bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expatriation in the hotel industry
Authors: Fe Causin Gina , Ayoun Baker , Moreo Patrick
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the following expatriate issues as related to the hospitality industry, from the perspective of practitioners: the most important management skills hotel expatriates should possess, whether these skills vary by the country of origin of the expatriate and parent company, and the most effective cross‐cultural training activities provided by hotel companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this exploratory study was obtained from a sample of 66 respondents from lodging organizations with membership in the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IH & RA). Data was collected by means of self‐administered, web‐based surveys.

Findings

Participants in this study indicate that expatriate management skills vary in importance for hotel expatriates. The results of the analysis of variance demonstrate that the importance placed on the different expatriate management skills varies based on country of origin of both the expatriate and the parent company. Respondents and companies originating in different countries place more importance on certain expatriate management skills than others. Analyses also indicate that seven of nine cross‐cultural training activities provided by the parent company are perceived to be effective for the success of an expatriate assignment.

Practical implications

This study suggests that opportunities do exist for international hotel companies to better prepare hotel expatriates for foreign assignments by integrating more effectively issues of cultural awareness into their preparation programs. Additionally, although it may appear counter‐intuitive for a future expatriate to focus on the structure and processes of the home company before embarking on a foreign assignment, the results of this study suggest that such knowledge is very valuable.

Originality/value

While studies investigating expatriation management in the mainstream literature have been growing recently, only a handful of published studies have explored the issue in the hotel industry. Answers to the research questions that guided this study add to our knowledge and enhance our understanding of the issues related to expatriation management within the context of the hotel industry. The present study generated fruitful avenues, especially with regard to the issues related to the variation of management skills according to the country of origin of participants and parent company.
Restaurant QSC inspections and financial performance: an empirical investigation
Authors: DiPietro Robin B. , Parsa H.G. , Gregory Amy
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between QSC (quality, service and cleanliness) inspection scores and financial performance in quick service restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

Restaurant QSC inspection data were collected from 25 quick service restaurants of an international chain over a period of 18 months. Audited financial data were also collected for these participating restaurants. Using SPSS software, the data were analyzed for possible relationships between the restaurant QSC scores and the financial performance measured as total unit sales per week, revenues per available seat per week, and gross operating income for each month. Restaurant unit size is measured by total revenues per month.

Findings

Contrary to the commonly held belief, the relationship between QSC variable and restaurant performance is weak. This study found there was a “V” curve in QSC inspections and financial performance when restaurant size was chosen as the moderating variable.

Research limitations/implications

The specific items measured in the QSC may differ across organizations, although the broad categories remain constant. Certain operational factors such as price changes, special promotions, additional restaurant openings in the specific area, and local economic conditions could have confounded the results.

Practical implications

The knowledge obtained from this study could help restaurant organizations determine the level of weighting given to a specific inspection variable. This study also suggests the use of FQSC inspections instead of traditional QSC to emphasize financial performance (F). This study demonstrates the liability and limitations of tying QSC inspections to merit raises and bonus plans as normally done in restaurants.

Originality/value

This paper is the first empirical study to analyze the QSC inspections of restaurants related to financial performance. In contrast to the past studies with food safety/health inspections, the current study focuses directly on QSC inspections conducted more frequently and in greater detail by the quick service restaurants with emphasis on operational and financial performance.
A quantitative evaluation of vulnerability scanning
Authors: Holm Hannes , Sommestad Teodor , Almroth Jonas , Persson Mats
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate if automated vulnerability scanning accurately identifies vulnerabilities in computer networks and if this accuracy is contingent on the platforms used.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative comparisons of functionality and quantitative comparisons of false positives and false negatives are made for seven different scanners. The quantitative assessment includes data from both authenticated and unauthenticated scans. Experiments were conducted on a computer network of 28 hosts with various operating systems, services and vulnerabilities. This network was set up by a team of security researchers and professionals.

Findings

The data collected in this study show that authenticated vulnerability scanning is usable. However, automated scanning is not able to accurately identify all vulnerabilities present in computer networks. Also, scans of hosts running Windows are more accurate than scans of hosts running Linux.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the direct output of automated scans with respect to the vulnerabilities they identify. Areas such as how to interpret the results assessed by each scanner (e.g. regarding remediation guidelines) or aggregating information about individual vulnerabilities into risk measures are out of scope.

