bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managerial behaviour of small and medium‐sized family businesses: an empirical study
Authors: García Pérez de Lema Domingo , Duréndez Antonio
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to test the main differences between private small/medium‐sized family businesses and non‐family businesses with regard to management variables such as: strategy, strategic planning, manager's training and professionalism and financial techniques implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this empirical research, we use a sample of 639 small and medium‐sized industrial firms, distributed in 456 family and 183 non‐family firms, with the intention of determining whether family SMEs possess specific structural characteristics distinct from non‐family ones. The data collection technique used was a questionnaire obtained from a postal survey, and addressed to the manager of the company.

Findings

Results show that managers of family firms use some management tools such as management accounting systems and cash budgets for the decision making process and also give less importance to strategic planning and personnel training programmes as a competitiveness factor.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for additional research because the findings indicate that there are different managerial behaviours between family and non‐family firms, but we need to corroborate and look for the basis of such differences, in order to address what the advantages and disadvantages of family firms are.

Practical implications

The results lead us to support the need for family firms to focus on “management development”, which should be understood as the general enhancement and growth of management skills through a learning process.

Originality/value

The paper contributes with new empirical evidence about the management function in family businesses. It is also expected that the results of the study help policy makers to make further efforts facilitating the progress of family firms, knowing they are the real engine driving and contributing to welfare of developed economies.
Mature franchise systems use multiple unit franchising to leverage learning economies and sustain systemwide growth
Authors: Weaven Scott , Frazer Lorelle
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to extend current understanding of organisational choice theory through examining to what extent firm‐level factors influence the growth of franchisee‐owned mini‐chains within Australian franchise systems. In particular, this study examines how the age of the system, corporatisation of management processes, plurality of distribution, levels of intra‐firm conflict and franchise system complexity influence multiple unit franchising adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was adopted to gain a clearer picture of the salient issues influencing multiple unit franchising adoption from the franchisor's perspective.

Findings

The research reveals that mature franchise systems in Australia use sequential methods of multiple unit franchising expansion in order to minimise adverse selection costs and leverage learning economies derived from previous experiences in managing intra‐firm channel relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Industry‐specific influences and differences in managerial orientations may limit the predictive application of this study to all franchise systems. However, on balance the reflections offered by the participants provide a rich and valuable source of information about the factors influencing their willingness to encourage this growth strategy.

Practical implications

Franchisors need to consider upfront whether they are ready and able to encourage multiple unit ownership within their systems. Less experienced franchisors may need to corporatise operations, minimise channel conflict and introduce administrative support procedures to ensure the recruitment of suitable franchisee candidates who will assist in realising the franchisor's goals, thus promoting a harmonious franchising relationship.

Originality/value

Whereas, previous research has investigated motivations for encouraging multiple unit franchising, this paper supplements that literature by examining multiple unit franchising within Australia.
A descriptive study of the marketing practices of Chinese private entrepreneurs
Authors: Vanhonacker Wilfried R. , Zweig David , Fung Chung Siu
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This study is designed to describe the marketing practices of private entrepreneurs in mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

Personal interviews were conducted with 200 private entrepreneurs in China. A structured survey instrument was used and data were analyzed using SAS tools.

Findings

Four key findings: Chinese entrepreneurs focus primarily on reaching an industrial client base among private companies in China; their marketing practices suggest that they prefer tight control over their operations; they use listed prices extensively and salespeople are typically given some flexibility in deviating from those listed prices; the development of sales/distribution networks is enhanced through the use of listed prices but is hurt by the flexibility salespeople have in deviating from those listed prices. Some marketing practices differ by geographic location of the entrepreneurial firm (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) and by the type of entrepreneur (returnee, local).

Research limitations/implications

It is imposible to offer a clear reference point for Chinese entrepreneurs; hence, apart from documenting their practices, it is not certain whether these practices are significantly different from others. All data are self‐reported (including financial performance). Sampling frame: although every attempt was made to have a representative sample, there was no way to guarantee this. More comprehensive research to validate the findings is needed.

