bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling a Network of Scientists: 2010 VIVO Conference
Authors: Johnson Margeaux , Buhler Amy , Holmes Kristi L.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the 2010 VIVO Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

Conference report.

Findings

VIVO is an open source, semantic web discovery platform for hosting information about researchers, their interests, activities, and accomplishments. The first annual VIVO Conference brought together a diverse group of researchers, developers, publishers, information system vendors, government agencies, and librarians – all united by the common goal of enabling research discovery and supporting collaboration among researchers.

Originality/value

This conference report is of interest to information professionals in academia, corporate, and governmental information centers and libraries.
The Geographic Awareness Tool: techniques for geo‐encoding digital library content
Authors: Powell James , Mane Ketan , Marks Collins Linn , Martinez Mark L.B. , McMahon Tamara
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore motivations for libraries to build location aware services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines various techniques for generating geo‐referenced metadata, including converting placenames to coordinates and using entity extraction to discover places in unstructured text, such as abstracts. It describes several prototype services developed, which deliver geo‐referenced data in different ways – as search results overlaid onto a map, as location specific data delivered to location aware mobile devices just in time, and as raw structured metadata supplied by web services, which could be combined with other data sets in support of e‐science.

Findings

Although library metadata standards can accommodate location, catalogers rarely provide location information related to the content of the intellectual product. Entity extraction services can find location information in free text contents, such as abstracts, and even provide the appropriate coordinates for the identified places, thus enabling geo‐referenced browsing and searching of metadata. Libraries should consider multiple strategies for delivering these data, to maximize its utility for end users. Just‐in‐time information retrieval is rarely used in library systems, but is an essential technique for mobile location‐based information services.

Originality/value

The paper describes several distinct ways in which location‐based information services can be delivered to end users. It also examines techniques for enhancing bibliographic metadata with location information.
Measuring duplicate metadata records in library databases
Authors: Beall Jeffrey
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Changes in information retrieval architecture are causing an increase in the duplication of metadata records in bibliographic databases. This paper aims to examine the problem by explaining how it is caused and the problems it creates for database users.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the current state of duplication in bibliographic databases and presents a new way of measuring the duplication. The paper contrasts the nature of monograph, serial, and journal article metadata to show how duplication is different for each.

Findings

The new measure of duplication the paper presents could help define the concept of duplication and could aid efforts at eliminating duplicate records in online bibliographic databases.

Practical implications

As metadata becomes a commodity and is sold in aggregate packages it will cause increased duplication in bibliographic databases.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to describe the etiology of duplicate metadata records in web‐scale, bibliographic databases. Also, the paper introduces a new way to measure duplication in these databases.
Internet connectivity in university libraries in Nigeria: the present state
Authors: Baro Emmanuel E. , Oyinnuah Asaba Joy
Published: January 2011

Purpose

In this digital age, students and researchers are less and less dependent on physical libraries. Any university library without internet connectivity is simply cut‐off from the rest of the world. Because they cannot provide quality and timely services to its users, neither can they communicate or share knowledge with others globally. The purpose of this study is to investigate the availability of internet connectivity in university libraries in Nigeria, and to bring to limelight their readiness to render quality services and communicate with the rest of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The study covered the 104 universities in Nigeria made up of federal, state, and private universities. Out of the number, 86 university libraries responded to the survey. E‐mail and telephone interview methods were used to elicit data from the university librarians and senior library personnel.

Findings

The study revealed that despite the laudable directives from the National University Commission (NUC), many university libraries in Nigeria are still operating without internet connectivity. They are mostly the state‐owned and private university libraries. This may be why many programs in the universities are either suffering from partial or no accreditation from the NUC Accreditation Team. Many of the university librarians and senior library personnel interviewed mentioned lack of fund, absence of technical staff to maintain the networks, and lack of maintenance culture as some of the factors hindering internet connectivity.

Practical implications

The paper will help decision makers plan for installation of internet facilities in their libraries.

