bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical study of ERP success evaluations by business and IT managers
Authors: Ifinedo Princely
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how two organizational members, i.e. business and information technology (IT) managers evaluate the success measures of acquired enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were conducted in two Northern European countries – Finland and Estonia.

Findings

Prior studies suggest that business and IT managers evaluate organizational‐IT issues, including ERP success evaluations differently. However, this study's data analysis showed that no significant statistical differences exist between the two groups on the six dimensions of ERP success operationalized with the exception of one, i.e. vendor/consultant quality. In brief, both groups seem to have a similar view of ERP success in their respective organizations.

Originality/value

Discusses the implications for practitioners and researchers.
The work values of Chinese project managers
Authors: Song Shi‐Rui , Gale Andrew
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to investigate project managers' work values and the relationship between the work values of project managers and their competence.

Design/methodology/approach

This research project is based on a category of work‐related values generated from the literature. The authors conducted a web‐based questionnaire survey on Chinese project managers in The People's Republic of China.

Findings

From this research it was found that both experienced and novice Chinese project managers share most work values. However, novice and experienced project managers' differ on work values regarding personal career success and project success. Project management knowledge, project manager's personal attitudes and project manager's work values are all important with respect to project management practice.

Practical implications

The authors recommend that work values are an important dimension in relation to project managers' competence. The understanding of project managers' work values has potential application in the context to competence‐based management development.

Originality/value

This paper furthers understanding on project manager's competence.
The transfer of Japanese‐style HRM to subsidiaries abroad
Authors: Che Rose Raduan , Kumar Naresh
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to empirically examine the extent to which the Japanese‐style human resource management (HRM) model is being transferred to subsidiaries, given the contextual characteristics of the Malaysian environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The transferability of Japanese‐style HRM is examined through an analysis of the policies and practices of 69 Japanese subsidiaries and focuses on the following specific areas of HRM: employment policies and practices, remuneration systems and career development policies and practices; and management strategies and workplace industrial relations practices.

Findings

Overall, the findings suggest that the key elements associated with the Japanese‐style HRM as described in most of the literature are either present to a very limited degree or completely absent. It seems clear that the transfer of the distinctive Japanese‐style HRM, and especially the “four pillars” is not a priority of management. To a certain extent, most companies seem uncomfortable with the characteristics of the local labor. However, the HRM policies and practices in the companies surveyed are not simply the result of the limitation of the local environment and resources; rather they are “opportunist” management strategies which, by taking account of these contextual limits, seek to control the subsidiaries' operations.

Originality/value

By confirming many of the findings of research on the HRM policies and practices of Japanese subsidiaries, especially in other developing countries and, to a certain extent, some developed countries, this study demonstrated that while “technical” elements (the hardware) of the Japanese model are readily being transferred, most of the HRM elements (the software) are adapted in significant, and not always subtle ways. Thus, the issue of the transfer of Japanese‐style HRM abroad in general and in Malaysia particularly is not so much a question of whether the Japanese want to transfer their distinctive policies and practices as of whether they need, or indeed are able, to do so. The findings of this study also demonstrate that what most Japanese subsidiaries achieve is a system of labor control – this is the essential purpose of the HRM practices under considerations: to make the production methods work and enable the company to make and sustain profit – and indeed what the Japanese have achieved and secured in Malaysia is a highly effective system of control (given local conditions).
Colonial history and its effects on Sub‐Saharan economic development
Authors: Beraho Enoch K.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the causes of political and economic problems faced by Sub‐Saharan countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were compiled from current statistical data from various countries in the region. Also library sources were used to study the historical developments relating to the countries’ past and current political and economic situations.

Findings

This paper finds that the Sub‐Saharan countries misruled themselves and ruined their economies soon after they gained independence. They were then forced to seek help from their past colonial masters whom they had fought and got rid of to be independent.

