bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pragmatic issues in calculating and comparing the quantity and quality of research through rating and ranking of researchers based on peer reviews and bibliometric indicators from Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar
Authors: Jacsò Péter
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the findings of two recently published papers (Norris and Oppenheim, 2003; and Li et al., 2010).

Design/methodology/approach

The findings were analysed from the practitioner's perspective about the procedures involved in calculating the indicator values and the ranks and ratings. This was done with the purpose of playing the devil's advocate, contemplating the reservations and arguments of those who do not want to use metrics based on database searches.

Findings

One advantage of this project is that its results can be compared at least partially with the findings of the three earlier RAEs (although its grade classes have changed), as well as with some of the other ranking lists in library and information management areas.

Originality/value

Very importantly, the authors concluded that “it would be premature in the extreme to suggest that citation‐based indicators could be used as a cost‐effective alternative to expert judgments”. This is a strong, very realistic and fair statement. Even this recent project's results are very valuable in spite of the problems mentioned.
Developing the skills of HR business partnership: consulting and change management
Authors: Younger Jon , Younger Aaron , Thompson Nate
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the importance and development of HR consulting and change management skills.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the results of a study of HR consulting and change management skills, and the practical application of consulting and change management skills through professional education combined with action learning in a major global corporation.

Findings

The HR professionals in the study, drawn from a wide range of organizations, industries and geographies, tend to have a much higher level of confidence in their consulting and change management skills than the line managers who participated in this research.

Originality/value

In addition to pointing out specific areas where consulting and change management skills need to be improved, the paper demonstrates the value of increased skills through a case example of the impact of improving HR professional consulting and change skills in a top European‐based and global energy company. Following the review of this initiative and its impact, the paper identifies specific practical steps and methods for increasing HR consulting and change management effectiveness.
Assessing professional development program impact
Authors: Haskins Mark E. , Shaffer George
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present a useful framework for guiding HR leaders, and their executive education (EE) program providers, towards program assessments that focus on, and capture, information related to the enterprise‐level benefits created by a customized professional development education program.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is the culmination of 40 years of working with corporations in the design, development, delivery, and assessment of EE professional development programs. It is also inspired, more recently, by the program assessment perspective that several larger corporate clients have sought and have most highly valued.

Findings

A guiding framework for enterprise‐level EE program assessment is presented.

Practical implications

The framework presented here is immediately and broadly applicable to those HR managers engaged in partnering with providers of custom EE professional development programs aimed at enhancing organizational‐level benefits. In addition, an example of a set of program assessment content prompts is provided in order to help HR leaders fashion their own IMPACT‐inspired assessment instrument.

Originality/value

Readers are provided with a field‐inspired framework for EE program impact assessment. The paper posits the framework as an alternative to a more traditional individual‐only impact assessment and to a more problematic finance‐based ROI approach to program assessment.
The point of partnership: the case for employer engagement in education
Authors: Mann Anthony , Glover Carol
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The Education and Employers Taskforce is a London‐based charity that was launched in October 2009 to help employers and educational organisations form effective relationships. The aim of this paper is to explore the benefits to employers and employees to be gained from engaging with schools on a voluntary basis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper highlights research in four areas – staff development, staff engagement, recruitment, and corporate reputation – and concludes with a case study demonstrating how volunteering can be beneficial for business.

Findings

There are significant benefits for employers and employees across the four research areas from engaging with education and young people.

Originality/value

Owing to the positive impact on personnel performance, the paper suggests that education volunteering should sit within the HR function.
Connecting leadership development to bottom line benefits
Authors: Hayward Simon
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to explain why measuring the bottom line benefits of leadership development has become increasingly important in an unstable economy, and to highlight ways in which HR professionals can demonstrate the financial impact of leadership development programs alongside other relevant measurements, in line with organisational strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This best practice guide is based on the author's experience, gained over 20 years, of designing, delivering and evaluating wide‐scale leadership development programs for major organisations. It highlights widely used evaluation models and also draws on case study material from a leading specialist insurance company, Hiscox, to highlight the importance of selecting appropriate financial measurements alongside other quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods.