Originality/value

The major contribution is insights into the marketing practices of Chinese entrepreneurs so far not documented in the literature. Hence, this study gives a descriptive but comprehensive picture of Chinese entrepreneurs as marketers.
Symmetrical versus asymmetrical company‐investor communications via the internet
Authors: Hassink Harold , Bollen Laury , Steggink Michiel
Published: April 2007

Purpose

In previous studies it remains unclear whether the internet is an effective mechanism for developing a symmetrical and interactive communications process that is initiated by the investor rather than the company. The purpose of this paper is to study the effectiveness of the internet to act as a mechanism to achieve a more interactive communication between companies and investors.

Design/methodology/approach

A “mystery investor” approach is used to test whether companies reply to e‐mails from investors. Content analysis was used to study the responsiveness, timeliness and relevance of the answers.

Findings

The quality of symmetrical communication (in terms of responsiveness and relevance) appears relatively low. Companies with high‐quality investor relations (IR) web sites do not handle e‐mails more effectively. Therefore, high‐quality asymmetrical communication between company and their investors not automatically associated with a high‐quality symmetrical type of communication.

Practical implications

Companies that provide e‐mail facilities for investors create the impression that they welcome communications with investors. However, if companies fail to handle incoming e‐mails from investors quickly and correctly, they create feelings of dissatisfaction. As a result e‐mail facilities on web sites are counter‐productive and hamper the creation of good relationships with investors. These results emphasize the need for better internal routing, better instructions and specific training programmes for IR staff.

Originality/value

The paper provides original evidence on the potential of the internet to enhance symmetrical communication between companies and their investors. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the way the internet can be used by IR departments to enhance the communications with investors.
How do public relations practitioners perceive investor relations? An exploratory study
Authors: Hong Youngshin , Ki Eyun‐Jung
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how public relations practitioners perceive investor relations itself and what the potential is in terms of public relations with empirical results.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based survey was conducted by using systematic random sampling with a probability sample of 5,000 public relations practitioners drawn from the 2004 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Directory. The survey consisted of three sections, investor relations functions at organizations with a multiple‐answer format, perceptions on specific activities of investor relations with a seven‐point Likert scale, and demographic information.

Findings

Practitioners conceived that counseling with top management the most important investor relations activity and that earning a reputation for honesty the most significant result the activity can create. Moreover, practitioners considered direct involvement with top management a highly effective investor relations strategy for achieving goals. However, for handling investor relations, practitioners showed contrary attitudes regarding qualifications and undergraduate courses, indicating that public relations qualifications would be more needed for entry‐levels, while basics for finance would be more necessary for undergraduates.

Research limitations/implications

This research acquired an extraordinarily low response rate, 3.54 percent and targeted the US public relations practitioners only.

Originality/value

This study is the first to directly investigate public relations practitioners' perceptions on investor relations as well as fairly in accordance with the current consensus that investor relations and public relations should be convergent.
Innovation diffusion: a stakeholder and social network view
Authors: Troshani Indrit , Doolin Bill
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The adoption of XBRL presents new opportunities for considerably enhancing the business information supply chain. However, its diffusion has proved to be very challenging. The purpose of this paper is to draw upon stakeholder and social network theories to evaluate issues surrounding the diffusion of XBRL in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative empirical evidence collected via interviews is used to identify XBRL stakeholders and to assess their salience which is considered to be a key characteristic of stakeholder networks.

Findings

It was found that there is a lack of salience among the current XBRL stakeholders in Australia. While all stakeholders were found to have a legitimate basis for adopting XBRL, most lack power or centrality and none possesses urgency claims for XBRL which collectively are likely to have a significant impact on its diffusion. As a remedy, instrumental measures, such as knowledge building and deployment, subsidy, mobilisation, and innovation directive, by way of which organizational stakeholders can positively affect XBRL diffusion, are critically assessed. The need for normative action is also highlighted.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by enhancing understanding of the complex phenomenon of the diffusion of network innovations, such as XBRL. This helps recognize the potential of individual stakeholders to effect innovation diffusion using their salience. Taken together, this information can help in designing proactive adoption and diffusion strategies for network innovations.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of research in the area of the diffusion of network innovations. This work constitutes, therefore, an extension to the existing body of knowledge.
Using biological models to improve innovation systems
Authors: Rice John , Martin Nigel
Published: April 2007

Purpose

A strong and fast‐cycle innovation system has been developed to counter the ongoing threat of computer viruses within computer systems employing vulnerable operating systems. Generally, however, the innovative applications that develop in response to each generation of computer virus can be seen as a reactive, rather than proactive, critical response. The paper seeks to present a critique of the innovation system that has emerged to combat computer viruses by comparing it with its natural system namesake, the human anti‐viral immune system. It is proposed that the relevance of this analogy extends beyond this case to innovation systems more generally.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the biological theory related to the human body's immune system and how immune systems might be mimicked in the development of security systems and anti‐virus software. The paper then outlines the biomimicry framework that can be used for scoping the development and features of the security systems and software, including the population of the framework segments. The implications of biomimetic approaches in the wider innovation management literature are discussed.