Practical implications

The implications are that these former colonies have had to face reality and work with some western countries (including their past colonial foes) in order to foster economic development. In so doing, they have had to compromise and be accommodate donor and invest conditions

Originality/value

This paper provides explanation as to why the countries in this region have had economic and political problems. Furthermore, it lists comprehensive strategies these countries have devised to get out of their problems.
Conversion of non‐calendar to calendar‐time based preventive maintenance schedules for semiconductor manufacturing systems
Authors: Ramírez‐Hernández José A. , Fernandez Emmanuel , O'Connor Matilda , Patel Nipa
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present the rationale, a numerical example and a case study of the application of an algorithm to convert non‐calendar based preventive maintenance (PM) schedules into calendar‐time format for semiconductor manufacturing systems (SMS). The resulting calendar‐time PM schedules can be utilized as a baseline within a PM scheduling optimization process.

Design/methodology/approach

The algorithm utilizes estimations of work‐in‐process (WIP) and system parameters to estimate an equivalent calendar‐time schedule for PM schedules based on different units. A numerical example based on fictitious data illustrates the utilization of the conversion algorithm within a mixed PM scheduling scenario, including wafer, processing‐time and energy‐based PM tasks for multi‐chamber tools. In addition, a case study illustrates the accuracy of the algorithm by comparing estimated PM targets (i.e. due, warning and late dates) with historical data from a real semiconductor fabrication facility.

Findings

Results from the case study validated the conversion algorithm by showing accurate estimations of PM targets (i.e. due, warning and late dates). The accuracy of the algorithm depends, however, on good estimates for WIP levels within the planning horizon.

Originality/value

The conversion algorithm may be utilized not only in SMS but also in other industries that require the conversion of non‐calendar based PM schedules into calendar‐time format for PM optimization and operational purposes.
Minimizing total flow time and maximum tardiness with periodic maintenance
Authors: Chen Wen‐Jinn
Published: August 2007

Purpose

In today's industry, a machine breakdown is common for a machine running a long period of time without maintenance. To avoid a sudden breakdown, periodic maintenance is usually performed in the production system. This paper aims to find a set of efficient schedules that considers both jobs and maintenance simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses a real‐life scheduling problem in a plastic company. An algorithm based on the variable range technique is developed to solve the problem by providing a small set of efficient schedules.

Findings

Once maintenance is performed, the job being processed must be stopped. This will result in some jobs being late or tardy and a relatively larger flow time is generated. Therefore, how to minimize these two criteria in the production system becomes an important issue in the company. Computational results show that problems with larger maintenance intervals and smaller maintaining time can produce a smaller number of efficient schedules.

Practical implications

It is seen that scheduling maintenance will result in some jobs being tardy and a larger flow time is generated. A decision maker can easily select a preferred schedule from the small set of efficient schedules. The proposed algorithm is appropriate not only for the studied company but also for those companies where periodic maintenance is required.

Originality/value

Presents an algorithm to find a small set of efficient schedules.
Economic‐statistical design of an S EWMA control chart for monitoring process variability
Authors: Castagliola P. , Celano G. , Fichera S.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The aim of this study is to present the economic‐statistical design of an EWMA control chart for monitoring the process dispersion.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimal economic‐statistical design of the S EWMA chart was determined for a wide benchmark of examples organized as a two level factorial design and was compared with the designs obtained for the S Shewhart chart. Both the two charts have been designed so that an equal number of false alarms (in‐control Average Run Length) is expected.

Findings

The S EWMA allows significant hourly cost savings to be achieved for the entire set of process scenarios with respect to the S Shewhart; a mean percentage cost saving of 6.77 per cent is obtained for processes characterized by a reduction in process dispersion (i.e. processes whose natural variability is reduced through an external technological intervention), whereas up to a 9.78 per cent saving is achieved for processes whose dispersion is increased by the occurrence of an undesired special cause.

Practical implications

The proposed S EWMA chart can be considered as an effective tool when statistical process control procedures should be implemented on a process with the aim of monitoring its data dispersion.

Originality/value

In literature the economic design of EWMA charts covers only the process cost evaluation when the sample mean is monitored; here, the study is extended to the sample standard deviation to investigate if the EWMA scheme still outperforms the Shewhart chart. An extensive analysis is proposed to evaluate the influence of the process operating parameters on the EWMA chart design variables.
Small business growth: recent evidence and new directions
Authors: Dobbs Matthew , Hamilton R.T.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

To review empirical contributions to the small business growth literature since the mid‐1990s.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative review of the literature using the framework adopted in previous reviews: management strategies; characteristics of the entrepreneur; environment/industry factors; and firm characteristics.