Practical implications

This paper describes how well automated vulnerability scanners perform when it comes to identifying security issues in a network. The findings suggest that a vulnerability scanner is a useable tool to have in your security toolbox given that user credentials are available for the hosts in your network. Manual effort is however needed to complement automated scanning in order to get satisfactory accuracy regarding network security problems.

Originality/value

Previous studies have focused on the qualitative aspects on vulnerability assessment. This study presents a quantitative evaluation of seven of the most popular vulnerability scanners available on the market.
Is too much cognitive conflict in strategic decision‐making teams too bad?
Authors: Parayitam Satyanarayana , Dooley Robert S.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Past research on strategic decision making has emphasized the influence of cognitive conflict and affective conflict on the decision outcomes. Early researchers demonstrated that affective conflict has negative outcomes whereas cognitive conflict has positive outcomes. While the negative outcomes of affective conflict remain non‐controversial, the positive outcomes of cognitive conflict are not always consistent. The research on the outcomes of cognitive conflict is perplexedly mixed. Taking an information processing perspective, the present study aims to examine the relationship between cognitive conflict on decision outcomes, while controlling for affective conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 109 hospitals in the USA and collected data from top management teams (CEOs and senior executives). After performing confirmatory factor analysis of the measures used, the data were analyzed using hierarchical regression techniques to examine the curvilinear relationships between cognitive conflict among the teams and its influence on decision quality and decision understanding.

Findings

Analysis of team data supports the hypotheses that there exists curvilinear (inverted‐U shaped) relationship between cognitive conflict and decision quality, and between cognitive conflict and decision commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Since the data were collected from self‐report measures, limitations of social desirability bias may be inherent.

Practical implications

Evidence for a curvilinear relationship between cognitive conflict and decision outcomes extends to the existing strategic management literature. Further, the findings from this study are particularly useful for practicing managers. This study suggests that CEO and team members need not overemphasize cognitive conflict beyond a limit because it may have deleterious consequences. The findings reveal that a moderate level of cognitive conflict, instead of too much conflict, is always desirable.

Originality/value

Though the sample in the present study focuses only on the healthcare industry, to the extent strategic decision making process is similar in other industries, the findings can be generalizable across other industries.
Corruption and whistleblowing in international humanitarian aid agencies
Authors: Francis Ronald D. , Armstrong Anona
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address issues of corruption and governance for international humanitarian organisations (such as Red Cross, Greenpeace, the Salvation Army, and Médecins Sans Frontières). Any such corruption may be both an issue of governance within an organisation as well as an external issue, such as political corruption, with which such organisations must deal in relationships with stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is derived from annual reports, news reports, and published articles.

Findings

A moral basis for operations is based on analysis, information, measuring and reporting.

Research limitations/implications

In‐depth investigations of the ethical performance of humanitarian organisations are required.

Practical implications

The paper addresses issues of analyses of problems, the measurement of effectiveness, the moral dilemmas incurred by aid agencies, and offers some suggestions for improvement.

Social implications

Transparency would encourage greater contributions to the important work undertaken by these organisations.

Originality/value

The moral obligations of humanitarian organisations are usually assessed in terms of their social impacts. This paper suggests that their future viability may also rest on their ability to demonstrate an ethical approach to their operations.
Investigating financial aspects of dog‐fighting in the UK
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss financial aspects of illegal dog‐fighting in the UK and to reflect upon and discuss the difficulties of researching illegal entrepreneurial activities such as dog‐fighting which are operated for criminal profit. Such activities are conducted by urban criminals often in a rural setting. Such crimes invariably occur in a closed social milieu to which the authorities and the academic researcher cannot legitimately gain access. In this case the illegal activities, as well as being status and animal welfare crimes, can legitimately be regarded as being an entrepreneurial activity as they entail trading in a Kirznerian sense as well as financial implications associated with gambling.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach used in this article is that of desk‐based research to locate and review academic articles in relation to the illegal activity of dog‐fighting and to synthesise this knowledge with empirical material gathered from a search of British newspapers on the subject to develop an aperçus in relation to financial aspects of the crime.

