bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A theoretical approach to urban environmental governance in times of change
Authors: Corrêa de Faria Sueli , Fernando Macedo Bessa Luiz , Corrêa Tonet Helena
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the ideal meaning of good governance for cities sustainability, basing itself on the international consensus of governance as the most important issue when facing urban environmental problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on urban environmental problems and based on discussions about environmental governance and sustainability carried out throughout the last decades, the paper recognizes that the discussions on environmental governance, although presenting converging ideas and some successful examples, are still to convey a definitive framework as a base to be followed and consolidated. For this reason, it aims to offer a theoretical framework for handling urban environmental governance, as well as an approach that allows one to recognize ways for an appropriate assessment of cities sustainability.

Findings

The results of the analysis suggest that, while the notion of governance offers a direction in researches addressing the study of institutions and of the interaction between governmental and non‐governmental actors, there is still a lack of applicable and appropriate models to achieve good governance in a democratic way, especially in developing countries. Another important conclusion lies in the perception that, for knowledge construction purposes, as well as for structure policies and measurement of society's achievements towards a more sustainable development, urban environmental governance indicators are a helpful and thoroughly necessary tool.

Originality/value

Developing an urban environmental governance assessment model allows for comparisons in between analytical results of projects implemented or under implementation, creating a scientific basis for designing sustainable institutional arrangements in future projects.
A comparative analysis of green certificates markets in the European Union
Authors: Plumb Ion , Zamfir Andreea‐Ileana
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate how green certificates markets have developed in the European Union, with a view to producing consistent recommendations that could be used in future environmental strategies and policies to improve existing schemes for renewable energy promotion and support.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted by combining a wide variety of sources, such as regulations, position papers, road‐maps, as well as articles and research reports. European experiences in using green certificates to support renewable energies were compared from the point‐of‐view of the legislative framework and national support systems.

Findings

The findings reveal that improvements in three major areas (legislative framework, national support systems, and cost reduction) are needed in order to achieve a better support for renewable energy generation.

Practical implications

The conclusions justify the effort invested in developing green certificates markets and are relevant for policy makers in a very sensitive sector to accomplish sustainability goals – the use of renewable energy. The study may represent a starting‐point for further research into renewable energy support systems, environmental issues and economic implications.

Originality/value

The paper provides a rational and comparative approach for finding solutions to the problems of green certificates markets in the European Union. The methodology and the results reported in this research could be used for exploring green certificates markets opportunities in other European countries.
Assessment of droughts in Jordan
Authors: Abu Rumman Malek , Hiyasat Mohammad , Sweis Ghaleb J. , Sweis Rateb J.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify drought conditions in Jordan in the period 1960‐2006 for two major basins – the Yarmouk and the Zarqa. This study aims to look at the long‐term drought conditions (hydrological droughts) and to investigate the possibility of changes in the monthly precipitation pattern for the period of 1997‐2006, as this period has suffered from the average slightly dry conditions for the two basins.

Design/methodology/approach

The Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) is used to assess drought conditions in the Yarmouk and Zarqa basins. The SPI is applied on an annual basis to assess the hydrological long‐term droughts. Average monthly precipitation is used as the input to the SPI procedure.

Findings

The SPI is applied on an annual basis (12 months) SPI‐12. Results of the SPI‐12 assessment show that the years 1978, 1995, and 1999 represented extremely dry conditions in both basins. The years 1989 and 1993 represented severely dry conditions in the Zarqa basin and extremely dry conditions in the Yarmouk basin. The statistical procedure for precipitation anomalies identifies precipitation anomalies for the years 2000, 2003, and 2006. However, due to the limited number of anomaly years this study does not conclude that there is a change in the pattern of monthly precipitation of the tested period 1997‐ 2006.

Research limitations/implications

Using the SPI method this work can be extended to compare drought conditions in the remaining major basins in the country.

Originality/value

The paper provides important information about drought conditions in Jordan and ways to assess precipitation anomalies and pattern changes. This can be beneficial to the planning of water resources in Jordan and the associated developments (agricultural, industrial, tourism, and residential).
Financial services firms face increased pressures on anti‐corruption compliance
Authors: Morley Matt T. , Maletta Jeffrey B. , King Michael J. , Hadley Robert V. , Fader Matthew J. , Saulnier Brian F.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain and emphasize the importance of compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti‐corruption laws in force in other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper cites renewed pressure to address corruption risks from regulatory and other sources, and recommends compliance steps a firm can take to reduce the risk of legal liability.