Findings

Some commercial security products that are undergoing evolutionary development and current research and development activities are used to augment the biomimetic development framework and explicate its use in practice. The paper has implications for the manner in which the objectives of innovation systems are defined. There is implicit criticism of linear models of innovation, that by their nature ignore the recursive and/or adaptive processes evident in natural systems.

Originality/value

This is the first paper, to the best of the authors' knowledge, that discusses the application of natural systems and biomimetics to broaden the scope of innovation process design, and link its findings back to the wider innovation literature.
Creativity and the fallacy of misplaced concreteness in new drug development
Authors: Sundgren Mats , Styhre Alexander
Published: April 2007

Purpose

A dominating view in the literature of organizational creativity is to treat the creativity as anex postfactoconstruct rather than a process that may be subject to systematic and thoughtful managerial practices. Drawing on Alfred North Whitehead's writing, the paper seeks to examine how creativity is conceptualized in the pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a series of interviews with managers and scientists in three pharmaceutical companies.

Findings

Although researchers and managers designate the role of organizational creativity as the most important strategic capability of the firm, there is almost no communication about it. The respondents point out a gap between understanding and action in the innovation process, i.e. what precedes it in new drug development. This gap is clearly illustrated – creativity is what makes the difference for the companies – but hardly anyone talks about it.

Practical implications

From a management perspective this paper concludes that organizational creativity in new drug development can become a more actionable concept by capturing images and narratives relevant to the organizational reality.

Originality/value

In contrast to the dominated individualistic centered view of creativity, this paper argues that creativity does not occur at a single point in time but is rather the outcome from a series of interconnected events and undertakings. A process‐based view of creativity can thus escape the misplaced concreteness that the mythology of creativity postulates. Whitehead's process philosophy may form a fruitful foundation from which organizational creativity can be understood and exploited.
Innovation networks and capability building in the Australian high‐technology SMEs
Authors: Mohannak Kavoos
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Studies of capability building and organisational learning through networked arrangements have been growing in recent years. In high‐technology industries, in particular, small and medium‐sized enterprises overcome problems of resource and information limitations by becoming a part of a knowledge network. This paper seeks to examine innovation networks of the Australian high‐technology small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by focusing on the linkages employed by small businesses to learn, adapt to technological change, and innovate.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the innovation networks of high‐technology firms, research was conducted on biotechnology firms within the Sydney region and information and communication technology (ICT) firms within the metropolitan area of Melbourne. A mixed methodology approach for this research was adopted and a combination of quantitative and qualitative data was collected, via the means of a questionnaire and face‐to‐face interviews.

Findings

The paper reports a range of findings on the nature and type of networked relationships and offers analysis of the extent of innovation linkages within the biotech clusters in Sydney and ICT cluster within Melbourne.

Research limitations/implications

Limitation of the sample size indicates limited generalisability of final results and findings should be treated with caution.

Practical implications

This research highlights critical factors of innovation success in the context of network linkages. This network analysis may enable more effective decision making on improving innovation processes on competitive capabilities by regional policy makers and firm managers.

Originality/value

The paper reports the analysis and extent of innovation linkages within the biotech cluster in Sydney and ICT cluster the in Melbourne metropolitan area.
Customer‐related proactiveness in the radical innovation development process
Authors: Sandberg Birgitta
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the degree of customer‐related proactiveness in the process of developing radical innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial framework for this study is first created on the basis of the theory and then modified in the light of multiple retrospective case studies.

Findings

The results show that the stage of the innovation development process seems to influence the degree of proactiveness. Contrary to many earlier studies, this research indicates that anticipation plays an important role already at the idea generation stage.

