bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External knowledge sources and proximity
Authors: Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio , Albino Vito , Carbonara Nunzia
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Following the line traced by two previous works of Albino et al. and Messeni Petruzzelli, the paper aims to analyze how technology districts reach and acquire external competencies and capabilities by means of organizational and cognitive proximity. This allows districts to modify their geographical boundaries and evolve into technology clusters.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on a case study methodology. In particular, two actual technology districts are analyzed, namely Castel Romano and Toulouse, in order to show how they use organizational, and cognitive proximity to acquire external knowledge sources and re‐shape their geographical boundaries.

Findings

Based on the findings of the empirical study, two main propositions are formulated. The first proposition refers to the negative relationship between the geographical distance to the district's actors and the use of organizational proximity as a means for reaching external knowledge sources. By contrast, the second proposition indicates the positive relationship between the geographical distance to the district's actors and the use of cognitive proximity as a means for reaching external knowledge sources.

Research limitations/implications

As regards the firm strategic behaviors, it seems particularly crucial to exploit all the three dimensions of proximity, in order to guarantee openness and sustain innovativeness and competitiveness. Concerning policy implications, the local governments should address their actions to help and promote the openness of technology districts and the formation of technology clusters. With this aim, actions should be devoted also to sustaining single local firms that are part of a technology cluster but not of a technology district. These, in fact, by increasing their competitive position, may generate positive externalities in the local area, fostering the diffusion and sharing of knowledge in the area and, then, acting as knowledge gatekeepers for the whole area.

Originality/value

The paper extends the findings of previous works linking three proximity dimensions in a holistic framework that explains the different use of organizational and cognitive proximity to acquire knowledge, according to the geographical distance between organizations.
The nuances of knowledge creation and development in Indian pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Sharma N.L. , Goswami Susobhan
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Based on strategic management approaches, this paper aims to develop a systemic and dynamic model of knowledge creation. The boundaries of the environment are changing in terms of contract research, in‐licensing, out‐licensing where strategic intent also changes and gets redefined.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study using available theories and evidences of companies fanning in different directions in the form of novel types of alliances. Suitable propositions are developed for further study.

Findings

The study concludes that organisations will have to reach for tacit knowledge and enhance the knowledge stock by constantly absorbing and assimilating new ideas and research findings.

Research limitations/implications

More study in depth and across a variety of companies is required to validate the findings particularly comparing the research and development (R&D) paths of organisations located in multiple countries. Not merely big firms, even small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) can be the subject of further study.

Originality/value

Previous studies concentrated on conservation, accumulation and recycling of knowledge without considering the absorption capacity of firms. This study takes for its heart the absorptive capacity as the ingredient of dynamic learning opportunities. Both for micro and macro initiatives, a joint interaction is necessary for knowledge to germinate and grow. Organisational learning is also a part of this process. Intellectual property in specialised research fields therefore must be created and defended.
Strategic performance measurement systems: a discussion about their roles
Authors: Pinheiro de Lima Edson , Gouvea da Costa Sergio E. , Angelis Jannis J.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical discussion about the roles that a performance measurement system should perform. The enterprises' operations systems and environments, characterized by their complexity and dynamics, are challenging the strategic operations management models.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed theoretical construction is based on a literature review. The measurement system is studied in the context of a strategic operations management system.

Findings

The structures, processes and spaces were the lens used to study the performance measurement system and contributed to organize the concepts in tables, that is, roles statements were created based on these guidelines. These tables synthesized and identified the main roles that the system should perform, stating their definitions and related perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

The generated framework is theoretical in essence and needs to be tested, although the theoretical exercise showed a common sense around the articulated main concepts.

Practical implications

The understanding of the performance measurement system roles contributes to improve design, implementation and use of the performance system.

