bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International textile and clothing research register
Authors: Stylios George K.
Published: June 2010

Examines the fourteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
Adapting the Analytical Hierarchy Process to Identify Inventory Risk
Authors: Jaques Nicholas , Morgan Chris
Published: June 2010

The telecommunications industry is characterized by short product life cycles, driven by rapid market development and sometimes by new technologies emerging from internal and external research and design activities. These innovations cause product changes ranging from cosmetic, such as re‐packaging an existing product, to fundamental, such as introducing a completely new concept. The challenge for telecommunications manufacturers is to have the correct inventory in place for product launch and subsequent consumer demand. However, there are some categories of components that can cause serious inventory management problems and risk. We use the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a specific telecommunications case study, and propose new strategies to manage high risk categories of stock. We identify ways of containing those risks through product design strategies, adapting MRP systems, better supplier control and a closer liaison between marketing and manufacturing activities to better anticipate change.
Supply Chain Management, Partnership, and the Shipper ‐ Third Party Relationship
Authors: Ellram Lisa M. , Cooper Martha C.
Published: June 2010

The paper begins with an overview of some of the forces that have shaped supply chain management and partnership relationships. Next the potential benefits and risks of involvement in supply chain management/partnership relationships are discussed from the perspective of both the shipper and the service provider (warehousers and transportation firms). Results from a major survey of shippers, warehousers and transportation providers are used to illustrate the risks and benefits. Means of minimizing the potential risks are also suggested. The paper concludes with a discussion of issues in supply chain management that would benefit from further analysis and research. These issues include determination of whether a firm should use a supply chain management approach, the management structure to use in supply chain management, and modelling supply chain management systems.
Corporate reporting on the Internet: Developing opportunities for research
Authors: Gowthorpe Catherine
Published: June 2010

So far, there has been little research on the extent or implications of corporate reporting on the Internet. This paper identifies the type of work which has been done to date in this new field, and proceeds to outline some possible areas and questions for future research work. The discussion falls into the five following principal areas: Corporate governance, and the nature of the stakeholder/company relationship; The company’s viewpoint: incentives and disincentives for expanded financial reporting; Verification: the changing role of audit; Information/communication issues; Ethical, behavioural and philosophical aspects.
Government accounting development within a transitional economy ‐ Albania a case study
Authors: Godfrey Alan D , Devlin Patrick J , Cherif Merrouche M
Published: June 2010

The paper analyses the current process of government accounting development in Albania using an integrated diffusion‐contingency analytical framework. This framework synthesises elements of contingency theory with theories of diffusion of innovations to provide greater insight into the organisational processes of innovation. The paper observes that the level of innovativeness of the government organisation in Albania appears to be marginally positive and that, at present, developments in government accounting are being clarified as part of the implementation phase of the innovation process.
EVA® and other Arthurian myths: A comment on Zafiris & Bayldon (2000).
Authors: Pierce‐Brown BA FCA PhD Rhoda
Published: June 2010

The basis of this paper is a critical review of an article published in this journal, by Zafiris and Bayldon (JAAR, 5, 2, 2000), on Economic Value Added and Market Value Added. This review provides a detailed critique of the literature relating to EVA® and the underlying philosophy of the use of EVA® as a performance metric. Following this, there is a comment on the analysis provided by Zafiris and Bayldon and a review of the empirical evidence presented in support of their analysis. The paper demonstrates that the amendments to the EVA® model proposed by Zafiris and Bayldon are not original and are unlikely to result in a significant improvement to the usefulness of the original model.
Shareholder value applications in UK listed companies
Authors: Cooper Stuart , Crowther David , Davis Ted , Davies Matt
Published: June 2010

This paper is based upon the initial findings of a CIMA research project into the way in which corporate performance measurement systems are influenced by the use of shareholder value management techniques. It compares and contrasts the techniques in use in a sample of 10 companies that either explicitly use shareholder value techniques also known as Value‐Based Management (VBM), or explicitly do not use such techniques. The analysis undertaken is based upon the finding of semi‐structured interviews with company representatives which formed the first part of the data collection process of the project. The analysis traces the interactions between corporate objectives, decision making criteria, performance measurement systems and executive incentive schemes in order to develop an understanding of the effects of such shareholder value techniques upon corporate behaviour. The literature reviewed suggests that the other aspects of the planning and control system should be aligned with the corporate objectives whether a company has adopted VBM or not. Therefore this research contributes new evidence on the use of VBM techniques in the UK and also more generally on whether VBM and non‐VBM companies internal planning and control systems are aligned.
Understanding governance structures of accounting: Trust relationships, transaction costs, and the make‐or‐buy decision
Authors: Fallan Lars
Published: June 2010