Originality/value

The paper calls for proactive effort by the library administrators to lobby for fund and the technical staff to enable their libraries get connected to the rest of the world.
The introduction of French theory into English language accounting research
Authors: Chiapello Eve , Baker C. Richard
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to investigate the introduction of French theory into English language accounting research and to assess the impact of the work of French social theorists on the accounting research domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a citation analysis of articles appearing in selected English language accounting research journals for a sample of French authors, during the periods from the inception of the journals to mid‐2009. In performing this citation analysis, 39 French authors who are well known as social theorists, philosophers, economists or sociologists were included. The accounting research journals chosen for analysis included the top four journals listed in many league tables for accounting research along with several journals that regularly publish research in accounting history or that focus on alternative research paradigms.

Findings

The citation analysis identified the following French authors as being the most frequently cited: Michel Foucault, followed by Bruno Latour and Pierre Bourdieu. The citation analysis also identified the English language accounting research journals in which French social theorists have been most often cited. The two most significant journals have beenCritical Perspectives on AccountingandAccounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, followed byAccounting Organizations and Society,ManagementAccounting ResearchandEuropean Accounting Review.The analysis also shows the effects of mimeticism, which seems to have produced a sort of isomorphism in the styles of publication.Accounting, Organizations and Society, appears to be the standard‐setter of the critical‐interpretive field of accounting research.

Originality/value

This paper is the first known to provide a comprehensive analysis of the introduction of French theory into English language accounting research.;
Effects of actor‐network theory in accounting research
Authors: Justesen Lise , Mouritsen Jan
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss how Bruno Latour's version of actor‐network theory has influenced accounting research. It also seeks to show that Latour's writings contain unexplored potential that may inspire future accounting research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a critical literature review and discussion.

Findings

Since the early 1990s, actor‐network theory, particularly the work of Bruno Latour, has inspired accounting researchers and led to a number of innovative studies of accounting phenomena. In particular, Latour's book,Science in Action, has been the primary source of inspiration for accounting research. This means that there is unexplored potential in Latour's more recent writings which may lead to further inspiration and research in the field of accounting.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reviews only a few of the relatively large number of accounting papers that apply actor‐network theory. A different sample might have given a somewhat different picture. Furthermore, it focuses on the influence of Latour's work and refrains from discussing how the writings of Michel Callon, John Law or other thinkers within the actor‐network tradition are used in accounting research.

Originality/value

This is the first extensive review discussing the influence of Latour on accounting research that engages in a critical discussion of under‐explored potential in Latour's recent work.
Investigating interdisciplinary translations
Authors: Malsch Bertrand , Gendron Yves , Grazzini Frédérique
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Accounting researchers have frequently borrowed theories and methods from other disciplines. A noteworthy importation movement in recent decades involves the work of French intellectuals and philosophers, not least Pierre Bourdieu. This paper aims to contribute to the sociology of the accounting discipline by examining how Bourdieu's works have been translated into the domain of accounting research.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation is articulated through three modes of analysis. First, it evaluates Bourdieu's recognition in the domain of accounting research, through an examination of the extent to which Bourdieu's writings are cited in accounting articles. Focusing on accounting articles which rely significantly on Bourdieu's thought, the paper then examines which of his publications have been mobilized, and how researchers have articulated his ideas in studying accounting phenomena. The third line of inquiry addresses the extent to which accounting researchers have used Bourdieu's core concepts holistically, that is to say in mobilizing simultaneously the concepts of field, capital and habitus.

Findings

Several of the studies which rely significantly on Bourdieu have employed his work holistically, while others have not. Moreover, about half of the studies reviewed in the paper are characterized by a gap between Bourdieu's view of academic research as a support to political and social causes debated in the public arena versus a more dispassionate approach to research. While it is difficult to be conclusive about the implications of these translational gaps, they nonetheless make one aware of some central epistemological issues: Should accounting researchers be more concerned about bringing “the achievements of science and scholarship into public debate”? What are the pros and cons of drawing upon ideas from politically‐engaged intellectuals in order to conduct research characterized by political dispassion? Does it make sense to use certain concepts excerpted from a comprehensive system of thought in a piecemeal way?