Originality/value

The paper's main contribution is the theoretical underpinning used to develop the performance framework. The system design approach used will enable further research into strategic performance measurement application for the design and use of such a system. Continuous improvement, organizational learning and the management of change process will be required properties for the strategic management of the operations function.
Setting a course in corporate sustainability performance measurement
Authors: Searcy Cory
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present situational, goal, and implementation diagnostic questions to guide the early stages in the development of a corporate sustainability performance measurement system (SPMS).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper highlights that measuring corporate sustainability is a complex problem. It argues that significant time must be devoted to defining sustainability in the corporate context, surveying the internal and external environments in which the corporation operates, establishing goals and objectives for the SPMS, identifying how the SPMS will be used, and identifying resource needs at the very beginning of the process to create a SPMS. Key questions that must be addressed in each of these areas are highlighted and discussed.

Findings

The situational, goal, and implementation diagnostic questions will help decision‐makers to structure thinking and discussion around the key issues that all meaningful corporate SPMS will need to address. The diagnostic questions will help corporate decision‐makers understand their current situation, the challenges in developing a robust SPMS, the desired end state, and the options available.

Research limitations/implications

The diagnostics are conceptual models and it is recognized that there is no optimal set of questions that will apply to all cases. With that in mind, the paper notes opportunities for additional research.

Originality/value

The diagnostics focus attention on the often neglected early stages of developing a corporate SPMS. They offer a novel approach to highlighting the key questions that must be addressed at the very beginning of the process. The diagnostics will be of interest to both researchers and practitioners in corporate sustainability performance measurement.
Value stream mapping as a versatile tool for lean implementation: an Indian case study of a manufacturing firm
Authors: Singh Bhim , Sharma S.K.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how value stream mapping (VSM) is helpful in lean implementation and to develop the road map to tackle improvement areas to bridge the gap between the existing state and the proposed state of a manufacturing firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Through this case study, the existing stage of manufacturing is mapped with the help of VSM process symbols and the biggest improvement areas like excessive WIP, lead time, cycle time, are identified. Some modifications in current state map are suggested and with these modifications future state map is prepared. Further TAKT time is calculated to set the pace of production processes.

Findings

Current state and future state of manufacturing of a firm are compared and witnessed: 92.58 percent reduction in lead time, 2.17 percent reduction in processing time, 97.1 percent reduction in WIP and 26.08 percent reduction in manpower requirement.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited due to the focused nature of the case study. VSM can also be applied to the process industry as well as to the service sector.

Practical implications

This case study shows that VSM is a powerful tool for lean implementation and allows every industry to understand and continuously improve its understanding towards lean manufacturing.

Originality/value

This paper is a real case study showing VSM applications for lean implementation.
Exploring the importance of social responsibility disclosure for human resources
Authors: Castelo Branco Manuel , Lima Rodrigues Lúcia
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the social responsibility disclosure (SRD) on the internet by Portuguese companies which are engaged in processes of obtaining or enhancing a good social responsibility reputation and are confident of having a good social performance pertaining to the human resources area – the best companies to work for (BCWF).

Design/methodology/approach

A matched pair approach is used to address the empirical question of whether the SRD on the internet of the BCWF differs from that of a benchmark group of companies selected by matching industry and size. Using a resource‐based perspective (RBP) the hypothesis that the BCWF disclose more social responsibility information is analysed.

Findings

Results suggest that BCWF do disclose more items of social responsibility information than control companies, which allows thinking that companies which want to have a good social responsibility reputation and think that their social performance relating to their employees is good, recognize the need to use SRD also to influence their perception of its reputation.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is small. There may be content analysis issues associated with subjectivity in the coding process and the use of a limited content analysis method.

Originality/value

It adds to the scarce research on SRD by Portuguese companies by providing new empirical data and extends prior research using RBPs.
Human resource policies, management accounting and organisational performance
Authors: Kouhy Reza , Vedd Rishma , Yoshikawa Takeo , Innes John
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between human resource (HR) policies, management accounting and organisational performance in Canada, Japan and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross case analysis of the observations emerging from each of six case studies (two in Canada, two in Japan and two in the UK) result in a set of 13 findings.