Research limitations/implications

The study introduces a way of describing a firm's proactiveness as a dynamic pattern. Thus, the process approach adopted in this research may encourage further longitudinal studies on the phenomenon. Given the explorative nature of the study, the propositions arising from the modified framework should be evaluated according to additional data.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate that a systematic search for new market opportunities, and the firm's previous experience of customers, may generate not only incremental but also radical innovations. Proactiveness is not always needed, however, as the cases indicate. Firms ought therefore to consider carefully when it is appropriate to invest in customer‐related proactiveness, and when it is not.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the study stems from the combination of customer‐related proactiveness and the process of radical‐innovation development. It is among the first to combine these streams of research.
ICT use in marketing as innovation success factor
Authors: Vilaseca‐Requena Jordi , Torrent‐Sellens Joan , Jiménez‐Zarco Ana Isabel
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the role that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) plays in the processes of product innovation and marketing – as an element that strengthens the cooperation and communication among agents within the innovation project, reducing the obstacles to innovation and enhancing the development of differentiated products as well.

Design/methodology/approach

The study of a sample of 2,038 companies from all sectors of economic activity in Catalonia allows the contrast of initial hypotheses and establishes a profile of an innovative company based on the significant relationships that exist between innovation and ICT use in marketing and cooperation.

Findings

Two ideas stand out from the analysis. First, intensive ICT use in marketing makes the company more innovative, as it perceives that its usage breaks down barriers to innovation and speeds up processes that in turn become more efficient. Second, increasing ICT use in marketing encourages company predisposition to collaborate with and integrate particular agents within the business environment in the development of the innovation process, improving the degree of adaptation of the new product to market demands.

Research limitations/implications

The use of dichotomic scales to measure variables, or restricting the study sample to any type of new product regardless of its degree of novelty or intangibility in company and market terms perhaps limits the usefulness of the paper.

Practical implications

The study shows the relationship between ICT use, cooperation and the innovation process.

Originality/value

This study offers important contributions, and draws conclusions for those directors involved in the development of new products. A new framework is presented for identifying the role that intensive ICT use in marketing plays as an element that strengthens the cooperation and communication relationships in new product development processes. On the other hand, the application of the CHAID analysis allows us to identify the principal traits that define an innovation company.
A comparison of the forecasting ability of ARIMA models
Authors: Stevenson Simon
Published: April 2007

Purpose

ARIMA models have been extensively examined in the context of the real estate market. The purpose of this paper is to examine issues relating to their application in a forecasting context. Specifically, the paper seeks to examine whether in‐sample measures of best‐fit and also past forecasting accuracy bear any relation to future forecasting performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The forecasting performance of alternative ARIMA specifications are compared over rolling estimation and forecasting windows. The forecasting accuracy of the alternative specifications is compared with specific attention placed on the accuracy of the respective specification that in‐sample provides the best fitting model.

Findings

The results highlight the limitations in using the conventional approach to identifying the best‐specified ARIMA model in sample, when the purpose of the analysis is to provide forecasts. The results show that while ARIMA models can be useful in anticipating broad market trends, there are substantial differences in the forecasts obtained using alternative specifications. The use of conventional measures of best‐fit provide little indication as to future forecasting ability, nor does the forecasting performance of a specification in previous periods.

Originality/value

ARIMA modelling has frequently been highlighted as a useful forecasting approach. This paper illustrates that care needs to be paid in their use in a forecasting context and full appreciation of the strengths and limitations of the ARIMA approach.
Exploring office investment decision‐making in different European contexts
Authors: Roberts Claire , Henneberry John
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Studies of UK and US property investment markets have historically portrayed the decision‐making process as an exercise in rational analysis. This notion is fundamentally flawed as the concept of a perfect market has limited applicability to the real world context in which property investment decisions are taken. Investment decision‐making is neither clinical nor methodical but is undertaken by imperfect players in imperfect markets using imperfect information. The purpose of this paper is to explore the decision making processes of investors.

Design/methodology/approach

A normative‐behavioural framework incorporating heuristics is used, a technique whose application in property research has previously been limited to valuation. The empirical vehicle for the research was an exploration of the spatial dimension of office property investment in different European contexts.