Findings

FINRA has identified FCPA compliance as an examination priority for 2009, the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) has recently taken a high‐profile disciplinary action against a firm for inadequate training and due diligence as to bribery and anti‐corruption risks, and FCPA enforcement is expected to remain a priority for the Obama Administration.

Originality/value

The paper presents practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009: Congress amends money laundering and criminal fraud statutes to expand their scope and penalties
Authors: Goldstein Howard W.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the changes to the US federal money laundering and criminal fraud statutes contained in the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 (“FERA”)

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains how FERA extends the definition of “proceeds” under the statute to include gross receipts of illegal activity, how the definition of a financial institution is revised to include a mortgage lending business, and how the federal securities fraud statute is expanded to apply to frauds involving commodity futures and options.

Findings

Any prior ambiguity as to the meaning of “proceeds” has now been unequivocally resolved; alleged money launderers will no longer be able to defend themselves by arguing that they committed unprofitable criminal activities. The classification as a “financial institution” matters because a number of federal criminal statutes either only apply to financial institutions or set out different penalties or statutes when a financial institution is affected by a generally applicable crime. Under FERA, henceforth frauds involving options and futures in commodities will violate the securities fraud statute.

Originality/value

The paper presents practical guidance by an experienced white‐collar criminal defense lawyer.
New CfD disclosure regime comes into force on June 1, 2009
Authors: Bates Chris , Conceicao Carlos , Poulton Mark , Pudge David
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain changes to Chapter 5 of the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR 5), introducing new disclosure requirements relating to holdings of financial instruments that have a similar economic effect to shares, such as CfDs, that took effect on June 1, 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the principles behind the extended disclosure regime and summarizes questions and answers from the FSA to assist market participants' understanding of that regime, covering issues such as domicile of the issuer, instruments covered, how a disclosable holding is calculated, the inclusion of financial instruments relating to unissued shares, treatment of holdings acquired before June 1, 2009, potential double counting, how the regime applies to intra‐group movements of holdings and delta‐adjusted reporting, and exemptions for client‐serving intermediaries, market timing, trading books, and investment management.

Findings

Qualifiying financial instruments give a legal right to acquire (on the holder's own initiative) shares already in issue and with voting rights attached. The policy behind the new regime is to require the disclosure of financial instruments with similar economic effect to qualifying financial instruments which are used to build stakes in companies.

Originality/value

The paper presents practical guidance from experienced financial institution and securities lawyers.
Amendments to the Capital Requirements Directive adopted by European Parliament
Authors: Hawken Kevin , Bake Miles
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain a new directive of the European Union adopted by the European Parliament on May 6 that governs, among other things, the amount of capital that banks and other credit institutions are required to hold in respect of credit risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the background to the 5 percent retention agreement, outlines provisions of the new Article 122a, explains exemptions to the 5 percent retention, and discusses additional requirements for investing and originating credit institutions.

Findings

The amended Capital Requirements Directive requires investing credit institutions to demonstrate to their regulators that they understand the risks and valuations of their securitization positions, and have detailed performance and monitoring systems in place. Originators and sponsors will also have to comply with significant new disclosure rules, and originators will be required to align their lending criteria for securitized exposures with loans made for their own banking book. Further amendments are in prospect.

Originality/value

The paper presents practical guidance by experienced securities lawyers.
Summary of selected FINRA Regulatory Notices, April‐June 2009
Authors: Davis Henry A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this summary is to provide excerpts of selected Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Regulatory Notices and Disciplinary Actions issued from April to June 2009 and a sample of disciplinary actions during that period.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides excerpts from Regulatory Notice 09‐22, Personal Securities Transactions; 09‐25, Suitability and “Know Your Customer”; 09‐27, Member Public Offerings; 09‐30, Credit Default Swaps; 09‐34, Investment Company Securities; 09‐35, Municipal Securities.