Findings

The seven main HR policies emerging from this study are the “job for life” (in one British and two Japanese cases), recruitment, training, performance‐related bonus scheme, teamwork, organisational culture and pensions. Important communication links between HR managers and management accountants are budgets, strategic plans, performance‐related bonus scheme and decision making. The “job for life” policy, employee recruitment decisions, viewing employees as assets (rather than costs), training, performance‐related bonus scheme, teamwork, organisational culture and a good pension scheme all had an impact on organisational performance.

Research limitations/implications

It is very difficult to link specific HR policies with changes in organisational performance because of the number of other variables affecting organisational performance and the time lags involved.

Originality/value

Several of the case studies are making real progress in establishing links between specific HR policies and changes in organisational performance by using benchmarking or employee opinion surveys or a combination of the results of both external benchmarking and employee opinion surveys over a number of years.
Open innovation process to inbound knowledge
Authors: Buganza Tommaso , Verganti Roberto
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the organizational aspects of an open innovation approach by focusing on the relationship between universities and firms as a vehicle for acquiring technological knowledge. It discusses in detail the characteristics of firm organizational units that are devoted to managing relationships with universities and the processes that firms put in place to select research fields and partners.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the complex system of variables that characterize this phenomenon, an interview‐based case study method is adopted. In order to compare behaviors and organizational approaches, a retrospective, multiple case study method with theoretical replication was employed to focus on four companies that operate in three different industries: telecoms, construction, and aviation. The goal was to better explain the studied phenomenon. After the data‐gathering phase, the cases were compared by identifying similarities and differences in terms of four different drivers, the relevance of which were highlighted during the interviews.

Findings

First, the sampled companies do acquire external knowledge from universities, but in doing so, they take into account the technology lifecycle (or s‐curve) and its associated phases. Second, in order to manage relationships with universities, companies make different decisions vis‐à‐vis four main organizational variables: the number of people involved in the organizational unit (OU) that is devoted to managing relationships with universities; the positioning of the OU within (or outside) the firm's boundaries; the degree of work specialization in the OU; and the degree of formalization of the process.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first attempts to operationalize the open innovation concept from an organizational perspective. Thus, it opens new possibilities for future organization‐focused studies on this topic.
Exploring the field of open innovation
Authors: Elmquist Maria , Fredberg Tobias , Ollila Susanne
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the emerging research field of open innovation and identify where the field is going as well as suggest future fields of research.

Design/methodology/approach

All academic papers and books published until November 2007 under the label of open innovation were systematically reviewed. Also, nine key researchers were asked to contribute with their opinions on the research frontier.

Findings

A number of key themes in the research were identified, and conclusions on the underlying structure were drawn. This reveals that there is a tendency towards a broader definition and application of the term, a growing critical perspective, and a concentration on theory development and managerial implications.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests that thelocusof the innovation process and the extent of collaboration should be used as two dimensions in a model to further understanding of how open innovation develops. These dimensions have an important impact on both the human and the organizational side of innovation, areas that are highlighted as important fields for further research.

Originality/value

Despite the interest in the open innovation topic, a comprehensive review of the academic publications in the area does not seem to exist. The review and the conclusions drawn support the understanding of the growing field.
Functional actors and perceptions of innovation attributes: influence on innovation adoption
Authors: Kristian Häggman Sami
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to complement organizational diffusion research by illustrating influence of factors specific to collective adoption process, which has received limited focus in diffusion research. The research question is how do different actors perceive attributes of innovation and how does that influence the process towards initial adoption of a new technology?

Design/methodology/approach

Owing to limited prior research and need to assess multiple innovation variables, the paper employs an inductive case study. Uses Rogers' five main perceived attributes of innovation as an analysis framework and functional actors as a unit of analysis. Two cases with early stage companies commercialising new, differentiating technologies to global, established value networks. Key actors influencing the adoption of the technologies interviewed.

