bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making sense of context
Authors: Doolin Bill
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory analysis of how key actors in three New Zealand regional tourism organizations interpret various local and general contextual conditions in accounting for website development, and how such sense‐making is likely to have shaped the configuration of generic web technology in each organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative analysis of accounts provided by key actors involved in website development planning and decision‐making in three small tourism organizations is used. Where possible, the narrative analysis was supplemented by document review and interviews with other organizational stakeholders.

Findings

Despite their ostensibly similar roles, the three organizations developed websites that exhibited significant variation in scope, functionality and sophistication. The analysis suggests that much of this local variation in website form and function was the result of how the general managers (GMs) in these organizations, acting as “configurational intrapreneurs” in website development, interpreted contextual “conditions of possibility” in which their organizations were situated.

Research limitations/implications

As analysis occurred after website development, recourse is made to development narratives authored in an interview setting by the GMs of the three organizations studied. It is argued that the sense‐making occurring in these situated narratives reflects the sense‐giving performed by these key actors during the website development process.

Originality/value

The study suggests that how specific conditions of possibility are perceived and mobilized by influential actors plays an important role in shaping the technological outcome of website development, particularly in small organizations. It demonstrates the utility of analysing the sense‐making processes inherent in narratives of information systems development as a way of understanding the strategic development and use of such systems.
The architecture and industry applications of web security in static and dynamic analysis
Authors: Wu Raymond , Hisada Masayuki
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a metadata‐driven approach and the associated technologies to deal with ever‐rising web security issue. The approach applies metadata techniques to envision semantic validation for new types of vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

Token decomposition design was applied to move analysis work into abstract level. This novel approach can solve the issues by using a dual control method to perform vulnerability validation.

Findings

Current analysis has been lack in metadata foundation, the vulnerability is invisible due to semantic obfuscation. This paper reflects the limitation of existing methods. It applies metadata‐driven approach to move physical and syntax analysis into semantic validation.

Research limitations/implications

Currently, certain difficulties may be encountered in preparing benchmarking for dual control process before completing development work. However, this paper tries to create scenarios which can be a reference, to evaluate the semantic validation.

Practical implications

In consideration of the optimized control and vulnerability rate, Structural Query Language (SQL) injection is taken as an example in demonstration. This approach targets large enterprise and high complexity, and the research intends to impact industry to generate common practices such as metadata standards and development tools.

Originality/value

This paper contributes originality in applying metadata strategy to envision semantic structure. It further favours the service industry in building up portfolio foundation in component‐based technologies. As the new type of vulnerability can be precisely specified, it can minimize business impact and achieve efficient vulnerability detection.
Combining experimental and inquiry methods in software usability evaluation
Authors: Kostaras Nektarios , Stavrinoudis Dimitris , Sokoli Stavroula , Xenos Michalis
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology combining experimental and inquiry methods used for software usability evaluation. The software product of LeViS project funded by the European Commission (Socrates/Lingua II) is used as an evaluation paradigm. The aim of the paper is twofold: to present the results of the usability evaluation using this software as an example and to suggest a number of improvements for the next version of the software tool; and to portray the advantages of combining methods from different evaluation approaches and the experiences from their application.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation for this experiment combined different usability methods, both experimental and inquiry ones. More specifically, the methods employed were the Thinking Aloud Protocol and the User Logging, which were performed in a usability evaluation laboratory, as well as the inquiry methods of Interview and Focus Group.

Findings

In this study, usability problems regarding the Learning via Subtitling (LvS) educational software were revealed as well as issues regarding the use of Thinking Aloud Protocol method and involving users with a specific profile. The research findings presented in this paper constitute an innovative and effective methodology for software usability evaluation and are useful for laboratories aiming to conduct similar evaluations.

Research limitations/implications

Although this methodology has been successfully applied for over 20 software products, due to practical purposes related to this paper's extent, only one software is used as an example.