Findings

The Hiscox case study element of this paper demonstrates the importance of selecting appropriate measures and viewing bottom line benefits as a critical element of overall leadership development evaluation.

Practical implications

The paper offers practical advice for HR professionals on how to measure effectively the bottom line benefits of leadership development.

Originality/value

The paper draws on recent research to demonstrate why both leadership development and the financial benefits it brings are increasingly important, and offers practical advice to HR professionals that can help raise their profile and ensure ongoing investment in leadership development within their organisations.
Embedding performance management: understanding the enablers for change
Authors: Colville Kieran , Millner David
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Organisational performance requires robust performance management, with the leadership skills and behaviours to bring the process to life. This paper seeks to address the challenge of how HR can get an understanding of the associated shift required within organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the key elements of the transformation required to embed a performance management culture. The term performance management is used to describe the practice of managing performance, including the associated processes, systems, skills and leadership behaviours. To implement performance management successfully, HR needs to gain an understanding of how things are now (the current state); the vision of what is possible (the desired state); and the practical steps that can be taken (the shift).

Findings

In an increasingly complex environment there are a greater number of factors that impact the success of key HR practices such as performance management. HR needs to collect powerful data to ensure that it can understand which of the factors have an influence on how transformations can be undertaken, and practices, such as performance management, embedded.

Originality/value

HR can play a strategic role in transforming an organisation. The value for HR is in linking together the various insights these data can provide to understand causal links, and then translating all of this into a change strategy that is aligned to the organisation's vision and strategy. HR can use data to build a compelling case for change and the need for a performance management system, process and practice that are focused on delivering the organisational strategy.
Alignment of inter‐agency supply chains to enhance public sector performance management
Authors: Callender Guy
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore sources of political and administrative challenges which arise from an absence of alignment of supply chains linking the activities of public agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance measurement challenges created by an apparent absence of alignment within public sector supply chains are explored from a conceptual perspective, through the supply chain and public sector performance management literature. A case study is provided to highlight the practical and organizational challenges facing politicians, policy makers and public sector managers when they seek to demonstrate to their stakeholders, including the general community, the performance efficiency of their agencies.

Findings

There is an absence of research and debate concerning the alignment of inter‐agency supply chains and the potential this creates for delivery performance failure that disadvantages stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

While this is a conceptual paper, the existence of recurring supply chain problems between agencies, as illustrated by the case study, provides practical conclusions of use to practitioners and policy makers.

Originality/value

The paper revisits earlier literature on performance measurement in the public sector and applies this to a supply chain situation to explore problems in measuring and managing inter‐organizational supply chains which exist not only between public agencies but also between private sector organisations undertaking outsourced contracts on behalf of government.
Imagined promises versus real challenges to public performance management
Authors: Halachmi Arie
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to alert and to sensitize managers and those charged with oversight responsibility about the possible follies of relying too much on performance measurement as a management tool

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on review and analysis of published documents and data.

Findings

Current pressure to increase transparency and accountability, on the one hand, and complementary burdens to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness, on the other, in order to justify future allocation of resources make the use of performance measurement very attractive. However, these forces are not enough to ensure proper use and prevention of certain pathologies.

Social implications

Failing to understand the possible follies of over‐relaying on performance measurements may be dysfunctional when it comes to service of the public's best interest.

Originality/value

The value of this paper has to do with its double goal. First, the education of potential users of performance measurement about its potential weaknesses. Second, the prevention of overuse of performance measurements, as a staff function and overhead cost at the expense of line operations.
Accountability and governance: strengthening extra‐bureaucratic mechanisms in Bangladesh
Authors: Shafiqul Huque Ahmed
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine accountability arrangements in Bangladesh and to identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as potentials for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on review and analysis of published documents and data and information obtained on field visits to Bangladesh.

Findings

The administrative system in Bangladesh is driven by complex rules and procedures with weak institutional support. Internal mechanisms of accountability in administrative organizations have become ineffective due to existing political, economic and social conditions. Therefore, the external mechanisms of accountability must be strengthened to ensure good governance in Bangladesh.

