bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility and labor turnover
Authors: Vitaliano Donald F.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to estimate empirically the effect on the voluntary turnover (quit) rate of employees when a large public corporation already judged as an outstanding employer is also ranked as being socially responsible by an external review organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a cross‐section regression of the turnover rate of 84 of Fortune magazine's “100 Best Employers” against measures of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and several other control variables such as annual wages, ethnic and gender composition of the labor force that economic theory and prior studies have identified as explaining firm labor turnover.

Findings

Adoption of business policies that cause the firm to be rated as socially responsible reduce the annual quit rate by 3 percent to 3.5 percent, which amounts to a 25‐30 percent reduction, as compared to non‐CSR public corporations or a larger comparison set including privately held and not‐for‐profit firms.

Research limitations/implications

The wider universe of public corporations may not realize comparable turnover benefits from CSR as these “best employers” because these firms might be especially vulnerable or sensitive to corporate image when hiring workers.

Practical implications

The model estimated permits calculation of the annual rise in average wages that would be required to reduce turnover by the same amount as CSR, a sum of approximately $3,700 per year or about 9 percent of the mean wage, with a lower bound estimate of about $1,000. This suggests that these firms can significantly reduce labor costs by investing in worker‐friendly employment policies, which account for half of the entire measured CSR impact.

Originality/value

This is believed to be the first effort to quantify rigorously the effect of CSR on the employment side of firm performance. Prior labor studies have looked at hypothetical employment scenarios involving students.
Corporate governance and information asymmetry between managers and investors
Authors: Cormier Denis , Ledoux Marie‐Josée , Magnan Michel , Aerts Walter
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of governance on information asymmetry between managers and investors. Hence, the paper seeks to extend prior voluntary disclosure research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates how a firm's governance maps into the level of information asymmetry between managers and investors. Governance encompasses two complementary dimensions: formal monitoring attributes and voluntary disclosure about board processes. Information asymmetry is measured by either share price volatility or Tobin's Q.

Findings

The results show that some formal monitoring attributes (board and audit committee size) as well as the extent of voluntary governance disclosure reduce information asymmetry. This suggests that governance disclosure may complement a firm's governance monitoring attributes, especially in a country such as Canada where investors have good legal protection. It appears also that firms take into account ultimate costs and benefits to shareholders when determining their governance disclosure.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the impact of voluntary governance disclosure on information asymmetry.
Corporate governance and corporate social responsibility: evidence from the healthcare sector
Authors: Jamali Dima , Hallal Mohammad , Abdallah Hanin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Sound corporate governance is now a mainstream issue of concern in the business world. However, there has been no systematic investigation of corporate governance practices in the healthcare sector. Allowing for a distinction between two types of healthcare organizations (profit and non‐profit), this paper aims to investigate nuances in the application of sound governance principles across different types of healthcare organizations in the context of a developing country, together with differing understanding and applications of corporate social responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a qualitative interpretive methodology, comprising in‐depth interviews with top hospital executives drawn from 21 Lebanese hospitals representing both the profit and non‐profit varieties.

Findings

The findings suggest some basic governance differences between for‐profit and non‐profit hospitals in terms of managerial structure, ownership and the role of the board of directors, as well as differing orientations towards corporate social responsibility. There is a general lack of understanding and application of corporate governance best practices in family‐owned, for‐profit hospitals, whereas non‐profit hospitals are more in line with corporate governance best practices, and more attuned to corporate social responsibility.

Originality/value

This paper presents fresh insights into applications of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility principles in a very important sector that has not received systematic attention and consideration in the literature.
Power in the boardroom: a study on Turkish family‐owned and listed companies
Authors: Oba Beyza , Ozsoy Zeynep , Atakan Serap
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the power dynamics of the boards of directors in family‐owned and listed Turkish companies. Power and dominance in the boardroom can be studied in relation to three variables: the institutional environment in which the firm is embedded; the structural configurations of the board; and the top manager's propensity to exercise his/her power resources. Focusing on the board level, this paper aims to conceptualize power dynamics as being composed of structural attributes, roles assumed, responsibilities, dependency and representation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research domain of this exploratory study is family‐owned and listed companies operating on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE). The data for the study were collected from three different sources: a survey administered to members of the boards of directors; discourse analysis of corporate governance compliance reports of the same companies; and in‐depth interviews conducted with board members.