Originality/value

Through the evaluation process, apart from discovering certain usability problems related to the software, there are a number of important conclusions drawn, regarding the methods used and the methodology followed in software usability evaluation.
Supporting knowledge transfer in web‐based managed IT support
Authors: Cooper Vanessa A. , Lichtenstein Sharman
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance and complexities of the knowledge transfer process in the provision of effective managed after‐sales IT support, when the web is used for service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper features an interpretive case study of a multi‐national Managed Service Provider (MSP) and a focus group of representatives from five comparable MSPs.

Findings

The paper finds that MSPs that use web‐based channels for the provision of after‐sales IT support services need to address a range of important social and organisational issues in order to realise cost and efficiency‐based benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a four stage processual model of knowledge transfer in the provision of web‐based managed after‐sales IT support services. The barriers and enablers of knowledge transfer at each stage are identified. The paper adopts a MSP perspective and suggests that further research from the customer perspective is required.

Practical implications

The paper highlights some important social and organisational enablers and barriers, which will guide MSPs when providing managed after‐sales IT support using web‐based channels.

Originality/value

The paper provides the first staged model of inter‐organisational knowledge transfer in a complex multi‐organisational and multi‐channel web‐based context.
Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Goodman Michael B.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the future of corporate communication professionals and researchers; to present the findings of the Corporate Communication International (CCI) Corporate Communication Practices and Trends Study 2009; and to introduce the issues presented in the papers from the CCI Conference on Corporate Communication 2009 published in this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a discussion of the future of the corporate communication and the findings of the CCI Corporate Communication Practices and Trends Study 2009.

Findings

The paper implies strategic knowledge of business processes and practice for effective corporate communication.

Research limitations/implications

The paper implies several areas for further research.

Originality/value

The paper articulates complex challenges facing corporate communicators.
New media: a new medium in escalating crises?
Authors: Siah Ann Mei Joanna , Bansal Namrata , Pang Augustine
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The use of new media in crisis is a double‐edged sword. On one hand, its pivotal role in online monitoring and dissemination of information can help an organisation manage crisis. On the other hand, it can also create organisational crisis. The purpose of this paper is to examine how new media can be used to escalate crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Four crises were examined: the 2008 Edison Chen sex scandal in Hong Kong; and in the USA, New York Taco Bell‐KFC rats infestation crisis in 2007; JetBlue Airways crisis in 2007, and the Kryptonite locks crisis in 2004.

Findings

The very characteristics that make new media unique, such as user interactivity and integration of multimedia effects, are also its Achilles heel.

Research limitations/implications

Research has revolved around new media as a tool, a useful aid in times of need. The paper presents an emerging and under‐explored side of new media of how it is used as an accessory in escalating crises.

Practical implications

Practitioners can be equipped to better prepare themselves against the threats posed by new media.

Originality/value

The paper has developed a new model on how organisations could harness new media to their advantage while implementing safeguards against possible threats posed by the medium. This model, called the new media crisis communication model, is an integration of the crisis management model posited by Gonzelez‐Herrero and Smith and the contingency theory of strategic conflict management.
The persuasive strength of values, reputation, and interest arguments for promoting ethical behavior in a global corporate setting
Authors: Leila Trapp N.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question the appropriateness of approaching business ethics communication from within a corporate communication or intercultural management framework as the normative stances of these two frameworks are seen to differ with regard to how global companies should communicate with a culturally diverse staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey results regarding staff evaluations of various company‐issued arguments used to promote ethical behavior in a global corporate setting are examined. The respondents are staff from the Denmark, Sweden, Brazil, and the USA affiliates of the global health care company, Novo Nordisk.

Findings

Survey results reveal that although there are some important differences between country affiliates, there is also an impressive degree of agreement that corporate identity, values, and reputation are important sources of motivation for ethical behavior.

Practical implications

The findings provide practical guidance for the development of persuasive business ethics programs in global, values‐based companies.

Originality/value

The paper provides support for the corporate communication stance that shared corporate identity, values, and reputation do indeed motivate staff to behave ethically. It also demonstrates the international applicability of this stance.
Identifying and mapping stakeholders: an industry case study
Authors: Hutt Roger W.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to identify and map groups, organizations, and individuals chief executive officers refer to in annual report letters, and propose a method for identifying those appearing to be stakeholders. Identifying who those stakeholders are could provide clues to competitors' corporate strategies or other issues drawing the attention of executive managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Annual report letters of all 19 public restaurant franchisors on the 2007 Franchise Times top 200 list were analyzed with concordance software. Stakeholders were identified and mapped according to their linkages with franchisors.

