bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accounting, religion and organisational culture: the creation of Jordan Islamic Bank
Authors: Maali Bassam , Napier Christopher 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the cultural factors that shaped the creation of one of the earliest Islamic banks, discussing the tensions that arise between religious and economic aims.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a case study of a historically significant institution. The information on which the paper is based was obtained through interviews with participants in the process being analysed, review of archived documents, and observation. Edgar Schein's theory of organisational culture and leadership is employed to provide theoretical structure for the analysis.FindingsThe paper shows that creating a new type of organisation – an Islamic bank – in Jordan required special legislation. A study of the development of this legislation reveals that the bank's founder needed to convince both the religious and political authorities and potential investors that the bank would comply with Shari'a principles while at the same time generating profitable business. The outcome was to validate transactions that were Shari'a‐compliant in form but similar in substance to those of conventional banks.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper examined one bank, and the findings are not necessarily representative of the experience of other Islamic financial institutions.Social implicationsThe research highlights the problems faced in establishing businesses that seek to follow the moral and economic teachings of Islam. The paper contributes to the ongoing debate about whether it is possible to establish genuinely Islamic businesses within a conventional economy.Originality/valueThis is the first detailed academic study of the creation of an Islamic financial institution to make use of a wide range of documentary and oral evidence, including interviews with insiders.
Do Islamic banks use loan loss provisions to smooth their results?
Authors: Boulila Taktak Neila , Ben Slama Zouari Sarra , Boudriga AbdelKader 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine income smoothing practices in Islamic banks. It first focuses on detecting income smoothing practices. It then seeks to test whether loan loss provisions (LLPs) are used for earnings management purposes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores income smoothing practices on a sample of 66 Islamic banks over the period 2001‐2006 using Beidleman's and Eckel's coefficients. Data are obtained from the Bankscope database. To test the use of LLPs to smooth Islamic banks results, a regression model was developed and tested.FindingsThe results provide evidence on an extensive use of income smoothing by Islamic banks. More than 75 per cent of the examined banks have a determination coefficient between 0.5 and 1 and 44 per cent have a variation coefficient less than 0.5. However, income smoothing is not achieved through LLPs. The variable earnings before taxes and provisions are not significant in all model specifications. The paper advances that these smoothed incomes are derived rather by the use of profit equalization reserve (PER) and investment risk reserve (IRR). The finding is contradictory to the widespread view stating that those mechanisms are designed to stabilize rewards attributed to investment account holders.Research limitations/implicationsThe non‐disclosure of detailed information on PER and IRR prevented the empirical testing of the assertion on the use of these discretionary items to smooth Islamic banks' incomes.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies which implicitly assume that Islamic banks intentionally use accounting techniques to disclose smoothed results, this paper pioneers the study on detecting income smoothing practice by such institutions. Second, it explores the use of LLPs for earnings management purposes in the context of a fast growing industry where Islamic assets have grown on average by 30 per cent per year over the period 2002‐2007. Third, it is the first paper to give some evidence on the use of PER and IRR as income smoothing devices. Finally, the paper covers a larger number of Islamic banks and from various countries.
Does foreign presence foster Islamic banks' performance? Empirical evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper examines the impact of entry of foreign banks on the performance of the Malaysian Islamic banking sector during the period 2001‐2007.Design/methodology/approachTo maintain homogeneity, the empirical analysis is confined to two fully fledged domestic Islamic banks, three fully fledged foreign Islamic banks, 11 domestic window Islamic banks, and four foreign window Islamic banks during the period of 2001‐2007. The paper applies the ordinary least square method, where the standard errors are calculated by using White's transformation to control for cross section heteroscedasticity.FindingsThe empirical findings suggest that overhead cost is negatively related to Malaysian Islamic banks' profitability. On the other hand, Islamic banks which are better capitalized and have a higher level of liquidity tend to be more profitable. It is found that the De Novo commercial banks are relatively less profitable than their incumbent bank peers, which could be attributed to the different levels of knowledge of the market between the incumbent and the De Novo Islamic banks.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could include more variables such as taxation and regulation indicators, exchange rates as well as indicators of the quality of the offered services. Another possible extension could be the examination of differences in the determinants of profitability between small and large or high and low profitability banks. In terms of methodology, a statistical cost accounting and/or frontier optimization technique, such as the non‐parametric data envelopment analysis, the stochastic frontier analysis, and/or the Malmquist productivity index approach, may be adopted to examine changes in efficiency and productivity of the Malaysian Islamic banking sector.Originality/valueWhile extensive literature exists to examine the performance of conventional banking sectors over recent years, empirical works on the Islamic banking sector are still in its infancy. Furthermore, studies on Islamic bank performance have focused on theoretical issues and the empirical works have relied mainly on the analysis of descriptive statistics rather than rigorous statistical estimation. The paper therefore attempts to fill the gap in the literature by providing new empirical evidence on the performance of the Islamic banking sector.