Findings

This study shows that on a typical board of directors of a family‐owned and listed Turkish company, the interests of owners and managers are aligned and other stakeholders are not represented; the role of the board is confined to visibility and legitimacy and does not include control.

Originality/value

This paper argues that theories developed for Anglo‐Saxon equity‐market based business systems have limited exploratory power for an emerging economy – namely Turkey – that is based on a business system characterized by close co‐operation between the state, family‐owned businesses and financial markets.
Empirical evidence of corporate governance in Thai state‐owned enterprises
Authors: Khongmalai Orapan , Tang John C.S. , Siengthai Sununta
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The primary objectives of this paper are to: develop a multi‐attribute pattern of the corporate governance model in Thai state‐owned enterprises; assess the relative importance of different corporate governance practices; and provide detailed information of each corporate governance practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. A case study was conducted to gather information on specific corporate governance behaviors in Thai state‐owned enterprises. Then a questionnaire was developed and tested in 38 Thai state‐owned enterprises. Factor analysis was conducted to examine a common framework of corporate governance practices.

Findings

This research demonstrated the multi‐attribute nature of the corporate governance model in Thai state‐owned enterprises. According to this model, the most important corporate governance practice is strategic human resource management, followed by information technology, board of directors, risk management, internal control, and internal audit sequentially. Additionally, this study brings out insights into corporate governance practices that represent the specific characteristics of Thai state‐owned enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by the fact that the sample represents only Thai state‐owned enterprises. Further studies should be conducted to better understand the complexity of the multi‐attribute nature of the corporate governance model in state‐owned enterprises in developing countries.

Practical implications

Policy makers can utilize the multi‐attribute nature of the corporate governance model as a guideline for the further development of corporate governance practices in other state‐owned enterprises.

Originality/value

This study demonstrated the multi‐attribute nature of the corporate governance model in state‐owned enterprises in developing countries such as Thailand. This research confirms the broad principles of corporate governance as well as providing detailed information on corporate governance practices from a new perspective.
Corporate governance rating and financial performance: a Canadian study
Authors: Berthelot Sylvie , Morris Tania , Morrill Cameron
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether the corporate governance rankings published by a market information intermediary are reflected in the values that investors accord to firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data from 289 Canadian firms in the four‐year period 2002‐2005 were analyzed using a price model.

Findings

The results suggest that the corporate governance rankings published by the market information intermediary are related to not only firm market value, but also to accounting results.

Practical implications

This study provides empirical observations that would be useful for various organizations involved in the regulation of corporate governance practices and the standardization of relevant data elements.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that information published by an information intermediary is reflected in firm market values. Moreover, this information appears to be related to the accounting results. Thus, good governance rankings are reflected in the accounting results.
A new perspective on board composition and firm performance in an emerging market
Authors: Ameer Rashid , Ramli Fairuz , Zakaria Husein
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the relationship between board composition and firm performance using a board‐level aggregation variable.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses linear regression to analyze the relationship between board role typology and firm performance using a panel data set of 277 non‐financial listed Malaysian firms over the period 2002‐2007.

Findings

The empirical results show that firm‐boards with a high representation of outside and foreign directors are associated with better performance compared to those firm‐boards that have a majority of insider executive and affiliated non‐executive directors.

Research limitations/implications

The findings seem to imply that in widely owned firms a higher proportion of outsiders on the board reduces under‐investment and agency problems, which has significant economic implications.

Originality/value

This is the first study to use a board‐level aggregation variable to demonstrate the impact of boards' resourcefulness on firm performance.
Information technology governance: an evaluation of the theory‐practice gap
Authors: Ko Denise , Fink Dieter
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide an understanding of information technology (IT) governance, from both a theory and practice perspective, and to identify current theory‐practice gaps within the organisations studied.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a complementary and collaborative model of IT governance and used a multiple case approach in which IT governance is examined against the model in four major universities. Case study research is qualitative in nature enabling insights into the “how” and “why” of IT governance to be gained.

