bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Office sustainability: occupier perceptions and implementation of policy
Authors: van de Wetering Jorn , Wyatt Peter
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research was twofold. First, to investigate the views of occupiers in a typical UK city on the importance of various sustainability issues, their perceived impact of different sustainability drivers and willingness to pay. Second, the environmental and social performance of existing buildings in that city was examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The research focuses on buildings of 10,000 feet2 or more that have been constructed in the Bristol city‐region in the UK over the past 50 years. The buildings in the sample are located in the city centre and in out‐of‐town business parks. A questionnaire survey investigated the views of occupiers and follow‐up interviews looked more closely at the sustainability performance of the existing stock.

Findings

The findings indicate that, as far as occupiers are concerned, the strongest drivers are consumer demand and staff demand. Green features of a building appear to rank low in the overall building selection preference structure and a willingness to pay a premium for green features was indicated. The interviews uncovered barriers to progress as well as initiatives to reduce both energy consumption and the environmental impact of office space.

Practical implications

The paper identifies progress and issues which could form obstacles to improving the environmental performance of office buildings. It is argued that there is a need to focus on energy efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper explores the linkage between the perception and use of office space by occupants and how this affects the environmental performance of this space.
How important is that footnote on page 3?
Authors: Constantinescu Mihnea
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The failure of the efficient market hypothesis has a direct bearing on the Geometric Brownian Motion model of asset returns. The current paper aims to investigate the effect that the autocorrelation in the time‐series of returns has on the calculation of expected shortfall (ES) for an asset‐liability investor.

Design/methodology/approach

The regression model is selected according to the Akaike and the Schwarz information criterion. A series of tests are used to insure the stability of the autocorrelation parameters. Autocorrelation‐adjusted formulas for volatility and cross‐asset correlations are then employed for the computations.

Findings

The presence of autocorrelation changes the values of most of the correlation parameters used in the calculation of the ES of the risk bearing capital (RBC) – in some cases the cross‐asset correlation parameters double. Once the presence of smoothing is accounted for, the ES increases by 1 per cent in relative value.

Research limitations/implications

Other asset classes may also feature smoothed time‐series requiring thus an account of their autocorrelation structure and their interaction with the property asset. An analysis of the time stability of the cross‐asset correlations may also improve the estimation of the optimal RBC.

Originality/value

The proposed method focuses on the proper calculation of the RBC through the judicious estimation of the relevant risk measure for an investor who, while not having access to the underlying data pool from which the property index is computed, cannot adjust the index for the potential presence of temporal aggregation and market illiquidity.
Reflections on “Locks and keys to the boardroom”
Authors: Vinnicombe Susan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection on the author's earlier paper published in Gender in Management: An International Journal (formerly Women in Management Review) in 2003 titled “Locks and keys to the boardroom”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is examined in the context of current research and writing on women on boards.

Findings

The 2003 paper built on the authors' previous research and writing and informed their current research activities. In addition, the 2003 paper reflected an emerging interest in women on boards and the factors leading to their success.

Practical implications

The paper finds that the organisation featured in the original article did not turn out to be a tipping point in terms of women appointed to directors. Very little progress has taken place in the past eight years in terms of numbers of women on top boards, but the Davies report (2011) should prompt change.

Originality/value

The paper indicates that a great deal of research has developed since 2003 studying women on boards.
The valuation of privately held firms and litigation: a case study
Authors: Martins Antonio
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the questions arising from the use of discounted cash flow (DCF) method in the context of the valuation of a Portuguese subsidiary of a German firm. The process ended up in courts. Expert valuation was called. Two points are of particular relevance. First, given the past performance of the company and the external environment it faced, what would be a reasonable growth rate for free cash flow in the residual value period. Second, what questions arise form the assumption of seeing the subsidiary as a going concern, given that the German parent company had been opening new factories in India, China, Romania and Slovakia, and its presence in Portugal was far from guaranteed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on case study which rests on a real legal and financial business situation. The case is used to illustrate the conceptual questions related to the use of the DCF method in valuing closely held firms, particularly the very significant impact of terminal value in the process of equity valuation.

Findings

It was found that very small variations in the growth rate assumed for the residual value period make a great difference in share valuation. Thus, the work of experts had to be very finely balanced, and the judge, when deciding on the fair value to be paid to the plaintiff based on expert opinion, should give careful consideration to scenarios.