Is faith‐based investing rewarding? The case for Malaysian Islamic unit trust funds
Authors: Kabir Hassan M. , Nahian Faisal Khan Abu , Ngow Thiti 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe growing demand for alternative investment vehicle which adheres to shari'a principles has prompted other measures to boost the Islamic capital market. Unit trust funds in Malaysia have been growing exponentially and their existence signifies the extent of development in the Malaysian financial market. For foreign and domestic investors who have low risk tolerance and wish to diversify, unit trust funds offer the opportunity to invest. The increasing relevance of unit trust funds as an investment instrument has driven us to analyze the fund's performance. This paper addresses these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the comparative performance of Malaysian unit trust funds vis‐à‐vis their non‐Islamic counterparts using a variety of measures, such as Sharpe, Treynor, Jenson and Fama's selectivity, net selectivity and diversification. The paper also examines the persistence of performance using Carhart's four‐factor pricing models. Lastly, the paper employs an analysis of cointegration to examine how the Islamic unit trust funds are related in long term with their non‐Islamic counterparts, as well as their respective market portfolios.FindingsThe paper finds no convincing performance differences between Islamic and non‐Islamic Malaysian unit trust funds. Controlling performance for style differences, the paper finds that non‐Islamic unit trust funds in Malaysia are value‐focused while Islamic unit trust funds are small cap oriented. In addition, similar reward to risk and diversification benefits exist only between Islamic and non‐Islamic Malaysian unit trust funds.Research limitations/implicationsThe Worldscope data are used to construct four‐factor models as opposed to Malaysian‐based data – given that Malaysia is an open economy that attracts global investors. Also, US T‐Bill rate is used rather than Malaysian risk‐free rate because no other securities are as riskless as US Treasury Bills.Practical implicationsThe paper observes a significant long‐term relationship between Islamic unit trust funds portfolio and non‐Islamic unit trust funds portfolio. The implication here suggests that investors in Malaysian unit trust funds will most likely benefit from international diversification of financial risks. They do not, however, stand a good chance to gain from portfolio diversification in the local unit trust funds market.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing Islamic investment literature by pursuing an empirical analysis on the performance of both Islamic and non‐Islamic Malaysian unit trust funds by using more recent data and further investigating the long‐run relationship between Islamic and non‐Islamic unit trust funds.
Resilience strategies of healthcare facilities: present and future
Authors: Achour Nebil , Price Andrew D.F. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore UK healthcare resilience strategies, define gaps and provide suggestions based on international best practice.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a pluralistic qualitative research approach to achieve its purpose including: research papers, governmental and non‐governmental reports, code and guidance documents and databases. In addition, two case studies were visited in May 2009: the first was one of the major hospitals in the UK; and the second is a major health facility located at the south of Taiwan. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the hospitals responsible and/or emergency officers to clarify the strategies setup to respond to emergencies.FindingsThe results show that despite the “robust” emergency planning in the UK, many issues could have been avoided if international experience was reviewed carefully. This is due to the failure of not working closer with multi‐disciplinary experts, who provide technical and tactical help and lessons learned from international best practices, in addition to limiting accessibility of experts to information. The study also suggests that climate change must be addressed comprehensively through fusing resilience and sustainability strategies into a more comprehensive strategy of adaptation.Originality/valueThe paper provides a significant contribution in terms of reducing the fragmentation of healthcare resilience‐related work done previously; constructive criticism of UK healthcare resilience strategies and evidence of better practice from local and international facilities which will help in enhancing the resilience of healthcare facilities in the UK and elsewhere in the world.
