bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective scenarios of the environmental management of the tourist destination of Porto de Galinhas based on the enlargement of the industrial and portuary complex of Suape, Pernambuco
Authors: Valença Sandro , do Carmo M. Sobral Maria , Ramos Daniella , Cavalcanti Carmen
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to document the development of prospective scenarios for the village of Porto de Galinhas for the year 2018, based on the enlargement of the industrial and portuary complex of Suape.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to conceive the prospective scenarios, the following methods were used: literature research; field research, to direct observations; semi‐structured personal interviews; and, qualitative analysis of the collected data and information.

Findings

The research identified four critical factors to the future environmental sustainability of the village of Porto de Galinhas: elaboration of Ipojuca's coast support capacity study; elaboration of Ipojuca's director plan; use and occupation of the area of the old holiday home of the Governor of the State of Pernambuco, in Maracaípe; and the enlargement of the industrial and portuary complex of Suape.

Practical implications

The following key aspects were found: creation of employment and income; industrial complexes; general infrastructure; education system; and environmental impacts. For each key‐aspect, the scenarios present forecasts that can guide the development of sustainable urban policies to Porto de Galinhas.

Originality/value

Both prospective scenarios, documented in the paper are clearly probable of practical application and, based on them, public, private and social organizations can develop policies of sustainable urbanization to the village. These will maximize the chances of the positive scenario being achieved and/or minimizing the chances of the negative scenarios happening.
Air quality index pattern around petroleum production facilities
Authors: Sonibare J.A. , Adebiyi F.M. , Obanijesu E.O. , Okelana O.A.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to better understand the impact of petroleum production facilities on ambient air quality of host airshed.

Design/methodology/approach

Field measurements were taken daily for four consecutive months around petroleum production facilities in the Niger Delta area, of Nigeria, one of the world's important petroleum producing areas. Statistical analysis tool and air quality analytical tool known as the air quality index (AQI) were applied on the field data obtained.

Findings

The mean measured daily concentrations of both carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) between distances 50 and 500 m of petroleum flow stations were of the range 140 – 3400 μg/m3 and 23 – 1250 μg/m3 respectively. The AQI from measured CO concentrations in the study area ranged between 1 and 44, an indication of good AQI category with no known health effects but a need for cautionary statement. Similarly, over 97 percent of the measured concentrations of NO2 were below 0.60 ppm which implies that the AQI of the host environment of the flow stations were below 200 with respect to NO2 thus indicating a good category of air with no health alarm. However, at the 60 m distance around a flow station, the AQI was 210 thus the quality of available air at this point could be described as very unhealthy. Generally the concentrations of CO were higher than NO2 in all the distances from the flow stations and were corroborated with their significant T‐test values. The T‐test results of the relationship between the concentrations of the air pollutants per time of the day, showed that their T‐test values were not significant, indicating that concentrations of these air pollutants were independent of the sampling time. A strong and positive correlation existed between the two air pollutants signifying common sources.

Originality/value

The paper highlights that at 60 m distance around petroleum production facilities, people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should be prevented from gaining access in the morning without taking necessary precautionary measures against the inhalation of air pollutants.
Ethics among peers: file sharing on the internet between openness and precaution
Authors: Pagallo U.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The paper suggests overcoming the polarization of today's debate on peer‐to‐peer (P2P) systems by defining a fair balance between the principle of precaution and the principle of openness. Threats arising from these file sharing applications‐systems should not be a pretext to limit freedom of research, speech or the right “freely to participate in the cultural life of the community”, as granted by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 1948. The paper aims to take sides in today's debate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts an interdisciplinary approach, including network theory, law and ethics. The method draws on both theoretical and empirical material so as to stress the paradox of the principle of precaution applied to P2P systems and why the burden of proof should fall on the party proposing that one refrain from action.

Findings

Censors and opponents of P2P systems who propose to apply the principle of precaution to this case deny the premise upon which that principle rests. “Levels of evidence” required by the precautionary principle show that – in many cases in which the outcomes of technology are ignored – another principle is needed for orienting action, namely, the principle of openness.