Practical implications

A relevant point of the paper is to highlight the effect on business valuation of potential growth rates forecasted for the perpetual growth phase. That rate is, in this case influenced by eventual location changes that can result from globalization of industrial activity. Portuguese shareholders in foreign controlled joint ventures, and all the other stakeholders are facing important challenges from a new world economic order, and this case clearly illustrates some characteristics of this trend.

Originality/value

The paper is useful for managers that deal with business valuation cases that end in courts, by highlighting cash flow based methods and its central assumptions, and exploring critical areas that influence the final outcome of a lawsuit that is based on differences of hypothesis used in financial forecasting.
Special legal features of the Islamic wa'd or pledge
Authors: Wisham Ismail , Muneeza Aishath , Hassan Rusni
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically assess the legal position of the Islamic doctrine of wa'd (or pledge) in relation to 'aqd (within the sphere of Islamic finance), and compare it with the conventional viewpoint, while discussing the several modes/means/usages in terms of applied Shariah.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes a doctrinal approach to focus on the theoretical aspect of the concept while attempting to suggest practical adaptation and structuring, enabling smoother and more efficient use. The status quo was dependent on the wa'd being an operational instrument in today's world and further development in terms of bridging the understanding was the approach.

Findings

Before invoking the legal validity of wa'd in a court, it is important to view the practice of wa'd to be a dominant ideology utilized in Islamic finance. The first advocate who called for the practice of the binding promise in commutative financial contracts was probably Sheikh Mustafa Al‐Zarqa who adopted the position that if it was admissible, for the unilateral promise (wa'd) to be binding in donations, then, in his view, it was even more justifiable for the wa'd to be binding in commutative contracts. According to the preponderant opinion among Maliki scholars, a unilateral promise is as binding as a contract if the reason was mentioned in it or the contract was initiated based on the promise, a view shared by scholars such as Imam Bukhari. The other point of view, according to contemporary jurists such as Al‐Syntiqi and Dr Muhamed Sulaiman opine that a unilateral promise would not create any liability upon the promisor and it also does not confer any right to the promisee, although from religion point of view, it is recommended to fulfill it.

Practical implications

Fully understanding the modus operandi of a wa'd in key as today, wa'd has established itself within the domain of several transactions under Islamic banking and finance, such as replicating conventional short selling, structuring FOREX markets option and even operating in a double wa'd structure.

Originality/value

The paper would prove useful and informative on the theoratical aspect of the concept especially to students starting out in Islamic finance. For those already well versed or immersed in the field, the paper would certainly provide ideas and exploratory suggestions into the development of the concept in terms of enhancement.
Managerial relevance of internal audit
Authors: Alič Milena , Rusjan Borut
Published: May 2011

Purpose

In order to stimulate the interest of company management in the business perspective of internal audit this paper aims to investigate the possibilities of using internal audit as a helpful managerial tool and describes the benefits of such use.

Design/methodology/approach

The benefits of IA as a managerial tool are investigated on a review of the relevant literature. Theoretically based findings are tested analytically using evidence from empirical research and empirically by a case study research.

Findings

Internal audit outcomes and benefits for management depend on the purpose of internal audit and on managers' support and expectations about it. The paper shows that in order to use internal audit as an effective managerial tool, internal audit has to be appropriately integrated within a strategic management system. The greatest benefits can be achieved by companies that are internally motivated to introduce the QMS which have a mature quality culture and QMS and their quality objectives linked to the business ones.

Practical implications

Discussing internal audit benefits from a managerial point of view is not a common approach in the professional literature on this topic. However, covering managers' needs by using quality tools is one of the most important issues companies should understand in order to make these tools attractive and beneficial. Showing the results of a real‐life case can convince managers from other companies that benefits of using IA as a managerial tool are tangible.

Originality/value

Internal audit purpose and results have been theoretically integrated within a broader managerial system of the company. This enables identification of possible business benefits resulting from appropriate implementation of internal audit itself and possible business benefits related to QMS and strategic management system of the company that can be affected through appropriate IA implementation.
Competitive strategic grouping for hospitals
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud M. , Gomes Carlos F. , Miller Phillip E.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

In this research, hospitals with varying type, size and operational characteristics are grouped into distinct strategic groups. The competitive methods emphasised by these groups are studied. Also, the extent of effective implementation of quality improvement tools is examined. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a sample of 109 hospitals, cluster analysis is used to accomplish the objective of this study.