Findings

Based on underlying theory, the study was able to develop propositions regarding IT governance practices, observe current practices within the participating universities and establish gaps between theory and practice. The study identified theory‐practice gaps in each of three IT governance dimensions: structure, process and people. Gaps ranged in significance from small to large. Two large gaps existed which require attention: they are in respect of integrating IT governance mechanisms and raising the awareness and understanding of the concept among senior management.

Research limitations/implications

The model of IT governance developed for the research can be further developed and refined. In addition, the university context may have imposed limitations as different findings could arise in different contexts. Furthermore, the participating CIOs and IT directors could have brought their own values and beliefs to the research when interpreting the IT governance objectives of their university.

Practical implications

The model of IT governance developed for the research enables organisations to assess and map their IT governance against theoretical dimensions. By mapping observed practice against theory, the study was able to provide a mechanism of identifying theory‐practice gaps, where they existed.

Originality/value

IT is ubiquitous in nature because modern IT crosses organisational activities and has become strongly aligned with business activities. Thus IT governance can be viewed as an integral part of corporate governance and requires senior management's attention. However, because of the specialised nature of IT, governance in this domain has unique characteristics. Yet, current literature reflects a lack of maturity and points to diverse and inconsistent concepts of IT governance as well as variations in how IT governance is implemented. The paper reduces uncertainty for corporate executives by systematically synthesising current literature, developing a theoretical model and testing it against current practice.
The effect of type and volume fraction (VF) of steel fiber on the mechanical properties of self‐compacting concrete
Authors: Ghanbarpour S. , Mazaheripour H. , Mirmoradi S.H. , Barari A.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Self‐compacting concrete (SCC) offers several economic and technical benefits; the use of steel fibers extends its possibilities. Steel fibers bridge cracks, retard their propagation, and improve several characteristics and properties of the SCC. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of type and volume fraction of steel fiber on the compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of steel fiber reinforced self‐compacting concrete (SFRSCC).

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, Micro wire and Wave type steel fibers with l/d ratios of 50 were used. Three different fiber volumes were added to concrete mixes at 0.5, 0.75 and 1 per cent by volume of SCC. Six different SFRSCC mixes were prepared. After 28 days of curing, compressive, split and flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were determined.

Findings

It was found that, inclusion of steel fibers significantly affect the split tensile and flexural strength of SCC accordance with type and vf. Besides, mathematical expressions were developed to estimate the flexural, modulus of elasticity and split tensile strength of SFRSCCs regarding of compressive strength.

Originality/value

It was found that inclusion of steel fibers significantly affected the split tensile and flexural strength of SCC accordance with type and f v.
Relationship between energy consumption and economic development in construction industry
Authors: Xundi Diao , Liyin Shen , Saixing Zeng , Jose Jorge Ochoa , Xiaoling Zhang
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the current state of energy consumption and economic development in Beijing's construction industry and identify the relationship between the two systems so as to supply decision support for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a design of a coordinated development model based on the theory of synergetics. The focus of the paper is on how to integrate energy consumption indices and economic development indices to determine coordinated development indices in a relevant and useful manner. While analyzing energy composite consumption and economic composite development, respectively, all the variables normalized are eliminated inter‐correlated characteristics by making use of principal component analysis (PCA).

Findings

Beijing's construction development is experiencing the transition from economic development hysteresis to energy consumption hysteresis. The higher coordinated development degree is predicting the energy‐economy system is trending to stability in Beijing's construction industry which does not necessarily mean a perfect development trend but an upper limit of the increasing rate in energy consumption. Thus, or at least maintaining the current economic development and energy utilization policy, production specifications, or using new technology, new method and economic policy to stimulate the economic development, or more attention from all the stakeholders being paid to saving more energy than before, will be still priority considerations for Beijing's construction industry in the following years.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an original framework for examining the relationship between energy consumption and economic development in construction industry. The framework is also capable of identifying if the growth rate in energy consumption goes beyond the upper limit.
Buildability factors influencing formwork labour productivity of isolated foundations
Authors: Jarkas Abdulaziz M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects and relative influence of: grid patterns; variability of foundation sizes; total surface area; and average surface area, on formwork labour productivity of isolated foundations.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, a sufficiently large volume of productivity data were collected and analyzed at both levels; macro, and micro, using the linear regression method. As a result, the effects and relative influence of the investigated factors on formwork labour productivity are determined and quantified.