Social implications

A weak system of accountability renders the task of public management difficult and the establishment of good governance unattainable. Improvements in social conditions can be expected with the strengthening of accountability mechanisms.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the identification of factors such as institutional disharmony, politicization and corruption as the most formidable barriers to accountability and good governance in Bangladesh. It presents a fresh analysis of the factors and points to the potentials for improvement.
Moving upward in global value chains: the innovations of mobile phone developers in China
Authors: Li Sun Sunny , Chen Hao , Pleggenkuhle‐Miles Erin G.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate the global value chain (GVC) perspective with firms' innovation in emerging economies (EEs) and explain why EE firms can improve their innovation capabilities more from their domestic markets by focusing on R&D and marketing than from original equipment manufacturer/original design manufacturer (OEM/ODM) modes in the GVC and how they contribute to the national innovation system (NIS).

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on GVC is reviewed and then several propositions are developed using the example of the underground mobile phone developers in China by integrating the GVC perspective.

Findings

The paper proposes that EE firms, especially firms that have a large underdeveloped domestic market such as China, should focus on R&D and marketing instead of on OEM/ODM in GVC to increase their competitiveness and strengthen their NIS. Also implications are drawn from their success in the underground markets to advance knowledge on NIS.

Originality/value

The paper shows that EE firms can build and strengthen their innovation capabilities through intense interaction and learning in domestic markets, which, subsequently, moves them upwards in their GVC. Industrial policy needs to change in order to facilitate such technological entrepreneurship in NIS, whether it is informal or underground.
Industrial influences on R&D transfer to China
Authors: Veng Søberg Peder
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to open a new research frontier concerning industry factors influencing R&D transfer to emerging markets within Western multinational companies (MNCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a framework based on knowledge transfer, knowledge creation, and innovation theory, which is illustrated in two cases from globally leading MNCs from different industries and technological fields which have established R&D units in China. It addresses the issue of industrial influences on R&D transfer to emerging markets, and the importance of complementary assets for innovation performance.

Findings

The framework and empirical research suggest that R&D transfer to new R&D units in emerging markets is less challenging for companies within industries characterized by slow technological development. This is due to dynamics, which result in codification and diffusion of technical knowledge, whereby it is easier to transfer and absorb. When the transformation from exploration to exploitation of knowledge is simple rather than complex within an industry, R&D transfer is less challenging. Leverage of local complementary assets nurtures reverse R&D knowledge transfer – positively impacting innovation performance.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the gap in knowledge transfer theory concerning industrial R&D transfer differences. The paper provides a framework for innovation related industrial contingencies on R&D transfer concerning emerging markets, and it advances the argument that complementary assets are important for R&D in emerging markets. Implications for management in China are outlined. The term captive knowledge transfer is coined.
Cluster network and innovation under transitional economies
Authors: He Zheng , Rayman‐Bacchus Lez
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Firms in the same industry often display a striking propensity to agglomerate. These geographic concentrations significantly affect innovative behavior of individual firms and therefore have important strategic implications. The purpose of this paper is to report on how networks within the cluster influence firms' commitment to innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a longitudinal case study approach data were collected for 2004 and 2007 about the Shaxi garment cluster in Zhongshan, China. A novel method of measuring innovative behavior was developed and tested at the level of individual small and medium sized enterprises, where R&D expenditure is not recorded, by measuring managerial perception of developments in three areas: product, process, and market development.

Findings

The extent to which related firms, various associations, and government policies affected the individual firm's propensity to innovate was examined. The main findings of this paper show firm‐level commitment to innovation is significantly stimulated by three groups of factors: competitor action and cooperation in the supply chain, membership of various government and industry associations and government stimulus policies in the cluster. The relative significance and nature of these influences do change over time.