Findings

The absence of any unifying theory means that the literature continues to feature a wide range of growth measures and model specifications. As a result of this, knowledge development appears fragmented rather than cumulative. New theoretical perspectives are needed if we are to develop our understanding of the growth process in small businesses.

Research limitations/implications

Alternative types of research are suggested that focus on small business growth as a process rather than an episode. Future research needs to adopt multiple measures of growth and, more importantly, be based on theory longitudinal in scope but idiosyncratic in its focus. Empirical work should seek to explain the periodicity of growth and the role that learning plays in the idiosyncratic development of small businesses.

Originality/value

The paper synthesizes the literature in an area that is critical in terms of the advice given to policy makers and business owners. It does so while building on the frameworks used in previous reviews and then identifying new research approaches that are needed to advance understanding of the small business growth process.
The new policing of assets and the new assets of policing
Authors: Sproat Peter A.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Asset recovery and the incentivisation of law enforcement is a theme within both the official and critical discourses on anti‐money laundering and asset recovery. This paper attempts to find out whether this so‐called “new policing of assets” in the UK has produced new assets for policing.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is achieved by producing an estimate for the costs to private companies and public authorities as well as an estimate of the financial benefits, both of which challenge the costs and benefits stated in previous work on the issue.

Findings

In doing this work it points out the difficulty of producing such costings and questions whether the regime justifies the compliance costs imposed.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the debate about improving the quality of cost‐benefit analyses of the money laundering regime.
Implementing innovation management in manufacturing SMEs: a longitudinal study
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Keogh William , Reid Renee S. , Mitchell Neil
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the longitudinal effect of innovation programmes on improving the process of innovation in manufacturing SMEs. The process of innovation in organisations covers people, process and technology. Therefore interventions in the form of innovation improvement programmes often require high levels of complexity. This complexity is compounded in SMEs, where issues such as scarce resources and skill shortages must be recognised.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case research methodology combined with an innovation evaluation model is used to evaluate the longitudinal effect of an innovation intervention programme, which combined taught modules and Critical Action Learning networks over an eighteen month period. Within‐group comparisons are made.

Findings/research implications

The findings reveal that SMEs, which have high levels of innovation improvement, adopted a broad process based approach to innovation rather than using a narrow technical definition of innovation. These SMEs also developed a process of critically reflective action learning to ground the innovation in organisational practice.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of longitudinal research studies on innovation interventions in SMEs.
Social entrepreneurship
Authors: Shaw Eleanor , Carter Sara
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the emerging practice of social entrepreneurship by exploring the historical and theoretical antecedents of social enterprise and its contemporary practice. By exploring key theoretical concepts, the paper draws comparisons between “for‐profit” and social entrepreneurs. The paper seeks to discuss the contemporary practice of social entrepreneurship. Discussion of the theory of entrepreneurship and contemporary practice of social entrepreneurs seeks to create a more nuanced view of social entrepreneurship and develop greater theoretical insights into this phenomenon and its recent expansion.

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenological research approach was adopted, and 80 in‐depth interviews with social entrepreneurs from across the UK identified as the most appropriate data collection tool. Data analysis sought to identify and understand similarities between the more understood and studied behaviour of “profit‐seeking” entrepreneurs and those of an emerging group of social entrepreneurs.

Findings

In‐depth interviews revealed five key themes within which the practice of social entrepreneurship could be compared and contrasted with for‐profit entrepreneurship. These included: the entrepreneurial process, in particular, opportunity recognition; network embeddedness; the nature of financial risk and profit; the role of individual versus collective action in managing and structuring enterprises; and creativity and innovation.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that while the contemporary practices of social enterprises share many similarities with their for‐profit counterparts, significant differences can be found when comparing these practices with extant entrepreneurship research.

Originality/value

The paper addresses an emerging phenomenon within the practice and theory of entrepreneurship and offers insight into similarities and differences between entrepreneurship in the profit and not‐for‐profit sectors.
Expectations‐based evaluation of SME advice and consultancy: an example of business link services
Authors: Bennett R.J.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to assess an expectations‐based approach to service evaluation by small and medium sized companies (SMEs) of government advice services. These are often criticised for providing what politicians think SMEs need rather than what SMEs want. Little analysis has gone into assessing the expectations of these services. Yet expectations are a crucial datum against which to measure evaluations of the impact and satisfaction with services received.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses new large‐scale survey results of the experience of Business Link in England to assess expectations and outcomes. It compares expectations, through open response format questions, with assessments of how far expectations are met, service impact and satisfaction. Outputs are also compared between “hard” (profit, sales, costs) and “soft” (improving the ability to manage).

