bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The biofuel bubble in northern Sweden and Finland
Authors: Walter Stefan 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a critique of government intervention in the production of biofuel in northern Sweden and Finland, highlighting some of the welfare consequences.Design/methodology/approachAfter a short review of government interventions, including laws, taxes and subsidies, Austrian economic principles are applied, which lead to universal statements about the impacts of government intervention.FindingsGovernment intervention on behalf of the biofuel production industry leads to the emergence of an investment bubble, with consequential negative impacts on welfare.Practical implicationsThe paper informs about the true costs of intervention in biofuel production, which suggests that policy makers may abstain from justifying interventions for the sake of increasing people's welfare.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the research of the production impacts of a new energy technology in the form of biofuel in particular and of governmental intervention in production in general. The paper, furthermore, enhances the use of the method and theory of the Austrian school of economic science.
An econometric study of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, energy consumption, and economic growth of Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Matloub , Irfan Javaid Muhammad , Drake Paul R. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among environmental pollution, economic growth and energy consumption per capita in the case of Pakistan. The per capital carbon dioxide (CO2) emission is used as the environmental indicator, the commercial energy use per capita as the energy consumption indicator, and the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) as the economic indicator.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation is made on the basis of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), using time series data from 1971 to 2006, by applying different econometric tools like ADF Unit Root Johansen Co‐integration VECM and Granger causality tests.FindingsThe Granger causality test shows that there is a long term relationship between these three indicators, with bidirectional causality between per capita CO2 emission and per capita energy consumption. A monotonically increasing curve between GDP and CO2 emission has been found for the sample period, rejecting the EKC relationship, implying that as per capita GDP increases a linear increase will be observed in per capita CO2 emission.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should replace the economic growth variable, i.e. GDP by industrial growth variable because industrial sector is major contributor of pollution by emitting CO2.Practical implicationsThe empirical findings will help the policy makers of Pakistan in understanding the severity of the CO2 emissions issue and in developing new standards and monitoring networks for reducing CO2 emissions.Originality/valueEnergy consumption is the major cause of environmental pollution in Pakistan but no substantial work has been done in this regard with reference to Pakistan.
Consolidation and communication in European energy markets
Authors: Fraunhoffer Robert , Schiereck Dirk 
Published: November 2012

PurposeA substantial minority of bidding firms disclose synergy forecasts during mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Using these hand‐collected synergy announcements, the purpose of this paper is to investigate synergy characteristics as well as explore their shareholder wealth effects within the European energy sector between 1998 and 2010.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ the market model event study methodology to infer short‐term wealth implications as well as the Fama French 3 Factor model to estimate long‐term effects.FindingsThe paper provides evidence for a positive correlation between the synergy size and combined bidder and target returns. However, the market discounts disclosed synergies to a degree which reveals that managers in the energy sector are likely to overestimate the actual, realizable size of the emerging synergies. Additionally, the results show that post merger long‐term returns of synergy disclosing firms remain significantly positive, indicating that projected synergies are continuously realized.Originality/valueAs the first study the paper shows that a synergy disclosure effect exists within the European market and hence demonstrates that synergy forecasts serve as an efficient instrument to decrease existing information asymmetries.
Insularity and sustainable transport
Authors: Baddour Julien , Percebois Jacques 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to propose answers to such questions as: are major road projects currently implemented on Reunion Island sufficient to conclusively solve the problems of traffic congestion and urban sprawl? What coercive measures are to be implemented by local authorities for post‐project period management? Which option should be chosen: congestion charges and regulations, or access rights and permits?Design/methodology/approachThis paper is in four parts. First, the paper explains the various constraints to be overcome in road infrastructure and land development. Then the main characteristics of road transport are described. Third, the characteristics, cost and expected role are presented. Last, the various solutions are compared.FindingsDeveloping road infrastructures may appear as a solution to the congestion problem. Therefore, only quality public transport development and incentive measures to control traffic can reduce road congestion in the long run – provided the alternative is technically feasible, economically motivating and reliable enough for motorists to leave their cars at home.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is to underline the specific constraints dictated by its geographical features resulting in additional costs and technical difficulties and to mention the disastrous effects of its essentially car‐based transportation policy. It also suggests the implementation of traffic permits or tolls to access to the road infrastructures even if of such policies is not easy due to a lot of social constraints.