Findings

Very little is known about the financial aspects of illegal dog‐fighting in the UK. It is an activity shrouded in secrecy. The primary purpose of the activity is to engage in gaming activities with the intention of making money. This qualifies it as a financial crime.

Originality/value

The paper is of value because of its novelty and also because it highlights the difficulties in investigating certain illegal entrepreneurial criminal activities. It is vital to conduct such research because otherwise the subject matter would be ignored by the research community.
Organised crime and judicial corruption in the Western Balkans
Authors: Zhilla Fabian
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the interplay between customary norms and organised crime and consider their implications for judicial corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the links between judicial corruption and organised crime in the Western Balkans generally, and focuses on the role of customary norms in Albania in particular. The paper takes stock from secondary sources and a series of semi‐structured expert interviews with judges, prosecutors, and lawyers in Albania.

Findings

This study explains that the impact of customary norms in the interplay between organised crime and judicial corruption in the Western Balkans generally, and in Albania more specifically, although not frequently used, is real and that it carries significant consequences.

Research limitations/implications

Due to differences among cultures in the Western Balkans, findings based on Albania are suggestive only for similar societies and indicate areas for future research.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that mechanisms of customary norms such as vendetta and blood feud killings can neutralise the judiciary and law enforcement agencies when they have been manipulated by organised crime out of their social context for criminal purposes.
User‐driven innovation in a construction material supply network
Authors: Wandahl Søren , Jacobsen Alexia , Heidemann Lassen Astrid , Bolvig Poulsen Søren , Sørensen Henrik
Published: October 2011

Purpose

User‐driven innovation (UDI) has been proven to successfully increase the value of products and services in single companies with direct linkages to the end‐user. The construction material industry often has no direct linkages to the end‐user, due to supply networks through builder merchants. Moreover, a lack of user knowledge is common in such networks, and companies rarely have explicit knowledge on how their products and services are in fact used and valued by their end‐users. Thus, it is clear that UDI is not directly applicable to the construction material industry without further developments. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that a network perspective is essential when adapting and implementing UDI in the construction material industry and to let the advantages of doing so surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design includes a number of different approaches and types of interaction between the researchers and industry. Additionally, an extensive literature review on UDI is carried out to identify variables necessary for successful adaptation to a network perspective.

Findings

The conclusion of this research validates that a network approach to adapting UDI in the construction material industry is a precondition for a successful innovation journey. In addition, it was concluded that by adapting the network perspective new value‐adding potentials became visible, which could have a huge impact on innovation, effectiveness, efficiency, etc. in the construction material industry.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the body of knowledge on how to implement UDI in a supply network by developing a framework for such an innovation process. The framework has its outset in any given generic new product development model with a logical sequence of steps. However, the framework is further developed into defining the networks activities, the internal activities, and the user‐oriented activities needed.
The role of intrusion detection systems in electronic information security
Authors: Boyfriend Wilton Mlitwa Nhlanhla , Birch Dwain
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of intrusion detection systems as an access control supplement in protecting electronic information resources and networks in information‐centric organisations. The study focuses on the strengths and vulnerabilities of intrusion detection systems (IDSs).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study is conducted with a retail organisation, and an educational institution in Cape Town, South Africa. Using purposive sampling, interviews are held with network administrators of sample institutions to unpack security priorities and the functionalities of IDSs, the significance of the system in concept, whether it is understood within network departments, the cost factor, and its value in securing networks against all possible security challenges. The activity theory is applied as a lens to understanding the security process, and to inform a future security frameworks and research initiatives.

Findings

The findings are clear. Although IDSs have vulnerabilities, they offer an added cushion to conventional network access control efforts. Access control for example, guards the gate but IDSs are the watchdogs in your yard, and IDS closes a gap in a network security that only IDSs can. It alerts you of a potential attacker, enabling you to respond promptly, in whichever way you like. It does however, require deliberate reaction against a detected intrusion to be effective, but remains a useful security tool that should become standard to all network security initiatives. A framework presenting network security as a work activity – with actors who are guided by goals – is offered to guide planning, implementations of network security and further research in future.