Findings

Significant differences were found between international and domestic franchisors. An industry‐specific approach was used.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample, focused on a single industry, was used. The study could be replicated using the procedures discussed.

Practical implications

Groups, organizations, and individuals referred to in annual reports are identified and mapped.

Originality/value

A method for determining which groups, organizations, and individuals are stakeholders is presented.
Considering plain language: issues and initiatives
Authors: Petelin Roslyn
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on plain language in Australia, the UK and the USA since the movement began to accelerate in the early 1960s; to review the progress of plain‐language initiatives in those countries in the years since then; to provide guidance on generating plain‐language documents for writers in the corporate arena; and to present suggestions for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses historical and contemporary initiatives and issues relating to plain language, presents guidelines for writing in plain language, and discusses the desirability of ongoing research.

Findings

The paper concludes with suggestions for further research in the corporate sector, where issues such as plain‐language “standards” are contestable, and compliance with plain‐language guidelines is under‐researched.

Research limitations/implications

Although the plain‐language movement has gained great momentum worldwide in recent years, this paper is limited to the countries in which it was pioneered.

Practical implications

The desirability of adopting plain language is undeniable, with many professions and businesses recognising the social and economic benefits of presenting information to their customers in plain language: efficiency, effectiveness, cost‐savings, equity, enhanced consumer satisfaction, among others.

Originality/value

The paper provides a valuable overview of the progress of plain‐language initiatives in Australia, the UK and the USA since the 1960s and highlights the necessity for further research in a movement that has become an important consideration for corporations in an economy in which writing and information design are central.
Investigating incidents of fraud in small economies: the case for Cyprus
Authors: Krambia‐Kapardis Maria , Zopiatis Anastasios
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and types of fraud victimization in small economies or specific industries in such economies. In addition, the paper identifies the state of the art in a small economy and considers policy implications.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on an extensive literature review, a questionnaire was developed, pilot tested and administered to individuals working in 600 randomly selected organizations in Cyprus. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the collected data and address the postulated research questions.

Findings

It is found that no industry or size of company is immune from fraud. Whilst executives are well aware of fraud, they do not seem to be able to prevent it in their organizations since 85.8 percent are victimized in the last five years. The deterrent impact/effect of both the code of conduct and the audit committee has been investigated. In addition, findings revealed the types of fraud least tolerated as well as those who pose the greatest risk to the local economic environment. Finally, the paper explores the actions taken by local companies when fraud is identified.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the very sensitive nature of the research topic, many respondents felt reluctant to participate, resulting in an 18.83 percent response rate.

Practical implications

The findings have a practical relevance to both industry stakeholders and academic scholars who wish to further explore fraud victimization in small economies. Numerous practical implications for the local industry and regulatory authorities are raised regarding fraud precaution and the need for a specialized fraud investigation team as well as forensic accountants is emphasized.

Originality/value

Fraud victimization studies have been carried out in bigger economies (G7 or E7) but not in smaller economies. This is the first in‐depth attempt to investigate fraud in a small economy in such detail, thus the paper adds to existing knowledge of interest to stakeholders.
Theories of financial crime
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand what, how, and why financial crime, to stimulate know‐what, know‐how, and know‐why, there is a need for theory development.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of financial crime, the paper searched theoretical explanations in three streams of research. One stream of research is labeled behavioral theories of financial crime where theories were developed explicitly to explain individualistic aspects of financial crime. Another stream of research is labeled organizational theories of financial crime where theories were developed to explain organizational phenomena of financial crime. A third stream of research is labeled managerial theories of financial crime, where general management theories were applied to the phenomenon of financial crime.

Findings

A number of theoretical perspectives on financial crime are identified from the literature review.

