bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management accounting systems in Islamic and conventional financial institutions in Malaysia
Authors: Zaleha Abdul Rasid Siti , Rahim Abdul Rahman Abdul , Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail Wan 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore whether there is any difference in the management accounting systems (MAS) of conventional and Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper was based on a survey of 45 conventional and IFIs listed on the Malaysian Central Bank's web site. The respondents were the chief financial officers (CFO). Post‐survey semi‐structured interviews were also conducted with eight respondents to gain further insights into the survey findings.FindingsThe survey results indicate that IFIs use MAS information that is broader in scope, more timely, more integrated and more aggregated than conventional financial institutions. The post‐survey interviews provide deeper and contextualised insights into this issue. The interview findings illustrate that IFIs normally develop and adopt an integrated accounting and enterprise system. Within this comprehensive enterprise system, the management accounting function is integrated with other functions of the organization.Research limitations/implicationsSince this study was conducted in the context of Malaysian financial institutions, the results may not be generalizable to other organizations. The findings of this study highlight the importance for IFIs to have integrated enterprise systems. Besides assisting in complying with Shari'ah and regulatory requirements, the integrated systems also support better decision making.Originality/valueThe paper fills a gap in the literature, as very few studies have examined the issue of management accounting in financial institutions. The paper is also one of the limited studies that explore the issue of MAS in IFIs.
Service quality and customer satisfaction in the banking sector
Authors: Muhammad Awan Hayat , Shahzad Bukhari Khuram , Iqbal Anam 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the service quality and its relationship to customer satisfaction among the customers of conventional banks and Islamic banks. A modified SERVQUAL scale is utilized to ascertain the functional dimensions of service quality specific to the industry and service context under study. In addition, the study examines the differences in service quality satisfaction and its impact on the behavioral intentions of customers.Design/methodology/approachA field survey carried out with the help of a questionnaire constructed by using a modified SERVQUAL scale. Data were collected from 200 walk‐in customers conveniently drawn from three major conventional banks and three Islamic banks located in urban areas of Pakistan. Data were analyzed using the analytical hierarchy process to identify service quality and customer satisfaction‐related factors for Islamic and conventional banks.FindingsBy using factor analysis, 52 measurement items with a factor loading greater than (0.5) were identified to form five service quality dimensions namely empathy, service architecture, convenience service encounter, employee service criteria, customer focus and five customer satisfaction dimensions: responsiveness, competency, safe transaction, competitive services, knowledge for the overall banking industry explained 56 percent of the variance. Results from regression analysis of the relationship between multidimensional service quality dimensions and unidimensional customer satisfaction factors also validated the importance of service quality aspects for behavioral intentions (satisfaction, feelings) for customers from conventional banks and Islamic banks.Originality/valueThis study has practical significance for conventional and Islamic banking policy makers for understanding the behavioral intentions of their customers and using them for effectively positioning the service quality of their banks.
Researching Islamic marketing: past and future perspectives
Authors: Sandıkcı Özlem 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons underlying the recent interest on Islamic marketing, discusses past research on the topic and offers a future research perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a critical review of the existing literature. It offers ethnoconsumerism as a way to develop a situated understanding of Muslim consumers and businesses.FindingsTwo distinct phases, omission and discovery, characterize the existing literature. Omission derives from the stereotyping of Muslims as traditional and uncivilized people and Islam as incompatible with capitalist consumer ideology. Discovery relates to the identification of Muslims as an untapped and viable consumer segment and the increasing visibility of Muslim entrepreneurs.Research limitations/implicationsA deeper understanding of Muslim consumers and marketers requires doing away with essentialist approaches that reify difference. Instead of focusing on differences future research needs to pay attention to how such differences play out in the daily lives of consumers and examine the religious, political, cultural and economic resources, forces and tensions that consumers experience and negotiate as they (re)construct and communicate their identities as Muslims.Practical implicationsManagers should not assume Muslims to be a homogeneous and preexisting segment. They should focus on the daily practices for which the product may be relevant and generate solutions that will help Muslims live proper Islamic lives.Originality/valueThe paper draws attention to the potential problems in carrying out research on Islamic marketing and highlights the dangers of an essentialist perspective.