In the present study a model based on trust relations and transaction cost analysis has been applied to explain the make‐or‐buy decision for accounting services. The present model of efficient boundaries, which combines the focus on trust relations with the transactional focus on frequency and asset specificity, has predictive power of the governance of accounting services. The effects of asset specificity on the make‐or‐buy decision of accounting services were substantially overshadowed by the relational attribute of trust and the transactional attribute of frequency. The study reveals strong support for the hypothesized positive link between trust and the buy alternative and the negative association between frequency of accounting transactions and the buy alternative. The present model has predictive power for an overall correct classification of the make‐or‐buy decision for accounting services.
Activity based costing in universities ‐ An inappropriate technique?
Authors: Broad Martin , Crowther David
Published: June 2010

The technique of ABC has been widely adopted by universities in the UK, with the assumption that the more accurate identification of costs makes them more manageable. It is the purpose of this paper to consider this question of manageability through identification and allocation in the university sector and to question this as a basis for decision making and resource allocation. The type of costing systems in place in an organisation must meet the needs of the organisation as a whole and there are a number of factors that will affect the type of costing system that is required and there are a number of costing systems that can be used. This paper considers the use of ABC within a university and whether school costing and course costing can meet the requirements of a university facing a challenging business environment where a significant amount of pressure is being exerted on the financial stability of some universities. In doing so the ability of ABC to satisfy the informational requirements of a university is called into question.
The incompatibility of standard costing systems and modern manufacturing: Insight or unproven dogma?
Authors: Bowhill Bruce , Lee Bill
Published: June 2010

The paper contends that the strategic use of accounting at times of organisational change does not of necessity mean that organisations should adopt new accounting systems ‐ such as activity based costing or throughput accounting. Although not necessarily fully “compatible” with new manufacturing methods, standard costing systems can still continue to be useful. The article examines the changing role of the accounting system in two manufacturing organisations that have introduced a range of new manufacturing techniques over the last decade. These have included reducing inventories, the elimination of constraints and increased investment in automation. Despite these developments, both companies have made few changes to their existing standard costing systems. Possible problems identified in the literature as inherent with standard costing systems were, at least in part, overcome through a range of adjustments to existing accounting and other reporting systems, with the accounting system recognised as providing only part of the information needs of operational management. Also, although changes to the manufacturing environment had taken place, they were not of such a fundamental nature that wholesale change to the accounting system was either required or could necessarily be justified in terms of cost/benefit.
The production of narrative accounting statements: An exploratory study of the operating and financial review
Authors: Rutherford Brian A
Published: June 2010

This paper reports the results of an interview programme designed to investigate the processes involved in the production of narrative accounting statements, and specifically the Operating and Financial Review, with a view to identifying the effect such processes might have on the content and character of such statements. A range of features of the production process is identified with the potential to affect the content and character of statements, and thus to influence the relationship between the content and character of statements and the characteristics of the companies producing them, such as size, performance, risk and sector. The pattern of potential impacts is likely to be a complex one. It is suggested that preparers face a range of choices in the preparation of narrative financial statements that may be wider than some realise.
The impact of UK tax reform on share buybacks, capital investment and financing choices
Authors: Pointon John , Spratley Derek
Published: June 2010

An empirical survey, of 136 respondents from UK quoted companies, was conducted with regard to the likely effects of UK corporation tax reform on share buy‐backs, capital investment and financing choices. Overall, 45 per cent expected ACT abolition to lead to an increase in share buy‐backs. Logistic regression analysis links this view to corporate liquidity. The abolition of advance corporation tax is, however, unlikely to have a significant impact upon UK and overseas capital investment, bond issues, bond redemptions, share issues, finance leasing and projected dividend levels. Capital investment and financing choices are likely to be invariant to the combined effects of a reduced corporate tax rate and a quarterly collection period.
Neutrality of narrative discussion in annual reports of UK listed companies
Authors: Tauringana Venancio , Chong Gin
Published: June 2010

