures to combat terrorist financing’.
Mindsets and consequences in corporate governance and control: Part 2
Authors: Edrich Carole
Published: June 2007

This paper is the second of two parts that set out to examine some of the current challenges in corporate governance and control. The first part looked at formal requirements and how they have been interpreted and implemented, deriving some pointers for the way forward. This part examines some of the more practical implementation issues of corporate governance and risk management frameworks.
Basel II: The road ahead
Authors: Caruana Jaime
Published: June 2007

The following extract is taken from a speech by Jaime Caruana, Governor of the Bank of Spain, as Chairman of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, given to the Institute of International Finance in Dubai on 21st September, 2003.
Risk‐based capital requirements and their impact upon the banking industry: Basel II and CAD III
Authors: Lastra Rosa Maria
Published: June 2007

The Basel Committee has proposed a new capital framework to respond to the deficiencies of the 1988 Capital Accord (Basel I). The 1988 Accord has been criticised for its crude assessment of risk and for creating opportunities for regulatory arbitrage. In principle, the new approach, often referred to as Basel II, is not intended to raise or lower the overall level of regulatory capital currently held by banks, but to make it more risk sensitive. The spirit of the new Accord is to encourage the use of internal systems for measuring risks and allocating capital (the Accord extends the use of internal models from market risk to credit risk). A number of issues have been raised, however, with regard to its complexity, its cost, its impact on procyclicality, the possibility that it can lead to competitive distortions if some countries do not apply it (some big emerging economies) or apply it differently to small and big institutions (the USA) and others. Banks in Europe will also be obliged to comply with the new Capital Directive, often referred to as CAD III, which is the means by which the EU will implement the new Basel Capital Accord. CAD III will apply to all credit institutions and investment firms and not only to internationally active banks, as Basel does. This paper presents a critical approach to these developments and examines their impact upon the banking industry.
Management views about desired capital: The case of UK banks and building societies
Authors: Alfon Isaac , Argimon Isabel , Bascuñana‐Ambros Patricia
Published: June 2007

This paper presents the findings of a survey of UK banks and building societies undertaken to understand management’s reasons behind their decisions about capital. The survey shows that: (a) firms use different approaches to form their views about “desired” capital; (b) the main factors explaining the level of a firm’s desired capital are financing the firm’s long‐term business strategy and FSA’s capital requirements; (c) actual capital usually exceeds firms’ desired capital; (d) a change in a firm’s individual capital requirements is likely to lead to a change in its desired capital in the medium term. The paper reflects the authors’ views and not the corporate views of the FSA.
Implementing Basel II: A case study based on the Barclays Basel II preparations
Authors: Wilson Ian
Published: June 2007

This paper forms part of a presentation on the same subject given by the author to the Basel II conference organised by the Securities Institute in London during March 2004. It is a case study based on the author’s experience in Barclays Bank on the preparations required for successful implementation of the new Basel II Accord. First it considers changes to regulatory capital, and then goes on to examine the main challenges that lie ahead and, finally, the advantages and disadvantages of adopting one of the internal ratings‐based approaches. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Barclays Group.
The detection of financial irregularities in US corporations
Authors: Hemraj Mohammed B.
Published: June 2007

Analyses US auditors’ responsibility for detecting accounting errors, fraud and irregularities, noting the traditional view that ordinary examination of financial statements cannot be relied on to disclose deliberate deception; in 1977 the GAAP standard was revised so auditors were made responsible for detecting error or fraud. Discusses Standard Auditing Statements, the audit plan, the engagement letter, the management letter, and the National Commission on Fraudulent Reporting. Moves on to judicial attitudes, expressed in the cases of Craig v Anyon, International Laboratories Ltd v Dewar, National Surety Corporation v Lybrand, United States v White, United States v Benjamin, Dominion Freeholders v Aird, United States v Simon, Delmar Vineyard v Timmons, Shapiro v Glekel, Citizen National Bank of Wisner v Kennedy and Coe, Robin v Young & Company, Mocatta Metals Corporation v Peat, Marwick Main & Co. Concludes that courts seem divided on liability for auditors who fail to detect fraud.
Taxing the untouchables who profit from organised crime
Authors: Lusty David
Published: June 2007

