bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E‐government and records management: an assessment tool for e‐records readiness in government
Authors: Mnjama Nathan , Wamukoya Justus
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to indicate that, with the proliferation of information communication technologies (ICT), electronic records are being generated in many public sector organisations in Africa, which has resulted in many challenges hitherto never experienced by archivists and records managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature on ICT, records management and e‐governance and the challenges faced by archivists and records managers particularly in developing countries as they deal with records generated by ICT.

Findings

The paper shows that, while many governments have systems and procedures for managing paper‐based records, the same cannot be said for electronic records and other digital images.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates that, without proper planning and adoption of various methods, e‐records created using modern ICT are likely to become inaccessible in the future, thus compromising the ability to remain accountable to the citizens.

Originality/value

The paper shows that, while various e‐records readiness tools are available in the West, none of them addresses e‐records readiness issues in Africa where systems and procedures for managing records both paper and electronic are inadequate. The article provides a simple tool for assessing a country's e‐readiness for the adoption of e‐records in an e‐government environment.
Reading habits and attitude in the digital age
Authors: Shahriza Abdul Karim Nor , Hasan Amelia
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study aims to attempt to understand the reading habits and attitudes of the Bachelor of IT students and the Bachelor of Arts students from the International Islamic University Malaysia. The study also aims to explore these differences in terms of gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey approach in collecting the data. The population of the study was the undergraduate students from two academic faculties at the university. The faculties were Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology (KICT) (IT‐based) and Kuliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Science (KIRKH) (arts‐based). Based on the 400 sample drawn, 127 responses were received from the survey.

Findings

The study finds that the web site is seen as an increasingly important reading source. Significant differences exist between academic programs and types of reading materials and reading resources particularly use the web sites. Some differences in reading habits and attitudes were also observed between male and female participants.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations in this study are related to the small sample size, the inclusion of only two academic faculties, and the limited amount of variables studied.

Practical implications

In general, the findings of the study should assist the University authority, especially the library and the computing department, to look into service matters pertaining to accommodating the reading as well as the studying habits of the student.

Originality/value

The pattern of reading, as is known from the past, may not be the same as reading as it is known today or in the future. Research in reading habits needs to be further updated by including current advancement in ICT, where the technology has enabled reading to be more timely and somewhat non‐linear by using devices such as computers, PDAs and wireless phones without the presence of any printed document.
Industrial information programs in Korea: an overview
Authors: Choi Wontae
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview of industrial information programs in Korea and to describe the databases, service contexts, document supply services and issues in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents the current status, practical issues and vision for the development and access to industrial information programs. Focuses on the external drivers of change and the strategic issues, in particular for industrial information and document supply services.

Findings

Recognizes the problem of access, the need for a long‐term strategy and cooperation, an effective document supply service and makes proposals for the future of industrial information programs in Korea.

Originality/value

Offers a practical source of information and issues. Advises any organization to design an extensible, collaborative and integrated industrial information program.
Donald J. Urquhart and the integration of science with librarianship: Part 1
Authors: Bensman Stephen J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the historical significance of Donald J. Urquhart, who established the National Lending Library for Science and Technology (NLL) that later was merged into the British Library Lending Division (BLLD), now called the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a short history of the probabilistic revolution, particularly as it developed in the UK in the form of biometric statistics due to Darwin's theory of evolution. It focuses on the overthrow of the normal paradigm, according to which frequency distributions in nature and society conform to the normal law of error. The paper discusses the importance of the Poisson distribution and its utilization in the construction of stochastic models that better describe reality. Here the focus is on the compound Poisson distribution in the form of the negative binomial distribution (NBD). The paper then shows how Urquhart extended the probabilistic revolution to librarianship by using the Poisson as the probabilistic model in his analyses of the 1956 external loans made by the Science Museum Library (SML) as well as in his management of the scientific and technical (sci/tech) journal collection of the NLL. Thanks to this, Urquhart can be considered as playing a pivotal role in the creation of bibliometrics or the statistical bases of modern library and information science. The paper relates how Urquhart's son and daughter‐in‐law, John A. and Norma C. Urquhart, completed Urquhart's probabilistic breakthrough by advancing for the first time the NBD as the model for library use in a study executed at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, connecting bibliometrics with biometrics. It concludes with a discussion of Urquhart's Law and its probabilistic implications for the use of sci/tech journals in a library system.