Findings

The findings of in‐depth case studies of investment decision‐making in France, Germany and the UK indicate that the decision‐making process, as perceived by institutional investors, does not deviate significantly from normative models. However, investors tend to “collapse down” the decision‐making process, taking shortcuts to achieve (in some cases, predefined) investment outcomes. These short‐cuts potentially leave the decision‐making process open to the influence of bias, judgement and sentiment.

Originality/value

This study represents the first attempt to explore, empirically and in detail, the property investment decision‐making process.
Intangible measurement guidelines: a comparative study in Europe
Authors: Bañegil Palacios Tomás M. , Sanguino Galván Ramón
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and compare some of the most recent and significant contributions from European researchers to the field of the measurement and management of intangibles.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was carried out on two different levels. First, how the guidelines were developed was examined. Second, the recommendations derived from these guidelines were evaluated.

Findings

The first conclusion drawn in this paper is the lack of a unique Conceptual Framework to carry out Intellectual Capital Reports – even though there are no significant differences among the analysed guidelines.

Originality/value

The paper shows that, in line with the increasing importance of the intangible economy in the last few years, a significant number of models has been published. Unlike previously published papers, the main original contribution in the measurement of Intellectual Capital relates to the comparison and assessment of the various existing guidelines.
Intellectual capital and capital markets: additional evidence
Authors: Ghosh Dipankar , Wu Anne
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to first examine whether intellectual capital (IC) information is considered in firm valuation. Next, to examine two issues: financial analysts' investment recommendations when faced with different combinations of performance levels (i.e. above or below industry average) of financial and IC measures, and the role of financial and IC measures with different performance levels and holding periods (i.e. short‐term vs long‐term) for the investment on analysts' recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper used secondary (both archival and survey) data. The second part was an experiment.

Findings

The findings in the first part show that, after controlling for the effect of financial performances on firm value, measures of IC are still significant explanatory variables (of firm value). The second part shows that the financial and IC measures affect financial analysts' investment recommendations differently depending on the measures' levels of performance and the time horizon for holding the investments.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the paper are as follows: the use of secondary data from a single country limits its generalizability; and the results of the experiment are parameterized by the research design such as the amount of information provided to the financial analysts. Extending the analyses to other settings and using time‐series data represent future research opportunities.

Originality/value

The research makes three contributions to the IC literature. First, it extends the studies on the relevance of IC in capital market research by broadening its scope to include measures of IC other than R&D intensity. Next, it provides evidence of the informativeness of IC measures in market valuation of firms and analysts' recommendations, thus lending credence to the arguments of reports and researchers for more external communication of IC information. Finally, this study is one of the first to examine a broader scope of IC in the capital market context and the use of IC by sophisticated market participants. With policy‐makers and standard‐setting bodies considering proposals to enhance information on IC in financial reports, it is important to broaden the scope of IC metrics and understand their role in enhancing firm value to develop a framework for reporting IC.
Intellectual capital disclosure and price‐sensitive Australian Stock Exchange announcements
Authors: Dumay John C. , Tull John A.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine an alternative way by which firms can disclose their intellectual capital to external stakeholders who have an influence on their share price.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows that, by applying the empirical “event studies” methodology for the 2004‐2005 financial year, the components of intellectual capital are used to classify price‐sensitive company announcements to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), and to examine any relationship between the disclosure of intellectual capital and the cumulative abnormal return of a firm's share price.

Findings

The disclosure of intellectual capital elements in price sensitive company announcements can have an effect on the cumulative abnormal return of a firm's share price. The market is found to be most responsive to disclosures of “internal capital” elements.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to an analysis of the Australian stock market for a one‐year period. It does not take into account the timing of announcement as a variable nor does it consider differences in regulation or operations pertaining to other stock markets.

Practical implications

Researchers and practitioners are now informed that price‐sensitive disclosures to the market containing intellectual capital elements have a marginal effect on the subsequent market valuation of a firm beyond traditional financial reports and external intellectual capital reports.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to examine the disclosure of price‐sensitive stock market information from an intellectual capital perspective, using Australian data.
Intangibles and Italian IPO prospectuses: a disclosure analysis
Authors: Cordazzo Michela
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate intangibles disclosure in Italian initial public offerings (IPO) prospectuses. It seeks to examine whether intangibles disclosure in IPO prospectuses is correlated to some firm‐specific variables, which influence the information selected by a company for its admission on the stock exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an empirical analysis of intangibles disclosure in Italian IPO prospectuses, and in particular an analysis of its association with some firm‐specific variables through a regression model.