Originality/value

The paper mobilizes and develops the notion of translation in investigating an interdisciplinary movement.
Barthesian perspectives on accounting communication and visual images of professional accountancy
Authors: Davison Jane
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Barthes' influence on, and potential for, accounting communication research; and to apply Barthes' principles to visual images of professional accountancy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study seeks to provide: a synthesis of prior accounting research that has drawn on Barthes' work, followed by an overview of Barthes' work in both its rational, structuralist, phase, and its more sentimental, post‐structuralist, phase, that identifies strands of interest to accounting communication; and Barthesian semiotic interpretations of visual images of accountancy portrayed in the annual report front covers of a major UK accounting firm through their linguistics (anchorage and relay), denotation and connotation.

Findings

Barthes' work has been surprisingly little used in accounting; a number of aspects of Barthes's work could be more fruitfully exploited, especially those from his later post‐structuralist phase; a Barthesian approach assists in reading the dual portrayal of accountancy as both an art and a science, and as business‐aware as well as traditionally professional.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical section is limited to a broad overview of Barthes' very extensive work; the empirical section provides a detailed analysis of one organization. It would be useful to extend the research to more extended analyses based on Barthes' prolific work, and to many aspects of accounting communication.

Practical implications

The analysis may be of interest to all accounting researchers, practitioners, trainees and auditors, since communication is central to accounting.

Originality/value

The paper adds to theoretical work in accounting communication, to the empirical literature on the interpretation of verbal and visual signs in accounting and accountability statements, and to understanding of the external images of professional accountancy.
The birth satisfaction scale
Authors: Hollins Martin Caroline , Fleming Valerie
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a psychometric scale – the birth satisfaction scale (BSS) – for assessing women's birth perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and transcribed research‐based perceived birth satisfaction and dissatisfaction expression statements were converted into a scored questionnaire.

Findings

Three overarching themes were identified: service provision (home assessment, birth environment, support, relationships with health care professionals); personal attributes (ability to cope during labour, feeling in control, childbirth preparation, relationship with baby); and stress experienced during labour (distress, obstetric injuries, receiving sufficient medical care, obstetric intervention, pain, long labour and baby's health).

Research limitations/implications

Women construct their birth experience differently. Views are directed by personal beliefs, reactions, emotions and reflections, which alter in relation to mood, humour, disposition, frame of mind and company kept. Nevertheless, healthcare professionals can use BSS to assess women's birth satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Scores measure their service quality experiences.

Social implications

Scores provide a global measure of care that women perceived they received during labour.

Originality/value

Finding out more about what causes birth satisfaction and dissatisfaction helps maternity care professionals improve intra‐natal care standards and allocate resources effectively. An attempt has been made to capture birth satisfaction's generalised meaning and incorporate it into an evidence‐based measuring tool.
Patient safety analyses using Lombardy administrative archives
Authors: Giorgio Lovaglio Pietro
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss strategies for benchmarking patient safety using Lombardy region administrative archives. Patient safety indicators and statistical methods are presented that allow risk adjustment. The analysis benchmarks regional health structures, focusing on two patient safety indicators: failure to rescue; and death in low mortality diagnostic related group.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were drawn from a research project promoted by the Italian Agency of Regional Health Services in 2002 to furnish statistical evidence regarding adverse events based on Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality indicators and methods. Hierarchical models for an equitable benchmark analyses are proposed.

Findings

Empirical analysis shows that hierarchical approaches, based on comparing health structures within homogenous specialties, disaggregates and moderates failure to rescue variabilities existing between hospitals, especially in oncology, intensive care and general medicine.

Research limitations/implications

The paper proposes using hierarchical models for properly benchmarking health structures, resolving logistic regression drawbacks and limitations.

Practical implications

The paper strengthens the theory that accurate coding supported by software and administrative databases could provide a valuable and economical source for patient safety research.

Originality/value

The paper analyses and suggests strategies for consistent benchmark analyses based on patient safety outcomes, applicable to several situations and different health structure typologies.
Lone voices have an emotional content: focussing on mental health service user and carer involvement
Authors: Hitchen Sherrie , Watkins Mary , Williamson Graham R. , Ambury Susan , Bemrose Gillian , Cook David , Taylor Maureen
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe learning gained from involving service users and carers as researchers in an action research study. The researchers aimed to introduce self‐directed support in mental health services – part of the government's personalisation agenda, which requires a move from current social care commissioning, where a person is matched to available services, to one where a person self‐assesses, has an agreed support plan and then with appropriate help, purchases his or her own services to lead as independent a life as possible. This development is allied closely with the mental health service recovery approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Three service users and two carers were recruited to work alongside the lead researcher. Service users were fully involved in the steering group – part of participatory action research project. Data were collected from: debriefing meetings with co‐researchers between April and December 2007; a group interview held by the lead researcher; and participants' journal comments and self‐reflections.