Findings

By being the first librarian to apply probability to the analysis of sci/tech journal use, Urquhart was instrumental in the creation of modern library and information science. His findings force a probabilistic re‐conceptualization of sci/tech journal use in a library system that has great implications for the transition of sci/tech journals from locally held paper copies to shared electronic databases.

Originality/value

Urquhart's significance is considered from the perspective of the development of science as a whole as well as library and information science in particular.
Document supply in a large research library: the experience of the London School of Economics
Authors: Paine Karen
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe the measures taken to deal with some issues affecting the LSE interlending and document delivery (IDD) department within the last two years.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a descriptive approach.

Findings

There is a wide range of issues affecting document supply at present and a variety of approaches is needed to deal with them.

Research limitations/implications

Some research was carried out by a colleague into user satisfaction and what developments users would like to see in the future.

Originality/value

LSE is a fairly unusual IDD department but the issues discussed will be familiar to many colleagues. This case study describes one way of dealing with them that may help colleagues make decisions in their own departments.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 59
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

The article covers the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and websites.

Findings

That the fundamental debate on the direction of scholarly publishing continues intensely and that opposition is growing to DRM constraints. Electronic books remain a small minority market but the mass digitisation of books is proceeding apace. Open access continues to grow but with widely differing views on its impact – the publishers start to fight back.

Originality/value

The paper represents a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters.
Opinion paper: Vineyards can be misleading ‐ a reply to “Cheaper by the case”, the guest editorial in ILDS Vol. 24 No. 3, 1996
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: June 2007

Counters the argument expressed in an earlier issue of ILDS that electronic document delivery is the answer to readers’ needs. Argues that with over 100,000 books published last year and no sign of any decline in growth, traditional publishing still provides a significant proportion of publishers’ output and readers’ demand. Expresses concern that the existing efficient system of document supply is in danger of being destabilized without due consideration of the consequences.
Interlending and document supply: a review of recent literature ‐ XXXIII
Authors: Gould Sara
Published: June 2007

Reviews the literature related to electronic document delivery. Discusses the general trends, ILL management systems, CD‐ROM, electronic journals and end‐user access.
Opinion paper: access versus holdings
Authors: Blagden John
Published: June 2007

Explores how the national aspiration of “universal access” to information compares with what is actually happening in practice. Outlines some of the issues which emerge in the debate over access versus holdings, and presents some data from Cranfield University to shed some light on it.
FM – a pragmatic tool to model, analyse and predict complex behaviour of industrial systems
Authors: Sharma Rajiv Kumar , Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Pradeep
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to permit the system reliability analysts/managers/practitioners/engineers to analyze the system failure behavior using fuzzy methodology (FM)

Design/methodology/approach

In order to deal with both qualitative and quantitative information related to system performance the authors have adopted failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and Petrinets (PNs), the well‐known tools for reliability analysis, to build an integrated framework aimed at helping the reliability and maintenance managers in decision‐making.

Findings

Using the proposed framework an industrial case from the paper mill is examined. From the results it is observed that the limitations associated with the traditional procedure of risk ranking in FMEA are efficiently modeled using fuzzy decision‐making system (FDMS) based on FM. Also, the fuzzy synthesis of system failure and repair data helps to quantify the system behavior in a more realistic manner.

Originality/value

The simultaneous adoption of the proposed techniques to model, analyze and predict the uncertain behavior of an industrial system will not only help the reliability engineers/managers/practitioners to understand the behavioral dynamics of system but also to plan/adapt suitable maintenance practices to improve system reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) aspects.
An integrated PCA DEA framework for assessment and ranking of manufacturing systems based on equipment performance
Authors: Azadeh A. , Ghaderi S.F. , Ebrahimipour V.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an integrated principal component analysis (PCA) data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework for assessment and ranking of manufacturing systems based on equipment performance indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated framework discussed in this paper is based on PCA and DEA. The validity of the integrated model is further verified and validated by numerical taxonomy (NT) methods.