Social implications

Alarm about how P2P systems undermine crucial elements of the societies often led to the ban of this technology. The paper illustrates why it should not be the case: rather than shutting these networks down, they should be further developed.

Originality/value

The paper provides the comprehensive picture of a far too often fragmented debate.
The normative structure of information and its communication
Authors: Howlett Spence Edward
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Beginning with the initial premise that the internet has a global character, the purpose of this paper is to argue that the normative evaluation of digital information on the internet necessitates an evaluative model that is itself universal and global in character. To this end, the paper aims to demonstrate and support a universal model for the normative evaluation of information on the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

The design and application of a dual normative model of information show how such a model commits all disseminators of information to universal epistemological and ethical norms.

Findings

Based on the dual normative characterization of information, the paper demonstrates that information and internet information specifically, have an inherent normative structure that commits its disseminators to certain mandatory epistemological and ethical commitments; and that the negligent or purposeful abuse of information in violation of those commitments is also a violation of universal rights to freedom and wellbeing to which all agents are entitled by virtue of being agents, and in particular informational agents.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to space constraints it is impractical to provide in this paper a detailed account of how the argument for informational universal rights can deal with other competing moral obligations.

Originality/value

The findings based on an innovative dual normative model of information demonstrate and support the initial thesis of the paper, namely, that the dissemination of internet information due to its global nature commits all informational agents to universal epistemological and ethical principles.
Customer relationship management information systems (CRM‐IS) and the realisation of moral agency
Authors: Bull Christopher , Adam Alison
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the design of characteristics and use of practices incorporated in customer relationship management information systems (CRM‐IS) impact on the expression and realisation of moral agency within organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the findings from an in‐depth UK case study of a CRM‐IS implementation.

Findings

The paper finds that some characteristics and practices within CRM‐IS can restrict the expression and realisation of moral agency in organisational life, resulting in a number of problems. For a greater consideration of MacIntyre's virtue ethics approach in order to respond to such challenges is argued.

Originality/value

The paper offers a relatively rare insight into the significance of the ethical issues arising from the organisational use of CRM‐IS and strategies. The paper should be of interest to managers, computer professionals and academics.
Web accessibility: an introduction and ethical implications
Authors: Peters Cara , Bradbard David A.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Web accessibility is the practice of making web sites accessible to people, such as the disabled, who are using more than just traditional web browsers to access the internet. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to overview web accessibility and to highlight the ethics of web accessibility from a managerial perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

To that end, this paper reviews related literature, highlights relevant public policy, discusses web accessibility from a systems development perspective, and concludes with a discussion of web accessibility with respect to different ethical theories.

Findings

The findings take the form of a tutorial that highlights how to address web accessibility projects. The findings also examine web accessibility projects as they relate to well‐known ethical theories. Additionally, the findings also incorporate ethical opinions from web designers who have completed web accessibility projects in the past.

Originality/value

The paper makes several contributions to the existing literatures on web accessibility and ethics. An important contribution is that the paper is the first tutorial on web accessibility that also examines the topic through the lens of ethical theories. In addition to the tutorial, the paper reports on the opinions of web designers who have worked on web accessibility projects in the past.
Human resource development (HRD) for performance management
Authors: Raj Adhikari Dev
Published: April 2010

Purpose

A firm's competitiveness depends on its capacity to manage performance and improve the development of the skills and competencies of employees – creating a learning environment. Although the Nepalese economy has embraced an open market policy and is attempting to join the global market, competitive advantage is being hindered by a failure to address human resource development (HRD) and by poor performance management (PM) practices. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The research article raises three research questions: What is the concept of PM – how does it relate to HRD? What is the PM and HRD context and what are the associated issues in Nepalese organizations? and How could new structure and roles improve HRD for PM? In order to answer these research questions Anglo‐Saxon and Nepalese literature is reviewed.

Findings

In order to manage PM in Nepalese organizations a clear link between organizational objectives and outcomes should be established by developing a human capital base in organizations. HRD professionals help to integrate HRD functions and organizational objectives by creating a learning environment.