Workplace violence: a case in Malaysian higher education institute
Authors: Al‐Omari Mohammad Ahmad , Johari Husna , Suan Choo Ling 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe objective of this study is to examine the factors that contribute to workplace violence in one of the higher education institutes that is based in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper's approach is to use a survey, SPSS and multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe findings show that there is a positive significant relationship between the working environment and workplace violence, while the other factors, co‐worker relationship and management style, show no relationship with workplace violence.Originality/valueThe study will improve management understanding of which factors affect workplace violence. By increasing their knowledge on the above, this can assist the management to take preventive action to minimize workplace violence in the organization.
Learning to lead in a volatile and uncertain world: making experience really matter
Authors: Bunker Kerry , Gechman Art , Rush Jim 
Published: November 2012

PurposeVolatility and uncertainty are earmarks of the environment facing leaders and organizations today. This article seeks to assert that new mindsets and capabilities are required for leaders to capitalize on the risks and opportunities confronting them. The authors aim to provide a reminder that a leader's experience presents the greatest source of developmental opportunity, but that this is largely an untapped resource. To leverage this resource, a disciplined, deliberate and systematic process for learning from experience is proposed.Design/methodology/approachBased on years of experience in developing leaders and seminal research on learning from experience, the authors argue for a complete reframing of the way people think of leadership and develop leaders rather than continuing to make the existing approach somewhat better.FindingsThis article lays out four pivotal capabilities (vigilance, pattern recognition, mental rehearsal, and response readiness) leaders must use to be effective in this new environment and a three‐stage process for doing so. The tools used in each stage are discussed and examples provided.Originality/valueThis paper shows organizations how to ready leaders for a world that has changed. It makes practical a well‐understood adage in leader development (namely that experience is the greatest source for development by far) but one most leaders and organizations have failed to leverage effectively.
Do interactions among elements of knowledge management lead to acquiring core competencies?
Authors: Shaabani Esmaei , Ahmadi Heidar , Yazdani HamidReza 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of infrastructure and strategy of knowledge management on acquisition of core competencies through knowledge management process in the Iranian automotive industry.Design/methodology/approachFor collecting primary data a questionnaire was distributed among 1,100 experts in ten companies of the Iranian automotive industry. Then, structural equation modeling was used to measure the relationship among elements of knowledge management and core competencies.FindingsFindings indicate that knowledge management strategy is directly related to core competencies and there is no significant relationship between knowledge management infrastructure and core competencies. Nevertheless, knowledge management process as a mediator variable affects the relationship between strategy and infrastructure of knowledge management and core competencies indirectly.Research limitations/implications:The paper is limited to the Iranian automotive industry. Hence, future studies of the relationship among knowledge management elements and core competencies should be conducted in different countries and industries.Originality/valueFindings of this research will increase the practical information about a relatively unexplored relationship among strategy and capabilities of knowledge management and core competencies. These findings are valuable for both researchers and managers.
Understanding consumer buyer behaviour in the EFL market
Authors: Al‐Fattal Anas , Ayoubi Rami M. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the consumer behaviour when choosing an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course in the Syrian market. Based on the student choice model, the study aims at exploring motivations, behaviour, decision‐taking factors and evaluation of purchasing process for the EFL service.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a case study for one of the biggest family business providers in the EFL market in the City of Damascus, in Syria. Semi‐structured styles of interviews were conducted with 30 currently registered students, in the studied centre, covering five main research questions.FindingsConsistent with the previous literature of consumer behaviour, the findings show that EFL students may go through six steps of purchasing the EFL product. Accordingly, several detailed explanations for each step of the consumer behaviour of EFL, concluded from the study, were presented. Within the consumer behaviour model, the study highlights the importance of individual self study as a phase that should be given more consideration by researchers.Research limitations/implicationsThis study could provide bases for further research through a replication of the model of consumer behaviour and using the information offered by the survey. Further research could investigate the research questions in a wider student population employing a more quantitative approach.Practical implicationsPeople responsible for marketing in EFL institutes should pay more attention to understanding their customer behaviour, rather than engaging in reactive competition practices and focusing on marketing elements and promotion.Originality/valueThe importance of this study comes from the lack of research into understanding the private, fee‐paying EFL customer buyer behaviour in general and in the Syrian context in particular.