Findings

The results of the integrated PCA DEA framework show the ranking of sectors and weak and strong points of each sector with regard to equipment and machinery. Moreover, a non‐parametric correlation method, namely, Spearman correlation experiment shows high level of correlation among the findings of PCA, DEA and NT. Furthermore, it identifies which indicators have major impacts on the performance of manufacturing sectors.

Practical implications

To achieve the objectives of this study, a comprehensive study was conducted to locate all economic and technical indicators which influence equipment performance. These indicators are related to equipment productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and profitability. Standard factors such as down time, time to repair, mean time between failure, operating time, value added and production value were considered as shaping factors. The manufacturing sectors are selected according to the format of International Standard for Industrial Classification.

Originality/value

The modeling approach of this paper could be used for ranking and analysis of other sectors in particular or countries in general.
Investigation of WBZ‐α method for solving nonlinear systems
Authors: Chang Shuenn‐Yih
Published: June 2007

Purpose

It has been verified that the WBZ‐α method of Wood, Bossak and Zienkiewicz can have unconditional stability and numerical dissipation for linear elastic systems. However, it is still unclear about its performance in the solution of nonlinear systems analytically. Hence, this study proposes to analytically investigate its numerical characteristics for solving nonlinear systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Two parameters are introduced to facilitate the basic analysis for nonlinear systems. One is the step degree of nonlinearity, which describes the stiffness change within a time step, and the other is the step degree of convergence, which describes the convergence error due to an iteration procedure.

Findings

It is theoretically proved that the sub‐family of WBZ‐α method of −1≤α<0, β=(1/4)(1−α)2 and γ=(1/2)−α is unconditionally stable and has desired numerical dissipation for any nonlinear systems even with the presence of convergence error. These theoretical results are confirmed by numerical examples.

Originality/value

This analytical study reveals that the performance of the WBZ‐α method for nonlinear systems is in general the same as that for linear elastic systems.
Understanding international branding: defining the domain and reviewing the literature
Authors: Whitelock Jeryl , Fastoso Fernando
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper's objectives are first to analyse the patterns of research on international brands and branding so far, secondly to provide a definition for international branding based on these previous studies in the field, and finally to suggest fruitful paths for future research in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of academic papers published in major marketing, advertising and international business journals.

Findings

The field of international branding is broad and has developed in the course of the last 30 years in different directions and with different understandings of what the term refers to. This paper gives an overview of these directions, of the different understandings of the term found in the literature, proposes a definition of international branding, and finally suggests paths for future research.

Research limitations/implications

As with all literature reviews, this paper is limited to analysing works in a selection of the top academic journals in the field. However, a careful choice of the most important journals has been made, providing a good reflection of the knowledge in the area.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first literature review in the field of international branding and also the first to discuss the different interpretations of the term international branding that have developed over time. The authors also believe it is the first to offer a definition of the term in itself as well as in relation to international marketing.
Global branding, country of origin and expertise
Authors: Pecotich Anthony , Ward Steven
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The globalisation of markets combined with the paradoxical rise of nationalism has created an increased concern about the importance of the interaction of global brands with other cues such as the country of origin (COO) of products and services. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the decision‐making processes of experts and novices with respect to international brand names, COO and intrinsic quality differences.

Design/methodology/approach

Within subject experimental design, quantitative study analysis of variance.

Findings

Results of a series of experiments with personal computers as a product with strong COO effects supported this argument. Experts or highly knowledgeable consumers were found to use COO in a circumspect manner or as a limited summary construct, only when such information was consistent with a linked brand name or a particular level of physical quality. Novices, for both products used COO as a halo regardless of brand name and physical quality.

Research limitations/implications

International brand names are used in a more analytical manner by experts, with respect to quality, whilst novices based their decision‐making on extrinsic cues. This was a controlled experimental design and results could be evaluated further by more realistic design using actual products in a more market setting. Although the use of product description as used as experimental treatments in this study is not an unusual manner in which personal computers are purchased by consumers, especially when they are purchased online.