Barriers to adoption of Islamic banking in Pakistan
Authors: Butt Irfan , Saleem Nausherwan , Ahmed Hassan , Altaf Muzammil , Jaffer Khawaja , Mahmood Jawad 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a pilot study conducted in Pakistan, about the barriers perceived by users and non‐users of Islamic banking when selecting Islamic banks.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted to include two types of banking customers, users (customers of Islamic banks only and, Islamic and conventional banks both) and non‐users (customers of conventional banks only). The qualitative research included in‐depth interviews with managers of Islamic banks and two focus groups with users and non‐users, respectively. The survey questionnaire that was subsequently designed received 109 responses. The analysis includes hypothesis testing, factor analysis, and cluster analysis.FindingsA narrow branch network, inconvenient branch locations and perception that “Islamic banks do not completely follow Islamic principles” acted as barriers for non‐users when selecting Islamic banks. Further, “a religious ruling against Islamic banks” was not considered an important barrier when selecting Islamic banks.Originality/valueThis research outlines an alternative methodology of looking at bank selection criteria, by measuring the other side of the coin, i.e. the barriers perceived by users and non‐users of Islamic banking when selecting Islamic banks. Compared to the prevailing literature on the subject, such an approach is enlightening and can have enormous potential as it directly measures the perceived barriers towards Islamic banking. Furthermore, this pilot study is also an important contribution to the limited literature on consumer attitudes towards Islamic banking in Pakistan, where the operations of Islamic banks are still in their formative stage.
UAE consumer concerns about halal products
Authors: Ireland John , Abdollah Rajabzadeh Soha 
Published: October 2011

PurposeRecent reports indicate that UAE Muslim consumers desire halal certification because they are concerned about the halal status of their purchases. However, to date, research on consumer worries has been anecdotal. The purpose of this paper is to quantify consumer concerns to determine which categories, if any, are problematic as well as the nature of consumer reservations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed a list of categories and halal concerns with qualitative methods then presented the resulting questionnaire to a non‐probability sample of 300 UAE Muslim consumers.FindingsIn total, 86.5 percent of respondents felt “great concern” that at least one category was not halal. On average, subjects felt “great concern” about 5.5 categories. The categories that most distressed them were processed meat products. Indeed, 44 percent of the sample felt “great concern” about hamburgers. On average, women felt “great concern” about more categories (6.4) than men (4.2) largely because they were more worried by toiletries.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should generalize results through international samples. Moreover, research should determine if concerns translate into behaviour which would give a measure of the value of halal certification or brands.Practical implicationsThe finding that virtually all consumers are concerned about the halal status of their products represents a great opportunity for trustworthy firms, brands and institutions.Originality/valueThis is the first refereed study of Islamic consumer halal concerns in an Islamic country. The results are surprisingly similar to those to be expected in a European country: a general distrust of the system and a broad desire for assurance.
Antecedents of ostentatious consumption in Kuwait
Authors: Riquelme Hernan E. , Rios Rosa E. , Al‐Sharhan Nadia 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve our understanding of status‐oriented Muslim consumers in Kuwait. More specifically, to study how personality traits such as materialism, susceptibility to social influence and self‐monitoring explain status consumption.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 433 consumers provided information on their status consumption orientation and the personality traits under study. Respondents expressed their opinion on the statements on a five‐point Likert scale. Factor analysis was used to explore the underlying dimensions, the reliability of the measures and the components. Regression analysis was used to predict the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThis paper hypothesized that the three personality traits, namely materialism, susceptibility to personal influence and self‐monitoring, influence status consumption among Muslim consumers in Kuwait. Based on the results, the data supported all but the effect of self‐monitoring, that is, the ability to readily alter one's behavior to fit the current situation. Also, younger consumers seem to engage in more status consumption than older ones. There is also a positive correlation between income and status consumption.Research limitations/implicationsStatus consumption‐oriented consumers are typically susceptible to informational and normative influence and are materialistic.Practical implicationsThese findings can be used in market segmentation and advertising, for example, status consumers could be depicted using or consuming products in situations that imply prestige and approval from important referent groups.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to enlarge the psychological profile of Muslim consumers and their orientation towards consumption.
