bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposing a non‐traditional ordering methodology in achieving optimal flexibility with minimal inventory risk
Authors: Chee Keong Ooi , Megat Ahmad M.M.H. , Ismail S. Sulaiman N. , Yusuf Ismail M.
Published: April 2007

In this article a proposal of a non‐traditional methodology in achieving optimal flexibility with minimal inventory risk will be applied. The non‐traditional methodology will be able to achieve different levels of the production schedule changes with maximum flexibility and minimal inventory risk. The basic principle, implementation methodology as well as its effectiveness and benefits will be discussed. In order to overcome the risk of achieving flexible manufacturing or enhancing supply chain management, this article will address issues on methods to accommodate production sequence changes which include total production quantity change in a short lead time. The study uses the Family Ordering System methodology which has proven capable in solving manufacturing flexibility issues by reducing the total manufacturing lead time. Family Ordering System provides the flexibility of model changes and reduces production line stoppage as a result of part shortage by carrying extra inventory of unique parts.
Investor relations: a European survey
Authors: Marston Claire , Straker Michelle
Published: April 2007

Investor relations is the communication of information relating to the company to the financial community; analysts, investors and potential investors. It is regarded as a relatively new phenomenon, which has developed most rapidly in the USA followed by the UK. Traditionally continental European companies have been viewed as more reliant on loan rather than equity funding. However the development of increasingly important equity markets throughout Europe has led to a growth in importance of the Investor Relations function. This paper examines the importance of the investor relations function within the top 80 continental European companies by reporting on the result of a postal questionnaire. The results confirm that many continental European companies have well established investor relations practices and the function is growing in importance.
Computational and experimental approach to thermal management in microelectronics and packaging
Authors: Furlong Cosme , Pryputniewicz Ryszard J.
Published: April 2007

New and ever more demanding applications of microelectronics require advances in design and optimization of components and packages, in relatively short periods of time, while satisfying electrical, thermal, and mechanical specifications, as well as cost and manufacturability expectations, without compromise to reliability and durability. Therefore, time efficient methodologies for detecting, locating and sizing damage early in the product development process are required. In this paper, a novel hybrid methodology, based on a combined use of recent advances in optics and computational modeling, is described and its application is demonstrated by a case study of a microelectronic component subjected to cyclic electro‐thermo‐mechanical loadings. Using the hybrid, optical‐computational approach, displacements and deformations are determined with high spatial resolution and measurement accuracy and provide indispensable data for development, optimization, and thermal management in microelectronics and packaging.
Simulation, design, development and test of antennas for wireless sensor network systems
Authors: O'Flynn Brendan , Laffey D. , Buckley J. , Barton J. , O'Mathuna S.C.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the simulation, design, development and characterisation of antennas for wireless sensor networks operating in a variety of environments, including an under water submarine application and more usual “open air” deployments.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental test methodology, fixtures, conditions and results used to characterize the performance of these antennas (both state of the art commercially available and those developed in‐house) are presented.

Findings

The underwater test results show a near omni‐directional pattern about the three principal axes, thus showing that a spherical field has been achieved for localisation purposes (with a certain loss of resolution).

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the development of a new antenna scheme to enable under water communications between robotic agents.
Modeling and analysis of the growth of copper dendrites in saturated conditions using a multilevel factorial design analysis
Authors: Lawson Wayne , Pilkington R.D. , Hill A.E.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Tracks, pads and vias on printed circuit boards can suffer from a variety of problems, if the surfaces are contaminated with electrically‐conducting substances. Aims to model a multilevel full‐factorial design to study the effects of temperature, voltage and electrode gap on dendritic growth under saturated conditions, i.e. water droplet contamination.

Design/methodology/approach

Preparation of several DC‐biased combed‐copper interdigitated capacitors placed in temperature‐controlled water‐filled cuvettes enabled the specific monitoring of dendrite activity. The monitoring used the detection of sharp current increase that accompany a dendritic short circuit condition.

Findings

A high R2 polynomial model was produced and it was noted that increased voltages reduce the reliability impact of dendritic growth.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the reliability impact dendritic growth in saturated conditions.
A useful pseudo‐logarithmic circuit
Authors: Maundy Brent , Westwick David , Gift Stephan
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper proposes a useful pseudo‐logarithmic circuit as a basic building block in the construction of a logarithmic amplifier made from piecewise approximations.