Findings

Notice 09‐22: Sound supervisory practices require that a member firm monitor personal securities transactions outside of the firm by or for its associated persons. Notice 09‐25: Suitability obligations and know‐your customer obligations are critical to protecting investors. Notice 09‐27: The offering of securities by a member firm or a control entity of the firm in a private placement raises conflicts of interest and has been an area of regulatory concern in recent years. Notice 09‐30: Regulatory authorities are adopting measures to address system risk arising from credit default swaps (CDS), including risks to the financial system arising from the lack of a central clearing counterparty to clear and settle CDS; the SEC has approved a rule establishing an interim pilot program on margin requirements for CDS transactions. Notice 09‐34: As part of the process to develop a new consolidated rulebook, FINRA is requesting comment on a proposed rule regarding the distribution and sale of investment company securities. Notice 09‐35: FINRA recommends that firms engaged in municipal securities business review and, if necessary, modify their policies and procedures in light of changes to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's (MSRB) Electronic Municipal Market Access system (EMMA) that take effect July 1, 2009, and changes to MSRB rules that went into effect June 1, 2009. FINRA also encourages firms to review the overall adequacy and effectiveness of their current policies and procedures for municipal securities activities generally, particularly those relating to the disclosure of material information, the suitability of recommendations to retail customers, and the general supervision of their municipal securities activities.

Originality/value

These are direct excerpts designed to provide a useful digest for the reader and an indication of regulatory trends. The FINRA staff is aware of this summary but has neither reviewed nor edited it. For further detail as well as other useful information, the reader should visit www.finra.org
Work engagement among hotel managers in Beijing, China: potential antecedents and consequences
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Koyuncu Mustafa , Jing Wang , Fiksenbaum Lisa
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine potential antecedents and consequences of work engagement in a sample of male and female hotel managers employed in Beijing, China.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 309 respondents, a 90 percent response rate, using anonymously completed questionnaires. Engagement was assessed by three scales developed by Schaufeli, Salanova, Gonzalez‐Roma, and Bakker: vigor, dedication and absorption. Antecedents included personal demographic and work situation characteristics; consequences included measures of work satisfaction and psychological wellbeing.

Findings

The following results were observed. First, organizational level and organizational tenure were found to predict all three engagement measures but in opposite ways. Second, engagement, particularly dedication, predicted various work outcomes (e.g. job satisfaction, intent to quit). Third, engagement, particularly dedication, positively predicted various psychological wellbeing outcomes but less strongly than these predicted work outcomes. Surprisingly, absorption was related to some of these outcomes but in the opposite way.

Research limitations/implications

Questions of causality cannot be addressed since data were collected at only one point in time. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the effects of work life experiences on engagement.

Practical implications

Organizations can increase levels of work engagement by creating supportive work experiences (e.g. control, rewards and recognition) consistent with effective human resource management practices. But caution must be exercised before employing North American practices in the Chinese context.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the understanding of work engagement among managers in a large Confucian country in transition to a market economy.
The sensitivity of German and British tourists to news shocks
Authors: Ertuna Cevat , Ilhan Ertuna Zeliha
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of news shocks on the growth rate of German and British tourist arrivals in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilizes GARCH as a detection device to distinguish the sensitivity of German and British tourists to news shocks, and employs monthly log‐differenced tourist arrivals covering the period from January 1996 to December 2006.

Findings

The uncertainty about future British arrival rates does not follow any specific pattern. The impact of news shocks seems to have an asymmetric, long‐lasting, but decaying, effect on German tourists. The national culture seems to modify the impact of news shocks on visiting decisions; German tourists seem to be more sensitive to news shocks than British tourists.

Research limitations/implications

The research covers only British and German tourists' decisions to visit Turkey. The question of whether the composition of the mean equation substantially alters the variance structure merits further study.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that, in the case of an unexpected negative news shock, tourism and travel‐related organizations (private and government) should concentrate their mitigating policy responses on news‐sensitive nationalities. Destinations that are more susceptible to negative occurrences such as natural disasters or political instability could reconsider their approaches to their target markets by taking into consideration characteristics of national cultures in their strategy.

