bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bank ownership and the effects of financial liberalization: evidence from India
Authors: Gupta Poonam , Kochhar Kalpana , Panth Sanjaya 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to analyze, using the bank-level data for India from 1991-2007, the effect of financial sector liberalization on the availability of credit to the private sector. The authors specifically ask whether public and private banks deployed resources freed up by reduced state preemption to increase credit to the private sector.Design/methodology/approach– The authors use bank-level data for India from 1991-2007 and difference in difference estimates to analyze how state ownership of banks affected the allocation of credit to the private sector post liberalization, and additionally how the size of fiscal deficit affected this allocation.Findings– The authors find that post liberalization, public banks continued to allocate a larger share of their assets to government securities, or held more cash, than private banks. Crucially, public banks allocated more resources to hold government securities when fiscal deficit was high. The authors rule out profit maximization, need to hold safer assets or the lack of demand for private credit as the possible reasons for the preference of the public banks to hold government securities. The authors suggest that moral suasion or “laziness” is consistent with this behavior.Originality/value– Our findings suggest that in developing countries, with fewer alternative channels of financing, government ownership of banks, combined with high fiscal deficit, may limit the gains from financial liberalization.
Fuzzy time series forecasting for supply chain disruptions
Authors: Chan Felix T.S. , Samvedi Avinash , Chung S.H. 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to test the effectiveness of fuzzy time series (FTS) forecasting system in a supply chain experiencing disruptions and also to examine the changes in performance as the authors move across different tiers.Design/methodology/approach– A discrete event simulation based on the popular beer game model is used for these tests. A popular ordering management system is used to emulate the behavior of the system when the game is played with human players.Findings– FTS is tested against some other well-known forecasting systems and it proves to be the best of the lot. It is also shown that it is better to go for higher order FTS for higher tiers, to match auto regressive integrated moving average.Research limitations/implications– This study fills an important research gap by proving that FTS forecasting system is the best for a supply chain during disruption scenarios. This is important because the forecasting performance deteriorates significantly and the effect is more pronounced in the upstream tiers because of bullwhip effect.Practical implications– Having a system which works best in all scenarios and also across the tiers in a chain simplifies things for the practitioners. The costs related to acquiring and training comes down significantly.Originality/value– This study contributes by suggesting a forecasting system which works best for all the tiers and also for every scenario tested and simultaneously significantly improves on the previous studies available in this area.
Firm websites and the risk of firm
Authors: Chien Yu-Tai , Lu Hsin-Min 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– Websites have become an important channel for firms to communicate with their stakeholders. Higher web site traffic could represent effective information disclosure and higher investor recognition. Both may reduce the risk of firm by reducing the level of information asymmetry and facilitating a more complete market by reaching to more potential investors. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of firm web site traffic to the risk of firm.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors conducted a cross-sectional study on the risk and firm web site traffic data of 4,122 US public firms.

Findings
– After controlling for confounding factors, web site traffic is significantly negatively associated with three firm risk measures: cost of equity, return volatility, and analyst forecast dispersion.

Originality/value
– The results provide new insights to the economic impact of web site traffic. Compared with previous studies that mostly investigated the relationships between web site traffic and firm performance measured by stock returns or company profitability, the authors documented empirical evidence that web site traffic influences the risk of firm through the level of information asymmetry and investor recognition. This paper suggests that when valuing a firm, investors would take web site traffic into consideration. Firm managers could use firm Websites as a channel to reduce information asymmetry, and increase investor recognition that can contribute to the firm’s value through reduced risk.
A comparative analysis of different paperless picking systems
Authors: Battini Daria , Calzavara Martina , Persona Alessandro , Sgarbossa Fabio 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– Warehouse picking is often referred to as the most labour-intensive, expensive and time consuming operation in manual warehouses. These factors are becoming even more crucial due to recent trends in manufacturing and warehousing requiring the processing of orders that are always smaller and needed in a shorter time. For this reason, in recent years more efficient and better performing systems have been developed, employing various technological solutions that can support pickers during their work. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a comparison of five paperless picking systems (i.e. barcodes handheld, RFID tags handheld, voice picking, traditional pick-to-light, RFID pick-to-light).

