bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of corporate internet reporting: evidence from Egypt
Authors: Aly Doaa , Simon Jon , Hussainey Khaled 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the potential factors that may affect the level of corporate internet reporting by Egyptian listed companies.Design/methodology/approachThe content analysis approach to examine the information cited by the largest Egyptian companies is used in their web sites. The paper modifies and uses the disclosure index of Xiaoet al.Ordinary least square multiple regression analysis is used to examine the determinants of the internet reporting.FindingsIt is found that 56 per cent of Egyptian companies report a significant portion of information on their web sites. In addition, the paper finds that some financial characteristics explain the variation in the degree of internet reporting between Egyptian listed companies. In particular, profitability, foreign listing and industrial type (communications and financial services) are the determinants of the amount and presentation formatting of information disclosed on Egyptian companies' web sites. However, other firm characterises, such as firm size, leverage, liquidity and auditor size, do not explain corporate internet reporting.Practical implicationsThe research finding is essential as it assists in informing regulators about the characteristics of Egyptian companies that are, and are not, satisfying national and international investors' demand of updated/online information. It also assists current and potential stakeholders to know the drives of corporate internet reporting in Egypt. Consequently, they may further investigate and verify such reporting practices. In practice, online reporting can be used as an effective tool for improving stakeholders' decision‐making process. Therefore, further research can be undertaken to examine the degree to which online reporting provides value‐relevant information for stakeholders.Originality/valueTo the best of the knowledge, there is no study examining the potential drivers of internet corporate reporting practice in Egypt. This paper is the first to examine the potential factors affecting corporate internet reporting in Egypt. The disclosure index used is designed to be suitable for companies working in the Egyptian environment.
Global shifts
Authors: Westover Jonathan H. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend Handel's intrinsic and extrinsic framework for understanding job characteristics and job satisfaction to the worker experience in socialist and post‐socialist Hungary.Design/methodology/approachNon‐panel longitudinal data from the International Social Survey Program (work orientations I and II: 1989 and 1997 – survey questions on job characteristics and job quality) are used to examine the changing job quality and job satisfaction determinants in socialist and post‐socialist Hungary.FindingsDescriptive statistics and regression analysis show that there are many significant changes in the intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics and perceived job satisfaction of Hungarian workers from 1989 to 1997.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations of this research are that the key variables are subjective single‐item indicators; the non‐panel longitudinal nature of the data means the direction of causality among the variables examined cannot be tested specifically; and some variables of interest and other important control variables cannot be included in the analysis, as data were not available for both waves of the survey.Practical implicationsSince worker job satisfaction impacts firm performance and various measures of worker well‐being, firms (regardless of economic sector or private/public status) need to be cognizant of these differences and unique challenges facing Hungarian workers and work to tailor management philosophy and policy to create a unique work atmosphere that will benefit the interests of both the employer and the employee.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is the analysis of changes in intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics in Hungary, in light of the sweeping political and economic changes that accompanied the transition from a socialist state to a post‐socialist regime.
FDI and the change of the Chinese culture
Authors: Jiang Lu , Chen Qiangbing , Liu Yali 
Published: December 2009

PurposeIn many cross‐cultural management studies, culture and cultural differences across nations typically are assumed to be constant. The focus is on the impact of culture on other variables, such as the performance of multinational enterprises. However, is it possible that economic globalization results in cultural globalization? If yes, by how much? The purpose of this paper is to provide some evidence through studying the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the Chinese culture.Design/methodology/approachAn observable social indicator to represent each dimension of cultural value is chosen and statistical models are used to test whether FDI has significant impact on these indicators, after controlling for economic development level. Also this paper investigates whether FDI from a different cultural background has different effects on the Chinese culture.FindingsUsing data from major Chinese cities, it is found that FDI has significant effects on the degree of future orientation, performance orientation and in‐group collectivism. Also this paper found that FDI from the USA and the UK has a significant and negative effect on the degree of assertiveness; FDI from Japan, and Singapore, and the USA, and the UK has significantly negative effects on the degree of performance orientation; FDI from Japan and Singapore has a significantly positive effect on the degree of in‐group collectivism.Originality/valueUnlike the traditional method of measuring culture values through what people say (interview or survey), this approach relies on what people do. This method helps avoid the measurement distortions caused by self‐deception and impression management problems with survey approach. In addition, this is believed to be the first study to test the impact of FDI on the change of culture values through econometric models.