Findings

The paper illustrates how actor characteristics and perceptions of innovation attributes are interrelated; perceptions of different functional actors on innovation attributes differ, both gating and advancing the adoption process for innovations; and the actors' differing perceptions and the resulting interaction influence the duration and outcome of adoption process.

Research limitations/implications

Non‐traditional methodology in diffusion research leading to larger interpretation of the findings, but enabling assessment of multiple variables and their interrelations not captured with traditional approaches. Areas for further research: generalizable patterns in interrelation between actors' functional roles and perceptions of innovation attributes as well as evolution of perceptions during collective adoption process.

Practical implications

Innovation providers need to identify both the parties gating and advancing the innovation as well as their underlying motivations. They need to ensure sufficient interaction between themselves and the actors and among the actors to leverage the positive momentum to overcome the resistance towards innovation.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the organizational diffusion research critique of, e.g. Frambach, of Damanpour, and of Wejnert on insufficient attention being paid to actor level characteristics and their influence on diffusion as well as interaction of different variables. The paper empirically illustrates how factors specific to collective adoption influence the process towards adoption.
Personalization in non‐territorial offices: a study of a human need
Authors: Brunia Sandra , Hartjes‐Gosselink Anca
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Personalization and the non‐territorial office seem to be contradicting concepts. It is generally accepted that it is not possible to personalize workplaces in environments where no fixed individual workplaces are allocated. However, people seem to have a human need of personalization. Personalization can be done in different ways and for different reasons. Based on a literature review and a qualitative case study at a Dutch governmental organization, the purpose of this paper is to explain why and how personalization occurs in environments where non‐territorial office concepts are introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interpretative research design, in which literature study, document analysis, observations and talking, and interviews are combined, to understand the actor's perspective and behavior in the non‐territorial office of organization X.

Findings

Conclusions of the study indicate personalization to be a relevant factor for consideration when implementing a non‐territorial office design: when objects are prohibited to personalize your work environment, people seek several additional ways to make the environment familiar and comfortable for them and to mark their identity in the organization.

Research limitations/implications

Access to organization X went via top management, which makes it possible that the position of the independent researcher was not clear to people. The research took place in three months, but not full time. Missing important behaviors is amongst possible consequences for the findings. Since this is one case study, further research is recommended.

Practical implications

Balanced decisions and rules between organizational policy and human needs help the acceptance of own workplace lost in non‐territorial offices.

Originality/value

Personalization is a well‐researched subject; as applied in non‐territorial offices, it is not well researched yet. This research paper suggests that aspects of emotion and psychological need should be considered as well in the development of a non‐territorial office.
Evaluation of third‐party logistics (3PL) providers by using a two‐phase AHP and TOPSIS methodology
Authors: Perçin Selçuk
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Third‐party logistics (3PL) provider selection has gained great attention in logistics management literature. The purpose of this paper is to provide a good insight into the use of a‐two‐phase analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach that is a multi‐criteria decision‐making methodology in the evaluation of 3PL providers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, after the selection criteria of 3PL providers are determined by modified Delphi method, the weights of criteria have been calculated by applying the AHP method. The TOPSIS method is then employed to achieve the final ranking results. And an actual case example is presented to clarify the methodology. Sensitivity analysis is also given to demonstrate how sensitive the proposed model is to changes in the weights of different main criteria.

Findings

This model provides decision makers with a simple, flexible, and easy‐to‐use approach to evaluate potential 3PL providers efficiently. Findings demonstrate that the proposed benchmarking framework, with minor modifications, can be useful to all firms in their 3PL provider selection decisions.

Research limitations/implications

A two‐phase AHP and TOPSIS methodology is very flexible and suitable for various decision situations. However, selection of the appropriate 3PL provider requires consideration of multiple alternative solutions and evaluation criteria because of complex methodology, and hence it increases the effort.