Practical implications

International marketers must carefully consider the quality, brand and COO information carefully when marketing to consumers of varying product knowledge as it appears different decision‐making styles are used by experts and novices.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies to experimentally manipulate brand, quality and COO information amongst different groups of consumers with varying product knowledge (experts and novices). The experimental treatments were also carefully chosen so that differences due to the use of a global brand IBM could be evaluated against a lesser known local brand name.
How cultural differences in uncertainty avoidance affect product perceptions
Authors: Anne Lee Julie , Garbarino Ellen , Lerman Dawn
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To examine how people from countries that vary in uncertainty avoidance (UA) use information about product uncertainty when evaluating products.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted that vary in methodology, sampling and analysis. First, an experiment was designed to manipulate product uncertainty through the use of country of origin (COO) quality‐stereotypes. It was administered to university students from a diverse range of countries, all studying in the USA. Next, data from a large‐scale survey of consumers from ten countries was submitted to hierarchical binary regression analyses to include variables at the country and individual level.

Findings

The studies support an interaction between product uncertainty (PU) and cultural UA on quality perceptions and behavioural intentions. Consumers from high UA countries evaluated high PU offerings less positively and held weaker behavioural intentions than those from low UA countries, but for low PU offerings, no difference was found. The effect of UA was reduced for people with more experience and those who were younger.

Research limitations/implications

Although we isolated the effects of UA from other cultural and individual level variables, it would be useful to directly cross individualism with UA in an experimental design, as these two variables are highly correlated.

Practical implications

This study suggests products with higher levels of PU will have more opportunity to prove themselves in low uncertainty cultures.

Originality/value

This study should be valuable for marketing managers devising rollout strategies for products with higher levels of PU or weaker quality stereotypes.
An exploratory study of negative option marketing: good, bad or ugly?
Authors: Licata Jane W. , Von Bergen C.W.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory research is to determine the consumer's perceptions of negative option marketing (NOM) offers regarding the value and equity of the offer and perceived opportunistic behavior inherent in the offer. In addition, the paper seeks to examine how a negative option offer versus a positive option offer influences consumer intentions to acquire a financial service.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the customer database of a full‐service American bank, a survey was sent to demand deposit account holders. A survey then determined perceptions of the offer, perceptions of the bank making the offer, and intentions to purchase.

Findings

Between the negative and positive option scenario sub‐samples, there were no differences in perceptions of value or equity, except in perceptions of opportunistic behavior – the negative option offers yielded significantly higher perceptions of opportunistic behavior. Perceptions of value, equity, and satisfaction with the offer were the same across all offers. Satisfaction with the offer significantly influenced satisfaction with the firm making the offer.

Research limitations/implications

A negative option operates in a contractual situation. The current research examined only one contractual situation. For findings to be generalized, the research needs to be replicated in other contractual contexts.

Practical implications

Even though the negative option offers were perceived as more opportunistic than the positive option offer, one of the negative option offers yielded a higher intention to purchase than the positive option. Care must be exercised in using NOM to minimize perceptions of opportunistic behavior.

Originality/value

There is limited literature on negative option marketing. No one has studied the customer perceptions of the strategy, in spite of its popularity.
Music, scent and time preferences for waiting lines
Authors: McDonnell John
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Waiting for service by customers is an important problem for many financial services marketers. The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach proposing that customer evaluation of the service can be increased with an ambient scent. The paper also aims to identify a cognitive variable which differentiates customers by the way they value time.

Design/methodology/approach

Pre‐tests included focus groups which highlighted financial services and a pilot test of 105 subjects. These were followed by a main sample of 607 subjects. Structural equation modelling and multivariate analysis of covariance were used for analysis.

Findings

Two environmental interventions, music and scent, can increase customer satisfaction among customers kept waiting in a line and reduce queue rage.

Practical implications

Service contact points can reduce incidence of “queue rage” and enhance customer satisfaction by either or both of two simple modifications to the service environment or a preventive strategy of offering targeted customers an alternative.