Effects of television advertising on children in the Middle East
Authors: Nassar Mohamed A. , Al Zien Abdulaziz 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe exploratory work which investigated the negative effects of television commercials on children in the Middle East.Design/methodology/approachThe extant literature on issues relating to the effects of television advertising on children was critically reviewed. Data were collected by conducting a series of 15 projective techniques and a series of semi‐structured interviews with a sample of 12 parents and six psychology and marketing experts from the Middle East.FindingsThe results indicate that negative impacts of advertising lead to major social and behavioral problems in children such as physical and verbal violence, materialism and other “values issues” identified by parents, and health problems such as low nutrition and obesity. The results also indicate that although many forms of advertisement affect children negatively, the effects of television commercials are particularly noticeable.Practical implicationsThe study provides a list of practical recommendations for marketers and policymakers to help mitigate the negative effects of television advertising on children in the Middle East.Originality/valueThis research is one of very few studies to consider the effects of television advertising on children in the Middle East.
Managing attrition in offshore finance and accounting outsourcing
Authors: Nicholson Brian , Aman Aini 
Published: November 2012

PurposeManaging attrition is a major challenge for outsourcing vendors. Literature on management control in offshore outsourcing is dominated by the formal approaches to control design, which do not adequately consider the influence of contextual factors. This article aims to adopt the lens of institutional theory, and use empirical data gathered from case studies in both the UK and India to improve the understanding of the institutional logics that shape the control of attrition.Design/methodology/approachThis article draws on in‐depth qualitative research undertaken with directors and senior managers in client and vendor firms engaged in outsourcing relationships that span both corporate and national boundaries. Drawing on empirical data from the UK and India, the interplay between the management control of attrition and contextual factors is analysed, and the practices adopted to manage these contextual factors are also identified and discussed.FindingsThe analysis presents relevant aspects of the regulative, normative and cognitive institutions inhabited by vendor firms and the challenges such aspects present for managing attrition. The dynamics of institutions and control are discussed in the area of attrition, and the interplay between institutions and control is outlined. The regulative, normative and cognitive institutions inhabited by vendor firms contrast markedly to that of the client in relation to social and legal rules, norms and practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper develops a theoretical basis for linking control and context in offshore outsourcing, drawing on the work of Scott in institutional theory, and Friedland and Alford, in institutional logics. This paper offers an alternative conceptualisation of control in attrition based upon rationalistic modelling through institutional logics.Practical implicationsThis paper offers key implications for research, in improving the understanding of contextual factors and management control in global outsourcing relationships. Both clients and vendors in offshore outsourcing need to be aware of the influence of contextual factors when managing attrition.Originality/valueThe interplay of institutional logics and implications on the control of attrition provides an interesting approach to understanding how firms manage attrition in offshore outsourcing.
An investigation of user perceptions of Islamic banking practices in the United Kingdom
Authors: Akbar Saeed , Zulfiqar Ali Shah Syed , Kalmadi Shahin 
Published: November 2012

PurposeIslamic banking as a financial institution has always been proclaimed to be different from conventional banking systems. This is mainly due to the prohibition of interest and emphasis on achieving social economic responsibility in society. However, in practice, Islamic banking practices in the UK seem to be far away from its paradigm version. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate user perceptions of Islamic banking practices in the UK.Design/methodology/approachTo explore the understandings and perceptions of customers about Islamic banking practices in the UK an online questionnaire survey is used as the research approach in this study. The survey was conducted through a closed‐ended structured questionnaire.FindingsThe overall findings of this study suggest that Islamic banking in the UK is not fully aligned with the paradigm version of Islamic finance. The respondents generally agree with the view that the principle of profit and loss sharing element represents the true spirit of Islamic banking practices, however, due to the complex nature of Islamic banking products, they are unsure about the full benefits of this system. There is a high expectation among the respondents about the commitment and strong welfare role of Islamic banks in society. It is therefore suggested that through research, effective marketing and generating more awareness in users about Islamic finance, it is possible to achieve more from the Islamic banking paradigm.Originality/valueThis study is not only relevant to Muslims, but also to the banking regulators in the UK, as many conventional banks are now offering Islamic products and services alongside their routine interest‐based transactions. Hence there is a need for the regulators to understand the real nature of such practices by both the Islamic and conventional banks and establish a uniform regulation so that users are not ill‐treated by banks in the UK.