Findings

The paper finds that intangibles information is increasing in Italian IPOs. Firm size and pre‐IPO managerial ownership are associated with intangibles disclosure, while firm age and level of technology are not related.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that the IPO disclosure could not be exhaustive of the intangibles disclosure provided by Italian companies, because it is produced on a voluntary basis. Originality/value – The empirical results indicate that intangibles disclosure is important in the capital markets assessment of firm value.
Social resilience to environmental risks
Authors: Sapountzaki K.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The present paper attempts to prove that social resilience to environmental risks should be considered as a potential mechanism of transfer of vulnerability from one social actor to another and/or transformation of vulnerability to one risk to vulnerability to another. This means that social resilience should not be treated always as a desirable attitude; it is desirable under certain conditions only.

Design/methodology/approach

Widespread views are challenged by alleging both theoretical knowledge and empirical outcomes. By carrying out insights to the epistemological roots of the concept resilience, its use in the domains of ecology, social and behavioural sciences, and actual experiences of resilience processes to risks in Greece, the author re‐integrates resilience analysis in the context of systemic understanding of society, the environment and interrelations between the two.

Findings

The paper introduces a clear dissociation of individualized from collective resilience and evidences that these two forms may come in conflict. Besides it indicates that assessment of resilience impacts on vulnerability is possible only by taking into account the systemic interconnections between community actors, on the one hand, and between environmental, natural and socio‐economic risks, on the other. The paper provides a methodological approach to the identity of a resilience process, an approach based on the determinant factors of resilience: the agency performing the process, the utilized resources, the stimulus and modus operandi, spatial and temporal range of the process and impacts on several aspects of vulnerability.

Practical implications

Acknowledgement of social resilience to risks as a mechanism of transfer and/or transformation of vulnerability entails radical changes in planning philosophy. Planning should focus more on keeping the effects of individualized resilience within the constraints of the wider community interest and environmental sustainability objectives, i.e. vulnerability reduction for all and vis‐à‐vis all risk aspects.

Originality/value

The paper reverses widespread optimism about social resilience to environmental risks as a universally positive process and a panacea for dealing with social vulnerability. It introduces a new methodology for evaluating virtual impacts on vulnerability and revises the guiding principles and given assumptions of risk mitigation planning.
Application of the environmental protection expenditure account
Authors: Broniewicz Elzbieta
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to review the concept of the environmental protection expenditure account (EPEA). It recommends its application in the decision‐making process in the area of environmental management.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of the environmental protection expenditure account is based on surveys conducted in several old and new European Union member nations.

Findings

The EPEA elements, i.e. production of environmental services, environmental protection expenditure and financing of environmental protection, have been presented in certain EU countries but results of the analyses were not used for the assessment or elaboration of environmental policy.

Practical implications

This paper presents several examples of the application of the environmental protection expenditure account in the environmental management process and in sustainable development.

Originality/value

The proposal of the EPEA application can be used by general administration for the improvement of environmental management activities.
Towards a strategic environment assessment framework in Kenya
Authors: Onyango Vincent , Schmidt Michael
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to assess and analyses the key pillars of the SEA framework in Kenya, highlighting aspects that should be considered for further scrutiny and review, aiming at evolving a suitable context‐specific Kenyan SEA.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of the SEA framework was done through desktop research. This was supplemented by a two‐month internship at the National Environmental Management Authority in Kenya. The key documents prescribing and describing SEA in Kenya (legal documents, guidelines) formed a basis for interpretative analysis. International literature on SEA frameworks also formed a basis for analysis.

Findings

Although the SEA framework is relatively complete, there are certain elements that are incomplete, e.g. environmental and sustainability standards have not been formally established. Some provisions are unclear or reveal internal incoherency within the framework. For example, the definitions of policies, plans, programmes and projects are not clearly differentiated for the purpose of the SEA framework. The framework is premised on “an early SEA” yet the key exercises of public participation and the triggering of the SEA exercise are both carried out late. There is need for SEA‐EIA tiering and SEA definitions and purposes to be harmonized within the various documents of the framework. Sector‐level SEA guidelines offer the most appropriate opportunity to address most of the substantive shortcomings of the framework.