Editorial: research futures: a UK perspective
Authors: Collins Lorna , O’Regan Nicholas 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis editorial aims to provide an overview of the current state of research in the UK and proposes some future directions for research for family business scholars.Design/methodology/approachThis article is an editorial with commentary about recent developments in understanding research gaps in the field of family business research.FindingsThe paper discusses the areas where future research in family business is required focusing on three levels: the organization; the individual; and the community.Research implicationsThe paper suggests that there are many unanswered questions which merit further and future research.Practical implicationsThe future of family business research is not in question. The paper posits that there are areas of study in family business which may particularly benefit from taking a cross‐disciplinary approach and suggests that family business researchers might consider exploring theory in the entrepreneurship, small business, sociology, economics and industrial relations areas to gain insights and support for theoretical development in family business.Originality/valueThis article highlights recent UK‐focused discussions regarding the future research directions and gaps in family business research. It suggests there are some emerging areas which require renewed focus particularly related to strategic decision making in family businesses from the organization, individual and social/community perspectives.
Family firms versus leveraged buyouts: a conceptual comparison of distinctive governance structures
Authors: Braun Michael , Zacharias Larry , Latham Scott 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the governance structures of two distinctive governance forms: the family firm and the leveraged buyout (LBO). The paper also explores the relative performance of these two organizational forms over the course of the economic business cycle.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a theoretical treatment of the family firm and the LBO using the stewardship perspective and agency theory. The analysis anticipates the board structure for each organizational form and relates family firm and LBO governance to performance over the business cycle.FindingsFrom a conceptual treatment, the family‐owned concern exhibits board characteristics reflecting the longer‐term orientation of the firm, with boards empowered to include non‐economic, as well as economic, goals. LBOs are structured to maximize shareholder value over a shorter time horizon. LBOs may take advantage of expansionary environments whereas family firms may be better prepared for economic down‐cycles.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper takes a holistic approach to contrasting two organizational forms that fit their respective theoretical frames and compares some of their more salient governance characteristics and performance over the business cycle.Practical implicationsManagers and boards can structure governance to manage the business cycle. Stakeholders can selectively engage firms that portray vital governance characteristics for their benefit and may also pressure boards and top management to make necessary governance improvements.Originality/valueThe paper offers an introductory comparison between family firms and LBOs in terms of governance and managing the firm over the business cycle. This paper makes the case that some organizational forms are better suited to certain types of economic climates.
Finding kaizen approach in small Mexican family businesses: an exploratory study
Authors: Suárez‐Barraza Manuel F. , Ramis‐Pujol Juan , Sándoval‐Arzaga Fernando 
Published: October 2011

PurposeIn recent years, small family businesses in Mexico have come under enormous pressure from their external environment: this has resulted in serious problems affecting the running of their businesses, leading ultimately to a drop off in sales, customers and market share. Some have attempted to respond to this environment by using the Japanese approach of kaizen (meaning continuous improvement). The purpose of this paper is to ask if the kaizen approach is implemented in a specific environment such as that of small family businesses in Mexico.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, qualitative research was conducted using case studies as the research strategy. Two small, family‐run Mexican businesses were selected and studied (a restaurant and hotel) and a retrospective focus was adopted; four methods were used to gather data: direct observation; participative observation; documentary analysis; and semi‐structured interviews.FindingsThe findings of the three case studies show that the kaizen approach can be applied to small family businesses in Mexico, but that the degree of implementation depends on the evolutionary stage of each family business. Consequently, for this first exploratory study, it was found that, in the start‐up stage, only the First Guiding Principle of kaizen was observed, along with some indications for the Fourth Guiding Principle. Whereas for the expansion stage, the consolidated presence of the Second, Fourth and Fifth Guiding Principle of kaizen was observed. Finally, it was possible to identify certain techniques and tools at every stage in addition to the Guiding Principle. In closing, the exploratory study made it possible to investigate the major enablers and inhibitors that a family business goes through.Research limitations/implicationsResearch was based in two case studies. However, rather than seeking empirical generalisation, the research tried to examine and explore how the kaizen approach is applied in a specific environment such as that of a sports organisation dedicated to football in Mexico.Practical implicationsThe paper aspires to be of interest as much to researchers as to professionals in the family business context, whether they have top management responsibilities or are middle managers, and also to all those employees whose work is related to this sector, with the aim of understanding the management of small family businesses in Mexico from the kaizen perspective.Originality/valueA review of academic and practitioner literature on the subject indicated that implementation of the kaizen approach in family businesses had scarcely begun to be explored. It is also significant that in Mexico and Latin America, examples of the implementation of this kind of approach are practically non‐existent in academic literature on family businesses.