Research limitations/implications

Future case studies will empirically have to illustrate and validate theories of financial crime.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview of theories useful for further conceptual as well as empirical research into financial crime.
Brokers and the control of postcontractual opportunism in the Nigerian insurance market
Authors: Olalekan Yusuf Tajudeen
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how insurance brokers control opportunism at the postcontractual stage of insurance contract in the Nigerian insurance market. Such opportunism, widely reported of insurance commercial customers, threatens the survival of the entire insurance institution while brokers' role is grossly ignored.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper involved the use of semi‐structured interviews of insurance broking executives and documentary analyses of how insurance brokers gather and pass on information between clients and insurers to control opportunism in the insurance market.

Findings

Findings suggest that the involvement of the insurance brokers from the claim notification stage, claim auditing to actual settlement and dispute mediation are instances of control over customers' opportunistic tendencies. Also, it is found that fear of reputation damage and brokers' professional way of handling clients' over‐exaggeration and suspicious claiming might considerably control insurance opportunism.

Practical implications

Involving insurance brokers in the claim settlement stage is capable of reducing insurers' claim auditing costs while guaranteeing hassle‐free claiming experience for customers and boosting the image of the insurance industry. Hence, findings are relevant for insurance companies and regulators desirous of controlling opportunism in the insurance market.

Originality/value

The paper extends the marketing role of brokers to the claim settlement stage by highlighting their potentials to control clients' opportunistic behaviours which threaten the insurance market.
Combating white‐collar crime in Canada: serving victim needs and market integrity
Authors: Kempa Michael
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper has two integrated purposes: it provides a report on a symposium hosted by the Bank of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in December 2008 dealing with key challenges and directions forward for addressing white‐collar crime; and it ties this material into a conceptual review of the academic literature addressing the key conceptual, structural, legal, and cultural issues that impede the effective policing – broadly conceived – of white‐collar crime.

Design/methodology/approach

Participant‐observer in a symposium and literature review.

Findings

The original argument is put forward that the bedrock difficulties for dealing with white‐collar crime are conceptual: fundamental liberal capitalist beliefs about what markets are and how best they serve the well‐being of the population have resulted in a deep public‐private divide in law, institutional design, institutional culture, and institutional practice that often frustrates the types of collaboration and information sharing that are universally deemed essential for the effective policing of market space.

Practical implications

Coordinated experimentation across the enforcement spectrum must be undertaken, documented, and communicated with the purpose of identifying approaches that circumvent the known practical (i.e. legal, structural, and cultural) difficulties associated with the current political economy.

Originality/value

The value of this paper thereby lies in situating the practical obstacles to policing market space that face regulatory and enforcement actors, along with victims, in political economic context, so that alternatives that work beyond the limits of the current concepts become literally conceivable.
Investment risk management in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) using technique of Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS)
Authors: Farid Darush , Rajabipoor Meybodi Alireza , Heydar Mirfakhraddiny Seyed
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to try to show how to manage risk by the use of “value at risk (VaR) concept” with Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) technique in stock exchanges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses MCS technique in calculation of VaR in different set of stock portfolio, so that the risk inherent in the portfolio while making decision about investment in stock market could be estimated.

Findings

The paper specifies which equity stocks have been more affected on VaR in set of portfolio and which equity stocks are lesser affected. In addition, the main result which is derived by the research shows that if there is a loss at future, what is max the loss at the level confidence which could be imposed by investors. Thus, the paper suggests how the investors can invest their capital so that they would minimize their loss and maximize their profit.

Practical implications

By using concept of VaR calculated by MCS, the investors would be in a position to select better stock portfolio with a known risk measure.

Originality/value

This paper tries to manage risks by use of “VaR concept,” which could be calculated by MCS technique.
Brand image inconsistencies of luxury fashion brands
Authors: Matthiesen Insa‐Mascha , Phau Ian
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether brand perceptions differ across channel members of luxury brands using the buyer‐seller exchange situation model.

Design/methodology/approach

A triangulation approach was used to compare perceptions of different channel members. The data collection was completed in two stages. First, a self‐administered mail survey was sent out to 3,592 individuals from a publicly available mailing list. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 22 retailer buyers.

Findings

The findings reveal that brand perceptions differ across channel members. There appears to be a mismatch in the perceptions of wholesalers and retailers that might constitute a source of brand image inconsistencies. Although the final consumers' overall attitude toward the Hugo Boss brand is positive, consumers appear to be in favour of other brands and their inclination to purchase the Hugo Boss brand seems to be relatively low.