Low‐energy versus conventional residential buildings: cost and profit
Authors: Zalejska‐Jonsson Agnieszka , Lind Hans , Hintze Staffan 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the commercial aspect of “green” building construction and whether increased investment costs are profitable taking the reduction in operating costs into account. The investment viability is approached by comparing investment in conventional and “green” residential building, particularly passive houses, using real construction and post‐occupancy conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe key data were obtained by surveys and personal interviews. The first survey was directed to the companies which had experience of building low‐energy housing and the second survey to housing companies that actively manage operation of low‐energy houses.FindingsFindings indicate that low‐energy buildings are considered an interesting and sound business opportunity, and investment analysis indicates that low‐energy houses (particularly passive houses) can be more attractive investments than conventional residential buildings. The long‐term strategy of building low‐energy buildings can give competitive advantages. The government initiative and the construction regulations are found to be necessary in eliminating the initial barrier to energy‐efficient projects and achieving long‐term environmental goals.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights into the investment decisions and contributes to the understanding of the construction, operation and profitability of energy‐efficient residential buildings.
Key issues in setting up a hotel in India: a practitioner perspective
Authors: Kapur Amit , Sen Kakoli 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe Indian hotel industry is poised for growth but there are a number of issues that are impeding a much‐awaited boom in this sector. This paper seeks to provide a first‐hand perspective on the challenges faced in setting up a hotel in India. It aims to identify the issues that can be quite frustrating for a hotelier as well as for investors in India and to provide practical solutions that could lead to a higher growth rate for the industry.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have drawn together practitioner insights from open‐ended discussions with several senior managers in leadership positions representing national and international brands experts who are developing hotel properties in India.FindingsThe capital expenditure for building/acquiring a hotel in India is measurably higher when compared to those in most developed countries. The major factors driving this higher capital expenditure are the land costs, complexities relating to land acquisition and construction thereof, tax structure, the complex regulatory environment, and promoter preferences. If these could be eased through a visionary change by the policy‐making bodies, it would provide a boost not only to this sector but also an assured contribution to the economy.Originality/valueThe literature reveals that various issues and challenges relating to hotel development have been identified including some of the issues mentioned here. However, there is almost no literature that addresses the specific challenges of setting up a hotel in India.
Revenue management and India: rapid deployment strategies
Authors: Varini Kate , Sirsi Pavan , Kamensky Sarah 
Published: November 2012

PurposeRevenue management has grown in popularity and is now a widely accepted discipline that has brought about significant improvements to businesses worldwide. With globalisation in recent times, there is now space for international hotels, fast food restaurants, automobile companies and other brands to offer their products in India. Educating people who are going to be part of such a process is a huge challenge. The aim of this paper is to present some of the challenges businesses and communities have to overcome.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses secondary sources to explore possible approaches to rapidly stimulate the uptake of revenue management through partnerships between hospitality and tourism businesses.FindingsA growing middle class population and access to better education presents an opportunity to build a wider range of profitable services. Global brands with already established revenue management practices are in a position to share skills and knowledge with new and smaller players. Partnerships will be essential to rapidly and effectively develop the skills and knowledge required, starting with those in educational fields where the resources are already in place.Originality/valueRevenue management has not been deployed widely in India. Being able to learn from the early adopters would allow Indian firms to leapfrog over issues and barriers, thus implementing practices more rapidly and effectively.