Findings

The results demonstrate a mixture of expectations ranging from specific service wants (in the majority of cases) to a range of softer and quality elements (which include inter alia, the desire for a “neutral” or “external” view). Comparison of the varied expectations with the level of satisfaction and impact shows Business Link to be strongest where the SME client is most focused in what they seek and where the quality expectations are not too demanding.

Originality/value

The key implication for Business Link design is that it should focus on the primary aim of specialist advice links to subsidised services, primarily with a skills or other technical focus.
The determinants of online loan applications from small businesses
Authors: Han Liang , Greene Francis
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine both the characteristics of the business customers and the types of venture which make use of online loan applications. Despite the growth in the use of technology in banking and the advent of online banking, little research has been conducted on the factors underlying online loan application behaviour amongst business banking customers.

Design/methodology/approach

A multivariate analysis is conducted on a USA dataset to empirically test the hypotheses derived in this paper. The empirical evidence is drawn from the US Survey of Small Business Finances, which contains 3,561 sample ventures, representing 5.3 million small businesses in the USA.

Findings

The paper finds that online loan behaviour is largely determined by the characteristics of the entrepreneur, rather than that of the venture. It is also found that factors that trust, evident in the length of the relationship between the applicants and their primary lender, is important. Moderating these effects is further evidence that suggests the number of lenders and distance between lenders and applicants has a marked effect on online loan behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the factors determining small business online loan application behaviour. This is important because the nature of online loan behaviour is changing the existing relationships between banks and customers. Whilst online loan applications afford banks the opportunity to substantially reduce costs, the danger is that long term relationships with customers are harder to cement.
Small firm cooperative constructs: addressing industry power relationships
Authors: Kelliher Felicity
Published: August 2007

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the Irish community pharmacy sector in the context of power relationship theory. Specifically, the paper analyses the relationship between dispensary software vendors and the independent community pharmacist; and explore dominant industry partners' influence on individual pharmacies in terms of technology adoption. The core objective is to ascertain whether the potential for a cooperative construct can be realised in this milieu. Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive literature review precedes a full investigation and analysis of the Irish community pharmacy sector's competitive environment, in the context of the pre‐mentioned power relationship theory. Findings – This research uncovered a potential alternative to the industry's existing power imbalance in the form of a cooperative construct between a team of independent community pharmacists and an employed software vendor. The purpose of this partnership was to ensure the installed software focused on the pharmacist's strategic needs rather than those of the dominant partners. The paper goes on to discuss the failure of this partnership in the context of independent pharmacist's future competitive survival. Research limitations/implications – Data collection was limited to the community pharmacy sector in the Republic of Ireland. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from this study. Practical implications – In the absence of cooperative constructs, power relationship imbalances will continue to exist in this competitive environment, to the detriment of the small firm. Originality/value – Little research has been completed in the area of small business cooperative constructs as a means of competing successfully in a power relationship scenario. This paper goes some way to redressing this.
Business modelling revisited: the configuration of control and value
Authors: Ballon Pieter
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a theoretically grounded framework for designing and analysing business models for (mobile) information communication technology (ICT) services and systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the most topical literature on business modelling, as well as general strategic management, industrial economics and network economics literature, it also constructs a new integrated framework.

Findings

The study finds that business model design is interpreted as the (re)configuration of control parameters on the one hand, and value parameters on the other hand within a particular innovation system.

Originality/value

The paper is informed by a wide range of theories and approaches and proposes an improved and generally applicable framework.
When standards become business models: reinterpreting “failure” in the standardization paradigm
Authors: Hawkins Richard , Ballon Pieter
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the question: “What is the relationship between standards and business models?” and illustrate the conceptual linkage with reference to developments in the mobile communications industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A succinct overview of literature on standardization, business models and platform markets in the paper leads to a hypothesis on the relationship between present‐day standardization processes and business model design. This is then explored by means of three short case studies.