Originality/value

Security awareness is crucial to effective e‐citizenry, but complacency could be a threat. As a unique contribution, the paper presents an activity‐theory work‐activity framework of analysing network security. Further, the paper presents original, industry‐specific interview findings, raising awareness that existing security measures need to be viewed as a continuous work‐activity whose planning and implementations are embedded on goals and processes towards pursued outcomes. Access controls themselves should be monitored. They should be supplemented by effective intrusion detection systems if unauthorised access is to be effectively minimised.
Development of a cyclone with internal electric field
Authors: Mamphweli Ntshengedzeni S. , Meyer Edson L.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a cyclone with an internal electric field to capture dust and fine carbon particles with less than 5 μm diameter.

Design/methodology/approach

The cyclone collection efficiency model described by Cooper and Alley was used to design a conventional cyclone, which was later modified by introduction of the solenoid around it to introduce an electric field. The cyclone design performance was later established using ferrosilicon powder with less than 5 μm diameter.

Findings

The cyclone was found to have a particle collection efficiency of around 25 per cent for ferrosilicon powder before the introduction of the solenoid; the introduction of the solenoid increased the particle collection efficiency to around 50 per cent and the charging of the solenoid further increased the collection efficiency to 85 per cent at 2 kV DC and 97 per cent at 3 kV DC. When the cyclone was placed back on the gasifier system and supplied with 2 kV DC, it collected up to 270 g of fine carbon particles within 150 min of operation.

Research limitations/implications

The major drawback was that the highest particle collection efficiency for the cyclone could only be achieved at very high voltage (3 kV) but this could not be supplied when the cyclone was back in the gasifier system due to air ionization that results in the corona effect.

Practical implications

The collection of very fine particles (less than 5 μm diameter) in hot gas streams is always a challenge, particularly in biomass gasifier systems. This resulted in a high cost of gas purification or initial investments in downstream processes. The developed cyclone could cut down this expenditure since most of the particles will not go beyond the cyclone.

Originality/value

Electrostatics has been applied in the development of gas cleaning devices, however most of these devices tend to be too cumbersome. The developed cyclone is based on the conventional design, which is less complicated and cheap to manufacture.
A kaleidoscopic view of psychology in design for maintainability of mechanical systems
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Khan I.A. , Gandhi O.P.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on design for maintainability with emphasis on psychology and cognitive sciences and suggest possible gaps from the point of view of researchers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper systematically reviews the published literature and then analyzes it methodically.

Findings

The paper discusses a new shift in engineering design, in general, and design for maintainability (DFM) of mechanical systems, in particular.

Practical implications

Literature on DFM of mechanical systems with psychological factors has so far been very limited. This paper reviews a number of papers from the field of mechanical engineering and other related branches of engineering, along with important papers from the field of psychology and cognitive sciences. Subsequently, various merging trends in the field of DFM are identified to help researchers specifying gaps in the literature and direct the research efforts suitably.

Originality/value

The paper contains a comprehensive listing of publications in the field of maintainability from the psychology point of view. The paper will be useful to researchers, designers, maintenance professionals and others concerned with maintainability of a system. This paper is equally useful for the researchers and design professionals from the domain of engineering design irrespective of their field of application.
Pursuing pleasure: consumer value in leisure travel
Authors: Webster Cynthia M. , Rennie Vanessa A.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Some consumption activities are inherently interesting, pleasurable, gratifying and potentially important to consumers' lives. The primary aim of this paper is to further understanding of the role pleasurable consumption plays in consumers' lives.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore consumer value in pleasurable consumption experiences, the consumer value typology in conjunction with the subjective personal introspection (SPI) approach, is applied to experiences captured in travel photographs.

Findings

Analysis identifies all eight consumer value types with play, aesthetics and, surprisingly, spirituality the most evident. Pleasure is shown as much more than immediate, self‐gratification. Issues of competency, both active effort and appreciation of others' abilities, individual growth and development as well as sharing and feelings of relatedness are all important components of pleasure.