Research limitations/implications

The study only examined one brand and is limited to the Australian context. Future research could examine other luxury brands in different countries. The study utilised judgement sampling, which could result in selection bias.

Practical implications

Brand knowledge is crucial to achieving brand image consistency between seller and buyer. Internal marketing techniques could be employed to assess the efficiency and development of brand knowledge among employees, retailers and other channel members.

Originality/value

This is one of the pioneering studies that applies a marketing channel approach to investigate brand image inconsistencies in a concrete working example. It contributes to luxury brand management across borders, opening the way for further research. The study provides ecological validity and reliability by working on a triangulation approach, using qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Exploring consumers' adoption of highly technological fashion products
Authors: Watchravesringkan Kittichai , Nelson Hodges Nancy , Kim Yun‐Hee
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to develop and test a model of consumers' adoption of highly technological fashion products (HTFPs) through modifying the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a convenience sampling method, students between 18 to 26 years old were chosen as the sample population from a mid‐size southern university in the USA. The final sample consisted of 268 responses. Confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis were employed to answer all hypotheses using the structural equation model.

Findings

Empirical results revealed that consumers' intentions to adopt an innovation (i.e. highly technological fashion product) are driven by the multi‐dimensional nature of consumers' extrinsic (i.e. perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) and intrinsic (i.e. perceived innovativeness and perceived fashionability) motivation. Additionally, these motivational dimensions contribute to consumers' utilitarian and hedonic attitudes toward using an innovation, which in turn affects their purchase intentions.

Practical implications

Consumers' utilitarian and hedonic consumer attitudes may enable retailers and marketers to design effective advertising campaigns by helping them to determine whether the functional or sensational components of the product need to be emphasized. Furthermore, when developing a new product, marketers need to focus on product attributes that possess both functionality and hedonic benefits.

Originality/value

This is the first known study to examine the underlying relationships between motivations, two‐dimensional consumers' attitudes (utilitarian and hedonic), and purchase intentions in the consumer‐related product context. The study has broadened the TAM by integrating extrinsic and intrinsic motivational variables into the model. It has also deepened the TAM by conceptualizing consumers' attitudes as comprising two distinct dimensions: utilitarian and hedonic.
The financial institution as a racketeering enterprise: RICO and beyond
Authors: Cihlar Frank P.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the reader to Section 901(a) of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, which deals with “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations” and is popularly known as the “RICO” statute.

Design/methodology/approach

RICO was designed to protect legitimate enterprises from infiltration by organized crime. The paper discusses one case in which a bank, the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), was found to have violated RICO by engaging in prohibited racketeering activities and a second case in which another bank, UBS AG, engaged in activities criminal under US law. The paper then details some of the activities of the two banks and explores the remedies available under RICO.

Findings

Following the failure of BCCI, the US filed a criminal information against the bank that included a forfeiture allegation under Section 1963 of RICO. In February of 2009, UBS AG, Switzerland's largest bank, entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the US Department of Justice, under the terms of which the bank agreed to waive indictment and consented to the filing of an information charging the bank with participating in a conspiracy to defraud the USA and its agency, the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of 18 USC 371.

Originality/value

BCCI may be something of an extreme case in terms of the breadth and scope of the illegal activities in which it engaged. But, it is not the only example of a bank gone wrong. Unfortunately, abuses can and do continue, although not every case may end with RICO forfeiture. Indeed, in a recent case with faint echoes of BCCI, RICO did not come into play at all.
Promoting financial sector stability through an effective AML/CFT regime
Authors: Shehu Abdullahi Y.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of the recent financial crisis and the need for prudential management and effective supervisory and regulatory measures in ensuring the stability and integrity of the financial sector, especially financial institutions, such as banks. The aim is to increase awareness about the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and the efforts at enforcing these standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the impact of the global financial crisis of 2009 and relates it to inadequate enforcement of prudential and regulatory measures. The paper argues that effective implementation of the core and key FATF Recommendations would assure some modicum of stability, productivity, and integrity of the financial system. It also discusses briefly the monitoring process of the implementation of these standards. The paper adopts a policy approach with a view to explaining the importance and benefits of implementing these standards in all jurisdictions. Thus, it covers the work of the anti‐money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) global network in promoting financial sector stability.