Encapsulation of Pigment Red 122 into UV‐curable resins via a mini‐emulsion technique
Authors: Hakeim O.A. , Fan Qinguo , Kim Yong K. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to encapsulate aqueous dispersions of nano‐scale CI Pigment Red 122 prepared through ball milling into UV‐curable resins, 1,6 hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA, monomer), and polyester acrylate (oligomer) using the mini‐emulsion technique.Design/methodology/approachThe encapsulation of pigment is achieved by mixing a surfactant‐stabilised pigment dispersions and a monomer/oligomer mini‐emulsions and subjecting both to mini‐emulsification conditions. A film of encapsulated pigment mini‐emulsion is finally UV cured using water‐soluble initiator. Efficient encapsulation is proven by ultra‐centrifugal sedimentation, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The stability of pigment dispersions and also the encapsulation process are investigated.FindingsTGA and ultracentrifuge sedimentation results showed that CI Pigment Red 122 is successfully encapsulated into polyester acrylate/HDDA resins. The oligomer (polyester acrylate) in the presence of organic pigment could stabilise the mini‐emulsion droplets without introducing any other hydrophobes (co‐stabiliser) in the formulation. In addition, the encapsulation percentage and suspension stability of mini‐emulsion are best when the polyester acrylate/HDDA weight ratio is 3:2.Research limitations/implicationsThe UV‐curable resins used in the present context are 1,6 HDDA and polyester acrylate. Besides, various oligomer/monomer composition types could be used and its impact on encapsulation efficiency could be also studied.Practical implicationsThis method of encapsulation is practically effective for modification of organic pigments for use in UV‐curable ink‐jet printing inks.Originality/valueThe developed method is novel from a literature point of view and can be of a great benefit to achieve the required properties of pigmented UV‐curable system in inkjet printing of textiles. In addition, it could find numerous applications in surface coating.
Modified properties of Egyptian kaolin‐phosphate core‐shell pigments in solvent‐based paints for protection of cold‐rolled steel surfaces
Authors: Ahmed Nivin M. , Selim Mohamed M. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a new method of pigment preparation, which is economic and highly efficient in corrosion protection properties, known as the core‐shell method. According to this method, a cheap core (an extender) is covered with only a surface layer of effective pigments. Following this method of preparation, a new group of pigments is prepared in this research using the Egyptian kaolin ore as the core covered with single and mixed zinc, magnesium, and zinc‐magnesium phosphates as a shell to replace the original phosphates. These new pigments combine the properties of both its core and shell counter‐parts exhibiting improved corrosion protection properties that exceed both of kaolin and zinc phosphate individually.Design/methodology/approachPigments concerned in this paper are prepared using simple chemical techniques, and then they are characterised using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. These pigments are incorporated in solvent‐based paint formulations based on medium oil alkyd resin. The physico‐mechanical properties of dry films and their corrosion properties are tested using accelerated laboratory test in 3.5 percent NaCl for 28 days, according to ASTM.FindingsThe prepared kaolin‐phosphate (core‐shell) pigments are based essentially on Egyptian kaolin ore, which is an abundant cheap ore in Egypt, and then the kaolin is covered with a surface layer of phosphates that are proved to be efficient anticorrosive pigments. These pigments are easily prepared, economically feasible and can successfully replace ordinary phosphate pigments with superior corrosion protection behaviour.Practical implicationsThese pigments can be applied in other polymer composites, e.g. rubber and plastics as reinforcing agent.Originality/valuePrepared pigments are environmentally friendly and can replace hazardous pigments (e.g. chromates) and ordinary phosphates. The main advantages of these pigments are that they combine both the properties of their core and shell counter‐parts, and they are of lower cost with similar and maybe in some cases better efficiency in corrosion protection of metals. Also, they can be applied in industries other than paints, e.g. paper, rubber and plastics composites.