Research limitations/implications

The use of consumer value as a conceptual framework in combination with a reflective tool such as SPI suggests not only alternative approaches for future research into pleasurable consumption, but also indicates some innovative strategies to put into practice.

Practical implications

Communicating the different value types prior to consumption and incorporating active reflection, possibly could assist in improving consumers' enjoyment of their experiences which, in turn, could reduce post‐purchase dissonance. Besides being used as a promotional tool to increase customer satisfaction, the consumer value framework could facilitate product bundling and possibly expand product benefits.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the multidimensional nature of pleasure through two research methods infrequently used, SPI and the photo essay, positioning both as valuable tools for exploring and enhancing pleasurable consumption.
Social housing: new demand, new tools
Authors: Ingaramo Luisa , Sabatino Stefania
Published: October 2011

Purpose

In light of growing concerns on the scale of the housing affordability problem in Italy, and of the government's response in the form of a new Housing Plan, the purpose of this paper is to ask whether such new policy is a coherent and adequate strategy to address the alleged housing problems. In order to answer this core question, the paper first discusses whether Italy is indeed facing an affordability problem; it then analyses the evolving housing policy and the emerging solutions for its implementation to identify its core innovative features.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper highlights the emerging role of social housing in Italy by presenting secondary evidence of the performance of real estate markets and of the demand for rented housing for 12 Italian metropolitan areas. The paper focuses on renters in an intermediate income bracket, which represents a core emerging social housing target group. Relying on existing evidence and international literature, the paper then discusses the implications of the new legislative framework for the delivery of social housing in Italy, with a focus on discussing the system of local real estate ethical funds, setting it against the evolving European context.

Findings

The recently introduced changes to the delivery and funding model in the Italian social housing system offer an opportunity to overcome the traditional Italian approach to social housing. First, the new model serves a new target group to avoid it drifting into relative poverty, and second it allows new subjects, and primarily banking foundations, to actively pursue an ethical return on their investment in new housing. The complexity of the local real estate ethical funds, however, constitutes a source of risk in the new delivery model, and the short time for which existing funds have been operational only leaves room for some preliminary considerations. Nonetheless, the analysis conducted in this paper indicates the core areas that will need to be monitored in the medium to long term to ensure a meaningful understanding of the implications of the Plan.

Research limitations/implications

A conclusive assessment of the Housing Plan and its impacts on the Italian economy requires a longer timeframe.

Originality/value

The paper offers an insight in the Italian rented housing market, with a focus on large metropolitan areas. It presents a review of evidence of housing affordability problems facing midium‐ to low‐income groups, and therefore adds to growing body of social housing international literature. It also provides a review of the emerging system of local real estate ethical funds, and therefore useful reference for national and international social housing and real estate funds practitioners and researchers.
The impact of a pedestrianisation scheme on retail rent: an empirical test in Hong Kong
Authors: Yim Yiu Chung
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study empirically the effect of a pedestrianisation scheme on retail rent, in a case study in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

Most of the previous studies on the impacts of pedestrianised areas on the environment were qualitative ones, and without controls. This study, in contrast, uses panel market data in Hong Kong to estimate the effect in a two‐street‐two‐period controlled model.

Findings

The results show a net 17 per cent increase in rental value of retail shops in the pedestrianised area is achieved, ceteris paribus.

Research limitations/implications

Sample size and number of case study are not large enough to make robust conclusions; some other uncontrollable variables may well be attributed to the increase in rents.

Practical implications

Retail rent is found empirically to be dependent of the external environment.

Social implications

Shoppers' preference for pedestrianisation schemes can be indirectly quantified by the change of retail rent.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first two‐street‐two‐period panel empirical test on the effect of pedestrianisation scheme on retail rent.
Exporting leadership talent: challenges and opportunities in MNC subsidiaries in India
Authors: Balaji G.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advocate an approach to leadership development to support the increasing trend of India‐based executives of multinational companies' (MNC) subsidiaries taking on global roles.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines distinctive competencies and recommends the alignment of individual development to the organization's evolution.