Examines the use of taxation as an alternative means of bringing otherwise untouchable criminals to justice and putting their businesses out of action, focusing on Australia and the USA as countries which have achieved success through innovative use of taxation laws. Looks at the blind eye that the UK Inland Revenue has historically turned towards taxing illicit income, and recent reforms in the shape of the Proceeds of Crime Bill Part VI. Details the pioneering work of the US Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, beginning in 1920 and continued by Senator Kefauver and Attorney‐General Robert Kennedy, with the war on drugs ongoing today; criminal tax weapons include proven tax deficiency and wilfulness, while civil tax weapons include income reconstruction, deficiency determinations, and jeopardy and termination assessments. Moves on to Australia’s Woodward, Williams and Costigan Royal Commissions, Special Prosecutor Robert Redlich, the National Crime Authority, and the Swordfish task force; criminal tax weapons of the Australian Tax Office include public fraud offences, while civil tax weapons include information‐gathering powers, default assessment, tax collection powers and procedures.
Canada, crime control and co‐opting legal counsel: canvassing the confidentiality crisis
Authors: Gallant M.M.
Published: June 2007

Traces the development since 1989 of the Canadian anti‐money laundering framework, which involves the obligation on lawyers to report suspicious transactions and not inform the client about this disclosure; previously, it was not an offence to disguise the criminal origin of assets, but the Canadian regime is now one of the world’s broadest. Reports the resistance of the Canadian legal community to involvement in the campaign, partly because the regime is so broad, confusing and cumbersome; it requires significant investment in documentation and is hazy about the distinction between knowledge and suspicion. Critiques the legislative framework, the solicitor ‐ client relationship and the tension between this confidentiality and the reporting function, including the exceptions to the general rule of confidentiality if it is in the public interest.
Tracing and confiscating the proceeds of crime
Authors: Cribb Nicholas
Published: June 2007

Discusses the prosecution of solicitor Jonathan Duff for failing to disclose his suspicions of money laundering by two clients; he was sentenced to six months imprisonment. Outlines the police’s statutory powers to obtain production orders for investigating the proceeds of crime, including search warrants and special procedure material, plus the following of assets by financial investigations. Describes the three stages of money laundering: placement, layering and integration. Indicates the development of money laundering legislation in England and Wales, including provision prior to the 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act (PCA), the Money Laundering Regulations 2003, money laundering and the PCA. Goes on to the recovery of the proceeds under the PCA by confiscation orders, restraint orders, compensation orders, etc. Lists in a table the warning signs of money laundering.
The control of corruption
Authors: Scanlan G.
Published: June 2007

Reviews the present role of corruption in English law, pointing out that there is actually no offence of corruption, nor of fraud, although there is a draft bill to establish the general offence of fraud; the link of corruption with bribes or gifts seems to permeate all relevant statutory offences. Suggests that it is possible to follow the example of fraud, provide a new definition and draft a general offence of corruption. Outlines what this new concept of corruption would be: the perversion of a person’s integrity in the performance of a public duty. Develops the concept by considering the aims and purposes of the person’s office, the mens rea (ie guilty intent) of the proposed offence, examples of forms of conduct covered by the proposed offence, and principal and secondary parties. Moves on to possible objections to the proposed offence on the grounds of human rights violation, and to the status of the proposed offence. Concludes that a statutory offence of corruption could be drafted in a way that did not lead to uncertainty or unfairness in its prosecution, and that it would be a powerful weapon against dishonesty.
Responding to terrorism and achieving stability in the global financial system: rational policy or crisis reaction?
Authors: Mills Jon , Ware Robert
Published: June 2007

Discusses how stability has become a value of civilisation and supposedly an effect of global interconnectedness, though the terrorist attacks of 2001 indicate that destabilisation is also possible. Explores the nature of stability, how it relates to the global financial system and to the rule of law. Goes on to the nature of terrorism and how it compares with organised crime and white‐collar crime in terms of risk and adherence to the rule of law. Outlines how the law is responding to the threats to stability, including the USA PATRIOT Act, the 2002 Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, and suggests how terrorist activity may be predicted. Compares the financial losses from terrorism with those from natural disasters, and describes private business’s use of risk management. Indicates why anti‐terrorist measures are likely to be of limited effect, and the risks of legal reforms against terrorism: these include restrictions on human rights and privacy.
How to move supply chain beyond cleaning up after new product development
Authors: van Hoek Remko , Chapman Paul
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Improving alignment between supply chain and new product development (NPD) can enhance market impact and revenue growth. Additionally, it can remove a lot of frustration for supply chain managers, who currently are often the last to find out about NPD, whereas their contribution is crucial when it comes to getting products to market on time and in the right volumes. Whereas a recent research note published in this journal offered possible avenues for progressing alignment between NPD and the supply chain, this paper seeks to offer insights from industry on how to actually achieve progress.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers insights from industry in three areas of practice and a report on the outcome of a workshop of supply chain executives.

Findings

The experience from case companies shows that companies are making progress in aligning NPD and the supply chain by improving basic alignment, improving supply chain readiness and leveraging supply chain capability to make NPD better.