Research limitations/implications

The study is not survey‐based and thus information is largely collected from published literature rather than perceptions of employees, management and labour unions and the authenticity of the prescribed four‐column‐model is yet to be tested.

Originality/value

A four‐column model comprising HRD and PM context, PM issues, HRD issues, and the new HRD structure and functions is developed and can be used as a framework for undertaking future research. This framework is the main contribution of the paper.
Managing advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) implementation in manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Fulton Matthew , Hon Bernard
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new methodology for implementing leading edge technology into “design and manufacture” companies, for them to gain a competitive advantage, integrate the supply chain and improve company performance and intangible assets.

Design/methodology/approach

A seven‐stage process is applied to 73 SMEs, which involves identifying suitable companies, capability mapping, designing bespoke solutions, sourcing, funding, implementing new technology and training, followed by formal capability reviews. Informal guidance is offered throughout the process to increase confidence in new systems and reduce transitional performance gaps.

Findings

The success rate was very high; companies often experienced a positive step change in performance and income, with notable increases in confidence and customer perceptions. The methodology was embraced by the companies, resulting in very few dropouts.

Research limitations/implications

A long‐term study is needed to review company performance over an extended period.

Practical implications

Providing free independent expert advice on the benefits of technological adaptation, specifically the advantages/disadvantages of candidate advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) systems, assists SMEs in gaining sufficient confidence to implement new technology, especially when the requirements of all stakeholders are taken into consideration. Training at an appropriate level coupled with mentoring is necessary to gain the maximum benefits from new systems.

Social implications

Funding initiatives can benefit from increased participating company performance by supplying leading edge technology and mentoring in addition to training and supplier agnostic advice.

Originality/value

The paper was able to assess the effects on business processes and income from technological adaptation using real time feedback from participating companies.
Enhancing long‐term worker productivity and performance
Authors: Westover Jonathan H. , Westover Andrew R. , Westover L. Alan
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore key work domains that impact worker job satisfaction and organizational commitment, which in turn impact long‐term worker productivity and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes factor analysis, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis, and basic descriptive statistics (Pearson Correlations, standard deviations, means) to explore the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment and 17 unique work domains.

Findings

Survey data confirm 17 statistically valid and reliable work domains that are relevant to understanding worker job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Additionally, OLS regression results produce highly explanatory models of worker motivation and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the research is the lack of generalizability of the findings – that it represents data from just one organization, not a sampling of organizations. While the statistical results are highly significant and demonstrate a high level of validity and reliability in the measures, research findings can only tentatively be applied to other organizations.

Practical implications

In an increasingly competitive global market, more and more organizations have to ask the difficult question, “How can we get more out of our employees?” However, although there are diverse “quick‐fix” methods of achieving rather short‐term gains in worker productivity and performance, long‐term and enduring improvement requires a strengthening and spreading of core organizational values and beliefs that help to create a high engagement and achievement organizational culture.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the development of 17 unique and highly statistically reliable and valid work domains relevant to organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Additionally, the new “passion” domain is found to be particularly predictive of worker job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Consumer purchase process improvements in e‐tailing operations
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Hudson Brett , Lowry Josie
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The advent of the internet has dramatically changed the retail landscape. Online purchases have been increasing annually for the past several years, yet only account for 6 percent of total purchases. With the potential for growth being relatively unlimited, many online businesses have been created, and conventional stores are questioning whether their current brick and mortar business model will continue to be successful. The operational processes of online companies are difficult to formulate, as evidenced by their high failure rates. The purpose of this paper is to examine one online business, Bellacor, to determine whether there are operational efficiencies to be gained, that errors can be reduced and whether they are operating in conjunction with customers' expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

The design methodology used involved an examination of Bellacor's service blueprint, implementing the Six Sigma DMAIC cycle, developing cause‐and‐effect diagrams and creating poka‐yokes to modify the existing service blueprint to improve the operational process.