Originality/value

This is probably the first time that an attempt has been made to apply the modified Delphi method, AHP and TOPSIS methodology in the decision of 3PL provider selection in a Turkish automotive supplier company. This is the most powerful motivation to consider this problem. In addition, the paper is especially of interest to managers as they make decisions on which criteria should be considered in the evaluation process and how a decision model should be structured by using a two‐phase AHP and TOPSIS methodology.
Performance measurement in supply chain entities: balanced scorecard perspective
Authors: Chia Adrien , Goh Mark , Hum Sin‐Hoon
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine what senior supply chain executives measure and how they perceive performance measurement from a balanced scorecard (BSC) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey designed from the four perspectives of the BSC framework is conducted on senior executives involved in the supply chain functions of client firms, and those executives from the logistics service provider industry.

Findings

Despite the need to provide a balanced approach to performance measurement, firms remain focused on traditional financial measures (gross revenue, profit before tax, and cost reduction). From a supply chain perspective, the non‐tangible measures such as customer satisfaction are most measured. Other key logistics performance indicators include on‐time delivery, and customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a sample size of 113. Thus, some respondent clusters are smaller than others. Hence, the results may not be representative of the individual clusters.

Practical implications

Each supply chain entity must adopt a more balanced perspective in its performance measurement and management. Companies need to recognize the importance of the drivers of strategic future performance. Managing a given supply chain's overall performance necessitates the coordination of measures across the different entities on the supply chain, often requiring all entities to adopt a common balanced perspective in their performance management to facilitate the overall performance and competitiveness of the entire supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper is the first attempt to apply the BSC framework on the logistics industry.
The status and development of logistics cost management: evidence from Mainland China
Authors: Song Hua , Wang Lan
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine current practices of logistics cost management (LCM) in Mainland China and identify factors impacting on the effectiveness of LCM.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire‐based survey is conducted in Mainland China. To analyze the status quo of LCM in Mainland China, the paper takes two nonparametric tests, Mann‐Whitney U‐test and Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way analysis of variance to compare the difference between firms with and without attaching importance to LCM.

Findings

The difficulties of LCM in China is as follows: first, there is a lack of effective cost measurement tools and analyses as well as reporting systems, especially in terms of distributors. Second, it is very critical to organize intra‐organizational cross‐functional teams and inter‐organizational collaboration based on business processes to promote information integrating instead of blindly investing on information technology application. Third, professional logistics managers are in short supply, even among logistics service providers.

Research limitations/implications

First, although the sample covers some industries, the generalization of the conclusion is still limited due to sample size. In future research, more industries should be covered to test the hypotheses proposed. Second, this paper just analyzes the status quo of Chinese company LCM. Future studies are encouraged to deeply explore internal and external operational management factors impacting on LCM.

Practical implications

This paper is a very insightful source of information about LCM in Mainland China for logistics managers and policy makers. This paper provides logistics managers with insight so as to improve their performance. There are also suggestions for government and educational institutions to provide more resources to develop and offer more logistics courses and training programs to fulfill the needs of the logistics industry. The paper sets up a basis for research on LCM in China.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of LCM in Mainland China, the extant literatures scarcely have a sound analysis. Theoretically, this paper extends theories of LCM in China and identifies main issues concerning LCM. This paper is an exploratory study to figure out an effective LCM approach in China.
Benchmarking on supply chain partnering effectiveness in two semiconductor companies
Authors: Rajagopal Premkumar , Zailani Suhaiza , Sulaiman Mohamed
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Supply chain partnering (SCP) in internationally operating companies is still not adequately addressed in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors towards effective SCP across two organizations of different origins (Company A and Company B).

Design/methodology/approach

The central issue is to investigate how information flow, organizational linkage, supply chain infrastructure, and resource sharing exhibit themselves in the SCP through a case study method.

Findings

The interviews reveal that Company B tends to be a reluctant player and is far more skeptical about the benefits afforded through such a relationship. It can also be concluded that Company B is less interested in the benefits gained and is more likely to highlight the risks associated with heightened dependence on a smaller number of suppliers. On the one hand, it can be stated that Company B thinks about the gains afforded by partnering supply chains but is more easily swayed by traditional purchasing metrics related to cost or initial purchase prices. On another level, Company A seems to fully participate in SCP efforts and sees the benefit from such a relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The interviews are necessary for developing basis understanding on how companies implement SCP, especially to examine the factors that contribute to its successful. The study suggests that larger number of sample need be used.