Findings

The findings show significant impacts of the buildability factors investigated on formwork labour productivity, and substantiate the importance of applying the rationalization and standardization concepts to the design stage of construction projects.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into the effects of buildability factors on formwork, and other related trades of in situ reinforced concrete material, i.e. rebar fixing/installation and concreting, labour productivity, which are common to other structural elements and activities such as, grade/ground beams, columns, walls, beams, and slabs, is recommended, so that the related findings can ultimately be used to develop an automated “Buildability Design Support System” to formalize the buildability knowledge of reinforced concrete construction projects.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this research provide designers with feedback on how well their designs consider the requirements of buildability principles, and the tangible consequences of their decisions on labour productivity. In addition, practical recommendations deduced from the findings are presented, which upon implementation, can improve the buildability level of this activity, hence translate into higher labour efficiency and lower labour costs. On the other hand, the depicted patterns may provide guidance to construction managers for effective activity planning and efficient labour utilization.

Originality/value

The findings fill a gap in buildability knowledge and its influence on formwork labour productivity of an important, labour intensive, activity within the in situ reinforced concrete construction projects.
Benefits and impacts of THRIP‐supported applied research projects
Authors: Oscar Dassah Maurice , Uken Ernst
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to highlight the benefits, impacts and spin‐offs of 52 THRIP‐supported applied research projects conducted in South Africa between 2001 and 2003. Benefits, impacts and spin‐offs were realised in human resource development/intellectual, technological, commercial/economic and social domains. These value‐for‐money aspects indicate that funding of science, engineering and technology (SET) projects is important for raising citizens' quality of life and making South Africa competitive.

Design/methodology/approach

A main questionnaire, followed by a secondary one, was circulated to contact persons in industry (sponsors) and individual researchers. They were asked to identify the benefits resulting from their THRIP projects to themselves, the wider South African society and the economy. Responses to items in the questionnaires were thematically analysed and recurring dominant themes were identified.

Findings

Both researchers and industry representatives agreed that human resource development was generally achieved. Also realised to a large extent were commercial/economic and technological spin‐offs. The percentage of industry respondents reporting on such benefits and spin‐offs was generally higher than for researchers. Similar results were obtained in respect of differences or impacts THRIP projects made.

Research/limitations implications

Of the targeted 70 project leaders (academics/researchers) and an equal number of industry contact persons, 44 of the former and 21 of the latter responded, respectively.

Practical implications

Sustained funding of SET research and development projects is critical for South Africa not only to raise quality of life for citizens, but also for the country to become competitive.

Originality/value

This paper originates from an empirical research undertaken for a doctoral degree. It answers to the need to objectively assess the benefits and impacts of THRIP/industry‐funded applied research projects.
Cleaner production for environmental conscious manufacturing in the foundry industry
Authors: Fore S. , Mbohwa C.T.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to illustrate application of the cleaner production concept so as to incorporate environmental protection into business performance. The study analyses areas pertaining to the foundry industry that impact negatively on the environment leading to unsustainable resource utilisation and suggests options for promoting sustainable development within the industry, with specific focus on a foundry in a lower income country (LIC).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using the cleaner production (CP) Methodology. Pre‐assessment and assessment was carried out and options generated. The options included both low cost and capital intensive approaches.

Findings

The paper finds that the CP approach adopted provides clear guidance for generating options and can be used as a practical basis for managerial decision making and policy formulation. Of major concern is resource depletion and pollution associated with the foundry processes. Used resin sand contains toxic chemicals cause leaching and as such, reclamation of resin sand is suggested. There is need for low income countries (LIC's) to identify the best available technologies (BAT's) that are available within the foundry industry and take these aboard or better still improve on them.

Research limitations/implications

This research developed environmental options that can be applied in the foundry industry. However, it can be said that the findings may have limited global application since the analysis was carried out at one Foundry Company.