Originality/value

The paper compares, for the first time, non‐event‐specific sensitivity of national cultures to news shocks and offers practical recommendations for response strategies.
A study on the influence of purchase intentions on repurchase decisions: the moderating effects of reference groups and perceived risks
Authors: Lin Long‐Yi , Chen Yeun‐Wen
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the influence of purchase intentions on repurchase decisions, and also to examine the moderating effects of reference groups and perceived risks.

Design/methodology/approach

The travelers on Taiwan tourist trains were surveyed. Convenience sampling was used to collect primary data. A total of 1,200 questionnaires were distributed and 1,155 effective samples were collected. The effective return rate was 96 percent. Regression analysis was used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The paper finds that; purchase intentions will have a positive effect on repurchase decisions: the higher the informational reference group influence, the greater the positively moderating effect between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions; the higher the value‐expressive reference group influence, the greater the positively moderating effect between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions; and the higher the psychological risk, the greater the negatively moderating effect between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study are: the research targets the travelers on tourist trains. Consequently, it is less efficient in external validity due to the limited scope; the conceptual limitation needs to be elaborated more; and, since the research adopts the cross‐sectional research method without longitudinal section study it may be limited in the generalization. The moderating effects of reference groups and perceived risks have been examined on the inconsistency between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions in the study.

Practical implications

In tourism, reference group influence can provide the opportunity for individuals to communicate with group members in sharing the experiences of a destination and selection of a particular purchasing decision. The sole moderating effect of psychological risk has been verified among three dimensions. Therefore, the measurement and enhancement are critical for marketers to handle future business.

Originality/value

The extra value of the paper is to combine theory and practice together, and verify the moderating effects of reference groups and perceived risks between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions.
Key factors influencing foreign direct investment in the tourism industry in South Africa
Authors: Snyman J.A. , Saayman M.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key factors influencing foreign direct investment (FDI) in the South African tourism industry. This is done in order to successfully attract and sustain FDI as well as to remain competitive.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted by means of questionnaires that were completed by various estate agents in South Africa that specialise in dealing with foreign direct investors. The descriptive statistical analyses were performed by using the Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS 15.0). A factor analysis with Promax rotation was performed and five key factors were identified.

Findings

The findings indicated the following key factors: namely perception and infrastructure, government and policy, economy, competitiveness, and nature. The results also indicated which type of product is preferred by which international market.

Practical implications

The results can be used to assist government policy on FDI as well as to assist marketers to focus on specific issues in their marketing campaigns.

Originality/value

The paper makes the following contributions: first, it gives greater insight and understanding of the decision making of foreign investment in the South African industry. Second, it is the first time that this research has been attempted in South Africa. Third, it shows the close relationship between FDI marketing and tourism marketing.
The research skill factor as a cause for high postgraduate attrition rate
Authors: Ssegawa J.K. , Rwelamila P.D.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims in the first part to document experiences encountered in dealing with challenges facing students embarking on their postgraduate research journey. It gives a brief background on the consequences for not being able to handle properly the research processes. It also identifies factors that contribute to postgraduate attrition and long completion periods focusing on the perceived major contributor to problem – the lack of skills in research on the part of students especially in the early part of the research process. Second, the paper aims to describe and discuss the proposed framework for approaching the research project definition and design process in a systematic and logical manner after formulating a research framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Experience recording method is used by reflecting on the authors' supervision experience at honours, masters and doctoral level. A reflection on these experiences is compared with good practices in research approaches to identify gaps which need to be addressed. The second part of the paper is used as a building block in producing a fully fledged research proposal. Two tasks forming the backbone of writing a research proposal at post framework are at the centre of this paper – developing an outline of literature review and the actual writing of the proposal.

Findings

It is clearly established that major reasons for the problems facing student researchers are the lack of hands‐on skills in the research process on the part of students especially in the early part of the research process (research definition and design) and hence the need for a facilitative framework. The second part of the paper discusses in detail the three main components of the research proposal. Finally, the paper reveals the “final picture” of the research proposal made out of the three components, and an emphasis is put on the need to treat the proposal as a plan which is highly likely to change depending on the research environment forces faced by researchers as they embark on the research journey in the post proposal phase.