Findings

The main areas in which service users and carers found involvement difficult were: overcoming professional language barriers; emotional impact; and power imbalances between themselves and professionals. Findings suggest that considerable improvement is required by mental health professionals and managers if service users and carers are successfully involved in projects.

Research limitations/implications

This is a small study within a larger action research project. Findings are not generalisable owing to the small sample; however, findings are supported by the service‐user involvement literature.

Originality/value

Few studies explore participation effects on service users and carers from their perspective. This research provides insights into what needs to be addressed to improve service user and carer involvement to improve mental health services.
Patient, staff and physician satisfaction: a new model, instrument and their implications
Authors: York Anne S. , McCarthy Kim A.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Customer satisfaction's importance is well‐documented in the marketing literature and is rapidly gaining wide acceptance in the healthcare industry. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new customer‐satisfaction measuring method – Reichheld's ultimate question – and compare it with traditional techniques using data gathered from four healthcare clinics.

Design/methodology/approach

A new survey method, called the ultimate question, was used to collect patient satisfaction data. It was subsequently compared with the data collected via an existing method.

Findings

Findings suggest that the ultimate question provides similar ratings to existing models at lower costs.

Research limitations/implications

A relatively small sample size may affect the generalizability of the results; it is also possible that potential spill‐over effects exist owing to two patient satisfaction surveys administered at the same time.

Practical implications

This new ultimate question method greatly improves the process and ease with which hospital or clinic administrators are able to collect patient (as well as staff and physician) satisfaction data in healthcare settings. Also, the feedback gained from this method is actionable and can be used to make strategic improvements that will impact business and ultimately increase profitability.

Originality/value

The paper's real value is pinpointing specific quality improvement areas based not just on patient ratings but also physician and staff satisfaction, which often underlie patients' clinical experiences.
Small accommodation providers and UGC web sites: perceptions and practices
Authors: Rupert Hills Joshua , Cairncross Grant
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the perceptions and practices of small accommodation providers regarding the growing area of user‐generated content (UGC) web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of eight small hospitality enterprise cases of four classifications were selected using a purposive stratified sampling procedure. On‐site semi‐structured interviews are the main source of information.

Findings

Empirical findings indicate that there is a divergence among small accommodation providers with regard to UGC web sites. It finds that small accommodation provider views are varied as to the influence of UGC web sites on traveller decisions. It also shows that some providers are using innovative, proactive practices to respond to UGC web sites, whilst others have limited awareness of the internet and are currently not responding.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisation of this research is limited by its sample size. The research implications are that more research using a more representative sample must be completed on the topic to verify findings.

Practical implications

With great diversity in the awareness and responses of small accommodation providers to changes on the internet for firms not to suffer a competitive disadvantage, they must, at least, stay abreast of developments on the internet, in particular fast‐growing UGC web sites.

Originality/value

Minimal research has been completed on the perceptions and practices of accommodation providers regarding UGC web sites, despite the importance the web sites are thought to have on traveller decisions. This paper should be of interest to tourism hospitality practitioners as well as academic researchers to better understand how practitioners are responding to the emerging issue of UGC web sites.
An integrated framework for advanced hotel revenue management
Authors: Farouk El Gayar Neamat , Saleh Mohamed , Atiya Amir , El‐Shishiny Hisham , Alkes Youhanna Fayez Zakhary Athanasius , Abdel Aziz Mohammed Habib Heba
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present an integrated framework for hotel revenue room maximization. The revenue management (RM) model presented in this work treats the shortcomings in existing systems. In particular, it extends existing optimization techniques for hotel revenue management to address group reservations and uses “forecasted demand” arrivals generated from the real data.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed forecasting module attempts to model the hotel reservation process from first principles. In particular, it models hotel arrivals as an interrelated process of stochastic parameters like reservations, cancellations, duration of stay, no shows, seasonality, trend, etc. and simulates forward in time the actual process of reservations to obtain the forecast. On the other hand, the proposed optimization module extends existing optimization techniques for hotel revenue management to address group reservations, while including integrality constraints and using “forecasted demand” arrivals generated from the data. The optimization model is based on large‐scale integer programming model to optimize decision rules for accepting reservations.