Findings

The “improve” phase of the DMAIC cycle produced several poka‐yokes to overcome numerous failures in the current service blueprint. It is the authors' opinions that implementing the new proposed blueprint will likely result in improved customer service, improved delivery tracking, fewer errors and a better overall experience for the customer.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of the survey surrounded the time frame allotted to complete the study. Had more time and resources been available, a more robust survey could have been created and additional order data could have been gathered.

Practical implications

With a better experience for the customer and improved accuracy throughout the process, profits will improve. There is considerable market share available for a successful operation and management needs to continually revisit the current process to ensure that it is as efficient and customer‐friendly as possible.

Originality/value

The value of the study goes beyond Bellacor as a successful online business. The study attempts to lay the groundwork for what is successful and needed by today's consumer. Lessons and procedures learned in the paper can be translated to any company with a similar business model.
Managing reputation equity
Authors: Klaas Jagersma Pieter
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The article aims to elaborate on the importance of “managing reputation equity” in the banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This article has been derived in part from the reputation improvement plans of investment banks and in part from the author's own experience as a non‐executive director.

Findings

The most critical and strategic asset a bank possesses is its reputation. A “reputation improvement plan” is a critical document for the board of directors. In practice, reputation improvement plans vary enormously in terms of structure, format and content. This article summarizes what content should ideally be included. Furthermore, it is important to remember that reputation improvement planning is just one component of the process – the other components are implementing the plan, monitoring progress and auditing the reputation's situation. And, although the focus is often on the document, it is the process of drafting, discussing, agreeing and using it that is important. The document facilitates discussion and decision making and can then be used as a guide to action.

Practical implications

The process of producing a “reputation improvement plan” forces management to think through the issues related to a particular reputation and how to address them. The document itself summarizes the reputation's competitive position and guides the implementation of strategic initiatives. In banks (such as Goldman Sachs) that the board of directors with significant input from stakeholders (for instance, important customers), revised in a series of iterations with management before being agreed, and linked to other functional plans (e.g. operations, sales plans etc.) ensuring that all the bank's activities are focused on achieving common goals. A successful reputation improvement plan and program will only occur when at least the following combined forces are effective: a vision of something better (a clear target embedded in a plan) and a few practical first steps to achieve (to launch the process). Reputation is not a gift, but really hard work.

Originality/value

Reputational capital is a vital strategic resource. Reputations reflect a bank's relative success in fulfilling the expectations of multiple stakeholders. They are crucial because they “work” for banks. Therefore, establishing a great reputation is a key element of organizational strategy. Banks will become increasingly focused on managing their reputations over the next decade. The article is about unlocking the value of reputation through reputation improvement planning.
Problem‐based leadership: nurturing managers during turbulent times
Authors: Yeo Roland K. , Gold Jeff
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The paper explores problem‐based learning (PBL) as a useful methodology in leadership development during turbulent times. It identifies several pertinent action points for managers to lead through problems while understanding their capacity to empower themselves and others to face challenges at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Broad concepts of PBL are used to distil the characteristics of this methodology and how they might be applicable to leadership development. An actual case of PBL in leadership education and training is employed to illustrate the processes of problem solving and reflective action‐taking.

Findings

When confronted by problems, managers should adopt a learning‐oriented mindset and draw on the strengths of others to generate immediate solutions for experimentation. In doing so, they need to accept failure as a prerequisite for creative tensions to be generated and applied in messy circumstances. Until they think out of the box, they will continue to solve problems in tried‐and‐tested ways obstructing the emergence of revolutionary solutions.

Practical implications

In order for managers to make an impact on organizational process and improvement, they need to focus on the action and learn components of PBL. They should be given the space to listen to their own “voice” and internalize the “voice” of others through reflection and dialogue. They should also be recognized for their courage and boldness in confronting problems even if more problems are generated in the process. It is facing the goliath that managers truly grow to become real leaders.

Originality/value

Although the concept of PBL has been around for a long while, its applicability to leadership development has not been sufficiently explored in both theory and practice. This paper brings another dimension to the common idea of problem solving where solution seeking is not an end it itself. At best, it is a means to discovering the potential of true leadership in those whose mindset is focused on learning and reflective decision‐making.
Analysis of the innovation strategy of technical‐intensive industries: scenario analysis viewpoint
Authors: Chang Hung‐Fan
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the analysis of innovation in technology‐intensive industry strategy, by applying scenario analysis (SA) to master the development of the market information and competitive environment. This study will utilize the technical development of the Sony video tape recorder (VTR) as a case study, and then provide more adequate decision information on the technical development strategy (TDS) planning process.