Design/methodology/approach

The circuit employs two operational and a handful of resistors, and mimics the logarithmic function over a predefined range. Control of the pseudo‐logarithmic function is achieved by a ratio of resistances defined as x, one of which may be digitally switched, or implemented by tunable transconductors. When controlled by digitally switched resistors, the circuit is particularly attractive because of the commercial availability of such resistors, and with the aid of simple control logic, individual blocks can be algebraically summed to extend the dynamic range of the basic pseudo‐logarithmic block which is 28 dB

Findings

Experimental results using off the shelf operational amplifiers (opamps) and a handful of resistors show that the circuit yields a maximum log error of 0.6915 dB for x in (0.22, 4.65).

Originality/value

Proposes a novel circuit capable of realizing the pseudo‐logarithmic function (x−1)/(1+x). The circuit is simple and easily implemented using readily available opamps.
The interaction between FSA enforcement action and compliance culture: A help or a hindrance?
Authors: Turner Roger
Published: April 2007

The use of public discipline by the FSA, usually accompanied by the imposition of a fine, has become familiar to readers of the financial press. To date the assumption has been that the use of publicity assists the FSA in achieving its objective of encouraging the development of a compliance culture. However, the time that many cases take to reach a conclusion can significantly weaken the impact upon other firms’ behaviour and could deter people from making investments. The FSA must ensure that its public discipline is proportionate to the offence and in order to have maximum effect should be delivered quickly.
The regulatory treatment of asset securitisation: The Basel Securitisation Framework explained
Authors: Jobst Andreas
Published: April 2007

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the gradual evolution of the supervisory policy adopted by the Basel Committee for the regulatory treatment of asset securitisation. The pathology of the new “securitisation framework” is carefully highlighted to facilitate a general understanding of what constitutes the current state of computing adequate capital requirements for securitised credit exposures. Although a simplified sensitivity analysis of the varying levels of capital charges depending on the security design of asset securitisation transactions is incorporated, the author does not engage in a profound analysis of the benefits and drawbacks implicated in the new securitisation framework.
Implementing the EU Capital Requirement Directive – key operational risk elements
Authors: Sheen Andrew
Published: April 2007

Basel II and the EU CRD introduce, for the first time, specific Operational Risk requirements for credit institutions and investment firms. With less than 2 years available to prepare for the introduction of the simpler Operational Risk approaches, some firms would find it useful for the FSA to prescribe specific detailed Operational Risk standards that could be taken into account whilst preparing for the implementation of the EU Directive. However a variety of considerations, including differences between firms in terms of size, scale of activity and complexity and uncertainties over the final version of the Directive, will prevent the FSA from prescribing a detailed range of qualitative Operational Risk standards. This paper seeks to identify the general Operational Risk standards currently embodied in the Basel and EU documents and to distil these standards into ten qualitative Operational Risk elements that are likely to be considered by the FSA as part of any assessment of a firm's Operational Risk framework. Given the variables and uncertainties that will impact on the FSA's expectations for specific firms this paper reflects the authors' views and not the corporate views of the FSA.
Tendency and responses to credit card fraud in Taiwan
Authors: Yu‐Feng Ma
Published: April 2007

Analyses the factors in Taiwanese credit card fraud, and gives case studies in order to classify the main types of fraud; these include fraudulent use of other people’s cards, credit card applications with forged documents, use of credit cards for illicit financing, looking for authorisation loopholes to conduct scams, and frauds committed by the staff at financial institutions. Outlines the government’s solutions to the problem, including anti‐counterfeit designs, legal tasks, fraud prevention mechanisms, establishing risk systems, management of merchants, and educational promotional activities. Concludes with recommendations for further action by government agencies, credit card companies, privileged stores, and cardholders.
The role of whistleblowers in the fight against economic crime
Authors: Alexander Richard
Published: April 2007

Discusses the position of whistleblowers who report their suspicions of crimes like money laundering; individuals with inside knowledge are often crucial to fighting such crimes, but their own positions are far from strong. Asks who are the whistleblowers; they may be employees of the same company as the fraudster or money launderer, or they may be an auditor or accountant. Considers the pressures on them to remain silent: the threat of violence or of loss of employment. Shows how each of these threats needs to be countered if genuine whistleblowers are to be confident enough to disclose information: the necessary measures are witness protection programmes and specific employment protection measures for whistleblowers such as those in the 1998 Public Interest Disclosure Act.
Fraud as economic terrorism: the efficacy of the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Authors: Malgwi Charles A.
Published: April 2007