This paper reports the results of an investigation into the neutrality of the narrative discussion of financial performance and position, as evidenced in 179 annual reports of UK listed companies. Neutrality of narrative discussion was determined by comparing the average proportions of good and bad news contained in the narrative and statutory accounts sections of the annual reports. The results of a comparison of the proportion of good news in the two sections of the annual reports suggest that the narrative sections contained a significantly higher proportion of good news than the statutory accounts sections. Comparison of proportions of bad news, however, indicates that the narrative sections contained a significantly lower proportion of bad news compared to the statutory accounts sections. Finally, the results also suggest that the proportion of good news as compared to bad news in the narrative sections is significantly higher than the proportion of good news compared to bad news in the statutory accounts section. The results are consistent with the suggestion that company management highlights good news in narrative discussions. The implications of the findings for company management, users, auditors and regulators are discussed.
Selection techniques within the accountancy profession in Scotland
Authors: Gammie Elizabeth , Cargill Erica , Gammie Bob
Published: June 2010

The ever‐increasing cost of seeing a graduate training contract through to its successful completion has made the selection decision, and indeed the choice of selection techniques used, increasingly vital. This paper identifies the selection methods currently used by the Scottish accountancy profession to recruit graduate trainees, compares these against best practice and highlights a number of areas where improvements to current practice would be recommended. Analysis of the selection literature revealed the range of selection techniques on offer, and from a consideration of the validity and reliability of each technique, it was possible to identify best practice in graduate selection. Data was collected by sending a questionnaire to 79 firms of Scottish Chartered Accountants. The targeted firms constituted the entire population of Scottish firms seeking to recruit a graduate trainee to commence in Autumn 2002 (as detailed within the annual ICAS Directory of Training Vacancies). Using the results of the primary and secondary data, the skills currently being sought by firms of Chartered Accountants in their graduate trainees were identified. The methods used by firms to identify these skills were then examined with each method being examined in terms of its current use as well as its value and effectiveness in practice. It was found that there have been significant changes to the skill‐set sought by firms in the early 21st Century as compared with a decade ago, with less emphasis on numeracy and more interest in softer skills such as communication and problem‐solving. As regards the techniques currently employed by firms to identify these skills, it was found that there has been some progress made over the last decade. However, the majority of firms are still reluctant to let go of what is now considered to be the more traditional interview‐based approach to selection, favouring this above what might be considered the more innovative techniques on offer. Further, it was found that few firms have designed their selection process specifically to identify the skill‐set that they have delineated. Thus, a consequent lack of consistency throughout the selection decisions was evidenced.
A critical review of accounting standard setting and the role of Government from 1980 to 1990
Authors: Day Robert
Published: June 2010

In the UK, the role of the state in accounting regulation has been ambivalent for some decades. On the one hand, confidence has been openly expressed in the system of private sector accounting regulation1 while accounting standards have been granted legitimacy through recognition in company law2. On the other hand government has introduced some detailed regulation through company law and has always been involved in both the institutions and processes of private sector regulation. This involvement has not necessarily been passive, and has often been covert leading to reports of threats of counter‐action by the government on some specific issues (Robson, 1988). Indeed, it is felt that fear of intervention by the government provides some of the rationale for private sector regulation (Bromwich, 1981, Sharp, 1971, Taylor and Turley, 1986). Providing a sharp contrast to the UK government’s actions towards the standard setting body, the sunshine policy of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the US, means that governmental influence is overt whether in the area of a single issue or the future of the private sector standard setting (Beresford, 1993).
Derivatives reporting in the UK: A treasury perspective on the introduction of FRS 13
Authors: Helliar Christine , Dunne Theresa , Moir Lance
Published: June 2010

The past twenty years have seen a significant increase in the use of derivative financial instruments by companies throughout the world (Berkman and Bradbury 1996; Berkman, Bradbury and Magan, 1997a; Berkman, Bradbury, Hancock and Innes, 1997b; Bodnar, Hayt, Marston and Smithson, 1995; Bodnar, Hayt and Marston, 1996; 1998; Collier and Davis, 1985). This paper examines the impact of Financial Reporting Standard 13: Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments, Implementation and Disclosures, on treasury department activities. In particular, the researchers conducted interviews with UK treasury department staff to assess their general attitudes to, and the perceived impact of, FRS 13. In general, the treasurers responded favourably to the standard, and considered the narrative disclosures to be particularly useful. The numerical disclosures were considered to be very detailed and specialised; interviewees thought that users might have difficulty in understanding them. However, the implementation of IAS 39, that becomes mandatory for all EC countries from 2005, was causing treasurers far more concern.
A Greek Perspective on the Decision to Outsource or Retain the Internal Audit Function
Authors: Galanis Alexandros , Woodward David G
Published: June 2010