Originality/value

Disincentives to firm innovation were also found, such as knowledge spillover between competitors, leading to free rider problem, weak intellectual property right protection leading to imitation, and underground economy in the cluster resulting from weak implementation of regulation compounded by the difficulties of effectively policing regulation. These factors appear to be particularly strong in a developing economy.
A comparative innovation study of China, Japan and Taiwan
Authors: Johnson William H.A. , Chuang Michael
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the two (arguably) most successful innovation‐based Asian economies with Mainland China (later referred to simply as China) in order to examine where China stands in terms of country‐level indicators of proactive innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes a historical case‐based analysis of the education systems of each of the economies of interest to explore the different paths towards higher education for each economy. Data were gathered from existing databases to obtain measures on a number of country‐level indicators of proactive innovation. These indicators measure the innovation, education and economic situations of the three economies.

Findings

It was found that the Taiwanese experience towards proactive innovation lies in between China and Japan in terms of progress on the innovation indicators. While the numbers for China's growth in education and areas of science and technology are staggering there is some evidence that the quality of the output needs improvement. Further research on Taiwanese‐based innovation efforts would help in this regard.

Originality/value

Given the push towards indigenous innovation in China today, benchmarking against competitive innovation‐based economies is important. The two economies chosen are not only Asian‐based but also well‐known for high‐quality innovation outcomes. As such, they represent excellent benchmark examples from which China may learn much about developing a proactive national innovation system. China would benefit from using Taiwan as an example of successful innovation at a regional level, given the cultural proximity and trajectory of the innovation‐based indicators.
Transfer of Shenzhen's hi‐tech industries: an empirical study
Authors: Wang Dong , Pei Huiqi
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the transfer of Shenzhen's hi‐tech industries, with particular emphasis on its motives, characteristics and influence on Shenzhen's economy and industrial upgrading.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an empirical approach and case study methodology mainly based on a survey of 1,573 hi‐tech companies in Shenzhen, in the form of questionnaires and interview.

Findings

Hi‐tech companies moved out to other cities on a small scale, revealing an accelerating trend. Most companies moved out (or plan to move out) with the purpose of seeking low production costs or meeting the needs of resources for development. Moreover, companies with different types of ownership transfer at different levels. In general, reasonable transfer of hi‐tech industries facilitates Shenzhen's industrial upgrading; however, the government should at the same time take precautions against industry transfer on a large‐scale.

Practical implications

Upgrading of Shenzhen's hi‐tech industry is imperative. To meet this end, policy makers should draw up appropriate guidelines on the transfer of backward hi‐tech industries and at the same time build sound supporting environment to attract and retain advanced hi‐tech companies.

Originality/value

Few empirical studies have been conducted to explore industry transfer within China. By examining the motive and characteristics of transfer of hi‐tech industries in Shenzhen, a pioneering city in China, this paper contributes to our understanding of the ongoing industrial restructuring in China.
A review of energy system models
Authors: Bhattacharyya Subhes C. , Timilsina Govinda R.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comparative overview of existing energy system models to see whether they are suitable for analysing energy, environment and climate change policies of developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the available literature and follows a systematic comparative approach to achieve its purpose.

Findings

The paper finds that the existing energy system models inadequately capture the developing country features and the problem is more pronounced with econometric and optimisation models than with accounting models.

Originality/value

Inaccurate representation of energy systems in the models can lead to inaccurate decisions and poor policy prescriptions. Thus, the paper helps policy makers and users to be aware of the possible pitfalls of various energy system models.
The evolution of the international steam coal market
Authors: Li Raymond
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to analyse the evolution of international steam coal trade, the nature of coal trade contracts and the pricing mechanism in the two main coal trading regions – the Atlantic and the Asia‐Pacific, from the early 1980s to recent years. The historical developments and future directions of the market are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The past developments of the international steam coal market is first reviewed and then compared to the four stages in the development of the international crude oil market in terms of trade and pricing, as identified in Roeber.

Findings

The four stages in the development of a mature spot market are: appearance of the need for short‐term physical balancing, availability of price reporting and transparency, price feedback from short‐term prices to long‐term prices and emergence of risk management instruments. It is found that the international steam coal market has already gone through the first three stages and is progressing in stage four. A mature spot market for steam coal is in prospect.