Discusses Nigeria’s efforts, especially through its Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to meet the requirements of the global Financial Action Task Force on money laundering and other financial crimes; the paper updates an earlier one by A. C. Chukwuemerie. Reviews the related literature and outlines the magnitude of fraudulent activities in Nigeria. Describes the functional mechanisms for fighting fraud prior to the establishment of the EFCC, the functions and powers of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2002, its offences and penalties, asset and property forfeiture, and declaration of assets and properties. Cites anecdotal evidence of the Commission’s and other agencies’ crackdown on fraud, and makes recommendations for strengthening the code of honour through a fraud prevention programme.
Does the punishment fit the crime?
Authors: Van Cleef Carol R. , Silets Harvey M. , Motz Patrice
Published: April 2007

Describes anti‐money laundering statutes within the US federal criminal code. Introduces the USA’s Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), a record‐keeping and reporting statute that also requires financial institutions to implement comprehensive anti‐money laundering programmes; its enforcement authority is generally exercised through the Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Outlines the bank regulatory authority, administrative sanctions, civil money penalties, and the “death penalty”, which is termination of a national bank’s franchise. Discusses recent enforcement actions by FinCEN, the Department of Justice, and Federal banking agencies. Concludes that the apparent trend towards more substantial fines and other sanctions for BSA violations will probably accelerate for various reasons.
Investigations: understanding data privacy
Authors: Cooper Daniel P.
Published: April 2007

Examines an often overlooked aspect of regulatory compliance in the transactional context, ie UK privacy laws. Looks at how they operate and reviews data privacy laws in the European Union: organisations, as “data controllers”, have obligations to individuals as “data subjects”, to disclose to them how data about them is being used. Discusses issues in compliance: notice and data disclosures, the legitimate grounds for data processing, data security, international data transfers, and registration of data processing activities. Concludes that data privacy, which was once thought a peripheral matter, now demands greater attention for all involved in prevention, detection and prosecution of financial crimes, as the performance of due diligence, construction of “data rooms” and other typical transactional tasks can all raise privacy issues.
The development of international regulatory associations
Authors: Neville Peter
Published: April 2007

Describes the four main international regulatory standard setters: the Basel Committee for Banking Supervision, the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). Considers what these regulatory associations are doing in the context of the globalisation of business using the internet and information technology. Discusses issues covered by the organizations at a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) conference: this covered barriers to cooperation between supervisors and how the IMF could help the international trendsetters improve this cooperation.
The Canadian response to the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act: managing police resources; a competency‐based approach to staffing
Authors: Sliter John , Bouchard Carl‐Denis , Bellemare Guy
Published: April 2007

Examines how the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) successfully implemented a tailor‐made Human Resources (HR) management regime with fresh definitions of competences for the new Integrated Market Enforcement Teams (IMETs). Explains that the intention was to increase competences for investigation of white‐collar crime in the wake of corporate scandals in the USA, and thus to restore investor confidence in Canada’s capital market. Details the IMET pilot project, including selection of personnel from the RCMP for the six IMETs. Concludes that the new HR regime clearly has the ability to change how people are managed in the investigation field.
Supplier relations and flexibility in the Spanish automotive industry
Authors: Pérez Manuela P. , Sánchez Angel M.
Published: April 2007

Analyses buyer‐supplier relationships in the Spanish automotive industry. Nearly half of the companies interviewed co‐operate with customers, suppliers, and technological centres to improve their production processes, but only two companies co‐operate with their customers in component development and design. The use of just‐in‐time delivery depends on the percentage of trained employees, the use of common components and the adoption of flexible automation. A classification of the cases studied is made along a number of buyer‐supplier partnership dimensions.
Myths and realities of e‐commerce in the perishable foods industries: unleashing the power of reputation and relationship assets
Authors: O’Keeffe Michael
Published: April 2007

Argues that the Internet does not signal the end of relationships nor level the playing field for powerful buyers and traditionally weak sellers in the perishable foods industries. The Internet and e‐commere are regarded by some as potential barriers to the continued development of vertical supply chain partnerships. Research shows that it is the intangible assets, such as culture, corporate reputation, and relationships with customers, that are the most difficult for competitors to copy and are the foundation for long‐term, success. The power of B2B e‐commerce in the perishable food industries is based on unleashing the value of past investments in reputation and relationship assets.
Employing organisations and expatriate spouses: balancing self‐knowledge and knowledge about options
Authors: Glanz Lyn , van der Sluis E.C.
Published: April 2007