Design/methodology/approach
– Warehouse picking is often referred to as the most labour-intensive, expensive and time consuming operation in manual warehouses. These factors are becoming even more crucial due to recent trends in manufacturing and warehousing requiring the processing of orders that are always smaller and needed in a shorter time. For this reason, in recent years more efficient and better performing systems have been developed, employing various technological solutions that can support pickers during their work. The present paper introduces a comparison of five paperless picking systems (i.e. barcodes handheld, RFID tags handheld, voice picking, traditional pick-to-light, RFID pick-to-light.

Findings
– The proposed approach contributes to the understanding of the performance of different technologies in different application fields; some solutions are more suitable for a low-level warehouse, others bring greater benefits in the case of picking from multilevel shelving.

Originality/value
– The study concerns an issue that until now has received very little attention in the literature. It compares some traditional solutions with some innovative ones by an economic evaluation. The presented hourly cost function also takes into account the different errors arising and their probability of occurrence.
Dynamic acquisition pricing policy under uncertain remanufactured-product demand
Authors: Xie Jiaping , Li Zhong June , Yao Yong , Liang Ling 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamic acquisition pricing strategy for collecting used products (also known as cores or returns) in a finite planning horizon. In particular, this paper studies a cost-minimization model in which a firm offers acquisition price that impacts the quantity of the returns, and remanufactures the used product to satisfy the customer demand.Design/methodology/approach– This paper uses multi-period stochastic dynamic programming theory to model a remanufacturing system that faces the random demand for remanufactured products. The number of the returns at each period is uncertain and increases linearly with the acquisition price offered.Findings– The study shows that when the uncertainty of demand for remanufactured products increases, the remanufacturer should hold a higher core stock level to minimize the expected total cost and thus a higher acquisition price is needed to attract returns. However, given demand uncertainty, the optimal price decreases in the initial core stock level in each period. It also indicates that the optimal acquisition price increases in the variance of the returns, but decreases in the mean of the returns.Practical implications– The findings suggest that a remanufacturer could reduce the expected total cost by adjusting the acquisition price according to the number of returns periodically.Originality/value– Introducing the impact of supply uncertainty on the acquisition price of used products, this paper uses a multi-period dynamic model, instead of single period model in previous studies, to examine the remanufacturer’s dynamic acquisition pricing policy.
Planning robust policing futures: modelling using multimethodology
Authors: Moizer Jonathan , Carter David , Liu Shaofeng 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– The resourcing of policing activity is characterised by a level of complexity, particularly where evaluating alternative policy options is concerned. In this paper, a case study using multimethodological modelling to compare alterative policy choice in a group context is outlined with respect to response-patrol officer (RPO) deployment within a UK police force. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– The application of a three phase modelling process is illustrated where scenario planning is used to generate the scope of the system elements to be modelled. This is followed by causal mapping to identify the barriers to improving officer resourcing, and system dynamics modelling is used to simulate the impacts of a range of policy options within this policing function. A group model building approach was applied throughout the modelling phases with an expert group to negotiate a shared view of the structure and dynamics of the resourcing policy challenges.Findings– A fully validated system dynamics model emerged from the multi-phase modelling process which allowed a series of alternative future policy scenarios to be explored and evaluated. Useful policy insights were generated by the system dynamics simulation model which suggested more efficient rules for resource allocation in the police force’s RPO function.Originality/value– The insights from this case study demonstrates that multi-phase modelling has potential application in policy exploration across a range of emergency service providers whose actions are governed by both variable demand and constrained supply of resource.
A critical analysis of Islamic equity funds
Authors: Clarke Kai Aaron 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the inconsistencies between the methodologies of Islamic funds and indices.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper has reviewed the methodologies of the most prominent funds and indices (5) to apply their apparent screening features to the asset universe. In the analysis conducted, qualitative and quantitative screens are derived from each selected fund and index methodological approach to asset selection subject to Shari’ah constraints. Qualitative screens are applied first followed by quantitative screens.

Findings
– Few inconsistencies are evident between the chosen funds and indices when the qualitative screens are applied. However, the major inconsistencies are highlighted after analysis of the quantitative screens.

Research limitations/implications
– A number of companies within the asset universe are investment trusts, and such financial statement line item data were not found. However, this posed no difficulty, as these companies were investment trusts and would have been excluded in the qualitative screening process.

Social implications
– This paper will assist in the construction of a framework which thus leads to the development of a standardized methodological approach, ultimately benefiting investors.