Findings

This approach enables leadership development efforts in MNC subsidiaries to focus on building a pipeline of leadership talent for the global organization.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that cultural intelligence, result orientation and thought leadership – the distinctive competencies required for a global career – can be built effectively on job opportunities that India‐based MNC subsidiaries provide.
Images of rural destinations hosting small‐scale sport events
Authors: Hallmann Kirstin , Breuer Christoph
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse quantitative and qualitative image aspects of destinations hosting a small‐scale sport event, as perceived by spectators and participants.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted at different sport events hosted by destinations in a rural setting. The data are analysed using confirmatory factor analyses and correspondence analyses.

Findings

The results suggest several differences between the image perception of participants and spectators. These can be attributed to different levels of involvement, which is very high for participants. The perception of the qualitative image aspects showed that unique features were associated with the destination, such as sport themes or organizational aspects of the sport event visited. Further, it is shown that the quantitatively measured indicators of affective destination image have a great influence on the image of rural sport event tourism destinations.

Research limitations/implications

A research limitation could arise due to the sample, as almost all sport tourists were German. A more international sample might have shown different results. Future research should analyse samples of different sports, concluding whether the sport performed also influences behaviour.

Practical implications

For marketing communications it is essential to utilise emotions to promote the destination, as they are a very essential element of destinations hosting sport events.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of images held by spectators and participants of small‐scale sport events hosted in rural destinations. The value is the large sample, consisting of various rural destinations, which allows for general patterns of the perceived image to be drawn.
The importance of supervisor support for a change initiative
Authors: Elias Steven M. , Mittal Rakesh
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Although organizations change on a regular basis, much of what we know about the impacts of organizational change can best be described as macro‐level information. Only recently have scholars begun to examine the impact of organizational change at the level of the individual employee (i.e. micro level). The purpose of this paper is to assess the importance of a supervisor's support for a change initiative in relation to employee job satisfaction and job involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This research made use of archival data. Police officers (n=88) were randomly selected from across the USA to complete phone interviews meant to assess, in part, supervisor support for a change from traditional policing to community policing, job satisfaction, and job involvement.

Findings

While supervisor support for the change initiative was found to be related to job satisfaction and job involvement, job satisfaction mediated the supervisor support‐job involvement relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this study is its small sample, which precluded the use of more advanced statistical techniques (i.e. structural equation modeling). The major implication is that both employees and the organization stand to benefit during a change initiative if the supervisor demonstrates his or her support for the initiative.

Originality/value

This research is of value given the prevalence of organizational change and the need for more research examining the impact of change on micro‐level issues.
Informal finance, trade credit and private firm performance
Authors: Su Jun , Sun Yuefan
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the effect of informal finance and trade credit on the performance of private firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey to private firms in 19 cities, the paper empirically tests the promoting effects of informal finance and trade credit on the performance of private firms in China.

Findings

It was found that informal finance and trade credit have positive effects on private firms' performance measured by ROA. The net income reinvestment rate of private firms is positively related to whether or not the firm adopts informal financing or trade credit financing. A private firm having limited access to formal finance is more inclined to rely on self‐funds and is more limited by financing choices. Informal financing and trade credit can relieve the tension of cash flow chain but cannot solve the financing constraints. The empirical results also show that bank credit is still not the main financing choice for private firms and has not yet played a promoting role in private firms' performance and growth. Informal finance is more important to promote performance in manufacturing industry, while trade credit is more effective in wholesale and trading industry. The results show the coexistence viability of informal financing channels and formal financial institutions in China.

Practical implications

The policy implication is the Chinese Government should take careful steps to regulate informal financing sources.

Originality/value

After some theoretical literature, such as Lin and Sun, this paper explores for the first time the effect of informal financing channels on the performance of private firms.
Demand uncertainty, information processing ability, and endogenous firm
Authors: Li Yanfei , Yao Shuntian , Chia Wai‐Mun
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how information and communication technology (ICT) impacts firm performance, by changing the information processing ability of a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

It takes the firm as information processing unit to coordinate production in an industry with two‐stage production and demand uncertainty. ICT is assumed to improve the information processing ability. It models that, conditional on the structure of markets described by level of uncertainty, a firm with information processing ability comes into being endogenously from market‐coordinated production, with profit generated.