The context in which careers are being played out has changed and is constantly changing, both in domestic employment settings and more particularly in global business environments. Such international business environments highlight career choices often hidden in domestic situations. It is here that the balance between family and career become tangible. The career costs and benefits of taking an overseas assignment for both partners become open to question. This article considers the situation of the accompanying partner and considers their relationship to the expatriate employing organisation. It considers organisations offering career development resources to partners to support their job search abroad. Such provision has often been adopted in response to practical mobility problems on an ad hoc basis. This article looks at how underlying theory may offer guidance to companies offering such provision.
Death of a salesman
Authors: Burdett John O.
Published: April 2007

The author suggests that executive search practitioners would be naïve to believe that the revolution being enacted within their clients’ businesses will not ultimately embrace them. More pointedly, it is argued that supporting the client’s quest to create value for its customer base will, of necessity, be the primary driving force of ongoing competitiveness. Finally, it is suggested that migrating up the value ladder has the effect of devaluing many of the characteristics of perceived differentiation that have been the wellspring of success for those in the search community.
In praise of idleness
Authors: Megginson David
Published: April 2007

Presents a model of “idleness” as a graceful and effective mental state for the execution of purposeful work. Uses examples from members of an open space conference, who described what they were offering. Reflects on the place of idleness in society, including the stress associated with some having too much work and others too little.
Corporate universities: a viewpoint on the challenges and best practices
Authors: Arnone Maria
Published: April 2007

With a trend of significant growth and continued corporate enthusiasm, corporate universities have reached a high level of acceptance and face a new set of challenges. Factors contributing to growth include partnering with universities to strengthen delivery advantage, centralizing resources, creating strategic alignment of education with business goals, and on overall renewed appreciation for education in the workplace. Themes guiding universities into the year 2000 are more awareness of the need to balance client responsiveness with a longer‐term view of the business, and tighter integration of education with the corporate goals. Challenges facing the leading‐edge institutions and their responses are examined. Best practices are reported in the areas of curriculum/delivery, participant/ student challenges, faculty/trainer issues, and measuring program effectiveness.
Corporate universities of the future
Authors: Stumpf Stephen A.
Published: April 2007

Corporate universities, like other lines of business within an enterprise, have customers and other stakeholders whose wants need to be satisfied. They operate in an environment subject to demographic, technological, and political trends that could affect their business. The leaders of corporate universities need to define the business situation they face so as to leverage their university’s strengths, minimize its problems, actively seek out and select opportunities, and protect against threats. To treat a corporate university as a staff function or support activity is likely to lead to the demise of the university. Corporate universities ‐ if they are to persist past a faddish stage of lip service to “learning organizations” ‐ should be managed as lines of business serving the learning needs of internal, and at times external, personnel.
Games leaders play: using process simulations to develop collaborative leadership practices for a knowledge‐based society
Authors: Dentico John P.
Published: April 2007

We live in a postindustrial/knowledge‐based society, the ramifications of which are transforming both manufacturing and service‐based organizations in the public and private sectors. The industrial models of leadership which were often autocratic and compliance demanding, are incongruent with the needs of people who search for intrinsic satisfaction from daily activities in an environment of rapid complex change, turbulence, ambiguity, diversity of interests, and information overload. New models of leadership such as post‐industrial, post‐heroic, collaborative, and critical theory, offer some measure of congruence with our postindustrial society. These models provide coherence with new organizational philosophies such as the learning organization. Building bridges or “microworlds” which provide a way in which leaders can investigate, analyze, interpret and build confidence in new models of leadership and the principles of the learning organization, are vitally important to the future of organizations and communities. Realistic, custom designed, table top, non‐computer‐based simulations, such as LeadSimm can be used to build such bridges.
Market‐driven journalism: Creating special sections to meet reader interests
Authors: Attaway‐Fink Betty
Published: April 2007

A major shift has occurred since the 1970s in the way newspapers do business, largely due to the impact of marketing research on newsroom decisions. Research used to identify and meet the needs of the newspaper‐reading public has become a way of doing business in an increasingly competitive media climate. This national survey of executive and managing editors randomly selected from the Editor and Publisher Yearbook tracks the trend in the USA of creating special sections to meet readers’ interests as identified through marketing and focus group research. It also found that the newsroom staff was responsible for the production of these sections. Previous research has focused on the evolution of marketing practices in newsrooms. This research statistically documented these practices as a national trend.
What can be learned from case studies in public relations? An analysis of eight Canadian lobbying campaigns
Authors: Kugler Marianne
Published: April 2007