Findings

The mutual evaluation process is a demonstration of the commitment of member states to implement the FATF standards and remedy deficiencies in their systems. However, many countries, in particular low‐capacity countries, face challenges in the implementation of the FATF standards. These are: competing priorities for scarce government resources; severe lack of resources and skilled workforce to implement government programmes, including AML/CFT programmes; weaknesses in legal institutions; the dominance of the informal sector and a cash‐based economy; poor document and data‐retention systems; and in some cases, very small financial sector with limited exposure to the international financial system.

Research limitations/implications

For the AML/CFT standards to be enforced more effectively, developing countries need more technical assistance, especially in preventing the flow of proceeds of corruption to developed countries' financial systems. The strategy to recover the proceeds of crime has proven to be problematic, but no better approach has yet been articulated. This should constitute an issue for further research.

Originality/value

The paper aims to increase awareness to the FATF standards and the work of all the global network organizations involved in the fight against ML/TF. It is useful particularly to financial institutions who wish to protect the integrity of their system and promote stability.
Exploring illegal guarantees between group companies: a case from Turkey
Authors: Ilter Cenap
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss that in an uncontrolled business environment public companies' resources may be abused to fund other group companies by their management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has been designed on fraud theory. The theory has been developed on interviews with key management personnel, financial analysis, audit tests and gathering the facts on each step.

Findings

The paper concludes that in an uncontrolled financial market, owners, executives and statutory company auditors acting in harmony may break the financial rules, statutory obligations and convert a healthy public company into bankruptcy by means of milking its resources to other group companies on unfeasible projects or on individual pleasures.

Practical implications

Auditors both internal and external should pay attention to intragroup transactions. Companies, partially or wholly owned by the public might be under the influence of owner/executives. Here, it is not only the government interests as tax or social insurance, but also the shareholders' interests are at stake.

Social implications

Resources are scarce, especially in developing countries. The public's savings must be sourced to feasible projects in trustworthy hands, otherwise public's trust is shaken which will deter potential shareholders to invest in capital markets, and consequently these negative repercussions will affect the whole community.

Originality/value

The case that the paper covers reflects the author's own audit experiences as an ex‐auditor. The names of the companies have been changed but not the essence of events. It is believed that the paper will shed light onto the path of the reader who might be an external or an internal or a statutory auditor or a manager of a company who might be involved in similar situations.
The enigma of private brands in the emerging Mediterranean countries
Authors: Herstein Ram , Efrat Kalanit , Jaffe Eugene D.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to discuss the import of private branding strategy for retailers, manufacturers and customers. It seeks to focus on private branding strategies in the emerging MEDA markets, and, using Israel as a case study, aims to identify why the huge potential of private brands has not been exploited in these countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Both secondary data and empirical studies of Israeli exporters and chain store managers were conducted to determine what strategies are used to market private brands in developed, emerging and developing MEDA countries. Also included is a case study based on an analysis of four separate periods of the marketing of private brands in Israel, which are very similar to those seen in other emerging MEDA countries such as Greece and Turkey.

Findings

A review of private branding strategies in the MEDA countries reveals three different markets, each one managed differently: developing, emerging, and developed. The most attractive MEDA markets with regard to private brands for retailers and manufacturers are the emerging countries, which have the most rapid growth potential in this region.

Originality/value

Few studies are to be found in the literature that are based on the development of private labels in emerging countries. Moreover, the paper is the first to survey such development in Israel, one of the most developed countries in the Mediterranean.
Predicting consumer behavior based on country of origin (COO)
Authors: Ahmed Zafar U. , Zbib Imad J. , Sikander Arif , Tanios Farhat Karla
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to examine country of origin (COO) and national loyalty effects on Lebanese consumers' quality perceptions, attitudes, and purchase intentions with respect to airlines serving Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

The research comprised formulation of a detailed questionnaire that was served to 360 persons via personal delivery and e‐mails. Statistical analysis of data employed chi‐square and ANOVA tests.

