bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The origins and early developments of public relations in post‐war Italy, 1945‐1960
Authors: Bini Elisabetta , Fasce Ferdinando , Muzi Falconi Toni 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the emergence and development of public relations in Italy between 1945 and 1960. Its aim is to examine the main actors (corporate and political) involved in the process, how they were influenced by the USA and the emergence of professional associations devoted to expanding the fieldDesign/methodology/approachThe paper is based on research conducted in US and Italian archives and libraries. It analyzes primary sources concerning corporations, government agencies and professional associations involved in promoting public relations in post‐war Italy, such as the United States Information Service, Standard Oil (NJ), Fiat, Piaggio, Olivetti, Pirelli, Intersind.FindingsThis paper argues that the introduction of public relations in postwar Italy was strongly influenced by US companies and government agencies, which had a considerable impact on the emergence of professional associations. It also looks at the specific Italian definitions of public relations and points out that in Italy the field of public relations emphasized the importance of “style” and culture over that of marketing, and was often carried out by an array of “humanists” (poets, graphic designers, and writers).Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first studies about the history of public relations in Italy. It points out the peculiarity of the Italian case, by showing the intersection between the terms “propaganda” and “public relations” in a country that had experienced 20 years of Fascist rule.
History and development of public relations education in North America
Authors: Wright Donald K. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the history and development of public relations education in the USA and Canada.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology used for this paper is the historical/critical analysis approach.FindingsThis paper finds more differences than similarities between public relations educational development in the two countries. The first PR course at a US university was taught at the University of Illinois in 1920 and the first US degree program was offered by Boston University in 1947. The first Canadian university PR course was taught at McGill University n 1948 and the first university degree was offered by Mount Saint Vincent University in 1977. Although PR courses and degrees are offered at a small number of élite US universities, the greatest recent PR curriculum development has been at smaller, second‐ or third‐tier institutions. While a few Canadian universities offer courses and degree programs in the field, most of Canada's recent PR program growth has been at colleges rather than at universities.Practical implicationsRightly or wrongly, academic institutions often look to North America for direction when it comes to establishing and developing public relations education programs. A number of factual inaccuracies about public relations education history have frequently surfaced in books and journal articles. This paper corrects a number of those inaccuracies and in doing so improves public relations scholarship.Originality/valueA thorough review of the literature suggests that this paper represents the only journal‐length piece about the history and development of public relations education in Canada and the USA.
Knowledge retention: minimizing organizational business loss
Authors: Levy Moria 
Published: July 2011

PurposeKnowledge retention is becoming a main challenge in many countries, as knowledge becomes a main asset of organizations. The research questions the challenge of how can organizations minimize the loss of important knowledge while experiencing high levels of retiree? The research aims to suggest a framework for knowledge retention initiatives in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology is multi‐case research. The unit of analysis is organization (eight organizations analyzed, overall more than 30 retiree knowledge retention mini projects). Data linkage to the propositions and method of interpretation – explanation building technique.FindingsThis research suggests that successful knowledge retention can be achieved in three primary stages: defining scope; documenting (planning and implementation); and integrating knowledge back into the organization. Special care must be dedicated throughout the process to: retaining best practices and unexpected situations; structuring the process of knowledge retention; structuring retained documentation.Research limitations/implicationsAcademic implications are two‐fold. First, it suggests that assessment projects, which estimate knowledge loss risk, and described in most academic researches, should be eliminated in knowledge retention models; second, research should continue, developing more models regarding detailed planning and implementation stages, as initiated in Hofer‐Alfeis DeLong and here. Further research should be conducted in order to discover how effective the suggested methods are in retrospect (after years, and not only after months).Practical implicationsBusiness implications do exist. The case studies described, using the proposed framework, show that knowledge retention is not only important, but also applicable. Structuring the process and results, as described above, may provide organizations with guidelines how to conduct such projects.Originality/valueIts value is in changing the suggested known frameworks for knowledge retention, enabling more effective and efficient knowledge retention, and therefore less knowledge loss in organizations.
Was the recent global financial crisis symptomatic from the challenges of liberalisation of financial markets in Uganda?