Practical implications

In addition to case examples, a set of screening questions for supply chain managers to bring to alignment meetings with NPD are offered, supporting a growing supply chain contribution to NPD.

Originality/value

Following on from a research note published in this journal, this paper offers experiences from companies that have actually made progress with improving alignment as well as results from a focused workshop of senior supply chain executives. Together these findings can assist in making the path forward suggested in the research note a reality in practice.
Performance measurement in agri‐food supply chains: a case study
Authors: Aramyan Lusine H. , Oude Lansink Alfons G.J.M. , van der Vorst Jack G.A.J. , van Kooten Olaf
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Measurement of the performance of entire supply chains is an important issue because it allows for “tracking and tracing” of efficacy and efficiency failures and leads to more informed decision making with regard to chain design. However, the choice of appropriate supply chain performance indicators is rather complicated due to the presence of multiple inputs and multiple outputs in the system. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the usefulness of a novel conceptual model for supply chain performance measurement in an agri‐food supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model for integrated supply chain performance measurement is evaluated in a Dutch‐German tomato supply chain by means of a case study approach.

Findings

The proposed conceptual framework is found to be useful for measuring performance of the tomato supply chain. From the case study it is concluded that four main categories of performance measures (i.e. efficiency, flexibility, responsiveness, and food quality) are identified as key performance components of the tomato supply chain performance measurement system.

Originality/value

This research evaluates a novel concept for measuring the performance of agri‐food supply chains. This concept is the first step in developing an integrated performance measurement system that contains financial as well as non‐financial indicators combined with the specific characteristics of agri‐food supply chains. Based on a case study in the tomato supply chain, this concept is found to have potential.
Effective purchasing strategy: the untapped source of competitiveness
Authors: Thompson Matthew
Published: June 2007

Details the results of a new study of European businesses by PIMS Associates and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, which highlights the value of a good purchasing strategy, and reveals that very few businesses monitor and look towards developing their purchasing activity. Describes the use of comprehensive cross‐industry benchmarking to assess the effectiveness of a company’s procurement function. Lists the key findings of the survey, and suggests that businesses which invest in making improvements to their supply chain management can significantly increase productivity and profits and achieve leading‐edge company status.
Cognitive capacity for processing work‐family conflict: an initial examination
Authors: de Janasz Suzanne C. , Behson Scott J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how individuals cognitively process work‐family conflict (WFC), specifically whether differences in tolerance for uncertainty and cognitive complexity influence individuals' affective response to WFC.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 157 employees who completed a survey on work‐family issues, the hypotheses were tested using correlation and regression analyses.

Findings

The results suggest that cognitive differences may moderate the negative impacts of WFC. It was found that while WFC (i.e. work interference with family) lowers job satisfaction, this effect is less strong for those high in tolerance for uncertainty. The same was true for the ameliorating effect of cognitive complexity and tolerance for uncertainty on the link between WFC and (i.e. family interference with work) organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Because of its cross‐sectional design, the causality of the findings cannot be confirmed. Further, while the sample contained both parents and non‐parents, and men and women, due to power concerns, our analyses did not account for these demographic differences. Future research should be designed to correct for these issues.

Practical implications

Organizations may need to rethink their programs and policies aimed at assisting employees in balancing work and family. Simple options (e.g. time off) may appeal to all employees; however others (e.g. job sharing and flextime) require complicated arrangements or behavior changes and may only appeal to or be utilized successfully by employees with high tolerance for uncertainty and cognitive complexity.

Originality/value

Within work‐family research, few studies look at how individual cognitive processes influence whether and how potentially conflictual situations are perceived and their impact on individual outcomes such as satisfaction and commitment. The research investigates two such cognitive differences and demonstrates the role that tolerance for uncertainty and cognitive complexity may play in reducing the negative impact of work‐family conflict.
Value‐adding communication: Innovation in employee communication and internal marketing
Authors: Thomson Kevin , Hecker Lorrie
Published: June 2007

It takes more to succeed in today’s global marketplace. More responsiveness. More flexibility. More commitment. To compete, organisations need their staff to understand business goals and brand values and feel personally committed to their achievement. To flourish, they need their people to act as champions of their business and their brand, both internally and with customers and other external stakeholders. Many businesses realise this and have started talking about staff “buy‐in”. Yet they have failed to achieve the results they need. This paper explores what staff buy‐in really means and how it ultimately affects customers, using the findings of two major surveys commissioned by MCA and conducted by MORI. It also looks at the managerial implications of new approaches to employee communication and internal marketing and the potential impact on business performance.