In the conduct of an organisation’s myriad activities, obtaining value for money is a crucial consideration, and over the years this has increasingly encouraged businesses to examine both the effectiveness and efficiency of outsourcing specific business functions. Historically, concern was with more‐or‐less peripheral activities where the cost advantage of outsourcing was readily ascertainable. But more recently attention has increasingly been directed towards more fundamental business activities where consideration of mere cost is supplanted by aspects of quality, and the recognition that greater external quality of provision might well override mere considerations of economy.
Accounting for special purpose entities: The control view versus the primary beneficiary view for consolidation
Authors: McKee Thomas E. , Bradley Linda J , Rouse Robert W.
Published: June 2010

This article provides an analysis of the economic incentives and financial reporting for Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) over the last four decades. The analysis explains economic factors motivating business use of SPEs and the origins of SPEs in lease accounting and securitization transactions. Related financial reporting standards are identified and discussed, including the historical shift from a traditional control viewpoint to a primary beneficiary viewpoint for financial reporting for consolidation for SPEs (recently renamed Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) in U.S. Financial Accounting Interpretation 46R). The article also includes illustrative journal entries explaining SPE transactions from both the viewpoint of the creating company(s) and the SPE. Actual financial reporting examples and/or journal entries for SPEs created by Bank of America, General Motors Acceptance Corporation, Lucent Technologies and Alza Pharmaceuticals Corporation are also provided.
Complementary narrative commentaries of statutory accounts in annual reports of UK listed companies
Authors: Tauringana Venancio , Mangena Musa
Published: June 2010

This paper, for the first time, classifies narrative information into complementary and supplementary. For the purpose of the paper, complementary narrative information is defined as that information which refers to specific numbers presented in the statutory accounts (profit and loss and balance sheet). Non‐specific narrative information is classified as supplementary. Having made the distinction and provided reasons for such a distinction the study investigates the extent of complementary narrative commentaries on numbers from the statutory accounts. The study also investigates which company‐specific characteristics are associated with the extent of complementary narrative commentaries. An index consisting of 46 items which must be reported in the statutory accounts was used to measure the extent of complementary narrative commentaries in the annual reports of 170 listed UK companies. The findings suggest that, on average, the companies comment on 39.9% of the numbers appearing in their statutory accounts. Using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model, the results indicate that company size, gearing, profitability, liquidity ratio, the presence of exceptional items, and substantial institutional investment are significantly associated with the extent of complementary narrative commentaries. However, auditor type, directors’ share ownership, and the proportion of non‐executive directors are not significantly associated with the extent of complementary narrative commentaries. The research has important implications for accounting regulators, users of annual reports and future research into the usefulness narrative information provided in annual reports.
Measuring De jure Harmonisation: A content analysis of the accounting standards of three countries: South Africa, Mauritius and Tanzanian and International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Krishansing Boolaky Pran
Published: June 2010

This paper uses content analysis to compare International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)1 with the Local Accounting Standards (LAS) of South Africa (SA), Mauritius and Tanzania. It begins by identifying the equivalence of the local accounting standards of these three countries with IFRS and follows with a content analysis of the definition of terms, accounting treatment and disclosure requirements in the standards. The contents of these three items in each of these countries’ standards are compared with those in the IFRS. A score card is used to record the level of harmony between the LAS and IFRS of each country and between the LAS of each country. The score is compared by running statistical test of significant difference using Wilcoxon Matched Paired test. The paper reports that, except for Tanzania, the local accounting standards of the two other countries are more or less similar to IFRS. As regards the level of harmony between the local accounting standards and IFRS, the score card reveals that the accounting standards of SA are more in harmony with IFRS, followed by Mauritius. A lead table is produced at the end.
Making best use of financial reports published on the internet ‐ A research note
Authors: Aisbitt Sally
Published: June 2010

This research note provides some practical advice on accessing financial reports on the internet and the collection of associated data for subsequent analysis. It will be of use to practitioners, academics, students and other researchers embarking on this kind of analysis for the first time. Suggestions are put forward to accelerate the effective collection of data.
Investment analysts’ perception of disclosure in UK interim financial reports
Authors: Magena Musa , Kinman Russell , Citron David
Published: June 2010