Design/methodology/approach

Scenario analysis (SA) strategy assessment model will construct a future technical development model based on current data. The forecasting model of the cycle period is applied to future market technical innovation. Therefore, applying SA in this study can effectively connect historical information to the analysis of technology development.

Findings

This study used the Sony VTR TDS as a case study that provides a strategy assessment model in a technology‐intensive industry for technical development strategy planning as the basis of decision‐making to aid technical forecasting. Result found that the R&D department is the core lifeline for the development of a company, and TDS is affected by the orientation of customer demand with impact on the development of TLC to form the cycle period of uncertainty.

Originality/value

This model applied the properties of TDS assessment to grasp the development trend in the market, and it can enable the R&D department to integrate technical push and market demands pull. In turn, this results in a gain in the competitive edge for technical innovation through a combination of strategies and regulations.
Getting the customer interested in your innovation: role of distribution and promotion strategies
Authors: Sikdar Arijit , Vel Prakash
Published: April 2010

Purpose

All innovations launched in the market do not necessarily enjoy the returns they deserve. The purpose of the paper is to explore the role played by distribution and promotion in enhancing the value of an innovation in the customer's perception. The paper concludes with practical implications for managers in planning and controlling new product launches.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature surrounding successes and failures of new product launches are reviewed to evaluate the importance of distribution and promotion as capabilities critical for enhancing the value of an innovation from the perspective of the customer. Innovations are conceptualized according to the strength of the distribution and promotion capabilities that support the innovation. Suitable strategies to enhance the promotion and distribution capabilities supporting an innovation are proposed in order to enhance the competitive advantage of an innovation.

Findings

The paper has conceptualized the positioning of an innovation's value based on the strength of “market support” and “user mindspace position” capabilities supporting the innovation. Based on the position of an innovation's value, specific strategies to augment the distribution and promotion capabilities are identified for enhancing an innovation's value.

Practical implications

Innovations per se do not influence a positive evaluation by the consumer unless adequately supported by marketing efforts. A key implication of this paper is the need to focus attention on marketing efforts to enhance the value of an innovation in the consumer's evaluation process.

Originality/value

The paper provides the marketer a unique perspective to analyze an innovation's value from the customer's viewpoint based on the nature of marketing efforts employed.
Measurement of enterprise architecture readiness within organizations
Authors: Jahani Bahman , Reza Seyyed Javadein Seyyed , Abedi Jafari Hassan
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model for measuring enterprise architecture (EA) readiness in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the literature of enterprise architecture, defines and extracts factors and indicators of enterprise architecture readiness with factor weighting and indicators. Thereafter the authors propose a model to measure organization EA readiness in practice.

Findings

In this paper nine factors and 34 indicators that affect enterprise architecture are defined and an enterprise architecture readiness model is constructed. The model of research is practical, because it specifies readiness of organization in enterprise architecture and helps to define current state of organization via factors and indicators, and from priorities of factors and indicators, alerts organization of an optimization strategy.

Research limitations/implications

In order to increase the utility of the model for use in other organizations, further studies can help to refine the model.

Originality/value

The essence of extracting and choosing factors and indicators in this study is from enterprise architecture processes and key success and failure factors of enterprise architecture in organizations. In addition selected factors and indicators related to organization infrastructure not related only to enterprise architecture project planning and executing are examined through the use of a questionnaire. The model derived from this study can be utilized as a multi‐dimensional and practical model because of its complexity and examination of organizational infrastructures.
Funding of human service sector nonprofit organizations (HSNPs)
Authors: Kelly Deborah , Lewis Alfred
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This article aims to examine the dynamic nature of the sources of funding for not‐for‐profit (NPs) organizations with particular reference to NPs in the human service sector NPs in the US.

