bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directors with a full plate: the impact of busy directors on bank risk
Authors: Cooper Elizabeth , Uzun Hatice
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the impact of busy directors on bank risk. Busy directors are directors with multiple directorships and other corporate responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

First, univariate analysis is performed to see whether there are differences in governance structures of banks with busy boards and those with less‐busy boards of directors. Second, multivariate regression analysis is used with two measures of bank risk as the dependent variable to see whether busy directors impact bank risk, while controlling for other factors that may influence risk.

Findings

The paper finds that there are significant differences between banks in terms of governance structure when analyzing banks with busy boards and banks with less‐busy boards. Importantly, the study shows that bank risk is positively related to multiple board appointments of bank directors.

Research limitations/implications

These results provide support for the “busyness hypothesis” as opposed to the “reputation hypothesis” and add to the understanding of whether busy directors hurt or help boards.

Practical implications

Results are important for regulators who seek to maintain a safe and sound banking system. Regulators can gain a better understanding of how much time and effort individual directors can contribute to a bank under examination.

Originality/value

This is the first study in the banking literature on multiple board appointments. It also uses a unique approach to test whether director busyness is a determinant of bank risk.
Steel Partners' activism efforts at United Industrial, Ronson, and BKF Capital
Authors: Kruse Timothy A. , Suzuki Kazunori
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse Steel Partners' investments and activism targeting United Industrial, Ronson, and BKF Capital to provide context for the debate surrounding shareholder activism by hedge funds and how incumbent management should cope with it. Steel Partners is one of the busiest and most controversial activist investors in both the USA and Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

An in‐depth clinical analysis of Steel Partners activism at three targets is performed. Context is then provided with a broader study of 63 companies targeted by Steel Partners.

Findings

The paper reveals that Steel achieved remarkably different degrees of success with each target. This analysis suggests the use of longer post‐activism windows to examine performance, more nuanced definitions of successful activism, and the inclusion of officer and director ownership as a predictor of activist success and target performance.

Practical implications

Managers wishing to maintain their independence face a difficult balancing act. One option is simply to refuse to negotiate, preferably while maintaining a substantial ownership stake. However, the activist might launch a proxy fight or hostile bid, file a lawsuit, or even encourage a wolf‐pack type campaign. For activists, target selection, especially managerial ownership, and patience are important. Steel quickly achieved its goals at BKF and failed at Ronson despite maintaining its stake for more than 13 years. It suffered large losses in both cases.

Originality/value

This paper provides researchers and practitioners with additional insights into the debate concerning the value of hedge fund activism. It also suggests several new questions to researchers examining corporate governance and activism.
Stock exchange consolidation and return volatility
Authors: Ben Slimane Faten
Published: May 2012

Purpose

In recent years, stock exchanges have been increasingly integrating and merging their activities at a national and international scale. While consolidation is often driven by technological, legal and competitive changes, whether merger activities are efficient in terms of market microstructure remains unknown. Academic research to date has analyzed the causes behind these mergers primarily from the technological, legal and competitive perspective, whereas relatively little literature considers their impact on the exchange itself. The paper aims to consider the case of the Euronext merger to explain this topic by studying this merger and its effect on Euronext's market risk (measured by volatility).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a standard General Auto‐regressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH (1,1)) process to study the volatility of the underlying markets and use break methodology to highlight the merger effects. It also adds control samples to account for any change in volatility that could be caused by factors other than the merger event.

Findings

The results suggest that the Euronext merger did not affect the market risk. In particular, the paper finds no evidence that the integration onto the same platforms for trading and clearing had a significant effect on the volatility of the merging markets.

Practical implications

This study contributes to clarify business issues and to guide policy makers on exchange industrial organization.

Originality/value

The present paper further contributes to the ongoing discussion about the drawbacks and merits of horizontal exchange integration.
E‐books and readers in public libraries: literature review and case study
Authors: Moyer Jessica E. , Thiele Jennifer
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of current research on the use of e‐books and e‐book readers as they gain popularity in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a literature review and a case study of a public library which has a Kindle lending program. An e‐book case study is examined, highlighting a mid‐sized public library which implemented a Kindle e‐book lending program. The article includes a follow‐up discussion as to how libraries are including digital content in their collections, and changing the way they do business to accommodate the new technologies that people are increasingly asking for. The paper also gives tools for librarians looking to start their own e‐book lending program, and provide additional information on what resources are currently available.