Findings

It was found that factors other than personal experience could impact customer perceptions when selecting the airlines of preference in which national loyalty was a key factor. An important finding was that, from the point of view of personal experience, demographic variables influenced customer perceptions, whereas otherwise the country of origin (COO) effect was predominant.

Research limitations/implications

There was a direct implication that factors other than personal experience do impact customer perception when selecting the airlines of preference. The findings show disagreement with many scholars who give high importance to personal experience as a basis for selection. In this scenario, the majority of the respondents traveled on MEA and gave a good evaluation for the quality services provided by MEA. A different experimental setting would be required to determine the response of dissatisfied customers with travel on MEA.

Originality/value

The analysis of COO effect in selecting an airline by Lebanese consumers is the first of its kind of study in Lebanon and would contribute to the overall literature. It could also provide useful information to the airline industry and national aviation planners in Lebanon.
Leading digital economies: a best practice approach to converged regulation
Authors: Burdon Steve , Webb William , Courtney Nigel
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Over the past decade telecommunications media and technology (TMT) has driven a new era that has evolved into the digital age. There is a growing consensus in developed countries that TMT is the most important driver of economic and social development for a society. Its genesis began in the USA and its cultural preference for market‐based development set the framework for national policy and development. Recently the formation of convergence regulators amongst many of the leading nations has begun another episode. This article aims to explore and build upon a research study of the senior executives of six of the leading convergence regulators in Asia and Europe. The article aims to analyse by way of a numeric comparison expert views of the key convergence issues three and five years out.

Design/methodology/approach

A generic conceptual model was constructed of the foundation, social and economic dividend issues. By examining the relative progress of nations developments of these issues and their different approaches, new insights are developed into different regulatory approaches.

Findings

The concept of proactive regulation with competition (PRC) would appear to have benefits for a number of these nations. It is hoped that these research outcomes and hypotheses will generate further research and analysis amongst the world's leading regulators in order to work through the best regulatory approaches for the current challenges.

Originality/value

The paper presents original research regarding regulatory challenges.
What lies beyond the second Roaming Regulation?
Authors: Sutherland Ewan
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to review the progress made with the EU Roaming Regulation and to identify policy options from the review that the EC must now undertake.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review of the development of the two regulations, of the market developments in the EU and beyond, and an identification of the policy and regulatory options.

Findings

The new Commission is constrained by the decision not to use a competition law approach and the lack of a robust market definition, and thus a further period of price controls seems unavoidable.

Research limitations/implications

Key documents and data are not available, making analysis of certain constraints and revenue flows between operators impossible to evaluate.

Practical implications

The EC will have to craft a new set of price controls and develop a pathway towards the use of the directives to regulate roaming charges.

Originality/value

The paper is a first attempt to identify options and constraints for the future regulation of international mobile roaming charges.
VoIP network architectures and impacts on costing
Authors: Rendon Schneir Juan , Plückebaum Thomas
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the effect of VoIP network architectures on the cost modelling of termination rates of VoIP services.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates and organises the arguments available in the technical and regulatory field related to VoIP networks and services in order to ascertain the possible impact of VoIP techniques, the provisioning of voice features in VoIP networks, and network interconnection issues on the cost of regulated VoIP services.

Findings

The information and analysis reveals how the provision of VoIP services is related to a number of issues that will have an effect on the cost of VoIP termination rates. In particular, the study analyses the impact on a cost model of the components of a VoIP network architecture, the usage factor of network elements, and the traffic volume generated by VoIP applications.

Research limitations/implications

The issues described in the article can be used in elaborating a cost model for termination rates in VoIP networks. For the present study, no cost model was built, and therefore no quantitative estimations were made of the specific impact of every cost parameter on the termination rates.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be used by policy makers, voice operators, and researchers.