Design/methodology/approach

The universe of NPs include government and so‐called third sector organizations which such as charities, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and disaster relief organizations. Specifically the authors examined the human service sector of NPs with the aim of analyzing the relationships between government subsidy and the level of commercial activities of NPs.

Findings

The expectation is that NPs with greater level of commercial of for‐profit type activities are better managed than NPs that are solely reliant on government subsidies.

Originality/value

This article examines the dynamic nature of the sources of funding for not‐for‐profit (NPs) organizations with particular reference to NPs in the human service sector NPs in the US.
Blood diamonds: international policy options for conflict resolution
Authors: Lahiri Sajal
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of four policy options for the international community to help resolve conflicts involving black diamonds: foreign aid, a tax arms exports, a tax on blood diamond and a tax on diamond exports in general from the war zones.

Design/methodology/approach

A trade‐theoretic model of two open economies which are in conflict with each other was constructed. War efforts, which involve the use of soldiers and arms, are determined endogenously. The purpose of war is the capture of land containing a natural resource like diamond, but the costs are that lives are lost and production sacrificed. The capture of mining land helps to reinforce the war by using profits from the sale of the natural resource to purchase arms.

Findings

The paper identifies the role of the “protective” nature of arms, and of income effects of the policy instruments, on the results. For example, foreign aid is found, unambiguously, to increase war when the entire profit from the sale of blood diamond is used to buy arms. But, when the proportion of profits from blood diamond used to buy arms is chosen optimally, foreign aid increases war efforts when arms are significantly protective of soldiers' lives.

Social implications

This paper helps to understand conflicts, the resolutions of which have serious social implications for the conflict‐torn areas of the world.

Originality/value

This paper provides the international community with an analysis of policy options for dealing with blood diamond. It shows, for example, that controlling supply of arms can be as effective as discouraging the consumption of blood diamond.
Is the downturn in maquiladora employment cyclical or structural?
Authors: Mundra Kusum , Gerber Jim
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of cyclical and structural factors on the decline of maquiladora employment. In addition to the US industrial production, the cyclical factors examined are relative Mexican US wages, the Mexican exchange rate relative to the US, and US foreign direct investment (FDI). The paper also explores the effect of competition from China, a structural effect, on the decline of maquiladora employment.

Design/methodology/approach

A vector error correction (VEC) model of maquila employment for the period 1980‐2002 is estimated and controlled for US industrial production, FDI flows, relative wage rates of Mexico and USA. To empirically investigate the structural differences of lower costs in Mexico vs China a seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) is estimated across three sectors: apparel and textile, electronic, and transportation.

Findings

From the VEC maquila employment model it is found that, in addition to the strong effect of US industrial production on the maquila employment, there exist significant short‐ and long‐run effects of Mexico US exchange rate and Mexican wages relative to USA on maquila employment. The sectoral (SUR) model shows that competition from China has a bigger adverse effect on relatively labor‐intensive good and commodities which are cheaper to transport (such as textiles) over more bulky transportation goods. The transportation sector has a location advantage, though is more sensitive to the cyclical fluctuations in the US industrial production.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should investigate the role of USA and world FDI exclusively into Mexico and maquiladora sector.

Practical implications

Well designed controls, output choice, and location advantage are important for the growth and viability of small scale manufacturing industries.

Originality/value

The VEC model for maquila employment and the SUR framework across main maquila sectors is the first to account for wages, exchange rate, and FDI in addition to the US industrial production in understanding the decline in maquiladora employment.
Inflation convergence and currency unions: the case of the East African community
Authors: Kishor Narayan , Ssozi John
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate inflation convergence within the East African Community (EAC) as it aspires to become a currency union.

Design/methodology/approach

An unobserved dynamic factor model was used to decompose the variation in inflation into a component that is common across the countries in the EAC region and a component that is country specific. Convergence was measured by the percentage of variation in inflation that is common across countries.