Preparation and properties of polylactide/nano‐silica in situ composites
Authors: Liu Li‐zhu , Ma Hong‐jie , Zhu Xing‐song , Fan Yu‐jiang , Jin Zhen‐hao 
Published: December 2009

PurposePolylactide/nano‐silica in situ composites are synthesised and characterised in order to study their mechanical and thermal properties. The purpose of this paper is to study these properties and compare them with the pure polylactide (PLA).Design/methodology/approachPolylactide/nano‐silica in situ composites are synthesised from lactide and modified nano‐silica using stannous octoate as a catalyst. The structure and properties of the composites are characterised by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM).FindingsThe results of SEM showed that nano‐silica and PLA are connected with covalent bonds, and that inorganic phases are dispersed homogeneously in the PLA matrix. The results of TGA indicated that the thermal decomposition temperature rose with the increase of silica content. The tensile strength of the composites is enhanced because of the addition of nano‐inorganic particles into PLA.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the preparation process is simplified by a two‐step method, attempts will be made to synthesise the polylactide/nano‐silica composites by a one‐step approach to curtail the preparation cycle.Practical implicationsThe composites are expected to be suitable for applications in packaging materials, biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.Originality/valuePreparation of polylactide/nano‐silica composites is expected to exert the respective advantages of the two ingredients and to produce more practical polymer materials.
Five tools to prepare for future discontinuities
Authors: Singer Jim , Piluso Jeff 
Published: December 2009

PurposeBecause most observers ordinarily view the future as an extrapolation of current trends, they are unprepared for discontinuities. The paper aims to urge that leaders foster a culture of open mindedness to better imagine and prepare for discontinuity.Design/methodology/approachBased on best practice experimentation the authors suggest five “tools” that are useful for achieving a discontinuous mindset.FindingsTo achieve a discontinuous mindset, managers need not turn their back on current forecasting activities, but they do need to balance them, intellectually, with considerations of longer‐term uncertainties.Practical implicationsAlthough the authors appreciate the value of innovative planning techniques – scenario planning, diversity planning, reverse‐engineering the future, developing a 25‐year business plan and culture‐based planning – they propose that a discontinuous mindset and the five tools to develop it are the best defenses against unanticipated disruption of markets.Originality/valueThe five tools for developing a discontinuous mindset offer a fresh take on how leaders can come to grips with an uncertain future.
How to explore for innovation on your organization's strategic frontier
Authors: Bate J. Douglas 
Published: December 2009

PurposeCorporate innovation efforts frequently suffer from a lack of strategic focus and alignment between innovation teams and senior executives. The identification of a corporate strategic frontier can align both groups on the scope and focus of their innovation efforts, greatly increasing the likelihood of a successful innovation initiative. This paper aims to investigate this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe identification of potential strategic frontiers will emerge from the process of finding the company's strategic intent. The paper aims to carry out this process by first identifying the organization's “passionate core,” which is the defining nature of the company that provides its energy and drives its success.FindingsThe paper finds that in a creative process, a team considers what could take place at the intersection of the passionate core and the future changes. What new opportunities are suggested? How can the organization get to the future first? What changes are required?Practical implicationsThe paper describes a process to help innovation team define when they are exploring in a strategically appropriate and fruitful area and when they have strayed beyond the pale. This defined area becomes the strategic frontier for the corporation, an area of potential growth that is within the strategic scope that senior executives have identified for the business.Originality/valueThe paper proposes that a company must idetify the most important changes that will likely take place in its future, based on trends in technology, demographics, globalization, and other environmental factors. The most intriguing of these opportunities will define a company's strategic frontiers, which become the focus of the innovation initiatives.