Originality/value

This paper provides a structured review of the development of the international steam coal market. It provides industry information to policymakers, academics and modellers who need a comprehensive understanding of the international steam coal market.
A novel hybrid approach using modified priority list and sequential approach for unit commitment
Authors: Subramanian S. , Ganesan S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve commitment problem of generating units in thermal power plants and to find the optimal dispatches of the committed units.

Design/methodology/approach

The unit commitment (UC) problem has been solved in two stages. In the first stage, the optimal units are identified using contribution factor. Initially, the generating units to be committed for each interval in the time horizon are obtained without considering the unit operational constraints such as minimum up time, minimum down time and initial state. Then the unit operational constraints are enforced and the optimal UC schedule is obtained. In the second stage, sequential approach with a matrix framework has been proposed to obtain the optimal dispatches of the committed units.

Findings

The simple methodologies have been developed for unit selection and to find the optimal dispatches of the committed units. The results of proposed methodology illustrate an improvement in the savings of total cost. The proposed approach is computationally efficient for solving large‐scale systems and successive UC problems.

Research limitations/implications

UC has a major role in electric thermal power plant operation. The problem with one day and one week scheduling horizon has a large potential of use, especially for small‐ and medium‐scale power systems. It reflects reality in a closer way and provides a more complete and realistic knowledge about the system in operation. The techniques developed for UC problem will provide a support to electric power companies for their economic operation and the concepts presented are useful in both graduate teaching and research to understand the UC problem.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper is the simple methodologies which have been developed for unit selection and economic dispatch.
A transition to bilateral trading ESI – effect to generation dispatched cost
Authors: Nirukkanaporn Supattana , Kumar S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the effect on centralized dispatching generation cost under the condition where the single‐buyer electric supply industry (ESI) with independent power producer (IPP) scheme (the ESI structure that is widely implemented in developing countries) is opened for bilateral trading. The analysis is based on the Thai power system.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis considers the average generation cost (B/kWh) derived from unit commitment of power generation under three cases – single‐buyer model with must‐run IPP scheme, unconstrained operation case, and the case where bilateral trading is introduced. The analysis is performed for different demand levels.

Findings

The results indicate that the operational constraint from the virtual must‐run power purchase agreement under IPP scheme leads to higher generation cost. The choice of allowing IPP to trade through bilateral trading and removal of the must‐run contract shows potential to lessen the operational constraint and lower generation cost can be achieved under some conditions – depending on the plant type and the share of bilateral market in the system. The planning and policy should take into consideration these conditions especially during the transitional period of ESI reform.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the analysis is the availability to recent data. The load factor of the demand curve is taken from the peak day of the year, resulting in higher load factor than the average of Thailand. With lower load factor, the must‐run constraints might be more obvious during the lighter load day and more expensive generation cost can be observed. However, the cases are compared at same demand curve. Therefore, the trend of result will lead to the same conclusion.

Originality/value

Uneconomic operation of the single‐buyer ESI with IPP scheme which has been implemented in many developing countries was clearly determined. The literature shows that the ESI operation can be more efficient when the sector moves towards higher degree of competition, either fully competitive market or bilateral trading. The potential for better operating conditions for bilateral trading has been suggested. The simulation based on the power system of Thailand can be an example for other developing countries operating under the similar ESI structure.
Quantifying household energy performance using annual community baselines
Authors: Jones Pierce H. , Taylor Nicholas W. , Jennison Kipp M. , Knowles Harold S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe a protocol to estimate annual community energy consumption baselines for single‐family detached homes in the Gainesville Regional Utility service area of Alachua County, Florida, USA. Further, it details methods using these baselines to make direct comparisons of individual households' energy consumption and evaluate the energy impacts of three prescriptive demand side management (DSM) programs.

Design/methodology/approach

To improve estimates of energy savings, the paper proposes using a “micro” scale multivariate regression methodology based on a census of utility and property appraiser household data.

Findings

Results suggest that traditional analysis approaches are likely to overestimate savings significantly and that the annual community baseline technique provides more consistent estimates of energy savings than most commonly used methods.