Case studies in public relations are often used as illustrations in textbooks or for promoting good practices. This paper examines the use of case studies to understand the basics of PR strategies. Canadian award‐winning communication campaigns are analysed through a model based on communication theories. The outputs of different campaigns with similar objectives are compared and their methods of practice deduced. The model will be explained and Canadian lobbying campaigns used as examples.
Facing the mirror
Authors: Odedele Sunday
Published: April 2007

This paper aims to encourage PR practitioners to appreciate their role as the pivot of their organisation’s reputation management. It discusses the importance of codes of ethics, claiming that these should be reviewed by public relations associations every 4‐5 years. Good conduct is essential for every PR practitioner as a reputation manager, and PR associations must ensure that codes of ethics are enforced. PR associations should address the challenge posed by the boom in the labour markets for PR practitioners by ensuring that all practitioners are well trained.
Challenges facing the EU institutions in dealing with an extended press network
Authors: Burton Cathie
Published: April 2007

The low turnout at the recent European elections is testimony to the political apathy invading Europe at the moment. At the same time, ten new countries, with different languages, histories and traditions have joined the EU club. Communications professionals working in Europe have no option but to take these new elements into account in campaign planning – making an already difficult science even more complicated. A new mosaic of languages is one barrier; another, the use of euro‐English that obscures rather than clarifies complicated issues. PR and press officers alike also have to battle against an ingrained cynicism in the press corps. This paper argues that classic communications strategies can be honed and adapted to the new Europe, and that PR has a duty to help Europe’s citizens understand the maze that is the European Union.
Is trust a necessary component of relationship management?
Authors: Chia Joy
Published: April 2007

This paper presents findings of a study in relationship management in public relations practice. As relationships are always changing, consultants and clients need to constantly adapt in order to develop relationship characteristics such as trust. This paper argues that, although trust is one component of consultant‐client relationships it is not the key element in public relations practice. In the Australian study reported in this paper, consultant‐client relationships were primarily conducted and managed as business‐tobusiness transactions where trust developed or declined according to the results and outcomes of project and programme management. The paper contends that trust can assist in the development and maintenance of relationships when understood and valued in the same way by clients and their public relations consultant. While this understanding remains unclear, trust will be connected mainly to outcomes and not to the development of relationships.
Public relations, not propaganda, for US public diplomacy in a post‐9/11 world: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Kruckeberg Dean , Vujnovic Marina
Published: April 2007

While propaganda was central to U.S. public diplomacy in earlier times, and remains central today, the United States must now practice true public diplomacy, which should rely, not only on political theory and the theories of international relations, but also on theories and models of public relations that are based on two‐way symmetrical communication and community‐building. A propaganda model centers the United States at the hub of the global milieu in its relationships with other nations, i.e., a diplomatic worldview in which the ‘spokes’ of America's communication and relationships radiate outward to satellites of stakeholders; in contrast, the United States is not centered so self‐importantly in a community‐building model. Rather, this model recognizes that America is only one part of a global social system. America's public diplomacy must recognize that the United States' global constituents are ‘publics,’ not ‘markets,’ and that an effective public diplomacy model must be one that is not propaganda or market‐oriented advocacy, but one that is based on two‐way symmetrical communication and community‐building.
Police brutality or police torture
Authors: Babovic´ Budimir
Published: April 2007

Focuses on the issue of force by the police and points out differences between police brutality and police torture. Discusses the factors which can affect the levels of police brutality.
Police work in the Caribbean – The influence of gender and nation
Authors: Flavin Jeanne M. , Bennett Richard R.
Published: April 2007

Over the past two decades, the growing number of women entering the police profession has challenged the historic male dominance of the occupation. Research from the USA and the UK has examined whether men and women police differ in their assessments of working conditions, occupational opportunities, and other aspects of police work. To date, however, no attempt has been made to conduct a quantitative study of gender across socio‐political contexts or to assess the applicability of models constructed in those two countries to Caribbean nations. This study employs survey data from a sample of police constables and their immediate supervisors in three Caribbean nations. The survey queried 1,237 constables and supervisors. A total of 11 per cent of the respondents were women. Constables were asked about various aspects of policing, working conditions, and the nature of their duties. The questions were based on 24 constructs evaluated in the US and UK literatures. Few differences between genders emerged from comparisons within nations, although such differences have been documented in the USA and UK. These findings suggest that gender models used in developed nations do not necessarily explain differences in developing nations. Differences were observed across the three nations, however. Implications for future research on gender and policing are discussed.
Working in teams: negative effects on organisational performance in policing
Authors: Wilson Carlene , Brewer Neil
Published: April 2007