This paper provides insight into the importance of interim reports of UK listed companies to investment analysts. The primary objective of financial reporting is assumed to be the provision of information to help investors make rational investment decisions. In this study, a survey of financial analysts and fund managers was undertaken to determine their perception of the importance of 113 items disclosed in interim reports. The main findings demonstrate that both financial analysts and fund managers perceive disclosure items in the profit and loss account and cash flow statement sections as the most important. Additionally, the results show that there are similarities between financial analysts and fund managers with regard to the relative usefulness of items in the profit and loss account, balance sheet, cash flow statements and accounting policies and notes. However, significant differences exist between the two groups with respect to management commentary information. Overall, the conclusion that can be drawn from these results is that increased disclosure in interim reports is useful to investment analysts. These findings are important for policy‐makers and companies as the views of investment analysts (as users of financial reports) are essential in the attempt to improve disclosure.
Extending the boundaries of annual reporting: A challenge to the accountant and her profession
Authors: Edwards Pamela , Birkin Frank K , Woodward David G
Published: June 2010

This paper examines the impact on the accounting profession of those aspects of new types of non‐traditional reporting which are actually used in practice. Empirical evidence about data collection and reporting in some organisations shows that the current scope of mainstream accounting may be too narrow. Drawing especially on environmental accounting initiatives, the paper discusses where the boundaries of accounting and annual reporting are currently set, and whether the accounting profession can respond proactively to push the boundaries of corporate reporting to reflect performance in more all‐embracing ways.
Tomorrow’s company reporting ‐ Stakeholder dialogue in the digital age
Authors: Wilson Mark , Bokma Albert , Hall Rob , Smith Peter , Wales Julie
Published: June 2010

The end of the millennium is a useful time to stop and reflect, to review and maybe to ask some big questions. This paper asks a very big question indeed for the accountancy profession ‐ ‘What might corporate reporting look like in the 21st Century ?’ This paper looks at issues surrounding the likely future of corporate reporting in the digital age. The Royal Society of Arts Tomorrow’s Company Inquiry (1995) is used as a possible model of corporate information needs in the next millennia. The implications of the model for corporate accounting and information systems are examined. A move from shareholder reporting, to stakeholder reporting and finally to stakeholder dialogue is envisaged. The model raises a number of problems and the use of digital technology is considered as a partial solution to some of these problems.
Incorporating sustainability aspects in structured trade and commodity finance
Authors: Weber Olaf , Beeler René
Published: June 2010

While in recent years the aspect of operation ecology is already widely introduced into the daily business of many banks, the issue of considering environmental aspects in external business relations as a part of sustainable business practice is a rather new and more difficult task. While the incorporation of environmental issues in credit management and investment funds becomes practice in some European and US banks, guidelines for the consideration of sustainability aspects in structured trade and commodity finance are rather more rare. This paper is an attempt to evaluate the existing opportunities to include environmental concerns into these two business sectors and to analyse which environmental criteria might be practicable. Above all the study is based on the consideration of financing trade with unsustainable or environmentally harmful substances. Concerning the sustainability aspects of these substances we revealed four criteria which will render substances as unsustainable. These are substances that are not degradable or only degradable over a long period of time, substances that are harmful to the environment and human health, and those that appear on regulatory or recommended negative lists. To give practical advice for banks, we identified products containing problematic substances and production processes causing problematic emissions. As a result we derived substance and product lists that may be used to help the organisational philosophy towards sustainability. The implementation of these lists would be a good starting point for financial institutions entering into a new area of sustainable business.
Accounting for sustainable management
Authors: Holland Leigh , Williams Brian
Published: June 2010

Sustainability as a concept comprises the combination of economic, environmental and social elements, no more importantly when looking at the achievement of local sustainability. Local business enterprise is an important factor here ‐ the implementation of the principles of sustainability will benefit enormously from the involvement of local businesses and their owners and employees. However, what is not clear is how this can happen in practice ‐ what ought to be is not yet translatable into what is.
Relevance sought! What do practitioners want to know about ABM implementation
Authors: Gibbon Jane , Loughran Jan , Johnston Karen
Published: June 2010