The human dimension of energy conservation and sustainability
Authors: Marans Robert W. , Edelstein Jack Y. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the behaviors, attitudes, and levels of understanding among faculty, staff, and students in efforts to design programs aimed at reducing energy use in University of Michigan (UM) buildings.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐method approach is used in five diverse pilot buildings including focus groups, behavioral observations, environmental measures, and web surveys. The analyses consider differences between buildings and between the three population groups.FindingsAmong the findings, UM staff are most concerned about conserving energy in UM buildings while students are the least concerned. A significant proportion of survey respondents are not aware of past university efforts to conserve energy; among those who are aware, many felt that university efforts are inadequate. The observations and self‐reports reveal an abundance of energy‐consuming equipment in offices, and lights and computers are often left on when work spaces and conference rooms are unoccupied. Furthermore, occupants tend to wear heavy clothing during warm weather months indicating excessively low building temperatures. Finally, most occupants are willing to accept higher building temperatures during warm weather months and lower temperatures during cold weather months.Originality/valueThere has been limited work in institutional/organizational settings that considers occupant behavior as a factor in designing programs to conserve energy. The research uses a multi‐method approach to understand what people do, think, and have vis‐à‐vis energy use and conservation. Additionally, the researchers – working with university officials – have designed programs aimed at changing the behaviors of building occupants. These programs have been implemented in the five pilot buildings; plans are currently underway to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs.
Facilitating transdisciplinary sustainable development research teams through online collaboration
Authors: Dale Ann , Newman Lenore , Ling Chris 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential of online communication technologies to facilitate university‐led transdisciplinary sustainable development research and lower the ecological footprints of such research projects. A series of case studies is to be explored.Design/methodology/approachA one year project is conducted in which a series of research tasks are carried out on an online communications platform. Findings are compared to other examples from the literature.FindingsOnline communication technology can be used to facilitate transdisciplinary research tasks, saving time, money and with less environmental impact than that of face‐to‐face meetings. However, in order for online collaboration to be successful the researchers must be very organized and have strong facilitation skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe research takes place in a North American setting. Time zone issues and access to sufficient internet technology can be a barrier in global research collaboration.Practical implicationsOnline communication technology can be a practical way to lower the environmental impact of the research process and lower the cost of collaborative meetings.Originality/valueThe outcomes of this research suggest online collaboration can play a much larger role in student and faculty research, including but not limited to online research analysis, data collection and field exploration.
University presidents' conceptualizations of sustainability in higher education
Authors: Wright Tarah 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how a cohort of university presidents and vice‐presidents in Canadian universities conceptualize sustainable development, sustainable universities, the role universities play in achieving a sustainable future, key issues facing the university, and the barriers to implementing sustainability initiatives on campus.Design/methodology/approachThe research comprises in‐depth interviews with university presidents (rectors) and vice‐presidents from Talloires Declaration signatory universities in Canada. Interviews include both closed and open‐ended questions and two checklists focused on sustainable development and sustainable universities. Interview transcripts are analyzed through the identification of respondent themes.FindingsThe majority of participants are well versed in the concept of sustainable development, but less familiar with the concept of a sustainable university. The majority are dedicated to having their university become more sustainable. The most significant constraints to moving toward sustainability reported are financial predicaments, lack of understanding and awareness of sustainability issues amongst the university population, and a resistance to change.Originality/valueWhile higher education scholars have a reasonably common conceptualization of sustainable development and what constitutes a “sustainable university”, there are few studies to date that investigate the level of sustainability knowledge of the major stakeholders within the university, or that examine what stakeholders feel is the role of the university in creating a sustainable future. If the university is tasked with responsibilities for creating a sustainable future, it is essential that all university stakeholders have a common understanding of the term sustainable development. This paper attempts to make a contribution to this significant gap in the literature.
Don't preach. Practice! Value laden statements in academic sustainability education
Authors: Mulder Karel F. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe slogan “Practice what you preach” denotes that people should behave in accordance with the values that they preach. For universities that teach sustainable development (SD), it implies that these institutes should apply major SD principles themselves for example by campus greening, green purchasing, etc. But is not “Practice what you preach” a questionable slogan in that regard that university teachers should not preach values, i.e. transfer values to their students by the authority of their position? Which value statements are acceptable and which are not?Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the results of a survey among international SD teachers in engineering on the acceptability of value laden statements. Moreover, the paper presents results regarding the values that SD teachers represent, and compares these results to survey results among engineers and engineering students.FindingsSD teachers in engineering are more critical about the role of technology in SD than their students and professional engineers are. However, there does not seem to be a real gap between students and teachers.Practical implicationsIt is argued that academic education on SD should aim at clarifying moral issues and helping students to develop their own moral positions given the values that are present in the professionals' work. Teachers' options how to address moral issues without preaching are briefly described.Originality/valueThis paper strongly argues against preaching.