Impact assessment and project appraisal in cases of coastal erosion
Authors: Persson Mats 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThere are several urban areas close to the sea and other water bodies that may be adversely affected by erosion and flooding. Global climate change, including sea‐level rise and more intense and damaging storms, will increase the threats of natural hazards in several areas. Mitigating and adapting to these risks in urban areas are huge challenges for society. There is a need for a proper decision basis to build a society that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. By incorporating coastal hazard and risk mapping into spatial planning, new developments can be diverted away from threatened areas. Further, by taking adaptation measures, risks in existing urban areas can be reduced. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the results of two case studies and discusses the prerequisites for impact assessment and project appraisal and how this is used and accepted by the users and decision‐makers.FindingsA guideline has been developed as a tool for the integration of costs and benefits in decision making on investments in coastal zones. The guideline gives an overview of why, when, and how impact assessments and project appraisals can be made using socio‐economic valuations of coastal areas affected by erosion. Two case studies have been performed to demonstrate the practical application of the guideline and economic analysis and valuation in coastal management.Originality/valueThe guideline can be used to prioritise areas that need attention due to threatened shorelines, and to decide which preventive measures are the most efficient from a socio‐economic point of view.
Sociological and behavioural impediments to earthquake hazard mitigation
Authors: Kikelomo Egbelakin Temitope , Wilkinson Suzanne 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the behavioural and sociological impediments to successful implementation of earthquake hazard mitigation and to recommend possible intervention strategies.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered through a case study methodology and interviews adopted as the research strategy. A semi‐structured questionnaire was chosen as a data‐collection instrument, with 33 interviews conducted for various stakeholders involved in seismic retrofit decision‐making process.FindingsThe research main findings include the role of risk perception in diminishing earthquake hazard mitigation, difficulties in assessing benefits and values of seismic retrofit implementation and the hazard mitigation approach adopted by governmental organisations. The findings suggested that stakeholders involved in retrofit decision‐making should have a good understanding of the risks faced as well as the implications of their decisions.Originality/valueThe paper investigates earthquake hazard mitigation of commercial buildings at the stakeholders‐level by adopting a multidisciplinary approach that incorporated decision sciences, policy perspectives and socio‐behavioural perspectives. The findings highlight the significance of stakeholders approach to foster adequate mitigation of earthquake risks.
Post‐disaster recovery and reconstruction safety training
Authors: Grosskopf K.R. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify safety hazards likely to be encountered during post‐disaster recovery and reconstruction, identify barriers to effective safety training and hazard mitigation, and provide actionable guidance on methods to safely avoid and abate such hazards.Design/methodology/approachSurveys were administered to 400 participants at 13 training sites to evaluate safety practices among reconstruction contractors and workers.FindingsA comparison of survey results to hazards likely to cause injuries and fatalities during post‐disaster reconstruction indicates that little effort is made to assess workers' physical condition or immunization records prior to deployment. Furthermore, data suggest that workers lack safety training in reconstruction‐specific hazards such as electrocution, falls, chemical and biological hazards (e.g. contaminated flood water), and equipment hazards (aerial lifts, ladders, electric equipment, generators, etc.). Findings also indicate that training effectiveness is further compromised by limited language and literacy skills of workers, high turnover of workers, and insufficient resources for adequate safety training frequency and duration, especially among smaller contractors (<100 workers).Originality/valueThe paper is based on original research funded by the US Government following Hurricane Katrina and is intended to aid in the development of targeted training to reduce worker injuries and fatalities during post‐disaster reconstruction.
Proposed enhanced spectra for near‐fault regions using forward directivity records
Authors: Taheri H. , Beitollahi A. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a proper tool for structural analysis and designing in near‐fault regions where the level of earthquake hazard is more and its nature is different from far‐field regions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses near‐fault records and pulse extraction using wavelet analysis and designs a spectra concept.FindingsThe paper developed a proper design spectra for near‐fault structural analysis and design.Originality/valueThis paper using pulse extraction for developing a 3D response spectrum with paying attention to earthquake magnitude is new and final design spectra proposed is valuable.