Originality/value

A new environmental intervention for customers waiting in line and a potential new method of segmentation are proposed.
The adoption and usage of credit cards by urban‐affluent consumers in China
Authors: Worthington Steve , Stewart David , Lu Xiongwen
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present exploratory research into the holding and usage of credit cards by a distinct segment of the Chinese population, who are “early adopters” of this product.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data collection using survey methodology. A sample of the urban‐affluent population in China was utilized to gauge preferences and attitudes towards the use of credit cards.

Findings

The respondents were comfortable with the holding and use of credit cards and particularly recognised their value for spending on travel and entertainment. The research also identified purchase trigger points, which indicated that the use of credit cards for purchases above certain value was already prevalent with this sample of urban‐affluent Chinese consumers.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was drawn from a narrower base than the actual target population of urban‐affluent market, but an available and valid respondent set, which offers insights into the “early‐adopters” of the credit card product in China.

Practical implications

Hitherto there has been a very limited amount of research into payment cards in China and yet with the market for financial services opening up in China from 2007, this research is timely both for domestic Chinese banks wishing to issue credit cards and for foreign entrants, seeking to enter the Chinese market via their expertise in credit cards.

Originality/value

The paper presents focused research on the attitudes towards credit cards, with the urban‐affluent consumers, who are the most likely early‐adopters of this product.
Assessing international tourists' perceptions of service quality at Air Mauritius
Authors: Prayag Girish
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to assess the service quality of a small airline, Air Mauritius, using the SERVQUAL model and to determine the relative importance attributed to service quality dimensions by international tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 140 international airline passengers travelling essentially for a leisure trip was administered the SERVQUAL instrument to determine their expectations and perceptions of service. A combination of in‐flight and mail surveys was used for data collection leading to an overall response rate of 20.2 per cent.

Findings

The paper finds that service quality structural dimensions are context‐ and culture‐specific. Four factors are perceived as influencing perceptions of service, service efficiency and affect being the most important, service personalisation, reliability and tangibles the least important. Empathy as a service dimension is valued more than assurance. Customer satisfaction and willingness to recommend the airline is primarily dependent on service efficiency and affect.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is relatively small and biased towards South African passengers, but the study is exploratory in nature. The starting‐point for service improvements at Air Mauritius is better management of service reliability. The company is able to create high perceptions of service using tangible cues.

Practical implications

The generation of a vision of excellence supported by contact employees' empowerment should improve perceptions of service. There is potentially a link between expectations of service levels at destination and tourists' expectations from the flag carrier.

Originality/value

Often smaller airline companies have to resort to strategic alliances and service differentiation to survive in this globally integrated industry. The paper fulfils the gap in the existing literature on service quality management in small airlines.
Bank service quality: empirical evidence from Greek and Bulgarian retail customers
Authors: Petridou Eugenia , Spathis Charalambos , Glaveli Niki , Liassides Chris
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Despite the rapid growth and internationalisation of the services sector, particularly financial services, managers today realize that to successfully leverage service quality as a global competitive tool, they first need to correctly identify the antecedents of what the international consumer perceives as service quality. This paper aims to assess and compare the level of bank service quality provided in Greece and Bulgaria and to identify the dimensions of quality service in the two countries.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2000 Bahia and Nantel proposed a specific scale, the BSQ, (Bank Service Quality) for measuring perceived service quality in retail banking consisting of six dimensions: effectiveness and assurance; access; price; tangibles; service portfolio; and reliability. This tool was used for the collection of data related to the banking services provided in the two countries (Greece and Bulgaria). Statistical methods, such as the t‐test, chi‐square, Cronbach's‐alpha and factor analysis, were then employed to answer the research questions.

Findings

The results suggest that the Greek customers' perception was that they received higher quality services compared to the perception of the Bulgarian clients. Differences between the countries were also reported regarding the dimensionality of quality service.

Practical implications

The results have significant implications for banks in developing operational, marketing and human resource strategies in the two countries.