Originality/value
– This paper is believed to be the first which analyzes the impact of Shari’ah screens on the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE). Additionally, this paper also analyzes the impact of Shari’ah screens pre and post the financial crisis. The findings of this research paper will also aid in the construction of a different research methodological approach capable of selecting halal securities listed in the FTSE 250.
TheSharia-compliance of financial reporting practices: a case study onwaqf
Authors: Che Azmi Anna , Hanifa Mohamed Hisham 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– This study aims to examine whether the financial reporting practices of organisations managingwaqf(Islamic endowed trust funds) are Sharia-compliant.Design/methodology/approach– This paper reports on a case study of two Islamic-based organisations that manage waqf. The financial statements of these organisations are analysed using content analysis to assess their compliance with the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Sharia Standard No. 33 (SS 33) on waqf.Findings– The authors found that both Islamic-based organisations use different sets of accounting procedures and practices, but that these accounting practices do not contradict the Sharia requirements prescribed in the SS 33 on waqf. However, the SS 33 onwaqfrequires thatwaqffunds to be utilised as stipulated by the waqif (donor) and that the accounting practices of both organisations do not adequately address this disclosure requirement. This study also found that the existing accounting practices adopted by organisations that managewaqfneed to incorporate more disclosure on their Sharia-based financing and their investment ofwaqffunds.Research limitations/implications– This study found that the AAOIFI’s SS33 onwaqfis a useful guide for identifying the gap between Sharia principles and conventional financial reporting practices for non-profit organisations, and that there are aspects of Sharia-based disclosure practices that are not adequately implemented in financial reporting practices of institutions managing waqf.Practical implications– This study proposes two essential Sharia-based disclosure practices for Islamic-based organisations that manage Islamic-based funds such as waqf. These two aspects are the disclosure on whetherwaqffunds are adequately utilised as stipulated by the waqif (donor) and what modifications to their existing financial reporting of their Sharia-based financing and investments are required to comply with the unique nature of waqf.Originality/value– This paper fulfils an identified need to study how Sharia principles can be incorporated into the financial reporting practices of organisations that manage Islamic-based funds such as waqf.
Unlocking intellectual capital
Authors: Chiucchi Maria Serena , Dumay John 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– The intellectual capital (IC) literature argues that introducing the IC concept into a company focusing on measuring can be detrimental and lead to IC “accountingisation”. Using Chaminade and Roberts’ (2003, p. 747) concept of IC accounting “lock-in”, the paper asks “is it possible for an organisation initially to implement and “lock-in” IC accounting practices and subsequently “un-lock” IC through a more strategic managerial approach?” The authors also investigate if and how, after IC has been “un-locked”, can a new IC “locking-in” process occur? The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– The authors present an interpretive case study of implementing a system for measuring and reporting IC in an Italian public sector utility company. The analysis uses Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to analyse data and discuss findings which is an appropriate theory for case studies using an interpretive approach.Findings– The findings are contrary to Chaminade and Roberts (2003, p. 733) because the authors challenge the notion “that a dominant accounting perspective can lead to an excessive focus on measurement issues and little attention to management processes”. The evidence from the case study shows how at times a dominant focus on accounting for IC is necessary, especially to allow newcomers to take stock, and make sense, of IC. The analogy is much like comparing accounting vs managing IC to the concept of the chicken and the egg: what comes first?Research limitations/implications– Because the study looks at IC over time, it allows the authors to develop different insights into IC “because IC is not an event, but a journey” (Dumayet al., 2015). Thus, the critique of Chaminade and Roberts (2003) and other IC research based on a short time period is that it does not allow researchers to fully follow the IC’s impact on an organisation. Additionally, the authors also highlight the role academic researchers can play in understanding how IC works inside organisations, especially when the authors examine how deeply (or not) a researcher intervenes in implementing solutions (see Dumay, 2010).Practical implications– The research exemplifies how IC can make a difference for public sector organisations because there is a need for studies such as the authors which exemplify how to introduce the IC concept into public sector organisations and at what point should the IC concept “enter” the organisation (see also Secundoet al., 2015). Doing so re-emphasises that IC is not an ostensive concept. Rather, “IC is part of a configuration of knowledge management and actively mobilised to condition effects” (Mouritsen, 2006) and to make a difference (Tull and Dumay, 2007).Originality/value– This paper is a must read for academics and practitioners seeking to understand how to introduce the IC concept into an organisation.
IC and public sector: a structured literature review
Authors: Dumay John , Guthrie James , Puntillo Pina 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a structured literature review of the public sector intellectual capital (IC) literature. It is, in part, motivated by a recent review of the IC literature by Guthrie et al. (2012, p. 74), who found that the public sector is one of the least addressed areas of IC research.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper presents a structured literature review of public sector IC articles that is as up to date as possible. The authors use and update the dataset from Guthrie et al. (2012) to include another five plus years of data, including seven articles appearing in this special issue.