This paper has been produced as part of a research project that seeks to generate knowledge about the process of implementation of Activity Based Management (ABM). Implementation is identified as important by Robin Cooper, (Cooper, 1996) thus “the focus of research must broaden to include studies of the problems associated with implementing new cost management techniques”. The project is informed by the research literature addressing cooperation between practitioners and academics, (for example Kaplan, 1994; Scapens 1980, 1994; Spicer, 1992). Our aim in this paper is to meet the objective attributed to Ken Merchant (Drysdale, 1996) “it is the role of the researcher to go to managers and determine what their problems are, and to help managers articulate these”. It also takes account of the preceding research into activity based techniques, including recent work funded by CIMA (Friedman & Lyne, 1995; Innes and Mitchell, 1995). Friedman & Lyne found that the consequences of implementing these techniques were significant for management accountants, and had far reaching organisational consequences.
Economic value added and market value added: A simple version and application
Authors: Zafiris N , Bayldon R
Published: June 2010

The current search for operational criteria and tests of firm performance is largely focused on the Economic Value Added (EVA) framework. While reasserting the essential soundness of this approach the paper seeks to improve its application by proposing a version of EVA which anchors the opportunity cost of equity capital on market rather than book values. The case for this is argued on general grounds and the resulting model is convenient for examining the possible effects of the gearing factor. The practicability of the model is illustrated by applying the proposed ‘EVA’ formula to a mixed set of accounting and stock market data from a sample of UK companies.
Optimal timing of R&D for effective utilization of potential resources in innovation
Authors: Watanabe Chihiro , Tokumasu Shinji
Published: June 2010

Contrary to its highest R&D intensity, Japan has dramatically decreased its productivity in the 1990s. This can be attributed to a low marginal productivity of technology. Such a productivity decrease compels a delay in R&D, which results in reduced R&D productivity leading to a vicious cycle between R&D and its return. In this context optimal timing of R&D is crucial, particularly during economic stagnation and consequent difficulties in financing R&D. This paper analyzes the rationale for optimal timing of R&D and its interacting relationship with marginal productivity of technology. Empirical analyses are attempted focusing on Japan’s leading high‐technology firms and their innovative products.
An interpretive structural modeling of knowledge management in engineering industries
Authors: Singh  , Shankar Ravi , Narain Rakesh , Agarwal Ashish
Published: June 2010

In this age of globalization, to survive, organizations need a good capacity to retain, develop, organize and utilize their knowledge assets. The knowledge of an organization comprises of professional intellect, such as know‐how, know‐why, and self‐motivated creativity; as also the experience, concepts, values, beliefs and ways of working that can be shared and communicated. Knowledge Management (KM) is described as the management of an organization’s knowledge through the processes of creating, sustaining, applying, sharing and renewing knowledge to enhance organizational performance and create value. Interpretive Structual Modeling (ISM) is a methodology for identifying and summarizing relationships among specific elements, which define an issue or problem. It provides a means by which order can be imposed on the complexity of such elements. In the present paper the important elements (also referred to as variables) for the implementation of KM in engineering industries have been analyzed to obtain an ISM, which shows the inter‐relationships of the variables and their levels. These variables have also been categorized depending on their driving power and dependence.
Enhancement of the effectiveness of case studies as a research method through the selection of polar cases
Authors: Al‐Qurtas Moyyaed , Zairi Mohamed
Published: June 2010

Case study is one of the main research methods used in social sciences. It is one of the qualitative research methods as its focus is on understanding in depth a relatively limited number of cases rather than on the quantitative analysis of a large body of data. In this article the characteristics of the main research methods are reviewed and the use of polar (contrasting) cases is presented as an effective way to enhance the generalizability of the results of case study research, provided that the selection methodology of the polar cases is based on important criteria related to the topic of research. The application of this methodology to research on the impact of the technology management on the chemical industry is reviewed.
Lean approach: some insights
Authors: Mohan Ashutosh , Sharma Sunil
Published: June 2010

Organizations are realizing the fact that it takes more than quality, cost, and delivery commitments to ensure survival. Organizations are recognizing the need for extra efforts in terms of ability to adjust quickly and effectively to demand fluctuations as well as product diversification according to the requirement of customer. The remedy, to face and come out as winner from this critical scenario, is the adoption of lean approach. The paper tries to trace the evolution of lean approach with an effort to re‐define the efficiency and effectiveness parameters under lean thinking. The paper also deals with the underlying principles of lean approach. The main objective of this paper lies in our proposed model, which shows the scope of SCM under lean operations. Finally, the paper exposes the benefits of lean approach at different levels of organization and customers.
Investigating the influence of information technology on decision making
Authors: Awasthi Anjali , Varman Rahul
Published: June 2010