Originality/value

Greece and Bulgaria – two countries with different economic, political and socio‐cultural backgrounds – give the opportunity for cross‐country research in the area of service quality, an area where research is not very mature.
Dynamic robust design with missing data
Authors: Chang Hsu‐Hwa
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Robust parameter design is conventionally analyzed by means of statistical techniques. However, the statistical‐based approach is inefficient when optimizing a dynamic system in regards to quantitative control factors and missing observations. The aim of this paper is to propose an alternative approach based on data mining tools to model and optimize dynamic robust design with missing data.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐phase approach based on data mining techniques is proposed. First, a back‐propagation network is trained to construct the response model of a dynamic system. Second, three formulas of performance measures are developed to evaluate the predicted responses of the response model. Finally, a genetic algorithm is then performed to obtain the optimal parameter combination via the response model.

Findings

The proposed approach is capable of dealing with both qualitative and quantitative control factors for dynamic systems as well as static systems. In addition, the proposed approach can efficiently treat parameter experiments with missing data. The proposed approach is demonstrated with a numerical example. Results show that this three‐phase data mining approach outperforms the conventional statistic‐based approaches.

Originality/value

This work provides a relatively effective approach to optimize the three types of dynamic robust parameter design. Performing the approach, practitioners do not require much background in statistics but instead rely on their knowledge of engineering.
Simulation based reliability evaluation of AC power supply system of Indian Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Durga Rao K. , Kushwaha H.S. , Verma A.K. , Srividya A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of simulation approach for performance evaluation in a complex environment with a case of application from Indian Nuclear Power Plant.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, stochastic simulation approach is applied to availability evaluation of AC Power supply system of Indian Nuclear Power Plant (INPP). In the presently followed test, maintenance policies on diesel generators and circuit breakers are considered to exactly model the practical scenario. System success logic incorporates the functional dependencies and dynamics in the sequence of operations and maintenance policies. In each iteration (random experiment), from simulated random behaviour of the system, uptime and down time are calculated based on system success logic. After sufficient number of iterations, unavailability and other required reliability measures are estimated from the results.

Findings

The subsystems of AC Power Supply System of NPP are having multi‐states due to surveillance tests and scheduled maintenance activities. In addition, the operation of DG involves starting and running (till its mission time) which is a sequential (or conditional) event. Furthermore, the redundancies and dependencies are adding to the complexity.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes the importance of realistic reliability modelling in complex operational scenario with Monte‐Carlo simulation approach. Simulation procedure for evaluating the availability/reliability of repairable complex engineering systems having stand‐by tested components is presented. The same simulation model finds application in importance measures calculation, technical specification optimization and uncertainty quantification.
Conscientiousness and contextual performance
Authors: Jawahar I.M. , Carr Dean
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to understand when and why employees engage in contextual performance directed toward one's organization and immediate supervisor.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to measure study variables. Data collected from 158 professional employees were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and moderated hierarchical analysis was used to test hitherto untested hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicate strong support for the hypothesized moderating effects, such that high levels of support compensated for low levels of conscientiousness in influencing contextual performance.

Research limitations/implications

Although contextual performance is unlikely to influence one's level of conscientiousness, the cross‐sectional design of the study does not permit firm conclusions regarding causality for the influence of support on contextual performance.

Practical implications

Results indicate that, by providing organizational and supervisory support, organizations will be able to elicit contextual performance from those individuals who lack the personality predisposition to engage in contextual performance. Given the importance of contextual performance, the practical implications of study results are of immense value.

Originality/value

This study makes several contributions. For instance, it extends Motowidloet al.'s theory to include subjective measures of situational conditions as factors that interact with personality to influence contextual performance. The study responds to LePineet al.'s call for theory‐based attempts to identify variables that have differential relationships across dimensions of contextual performance. Drawing on individual difference and social exchange perspectives, this study theorized and found that perceived organizational support moderates the relationship between conscientiousness and organization‐directed contextual performance, and that the quality of the leader‐member exchange experience moderates the relationship between conscientiousness and supervisor‐directed contextual performance.
Middle managers in a state‐controlled economy: how they implement their decisions
Authors: Ivanova Yuliya V.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study how two different managerial environments of the state‐controlled economy in Belarus – “private small business management” and “state or privatized large enterprise management” – influence middle managers' implementation of decisions. Two kinds of data are analyzed: “should” option or presented data, and “would” option or managers' preferred in reality option of activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was completed in two stages: survey research based on open‐ended questions and face‐to‐face structured interviews based on the principle of controllable projection. A total of 193 decisions are analyzed.