Findings

One conclusion can be made. E‐books will not be going away any time soon. The Kindle lending program at the library has been extremely successful and well received by patrons

Research limitations/implications

Because of this very small case study approach, the research results may not be generalizable.

Originality/value

This research trend is new, and has not had much study. It gives a wide variety of opportunity for pilot studies, and subsequent ones.
Assessing the good will of community users in an academic library
Authors: Dole Wanda V. , Hill J.B.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the second phase of a study on the impact of one North American academic library extending library privileges gratis to community users.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the results of a web‐based survey of community users at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), Arkansas, USA. The survey was conducted to obtain information on demographics and community users' perception of the value of library privileges.

Findings

Community users often have some connection to the university and tend to be satisfied with and value the privileges. Receiving the privileges may increase the users' good will toward the university and willingness to donate to development efforts. The benefits to the organization, such as increase in good will and social capital, are difficult to measure.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reports a study of the perceptions of community users at one North American academic library and may provide guidance for other libraries contemplating the value of community outreach. The results of this study may or may not be generalizable to all academic libraries.

Originality/value

There has been little research that attempts to assess community users' perception of the value of an academic library extending library privileges to them. Previous studies surveyed librarians about their perceptions of the pros and cons of extending privileges.
Cultivating community, promoting inclusivity: collections as fulcrum for targeted outreach
Authors: Maloney Michelle M.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the implementation and analyze the outcomes of the Diversity Book Display initiative at the University of the Pacific's Library. Through this program, curated displays were used to promote multicultural learning and inclusivity, as well as to build intra‐institutional relationships with curricular and co‐curricular units engaged in diversity work on campus.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper places the University of the Pacific's program within the context of academic library outreach through displays and exhibits, as well as situating it in relation to recent trends regarding library outreach to and collaboration with student services. An overview of the development and implementation is provided along with the results of a multi‐year assessment of the initiative.

Findings

The mindful leveraging of collections not only provides opportunities for student learning regarding diversity and inclusion, but also can be a platform to build collaborative campus relationships and elevate library visibility. The Diversity Book Display initiative has been a positive way to engage patrons with library collections as well as with social and cultural issues pertaining to multiculturalism and inclusivity.

Originality/value

This paper describes a unique approach to cultivating partnerships with students, faculty and staff, through co‐promotions of campus diversity and inclusion efforts and the library's collections.
Plagiarism and international students in academic libraries
Authors: Zimerman Martin
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how plagiarism and the detection of plagiarism are interwoven with the education of international students.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature searches encompassed articles on the issue of plagiarism as it affects students coming from abroad.

Findings

There is a definite problem involved in the interaction of international students in a higher education setting and plagiarism.

Research limitations/implications

Although no survey was done for this article, much of the information gathered regarding plagiarism is dependent on external surveys. These surveys may not always be answered truthfully despite anonymity. There is also a dearth of data on plagiarism and international students. There is some anecdotal data on the subject.

Practical implications

Although plagiarism is a serious problem on academic campuses, libraries and librarians can offer substantial help in deterring and preventing plagiarism especially with regard to international students.

Originality/value

Librarians, knowledgeable about citation style sheets and formats, can be very valuable to international students who lack the skills. Students can learn to improve their citation skills with the help of a librarian with good bibliographic skills.
Bobcatsss 2012 Conference report: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Authors: Thiele Jennifer , Moyer Jessica
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main contents of the 20th BOBCATSSS Symposium held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in January 2012, with the theme of “Information in e‐motion”.

Design/methodology/approach

The report provides a concise viewpoint of the overall impact of the conference.

Findings

The conference focused on the e‐environment, and debated new challenges and roles for librarians and information professionals.

Originality/value

This symposium is one of the few conferences in the world where students are the main characters and participate as organisers, reviewers, and presenters of the contributions. Reports on such conferences are of interest to students, to teachers and to professionals.
Micro‐finance: a critique
Authors: Block Walter E.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed critical light on micro‐finance.

Design/methodology/approach

This scheme is managed from an economic perspective.