This study tested predictions derived from social psychological theorising on the deindividuation phenomenon concerning the effects of working alone or collectively on the quality of outcomes of police patrolling activity. Police officers (n = 1,118) reported the resistance experienced when they last carried out each of 12 patrol activities. Officer age, gender, rank and experience did not predict resistance experienced. Increased resistance was associated with the more active afternoon and night shifts, the presence of larger numbers of civilians, and the two (cf. one) officer patrol mode. Although the resistance experienced by officers working collectively in part reflected the influence of work shift on patrol mode, there were substantial proportions of variance in resistance for most patrol activities that could not be explained by the shift variable. The influence of collective patrolling on resistance was consistent with theorising about the origins of deindividuated behaviour, and highlighted the importance of broad conceptualisations of organisational effectiveness when evaluating individual and collective functioning.
The leadership role of health services managers
Authors: Elizabeth Davis Sister
Published: April 2007

This is an overview of the home care sector’s evolution in Canada, including current models and delivery structures, funding, eligibility criteria, and services provided. Cost escalations of the traditional healthcare system and a reduction in federal funding has driven health reform in Canada. This has been accompanied by a major but sporadic expansion of the home care sector across the country. For the home care sector to develop in a more rational, cost‐effective and client‐focused manner, the development of common standards, a common database and programme evaluation will be required. This will also be necessary for political, planning, and administrative officials to understand and justify the reallocation of resources from institutional to community health sectors. Addressing issues such as the impact of health reform, the role of the private sector, realignment of system incentives, and developing effective partnerships with hospitals is critical if home care is to be recognized as an essential, cost‐effective component in Canada’s healthcare system.
Learning before doing: utilising a co‐operative role play for quality management in a virtual organisation
Authors: Zgodavova´ Kristina , Kosc Peter , Kekäle Tauno
Published: April 2007

Learning by doing can be costly, the more so the more complex the systems involved – just think of products such as space shuttles and organisations such as big supplier networks. Entering all new situations requires some learning, and in some situations learning can take place in a non‐cost environment in the form of simulations and role plays. This paper presents a methodology developed at the University of Kosice for managing quality systems in virtual organisations. The paper shows the principles, assumptions, and the procedure of a case role play for organisations establishing a virtual organisation to benefit from a lucrative opportunity that has emerged on the market. The paper speaks of the benefits of role play as both forum and tool for learning, especially in networked organisations. It seems evident that similar benefits would be achieved without the role play.
Knowledge networking: a holistic solution for leveraging corporate knowledge
Authors: Mentzas Gregoris , Apostolou Dimitris , Young Ronald , Abecker Andreas
Published: April 2007

Two main approaches to knowledge management (KM) have been followed by early adopters of the principle: the process‐centred approach, that mainly treats KM as a social communication process; and the product‐centred approach, that focuses on knowledge artefacts, their creation, storage and reuse in computer‐based corporate memories. This distinction is evident not only in KM implementations in companies, but also in supporting methodologies and tools. This paper presents the Know‐Net solution that aims to innovatively fuse the process‐centred approach with the product‐centred approach by developing a knowledge asset‐centric design. The Know‐Net solution includes a theoretical framework, a corporate transformation and measurement method and a software tool.
Strategic Deployment: A Key To Profitable Growth
Authors: DeFeo Joseph A. , Janssen Alexander
Published: April 2007

This first in a series of discussions introduces strategic deployment, a process that will equip an entire organization to perform at its peak in efficiency, profitability and in meeting customers’ needs. The process identifies and integrates every operation throughout an enterprise that has a legitimate role in executing its strategic plan. It also surfaces activities whose resources represent costs not required for an efficient, responsive organization. Once a sound strategic plan has been developed to guide the future, a properly executed strategic deployment process will link research and development, manufacturing, human resources, finance, marketing, quality and customer services with each other and the corporate vision, mission and key strategies. The full series will define strategic deployment, look at why it makes sense, identify the steps to take in launching the process, and review lessons learned when it has been implemented.
Threshold transaction disclosures: access on demand through latent disclosure rather than reporting
Authors: Gallo Peter A. , Juckes Christopher C.
Published: April 2007