Findings

Four strategic groups of hospitals were identified. These groups tended to emphasize different competitive methods and quality improvement efforts implementation profiles.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study have important implications for the relationship between operational performance and strategic effectiveness in a hospital operational environment.

Practical implications

The findings of this research tend to emphasize the importance of patient's service and satisfaction to strategic effectiveness. Also, the findings stress the importance of clinical effectiveness at the operational level.

Originality/value

This study empirically examines operational and strategic performance‐related issues in a hospital operational environment.
ISO 9000 as an organisation development intervention
Authors: Srivastav Avinash Kumar
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of ISO 9000, illustrate how ISO 9000 can be implemented in face of strong resistance to change, and demonstrate how comprehensive work redesign for higher organisational effectiveness can be realised through ISO 9000 implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel model and process for ISO 9000 implementation in an Indian public sector manufacturing industry have been described. After successful implementation in several production units, the model was examined for congruence with well‐known frameworks in Organisation Development (OD).

Findings

The model has congruence with several OD frameworks. It complements OD by harnessing organisational knowledge through creative involvement of organisational members, adopting three‐tier working to involve the organisation at different levels, employing three‐phase execution to sustain organisational members' motivation throughout the programme; and realising comprehensive work redesign while attaining ISO 9000 certification.

Originality/value

The study show‐cases ISO 9000 as an excellent OD intervention.
Herding, information uncertainty and investors' cognitive profile
Authors: Fernández Beatriz , Garcia‐Merino Teresa , Mayoral Rosa , Santos Valle , Vallelado Eleuterio
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the interaction between the availability of financial information and individuals' cognitive profiles to explain investors' herding behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed and conducted an experiment to observe the behavior of subjects in three settings, each with a different level of information.

Findings

Results confirm that a dependence relation exists between information, investors' behavioral biases and the herding phenomenon. Moreover, the experiment shows that information concerning the number of previous transactions in the market is particularly relevant to explain herding propensity among investors. The findings indicate that the cognitive profile of investors is more relevant as the availability of information increases and the number of previous transactions in the market is low.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should examine further the best way to measure the individual's cognitive profile and its interaction with information limitation in financial markets. The presence of high levels of uncertainty favors herding behavior regardless of inter‐individual differences, and only when the availability of information is high and the number of transactions is low does the subjects' cognitive profile explain the investors' herding behavior. Finally, it is observed that not all public information receives the same attention by investors. The attractiveness of public information requires further attention.

Social implications

The herding phenomenon is difficult to anticipate because there are factors of a very diverse nature that intervene.

Originality/value

The research described in this paper measures investors' cognitive profile to identify the interaction between availability of information, cognitive profile and herding.
Trading strategies of individual investors in times of financial crisis
Authors: Prorokowski Lukasz
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate equity appraisal techniques employed by non‐professional investors from the Central European emerging stock market (CEESM) of Poland. The paper examines investment decision‐making processes in the context of the current financial crisis in a pioneering attempt to shed some light on crisis‐induced changes in investment strategies. In addition, the study tests the usefulness and predictive abilities of analytical tools employed by non‐professional investors when faced with unstable stock‐market conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires and experiments conducted with a large group of Polish investors – trading equities in their home market – in order to gain information on the most commonly used investment strategies. Their views are contrasted with similarly obtained opinions expressed by UK non‐professional investors to highlight differences in approaches to investments. Finally, a series of semi‐structured interviews was conducted to discuss how the current financial crisis has affected investment strategies among Polish and UK investors.

Findings

Technical analysis (TA) is the preferred tool utilized by non‐professional investors in Poland. However, the current financial crisis caused the majority of Polish practitioners to adopt fundamental analysis which, in this case, is undertaken to support initial conclusions derived from TA. At this point, investees' financial statements coupled with analyses of the main macroeconomic indicators for CEESMs became the main source of decision‐influencing information.

Practical implications

The paper addresses an area which is gaining in importance and is of interest to both practitioners and service providers for non‐professional investors. Further investigation is recommended of nascent challenges to investing in CEESMs with practical implications for policy makers and investors.