Practical implications

From the case study, it is believed that firms appear to confirm a positive and significant relationship between the degree of resource sharing and organizational linkage, if they see that scalable partnering efforts as hypothesized are workable.

Originality/value

The case study highlights is the important role of the partnering to support supply chain process and to deliver high‐quality service. This is important because the profitability and survival of the chains depend on how well partnering concept been implemented.
Business and marketing strategies in responsible property investment
Authors: Kriese Ulrich
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of business and marketing strategies pursued by responsible property developers, funds and investors in the USA and to draw conclusions for future activities in that sector from a transatlantic perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Personal interviews are conducted with 42 developers, fund providers and managers, institutional, nonprofit and major private investors representing more than US$60 billion of responsible property assets under management. The data are complemented by an analysis of promotional documents. A cluster analysis is performed to classify the strategies of the participating companies and institutions and to explore any commonalities and differences.

Findings

Business and marketing strategies in responsible property investment (RPI) can be described and characterised within the three dimensions of location, building and people. RPI activities and investors in the USA usually transcend pure green building and aim to contribute significantly to smart growth, to sustainable urban development and revitalization.

Research limitations/implications

The results in this study are not fully representative of the US RPI community, with the study focussing on the core network of developers, real estate funds and large investors. Furthermore, issues of corporate governance and financial performance are omitted from this study. Interviews are conducted in autumn 2008, i.e. at a time when the major financial crisis reached a global scale, potentially influencing participants' perspectives and subsequent responses.

Practical implications

The findings may help RPI practitioners reflect on business and marketing strategies. European developers, real estate funds and investors can benefit in many respects from US experiences.

Originality/value

The research approach, applied to RPI focussing on business and marketing strategies for the first time, provides new insights for practitioners on both sides of the Atlantic. Above all, the findings may initiate further research to deepen the understanding of the RPI business.
Comparing “socially responsible” and “sustainable” commercial property investment
Authors: Kimmet Philip
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out to explore the similarities and differences between jargon used to describe future‐focussed commercial building product. This is not so much an exercise in semantics as an attempt to demonstrate that responses to challenges facing the construction and property sectors may have more to do with language than is generally appreciated.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual analysis which draws upon relevant literature.

Findings

Social responsibility and sustainability are often held to be much the same thing, with each term presupposing the existence of the other. Clearly, however, there are incidences where sustainable commercial property investment (SCPI) may not be particularly socially responsible, despite being understood as an environmentally friendly initiative. By contrast, socially responsible assets, at least in theory, should always be more sustainable than mainstream non‐ethically based investment. Put simply, the expression of social responsibility in the built environment may evoke, and thereby deliver, a more sustainable product, as defined by wider socially inclusive parameters.

Practical implications

The findings show that promoting an ethic of social responsibility may well result in more SCPI. Thus, the further articulation and celebration of social responsibility concepts may well help to further advance a sustainable property investment agenda, which is arguably more concerned about demonstrability of efficiency than wider public good outcomes.

Originality/value

The idea that jargon affects outcomes is not new. However, this idea has rarely, if ever, been applied to the distinctions between social responsibility and sustainability. Even a moderate re‐emphasis on social responsibility in preference to sustainability may well provide significant future benefits with respect to the investment, building and refurbishment of commercial property.
Social and environmental metrics for US real estate portfolios
Authors: Pivo Gary
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the availability of information in the USA for measuring the social and environmental performance of real estate portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

A search is conducted for relevant indicator data sources using internet, library and government resources. Priority is placed on information that could be accessed on line, by any user, free of charge, from reputable sources, using available search parameters, for all types of properties and for any properties anywhere in the USA. Useful sources are identified and assessed using data quality indicators. Information gaps are also identified. A previously published method is adapted for comparing the social and environmental performance of properties and portfolios and data collected from identified sources are used to illustrate the construction of indices useful for making comparisons.