Findings

The case studies of Mobile‐ICT illustrate that regardless of institutional orientation or process, the most important standardization strategy for equipment and service providers is to create platforms that are open to the development of complementary products and services while at the same time preserving the proprietary edge necessary to ensure lock‐in effects. All three cases yielded strong reasons to doubt whether many of the traditional advantages of standardization (interoperability, economies of scale, positive externalities, etc.) will be achieved equitably for all of the stakeholders.

Originality/value

This is an exploratory paper that aims to shed light on present‐day concerns about “failure” in the standardisation paradigm.
Mobile payment models and their implications for NextGen MSPs
Authors: Van Bossuyt Michaël , Van Hove Leo
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a first overview of important implications of payment models for next‐generation mobile service platforms (NextGen MSPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The starting point of the paper is an existing set of mobile payment models. These models are modified and expanded on in order to be able to highlight implications for NextGen MSPs.

Findings

The paper identifies two different types of payment models for mobile environments: carrier centric models and payment service provider (PSP)‐centric models. Instantiations of both categories are already being applied, although not necessarily always in the mobile environment. Both types come with a number of advantages as well as disadvantages. This paper argues that combining different models or introducing intermediaries yields solutions that satisfy the requirements of NextGen MSPs for offering a compelling value proposition to their users.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to analyse the suitability of existing mobile payment models in the specific context of NextGen MSPs. It also proposes alternative models that provide a better fit with the potential business models for such platforms.
Institutional commitment to sustainability
Authors: Broussard Shorna R. , Bliss John C.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to determine institutional commitment to sustainability by examining Natural Resource Extension program inputs, activities, and participation.

Design/methodology/approach

A document analysis of Natural Resource Extension planning and reporting documents was conducted to provide contextual and historical data for the study and 58 in‐depth interviews were conducted with Natural Resource Extension personnel in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Oregon State University Extension Service.

Findings

This research moves beyond the familiar teaching and research functions of higher education institutions and focuses on Cooperative Extension, which is the outreach arm of universities. The paper discusses challenges and opportunities associated with implementing sustainability through these outreach education programs. In both Alabama and Oregon, the Agriculture, Home Economics, and 4‐H programs dominate human and economic resource investment in Cooperative Extension. Natural Resource Extension programs in Alabama and Oregon represents 6 and 14 percent, respectively, of all program expenditures in Cooperative Extension. Both states have educational programs that address sustainability of natural resources and those programs were interdisciplinary in nature. Little evidence is found extensive participation in Natural Resource Extension programs by environmental groups, minorities, and other non‐traditional clientele. Lastly, Oregon's political context was more conducive to broadening Natural Resource Extension program work in sustainability.

Practical implications

Educational institutions such as Natural Resource Extension programs at universities play a significant role in educating private landowners, the public, and professionals about various aspects of forestry and natural resources. Based on this study of Natural Resource Extension programs in Alabama and Oregon, the following are needed for extension to address natural resource sustainability through its educational programs: sufficient intellectual and financial commitment to sustainability, diverse and inclusive participation in programs, and collaborative interdisciplinary programming. The analysis presented here can aid other educators as they explore sustainability through educational programming.

Originality/value

Since, Natural Resource Extension programs address societal concerns through problem solving, grassroots education, and research and technology dissemination, they are poised to do work in the sustainability arena. No study to date has examined sustainability from the aspect of Natural Resource Extension educators in Oregon and Alabama. An understanding of current investment in sustainability through education is fundamental to building a strong Extension program in this area.
The failure of non‐binding declarations to achieve university sustainability
Authors: Bekessy S.A. , Samson K. , Clarkson R.E.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the impact and value of non‐binding agreements or declarations in achieving sustainability in universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University is presented, analysing the reasons for lack of progress towards sustainability and evaluating best ways forward. Using a timeline and analysis of historical records for the 12 years since RMIT first engaged in the sustainability agenda, major trends in the process of implementing policies are identified. Secondly, 15 semi‐structured interviews with university leaders and key sustainability stakeholders from across the university are analysed to provide insight into how and why the university has failed to achieve sustainability.

Findings

New implications for successfully achieving sustainability arise from these findings. Accountability is a key issue, as RMIT appears to reap benefits from being signatory to declarations without achieving genuine progress. To ensure that declarations are more than simply greenwash, universities must open themselves up to scrutiny of progress to determine whether commitments have been honoured.