Authors: Mugarura Norman 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe recent global financial crisis has demonstrated the susceptibility of local economies to the global market system and its idiosyncrasies. While liberalisation of financial markets was initially deemed essential to ease access to cheap capital, it has demonstrated the potential to engender instabilities in the regulatory system. With reference to financial markets regulatory challenges in Uganda, this paper aims to explore how a liberalised market economy can also be exploited to perpetuate corruption and other financial malpractices.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the challenges to financial markets liberalisation in the absence of effective oversight institutions. Specifically, it draws on experiences of liberalisation of financial markets in Uganda to examine how that country's experience and its antecedents in the wider financial system could have signposted the threat of another financial crisis.FindingsWhile acknowledging the importance of financial markets to development, this paper contends that opening markets should be preceded by tailored requisite reforms locally, to caution local economies against destabilising spontaneous movement of capital in and out of the system. Similarly, a liberalised financial market system and under‐regulation in financial markets can potentially engender a fluid environment inimical to the stability of global markets.Originality/valueThe paper has examined these issues in the narrow context of the challenges of financial markets liberalisation in Uganda. It will be inferred that the recent global financial crisis should have been foreseen from the earlier antecedents, and economies cautioned against it properly.
Effects of intellectual capital information disclosed in annual reports on market capitalization
Authors: Abdulrahman Anam Ousama , Hamid Fatima Abdul , Rashid Hafiz Majdi Abdul 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the effects of intellectual capital (IC) disclosure in the annual reports of listed companies in Bursa Malaysia (BM) on their market capitalization (MCAP).Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses secondary data for listed companies on BM for the years 2002 and 2006. A disclosure index was used to measure the extent of IC information disclosed in the annual reports. The MCAP data were obtained from the Bloomberg database. The data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses.FindingsThe paper finds that the extent of IC disclosure by Malaysian‐listed companies has a positive significant effect on their MCAP. In addition, the paper found that there is significant positive impact of the control variables (i.e. book value, net profit, firm size and leverage) on the MCAP.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the paper was focused on the IC information and MCAP data for two years (i.e. 2002 and 2006), it provides empirical evidence that IC disclosure does affect the MCAP of companies. Hence, it means that the IC information is picked up by the market. Future research may incorporate more control variables and years.Practical implicationsThe findings provide empirical evidence that IC information disclosed by the Malaysian‐listed companies positively affects their MCAP. These findings can be considered to be useful for these companies and work as a signal towards the need for more IC disclosure. In addition, the findings could be useful for the regulatory bodies, e.g. the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board and BM, perhaps to develop guidelines on IC disclosure to enhance transparency and increase confidence in the capital market.Originality/valueThe paper is considered the first empirical study to examine the effects of IC disclosure in the annual reports of Malaysian‐listed companies on their MCAP.
Labour cost disclosures: have IFRSs made a difference?
Authors: Ho Kim Sang , Taylor Dennis 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate changes in corporate disclosures of labour‐related costs in financial statements arising from a change in the accounting regime from generally accepted accounting principles (GAAPs) to international financial reporting standards (IFRSs) in Australia.Design/methodology/approachAn archival empirical approach is taken. Data are sampled for 160 listed companies in Australia over seven years covering Australian GAAPs (2003‐2005) and Australian IFRSs (2006‐2009) periods. To measure disclosures, a classification and count is made of line items for labour‐related costs found on the face of and in the notes to financial statements. These disclosures are analysed against firm‐specific characteristics and industry categories.FindingsResults reveal companies disclosing “total labour costs” rose from about 60‐85 per cent, and the discretionary disaggregation of “total labour costs” became more prevalent. Companies providing disaggregated information in the post‐IFRSs period are characterized by lower total assets, lower sales and lower labour costs. Their return on equity and labour intensity are not found to be differentiating characteristics. Reasons for these phenomena are addressed.Originality/valuePrevious studies have not analysed the effect of IFRSs adoption on disclosures of labour‐related information. This study provides new evidence about the types of firms that have responded to IFRSs with new or enhanced labour‐related financial disclosures. It points to new opportunities for research and financial analysis from the enhanced availability of corporate‐level labour cost data.