Originality/value

The current paper refers to the global financial crisis which occurred in the years 2008‐2010. To date, there are no previous studies devoted to an investigation of how investors' trading strategies were influenced by the international financial crisis. Moreover, there are relatively few studies which target practitioners from CEESMs. The paper focuses on the non‐professionals, as this group of investors seems to be relatively under‐researched. Therefore, a number of important implications can be drawn from the current paper with regard to investment strategies tailored to overcome a financial crisis.
A brief review of the role of shareholder wealth maximisation and other factors contributing to the global financial crisis
Authors: Yahanpath Noel , Joseph Tintu
Published: May 2011

Purpose

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis (GFC) governments lost confidence in market fundamentalism and realised the inadequacies of regulatory measures. The purpose of this paper is to outline the proximate causes of the financial crisis of 2007‐2009 and to investigate the role of the shareholder wealth maximization (SWM) objective in the GFC.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological procedure used in this paper is based on the historical case‐study approach. Case reviews of individuals and world‐level role models of the financial crisis have been cited in this paper. From this aggregated material, the paper examines the side effects of the SWM objective in order to develop the argument that the SWM objective played a role in the present crisis.

Findings

The case studies revealed that unethical behaviour, agency issues, CEO compensation, creative accounting and risk shifting are some of the side effects of SWM. These cases indicate that the assumptions on which SWM are based are questionable. Further, it can be argued that the root cause of the GFC is excessive greed and the single‐minded pursuit of SWM.

Originality/value

Though many studies have attempted to identify the proximate causes of the GFC, this paper is novel in highlighting the impact of the SWM objective function.
Free Willy: the whale‐watching legacy
Authors: Wearing Stephen , Buchmann Anne , Jobberns Chantelle
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore contemporary issues in film tourism with reference to the growth in related tourism fields.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the relationship between growth in dolphin and whale watching and the popularity of theFree Willyseries of films.

Findings

Observes that films can significantly influence aspects of ecotourism, especially in terms of the expectations of tourists.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates how new tourism niche markets are strongly influenced by nature‐related films and discusses the implications for tourism stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper reviews and reveals the potential for film‐induced ecotourism.
A cross‐cultural study of screen‐tourists' profiles
Authors: Kim Sangkyun , O'Connor Noëlle
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is a cross‐cultural analysis to compare the profiles of international screen‐tourists by nationalities. Also it investigates the screen‐tourism concept as associated with theHallyuphenomenon. Owing to the nature of the topic being examined, an instrument with study‐specific items was created.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives of this paper were achieved through the critical review of previous screen‐tourism literature combined with a structured on‐site survey which included both open‐ and close‐ended questions with inbound tourists who were visiting the Daejanggeum Theme Park in South Korea.

Findings

The principal value of this study can be seen in its offering of a general overview of the characteristics of screen‐tourists induced by the television dramaDaejanggeum.The outcomes of this study concurred with the findings of some previous research which indicated the powerful impact of consuming popular media products including television dramas on destination choice and increase in tourist numbers. Therefore, the findings present a considerable amount of insight into the screen‐tourism phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the overall success of the research methodology, a number of limitations were identified. Probably, the most significant of these relates to the generalisability of the results. Whilst this research has contributed to the existing knowledge of screen‐tourism, it would undoubtedly be beneficial to build on it through further research. In particular, research that would examine whether the main findings identified here are more widely representative would be useful. A multi‐destination paper could be undertaken in which would provide rich, comparative data on the nature and characteristics of the phenomenon in other such destinations.

Practical implications

This paper will be of value to academics and industry practitioners interested in screen‐tourism and indeed tourism in general as well as students studying the screen‐tourism phenomenon. The results of this study could benefit destination managers, academics, film and television stakeholders who have an interest in screen‐tourism destination development.

Originality/value

This paper offers a general overview of socio‐demographic characteristics of international screen‐tourists induced by a television drama and it explores the differences in screen‐tourists' profiles including travel patterns and screen product preference in the inter‐Asian dimension. The paper addresses a gap in the literature on the area of cross‐cultural analysis and the screen‐tourist.
Working together to leverage film tourism: collaboration between the film and tourism industries
Authors: Hudson Simon
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how an increasing number of film and tourism industry stakeholders are working together with the dual goals of attracting film production and then capitalizing on the subsequent exposure.