Practical implications

Relying on small‐scale “club” activities establishing demonstrations and raising awareness is unlikely to lead to permanent change. The evidence of RMIT's engagement with sustainability shows that, for example, even when successful pilot studies are conducted, these initiatives may do little to affect the mainstream practices of a university unless certain conditions exist. Furthermore, given the on‐paper commitments institutions have made, and the role of the university in society, small‐scale and gradual changes in university practice are a far from adequate response to the urgent sustainability imperative.

Originality/value

The initial engagement of RMIT University with the sustainability agenda 12 years ago marked it as a world leader in sustainability best‐practice. Analysing how and why such a disappointing lack of action has resulted from such promising beginnings provides insight into future directions for implementing sustainability in universities. The paper argues that considering the key responsibility of universities in leading the sustainability agenda, a more systemic and serious response is required.
Dissonance in students' perceptions of sustainable development and sustainability
Authors: Kagawa Fumiyo
Published: August 2007

Purpose

An online questionnaire survey was conducted to explore University of Plymouth students' perceptions and understandings of, and attitudes towards, sustainable development and related concepts and issues. In general, student perceptions of sustainable development have been under‐researched. This research sought to go some way towards filling the gap by providing insights for those working in the field of education for sustainable development (ESD) in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was administrated in autumn 2005 by the Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of Plymouth. The closed‐category statements were analyzed in terms of frequencies and percentages. A comprehensive set of cross tabulations and χ2 tests were also conducted using SPSS. Responses to open‐ended questions were coded and categorized according to emerging themes.

Findings

Key findings include, first, that a majority of student respondents think sustainability is “a good thing” their positive response not particularly correlating with their degree of familiarity with either of the concepts of sustainable development or sustainability. Second, students strongly associate the concepts of sustainable development and sustainability with their environmental as against economic and social aspects. Third, in terms of personal change for a sustainable lifestyle, “light green” actions addressing responsibility as consumers such as changing purchasing habits, recycling, and saving energy and/or water were most frequently articulated. Fourth, respondents harbour mixed feelings regarding the future of society in the face of sustainability‐oriented challenges.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of ESD curriculum development that more explicitly addresses the interconnectedness of different aspects of sustainable development and which also employs pedagogies that help students to take action towards realizing their preferred futures. It also suggests future study directed towards identifying various means of facilitating students' pro‐sustainability behaviours.
Psychiatry SHOs should consider psychological treatment for depression
Authors: Willis Melissa , Low Lynette C.M. , Parkar Sagir , Curtis David
Published: August 2007

Purpose

To determine the extent to which psychiatrists of different grades complied with published recommendations regarding referral for psychological treatment of patients suffering from depression.

Design/methodology/approach

Clinic letters regarding patients with depression were audited to see whether patients were referred for psychological treatment and, if not, whether a reason was recorded. The results were presented and the audit repeated.

Findings

There was little difference in the results of the two audits. Overall, 51 per cent of depressed patients were referred for psychological treatment and 26 per cent were not referred without a reason being given. SHOs were significantly (p=0.008) more likely than other grades not to refer without giving a reason.

Practical implications

SHOs should be encouraged to consider psychological treatment for depression and to record their reasons when not making a referral for this.

Originality/value

This audit has identified a probable reluctance of SHOs to consider referral for psychological treatment and hence suggests that this issue should be specifically addressed as a supervision and training issue.
Clinical coding: how accurately is it done?
Authors: Bajaj Y. , Crabtree J. , Tucker A.G.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Clinical coding is a process of accurate translation of written medical terms into codes. The Payment by Results initiative has focused attention on the quality of clinical coded data as all income for in patient services is derived from coded clinical data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of clinical coded data by making comparisons between the information held on the dialect encoder system and the information recorded in the clinical case notes.

Design/methodology/approach

The 50 episodes for this study were randomly selected from a list of all episodes ending August 2005 within the ENT specialty in a teaching hospital.

Findings

There were only 17 (34 per cent) episodes with a structured summary within the case notes. Of the 50 recorded primary diagnoses 42 (84 per cent) were correctly coded. Of the 43 recorded primary procedures, 37 (86 per cent) were correctly coded.