Findings

It is argued that the profit of the firm depends on both the structure of markets, and the firm's information processing ability. The improving information processing ability increases firm profitability as long as market‐coordinated production persists elsewhere. However, when the improving information processing ability enables enough firms to compete with no market‐coordinated production left, it decreases profitability of all firms. Finally, case studies on the wholesale and retail industry and the finance and insurance industry of ten OECD countries presents consistent evidence that ICT does not necessarily bring better performance.

Originality/value

This paper is an innovation based on several streams of literature to model a firm with the consideration of specialization, demand uncertainty, and information processing ability. It thus provides a different perspective on how ICT contributes to firm performance. It theoretically and empirically shows that such contributions are conditional on market structure of a certain industry.
The adaptation and application of mindfulness‐based psychotherapeutic practices for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Robertson Bronwyn
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to review the adaptation and application of mindfulness‐based psychotherapeutic practices for individuals with intellectual disability, the population most at risk for mental health and behavioral challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Provided is an overview of the adaptation and utilization of these practices in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, and maladaptive behavior in individuals with intellectual disabilities. It also explores current research related to mindfulness‐based stress management for parents and caregivers of individuals with intellectual disability.

Findings

Current research and practice supports that mindfulness‐based psychotherapeutic practices are clinically effective in the treatment of anxiety, mood, stress, aggression, and self‐injury in individuals with intellectual disabilities, and enhanced coping and stress management in their parents and caregivers.

Practical implications

The effective, experiential, and skills‐based practices of mindfulness‐based psychotherapy make it easily adaptable and applicable for use with individuals with intellectual disabilities who have varying mental health and behavioral challenges.

Originality/value

Very little has been published on the adaptation and application of mindfulness‐based psychotherapeutic practices for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Given the mental health and behavioral challenges faced by this population, there is a great need for individuals with intellectual disabilities to have effective and practical treatment such as mindfulness‐based psychotherapy. Further research and utilization of these practices with this population is needed.
Selling the nightingale
Authors: Waksman Steve
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to interpret the 1850 debut American performances of Swedish concert singer Jenny Lind as an emblematic moment in the history of live music promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies the manner in which Lind's earliest concerts and the singer herself were marketed through analysis of contemporary newspaper and magazine reports and advertisements.

Findings

Lind's concerts were important for the way they demonstrate the complex balance of “high” and “low” cultural forces at a transitional moment in US cultural history, and for the way in which her manager, P.T. Barnum, used various mechanisms to manage the potential disorder posed by her immense audiences.

Research limitations/implications

The paper addresses only the first few concerts of Lind's nearly two‐year American tour in detail, but uses those concerts as a case study for understanding the degree to which the business of nineteenth‐century concert promotion had to balance the pursuit of profit with the demands of crowd control.

Social implications

Lind's example demonstrates how a complex range of class interests needed to be balanced in order for her to reach something approaching a “mass audience,” in modern parlance.

Originality/value

The paper provides a historical perspective on issues that continue to have relevance for the promotion of large‐scale commercial events, and addresses critical questions about the nature of the collective experience provided through live music performance.
Student music
Authors: Long Paul
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This research aims to explore in detail aspects of the role and character of student unions as venues for live music in post‐war Britain. Guiding questions ask: what part have student unions, entertainment officers and the wider body of students – in their role as consumers – played in the economics of the live music business? What is specific to the business of live music in student unions? How is this sector of activity related to national and local scenes, promoters, non‐student audiences and the wider popular music culture and economy?

Design/methodology/approach

The research draws upon formal and informally archived sources to formulate definitions and scope for research, tracing the historical emergence and fortunes of popular music programming in universities.

Findings

The research traces a history of professionalization of music provision by students, a result of co‐ordination efforts by the National Union of Students. It outlines the specific character of live music business in student unions as determined by its subsidized nature.

Research limitations/implications

Sources for research are unevenly preserved and the scope of activity – historical and contemporary is considerable. Further empirical research is required in order to fully explore this important, if neglected area of cultural and economic activity.