Findings
– The public sector IC has a primary research focus on central government and central government agencies, education (especially universities), Europe (especially Italy and Spain) and empirical research using case studies mainly investigating management control and strategy. It appears public sector IC researchers are firmly entrenched in performative third-stage research, investigating “how” IC works in organisations rather than offering normative solutions.

Research limitations/implications
– Three areas offered as a way of forwarding public sector IC research. First, there is a need to expand public sector IC research from beyond the confines of education (university) research. There is also an opportunity for a study to synthesise the findings. Second, there is also a need for more longitudinal research in public sector IC because IC is not an event, but a journey. Third, there is an opportunity for researchers to undertake empirical research with organisations to develop and test IC frameworks and models in specific public sector contexts.

Practical implications
– The authors call for researchers to consider helping public sector practitioners implement IC frameworks and models through interventionist research. In keeping with the performative third-stage IC research agenda, interventionist research makes it possible for academic researchers to act as a catalyst for implementing IC frameworks and models in practice.

Originality/value
– This paper is a must read for IC researchers wanting to embark on public sector research. The paper outlines how public sector IC research has developed, offers critique and outlines future opportunities for research that has potential impact, rather than concentrating on already well-researched contexts.
Investigating factors of intellectual capital to enhance achievement of strategic goals in a university hospital setting
Authors: Vagnoni Emidia , Oppi Chiara 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to report on an action research project carried out in an Italian university hospital that was facing a strategic challenge. The role of intellectual capital (IC) for university hospital strategic management is discussed after developing and applying an IC framework to enhance the visualisation of strategic IC elements.

Design/methodology/approach
– An action research process has been applied in the studied setting based on Susman and Evered’s (1978) definition of the engaged research cycle.

Findings
– The action research process allowed a gap between theory and practice to be bridged; the strategic control process resulted supported by new measures; a different approach to strategy management was launched, and other organisations perceived the relevance of the IC representation and wished to import it.

Research limitations/implications
– Research limitations are related to those recognised for the interventionist research approach.

Practical implications
– The paper contributes to the improvement of managerial and accounting technologies for practitioners managing university hospitals and discusses a university hospital’s strategic goals.

Originality/value
– The paper represents a methodological contribution related to the interventionist research stream of literature, and enriches the limited studies focused on IC in health care organisations. Furthermore, the paper enables appreciation of the role of academics in the convergence of theory and practice.
Human factor, justice and organizational effectiveness in Africa
Authors: Acquaah Moses , Tukamushaba Eddy K. 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the human factor (HF), organizational justice and the interaction between the two on individual employees’ perceptions of the effectiveness with which their organizations undertake activities in two sub-Saharan African countries.Design/methodology/approach– Survey data were collected from two samples containing public sector and private sector organizations from two sub-Saharan African economies – Ghana (n=158) and Uganda (n=208). Hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to analyze the survey data from the two countries separately.Findings– The HF dimensions of moral capital and human capabilities, and organizational justice were related to individual employees’ perceptions of the effectiveness of their organizations in both studies. In particular, higher perceptions of organizational justice at the workplace enhanced the impact of the HF dimensions of moral capital and human capabilities on individual employees’ perceptions of the effectiveness with which their organizations perform activities.Practical implications– Organizations in sub-Saharan Africa should emphasize the development of the HF qualities that focus on moral capital and the utilization and application of the knowledge, skills and abilities embedded in employees at the workplace. In particular, moral capital could play a critical role in ameliorating counter-productive attitudes and behaviors such as shirking, bribery and corruption in organizations. Moreover organizations in sub-Saharan Africa can improve their effectiveness by developing fair decision-making procedures and interactions between management/supervisors and subordinates.Originality/value– The study provides the first empirical investigation of the link between the HF and perceived effectiveness of organizations, and how organizational justice moderates this relationship in a sub-Saharan African environment.