Design/methodology/approach

Recently published reports and articles related to the film industry and film tourism in particular are thoroughly reviewed.

Findings

Although most tourism organizations and film commissions have been slow to tap the potential benefits of film tourism, the examples highlighted show how partnerships between the two industries can be mutually beneficial.

Practical implications

If leveraged well, film tourism can have large economic gains for countries and regions. Destination marketing organizations should be working with film commissions and engaging in marketing activities at four distinct stages of a film's lifecycle; before production of a film, during production, during release of the film, and after release.

Originality/value

This is the first full film tourism paper to reflect on existing collaboration between the film and tourism industries.
Economic recessions, strategy, and performance: a synthesis
Authors: Latham Scott , Braun Michael
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Despite the episodic pervasiveness of recessions and their destructive impact on firms, a void exists in the management literature examining the intersection between recessions, strategy, and performance. This paper seeks directly to address this research void by reviewing relevant literature spanning the past 20 years and building an integrative framework for future research efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper systematically reviews and compartmentalizes articles on the intersection between firm strategy and economic recession published between 1991 and 2010 in widely recognized management and entrepreneurship journals. Concurrently, a theoretical framework is proposed which identifies distinct constructs and linkages related to economic recessions, strategy, and performance.

Findings

The findings are twofold. First, the review distils disparate scholarly works on firm behavior and recessions to provide a systematic appraisal and review of what people know and do not know about managing firms through economic downturn. Second, the conceptual framework points to numerous opportunities to scholars interested in conducting research on this timely and important topic.

Practical implications

The paper answers a call by scholars for research that fills a void on systematic diagnosis, prescription, or prophylaxis that can guide managers through recessions.

Originality/value

This paper represents the only research initiative to systematically bring a comprehensive overview of firm strategy in the context of recessionary environments. In effect, it addresses the larger research question: “What do we know about the interplay between firm strategy and recession?”
Real options logic in R&D project valuation
Authors: Street Jeffrey N. , Santhanakrishnan Mukunthan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Decision making for acceptance of an R&D project occurs under uncertainty and may involve predominantly quantitative analyses, such as net‐present value, predominantly intuitive analyses, such as real options logic, or some combination thereof. This paper attempts to bring together two concepts of decision theory, i.e. heuristics and framing, and real options logic into one integrated view relative to R&D project valuation. It is believed that the integration of theory helps explain expected and unexpected decisions resulting from the R&D project valuation process.

Design/methodology/approach

It is proposed here that, under a typical R&D project review, aspects of two theoretical concepts integrate to aid project valuation and decision making. The aim of this paper is to develop a research framework leading to advancement in the understanding of the relationship of heuristic principles from decision theory and the valuation methodology of real options logic. Findings – As a conceptual paper, propositions and a research model representing the conceptual framework are presented.

Research limitations/implications

Stemming from the propositions and research model, it is believed that the degree of influence that heuristics potentially exhibit on real options logic can be successfully measured. Confirming the degree of influence is a matter for future empirical research.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is to develop a research framework leading to advancement in the understanding of the relationship of heuristic principles from decision theory and the valuation methodology of real options logic. In this framework, heuristics has been positioned as a moderator affecting project valuation derived by real options logic.
“Doing” strategy
Authors: Pugh Jonathan , Bourgeois L. Jay
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Most of today's conversations around crafting business strategy center on which strategic framework is most appropriate for a firm, its strategist, or CEO to use. This opinion piece seeks to argue that the focus on frameworks is inappropriate and distracts businesses from crafting holistic and adaptive strategies. To rectify the situation, it aims to offer a more inclusive model for arriving at strategic insights. It also suggests a method for implementing this model throughout the enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper clarifies that the frameworks are really many different sides of the same coin and are, at best, approximations for how strategy is “really” developed. But what does that mean in terms of actually “doing” strategy? Is this not the point of strategy literature, consultants, and business schools, to teach us? While one does not purport to have all the answers on this front, one has begun to develop a theory around how different tools available to the strategic thinker can be brought together to develop as robust a strategic process as possible.