Findings

Micro‐finance comes to us as a left wing attack on the free enterprise system; as such, it ought to be opposed by all freedom lovers, at least in its present format. Other baggage weighing it down is, if not absolute fraud, then, what might well be considered at least serious chicanery. A further criticism is the cult‐like behavior now surrounding it. However, is micro‐financeper senecessarily fraudulent? Can it only be favored by critics of laissez faire capitalism? What of micro‐finance shorn of all such encumbrances? Should it then be supported? No. Even the Platonic Ideal of micro‐finance has serious difficulties. This claim is a matter of prudential judgment, not praxeology. But, even a pure‐as‐the‐driven‐snow variety of this scheme still violates the economic concepts of specialization and division of labor, an appreciation of the infant industry fallacy, and several other basic building blocks of the dismal science. There are other better ways to “cure poverty” than this misbegotten scheme. This one, paradoxically, exacerbates impoverishment by placing investment resources in hands less capable of making it grow than would otherwise be the case.

Practical implications

It would be unwise to invest in or support this scheme.

Social implications

Society should instead rely upon free enterprise banking, the occupy movement to the contrary notwithstanding.

Originality/value

It takes a minority position on this very popular institution.
Social business, accountability, and performance reporting
Authors: Rahman Mawdudur , Hussain Mostaq
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the theory and applications in social business and accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops the theoretical arguments, shows the importance of non‐accounting measures, explores available non‐accounting measures and suggests BSC as an externally validated reporting tool.

Findings

There is a need to expand the accounting base to non‐financial measures; social business and social enterprises do not have externally validated performance reports and there is no benchmark data to compare performance.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual and theoretical study. It needs empirical validation.

Practical implications

Using the suggested measurement and reporting will make public accountability transparent and expand the accountant's social role. It will motivate teaching of social business in accounting.

Social implications

The study supports social business as a legitimate entity; corporations engaged in social business will be more publicly responsible; the study will encourage investment in social business; small entrepreneurs from the bottom of the society will have an opportunity to participate in the economy; and the poor will participate in the economy, will expand the economy and contribute to social and economic development.

Originality/value

The paper includes guidelines for implementing the proposed BSC, performance measurements and reporting techniques.
Fighting corruption: an expectation augmented approach
Authors: ‘Hakeem Ishola Mobolaji
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the role of expectation in fighting corruption in a society.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is analytical in nature, drawing evidence from the Quran, Hadith and Seerah. It has a strong theoretical basis on the role of expectation in eliciting desirable response.

Findings

The paper suggests that a continuous disregard to corruption‐reducing impact of the revealed ethics would always lead to a suboptimal anti‐corruption policy and exacerbate a drifting pressure to locally stable corruption equilibrium.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on the role of expectation at micro level, a macroeconomic perspective can be a good research effort. Also, due to the paucity of data as a result of the nature of the topic being investigated, new research can further investigate this issue empirically.

Practical implications

Potential outcome of this paper is to stem the wave of corruption through revealed ethics or God consciousness which is relatively easier to administer and less costly, since reform effort is internally supported not externally imposed.

Social implications

This paper would positively impact on the society, by stemming the upsurge of corruption through religious ethics. It further allocates a greater role to the society in curbing corruption through the revealed ethics. This paper would positively influence public attitudes towards corruption, hence improve the quality of.

Originality/value

The paper is novel, in that it applies an economic theory to solving a social menace. It further optimally combines both conventional economic theory with revealed religious teachings and argues that both may not conflict if properly understood or properly applied. The paper is a necessary bridge between Western perspective and Islamic Position, more importantly now that the world is looking for a viable alternative to the inadequacies of the conventional Western perspectives.
Organizational adoption of new service development tools
Authors: Jin Dayu , Chai Kah‐Hin , Tan Kay‐Chuan
Published: May 2012

Purpose

A number of new service development (NSD) tools have been proposed to facilitate NSD processes. Despite the proved values, NSD tools are not used frequently. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usage pattern of NSD tools and to identify the factors that influence their adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

By integrating the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the literature on organizational adoption of innovation, a framework was developed. Empirical data from financial institutions in Singapore and Taiwan were collected. Partial least squares was used to test the model comprising both reflective and formative constructs.