Family business women in media discourse: the business role and the mother role
Authors: Bjursell Cecilia , Bäckvall Lisa 
Published: October 2011

PurposeWritings in the media have the potential to influence our standpoint and, thereby, our actions. In this paper, the authors analyze how women in family business are represented in media to understand the frames set by this discourse in terms of women owning and leading family businesses. The aim of the paper is to explore how the counterposed roles of business person and mother are presented in media and what implications this might have for role enactment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for an exploratory study of 308 articles about women in family business over a 15‐year period. In the interpretative, qualitative analysis of media texts, the discursive construction of the mother role and the business role are explored.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights into how the mother role is taken for granted while the business role is approached as problematic in portrayals of women in family business. The authors discuss whether the media discourse reinforces traditional roles or stimulates role innovation.Practical implicationsUnderstanding role as something separate from the individual provides a means to critically review expectations of women in business and how these expectations hinder business activities.Originality/valueThe study examines data over a 15‐year period in the Swedish media setting and describes changes in attitudes about women's roles in family business. Regarding the family business as an arena for performative acts provides a perspective that can highlight the intertwinement of the private and professional arenas in family business.
Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis: Long‐term results from a phase 2/3 clinical trial
Authors: IGARASHI Atsuyuki , KATO Takeshi , KATO Mai , SONG Michael , NAKAGAWA Hidemi ,   THE JAPANESE USTEKINUMAB STUDY GROUP
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis phase 2/3, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of ustekinumab in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis. Overall, 158 patients were randomized to receive ustekinumab 45 or 90 mg at weeks 0, 4, and every 12 weeks, or placebo with cross‐over to ustekinumab at week 12. The primary end‐point was the proportion of patients achieving at least 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) at week 12. Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Nail Psoriasis Severity Index and joint pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were also measured. At week 12, 59.4% and 67.7% of ustekinumab 45 and 90 mg patients achieved PASI 75, respectively, compared with 6.5% in the placebo group (P < 0.0001 each). PASI 75 responses were maintained through week 64 in 65.0% and 78.6% of the ustekinumab‐treated patients, respectively. Placebo cross‐over patients had similar responses to ustekinumab‐treated patients. Significant improvements in PGA, DLQI and VAS scores were observed at week 12 and generally maintained over time. Adverse events during the placebo‐controlled period were similar among groups (45 mg, 65.6%; 90 mg, 59.7%; placebo, 65.6%). Serious adverse events were observed in 0%, 4.8% and 6.3% of patients, respectively. Through week 72, similar rates and types of adverse events and serious adverse events were reported in patients receiving 45 and 90 mg. Rates of injection site reactions and antibodies to ustekinumab were low. Ustekinumab was efficacious and generally well‐tolerated in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis through 72 weeks. These results are consistent with those reported in the global, phase 3 studies.
Extreme winter warming events more negatively impact small rather than large soil fauna: shift in community composition explained by traits not taxa
Authors: Bokhorst S. , Phoenix G. K. , Bjerke J. W. , Callaghan T. V. , Huyer‐Brugman F. , Berg M. P. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractExtreme weather events can have negative impacts on species survival and community structure when surpassing lethal thresholds. Extreme winter warming events in the Arctic rapidly melt snow and expose ecosystems to unseasonably warm air (2–10 °C for 2–14 days), but returning to cold winter climate exposes the ecosystem to lower temperatures by the loss of insulating snow. Soil animals, which play an integral part in soil processes, may be very susceptible to such events depending on the intensity of soil warming and low temperatures following these events. We simulated week‐long extreme winter warming events – using infrared heating lamps, alone or with soil warming cables – for two consecutive years in a sub‐Arctic dwarf shrub heathland. Minimum temperatures were lower and freeze‐thaw cycles were 2–11 times more frequent in treatment plots compared with control plots. Following the second event, Acari populations decreased by 39%; primarily driven by declines of Prostigmata (69%) and the Mesostigmatic nymphs (74%). A community‐weighted vertical stratification shift occurred from smaller soil dwelling (eu‐edaphic) Collembola species dominance to larger litter dwelling (hemi‐edaphic) species dominance in the canopy‐with‐soil warming plots compared with controls. The most susceptible groups to these winter warming events were the smallest individuals (Prostigmata and eu‐edaphic Collembola). This was not apparent from abundance data at the Collembola taxon level, indicating that life forms and species traits play a major role in community assembly following extreme events. The observed shift in soil community can cascade down to the micro‐flora affecting plant productivity and mineralization rates. Short‐term extreme weather events have the potential to shift community composition through trait composition with potentially large consequences for ecosystem development.