Findings

Ultimately, strategy is about learning, discovering, and inventing. Strategy analysis tools aid in the learning – about the industry, one's realized strategies, one's capabilities and economics. The tools are also tools of discovery: what options make their appearance as one goes through the data and analytical processes to interpret the data? Both of these – learning and discovery – should reveal the low‐hanging fruit for incremental improvement of the current position. It is only after much homework and intellectual sweat that the inventions and potential blue oceans sparked by strategic intuition come to the fore. That is the source of true strategic invention and innovation.

Originality/value

The paper should be useful to strategy practitioners and leaders of organizations as they guide their institutions into the future.
BSkyB transformation from a new loss‐making venture to a successful organisation
Authors: O'Regan Nicholas , Ghobadian Abby
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to articulate strategic dilemmas faced by a Chief Executive of a highly successful company and how such dilemmas were resolved.

Design/methodology/approach

The case is based on a semi‐structured interview with Mr Jeremy Darroch – Chief Executive of BSkyB – and analysis of documentary evidence.

Findings

It is often difficult to implement strategies that simultaneously yield high organic growth rate, innovation, and a healthy balance‐sheet. The paper sheds light on how Sky has met this challenge.

Research limitations/implications

The research offers a unique insight into the views of a principal strategist and articulates the background to offer context, however, because of its design the findings are not generalisable.

Originality/value

Very few articles offer insight into the thinking of those with principal responsibility for design and delivery of strategy. This paper offers such an insight based on a detailed interview with a highly successful Chief Executive.
Reflections on the American Marketing Association Doctoral Consortium
Authors: Lazer William , Bennett Peter D.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the founding and impact of the American Marketing Association (AMA) Doctoral Consortium and to give credit to those responsible for developing this very successful academic program.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper comprises personal reflections and historical narrative.

Findings

The founding of the AMA Doctoral Consortium was led by Thomas Stoudt and was later ensured continuity through the support of Jagdish Sheth. The Consortium went through two markedly different eras. Similarities and differences between the early consortia from 1966 through the mid‐1970s and those since the mid‐1970s are presented to give a sense of how the Consortium has changed over its 45‐year history.

Originality/value

This brief note is the first attempt to document the founding and history of what has become an important institution in the marketing academy.
Institutionalization of macromarketing
Authors: Nason Robert W.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the genesis of the first Macro‐Marketing Seminar and to review the institutionalization of macromarketing which resulted from it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper briefly reviews the history of macromarketing, the changes in society and marketing thought, and the seminal research which led to the first Macro‐Marketing Seminar.

Findings

Early macromarketing research was supplanted by a managerial marketing focus in mid‐twentieth century while at the same time society was awakening to the interconnections between human behavior and a broad range of societal problems. The early marketing theory seminars provided a template for the first Macro‐Marketing Seminar.

Originality/value

The paper explains the resurgence of macromarketing which from that first pivotal Macro‐Marketing Seminar has blossomed into a multifaceted and institutionalized area of study.
Chemical fertilizer use efficiency and its determinants in China's farming sector
Authors: Wu Yanrui
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine chemical fertilizer use efficiency at the household level and provide an assessment of the causes of efficiency variation.

Design/methodology/approach

A stochastic frontier production function approach is employed to estimate fertilizer use efficiency at the household level.

Findings

It is estimated that on average about two‐thirds of the chemical fertilizers utilized are excessive in China. This has serious consequences as the excessive chemicals like nitrogen and phosphate either remain in the soil or flow into rivers and underground water systems or evaporate into the atmosphere.

Originality/value

This study is probably first of its kind in the field and is based on the latest household survey data.
What is keeping the poor out of college?
Authors: Wang Xiaobing , Liu Chengfang , Zhang Linxiu , Luo Renfu , Glauben Thomas , Shi Yaojiang , Rozelle Scott , Sharbono Brian
Published: May 2011

Purpose

With the rise in the opportunity to go to college, the purpose of this paper is to identify if China's rural poor are being excluded from the university system, and if so, why.

Design/methodology/approach

Two sets of the authors' own primary survey data were used: a group of randomly selected high school students in Shaanxi Province and a census of all freshmen entering into four universities in Sichuan, Anhui and Shaanxi. The intention was to show if the rate of the rural poor attending universities is lower than that of urban students and that of rural non‐poor; also to identify the barriers to education (if they exist) that are keeping enrollment rates low for the rural poor. The authors used ordinary least squares method to make the estimations.