Findings

A case study based on three different sets of reservation records of simulated hotel data was conducted to test the operation of the system on real data. Results showed that the model is able to generate effective recommendations to maximize revenue.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is that it presents an integrated framework for hotel room revenue maximization. The novelty introduced in this approach is that it is based on an advanced room demand forecast model that simulated the reservation process from its first principles and produces demand scenarios that are used by an optimization model to generate proper recommendations.
Networking strategies for entrepreneurs: balancing cohesion and diversity
Authors: Martinez Martha A. , Aldrich Howard E.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how cohesive/diverse networks affect entrepreneurial activities. In particular, an interest is shown in how cohesion and diversity may affect entrepreneurial outcomes like survival, profitability, innovation and efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper organizes the literature and presents conclusions about the effects of cohesion and diversity using three stages of entrepreneurial activity: opportunity development, technology and organizational creation, and exchange.

Findings

At the opportunity stage, strong ties with entrepreneurs increase the likelihood of becoming one, but are associated with lower levels of innovation. Diverse ties increase self‐efficacy and innovation. At the technology and organizational creation stage, most entrepreneurial teams are homogeneous whereas team diversity is associated with better organizational outcomes. Using strong ties to recruit potential employees provides price and commitment advantages, but may interfere with efficiency. At the exchange stage, entrepreneurs must strike a balance between weak (market based) and stronger (embedded) ties to gain preferential access to resources and customers, while maintaining diverse sources for information and market opportunities. Overall, cohesion through strong ties provides entrepreneurs with hard to find resources very early in the development of new ventures, but those resources are limited in scope and have a high cost. By contrast, diversity is more common and more important later in a venture's life cycle.

Originality/value

Guidelines are suggested regarding the best networking strategies at the different stages and in different instrumental areas, offering an overall evaluation of the evidence in the cohesion v. diversity debate. Directions for future research on the effects of networks on entrepreneurial outcomes are also provided.
Self‐regulation and effort in entrepreneurial tasks
Authors: Trevelyan Rose
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The central question of this paper is, “What determines an entrepreneur's effort on different tasks?” The paper aims to address this question.

Design/methodology/approach

Propositions about the impact cognitive processes have on entrepreneurial effort across different tasks are developed. These propositions draw on self‐regulatory theory, in particular our understanding of regulatory focus and self‐efficacy.

Findings

It is argued that a promotion orientation motivates effort on explorative tasks, and a prevention orientation motivates effort on exploitative tasks. Further, it is proposed that high self‐efficacy motivates effort on action tasks, but high self‐efficacy reduces effort on judgment tasks.

Practical implications

One implication of these propositions for entrepreneurs is to understand self‐regulatory processes and to consciously decide how much effort to put into different tasks, rather than relying on (hidden) preferences. Another implication is for those involved in selecting and developing entrepreneurs. That implication is that entrepreneurs' self‐regulatory processes can inhibit effective effort. These processes can be managed to increase effectiveness.

Originality/value

By introducing task type into the discussion of self‐regulation and entrepreneurial effort, a more fine‐grained understanding of cognitive processes in actual entrepreneurial activities is developed.
Delivering enterprise
Authors: Smith Anne M.J. , Paton Robert A.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Industry, government and funding bodies have long called for the inclusion of entrepreneurship and enterprise within education provision at all levels: engagement with enterprise develops entrepreneurial skills, which in turn will enhance both the employability of the recipient and contribution to the knowledge led economy. This paper seeks to examine an innovative approach to the development, implementation and assessment of enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors were directly engaged with a Scottish Enterprise programme between November 2006 and 2008 inclusive. The observations drawn from this time are part of an ongoing study, which has adopted an action research approach, to assess and deliver transferable skills.