Findings

Nationwide data sources are available for most important dimensions with greater availability for the most important ones. There are, however, important data gaps related to such issues as water use, day light and ventilation, aesthetics and others. Most sources only require a property address for queries but do not support batch processing. There are no data quality problems for most data sources but a substantial minority of the sources does have at least one data quality issue. Available data can be used to construct indices useful for comparing properties and portfolios.

Practical implications

Fund managers can use these results to compile extra‐financial information on sustainability and corporate social responsibility and socially responsible investors can use them to evaluate investment opportunities.

Originality/value

This is the first effort to identify and assess data sources needed for creating responsible and sustainable metrics and indices and responds to demand for better metrics in the field of sustainable and responsible property investing.
Commercial property investment companies and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Jones Peter , Hillier David , Comfort Daphne , Clarke‐Hill Colin
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a preliminary exploration of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues being addressed and reported by the UK's top ten property investment companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a short discussion of the origins and characteristics of CSR. The empirical information for the paper is drawn from the CSR reports and information posted on the world wide web by some of the leading construction companies.

Findings

The findings reveal substantial variations in the nature and the extent of reporting. The paper specifically focuses upon four sets of CSR issues namely those relating to environment, marketplace, workplace, and community and then provides some reflections on them and on CSR reporting.

Originality/value

The paper provides an accessible review of the CSR issues and agendas being reported by some of the UK's leading property investment companies and as such it will interest academics and practitioners working in property investment.
Correlation structure of real estate markets over time
Authors: Schindler Felix
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the time‐varying correlation structure of international real estate stock markets and its implications for portfolio management.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis focuses on real estate markets only and examines the appropriateness of the Markowitz approach based on mean‐variance‐optimization. Therefore, the properties of the return distributions are analyzed first. Afterwards, the stability of the correlation and covariance structure over time is analyzed and statistically tested by the Jennrich test.

Findings

Because of low correlation among real estate markets worldwide there exists diversification benefits from broadening the investment horizon to international real estate markets. However, using correlation coefficients as a measure for diversification benefits is limited by empirical findings: Returns are not normally distributed, correlations increase in downward moving phases and neither the correlation nor the covariance structures are statistically stable over time. Therefore, mean‐variance optimization is inherent with misleading results.

Originality/value

The study provides some interesting and valuable insights into the correlation structure of real estate stock markets over time and the limitations for portfolio management based on mean‐variance‐optimization.
Replacement cost and market value
Authors: Wyatt Peter
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Several problems arise from the current valuation standards and guidance in relation to the replacement cost method and they can be classified as definitional and methodological. Definitional problems include confusion over the precise meaning of the terms cost, price and value and clarification of the economic concepts of substitution and “highest and best use” in the cases of market‐based and replacement cost methods. Methodological problems include the difficulty in finding market‐derived inputs, particularly when estimating depreciation, and the need to make end adjustments. These matters raise the question as to whether a replacement cost method is compatible with a market basis of value. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews academic literature and professional practice guidance in relation to the replacement cost method of valuation and the market value basis of valuation.

Findings

Defining replacement cost as a method of estimating market value rather than a separate basis of value blurs the distinction between cost and value. This paper argues that market value assumptions do not hold in the case of the replacement cost method.

Originality/value

The paper seeks to stimulate debate on the current professional guidance for the use of the replacement cost method of valuation.
Policy tools for public involvement in the deployment of next generation communications
Authors: Gómez‐Barroso José‐Luis , Feijóo Claudio
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the policy tools to complement public involvement and public‐private collaboration in the deployment of next generation electronic communications infrastructures.