Practical implications

This type of analysis could provide a tool that utilities can use to more accurately and cost effectively measure DSM savings. This could result in reduced energy demand related to streamlined program setup and management.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology is unique in that it defines a new household‐level energy consumption baseline measure that we think is a more appropriate performance measure, uses a census of publicly available data for the population of interest, merging metered utility data with property appraiser data, and works upward to construct a simple model for evaluating household‐level energy consumption. The critical element that distinguishes our proposed energy performance measures is that they are calculated and interpreted using annual, population‐level, comparison‐group baselines that effectively normalize for community energy consumption patterns in any given year.
Field of dreams: building IT capabilities in rural America
Authors: Lacity Mary , Rottman Joseph , Khan Shaji
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide industry insights on the business models, practices, and capabilities that suppliers need to deliver cost‐effective information technology (IT) outsourcing services from rural locations within the USA. As rural outsourcing has not yet been studied by academics, many questions have not yet been answered. How can suppliers attract enough talent to rural areas to make rural outsourcing viable? How can suppliers scale operations? Will the value proposition attract serious clients? An ongoing research project was launched to answer these and other questions about rural outsourcing. This paper aims to report on the first set of findings based on four case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on the results from four case studies of rural outsourcing suppliers. In total, 35 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with founders, executives, delivery center managers, and delivery team members and a visit was made to a rural delivery center owned and operated by each of the four suppliers.

Findings

After comparing and contrasting the value propositions, location strategies, human capital development, and scalability of operations across the cases, in general, it was found that rural outsourcing suppliers position their value proposition as lower in price than urban outsourcing but higher in value than offshore outsourcing. Rural outsourcing suppliers achieve this value proposition by locating delivery centers in low‐cost areas and by recruiting, developing, and retaining a high‐performing workforce. Rural suppliers scale operations either by building multiple, small‐sized delivery centers or by building one large delivery center.

Research limitations/implications

There are still many aspects of this phenomenon that warrant additional study. The paper identifies areas of future research pertaining to client experiences, competition from large suppliers, government support, and rural outsourcing in countries outside the USA.

Practical implications

The paper identifies five lessons for practice: rural outsourcing works best when clients engage a team to deliver a service; rural outsourcing is not freelance outsourcing or staff augmentation; rural outsourcing addresses an unfilled gap in a client's sourcing portfolio; rural outsourcing suppliers will continue to move up the value chain; and most rural outsourcing suppliers operate best on a sell‐build sequence, so clients should plan ahead.

Originality/value

This paper reports on industry insights from one of the first known, ongoing academic studies of rural outsourcing.
Offshore supplier relations: knowledge integration among small businesses
Authors: Jørgensen Claus
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the area of knowledge integration between relations based upon the assumption that if you do not integrate knowledge between the different relations, the possibility of maintaining, improving or adjusting your product portfolio through your offshore working relationships will either disappear or be severely reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

The experienced journey of four small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) within the textile and wood industries are presented regarding how they change their direction and organisational routines due to challenges concerning knowledge integration within their respective supply relations.

Findings

Different approaches are shown of how to combine different knowledge dimensions within the supply chain and how the demands towards relations management capabilities are affected by the challenges of mainly knowledge transfer and translation created by the strategic offshore sourcing decisions.

Research limitations/implications

As the conclusions are based upon a limited number of cases studied within a limited time frame, further investigations to confirm the findings, especially with case companies that integrate more complex knowledge types, would be interesting.

Practical implications

The paper proposes that when making strategic offshore sourcing decisions, companies should consider more classic variables like cost, quality and flexibility in much more detail and the different knowledge dimensions (knowledge characteristics, learning capability, knowledge flow, cultural characteristics and stickiness) identified in the paper and thereby the longer‐term demands regarding knowledge integration in offshore supply relations.