Practical implications

The results provide a baseline for departure towards further scrutiny and research in order to evolve a more homegrown SEA, as opposed to merely copyng what other countries have done. The highlighted areas are expounded on, with some suggestions given; in some instances no clear remedy is immediately obvious.

Originality/value

The paper is a seminal instigator of interest into the Kenyan SEA framework, which is still very young and devoid of experience and tradition. It brings to light and questions some key issues that seem to have the potential to reduce the benefits and instrumentality of the SEA tool in meeting Kenya's interest.
Adoption of improved stoves and deforestation in Zanzibar
Authors: Omar Makame Makame
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The study is specifically aimed at understanding the extent of fuel wood consumption for cooking and the adoption of improved charcoal stoves as a policy option toward reducing the consumption of fuel wood in urban sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data were collected by use of structured questionnaires, interviews and direct field observation. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data. Based on the research plan, a total of 120 individual households were randomly selected and interviewed.

Findings

The results of the analysis suggested that the majority of people still cook using traditional stoves which consume a great deal of wood to the extent of deteriorating forest resources. Since conventional fuels remain remote for the majority, improved charcoal stoves are perceived as a real option for reducing consumption of wood fuel in urban area and thus arresting the rate of deforestation. However, this can only be realized if the improved charcoal stoves are widely adopted within social systems. Adoption itself results from a series of individual or any unit of adoption to begin using the new stoves. Poor quality of the improved stoves, costs, information and education about the stoves are major factors for the failure to adopt improved charcoal stoves in urban Zanzibar.

Originality/value

The need to revive improved charcoal stoves programs and exploration of alternative sources of energy have been recommended in order to reduce the pressure over forest resources induced by the great demand for fuel wood in urban Zanzibar.
DEA performance evaluation based on BSC indicators incorporated
Authors: Chen Tser‐Yieth , Chen Ling‐hua
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of the semiconductor industry in Taiwan, which is the main economic life‐line in Taiwan. Operational performance is normally deemed as a key factor in industry. The importance of this issue can be measured through performance indices to observe the operational performance of Taiwan's semiconductor industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the balanced scorecard (BSC) was employed

Findings

This study finds that the efficiency of every domestic semiconductor manufacturer is generally good, and concerning the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard, the most important for the domestic firm is the financial perspective, second is the internal process perspective, third the learning and innovation perspective, and most unimportantly customer perspective.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the difficulties in data collection and the widespread ranges of the four major aspects, the application of the indices is limited in this paper. Therefore, the main suggestion of this study regarding future research directions is to expand the indices of the four aspects, in the hope of measuring the operating efficiency of enterprises in each aspect using more and improved indices.

Practical implications

This application can be extended by the usage of the ratio analysis and the BSC method to enhance the validity of the DEA.

Originality/value

When implementing DEA, traditional financial indices cannot obtain an in‐depth understanding of an enterprise, hence this study considers the four major constructs of the balanced scorecard in index selection, and employed these four major contracts to expand the indices that can be available for selection and gain a deeper understanding not only of the financial aspects, but also of customers, the internal process, learning, and innovation. It should be noted that the balanced scorecard can develop the performance goal from the perspective of job fulfillment, and uses this view to assess management performance. These indicators can reflect different focuses regarding job fulfillment, and produce pluralism in the performance indices.
Microstructural changes accompanying the opal‐A to opal‐CT transition: new evidence from the siliceous sinters of Geysir, Haukadalur, Iceland
Authors: JONES BRIAN , RENAUT ROBIN W.
Published: April 2007