Originality/value

This study promotes a better awareness of the impact of poor coding and gives recommendations that will be helpful to those involved in coding processes.
Perceptions of workplace health: building community partnerships
Authors: Makrides Lydia , Heath Stephanie , Farquharson Jane , Veinot Paula L.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Workplace health promotion initiatives are an effective way to reach adults, and provide safe and healthy working environments that support individual health. The purpose of this project was to: learn how organizations/businesses define workplace health; assess employer support and commitment for workplace health initiatives; assess facilitators and barriers to workplace wellness/health; and understand workplace needs around evaluation and outcome measures.

Design/methodology/approach

A community partnership, Wellness Initiatives Network (WIN), was established to provide a forum for organizations in Atlantic Canada to share knowledge and experience on workplace health. Focus groups were conducted with businesses/organizations in the four Atlantic Provinces. Tape‐recorded transcriptions were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Ingredients for successful workplace health initiatives include onsite programs, the provision of incentives and recognition for employees, and the need to build awareness, understanding and commitment among managers who can help to create a supportive culture, which supports employee health. Measuring outcomes related to workplace health is critical.

Practical implications

Workplace health promotion should encompass a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the important roles of personal, social and environmental factors.

Originality/value

There is both interest and readiness to implement workplace health in Atlantic Canada. Workplace health is a responsibility of all – individual employees, employers and workplaces, and government. All stakeholders must be involved to help employees, workplaces and the health system cope with an aging population and concomitant increasing stresses at work and home. Engaging leaders is a critical step in building an integrated, comprehensive and sustainable approach to workplace health.
Calibrating asset correlation for Indian corporate exposures
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arindam , Chherawala Tasneem , Saha Asish
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper is a first attempt to empirically calibrate the default and asset correlation for large companies in India and elaborate its implications for credit risk capital estimation for a bank.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimate default probabilities and default correlations of long‐term bonds of 542 Indian corporates using rating transitions and pair‐wise migrations over ten year cohorts of firms. Further, the implicit asset correlation from the estimated default correlations and default thresholds are derived using the asymptotic single risk factor approach.

Findings

The authors find evidence that default correlations are time variant and vary across rating grades and industries. The highest correlations are observed between companies within the same rating grades (systematic risk impact) and within the same industry (industry specific impact). More interestingly, significantly smooth monotonic relationship between the probability of default (PD) and asset correlation as prescribed by the Basel II IRB document (2006) are not found. Moreover, it is found that the asset correlation range for Indian corporates do not match with what is prescribed for corporate exposures by BCBS.

Originality/value

The authors address the dilemma implied by the negative relationship between PD and asset correlation as suggested by BCBS IRB formula and other research for developed economies with estimates of asset correlation for and emerging market like India and demonstrate its implications on the estimation of credit risk capital.
Debt policy and performance of SMEs
Authors: Abor Joshua
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of debt policy (capital structure) on the financial performance of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana and South Africa. Previous studies, especially on large firms, have shown that capital structure affects firm performance. Though the issue has been widely studied, largely missing from this body of literature is the focus on SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data analysis is used to investigate the relations between measures of capital structure and financial performance.

Findings

Using various measures of performance, the results of this study indicate that capital structure influences financial performance, although not exclusively. By and large, the results indicate that capital structure, especially long‐term and total debt ratios, negatively affect performance of SMEs. This suggests that agency issues may lead to SMEs pursuing very high debt policy, thus resulting in lower performance.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is the analysis of the effect of debt policy on the performance of SMEs in Ghana and South Africa.
Foreign exchange risk exposure of listed companies in Ghana
Authors: Salifu Zubeiru , Osei Kofi A. , Adjasi Charles K.D.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the foreign exchange exposure of listed companies on the Ghana Stock Exchange over the period January 1999 to December 2004. The research uses different exchange rate measures namely; the cedi to US dollar, the cedi to UK pound sterling, the cedi to the euro and a trade‐weighted exchange rate index to determine the degree of exposure.

Design/methodology/approach

The Jorion (1990) two‐factor model which regresses the return on a firm against changes in the exchange rate and return on the market is used to estimate the exchange rate exposure for the sample of twenty firms used in this study.