Findings

The programme delivers skills and economic benefits within an international setting. Enterprise agencies, universities and employers have come together to deliver a programme that generates economic benefit while enhancing participant and client capability. It does so by combining and addressing business and technology connectivity, experiential learning and reflective practice.

Practical implications

This paper examines the rationale behind such initiatives and links this to the direct experience of programme development, delivery and assessment; the aim being to “unpack” the programme in such a way as to allow others to access the experience. This should in itself encourage discussion around the academic and pedagogical underpinnings of such enterprise offerings.

Originality/value

The authors hope that this paper helps inform the policy debate (within government, funding and enterprise agencies and representatives of industry and commerce) by addressing the question: how best to engage with practice in a meaningful and enterprise led manner?
What motivates REITs to pay cash versus other forms of payment in mergers and acquisitions?
Authors: Abdou Khaled , Ghosh Sudip
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the payment of percentage cash from total payment in a REITs mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a heteroskedastic‐consistent regression model to analyze the relationship between the percentage of cash paid during M&A transactions and other determinants such as sources of funds, geographical proximity and percentage sought by acquirer.

Findings

The results of empirical analysis show that REITs with internal corporate funds tend to pay larger percentage of cash versus other forms of payments within M&A deals. Moreover, geographical proximity and intra‐industry REITs M&A has no significant effect on the form of payment. And finally, the larger the percentage sought by the acquirer, the less percentage of cash paid in a REITs M&A deal.

Practical implications

The paper mainly shows that internal funding is a significant factor in determining the percentage of cash versus stocks (or any other form of payment) when completing a merger. This highlights the importance of a REIT to manage its short‐term liquidity and cash specifically. Also, this shows the applicability of pecking order theory on the REITs industry.

Originality/value

The paper researches the cash as a method of payment in REITs M&A, an industry with its specific characteristics.
A repeat sales index robust to small datasets
Authors: Baroni Michel , Barthélémy Fabrice , Mokrane Mahdi
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to test the robustness of the trend and volatility estimations for two indices: the classical Weighted Repeat Sales and a PCA factorial index. The estimations are computed from a dataset of Paris commercial properties.

Design/methodology/approach

First, two methodologies are presented, and then the dataset. Finally, the impact of the number of transactions per period are tested on the trend and volatility estimates for each index, and an interpretation of the results are given.

Findings

The trend and volatility estimates are biased for the WRS index and not for the PCA factorial index when the periodicity increases. Consequently, the level of the index at the end of the computing period is significantly different for various periodicities in the case of the WRS index. Globally, the PCA factorial seems to be more robust to the number of transactions.

Originality/value

As suggested by D. Geltner, commercial properties indices have to be built using repeat sales instead of hedonic indices. The repeat sales method is a means of constructing real estate price indices based on a repeated observation of property transactions. These indices may be used as benchmarks for real estate portfolio managers. But the investors, in general, are also interested in introducing real estate performance in their portfolio to enhance the efficient frontier. Thus, expected return and volatility are the two key parameters. To create and to improve contracts on real estate indices, trend and volatility of these indices must be robust regarding to the periodicity of the index and the volume of transactions.
Elixir or delusion
Authors: Huston Simon , Warren Clive , Elliott Peter
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a General Systems Theory (GST) risk management framework and conducts a preliminary investigation into its potential benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

A risk management framework with four domains is developed by applying GST to property. Risk management in five listed Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A‐REITs) is benchmarked against the GST ideal using public web‐sites information. A‐REIT volatility‐adjusted returns are calculated using Treynor ratios for the year to May 2010. The link between risk management score and entity performance is then investigated.

Findings

The GST framework directs attention to risks involving surveillance, capacity and controls. However, as predicted by the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), the study found no link between assessed risk management and volatility‐moderated annual returns to May 2010.

Research limitations/implications

The risk scoring was predicated on publicly available data, with limited analysis of financial statements. The sample size was restricted.

Practical implications

Successful entities are well governed, focused and innovative. Robust finances allow exploitation of emerging opportunity when business conditions become favourable. Planning and environmental management capabilities are essential.