Originality/value

Most studies of VoIP that are available in the literature address, on the one hand, the costs of corporate VoIP networks and, on the other, the regulation of VoIP services. This article, however, presents a comprehensive study of the most relevant features of VoIP network architectures that should be considered when determining regulated termination rates.
Identification of the profiles of women who take holiday decisions
Authors: José Barlés‐Arizón Ma , Fraj‐Andrés Elena , Matute‐Vallejo Jorge
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This study aims to identify typologies of women who take holiday decisions within the couple, characterizing their profile through their lifestyles and some socio‐demographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was obtained through a survey addressed to Spanish women who were married or lived with their partner. Data were used to perform two types of analyses: scales validation and cluster analysis.

Findings

Three different groups have been found depending on the importance the women give to pre‐ and during‐holiday decisions. These groups present specific socio‐demographic characteristics, interests and opinions. However, findings reveal the need for further research into women's lifestyles as an explanatory variable.

Research limitations/implications

This information will contribute not only to the academic knowledge, but will also help tourist managers to create competitive offers. It will also allow managers to implement more efficient promotional campaigns with the aim of attracting female tourists.

Originality/value

A classification of women, based on their holiday decisions, their lifestyles (activities, interest and opinions, AIO scale) and on some socio‐demographic variables (age, time living with the partner, children, occupation, level of studies, personal and family income, etc.), is provided in order to characterise them.
Infrastructure repercussions of mega sports events: the relevance of demarcation procedures for impact calculations, evaluated using the case of UEFA Euro 2008
Authors: Müller Hansruedi , Moesch Christian
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop procedures that make it possible to evaluate appropriately the economic infrastructure repercussions of a mega sports event, aiming at both theoretical and practical scientific targets. On the one hand, this involves developing exegeses while, on the other, the focus is on problem‐led structuring. To fulfil both requirements means following objective‐cum‐analytical as well as empirical strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Staging mega sports events necessitates the availability of appropriate infrastructure, both for specific events and for general purposes. Investments in infrastructure triggered by mega sports events are often of considerable importance for any calculation of their economic impact. The scale of the impacts identified largely depends on the basic demarcation between event‐related and non‐event‐related investments. Developed in former literature the six models derived from procedures are used as potential demarcation approaches. Their application is shown in four case studies.

Findings

The application of the six different models to four case studies shows that event‐related investment varies considerably depending on the model selected, thus decisively influencing impact study results. The determining effect of the choice of model is illustrated by applying the case of UEFA Euro 2008. The results differ from 63.2 million CHF at the minimum to 196.4 million CHF at the maximum.

Research limitations/implications

None of the six evaluated models manages to reflect reality truthfully and totally comprehensively. However, this is due not so much to faulty theoretical design as to the fact that reality is always more complex than the model which therefore can never fully mirror it. Every model provides its own specific information and so – depending on the basic situation and the actual problem – is justified in its own right.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to close the gap in connection with the demarcation of event‐related investments. As the studied demarcation problem remains the same, irrespective of the type of event, the scope for applying these models goes far beyond the case studies looked at here. The models in their final form are new. The findings obtained can also be adapted to other types of events.
Application of the TSA in a regional context: the case of Vienna
Authors: Smeral Egon
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Tourism satellite accounts (TSA) are important tools for demonstrating the economic impact of tourism on a country and state level. A regional TSA (RTSA) offers the statistical groundwork for theoretical as well as practical users to underpin their own statistical evaluations and analyses, providing a regionalised view of consumption by tourists. This paper aims to extend TSA with respect to the indirect effects of tourism and the leisure demand of residents in their usual environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the recommended framework for TSA‐building. The case study of Vienna will demonstrate the valuable information of a RTSA as city tourism is a very complex phenomenon and this impact is difficult to capture.

Findings

For 2006, the TSA method found that tourism made €1.36 billion in direct value added to Vienna's economy, or a share of 1.9 per cent of the Viennese gross regional product. Considering the direct and indirect effects of tourism a total value‐added of €4.05 billion for Vienna in 2006 is obtained. According to this figure, tourism contributed 5.7 per cent to the overall regional gross value added in Vienna. In taking an overall look at the expenditure on leisure‐time consumption and in the non‐usual environment (tourism), it is found that Vienna contributes €8.11 billion or 11.5 per cent to the gross regional product.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first papers about building a TSA for a city. Vienna was the first state to commission a regional TSA (RTSA), followed by Upper and Lower Austria.