Findings

About 55 per cent of firms in the sample have a statistically significant exposure to the US dollar whilst 35 per cent are statistically exposed to the UK pound sterling. Sector specific exposure results show that the manufacturing and retail sectors are significantly exposed to the US dollar exchange rate risk. The financial sector did not show any risk exposure to any of the international currencies. The most dominant source of exchange rate risk exposure is the US dollar. Most firms are also negatively exposed to the cedi to US dollar exchange rate changes, implying that the cedi depreciation vis‐à‐vis the US dollar adversely affects firm returns.

Originality/value

The study reveals the extent of foreign exchange exposure of firms in Ghana and also adds to the limited body of empirical literature on exchange rate exposure of firms in Africa. Results of this study serve as a useful guide to corporate managers and investors on the degree of foreign exchange exposure and the need to effectively manage firm exposure.
The North Cyprus banking sector: the effect of a speculative attack on the Turkish Lira
Authors: Günsel Nil
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of a speculative attack on the Turkish Lira in the North Cyprus banking sector during the period 1984‐2002.

Design/methodology/approach

A mutivariate logit model is the empirical methodology employed in this analysis that allows us to identify the determinants of the probability of bank failure. In the model, the existence of contagious currency crises is constructed as an index of exchange market pressure, which is a weighted average of changes in interest rates, international reserves and the nominal exchange rate.

Findings

The empirical result reveals that the a speculative attack on the Turkish Lira in 1994 and 2001 put stress on banks operating in North Cyprus and led to banking sector distress. The findings also suggest that bank‐specific weaknesses, high interest rates, high credit, low trade and the fixed exchange rate policy significantly increased the bank fragility.

Research implications/limitations

For further research this paper may better distinguish contagion if it uses economic and financial ties from Turkey that are practically susceptible to bank failure in North Cyprus.

Practical implications

This paper presents a practical application of a currency crisis model in the North Cyprus banking sector. In addition to the risk of currency crises, risk under fixed rate regimes, interest rate risk, trade risks and credit risk are also used to encourage correct risk management behaviour in the North Cyprus banking sector.

Originality/value

This analysis would appear to be the first systematic evidence that investigates the effect of a speculative pressure on Turkish Lira in the North Cyprus banking sector.
Thoughts on the “scientific method”: part 2 – frequentist fecklessness
Authors: Powers Michael R.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this two‐part series is to consider the role of the “scientific method” (SM) in human understanding, questioning both its consistency in actual practice and its reasonableness as a system of philosophy and action.

Design/methodology/approach

Part 2 considers problems of inefficiency and inertia caused by the SM's collectivist, frequentist orientation.

Findings

It is argued that problems caused by the SM's frequentist framework may be avoided by a more individualist, Bayesian approach.

Originality/value

The two‐part series challenges certain aspects of the “scientific method” as employed in the practice of modern science.
Epistemology of strategy: some insights from empirical analyses
Authors: Foo Check‐Teck
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Knowledge is often tapped in the process of strategy making. Yet this is rarely explored in the empirical research literature. However, to better understand strategy making in Chinese minds, a new epistemology of strategy is needed. This is the aim of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique approach is taken here, one that highlights the differences in Eastern and Western thinking but also draws upon recent empirical results to underlie the discussion.

Findings

As may be expected, evidence was found that the more business‐oriented a discipline, the more likely ideas from the discipline are being utilized in strategy making. Psychology, sociology and politics are far less relevant for strategy than the other disciplines. Even more intriguing insights are gained as to contextual influences on strategy‐making processes. In terms of economic sectors, the strategy‐making processes are richer in terms of the tapping of ideas than in services.

Research limitations/implications

Clearly there is a need for an enriched study to develop a deeper epistemology of strategy. For a Chinese epistemology of strategy, this clearly has to include ancient works such asArt of Warby Sun Tzu, theTao Te Ching, historical novels (Romance of Three Kingdoms).

Practical implications

Clearly the process of strategy making and taking is a complex field of research. Yet this paper contributes by showing that often culture has a role to play besides contexts. Also that strategy in corporations is heavily driven by business‐related disciplines.

Originality/value

This is the first paper of its kind to integrate a discussion of roots to the sources of knowledge and its structures for strategy and reinforcing these arguments with empirical findings of how disciplinary roots of knowledge are tapped in corporate strategy.