Findings

The framework shows satisfactory predictive power. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behaviour control are significantly related to behaviour intention. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are antecedents of attitude. Competitive pressure influences subjective norm. Perceived behaviour control is determined by compatibility and resource commitment.

Research limitations/implications

TPB can be applied at the firm level by treating the opinion of managers as the proxy of that of the organization. Findings are limited to the small sample size and a focus on only financial services.

Practical implications

Only a small group of NSD tools are used frequently in the firms surveyed. Service firms should pay more attention to the tools available and the factors associated with their adoption.

Originality/value

The paper identifies factors worth noticing when researchers and practitioners develop and implement NSD tools. Also, the data confirmed the appropriateness of the extension of TPB to predict organizational adoption behaviour.
A structural equation model of TQM, market orientation and service quality
Authors: Lam Siew‐Yong , Lee Voon‐Hsien , Ooi Keng‐Boon , Phusavat Kongkiti
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between total quality management (TQM), market orientation and service quality in the Malaysian service industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 150 service firms were collected. Structural equation modeling was employed in this study to examine the associations between TQM, market orientation and service quality.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence and confirms findings obtained from previous studies that TQM has a positive and significant relationship with both market orientation and service quality. Moreover, it was discovered that market orientation is also significantly related to service quality.

Research limitations/implications

This research study implies that if firms are not able to comprehend the importance of TQM dimensions, by which the different dimensions of it can influence a firm's performance, they may not succeed in harvesting the full value of market orientation and service quality. Meanwhile, the findings may guide the service practitioners to understand the importance of TQM in their managerial actions in enhancing market orientation and service quality, which serves as a sound foundation for building a distinguished point of differentiation in their services.

Originality/value

Past researchers have not looked into the tri‐dimensional relationship between TQM, market orientation and service quality and hence research is to be called for in this area. The paper provides practitioners with useful guidelines on the appropriate TQM practices to be implemented so that market orientation and the quality of service can be enhanced, creating superior value to the customers in a unique way, which subsequently improves a firm's competitiveness.
Application of He's homotopy perturbation method for multi‐dimensional fractional Helmholtz equation
Authors: Gupta Praveen Kumar , Yildirim A. , Rai K.N.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to find the approximate analytical solutions of a multidimensional partial differential equation such as Helmholtz equation with space fractional derivatives α,β,γ (1<α,β,γ≤2). The fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense.

Design/methodology/approach

By using initial values, the explicit solutions of the equation are solved with powerful mathematical tools such as He's homotopy perturbation method (HPM).

Findings

This result reveals that the HPM demonstrates the effectiveness, validity, potentiality and reliability of the method in reality and gives the exact solution.

Originality/value

The most important part of this method is to introduce a homotopy parameter (p), which takes values from [0,1]. When p=0, the equation usually reduces to a sufficiently initial form, which normally admits a rather simple solution. When p→1, the system goes through a sequence of deformations, the solution for each of which is close to that at the previous stage of deformation. Here, we also discuss the approximate analytical solution of multidimensional fractional Helmholtz equation.
Analytical upstream collocation solution of a quadratically forced steady‐state convection‐diffusion equation
Authors: Brill Stephen , Smith Eric
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the analytical solution to the Hermite collocation discretization of a quadratically forced steady‐state convection‐diffusion equation in one spatial dimension with constant coefficients, defined on a uniform mesh, with Dirichlet boundary conditions. To improve the accuracy of the method “upstream weighting” of the convective term is used in an optimal way. The authors also provide a method to determine where the forcing function should be optimally sampled. Computational examples are given, which support and illustrate the theory of the optimal sampling of the convective and forcing term.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors: extend previously published results (which dealt only with the case of linear forcing) to the case of quadratic forcing; prove the theorem that governs the quadratic case; and then illustrate the results of the theorem using computational examples.

Findings

The algorithm developed for the quadratic case dramatically decreases the error (i.e. the difference between the continuous and numerical solutions).

Research limitations/implications

Because the methodology successfully extends the linear case to the quadratic case, it is hoped that the method can, indeed, be extended further to more general cases. It is true, however, that the level of complexity rose significantly from the linear case to the quadratic case.

Practical implications

Hermite collocation can be used in an optimal way to solve differential equations, especially convection‐diffusion equations.