Originality/value

The paper makes conceptual and practical contributions. Conceptually, it develops a GST risk management framework. Practically, albeit for a handful of entities, the paper illustrates how the GST approach to risk management could be effectively deployed. The paper also outlines a pathway for more refined risk management research.
The reliability of investment property fair values under IFRS
Authors: Nellessen Thomas , Zuelch Henning
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The valuation of property companies and fair value accounting for investment properties under IFRS are closely affiliated with each other. This is because property companies are commonly valued using net asset value as a valuation technique. The term net asset value represents the fair value of a property company's assets less its liabilities and therefore can easily be determined, as under IFRS investment property is often reported using a fair value approach. The purpose of this paper is to examine the perception of fair value estimates for many companies' main asset: investment properties. With this it contributes to the stream of real estate finance literature that investigates net asset value deviations from property companies' share prices and to the stream of accounting literature that investigates fair value accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

The association between the net asset values of European listed property companies and their market prices are investigated. Observed deviations are related to a wide set of variables using panel (unbalanced) OLS‐regressions.

Findings

It is found that net asset value usually departs from the market capitalization of European property companies. It is also found that those deviations are a result of insufficient reliability of fair value estimates of investment properties because of the limitations of appraisals, the diversity of applied approaches in appraising investment properties and the reliability problem for mark‐to‐model approaches usually applied in determining the fair value of investment properties.

Originality/value

This parameter has not been considered before in previous literature.
The real estate investment of insurance companies in Poland
Authors: Wolski Rafal , Zaleczna Magdalena
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify possible reasons for insurance companies' scant interest in real estate as investment asset in Poland. The authors attempt to determine the impact of real estate investment on insurance companies' profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

After collecting the aggregated data about insurance companies' financial results for the period 2000‐2008 the authors analyzed the relationship between real estate investment and profitability indicators such as return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and return on sales (ROS). This approach reflected the shareholders' point‐of‐view. Subsequently, the same kind of analysis was carried out to investigate the impact of real estate investments on the insurance companies' return on technical activity (RTA) and return on investment activity (RIA). These indicators are meant to assess business performance from the point‐of‐view of insured persons.

Findings

The analysis revealed some negative correlations: real estate investments may reduce the profitability of insurance companies. If this is true, the unwillingness of insurance companies to purchase property would not be surprising. Yet, this conclusion should be accepted with caution.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the short study period and changes in legal classification of investment categories, the available data were very imperfect and the study results may not be perceived as undisputable, hence, it is felt that further research is needed.

Originality/value

The paper is original, as previously no such research has been conducted in Poland.
Assessing the implementation and effectiveness of process management initiatives at technologically consistent firms
Authors: Small Michael H. , Yasin Mahmoud M. , Alavi Jafar
Published: January 2011

Purpose

A firm may be considered to be technologically consistent if its manufacturing technology is appropriate for its segment of its industry. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between technology consistency and both the rate of adoption and performance of six specific process management initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail survey was administered to CEO's at a total of 400 food processing, pharmaceutical/biotechnology, apparel and semiconductor firms in the USA. In total, 80 usable responses were returned, resulting in a response rate of 20 percent; 64 of these responses form the basis for the results presented in this paper.

Findings

The results indicate that there was a relationship between technology consistency and the adoption of only one of the six process management initiatives covered in this study. However, most of the respondents indicated that the initiatives that they had chosen were effective in meeting their needs.

Practical implications

This study concerns the adoption of six process management initiatives at firms in four industries. The results indicate that these initiatives appear to be just as relevant and beneficial to manufacturers regardless of the level of technology existent in their industry. However, examination of this phenomenon for a greater number of initiatives at a wider cross section of manufacturing industries is desirable.

Originality/value

This research is innovative in that it considers the impact of the implementation of various process management initiatives in the context of the technological consistency of the adopting firm. The reported results are relevant for small, moderate and large manufacturing concerns.
Modular product architecture for productivity enhancement
Authors: Shamsuzzoha A.H.M.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The aims of this article are to introduce a modularization framework and a method for the formation of modules.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodological framework is presented to guide designers and engineers in the formation and selection of suitable modules in developing customized products. Detailed explanations of the framework are presented theoretically. This framework interacts with different product development participants such as resources, customers' preferences, design architecture for planning, and scheduling a custom‐built product. A new method is proposed with a case example to facilitate the formation of modules.