Findings

The estimated results from the dynamic factor model for the pre‐EAC Treaty (1981:3 to 2000:2) period and post‐EAC Treaty (2000:3 to 2009:1) period suggest that the percentage variation in inflation in the EAC that is explained by the common regional component increased significantly during the post‐Treaty period.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of this paper is that it does not address the mechanism through which the convergence in a currency union is achieved. Future research should try to examine the link between convergence and different macroeconomic policies.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that the push towards forming a currency union in East Africa has led to a greater degree of inflation synchronization across different countries in the region.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is to use an unobserved component model to estimate the degree of inflation synchronization in East African countries.
Price discovery and convergence in the Indian commodities market
Authors: Iyer Vishwanathan , Pillai Archana
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether futures markets play a dominant role in the price discovery process. The rate of convergence of information from one market to another is analyzed to infer the efficiency of futures as an effective hedging tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a two‐regime threshold vector autoregression (TVAR) and a two‐regime threshold autoregression for six commodities. The regimes (or states) are defined around the expiration week of the futures contract.

Findings

This paper finds evidence for price discovery process happening in the futures market in five out of six commodities. However, the rate of convergence of information is slow, particularly in the non‐expiration weeks. For copper, gold and silver, the rate of convergence is almost instantaneous during the expiration week of the futures contract affirming the utility of futures contracts as an effective hedging tool. In case of chickpeas, nickel and rubber the convergence worsens during the expiration week indicating the non‐usability of futures contract for hedging.

Originality/value

This paper extends the framework developed by Garbade et al. by superimposing a two‐regime TVAR model to quantify the price discovery process. It is the first paper to analyze the differential impact of price discovery and convergence during expiration week (compared to non‐expiration weeks) for the Indian commodities market.
Networks, middlemen and other (urban) labour market mysteries
Authors: Iversen Vegard , Torsvik Gaute
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of social networks and intermediares in recruitment and as instruments to control the workforce in lower end urban labour markets in developing countries. The existing literature favours explanations where networks and middlemen are vehicles to disburse information about vacant jobs or screening mechanisms that improve worker‐job matches. Intermediaries may also enable employers to evade labour regulations. This paper highlights instead their roles as incentive providers or mechanisms that alleviate behavioural risks in work relations. A novel aspect of this approach is that behavioural risks on both sides of the work relation are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing the literature, a simple agency model is introduced to suggest new ways to identify whether networks and middlemen alleviate incentive problems in labour relations.

Findings

Studies of disparities in labour market access and outcomes are usually anchored in ideas of discrimination. A key insight is that the access to and performance of urban labour markets depend critically on the specific “services” networks and intermediaries extend to workers and employers. This adds an important complication to the evaluation of opportunities for income diversification through rural‐urban migration. Under some circumstances, both “institutions” may give rise to strong and persistent exclusion that is likely to vary systematically across sectors of the urban economy. In other circumstances, access restrictions can be remedied through simple policy interventions.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a new and important dimension to the study of urban labour markets as level playing fields.
Women partners leaving the firm: choice, what choice?
Authors: Anderson Deirdre , Vinnicombe Susan , Singh Val
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper is based on the experiences of 31 women who have recently left partner roles within an international management consultancy firm. The purpose of this paper is to explore discursively their perceptions of choice within their decisions to leave.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 31 women using semi‐structured telephone interviews, a 66 per cent response rate. A discursive approach to analysis was adopted.

Findings

The decision to leave is the culmination of many interacting factors at a time when a financial incentive for resignation is available. Findings present here focus on discourses of loyalty to and affection for the company and work‐life integration.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include access only to women who have left the firm, allowing for no comparison with those who were still partners. Additionally, we were unable to speak to any of the male partners who have left the firm in the same timescales, although in smaller proportions.

Practical implications

The findings indicate the need to review the excessive time demands placed on partners and provide further support for policies, which enable greater flexibility.

Originality/value

This paper uses data from a rare sample of women, those who have actually left senior roles within one organization.
Changing perceptions of meritocracy in senior women's careers
Authors: Sealy Ruth
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore how an elite group of senior women in banking represent and describe their understanding and experience of the role of meritocracy, within the context of their own career.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 33 senior female directors from six global investment banks. Template analysis was used in the qualitative analysis of the coding.