Findings

Managers of large and state enterprises should present an appearance of active tactics, but in reality they would prefer tactics of delay or no‐action. Managers of small private businesses should present all varieties of tactics except a tactic of inaction. In reality, they would prefer to act directly, or less often, to wait or not act at all.

Research limitations/implications

The effect of other organizational factors than the size and form of ownership should be subjects of future research. The comparison of decision implementation tactics of mid‐level managers in large and small organizations, in state‐owned and private companies in countries with different economies should also be studied.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper have managerial implications for companies willing to open subsidiaries or establish partnership with enterprises from countries with a state‐controlled economy.

Originality/value

The paper is original research that proves the influence of the business environment and characteristics of a company on a middle manager's behavior.
Determinants and consequences of non‐audit service fees
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Islam Ainul
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide preliminary evidence on the determinants of non‐audit service provision and whether the provision of such services impairs auditors' independence in the context of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Both univariate and multivariate regression methodologies are used to test the hypotheses. Signaling theory is used to test whether auditors from a non‐litigious environment are concerned about signaling their quality to the market by constraining clients' earnings management behavior.

Findings

Results show that larger firms, firms with more liquidity, firms having an audit firm with an international link as their auditor and multinational subsidiaries purchase more non‐audit services, while highly‐leveraged firms purchase less. With respect to non‐audit fees (NAF) causing auditors to sacrifice their independence, this study fails to find any relationship between NAF and discretionary accruals (DACCR) after controlling for factors that are expected to drive DACCR behavior.

Research limitations/implications

Use of DACCR as an earnings management device has been criticized on the ground that managers could use DACCR to signal their own private information. Hence, future research should look at alternative proxies of earnings management to investigate the relationship between non‐audit services and earnings management.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper will be of use to financial reporting regulatory authorities in Bangladesh, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Bangladesh as well as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh, regarding the corporate governance role played by the auditors.

Originality/value

Use of DACCR to detect earnings management behavior in the context of Bangladesh is a novel idea. The findings that the purchase of non‐audit services does not lead to increased earnings management behavior in a developing country context further strengthens the notion that there is a spill‐over effect of providing non‐audit services.
Internal audit effectiveness: an Ethiopian public sector case study
Authors: Getie Mihret Dessalegn , Wondim Yismaw Aderajew
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to identify factors impacting the effectiveness of internal audit services.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon a case study of a large public sector higher educational institution in Ethiopia, the paper examines how internal audit quality, management support, organizational setting, auditee attributes, and the interplay among these factors, influence internal audit effectiveness.

Findings

The findings of the study highlight that internal audit effectiveness is strongly influenced by internal audit quality and management support, whereas organizational setting and auditee attributes do not have a strong impact on audit effectiveness.

Research limitation/implications

As in all case studies, the generalisability of the conclusions is limited.

Originality/value

Internal audit services have apparently hitherto been the subject of limited examination. However, this study, in arguably the most thorough treatment so far, highlights the areas requiring improvement.
Performance evaluation measures in the private sector: Egyptian practice
Authors: Ismail Tariq H.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study aims to examine performance evaluation measures across private sector companies in an Egyptian context and pinpoints obstacles that may limit the adoption of the balanced scorecard (BSC).

Design/methodology/approach

Uses a questionnaire that was mailed to a sample of 150 companies listed in the Egyptian stock exchange market. The analysis is directed at determining managers' perceptions of performance evaluation measures within the Egyptian private sector. Descriptive statistics, frequency of use of companies' practices and possible relationships between variables provide the basis for discussion.

Findings

Companies rely on both financial and non‐financial measures of performance evaluation. The profit margin, as a financial measure, is also the most commonly used performance measure. Customer satisfaction is the most commonly used non‐financial measure of performance evaluation. The BSC has wide spread use in the Egyptian companies surveyed, but the level of use of multi‐dimensional indicators is significantly low. The survey provides considerable insight into obstacles inhibiting the adoption of the BSC. The most significant obstacle is the inadequacy of implemented information systems.