Decision‐making processes can be thought of as the brain and nervous system of an organization. In the rapidly changing world nowadays, information technology has become an indispensable part of every organization. The extent to which the information technology affects the decision making process remains an open question. The present paper presents an instrument to study the influence of information technology on decision making. This instrument is developed using extensive literature review and is validated by case studies and questionnaire administration in an IT based organization. The organization chosen for our study is a manufacturing company in India which has implemented the latest enterprise resoruce planning software package (SAP R/3) for facilitating decision making in the organization. The study is conducted at the executive and the non‐executive level to study the impact of information technology on the decision making process at different levels of the organization.
Technological distance between manufacturing sectors and prefectures in Japan: innovative clusters and patents
Authors: Watanabe Chihiro , Carvajal Carlos
Published: June 2010

This paper examines the effects of technological distance on the performance of manufacturing sectors relative to the proximity of R&D activities in adjacent prefectures in Japan, and identifies agglomeration effects in innovation and productivity. This analysis provides constructive insights to new start‐up firms, in a more empirical way, to assist them establish R&D centers or production centers in order to leverage performance, thereby increasing the probability of success. A central objective is to elucidate the inside of the “black box” leveraging technological proximity induced by patents registration performance as a proxy for innovation by identifying the governing factors such as R&D investment and technology stock. This can be of great benefit to policy researchers as it provides a better understanding of the dynamism involved in regional innovation systems and the impacts of clustering and research policy. On the basis of the foregoing analysis, the technological activity provides an overview of the dynamism of an industrial structure with respect to the contribution and impact of input (i.e. R&D investment, techology stock), output (i.e. registered patents) and performance (i.e. agglomeration of production) proxies in Japan.
Strategy mishap in the TQM journey – a system dynamics approach
Authors: Khanna V.K. , Vrat Prem , Shankar Ravi , Sahay B.S.
Published: June 2010

Application of Total Quality Management (TQM) approach has played an important role in the survival and growth of many industries. One of the major reasons for dismal performance of many Indian organizations can be attributed to the fact that they have not been able to put strategy in place to prioritize the various enablers and results involved in the quality management systems. TQM initiatives also fall due to lack of understanding of the complex interactions and the dynamics of these variables. To overcome this limitation System Dynamics (SD) has been used to model the combined effect of different TQM variables which will help the organizations to set their strategy right. The SD model has been experimented with data from Indian auto sector. Various policy experimentation has been conducted for this purpose to drive this point. The paper illustrates that organizations without effective strategic planning are in no position to improve their results, which is very detrimental to the survival and growth of such organizations.
Strategy mishap in the TQM journey – a system dynamics approach
Authors: Ranjan Aashish , Mishra Gaurab , Tiwari M.K.
Published: June 2010

Flexible Manufacturing Cell (FMC) has been adopted as means to curb cycle time, increase productivity and improve product quality. One of the most crucial decisions that severely affect the design of FMC is selection of machines. In resolving the machine selection issues, a decision‐maker has to consider number of attributes such as type of machines, its costs, size of floor surface area, productivity etc. This article aims to develop a fuzzy based MADM approach to assist a decision maker in solving machine selection problem for a given FMC in a most pragmatic way. Adoption of an appropriate rating methodology empowers the decision‐maker to assign different importance to the various attributes. The proposed approach is exemplified by a case study reported in literature.
Relating information technology investment and organizational productivity: an empirical study
Authors: Kanungo Shivraj , Savla Anand
Published: June 2010

Today, information technology (IT) is of utmost importance to organization’s competitiveness and viability. But various empirical studies give different results about IT and productivity in organization. This project focuses on relation between IS investment and organizational productivity, and impact of other contextual factors on IS productivity. In this study, various dimensions and their indicator variables are identified from literature and hypothetical research framework for IS productivity is developed. This model is empirically validated using structural equation moelling for path analysis. The results indicate positive relation of IS investment with productivity and organizational impact, whilte complementary investment, state of IS and firm characteristics also found to have significant impact on IS productivity.
Influence of store image on buyers’ product evaluation
Authors: Verma D.P.S. , Sen Gupta Soma
Published: June 2010