Originality/value

The paper identifies different approaches of how to combine different knowledge dimensions within the supply chain and how relations management capabilities are affected by the knowledge integration challenges of mainly knowledge transfer and translation created by the strategic offshore sourcing decisions in SMEs in the manufacturing industry.
Short‐run vs long‐run trade‐offs in outsourcing relationships
Authors: Juntunen Jouni , Grant David B. , Juga Jari
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a study of a shipper's dilemma as a customer. Shippers desire both lower costs and good service levels, and this dilemma may lead in the long run to a trade‐off consideration between staying loyal to existing service providers and seeking cost reductions from competing providers.

Design/methodology/approach

A model was devised from the literature exploring how a shipper's propensity to switch logistics service providers may be affected by perceptions of service elements and logistics cost reductions. The model was tested with survey data from 235 Finnish industrial firms and analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Findings indicate that in the short‐run trade‐offs do not exist, but there may be a propensity to trade‐off in the long run. Further, quality of service is a more important factor for customers than participating in tight price competition.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from one country and further studies are required to test these research propositions in other countries and contexts.

Practical implications

Logistics service providers should concentrate more on service quality and refrain from tight price competition to gain and reinforce customer loyalty. Further, shippers should also adopt a long perspective regarding strategy and refrain from short‐run, cost reduction seeking behaviour.

Originality/value

This study integrates several factors as drivers of outsourcing relationship continuity and/or change and presents a fresh collection of data for analysis.
Accounting outsourcing turnback: process and issues
Authors: Maelah Ruhanita , Aman Aini , Hamzah Noradiva , Amiruddin Rozita , Sofiah
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide understanding on the process of accounting outsourcing turnback from the client's perspective. The aim is to understand the issues faced by clients during turnback process, and provide recommendations to resolve them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative interpretive case study approach. Data were collected based on documentation, archival records, direct observation, and interviews to allow for triangulation.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence of accounting outsourcing turnback process. Some of the issues faced by clients include lack of management support, limited financial and human resources, and uncooperative vendors.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, this study extends Elliot's model by providing empirical evidence on process, identifying issues, and discussing recommendations on accounting outsourcing turnback. The limitation is the use of a single case study of a small company in Malaysia.

Practical implications

Practically, this study enhances understanding on accounting outsourcing turnback process and issues. The recommendations provided can serve as guidelines for clients who are considering outsourcing turnback as a strategic move.

Originality/value

There has been limited research in the area of accounting outsourcing focusing on turnback process. This study contributes to the field of accounting outsourcing by describing an accounting turnback process and issues faced by clients. The study recommends communication, financial support, top management support, back‐up exit plan, and vendor management throughout the turnback period. Finally, gradual reduction of accounting outsourced works rather than immediate termination is favored to reduce the risk in accounting outsourcing turnback.
Impact of time demands of work on job satisfaction and turnover intention
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between time demands of work and turnover intention of software developers in offshore outsourced software development firms (OOSDF) in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey research methodology was used and 232 software developers attached to OOSDF responded.

Findings

It was found that job satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between time demands of work and turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the questionnaire survey provided access to breadth of experience. If qualitative data were also obtained those could have provided depth by adding insight and substance to the questionnaire survey.

Practical implications

The findings imply that a greater understanding of employee turnover intentions might be gained by investigating the time demands of work.

Originality/value

It is expected that the paper's findings will provide useful information for both practitioners and academics to better understand the nature of strategies to be adopted in Asian OOSDF.
Impact of financial shocks on Islamic banks
Authors: Kassim Salina H. , Shabri Abd. Majid M.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidences on the impact of financial shocks on the Islamic banks vis‐a‐vis the conventional banks. Based on the Malaysian experience over two major financial crises, namely the 1997 Asian financial crisis and 2007 financial crisis, the study aims to test the validity of the proposition that the Islamic banks are more resilient to the financial shocks compared to the conventional banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on the Malaysian data covering three sub‐periods, namely, the 1997 Asian financial crisis period (July 1997‐September 1999), the non‐crisis period (October 1999‐June 2007) and the 2007 financial crisis period (July 2007‐September 2009), the study employs the impulse response functions and variance decomposition analysis based on the vector auto‐regression (VAR) method.