Findings

Matriculation rate of the poor into college was found to be substantially lower than the students from non‐poor families. Clearly, barriers exist that are excluding the rural poor; however, the authors demonstrate that the real barriers are not at the point of college admissions, but before students have even matriculated into high school.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical work which studies the barriers that keep the poor out of university.
County‐level fiscal strait and resolutions in China
Authors: Luo Dan , Ju Ronghua
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine China's county‐level fiscal difficulties. A large portion of China's counties (county‐level cities) have to run with the shortage of financial resources and huge government debt. To make a suitable policy to solve this problem is a top priority.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the first‐hand survey data, the paper compares nine sample counties whose economic development level is different, sums up the difficulties county‐level governments are facing and explores countermeasures from qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Findings

By studying the survey data of nine sample counties (cities), it is found that county‐level finance is facing the following problems: low‐level fiscal revenue, high debt risk and large gap of fiscal revenue between different counties (cities). Based on these findings, the paper provides suggestions such as ensuring that the county‐level government has sufficient fiscal resources and improving the transfer payment system.

Originality/value

Data from three well‐developed counties (county‐level cities), three middle‐income counties (county‐level cities) and three backward counties made the paper's findings more comprehensive and realistic and suggestions more practical.
Towards a code of professional conduct for construction mediators
Authors: Brooker Penny
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the codes of professional conduct observed by construction mediators in England and Wales with the aim of assessing whether they raise awareness about party self‐determination and inform users about variations in mediator approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The research collated a list of construction mediation providers drawn from members of the Civil Mediation Council, professional bodies working in construction and other leading providers. A search was then made of mediation providers' web sites to find published codes of conduct.

Findings

A substantial number of providers do not emphasize party self‐determination or the steps taken to inform users about mediator approaches in their online codes. Some organisations provide online access to “Mediation Agreements” which determine how the process and mediator approach is selected but generally codes do not place a specific duty on mediators to ensure parties enter mediation with informed consent about their approach.

Research limitations/implications

Online searches may not have found specific mediator codes if organisations publish overarching professional codes of practice for members, if the documents labels do not identify them as a mediator code, or if web sites are not searchable. Further research should investigate how codes of conduct affect construction mediators' practice.

Practical implications

Codes of conduct from countries and international organisations provide exemplars of good practice. Mediation providers in England and Wales should consider revising mediator codes to give weight to the principle of party self‐determination and to articulate a duty that mediators inform users about their approach to ensure they obtain informed consent.

Originality/value

This is an original analysis of construction codes of conduct observed by mediators in England and Wales. A comparative analysis of codes from international sources contributes to the current debate on regulation and future policy developments.
Integrated product policy: products and their impact on energy
Authors: Malcolm Rosalind
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the Ecodesign Directive and the extent to which it provides a regulatory framework for life‐cycle assessment approaches which underlie integrated product policy (IPP), thus providing a horizontal approach to product legislation as a new approach to regulating pollution.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on academic commentary as well as official papers, European communications and legislation.

Findings

The development and application of the Ecodesign Directive is highlighted along with the different regulatory approach it poses which is shown to result from the application of life‐cycle assessment and IPP.

Practical implications

The impact on the development of products will be extensive in that they will be required by mandatory rules to be designed with a view to the reduction of their whole life environmental impacts.

Originality/value

The approach is to highlight a new paradigm for regulating pollution and environmental impacts.
Planning for nuisance?
Authors: Moor Francis
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and examine the impact of s.158 of the Planning Act 2008 in the UK, which awards the defence of statutory authority to developers of major infrastructure projects in private nuisance actions. The paper will assess the extent to which this provision could broaden the scope of the existing defence and consider the practical implications of the new measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses existing case law, and the historic evolution of the UK doctrine of statutory authority, in order to assess the potential judicial approach to the defence in infrastructure planning decisions.

Findings

Although s.158 of the Planning Act 2008 appears to further broaden the opportunity for the statutory immunity defence to be used, certain historical restrictions will affect its application. In awarding the defence, the judiciary have taken into account a variety of considerations such as the specificity of the location, the inevitability of the nuisance, the effect on statutory provisions, and the bearing that negligence has on the defence. These exceptions prove that there is no such thing as “blanket immunity”, and developers may still be held responsible for their un‐neighbourly conduct.