Practical implications

The paper focuses on a single foundry factory, since the case study approach was used. As such, environmental indicators and options may vary, since the processes from one foundry to another are bound to differ.

Originality/value

This paper is an attempt at combining theoretical and practical ideas to cover the scope of sustainable manufacturing in the setting of a developing country with a view to identify the lessons that can be learnt and to identify the points of departure when compared with studies done elsewhere. The work informs cleaner production assessment at any level, with a focus of production experiences in the foundry industry in a lower technology, developing economy that is less industrialized. The paper establishes a framework of options that can be applied in the foundry industry and other pollution‐intensive industries.
Performance comparison of carbon nanotube, nickel silicide nanowire and copper VLSI interconnects
Authors: Singh Duksh Yograj , Kaushik Brajesh Kumar , Sarkar Sankar , Singh Raghuvir
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and evaluate the performance comparison of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and nickel silicide (NiSi) nanowires interconnects as prospective alternatives to copper wire interconnects.

Design/methodology/approach

The increasing resistivity of the copper wire with scaling and rising demands on current density drives the need for identifying new wiring solutions. This paper explores the various alternatives to copper. The metallic bundle CNTs and NiSi nanowires are promising candidates that can potentially address the challenges faced by copper. This paper analyzes various electrical models of carbon nanotube and recently introduced novel interconnect solution using NiSi nanowires.

Findings

The theoretical studies proves CNTs and NiSi nanowires to be better alternatives against copper on the ground of performance parameters, such as effective current density, delay and power consumption. NiSi nanowire provides highest propagation speed for short wire length, and copper is the best for intermediate wire length, while bundle CNTs is faster for long wire length. NiSi nanowire has lowest power consumption than copper and CNTs.

Originality/value

This paper investigates, assess and compares the performance of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and NiSi nanowires interconnects as prospective alternatives to copper wire interconnects in future VLSI chips.
Application of creative design concept to braking system synchronization in two wheeler bikes
Authors: Vinodh S. , Arun M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a research in which creative design concepts have been applied for braking system synchronization in two wheeler bikes.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review on creative design concepts and braking system scenario has been carried out. By studying the existing braking system and applying creative design concepts, modified braking system has been developed.

Findings

The research experience indicated that the effectiveness of braking system has been improved by the adoption of proposed system.

Research limitations/implications

The research has been carried out for an automobile two wheeler. The findings of this research work could be extended to similar models of two wheelers.

Practical implications

The usage of the proposed system reduces the number of accidents and it adds significantly to the life of the brakes.

Originality/value

A case study has been reported to indicate the application of creative design concepts for enhancing the synchronization of automotive braking system in two wheeler bikes.
Targeted drug delivery to ischemic heart with use of nanoparticulate carriers
Authors: Galagudza Michael , Korolev Dmitry , Sonin Dmitry , Postnov Viktor , Papayan Garry , Uskov Ivan , Belozertseva Anastasia , Shlyakhto Eugene
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Clinical outcome in patients with ischemic heart disease can be significantly improved with the implementation of targeted drug delivery into the ischemic myocardium. The purpose of this paper is to review the data of recent literature and present original findings relevant to the problem of therapeutic heart targeting with use of nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

For literature review, a public‐domain database (Medline) was searched using a web‐based search engine (PubMed) and the following key words: “nanoparticles”, “nanocarriers”, and “targeted drug delivery”. Experimental approaches included fabrication of carbon and silica nanoparticles, their characterization and surface modification. The acute hemodynamic effects of nanoparticle formulation as well as nanoparticle biodistribution were studied on male Wistar rats.

Findings

Carbon and silica nanoparticles are biocompatible materials that can be used as carriers for heart‐targeted drug delivery. Concepts of passive and active targeting can be applied to the development of targeted drug delivery to the ischemic myocardial cells.