Design/methodology/approach

The special issue, of which this paper is a part, examines a number of policy tools that support public involvement and enhance public‐private partnering in next generation infrastructures, tools that are generally overlooked. The papers explore the main domains where these complementary actions might take place. They encompass policies directed to the demand and supply sides of the market, information society and industrial innovation policies, additional measures that can be taken by local and regional public administrations and new policy tools to foster user empowerment.

Findings

From the authors' perspective, public involvement and public‐private partnering for the deployment of next generation infrastructures in telecommunications will require an integrated policy approach. The appropriate policy mix includes instruments of innovation, information society development and new user empowerment.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a timely contribution to the debate on public support of next generation infrastructures in electronic communications.
The role of public administrations in developing electronic communications infrastructures in Spain
Authors: Ramos Sergio , Arcos Maite , Armuña Cristina
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the direct involvement of public administrations in the supply side of electronic communications markets based on the Spanish experience. It is an example of the difficult balance in the public private interplay in next generation electronic communications networks.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from a general overview of the conditions for public intervention in the development of infrastructures established by the electronic communications regulatory framework, this paper analyses the case of Spain as an illustrative example taking into consideration some specific initiatives to illustrate the different possible mechanisms of intervention on the supply side.

Findings

It is the opinion of the authors that a framework of public‐private collaboration in the field of electronic communications infrastructure development is consistent with the industry liberalisation model chosen one decade ago in Spain and it could be particularly adequate in an environment of financial hardship such as the present one, which leads to a greater demand for efficiency in the use of public and private resources. However, the conditions and limitations for public involvement should be persistently respected. In addition, there are novel policy instruments on the supply side that could help the deployment of next generation networks without the burden of substituting private initiative.

Originality/value

The paper presents a systematic analysis of policy instruments for direct intervention of public administrations in the supply side of electronic communications market, including the specific situation of Spain. It is also a contribution to the debate on the role of public administrations in developing electronic communications infrastructures.
Exploring diverse process and team alternatives through virtual process simulation
Authors: Helquist Joel H. , Cox Jordan J. , Walker Alyssa
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a virtual process simulation technique for modeling process alternatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes modeling method and applies it to an illustrative example.

Findings

The method is effective in modeling the illustrative example and provides a method for studying team composition and dynamics a priori.

Practical implications

The paper presents an approach to model process alternatives in order to select the best deployment option. The modeling process incorporates measures and metrics relating to global geographic and team issues. Incorporation of these issues affords the process designer the ability to predict more accurately the most successful deployment option.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the study of process modeling by examining the potentially neglected or ignored issues relating to geographic and team diversity.
The role of BPR in the implementation of ERP systems
Authors: Subramoniam Suresh , Tounsi Mohamed , Krishnankutty K.V.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The role of business process re‐engineering (BPR) in implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is of paramount importance. A variety of approaches are used for such re‐engineering as the best‐fitting ERP solution can only give a maximum of 80 percent fit with the existing workflow of the organization in which ERP is being implemented. The aim of this paper is to focus on the issues involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents some sample ERP installations to come out with various types of business BPR, ranging from small‐r to big‐R, practised while implementing ERP.

Findings

Based on the literature review, it could be found that all organizations implementing ERP have chosen their own approach based on organizational constraints and the needs. The importance of BPR in ERP implementation is highlighted in earlier studies.

Research limitations/implications

The recursive relationship between BPR and information technology has only resulted in the rapid evolution of ERP systems. ERP integration with supply chain management and its web readiness are major agenda for ERP developers. Many re‐engineering possibilities are yet to evolve based on research in knowledge, artificial intelligence and expert database systems. A suitable approach to implement the same in an organization can only be done using the most suitable approach and hence the importance of the BPR approaches presented here along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Practical implications

As the various BPR approaches are categorized based on implementation followed by major corporations, it is definitely a forerunner for any ERP‐implementing organization under study. Also the common problems encountered during re‐engineering for ERP implementation and the suggested remedial measures are presented based on earlier work.

Originality/value

An attempt has been made to identify BPR problems, causes and approaches used in implementing ERP solutions. It is only aimed at synthesis of technical and general issues using the literature.