Practical implications

The scope of the protection conferred on developers of major infrastructure projects can appear confusing and could potentially create the assumption that statutory authority will act as a total defence to any actions. Developers, and their advisers, will need to be aware of the aforementioned exceptions before seeking to rely on the statutory authority defence.

Originality/value

This paper proposes that the doctrine of statutory authority has gained a newly significant status and uses recent legislation and a comprehensive overview of the existing case law to demonstrate these findings.
A general duty to co‐operate in construction contracts? An international review
Authors: Klimas Evaldas
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the substance of any general duty to co‐operate that might exist in relation to construction contracts. It also explores the potential impact that a duty to co‐operate might have on ensuring the smooth operation and absence of disputes within construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a number of widely accepted international documents. Reference is also made to an edition of the Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs‐Conseils Red Book and to several jurisdictions of common law and continental law systems.

Findings

The duty to co‐operate permeates the law of contract and is related to the principles of good faith and fair dealing. In common law countries, the duty can take the form of implied terms within the contract. A greater level of awareness of this duty by the parties to construction contracts would minimise disputes and better ensure that the parties achieved their shared objectives.

Originality/value

Because different jurisdictions take a variety of approaches towards the areas of law discussed, the paper's use of comparative analysis of the selected documents provides particular insights into the existence of a general duty to co‐operate which will assist the future development of the law in this area.
Comparative study of selected greenhouse gas offset protocols
Authors: Stevens Kelly A. , DeAngelo Greg , Brice Shenita
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The paper is an excerpt from a more comprehensive study by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection comparing the technical elements of offset projects in forestry, agriculture, and waste management, as well as some miscellaneous project types. The authors compare and contrast design elements of three specific offset projects: afforestation/reforestation, manure management, and landfill gas capture. The technical review for each offset project is concluded with a look at the potential applicability for that project in Florida in the context of the protocols evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Offset projects that may be employed in Florida are first broken up into comparable design elements specific to the selected offset project type. Focusing on the design elements, a discussion of the similarities and differences among the protocols for each offset project is presented. Each section begins with general findings then moves on to assessments of the detailed design elements. Finally, the project's general applicability to Florida is considered, highlighting specific strengths of particular protocols from the analysis of the design elements.

Findings

Protocols tend to vary from highly specific requirements to a more general set of recommendations. Interestingly, no one program's set of protocols is the most opportunistic for Florida, but rather various protocols may have distinctive strengths depending on the project type.

Originality/value

Many comparative studies of offset protocols evaluate protocols in the context of program‐level policies. This study uniquely values the technical details in the protocols and does not consider policy or program‐level issues.
Adapting livestock water productivity to climate change
Authors: Haileslassie Amare , Blümmel Michael , Clement Floriane , Ishaq Saba , Khan M.A.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The main purposes of this paper were to assess effects of smallholder farmers access to livelihood capital (e.g. land, livestock and water) on livestock water productivity (LWP) and to evaluate impacts of selected interventions in reducing livestock water demand (per unit of livestock product) and therefore increasing LWP.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 203 sample farm households were selected in intensive and semi‐intensive crop‐livestock systems of Indo‐Ganga basin of India. A household survey was undertaken to capture data on land, water and livestock management. For the analysis, sample farms were clustered into poor, medium, better‐off. LWP is estimated as a ratio of livestock beneficial‐outputs (e.g. milk) to depleted‐water (i.e. evapotranspired water to produce livestock feed). Impacts of selected interventions, on LWP, were analyzed using scenarios developed on a spread sheet model.

Findings

The results showed different LWP values among farm‐clusters and levels of intensification. The intensive systems showed higher LWP than the semi‐intensive. In the baseline, dairy water demand to produce a liter of milk was higher than the world average: ranging between 1,000 and 29,000 L. Among the farm‐clusters, variation of LWP was system specific and affected by farmers' access to virtual water trading (i.e. milk and feed). Improving milk productivity, feed quality and feed water productivity reduced livestock water demand per liter of milk substantially and, therefore, the saved water can be used to augment ecosystem services that can mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Originality/value

This paper revealed that in the study systems LWP, in the business as usual scenario, is low. But by improving animal productivity, quality feed supply and water conservation substantial volume of water can be saved.