Originality/value

The original value is two‐fold. First, there is an opportunity for educators to identify common problems facing student researchers, hence this information could be used when supervising student researchers. Furthermore, the student has an opportunity to understand the dynamics of research approaches and this provides a good base to avoid bad practices. Second, the paper provides solutions towards overcoming typical problems, and this will help both educators and student researchers to manage the dynamics of research processes. The proposed research framework in order to facilitate the research thought process in a more systematic, logical and integrated manner is an encompassing recommendation which should be used by educators and research students.
Effects of grain size on mechanical properties of nanostructured copper alloy by severe plastic deformation (SPD) process
Authors: Sanusi K.O. , Oliver G.J.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) has provided new opportunities in investigations of enhanced mechanical properties like high strength and ductility by permitting grain refinement to a nanometer level, especially ultra‐fine grained and nanocrystalline metals and alloys. These materials have been attracting more and more research interest during the past few decades due to scientific curiosity and their engineering potentials with a significant advancement in their understanding. The purpose of this paper is to find the relationship between processing, structures and properties of these novel materials with the ultimate goal of producing a model to account for the grain size changes at the nano‐scale.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, specimens with various grain sizes from 23 to 80 μm are obtained via processing by SPD, using equal channel angular press (ECAP) technique. The effect of grain size on the hardness properties of nanostructured copper alloy has been investigated using micro‐hardness testing of the samples to test the mechanical properties of this material.

Findings

The results reveal that the copper alloys processed by SPD using ECAP technique after various passes differ in the grain size and mechanical properties. The hardness test exhibits grained size dependence according to Hall‐Petch relationship from room temperature. The increase in the hardness with number of passages suggest increasing in strain during deformation, as the passes increase the smaller grain size can be produced.

Originality/value

The paper usefully shows how nanostructured materials by SPD technique will offer a possible solution to the problem of using light metals for certain applications by increasing the strength of materials which could be used in structures where previously strength requirement in various industries, including such as, for example, transportation, medical devices and electronics. Understanding the relationship between processing, structures and properties will enhance the performance of metals and alloys in a target application which is important in improving the mechanical properties of engineering materials that are necessary fundamental for applications of lightweight materials and structures. The influences of structural parameters, such as grain size, grain shape on plastic deformation which is important parameters in study the mechanical properties of nanostructured materials.
An empirical study of green supply chain management practices amongst UK manufacturers
Authors: Holt Diane , Ghobadian Abby
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent and nature of greening the supply chain (SC) in the UK manufacturing sector; and the factors that influence the breadth and depth of this activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the findings from a sample of manufacturing organisations drawn from the membership of The Chartered Institute for Purchasing and Supply. Data are collected using a questionnaire, piloted and pre‐tested before distribution with responses from 60 manufacturing companies.

Findings

On average manufacturers perceive the greatest pressure to improve environmental performance through legislation and internal drivers (IDs). The least influential pressures are related to societal drivers and SC pressures from individual customers. Green supply chain management (GSCM) practices amongst this “average” group of UK manufacturing organisations are focusing on internal, higher risk, descriptive activities, rather than proactive, external engagement processes. Environmental attitude (EA) is a key predictor of GSCM activity and those organisations that have a progressive attitude are also operationally very active. EA shows some relationship to legislative drivers but other factors are also influential. Operational activity may also be moderated by organisational contingencies such as risk, size, and nationality.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation to this paper is the relatively small manufacturing sample.

Practical implications

This paper presents a series of constructs that identify GSCM operational activities companies to benchmark themselves against. It suggests which factors are driving these operational changes and how industry contingencies may be influential.

Originality/value

This paper explores what is driving environmental behaviour amongst an “average” sample of manufacturers, what specific management practices take place and the relationships between them.
Factors affecting the success of world class manufacturing implementation in less developed countries
Authors: Eid Riyad
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify a comprehensive set of potential determinants influencing the successful implementation of world class manufacturing (WCM) in a less‐developed country environment on the basis of a research conducted among manufacturing firms in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this paper are collected using a self‐administrated questionnaire that is distributed to 200 Egyptian manufacturing firms. Of the 200 questionnaires posted, a total of 96 questionnaires are returned and used for the analysis. The respondents express their opinions concerning the importance of subsequent factors for implementation success and about the factors' presence in their manufacturing firms. Moreover, the impact of the factors on the implementation success is examined.