This paper is based on a study conducted to examine the influence of the store image on the buyers’ perception of quality for durable, semi‐durable and non‐durable products. The study has revealed that for a durable product, like colour television, although the reputation of the brand and price are more important considerations, the buyer does pay attention to the store image as well. This is done to reduce their perceived risk and in expectation of getting good after‐sale services. He perceives a significant difference in the quality of the product sold at different stores. However, people prefer to buy from a reputed store located at a nearby area. Moreover, the buyers generally make up thei rmind about thee brand to be purchased before selecting the store. Therefore, they either look for the exclusive showroom dealing in their preferred brand or a reputed store selling that brand along with others. Buyers prefer to buy branded T‐shirts either from an exclusive showroom or a departmental store. For local brands, they take little care about the store image. Moreover, they select the store with which they had a good previous experience. A store located in a posh market is generally perceived to be carrying superior quality T‐shirts. While purchasing toothpaste, buyers pay least attention to the store image, and do not perceive a significant difference in the quality of the toothpaste sold at different types of stores. They do not believe that the more reputed the store, the better will be the quality of the toothpaste sold. They, generally, buy from the same store again and again, without taking any notice of the store reputation. The proximity of the store was found to be the most important factor influencing the store selection.
Performance appraisal at Kashipur Textiles Limited
Authors: Varman Rahul
Published: June 2010

Family run businesses invariably find it difficult to professionalize their management systems. The present case is an interesting illustration of this problem. The packaging machinery manufacturing company, KTL, had established a mark for itself and grown to a reasonable size. It was now looking forward to consolidate the gains and grow further. The owners took the first step by hiring professional managers. Then bhey trie to bring formal HRD systems to the organisation. To start with they introduced a progressive looking, formal performance appraisal system. The case illustrates the problems that the employers found in they system and how it fell far short of their expectations.
Inside the black box of cross‐functional spillover – a lesson from the functionality development of fine ceramics
Authors: Ohmura Akira , Watanabe Chihiro
Published: June 2010

Contrary to its conspicuous achievement as an industrial society, Japan has been experiencing long lasting economic stagnation due to a paradigm shift toward an information society that emerged in the 1990s. This contraction can be attributed to the shift from a growth‐oriented trajectory in an industrial society to a functionality‐oriented trajectory in an information society. However, a noteworthy surge in new innovation in Japan has been observed in recent years in the leading edge innovation challenge in the Japanese manufacturing industry. This trend can largely be attributed to effective assimilation of cross‐functional spillover in an indigenous growth‐oriented trajectory. Thus, elucidation of the inside of the black box of cross‐functional spillover has become a crucially important issue for Japan’s shift to a functionality‐oriented trajectory. Constructive suggestions for this elucidation can be observed in the shifting dynamism from structural‐materials to functional‐materials in the area of certain fine ceramics. This dynamism is based on effective assmilation of cross‐functional spillover and can provide a significant insight for the foregoing elucidation. Prompted by this postulate, this paper attempts to analyze spillover dynamism in fine ceramics and to extract constructive suggestions suggestive to Japan’s shift from a growth‐oriented trajectory to a functionality‐oriented trajectory.
A system structural model for TQM impplmentation
Authors: Mohanty R.P. , Lakhe R.R.
Published: June 2010

This paper discusses the reasons of failure of TQM Implementation in Indian Public Sector Undertaking. Based on the weaknesses observed in the existing systems and practices of implementation, a system structural model of TQM Implementation is proposed. Based on the experiential learning through interaction with the public sector undertaking, the model is a proposition to build Total Quality Management as a core competence. A case study is presented where the authors have been involved in advising a public sector undertaking relating to TQM implementation. Some of the significant learning points have been highlighted for enriching professional practice.
Internet experience of Indian customers in passenger car segment
Authors: Majumdar S.K. , Gupta M.P.
Published: June 2010

This paper presents the results of statistical analysis to assess the perception, preferences, preparedness and Internet experience of Indian car customers in making purchase decisions. The data were collected from the current and prospective customers of car by structured face‐to‐face interview (1176 respondents). It exhibited the socio‐demographic profiles of the respondents and displayed statistical evidence of availability of Internet among various age and occupation groups and the attitudes of different groups toward Internet shopping. The study reveals that customers often do not get enough information about the features of various car models, the car’s performance, prices, and other such important details from the car dealers and makers. Authorised dealers of one company are the least interested party in disclosing any positive information about their competitors’ product. Thusk, it becomes difficult for the customer to compare products feature‐wise in an informed fashion. There is a big gap between what information customers want and what is being delivered. Customers, in large numbers, would like to have information from unbiased Websites.