Originality/value

Since convection‐dominated convection‐diffusion equations are difficult to solve numerically, the results in this paper make a valuable contribution to research in this field.
An inverse problem in estimation of interfacial heat transfer coefficient during two‐dimensional solidification of Al 5%Wt‐Si based on PSO
Authors: Dousti P. , Ranjbar A.A. , Famouri M. , Ghaderi A.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate interfacial heat transfer coefficient (IHTC) in a two‐dimensional solidification based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed numerical technique is based on the PSO combined with finite different method (FDM) to simultaneously estimate heat transfer coefficient in the metal‐mold interface. In this paper, simulated (noisy and filtered) temperatures are used instead of experimental data. The estimated temperatures are obtained from the direct numerical solution (FDM) of the two‐dimensional solidification model and PSO is applied to minimize a least squares objective function containing estimated and simulated (noisy and filtered) temperatures.

Findings

The accuracy and capability of the PSO are assessed by comparing the estimated and the pre‐selected heat transfer coefficients. The results show that the measurement errors do not considerably affect the accuracy of the estimates. In other words, the proposed method provides a practical and confident prediction in simultaneously estimating the IHTCs.

Research limitations/implications

Future approaches should find the optimal design of case study and then apply the proposed method to achieve the best results.

Practical implications

Applications of the results and the presented method in this paper can be of value in practical applications in parameter estimation for estimating the IHTCS.

Originality/value

An inverse estimation of IHTC in a two‐dimensional solidification has been made based on PSO algorithm for a practical case of Al 5% Wt‐Si.
Numerical and analytical approaches to MHD Jeffery‐Hamel flow in a porous channel
Authors: Bararnia H. , Ganji Z.Z. , Ganji D.D. , Moghimi S.M.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The main purpose of the work is to demonstrate the eligibility of the methods applied and to have the more reliable and user friendly approaches to find the solution of the applicable governing equations such as of the MHD flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical and semi analytical methods have been applied to solve the governing equations. The reliability of the methods is also approved by a comparison made between the results obtained and the results of the former studies performed using the other numerical approach.

Findings

The reliability of the methods are approved, so that the method could be used to discuss more in depth arguments on the different profiles of the solution.

Originality/value

It could be considered as a first endeavor to use the solution of the MHD Jeffery Hamel flow using this kind of numerical method along with the semi analytical approach.
Factors affecting success of political marketing: a Jordanian electorate point of view
Authors: Salim Khatib Fahed
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This study aims to examine basic factors that may influence success of political marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on relevant literature, the author empirically tested the relationship between study variables on a sample of 650 Jordanian respondents.

Findings

The findings indicate that market segmentation and targeting, candidate positioning and building strong image (to candidate and party) have a positive and significant effect on the success of political marketing. The study findings indicate that candidate/party image exerted the strongest effect on the success of political marketing. Results showed also that conducting efficient market research and adopting a market‐oriented strategy had no influence on the success of political marketing.

Originality/value

These findings have significant implications for both Jordanian candidates and parties that may be taken into consideration when developing their political campaigns.
Service quality assessment in central blood bank: blood donors’ perspective
Authors: Al‐Zubaidi Hassan , Al‐Asousi Dalal
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to assess the service quality of central blood bank from blood donors’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by empirical study in a central blood bank. The instrument captured 354 blood donors’ using a SERVQUAL questionnaire. The study looked at perception and expectation levels of blood donors. After that, the gap five scores were determined.

Findings

The paper finds that, for the blood donors, gap (five) scores are all positive implying that the blood donors’ tend to be satisfied.

Practical implications

Based on the results, central blood bank management may consider measures in order to diagnose, analyze, and identify opportunities of improvements of service quality.

Originality/value

This study attempts to explore the relatively less explored area of measuring service quality of a central blood bank from blood donors’ perspectives through implementation of the SERVQUAL model.
Towards a policy model for strengthening the accounting and auditing profession in a fragmented regulatory context
Authors: Khalifa Rihab
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of a policy model for the accounting and auditing profession that fits the current fragmented regulatory context of the UAE and GCC, and could help accountancy to become a cornerstone of an improved corporate governance regime. This paper aims to focus on the features of accountancy within the UAE and GCC, and develop some suggestions for a regional model.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative paper. Data for this paper were collected via in‐depth interviews with partners in Big Four audit firms in the UAE, accounting academics, and accounting students at the UAEU. Valuable primary sources of data were also web sites and publications from official organizations. A short survey was also administered to students.