Findings

The challenge for the Egyptian manufacturers today is to advance their manufacturing activities. To address this challenge the Egyptian manufacturing firms need to understand what are the factors that play critical role in utilising the WCM techniques and their implications on business strategic objective to compete successfully in the global arena. This paper discusses the above issues and proposes seven critical factors classified into two categories and validated empirically through a sample of 96 companies being surveyed in Egypt. The results clearly demonstrate that WCM strategic and tactical success factors have catalytic influence on WCM success.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to empirically test and refine the proposed factors, and to explore relationships among the various variables by collecting data from organisations that have already implemented WCM.

Practical implications

The research outcomes are useful for professionals who lead WCM implementation and those who make decisions for the first time on WCM implementation. The results can be used by practitioners while managing the project and handling people's attitudes.

Originality/value

This paper proves the influence of particular factors on the success of WCM implementation in certain circumstances, thus giving insight into the genuine mechanisms determining WCM implementation outcome.
Agility through rapid prototyping technology in a manufacturing environment using a 3D printer
Authors: Vinodh S. , Sundararaj G. , Devadasan S.R. , Kuttalingam D. , Rajanayagam D.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of rapid prototyping (RP) technology using three dimensional (3D) printer for infusing agility in traditional manufacturing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The computer aided design (CAD) model of a knob of an electronics switch is developed using Pro/E software. Keeping this model as a reference, CAD models of new six knobs are developed. A 3D printer is used to build the prototypes of five of those CAD models. The receptivity of the practitioners over adopting CAD models and 3D printer for achieving agility is investigated.

Findings

The sensitisation of the industry captains and employees of traditional manufacturing sector is the imperative for exploiting the power of 3D printer and achieving mass customisation.

Originality/value

The paper reports an original research in which the practicality of using 3D printer is investigated with the objective of enabling the traditional manufacturing companies to imbibe agile characteristics.
Considering connectivity in operations journals
Authors: Piercy Niall , Caldwell Nigel , Rich Nick
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the coverage of identified topics that represent three key themes of change in management practice. These themes, focused on the new interconnected modern business operation, consist of: cross‐functional or process‐based working, supply networks, and systems thinking. The paper seeks to examine the coverage of these themes in operations journals as a proxy to determine how well the academic operations community is adapting to the interconnected business world.

Design/methodology/approach

Two separate lists compiled to rank the quality of operations journals (one based in the UK, the other in the USA) are used to structure a search for keywords representing the identified connectivity themes in the identified “top” leading operations journals to determine how well the different topics are covered. The term “operations” is intended to refer to the related specialities of both operations management and operations research.

Findings

Findings indicate overall very weak coverage of the three connectivity topics. Systems thinking was best represented. However, this representation was not in operations management journals but predominantly operations research sources. Both supply network and cross‐functional working were poorly represented as topics more generally. The implication of the findings is that the operations literature has yet to embrace key issues of connectivity and greater attention should therefore be paid to these areas to better inform business practice.

Originality/value

To the best of one's knowledge no such study of this type or breadth has been previously conducted.
An instrument for the self‐appraisal of scientific research performance
Authors: Ryan James C. , Awais Tipu Syed
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present findings related to an instrument for the self‐appraisal of scientists' research performance, and highlight the suitability of self‐appraisal instruments for members of the scientific community.

Design/methodology/approach

An examination of the literature on self‐appraisal and the measurement of scientific research is presented. The initial development of the instrument employed qualitative methods through interview and discussions with PhD‐qualified scientific researchers (n=13). A quantitative investigation of the usefulness of the instrument was then conducted on a sample of biological and chemical research scientists (n=270). Results were compared with an existing performance measure and examined for representative reliability.

Findings

Results suggest that the instrument may be a reliable measure of research performance when used in a non‐critical context.

Research limitations/implications

While the instrument shows promise, further research is needed to examine aspects of inter‐rater reliability. Additional research is also needed to further examine relationships between it and other measures of research performance at the same level of analysis. While the usefulness and validity of this instrument at the “international level” has been examined, further research is needed to examine the relative validity and reliability of the instrument at the “institutional” and “national” levels.