Findings

This paper investigates the potential of the modularization framework, usable for prioritizing the components dependencies and creating required number of modules. It also explains the overall concept, usability and rules/methods for the module formation applied to product design, to allow a greater degree of freedom for the designer, and the opportunity to reduce development time and increase customer satisfaction. A method, based on the rules for modularity concept is proposed within the scope of this paper.

Research limitations/implications

The framework and the method of modularization as illustrated in this article are based on a theoretical hypothesis. Both the approaches require implementing in a real industrial environment in order to generalize their effectiveness, applicability and consistency in the manufacturing arena.

Practical implications

Since product architecture is an important element in determining the value and flexibility of the product development process, the relationship pattern between the architecture and productivity is therefore worthy of careful investigation. The aims of modular framework and rules for modularity are to incorporate design variables and dependency structure with a view to enhancing product development lead time and will contribute to the exploitation of overall bottlenecks of manufacturing systems.

Originality/value

The implementation framework for modular product architecture seems unique as its potential value could be applied in the industrial environment for production flexibility and reducing bottlenecks. Along with the framework, the presented modularity rule or method will contribute to business architecture with a view to providing more reliable operation, easier maintenance and faster product development time.
Advanced planning and scheduling with collaboration processes in agile supply and demand networks
Authors: Kristianto Yohanes , Ajmal Mian M. , Helo Petri
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The general purpose of the paper is to improve supply chain (SC) responsiveness and agility by developing advanced planning and scheduling (APS) with collaboration process into agile supply and demand networks (ASDN).

Design/methodology/approach

Some industrial examples are presented to extract the APS requirements, then business models that are supported by analytical models are developed into APS modules to respond to the requirements. At the end, the modules are attached into an ASDN simulator to measure the benefit of the APS with collaboration process.

Findings

The results show that the APS with collaboration process is superior to existing APS software in terms of promising lead times to customers at minimum inventory level.

Research limitations/implications

Since the APS with collaboration process cannot optimize transportation planning, SCs cannot therefore optimize networks by finding the optimum network configuration. Currently, the simulator needs to be tested in several possible network scenarios to find the optimal network configuration.

Practical implications

The APS with collaboration process makes it possible to give guaranteed lead times at minimum inventory level. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the APS with collaboration process with enterprise resources planning or MRP II by considering the criticality of the planning.

Originality/value

The attachment of APS with collaboration process business into ASDN represents the original aspect of this paper.
A fuzzy multi‐objective balanced scorecard approach for selecting an optimal electronic business process management best practice (e‐BPMBP)
Authors: Zandi Faramak , Tavana Madjid
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The rapid intensification of the internet and electronic commerce diffusion has given rise to electronic business process management (e‐BPM) which enhances the overall connectivity of the business processes. However, when confronted by the range of e‐BPM best practices (e‐BPMBPs), organizations struggle to identify the one most appropriate to their needs. The paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a novel fuzzy group multi‐objective method for e‐BPMBP evaluation and selection. First, a fuzzy group linear assignment method is used to rank the e‐BPMBPs drawing on the four perspectives of a balanced scorecard (BSC). Second, a fuzzy group real options approach is used to estimate the financial values of the ranked e‐BPMBPs. Third, a four‐objective assignment model is used to select the optimal e‐BPMBP in deferral time with respect to their rankings, financial values, and a series of pertinent constraints.

Findings

The contribution of the proposed method is threefold: it is grounded in the four perspectives of a BSC, it considers imprecise or vague judgments which lead to ambiguity in the decision process, and it uses a meaningful and robust multi‐objective model to aggregate both qualitative judgments and quantitative data. A case study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework and to exhibit the efficacy of the procedures and algorithms.

Originality/value

The novel fuzzy group multi‐objective framework for e‐BPMBP evaluation and selection proposed in the paper takes into consideration (1) the qualitative and quantitative criteria and their respective value judgments; (2) the verbal expressions and linguistic variables for qualitative judgments which lead to ambiguity in the decision process; and (3) imprecise or vague judgments.