Findings

In summary, accountancy's regulatory context in the UAE has remained fragmented. The state has taken the lead role, regulating in some detail the affairs of audit firms. The fragmented regulatory context of accounting and auditing in the UAE has allowed the Big Four to import their global quality assurance systems into the UAE, hiring mainly auditors with foreign examined qualifications. This may present advantages for the policy objective “internationalisation of the UAE economy”. It may, however, be regarded as suboptimal for the policy objectives “localisation of the accountancy profession to support the growth and development of local (family) businesses” and “Emiratisation of the accountancy profession”.

Research limitations/implications

It is suggested that the possible shape of a stronger UAE‐based accountancy profession be investigated in more detail and its suggested positive effects for specific, relevant UAE policies be put to the test. More interviews with other relevant institutions and local accountants would have enriched understanding of the profession.

Practical implications

Understanding the financial regulatory context of UAE is crucial for the understanding and further development of the profession. The Big Four firms have a key role to play in orchestrating efforts towards further professional development.

Social implications

Small and medium‐sized practitioners need to be supported by a clearer regulatory context, which allows them to exist alongside the Big Four.

Originality/value

The paper presents empirical and qualitative evidence about the regulatory context of the UAE.
The Egyptian tax system reforms, investment and tax evasion (2004‐2008)
Authors: Ahmed Aly Abdel‐Mowla Somaya
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate effects of tax system reforms on tax obstacles to investment in Egypt and tax evasion. It also aims to analyze differences in burden of tax obstacles and extent of tax evasion among different types of enterprises after applying tax reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from Productivity and Investment Climate Surveys 2004 and 2008. A number of indices are constructed to measure incidence and severity of tax obstacles. Two indicators are constructed to estimate incidence and extent of tax evasion. The study adopts a descriptive analytical comparative approach to evaluate changes and differences in severity of tax obstacles, and their effects.

Findings

The results obtained show that tax reforms have resulted in a significant decrease in severity of tax obstacles. However, they are still major obstacles. The overall decrease hides differences in the burden of these obstacles. Reforms were not enough to address needs of small enterprises. The extent of tax evasion decreased. However, it is still a problem as tax obstacles are still major obstacles.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for more detailed data about problems enterprises face in each phase of interaction with tax administrators and managers’ suggested solutions.

Originality/value

The study evaluates the actual effects of a major economic reform, on the microeconomic level during an important period rather than exploring enterprises’ expectations. The results show that there is a need for more reforms targeting small enterprises.
Ethnic female business owners: more female or more ethnic entrepreneurs
Authors: Piperopoulos Panagiotis
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to attempt to answer the question, even with a limited sample of interviewees, if ethnic female entrepreneurs are behaving more as “female” or more as “ethnic” entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents empirical data from a face‐to‐face interview type research conducted in the regions of Attica and Central Macedonia, Greece. The study involved conducting face‐to‐face interviews with 15 founders of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs), between May and June 2009.

Findings

The results suggest that ethnic female entrepreneurs may share some common characteristics with their ethnic male entrepreneurial colleagues but ethnic women's unique qualities, characteristics, motivations, background and business views distinguish them from their male ethnic counterparts bringing forth more their femininity rather than their ethnicity.

Originality/value

This paper presents the results of the first‐ever research on ethnic female entrepreneurs in Greece. It examines the influences and the factors that facilitate ethnic female entrepreneurs' decision to become self‐employed and their experiences of entrepreneurship. It discerns in which economic sectors they develop occupational niches and investigates how strong is family participation and support in their businesses. Last but not least this research brings forth the balance between domestic and business responsibilities and how much support from governmental initiatives, policies and training programs they receive.
Gender and work‐life balance: a phenomenological study of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Sumaira , Azam Roomi Muhammad
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Increased participation of women in the labor force creates challenges for them to balance work and family obligations. The situation becomes more complicated in patriarchal societies such as Pakistan due to women's stereotypical domestic roles, religious prescriptions as well as cultural norms and values. This study aims to explore different influencing factors on women's work and family roles in the unique Pakistani socio‐economic and cultural environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA), this study explores different influencing factors on women's work and family roles in the unique Pakistani socio‐economic and cultural environment. The methodology helped to analyse data about challenges faced by women entrepreneurs to achieve work‐life balance as well as to have an insight about some of the techniques and effective strategies they use to balance work and family obligation.