Practical implications

The instrument provides a useful and cost‐effective tool for use in the performance appraisal process of research scientists, and for use in focusing discussion on performance for developmental purposes. It is also useful as a research tool for the timely and cost‐effective measurement of research performance at an institutional, national and international level.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original paper and pencil instrument for the appraisal of scientific research performance at an institutional, national, and international level.
Performance improvement possibilities within the US airline industry
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Johnson Kevin L. , Lai Steven T.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze some of the issues US airlines are facing to control costs and improve operations.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed comparison of two major airlines (American Airlines and Southwest Airlines) is performed to identify key differences and to confirm the areas on which airlines need to focus improvement efforts. Cause and effect diagrams are used to identify the factors triggering the issues. Process analysis is also used to offer improvements to reduce costs and improve customer service. Analysis is based on publicly available airline and industry information.

Findings

Revenue, costs, growing economic concerns and an extremely competitive environment are the major areas on which airlines need to focus to be successful. Recommendations are offered in these areas. Owing to the impact of the internet and travel consolidators such as Expedia, revenue increases are challenging, but suggestions are tendered to improve this area.

Originality/value

The study may cause airline management to consider the operational improvement possibilities that are still available within their industry. Be they major network carriers or growing low cost carriers, potential opportunities are identified for improved operational profitability, while maintaining and enhancing customer service. The use of process analysis can provide insights into the inefficiencies which exist within current processes and place more emphasis on demand pull type processes which require forecasting operational schedules.
The impact of public and private sector transparency on foreign direct investment in developing countries
Authors: Seyoum Belay , Manyak Terrell G.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of public and private transparency in attracting inward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study tests the hypothesis that developing countries with low levels of public and private sector transparency attract lower levels of FDI inflows. It also tests the hypotheses that private sector transparency in developing countries has a greater impact on inward FDI than public sector transparency. A cross‐sectional model was tested for 58 developing countries (using regression analysis) over the 2003‐2006 period.

Findings

The empirical analysis shows that: private sector transparency has a significant and positive effect on inward FDI flows to developing countries; public sector transparency has a positive and significant effect on FDI inflows; and private sector transparency has a greater influence on FDI inflows to developing countries than public sector transparency.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the impact of different forms of transparency on FDI. Existing studies tend to examine the subject in a separate fashion without considering their joint effect on foreign investment inflows.
Personal reflections on attending the Australian Grand Prix
Authors: Cairns George
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prompt critical reflection on the relationship between international business (IB) and climate change by reference to an example at the margins of IB. The author reflects on personal experience of attending the Australian Grand Prix. Being heavily involved, with others, in research into the social, environmental and economic impacts of climate change in Australia and across Asia Pacific he has reason to be personally reflective on the environmental impacts of Formula 1 and other forms of motor sport. These impacts are both direct, in relation to the racing cars' energy consumption and emissions, and indirect, with regard to spectator, sponsor and support show contributions to carbon emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on personal reflection on experienced events, critical consideration of the discourse of Formula 1 emanating from the organizations involved and associated with it, and consideration of criticism of motor sport as anathema.

Findings

Reflecting on the nature and impact of Formula 1 racing and its associated events, and on different possible responses to its negative impact on climate and environment, the paper considers internal initiatives to change the nature of its resource consumption. However, the paper also sees that these changes may be largely symbolic within a global business framework in which such moves represent mere “tinkering at the edges” of a major problem to which there is no real solution under current and foreseeable socio‐economic conditions.

Originality/value

In considering various options for “greening” Formula 1, including current projects to reduce its resource inputs and emissions outputs to the extreme of banning it – and similar activities – outright, the paper ponders the (im)possibility of “greening” any organization that is embedded in resource consumption.
A non‐constant weight code approach for fast link assessment in multihop wireless mesh networks
Authors: Prasad Rajesh , Nelavelli Ravi , Wu Hongyi
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel link assessment scheme where the link assessment packets are transmitted efficiently according to a set of non‐constant weight codes, which achieves low collision probability within a short link assessment period.

Design/methodology/approach

Each node considers the actual nodal degree while choosing the codeword for its link assessment. A link assessment procedure is designed and a set of theorems established that provide the necessary condition for successful link assessment.