Opaline silica (opal‐A) has formed in marine, lacustrine and geothermal environments throughout geological time. During diagenesis opal‐A normally changes to opal‐CT, then opal‐C, and finally to quartz. Such changes commonly destroy the original fabrics and any fossils that opal‐A contained. The physical changes that accompany the opal‐A to opal‐CT transition, however, are known poorly. X‐ray diffraction analyses, electron microprobe analyses and high‐resolution, high‐magnification scanning electron microscope imagery of siliceous sinters from the Geysir geothermal area in Iceland show that opal‐A is formed of heterometric arrays of randomly packed microspheres (up to 5 μm diameter) with neighbouring spheres commonly being joined by small connection pads. In contrast, enlarged spheres, lepispheres, inverse opal (two types) and spindle frameworks with hexagonal motifs characterize opal‐CT. The textures in opal‐CT, which vary on a microscale, reflect the complex interplay between dissolution (e.g. inverse opal) and precipitation (e.g. enlarged spheres, spindle frameworks) that probably was mediated by groundwater in a near‐surface environment. The processes deciphered from these young rocks should, however, be applicable to sedimentary opal‐A and opal‐CT of all ages, irrespective of their origin.
Ventricular assist devices in children: Current achievements and future perspectives
Authors: Potapov Evgenij V. , Stiller Brigitte , Hetzer Roland
Published: April 2007

Abstract:   Mechanical circulatory support systems for the treatment of acute and chronic heart failure are now available for use in several clinical situations and are designed for different indications and support times. In children, particularly in small infants, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and centrifugal pumps have been most widely used in the past. These systems are preferred for support after cardiac operations and for use in patients who have concomitant respiratory failure, but they are suitable for short‐term application only and intensive care is obligatory. VADs are designed for long‐term application and allow patients to be discharged home. Pneumatic pulsatile VADs have been available in pediatric sizes since 1992. Currently at our institution, 74 children have been supported with pediatric extracorporeal VADs for up to 14 months. In the past five yr, a notable rise in survival has been achieved by improvements in pump design and pre‐ and post‐operative management. We have been able to discharge 78% of the infants under one yr old. In this review, our current VAD experience in children will be presented in the light of improvements in decision‐making, device technology, and implantation techniques, and in coagulation monitoring and anticoagulation. Additionally, new developments in the field of pediatric assist devices will be presented.
Clinical outcomes and graft characteristics in pediatric matched sibling donor transplants using granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐primed bone marrow and steady‐state bone marrow
Authors: Chiang Kuang‐Yueh , Haight Ann , Horan John , Olson Ellen , Gartner Amy , Hartman Deborah , Youssef Susanne , Worthington‐White Diana
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Matched sibling donor (MSD) transplant is a life‐saving procedure for children with various hematological malignancies and non‐malignancies. Traditionally, steady‐state bone marrow (S‐BM) has been used as the source of stem cells. More recently, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) after granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) mobilization has gained popularity. Adult studies of G‐CSF‐primed BM (G‐BM) have shown that it produces rapid white blood cell engraftment like PBSC, but with less chronic graft‐vs.‐host disease. No such study has been published in pediatric patients. We conducted a pilot clinical trial of G‐BM for pediatric patients. Ten patients were enrolled and were compared to a contemporaneous group of 12 patients who received S‐BM. Patients in the G‐BM group received a higher dose of total nucleated cells/kg (7.01 vs. 3.76 × 108, p = 0.0009), higher granulocyte–macrophage colony‐forming units (CFU‐GM)/kg (7.19 vs. 3.53 × 105, p = 0.01) and had shorter inpatient length of stay (28 vs. 40 days, p = 0.04). The engraftment, transfusion requirement and disease‐free survival between the two groups were similar. We concluded that G‐BM should be considered as an alternative graft source to S‐BM, with the benefits of larger graft cell dose, higher CFU‐GM dose and shorter length of stay.
Bowel obstruction due to diaphragmatic hernia in an elder child after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Okajima Hideaki , Hayashida Shintaro , Iwasaki Hironori , Suda Hiroko , Takeichi Takayuki , Ueno Mikako , Asonuma Katsuhiro , Inomata Yukihiro
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  A 10‐yr‐old boy with end‐stage liver cirrhosis due to Wilson's disease received a living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) at our institution. The donor was his father and the graft was a left lateral segment. The liver transplantation procedure and the postoperative course were uneventful. Two months after the procedure, he developed a first episode of bowel obstruction that was treated with conservative therapy. During a second episode of bowel obstruction, he also presented respiratory distress. A plain chest X‐ray revealed the presence of small intestine loops in the right thoracic cavity and bowel obstruction due to diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed. Repair of the diaphragmatic hernia was performed and the patient has been doing well after the surgery. Diaphragmatic hernia after LDLT is rare but should be recognized as a possible complication when a left lobe or a left lateral segment graft is used.