Originality/value

The role and character of student unions in the economy of the music industry is rarely considered and this paper offers set of concepts for further research and detailed historical insights into this sector of business.
The business of authenticity: a false relation?
Authors: Wilson Nick
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to consider the aesthetic and commercial success of the “early music” or “historically informed performance” (HIP) movement during the 1970s and 1980s in the UK. Particular attention is given to the relationship between HIP performers and “the authenticity business” (i.e. the market‐driven commercial exploitation of this form of musical performance).

Design/methodology/approach

Through applying the metaphor of the “false relation” (a musical compositional device characteristic of the renaissance period), the paper explores the contradictory relationship between HIP and the market. The research is based on a detailed literature review relating to the emergence of the early music labour market, and interviews with 40 experts in the field (including HIP music directors, performers, agents, broadcasters, record company directors and instrument makers in the UK).

Findings

Far from being a mere backdrop to the ideologically driven practice of HIP, the paper demonstrates the close connection between market‐led entrepreneurial activity of some performers, and the subsequent success of early music performance. Particular attention is brought to the mediating role of authenticity discourse in bridging the art‐commerce divide and marketing early music successfully.

Originality/value

The paper offers a novel perspective from which to understand the artistic and commercial development of this cultural movement. It is suggested that the emphasis on the mediating role of authenticity discourse; and the closeness of the relationship between performance ideology and market‐based practices warrants further research across artistic and cultural movements more broadly.
Can Bilcare's anti-counterfeiting technologies handle the menace of counterfeit?
Authors: Sisodia Sonal , Chowdhary Nimit
Published: October 2011

Subject area

Pharmaceutical marketing, brand protection.

Study level/applicability

It could be used with the pharmaceutical marketing students and MBA students for analysing counterfeit medicines' menace in developing countries and positioning of a disruptive technology. The case could be used for marketing consultants, Brand managers and executive development programmes to explore issues such as protecting brands through technology, pharmaceutical packaging marketing, competitiveness of counterfeit drugs, global harmonisation.

Case overview

Against the backdrop of rising menace of counterfeit drugs in developing countries, the case talks in particular about an innovative pharmaceutical packaging company. The company has developed a unique security technology called non-ClonableID™ which can enable products to be authenticated throughout the supply chain, thus protecting brands and preventing misuse. Despite a promising technology, it poses challenges regarding its adoption and commercial success.

Expected learning outcomes

Counterfeiting as an inevitable result of Globalization has become a global nuisance and has to be dealt at global level. Brand protection could be one of the lowest cost tools for pharmaceutical companies to restore public confidence in their products and themselves. While all methods for anti-counterfeiting are known to have short lives the menace still must be dealt with. For this, companies need to deploy anti-counterfeiting strategies that set up various layers of security.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
Synergy between ISA and manual auditing practises at Jain Chowdhary & Company, India
Authors: Rishi Meghna , Singh Anjana
Published: October 2011

Subject area

Finance, accountancy, auditing.

Study level/applicability

Supports information systems audit (ISA), auditing practises and controls, corporate governance and internal controls and financial management modules, business administration and MBA programmes.

Case overview

The case study focuses on the implementation of ISA and information technology in the highly responsible task of executing financial audits The case emphasises on the fact that the advantages of ISA can only be reaped when they are amalgamated with an auditor's scrutiny, sharp eye, extensive knowledge of auditing systems and accounting principles and a rich experience of the auditing function. The suggested synergy also facilitates a reduction of around 60 per cent, in the cost of executing the audits and the man-hours required to complete the audit, as in the case of Jain Chowdhary & Company.

Expected learning outcomes

The case helps students to comprehend the relevance of audit trail. It emphasises on the importance of identifying the source of information and tracking raw data backward. It familiarises the students with the complexities involved in a real audit and emphasises on the role of logic, intelligence, diligence, patience and farsightedness while performing the auditing function. It is important for them to understand how White collar crimes take place in real business economy. This case, hence exposes students to these nuances and can make a student, from a non-commerce background, understand the key elements of efficient auditing. (Elaborate teaching objectives are appended in the teaching note.)

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.