Distinguishes between the two normal methods of reporting suspected cases of money laundering to the authorities, usually a financial intelligence unit (FIU): a suspicious transaction report (STR) or a cash transaction report (CTR), the latter occurring when the amount of cash exceeds the threshold figure. Points out problems in CTR, mainly that it is only relevant at the placement stage of money laundering. Considers a system of threshold transaction disclosures as a possible compromise; this would cover all transactions over the threshold, not just cash. Suggests an “access on demand” system as a hybrid variety of threshold reporting. Concludes that threshold disclosure can be an effective low‐cost solution to the evolving practice of money laundering.
Prosecutorial challenges in freezing and forfeiting proceeds of transnational crime and the use of international asset sharing to promote international cooperation
Authors: Smellie Anthony
Published: April 2007

Argues that confiscation of criminals’ assets is an effective and justifiable way of depriving them of the proceeds of crimes such as drug trafficking. Describes the challenges facing confiscation and the reasons why there has so far been only modest success in this. Refers to legal cases in the Cayman Islands as an illustration. Distinguishes between the conviction‐based approach and the civil or in rem forfeiture method, and illustrates use of the latter in the USA, the Cayman Islands and the UK. Discusses the justification for the reversal of proof in forfeiture cases. Considers the civil and in rem forfeiture procedures as countermeasures to the special case of terrorism. Cites the Geneva Convention as an example of global law enforcement in order to overcome problems of mismatch between different countries’ regimes, and points out the effectiveness of mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) as methods of legal assistance and cooperation. Contends that since all states have an obligation to combat organised crime, each state also has a moral right to share in the forfeited proceeds of these crimes.
The fight against money laundering in Hungary
Authors: Tóth Mihaly , Lászlo Gál István
Published: April 2007

Discusses the history and procedural system of anti‐money laundering regulation in Hungary, which was the first of the former Warsaw Pact countries to accept regulations which established a legal background to the fight against money laundering, and to classify it as a crime in its own right. Describes the Penal Code statutes and the Law on the Prevention and Interception of Money Laundering, and indicates the problems involved in accurately defining relevant offences, which now include that of neglecting to report cases of money laundering. Concludes that the continued spread of organised crime in Hungary is worrying, and that control of money laundering is in the country’s interests: Hungary is neither small nor large enough to tolerate it.
The penalisation of tax violations and criminal tax offences in Slovenian law
Authors: Selinšek Liljana
Published: April 2007

Lists the most important statutes relating to tax in the Republic of Slovenia since the country became independent in 1991; only those are included which include sanctions for violation of their regulations. Discusses the penalties, which are fines; how people are deprived of any financial advantage they have gained as a result of tax violation; bodies which are competent to decide on tax violations; and an example of a violation. Moves on to criminal tax offences, which are part of the Slovenian Penal Code: these include tax evasion and smuggling. Concludes that although the Penal Law is mostly in line with modern European trends, Slovenia’s entry into the European Union means that protection of EU financial interest will be necessary, and indicates other reforms in tax violations law.
The new weapon for combating money laundering in the EU
Authors: Ping He
Published: April 2007

Comments on the Directive 2001/97/EC of the European Parliament and on the Amending Council Directive
91/308/EEC, both of them concerned with preventing use of the financial system for money laundering. Analyses the background of the 2001 Directive and the changes it makes compared to the 1991 EC Directive. Describes the 1991 Directive as a landmark in the fight against money laundering, but indicates why it is no longer effective: many states have already gone beyond its minimum standards, the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations have been revised, and the Amsterdam European Council Action Plan. Describes how the money laundering threat has evolved since 1991, including the shift from the traditional financial sector to non‐financial professions or enterprises.
Anti‐money laundering activities of financial institutions in Taiwan
Authors: Yu‐Feng Ma
Published: April 2007

Discusses the history, content and shortcomings of the 2003 Money Laundering Control Act of Taiwan, with two case studies involving money laundering (by the Yeh brother and Mr Chen, and by Mr Tzeng). Begins with the history of money laundering since Taiwan opened its financial markets in 1980, culminating in the 1996 Money Laundering Control Act, which was the first specific legislation of its type ever enacted by an Asian country. Details the provisions of the 2003 Act, including the requirements for financial institutions to ascertain clients’ identities and to establish systems for detecting suspect financial transactions and preventing money laundering. Shows how the Money Laundering Prevention Center is enforcing the Act, how international cooperation is allowed for, and how institutions must operate Know Your Customer and Know Your Employee schemes. Indicates the need for still better regulations, and for improved training of financial institution employees so that the regulations can be effectively implemented.
Bank secrecy in Australia: terrorism legislation as the new exception to the Tournier rule
Authors: Latimer Paul
Published: April 2007