The rule of Saint Benedict and corporate management: employing the whole person
Authors: Kleymann Birgit , Malloch Hedley 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe “classical” logic of organisations existing as generators of shareholder value, with the human “resources” seen as a means to this end, has been the subject of criticism regarding alienation in its members and the instrumentalisation both of work and of people. This paper aims to look at the way a medieval monastic rule is used to govern secular for‐profit organisations and trace its potential relevance as an alternative example for the structure and governance of organisations today.Design/methodology/approachBased on an in‐depth case study, the paper critically discusses the feasibility of applying aspects of the rule of Saint Benedict (RSB) to modern organisations.FindingsSome of the principles of the RSB (such as fitting jobs around people, inverse delegation, and a critical attitude towards organisational growth) are quite different from standard management practice. Yet these monastic organisations turn out to be highly successful businesses with remarkably low employee turnover and high profitability.Social implicationsThe paper claims that the principles of the RSB can contribute, outside of the monastic context, to the creation and running of more “humane” organisations.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates that several of these monastic communities are important commercial organisations in their own right, producing goods and services for the market place. Some are businesses with multi‐million euro turnovers, the scale of whose activities compels them to rely on lay employees from outside the monastery on conventional contracts of employment. Yet these outsiders are managed under the same principles of the RSB as the monks.
Leadership practices for corporate global responsibility
Authors: D'Amato Alessia , Eckert Regina , Ireland John , Quinn Laura , Van Velsor Ellen 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe move of organizations towards corporate global responsibility (CGR) is often a major change process that requires leadership throughout the organization. Despite an array of studies on managerial competencies in this area, previous research on leadership for CGR has not studied the actual leadership practices that are employed in a company's journey to CGR. The paper aims to fill this gap and to show how leadership for CGR is enacted by individuals and organizations that are highly successful CGR leaders.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a comparative case‐study approach of five multinational companies that are recognized as industry leaders for CGR. A total of 54 semi‐structured interviews with senior managers were complemented by ten focus groups and an examination of company reports, value charters and mission statements. Interviews as the main source of information were double‐coded in a three‐step process with the goal of knowledge development.FindingsThe paper identifies eight interrelated categories of leadership practices for global responsibility: developing CGR vision, strategy, and goals; integrating CGR into business decisions and operations; top management role modeling of CGR; engaging across boundaries; employee development and empowerment; systematic communication about CGR; developing accountability for CGR; and visible integrity in management behavior and decision making.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that focusing on these leadership practices helps organizations build a strong leadership culture that is supportive of CGR.Originality/valueThe examination of actual leadership practices on multiple levels complements the existing knowledge on individual management competencies that are useful for driving CGR in organizations.
CSR and the building of leadership capability
Authors: Jones Grant , Kramar Robin 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to test the proposition that action research conducted within an organisation can develop the kind of leadership capabilities that are likely to enhance sustainability outcomes. It seeks to report the conduct of an action research process used in FOXTEL to develop a component of its overall corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a case study of an action research process that was conducted within FOXTEL to develop the volunteering and gifting elements of its CSR program.FindingsThe evidence suggests that action research as an approach to change develops leadership capabilities that have been associated with more sustainable organisational behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is a single case study. There needs to be many more case studies of a comparable kind before generalisations can be named with confidence.Practical implicationsThe processes described in this case study can easily be replicated as part of any change management strategy.Originality/valueWhile the paper is an evidence based, scholarly examination, it provides a model that practicing managers can easily follow.
Escaping the disciplinary straitjacket
Authors: Sherren Kate , Robin Libby , Kanowski Peter , Dovers Stephen 
Published: October 2010

PurposeCurriculum design is often a challenge. It is particularly so when the subject is sustainability, which is an aspirational but contested concept, draws on a range of disciplinary insights and is relatively new to university curricula. There is no single “right way”, or even agreement across the disciplines that inform the collective enterprise about general approaches to sustainability curricula. The likely content is ill‐defined and spans departmental units and budget areas in most traditional universities. Like other societal and institutional attempts at realising sustainability, curriculum design for sustainability is beset by difficulty, yet an essential intellectual activity. This paper aims to focus on these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper compares actual curriculum development processes for “sustainability” in two very different Australian universities, as studied using participant observation and qualitative interviews.FindingsThe paper draws out some of the common challenges of interdisciplinary curriculum design for sustainability, and identifies four principles transferrable to other institutional adaptation settings. It argues that curriculum design is an opportunity to develop collegiality, and further advance the problem area under discussion.Originality/valueCase study research is often difficult to generalise to other settings. The opportunity to observe two sustainability curriculum design processes, operating in parallel, provides transferrable insights.