Research limitations/implication

Survey results restrict generalization, as the sampling design cannot be claimed to represent all Egyptian companies. Also a relatively low response rates must be taken into account.

Originality/value

Provides an insight into performance evaluation practices in the private sector in a developing country.
Antecedents of budgetary participation: enhancing employees' job performance
Authors: Yuen Desmond
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study aims to investigate two antecedents to participation in budgetary activities – a need for a sense of achievement and a positive work attitude – and then to assess the impact of these two variables on job performance in the context of public‐sector organizations in Macau.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were collected by a survey questionnaire administered to a sample of 216 managers in three departments of the Macau public service.

Findings

This paper demonstrates that the two antecedent factors – a positive work attitude and a need for achievement – have a significant positive relationship with budgetary participation. It is concluded that indirect relationships exist between the two antecedent variables (work attitude and a need for achievement) and the dependent variable (job performance), with participation in budgeting as an intervening variable.

Research limitations/implications

The results should be interpreted within the usual limitations of survey research. The participants volunteered to participate in the present study, and the sample was thus not strictly random. Because, less than 100 per cent of the questionnaires were returned, non‐response bias might exist.

Practical implications

The results of the study have implications for the design of effective budgeting planning control process in public‐sector organizations in Macau. In providing a formal conceptual framework, the paper argues that the interactive process of budgeting systems means that individual‐level factors are crucial to the achievement of budget plans.

Originality/value

The results provide an improved understanding of the effect of individual‐level behaviour on job performance in a budgetary context on the basis of the current study's findings.
The Chinese enterprise secret: sustained advantage in labor‐intensive industries
Authors: Li Lee , Qian Gongming , Gaber Brian
Published: June 2007

Purpose

In the past decade, Chinese enterprises have achieved superior cost advantages in the labor‐intensive industries. This paper explores the valuable resources that Chinese enterprises use to develop such advantages and the effective mechanisms they employ to sustain the advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a multiple case design that allows a replication logic, in which a series of cases is treated as a series of experiments with each case serving to confirm or disconfirm the inferences that are drawn from the others. Twenty‐nine cases were collected. The data analysis consisted of three steps (1): within‐case analysis; (2) cross‐case analysis; and (3) proposition‐shaping analysis.

Findings

Evidence from this study indicates that the Chinese enterprises employ a complicated multi‐step framework to develop and sustain their cost advantages. The framework consists of various resources at different levels. Resources at the same level fit, support, and reinforce each other and they work together to achieve certain competitive advantages. The advantages are not constants. They are renewed frequently, and the advantages at previous step serve as the foundation for generating the next round of advantages. The contextual and historical causality between these resources and the advantages result in their sustainability.

Originality/value

The findings of this study make contributions to the existing strategy literature on two fronts. First, the sustainability of a competitive advantage results from the contextual and historical causality between various resources in combination. Second, in addition to physical, human, and organizational resources, valuable resources may also include intangibles, such as culture, norms, large home market size, tough domestic competition, and flexible organizational structures, etc.
Social marketing: strengthening company‐customer bonds
Authors: Katsioloudes Marios , Grant Jim , McKechnie Donelda S.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This article discusses optimizing customer retention using customer relationship management (CRM) linked with social cause‐related marketing (SCRM). Establishing a socially responsible synergy between company and customer is targeted to managers seeking creative and innovative approaches that strengthen the value equation.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion focuses on the progression of CRM from early links to basic database information to its current complex form whereby customers may be outsourced if they do not meet loyalty and mutual value parameters. A ten‐question test for testing CRM strategy is included, along with the steps required for adding SCRM to the company‐customer relationship.

Findings

CRM maximizes customer satisfaction while SCRM maximizes customer loyalty. Together, CRM and SCRM can optimize customer retention by sharing socially responsible activities. Tremendous goodwill with customers and in the marketplace can be generated from the synergy of CRM and SCRM.

Originality/value

Increasingly, it is the customer that is “setting the pace” in the company‐customer relationship. Implementing a SCRM strategy strengthens the business bond while facilitating the transition from the company being dominant to the customer driving the relationship process. The successful integration strategy includes: identify; integrate; switch; shift; choose; and measure.