Findings

The results show that among other motivational drivers to start their own businesses, achieving work‐life balance is one of the most significant ones. Their own businesses give them flexibility, control and freedom to juggle with their family and social responsibilities. Lack of sufficient time, gender bias, social and cultural norms as well as family responsibilities are the most significant challenges women face to achieve balance in a patriarchal Islamic society. Strategic planning, organising and delegating are the most effective strategies women use to cope with competing roles of work and family.

Originality/value

This ground‐breaking work in Pakistan on women entrepreneurs' work‐life balance may also inspire other women who want to start their entrepreneurial career.
Factors impacting international entrepreneurship in Malaysia
Authors: Julian Craig C. , Ahmed Zafar U.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This article aims to analyze factors impacting international entrepreneurship in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with 71 firms, both in the manufacturing sector and the service sector, across the 12 states of Malaysia.

Findings

The interviews revealed the reasons these firms internationalised, key success factors, and the barriers to internationalisation including export market attractiveness, government policy, foreign practices being incompatible with domestic business and adapting to foreign market needs.

Research limitations/implications

Due to a lack of resources, firms from West Malaysia were not contacted. West Malaysian firms may well possess characteristics concerning the barriers to internationalisation that are unique to their region.

Practical implications

This article provides insight into the perceptions and decision‐making processes of Malaysian entrepreneurs with regard to the barriers to internationalisation, thereby making a contribution to international business knowledge in a relatively unknown region of the world.

Originality/value

The study findings and interviews showed that in order to encourage and to be successful in international business, government policy must play an active role in promoting, assisting and helping Malaysian firms in terms of financing, training, technology and the offer of lucrative tax concessions so that the domestic firms would be encouraged to engage in international business.
The internationalisation of small games development firms: evidence from Poland and Hungary
Authors: Cunningham Isobel , Loane Sharon , Ibbotson Pat
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the internationalisation strategies of small games development firms from Poland and Hungary.

Design/methodology/approach

This enquiry adopts a qualitative approach, whereby firms were identified from online searches, and secondary information was sought on each firm prior to in‐depth interview, in order to highlight the issues relating to internationalisation/growth.

Findings

The paper provides evidence that small games development firms undertake rapid internationalisation, despite resource constraints. Firms were founded by teams of entrepreneurs who unlike many other international entrepreneurs, did not have a priori experience, sometimes moving from being hobbyists into commercial operations. These often exist in a pre‐natal phase some years before formal incorporation, an important phase when many of the resources required are sourced. The findings show only partial support for RBV, as these firms were acquiring and controlling resources from their environment on a freelance and low commitment basis. The authors speculate that these firms display dynamic capabilities of the highest order in order to do so.

Research/limitations/implications

This enquiry adds to understanding of the (international) growth strategies of small games development firms, and gives insight into how they access dynamic capabilities. However, the number of firms investigated is small and from two Eastern European countries, therefore further larger scale research should be undertaken.

Originality/value

Based on this exploration new insights are developed with regard to an under researched sector, and how such firms undertake rapid internationational growth, despite being particularly resource constrained. In particular, the entrpreneurs in these firms have little experience and creatively acquire and control resources in order to grow rapidly. The authors speculate that they display advanced dynamic capabilities.
SME dependence and coordination in innovation networks
Authors: Gardet Elodie , Mothe Caroline
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The objective of this research is to identify and characterize the coordination systems used by SME hub firms that are in a situation of dependence with respect to other members of their network, taking into account the influence of hub firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven case studies were carried out: six innovation networks in which SMEs play a central role are compared with a “reference” case, in which the hub firm is a large company.

Findings

The authors' qualitative empirical analysis of seven innovation projects showed that: the sharing of benefits and the guarantees that are implemented vary depending on the hub firm's degree of dependence; trust and recourse to formal agreements differ according to hub firm size; and conflict solving is influenced by both hub firm size and degree of dependence.