Findings

The paper found that the women's adherence to the notion of meritocracy diminished over time, as merit appeared to be less defined by human capital (ability and experience) and more by social capital (seen as political behaviour). The paper also reveals how the concept is construed on two levels: first, on a symbolic level, demonstrating how the organization defines and rewards success; second, on a personal level, how it affects the individual's cognitions, emotions and self‐belief.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the small literature on the concept of meritocracy in the management field, with an emphasis on the experiences of successful female directors in global investment banks.
Merit, special contribution and choice
Authors: Simpson Ruth , Ross‐Smith Anne , Lewis Patricia
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how women in senior management draw on discourses of merit and special contribution in making sense of the contradictions and tensions they experience in their working lives. It has a particular focus on how women explain possible experiences of disadvantage and the extent to which they see such experiences as gendered.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on an Australian study of women leaders in the private and tertiary sectors. Data are drawn from in‐depth interviews with 14 women.

Findings

Findings suggest that women draw on discourses of meritocracy and of “special contribution” in discussing their experiences at work. Inconsistencies between these competing discourses are mediated through notions of choice.

Research limitations/implications

The research has implications for the understanding of how women at senior levels make sense of their experiences in organizations. A wider sample may give further corroboration to these results.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the significance of the discourse of choice in aligning discourses of “special contribution” with the reality of their lives whilst keeping intact the concepts of equality and meritocracy to which they strongly adhere.
Who rules the game? An investigation of sex‐work, gender, agency and the body
Authors: Gatrell Caroline
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Drawing upon notions of agency and the body, the purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of agency as a gendered concept through a consideration of women sex‐workers. Specifically, the paper analyses how far women sex‐workers may be regarded as social agents. It then considers how far notions of agency, in relation to sex‐workers' embodied boundaries, may be gendered.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews existing literature on sex‐workers and sex‐work practices, looking at indoor sex‐work (massage parlours), outdoor sex‐work (street sex‐work) and trafficking. It considers these types of sex‐work in relation to agency, gender and the body.

Findings

The paper acknowledges the diversity of women's experience within different aspects of the sex trade. The paper recognizes claims that treating sex‐workers as “victims” could further jeopardize their social position. However, the paper finds that the “options” available to sex‐workers are severely constrained. Specifically, the lack of capacity among sex‐workers to set embodied “rules of engagement” with clients makes the notion of agency problematic. The paper contends that “agency” is itself a gendered concept not only in relation to sex‐work, but also in the context of women's work more broadly.

Practical implications

Through the idea of agency as a gendered concept, the paper offers alternative ways of exploring agency, the body and women's work.

Originality/value

The paper puts forward the notion of agency as a gendered concept. This opens up possibilities for further research on women's “choices”, and who “makes the rules” within different labour markets.
Exploring career “choices” of work‐centred women in a professional service firm
Authors: Kumra Savita
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to challenge Hakim's work‐centred category and empirically tests its applicability in a professional service firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was gathered through 19 in‐depth interviews with women in an international consulting firm. The analysis was conducted using Nvivo software.

Findings

The paper shows that contrary to the contentions of preference theory, work‐centred women do not face unfettered choice in their career advancement. Findings reveal a number of structural constraints within the firm – namely the prevailing model of success, the need for high‐level sponsorship and the need to network, which impact their choices. The findings also problematise the nature and formulation of the work‐centred category itself.

Research limitations/implications

The paper surfaces a number of contradictions in the work‐centred category and calls for further work in this area. The paper also surfaces the presence of structural constraints which impact on women's career choices. Further research to develop these themes and provide broader contextual analysis is called for.

Practical implications

Hakim's preference theory has taken responsibility for women's career advancement away from society and organisations and placed it on individual women. The paper challenges this positioning and calls for organisations to audit their policies and processes to ensure they are not “gender oppressive”.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the debate on the applicability of preference theory through empirical evaluation of the one of the three categories at its heart – that of work‐centred women. The theory is found to be wanting on a number of issues and problematises not just the category but key tenets of the theory itself.