Universalization of telecommunications services
Authors: Rauen Cristiane V. , Hiratuka Célio , Fracalanza Paulo S. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the regulations and public policies for the universalization of telecommunications services taken by OECD countries and by Brazil.Design/methodology/approachThis analysis was mainly based on OECD reports, on the legislation of the Brazilian telecommunication sector and on scientific articles and news related to the theme.FindingsIn accordance with the initiatives taken by OECD countries and with recent innovations arising from next generation networks, mainly based on internet protocols platforms, Brazil has also included broadband services in its universalization regulatory agenda. At the same time, the country has established several public programs aimed at expanding access to those services.Practical implicationsNevertheless, it is pointed out that there are still many challenges to an increase in Brazilian broadband penetration rates.Social implicationsTherefore, it is suggested that, in Brazil's case, some of these problems could be overcome through a direct government intervention in association with competition and industrial policies.Originality/valueThe paper emphasizes that, although in line with the regulatory measures taken by developed countries, Brazilian telecom policies must be adapted taking into consideration the idiosyncrasies of this underdeveloped country.
Interest rate pass‐through in Kenya
Authors: Misati Roseline N. , Nyamongo Esman M. , Kamau Anne W. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to quantitatively measure the size and speed of monetary policy interest rate transmission to long‐term interest rates in Kenya.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses autoregressive distributed lag specification re‐parameterized as an error correction model and mean adjustment lag methods.FindingsThe study finds incomplete pass‐through of policy rates both in the short and the long run. The study also shows that it takes approximately between 11 months to two years for policy interest rate to be fully transmitted to long‐term rates.Originality/valueThe study is novel as it is the first attempt the authors are aware of that empirically investigates the interest rate pass‐through in Kenya using high‐frequency data. Measuring the speed and size of interest rate pass‐through provides policy makers with insights on how long it takes for a particular policy action to yield desired results on the real economy. The findings of this study will therefore inform policy makers of the effectiveness of their policy decisions and facilitate timely monetary policy actions.
Manipulating an IRB model: considerations about the Basel II framework
Authors: Kosmidis Kosmas , Terzidis Konstantinos 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the current economic crisis and to highlight the importance of the counter‐party credit risk, which was surprisingly neglected by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in its proposed enhancements to the Basel II framework. The paper supports the proposition that there is an incentive for synergy between bank management, corporate management and auditors as long as all these parties' remuneration schemes are based on the same principles.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper an advanced IRB corporate credit‐rating system is constructed in accordance with the Basel II framework and the current literature. The impact of common creative accounting and banking practices on the manipulation of that system is explored.FindingsThe paper shows how creative accounting and banking practices can be used in manipulating an advanced IRB corporate credit‐rating system, and thus presenting a high‐risk corporation as a highly attractive (low‐risk) bank customer.Practical implicationsThe regulatory authorities should take into consideration the inability of rating agencies to ascertain the risk associated with the US sub‐prime mortgage market and the decline of auditors' independence.Originality/valueThe contribution of the paper is the propositions made to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in order to enhance the Basel II framework, and avoid repetition of the current economic crisis in the future.
User preferences of office occupiers: investigating the differences
Authors: Rothe Peggie , Lindholm Anna‐Liisa , Hyvönen Ari , Nenonen Suvi 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe work environment has been identified to influence employee satisfaction and work performance. In order to develop and provide work environments that meet the preferences of as many employees as possible, more information about user preferences and possible preference differences between different kinds of users is required. The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding concerning office users' work environment preferences. The aim is to investigate whether there are differences in the preferences of office users based on their age, gender, their mobility, and whether they work individually or with others.Design/methodology/approachOffice users' work environment preferences are studied through a survey directed to office employees. Statistical analysis is used in order to identify work environment preference differences between respondents of different age, gender, and the way they work.FindingsThe results indicate that there are differences between office users' work environment preferences concerning some characteristics of the work environment. The results show that the preferences vary both based on demographic issues such as age and gender as well as based on how they work.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Finland, so the cultural context has to be taken into account when generalising the results.Originality/valueThe paper provides several stakeholders, such as user organisations, designers, consultants, and investors, valuable information on what kind of work environments office users prefer.