Originality/value

The present paper is believed to be the first on ligand‐directed targeted drug delivery into the damaged myocardium.
Physiological research of efficiency of biologically safe bacterial fertilizers
Authors: Sokolova Marina G. , Akimova Galina , Vaishlya Olga , Vedernikova Anna
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study bio‐safe technology – impact of rhizospheric bacteria Azotobacter and Bacillus within the composition of environmentally clean complex microbiological biofertilizer “BioWais” prepared on the basis of nitrogen‐, phospho‐ and silicon‐bacterin on physiological parameters of plants: growth, productivity, the role of rhizobacteria in plants resistance to biotic and abiotic factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The following contemporary methods of investigation of physiological parameters of biological objects: immunoenzyme analysis of phytohormones, method of combinatory light dissemination, determination of amino acid composition of grain proteins by ion‐exchange chromatography, spectrophotometric methods were used.

Findings

The positive impact of biofertilizer “BioWais” on plant growth and development, enhancement of resistance of bacterized plants to hypothermia and pathogenic infection, increase of carotid content were demonstrated.

Research limitations/implications

The bacteria under study biopreparation were shown to act as plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria foster increase of plant anti‐oxidant protection, adaptation of seedlings to hypothermia, synthesize cytokinins and indolyl acetic acid.

Practical implications

Bacterial preparation increases quality and amount of agricultures yield, it may be recommended to treat seeds prior to planting with the view to stimulate germination, to enhance plants resistance to hypothermia and fungus‐induced diseases, for improvement of plant growth and development.

Originality/value

New, innovative, environmentally pure bacterial preparation BioWais showed significant efficiency for a number of agrocultures and may be used for acquisition of safe plant products of high quality (with high content of protein, essential amino acids and carotin, potential source of vitamin A, low content of nitrates).
Managing demand and supply uncertainties to achieve mass customization ability
Authors: Liu Gensheng (Jason) , Shah Rachna , Schroeder Roger G.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Managing demand and supply uncertainties is critical for all manufacturers, but it has added importance for companies that intend to achieve mass customization (MC) ability because these uncertainties are an intrinsic characteristic of MC. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how managing uncertainties in a firm's demand and supply affects its MC ability.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are conducted on data collected from 189 manufacturing plants to empirically test two hypotheses.

Findings

Both demand and supply uncertainty management have a positive impact on a company's MC ability. However, managing either demand or supply uncertainties independently of the other is not enough to achieve MC ability; instead, a company needs to concurrently manage both demand and supply uncertainties to achieve MC ability.

Originality/value

The current literature lacks a sound theoretical basis to link demand and supply uncertainty management with MC ability. The paper provides such a theoretical foundation, and systematically identifies several demand and supply uncertainty management mechanisms that enable firms to achieve superior MC ability. In addition, it is one of the first large‐scale empirical studies to address the impact of managing both demand and supply uncertainties on MC ability.
Study of vendor‐managed inventory practices in Indian industries
Authors: Borade Atul B. , Bansod Satish V.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

In the global economy, vendor‐managed inventory (VMI) is gradually becoming an important element of supply chain management strategy of organizations. Recently, Indian industries, both large and small, have started adopting VMI for their supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to investigate apparent differences among large and small industries in terms of objectives, drivers, obstacles and impacts of VMI in Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to examine organizational objectives, strategic drivers, obstacles and affected operations pursuant to VMI adoption. By reviewing the literature, four hypotheses were formed and tested from the responses.

Findings

It is observed that both large and small industries in India have started adopting VMI for improving the business performance. Results clearly indicate that adoption factors are different in large and small industries.

Originality/value

The paper explores current practices with respect to VMI in Indian industries. The analysis would be useful for the developing VMI adoption strategies in Indian context.
It's unwritten in the Cloud: the technology enablers for realising the promise of Cloud Computing
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Mustafee Navonil
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate, through arguments, the enabling factors that are expected to facilitate the adoption of Cloud Computing.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the study of the recent developments in ICT and the authors' views and arguments as to how such advancements are expected to lead to an increased adoption of Cloud Computing.