Findings

The results indicate that both the Islamic and conventional banking systems are vulnerable to financial shocks. This is contrary to the popular belief that the Islamic financial system is sheltered from the financial shocks due to its interest‐free nature.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study have important implications for the risk management practices of both the Islamic and conventional banks.

Originality/value

This paper contributes in providing the empirical evidence on the impact of financial shocks on the Islamic banks. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no studies comparing of the impacts of the two major financial crises on the Islamic banking sector.
Global financial crisis: an Islamic finance perspective
Authors: Ahmed Adel
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to initially contribute the literature linking the global financial crisis and the Islamic finance model which is competent of playing down the severity and frequency of financial crises, by introducing the financial system based on sharing in the risk. It links credit expansion to the growth of the real economy by allowing credit primarily for the purchase of real goods and services which the seller owns and possesses, and the buyer wishes to take delivery. It also requires the creditor to bear the risk of default by prohibiting the sale of debt, thereby ensuring that he evaluates the risk more carefully. It is important for everyone's future that we study the current crisis in order to develop sustainable financial practices and in quest of a new business model based on sharing the profit and loss.

Design/methodology/approach

The divergence approach is used for exploring possibilities and constraints of inherited situations by applying critical thinking and analysis through the published literature in Islamic finance. This is to create new understandings of international finance and using new banking business model towards better design solutions for the current global financial crisis and preventing more collapse in the future.

Findings

A new business model for the banking system based on non‐interest‐based transactions but profit and loss sharing should be in practice at the financial system. The financial institutions should encourage business and trade activities that generate fair and legitimate profit. In Islamic finance, there is always a close link between financial flow and productivity. This intrinsic property of Islamic finance contributes towards insulating it from the potential risks resulting from excess leverage and speculative financial activities which are part of the root causes of the current financial crisis.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on published research papers but does not include empirical investigation.

Practical implications

The new business model based on Islamic finance principles will help in financing businesses by using alternative methods to the banking systems or as a different way to run our banking system. The Islamic finance system with proper checks and controls introduces greater discipline into the economy and links credit expansion to the growth of the real economy.

Originality/value

The paper sheds new light on the relationship between the Islamic finance model and a new business model for the financial institutions to be used in order to think through how to prevent future financial collapses and make capital markets work more effectively.
Risk exposure during the global financial crisis: the case of Islamic banks
Authors: Chazi Abdelaziz , Syed Lateef A.M.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the way Islamic financial institutions dealt with the recent financial problems in terms of risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 27 Islamic banks and the same number of conventional banks selected from a wide range of countries around the world were analyzed. The capital ratios, based on the Basel Committee, are the primary tools used to analyze the riskiness of the Islamic and conventional banks. The focus on capital ratios is relevant in light of changes in banks' balance sheets due to significant write offs that caused a huge credit crunch in the western world. Capital ratios are considered as a reliable source in predicting potential bankruptcies.

Findings

The paper shows that Islamic banks are maintaining better capital ratios than to their conventional counterparts.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new approach to the comparative performance of Islamic and conventional banks in terms of risk management. The research design as well as the findings can be very useful to academicians and banking professionals alike.
The financial Tower of Babel: roots of crisis
Authors: Matthews Robin , Tlemsani Issam
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore and discuss the causative factors of the current financial crisis from an Islamic perspective. This paper also examines Islamic finance as an alternative financial system and a potential long‐term solution to financial instability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides descriptive, analytical and comparative analyses.

Findings

The paper offers insights into the causes of the current international financial crisis. It highlights an alternative and a solution to this dilemma in the form of Islamic finance and stresses the stability of the Islamic finance system.

Practical implications

The findings presented in this paper can be used by policy makers, regulators and practitioners in both the Islamic and conventional financial sector as they provides insights into factors that can insulate the market from future crisis. However, to expect a wholesale transformation to an Islamic financial system is idealistic.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the understanding of Islamic finance principles and its value as a solution to the current and any future financial crises. A highly original conceptual idea is used in the metaphorical comparison to the Tower of Babel. The findings of this research will be of interest to western and Islamic financial practitioners, policy makers and academicians.