Facing the fold: from the eclipse of Utopia to the restoration of hope
Authors: Ogilvy Jay 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to make a case for a scenaric stance that holds high road and low road futures in mind at once. Opening with regrets about the total eclipse of Utopian thinking, the paper aims to move on to embrace both aspirational futures and a forthright recognition of the many ways in which things could go wrong. Adopting a scenaric stance amounts to a new, fourth attitude toward historical time and the future. The ancients lived in an ahistorical, cyclical time. Second, modernity embraced a progressive and optimistic approach to the future. Third, post‐modernity turns pessimistic about the future. Fourth, a new scenaric stance vindicates Utopian optimism by pairing it with a forthright recognition of pessimistic possibilities.Design/methodology/approachThis is a reflective, almost philosophical paper that articulates a new attitude toward the future, which demonstrates the significance of scenario planning for attitudes toward the future.FindingsA scenaric stance can restore the liberatory potential of Utopian thinking by yoking optimistic, aspirational futures together with a clear‐eyed recognition of the several ways that plans can misfire.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a philosophical, reflective piece that does not rely on any quantitative evidence or rigorous modeling.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are major: to the extent that the health of the economy relies on confidence and a willingness to take risks, a lemming‐like race to the bottom will result in a Japan‐like endless recession. A vindication is needed for aspirational scenarios.Social implicationsEveryone is better off when fewer people are living in crouch.Originality/valueAfter three decades of reviewing and contributing to the literature on future studies, the author has seen nothing that remotely resembles the argument of this paper. Its value consists in its potential for lifting people's sights. One stands in danger of a loss of confidence and an endless recession. One needs to restore a sense of possibility and optimism, but can do so responsibly only if one holds on to an honest sense of the real dangers one faces.
Using an adaptive scenarios approach to establish strategies for tomorrow's workplace
Authors: Saurin Ruth , Ratcliffe John 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate that it is important to have a methodological process that is reflexive and flexible to achieve fluid interactions that add rigour and energy to the overall process of a built environment project.Design/methodology/approachThis paper outlines the Prospective through Scenarios futures process used in a study called the “Workplace of the Future”. It also discusses how and why the methodology evolves over the course of the project with participant feedback as the main source of information for the analysis.FindingsChange is the one factor in the Prospective through Scenarios methodological development that ensures the participants to think deeply and laterally in a futures process, from which a value‐driven process is achieved.Originality/valueNovel futures techniques have been applied to a discipline that is usually reactive and quantitative – workplace provision and facilities management.
Land of white space opportunity: channel planning and DTV restack in Australia
Authors: Freyens Benoît‐Pierre , Loney Mark 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe last decade has seen increasing advocacy for, and interest in the use of white space in the broadcasting bands by providers of wireless broadband services. This paper aims to discuss the scope in Australia for “symbiotic” and “invasive” white space devices to operate in the UHF band after digital switchover and speculate about longer term trends.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw from their analysis of recent regulatory decisions to explain how the parameters established for channel planning naturally conduce to the development of large white spaces. They then identify emerging opportunities for white space usage in the reduced UHF band allocated to digital television services as well as in nearby guard bands.FindingsThe article's analysis suggests that there is considerable scope for white space devices to operate in Australia – even in the context of a reduced UHF band following analog switch off. Furthermore, the authors argue that the development of complementary business models could see off any perceived conflict between intensive white space usage and the long‐term benefit of both broadcasters and telecommunications operators.Practical implicationsIt is timely for proponents of white space usage to establish regulatory arrangements that will allow intensive use of those white spaces. Current FCC proposals to base the regulatory framework on spectrum co‐sharing between broadcasters and white space broadband providers may lead to similar, yet distinct, opportunities in the USA as well.Originality/valueThere is a surprising paucity of published information worldwide regarding white space regulation. This article provides an in‐depth discussion of the main parameters driving white space opportunity.
Two approaches to curriculum development for educating for sustainability and CSR
Authors: Stubbs Wendy , Schapper Jan 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on efforts to develop two stand‐alone subjects on sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a mainstream business curriculum at Monash University, Australia.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents details on the educational rationale and design of the two subjects in corporate sustainability and CSR.FindingsAlthough many universities offer support for education for sustainability, previous research indicates that most curriculum initiatives in this area have been driven by individual faculty. This paper provides examples of curriculum development that emerged from the grass‐roots initiative, in the absence of an integrated and mainstreamed programme for sustainability.Practical implicationsThe paper encourages all faculty, no matter their circumstances, to consider the development of curriculum for sustainability. While individual subjects cannot effect wholesale change, each effort can, no matter how piecemeal, make a difference.Originality/valueThe cases in this paper highlight the importance of skills, knowledge and values to the curriculum for sustainability and CSR. Because there is no formula for how these are integrated into the curriculum, the paper illustrates how individual faculty members have brought their own disciplinary and pedagogical backgrounds to their curriculum design.