Findings

Several ICT areas have to be developed in conjunction for the promise of Cloud Computing to be realised. These include (but are not limited to) the development of parallel programming paradigms and open source software, Cloud access to high performance computing, Green IT, investment in low‐cost access‐cum‐computing devices and hi‐speed networks.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the current advances in ICT and its expected influence on the adoption of Cloud computing. Furthermore, it lays emphasis on the developing economies and discusses the low‐cost technologies and infrastructure investments (including government subsidies) required to provide Cloud‐access to the masses.
The logistics of information management within an eGovernment context
Authors: Sharif Amir M. , Irani Zahir
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Developments in the world of distributed computing have made possible the successful integration of diverse information systems working in different environments. Electronic government (eGovernment) provides governmental stakeholders with a wealth of information stored at the various entities in the organisation. Decision makers are often overloaded with the amount of information that they receive. Notwithstanding the logistics of information flows from government bodies to citizens, the flow of information between various entities with national and local government organisations has become a critical issue. As a result, this paper seeks to analyse the logistics of information decision‐making flows, within an eGovernment implementation, by modelling and extrapolating those key decision factors via a cognitive mapping approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a multi‐method approach in terms of combining an empirical qualitative case study with a quantitative analytical simulation technique for analyzing decision‐making behaviour relating to policy considerations within the eGovernment realm in a Gulf municipality, through the use of a Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) approach.

Findings

By using the FCM approach, the paper was able to highlight the unique interplay between eGovernment stakeholders in the case context, whereby inherent relationships were shown to exist between decision‐making eGovernment stakeholders and the consumers of eGovernment information. Thus, project management information, relationships and deployment; evaluation of information systems, relationships and policy, change management policy and processes, system validation, processes and deployment; and alignment with strategic eGovernment drivers, deployment with policy are identified.

Research limitations/implications

This realisation of the demand and supply of the underlying logistics information management needs, within an eGovernment context, provides an understanding of the principal factors which drive and define those technological and organisational challenges experienced by the eGovernment municipality. By exploring these factors through a combination of qualitative discourse and quantitative simulation, it is subsequently shown that an abundance of information exists within a seemingly placid organisational system, the basis for which resides in the constant flow of information between and among stakeholders, processes, and systems.

Originality/value

The paper uses a combination of a qualitative case research with quantitative analysis/simulation technique in order to identify inter‐relationships in the decision‐making criteria of a Gulf‐based municipality in order to shed light on the key components of their policy control.
Organizational context, supplier management practices and supplier performance
Authors: Chuah PohLean , Peng Wong Wai , Ramayah T. , Jantan M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationships among supplier management practices, organizational context and supplier performance. The contexts selected for supplier management practices are economics transactional practices and high involvement work practices (HIWP); while power asymmetry and competition intensity are considered within the organizational context.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted on a multinational semiconductor company. A two‐phase statistical analysis, which comprised phase one (reliability and factor analysis), and phase two (hierarchical multiple regression analysis), was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study provides empirical evidence to support the conceptual and prescriptive statements in the literature regarding the impact of supplier management practices and the dynamics between organizational context and supplier management towards supplier performance. The results show that high involvement work practices (HIWP) mediate the impact of competition intensity on suppliers' quality performance and partially mediate the effect of competition intensity on suppliers' flexibility. The limitation of this study is that it does not use longitudinal data, which would be more useful to examine changes in variables that affect performance; nevertheless, as this study was conducted in‐house, it was able to control the extraneous factors.

Originality/value

The study provides important insights for managers to understand the disposition of the firm to better leverage organizational context by exploiting relationships with suppliers. The paper has extended organizational theory and marketing theory into a supply chain context. Moreover, it is among the first empirical work that specifically investigates the relationship between organizational context and supplier management practices; thus the paper fills an important gap in the supply chain literature.
Investigating homeworkers' inclination to remain connected to work at “anytime, anywhere” via mobile phones
Authors: Lal Banita , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Mobile phones are said to enable homeworkers to remain connected for work purposes at “anytime, anywhere”, irrespective of time or location. This paper seeks to argue that, despite this assertion, little is known beyond the anecdotal literature about whether homeworkers actually remain connected as such.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper aimed to address the issue described previously by conducting semi‐structured interviews with 25 homeworkers who were recruited using snowball sampling.

Findings

The findings show that homeworkers tried to distinguish between “work” and “home” by allocating specific time and space to each domain, but nevertheless remained connected via their mobile phones outside the time and space allocated for work activity. This resulted in work crossing into the home domain and individuals potentially becoming connected and contactable at “anytime, anywhere”. However, the findings identify that homeworkers took various actions in order to control their contactability outside the work domain, which suggests that, despite the potential, remaining connected “anytime, anywhere” is often not the reality. Such actions are discussed in this paper in the context of the existing literature.