Questions the cost effectiveness of Australia’s legislation after 9/11 to combat terrorism by forcing banks to disclose terrorism finance to law enforcement agencies, citing evidence from the USA as well as Australia. Contends that this legislation constitutes a breach of the traditional bank/customer confidence, and is anyway ineffective because it simply leads to a flood of data which is apparently impossible to interpret. Outlines the provisions of the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Act 2002, and of the 40 Recommendations (2003) of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, and makes reference to the Tournier Case of 1928, which set out exceptions to the bank’s contractual duty of confidence.
Definitional analysis: the war on terror and organised crime
Authors: Veng Mei Leong Angela
Published: April 2007

Discusses the relationship between organized crime and terrorism; this is an important area of research in the development of legal and other means for control both of them. Analyses paradigms of organized crime: as nationwide conspiracy, as an avenue for upward social mobility of disadvantaged ethnic groups, and as state‐organised crime or white‐collar crime. Proposes the view that in fact organisations like the Mafia should be regarded as “disorganised crime”. Explains various theories about the nature of terrorism: the instrumental approach, organisational process theory, world system theory, and military theory. Concludes that the distinction between organised crime and terrorism is less clear, since terrorists use the methods of organised crime in order to fund their activities, while organised crime groups often resemble cellular terrorist structures.
The 2003 Money Laundering Regulations
Authors: Alexander Richard
Published: April 2007

Considers first the 1993 Money Laundering Regulations, which were introduced to implement the European Union’s 1991 Money Laundering Directive and were addressed specifically to the financial sector; they were amended by the Second Money Laundering Regulations 2001 [sic] to include money transmission offices and bureaux de change, and the 2003 Regulations followed. Details the types of business which the Regulations cover, and continues with what the Regulations require: customer identification, record keeping and training. Focuses on the identification requirement, which means that the institution must have procedures for obtaining satisfactory evidence of identity from the customer.
An inter‐temporal model of dirty money
Authors: Azevedo Araujo Ricardo , Belchior S. Moreira Tito
Published: April 2007

Presents a basic model by which a representative agent chooses how to allocate his savings optimally between money of legal origin and dirty money; he holds the laundered dirty money, from which the money laundering process generates a positive transaction cost. Analyses the welfare of such an economy as a result of money laundering, also the conditions for reducing the incentives for this transforming of illegal into legal money: the incentive can be minimised if the effectiveness of anti‐money laundering increases. Concludes that the welfare of an economy where there is only legal money is greater than one in which legal and illegal activities coexist.
Early exit from an above market lease
Authors: Plimpton Samuel
Published: April 2007

Purpose – This paper aims to examine an unwinding of a lease obligation, where the in‐place rental rate exceeds current market. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines some of the critical variables in mitigating lease obligations, and uses a case study of a 2003 transaction near San Jose, California to elaborate. Findings – After a 3 year period of vacancy increases and rental declines, the lease is a liability to a company with no projected need for the premises. The passive Landlord has little incentive to settle the lease in these market conditions, but is eager to avoid potential further credit erosion, and tests the market in a sales process. Originality/value – The paper provides information of value to all parties interested or involved in property leasing decisions.
Scanning the business environment: some conceptual issues
Authors: Kourteli Liana
Published: April 2007

The process of scanning the business environment is reconceptualized on the basis of a critical analysis of Aguilar’s pioneering work on scanning, as well as that of Lawrence and Lorsch’s contingency theory. Concepts of general systems theory, entropy and communication theory are utilized in order to prove the hypothesis: the level of complexity of the environment, “imposes” on the organization a specific or analogous scanning process, and in turn an analogous communication system which is in effect the structure of the organization itself.
Benchmarking for the development of quality assurance systems
Authors: Carlos Prado Prado J.
Published: April 2007

This article aims to show a benchmarking experience developed by a Business Network for Experience Sharing in Quality (Benchmarking Network) made up of Spanish companies of different sizes and from different sectors. Co‐ordinated by a monitor, the participants were mainly managers from small companies with varying degrees of development in their quality assurance systems. The team learned to work in a team and discovered that, despite the different sectors, sizes, organization cultures and the like, their problems were similar and they were able to share experiences in quality management in an environment of co‐operation, where they could resolve a great deal of problems through an innovative system. After a brief summary of the problems involved in implementing quality assurance systems, the article puts forward the features of the initiative developed and the work methodology employed in the network. Details are given of what was experienced throughout the meetings held, and of the actions undertaken. Finally, the results achieved are presented.