Findings

The wireless mesh network (WMN) is experiencing tremendous growth with the standardization of IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.16 technologies. Compared to its wired counterpart, the resource of the WMN is limited. Worst yet, the wireless link quality is time and space varying, depending on the environment and interference. In order to make efficient use of the scarce channel resource during topology formation, scheduling and routing, it is vital to understand the quality of the links in the WMN (in terms of, e.g. probability of successful transmission or signal to noise ratio (SNR)). The existing approaches for link assessment consume substantial amount of time and thus introduce significant delay and overhead. Extensive simulations show that the proposed approach reduces link assessment delay by over 70 percent compared to the OOC‐based approach.

Practical implications

This scheme can help in faster link assessment and can lead to better routing, scheduling which contributes to higher throughput and better bandwidth utilization in any WMN.

Originality/value

The scheme defined in this paper can help in faster link assessment in WMN.
Performance comparison of advanced antenna systems for wireless mesh routers in an outdoor environment
Authors: Babich Fulvio , Comisso Massimiliano , Manià Lucio
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the low‐cost switched‐beam antennas and the more expensive adaptive antennas in a wireless mesh network (WMN) scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical framework is adopted in order to determine, for the two antenna systems, the number of sustainable simultaneous communications and the achievable throughput of a backbone WMN in a realistic outdoor environment.

Findings

The paper includes a thorough examination of benefits and crucial implementation issues concerning the adoption multiple antennas on mesh routers.

Originality/value

The paper investigates the relationship between the antenna system and the adopted channel coding technique, to determine the set‐up that may offer the best compromise between performance and complexity.
Minimizing transmission time in 802.16‐based multi‐channel mesh networks
Authors: Du Peng , Wang Jun , Jia Weijia , Huang Liusheng , Li Huan
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Time slot allocation in world interoperability for microwave access (WiMax) mesh networks is controlled by a centralized scheduling algorithm, as specified in the IEEE standard 802.16. The scheduling algorithm should be able to minimize the total transmission time for all traffic flows. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the multi‐channel scheduling problem in WiMax mesh networks, in order to explore the potential of simultaneous transmissions and thus minimize the total transmission time.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first analyzes how many channels are sufficient for the avoidance of interference, then presents an efficient scheduling algorithm along with the channel assignment strategy for time slot allocation. Particularly, for networks with chain topology, the paper provides an optimal solution to minimize the total transmission time.

Findings

The simulation results show that this scheme can improve the system performance substantially as compared with the single‐channel system. Also, it is observed that double‐channel settings may provide a performance similar to the multiple channels.

Practical implications

The algorithm presented in this paper is conformed to the IEEE standard 802.16‐2004; so it is suitable for WiMax mesh networks.

Originality/value

The paper is of value in presenting a scheduling and channel assignment schema for multi‐channel WiMax mesh networks. The work is also important for the study of time division multiple access (TDMA)‐based multi‐channel wireless mesh networks.
Cross‐layer scheduling over a heterogeneous opportunistic emergency‐deployed wireless network
Authors: Corvino Virginia , Carniani Andrea , Tralli Velio , Verdone Roberto
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the radio resource assignment problem in the context of a heterogeneous ad hoc network, composed of 1EEE802.15.4 sensor devices, their coordinators, mobile terminals conveying vldeo streams, and sinks. This scenario also fits to the paradigm of opportunistic networks.

Design/methodology/approach

In such hierarchical heterogeneous opportunistic networks, the focus is on cross‐layer scheduling of the video and sensor traffics toward the sink. The scheduling strategy proposed takes into account information coming from both physical and application layers. Evaluations are performed via simulations.

Findings

Results show that the proposed cross‐layer strategy significantly outperforms the maximum throughput scheduling, used as a benchmark, in case of video traffic, while preseruing the same performance for 802.15.4 traffic.

Practical implications

The architecture and the relevant algorithms proposed could be used in realistic emergency‐deployed networks composed by the kind of nodes considered in the paper.

Originality/value

The novelty introduced is related to the application of a crosslayer design strategy in a very peculiar hierarchical heterogeneous opportunistic ad hoc network. This paper is believed to be the first published combining traditional tratfic sources with sensor generated data flows.