Practical implications

Implications for organisations employing homeworking are also presented, together with how the limitations of the study can be overcome in future research.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the less explored and existing homeworking and boundary literature and provides implications for practitioners of homeworking.
Building an integrated B2B e‐commerce hub architecture based on SOA and semantic ontology
Authors: Abdulazim Mohamed Usama , Galal‐Edeen Galal H. , El‐Zoghbi Adel A.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The previous generations of implemented B2B e‐commerce hub solutions (e‐Marketplaces) did not successfully fulfil the requirements of buyers and suppliers (“Participants”) in different business domains to carry out their daily business and online commercial transactions with one another because of their inappropriateness, and lack of flexibility. The limitations of these provided solutions came from a lot of architectural and technological challenges in the provided technical architectures that were used to build these solutions. This research aims to provide a proposed architecture to build integrated B2B e‐Commerce hub solutions. It also aims to make use of bottom‐up/top‐down approaches to building an integrated solution and to resolve the reasons for the failure of previous generations of B2B e‐commerce hubs.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses the EDI reference model, which is provided by the ISO organization to survey and analyze the challenges of previous generations of B2B e‐Commerce hubs solutions and their architectures. The study develops a proposed solution architecture based on the recent approaches to building IOSs to build a B2B e‐commerce hub solution architecture that can be used to implement vertical B2B e‐commerce hubs (vertical e‐Marketplaces). The paper assesses the capabilities of the proposed solution architecture for building vertical B2B e‐Marketplaces by applying the proposed architecture to the building of a vertical B2B e‐Marketplace for the oil and gas sector in Egypt.

Findings

Previous B2B e‐Commerce hub initiatives failed to extend their products and services to their “Participants”, and required substantial investment and effort from each “Participant” to join such a B2B e‐Commerce hub. The failure of these IOS projects lies in their inability to integrate B2B e‐Commerce networks based on IOS and consequently, they supported very few partners and “Participants”. These IOS approaches did not resolve the existing challenges of B2B e‐Commerce hubs, especially in the realm of interoperability.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the proposed architecture comes from the creation of a clear automatic path between a business requirements layer and a technology layer by combining both Service Oriented Architecture and management requirements in a single framework to provide dynamic products and flexible services. It provides a complete Multi Channel Framework to resolve the interoperability challenges.
Informal networks as “global microstructures”: the case of German expatriates in Russia
Authors: Wagner Gabriele , Vormbusch Uwe
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Multinational companies are considered “driving forces” of globalization and “prime movers” of global sociation. Yet the problems, conflicts, and contradictions in the implementation of global strategies at the micro level – as well as the real possibility that such implementation will fail – are virtually ignored in macro‐sociological studies. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to address this neglect by focusing on a micro level examination of the contribution of expatriates in their interactive role as facilitators and managers, and, their informal social networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The interpretation of how global structures are concretely organized and sustained is based on case studies and interviews with German expatriates in Russia. The article examines two particular aspects: the contribution of expatriates in their interactive roles, on the one hand, and their informal social circles, on the other. The analytical framework draws on the concept of “global microstructures”.

Findings

Expatriates must maneuver between the conflicts and contradictions that surface from the three‐way relationship between head office, branch office, and the market, and their respective local institutionalized pressures. It is argued that such conflicts and contradictions cannot be resolved within the formal structure of organizations and that, as a result, they are shifted to the level of interpersonal interaction or to informal networks. Global reach as well as microsocial foundations therefore characterize the expatriate's action system.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study is restricted to German expatriates in Russia, further comparative research is needed to sustain the findings for other institutional and cultural settings.

Practical implications

The findings raise awareness both of the contradictory demands expatriates are confronted with in their everyday work as well as their unique resources. They could contribute to better management training and preparation for expatriates prior to their move abroad.

Originality/value

The paper presents a micro‐sociological view on how systemic integration is actually achieved through a globally stretched as well as locally specified network of interaction. It could be valuable for international strategy definition as well as for personnel managers, and future expatriates themselves.