Practical implications

Results have important implications for the management of innovation networks which are increasingly important for the development of SMEs. The knowledge of the adequate coordination mechanism is central for a SME hub firm and the success of the innovation project.

Originality/value

Investigations into the internal operation of inter‐organizational networks have become increasingly common. Nevertheless, empirical studies are still rare, particularly in the field of innovation networks and even more in the case of networks set up by small firms. This article partially fills this gap.
Mergers between size‐unequal partners: strategic risks and hurdles
Authors: Gundolf Katherine , Meier Olivier , Missonier Audrey
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This article aims to explore how and why the creation of technological innovation during a merger can end in failure. The objective is to propose new analytical elements to improve the formulation and execution of the integration process between an SME (small and medium enterprise) and a large enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a theoretical framework based on the main research results from several fields, including technology transfer, innovation dissemination, and management. This case study then focuses on a merger in the IT sector in real time.

Findings

This study allowed the authors to test theoretical elements, especially the choice of the integration method, which may favour the creation of technological innovation during the integration period. The authors present new reasons for the failure of co‐created innovation between an SME and a large enterprise in the IT sector. This case study allowed them to test theoretical elements such as the choice of an integration method which could favour the creation of technological innovation during the integration period while enriching scientific knowledge by proposing a dynamic approach to the integration process.

Originality/value

Before managers can envisage symbiosis between two merging firms, they first need to go through a period of exploration, which may entail costly mistakes. Yet this exploration period may be necessary to enable them to discover the limitations of a strictly rational approach to the integration process and to broaden their normal frame of reference. For this in‐depth study, the authors benefited from free access to a substantial amount of information that is generally unavailable for scientific research, which greatly contributed to their work. The authors' theoretical framework is not exhaustive, but they tried to incorporate the most significant research results.
Innovation in food sector SMEs
Authors: Baregheh Anahita , Rowley Jennifer , Sambrook Sally , Davies Daffyd
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present a profile of innovation in food sector SMEs in the UK, exploring specifically the degree and types of innovation employed, and engagement with activities that support innovation orientation, or organisational innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted to gather data from food sector SMEs in the UK. The questionnaire design was informed by previous studies on degree and types of innovation, and the characteristics of innovativeness. Questionnaires were distributed and gathered by hand and online in order to optimise response. A total of 221 usable responses were received and analysed using SPSS.

Findings

Food sector SMEs are more focused on incremental innovation as opposed to radical innovation, and they are also more engaged in product and process innovations than in packaging, position and paradigm innovations. In terms of innovation characteristics, SMEs agree that they are usually committed to the majority of a wide range of factors that affect innovation orientation, but most important amongst these are a commitment to encouraging new ideas, and cultivating innovative employees.

Originality/value

Although the food and drink sector plays an important role within the UK economy, innovation in food sector SMEs has received little previous attention. This paper makes an important contribution by profiling innovation, according to type, and innovation characteristics in food sector SMEs in the UK. In addition, it demonstrates the importance of developing understanding of the management of innovation portfolios embracing a range of types and degrees of innovation.
Can powerful buyers “exploit” SME suppliers?
Authors: Wyld John , Pugh Geoffrey , Tyrrall David
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between SME suppliers and large buyers, and so better inform competition policy in cases where market power resides with buyers.

Design/methodology/approach

The theories of monopsony and oligopsony are applied to intermediate markets to set out a model of profit appropriation by large buyers from small suppliers. The main focus of the illustrative examples used is on the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers.

Findings

The authors' main prediction is that powerful buyers are able to “exploit” SME suppliers by restricting their number, the price paid to individual suppliers and the quantity purchased from each supplier.

Practical implications

Governments seek to encourage small businesses because of their ability to generate innovation and create future growth opportunities. Any investigations of the continued growth of buyer power in intermediate markets should consider the effects not only upon consumer welfare but also upon the welfare of the SME sector. Governments may wish to counteract monopsonistic markets as they may inhibit SMEs that could otherwise provide innovation and growth within the economy.

Originality/value

This model gives a theoretical framework to analyse the interaction between small suppliers and large buyers. Furthermore, it may provide a counter to the argument that low consumer prices are the sole legitimate aim of competition policy.