bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flash flood disasters in Uttarakhand
Authors: Pande Ravindra K. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeUp to now most of the research into flash flood disaster has examined scientific aspects of this natural phenomenon. This paper aims to focus on the flash flood disaster scenario of Uttarakhand, a newly created Himalayan State in India, on the basis of their severity and mechanism so that management efforts can be mounted by the disaster managers.Design/methodology/approachBesides compiling the hazard‐ and risk‐related work done by the various research institutions and universities the paper attempts to understand the mechanism responsible for this natural hazard.FindingsUttrakhand is a state highly prone to disasters. Flash floods are disasters that are seasonal in nature and strike during a certain period of the year in certain pockets of the state with high frequency.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis is based on observations made in the entire state.Practical implicationsAwareness amongst the masses regarding the flash flood disaster that is likely to affect them and their life support strategy is a must for bringing forth voluntary adoption of the safety norms.Originality/valueArmed with the information about the hazards and their spatial distribution, the disaster managers in Uttarakhand may undertake certain preventive and mitigative measures for further strengthening and streamlining the Disaster Management System in the state and pave the way for similar activities in other states of India.
Collision of marine vehicles in Bangladesh: a study on accident characteristics
Authors: Ibn Awal Zobair , Rafiqul Islam M. , Hoque Mazharul 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the marine vehicle accident characteristics in the inland waterways of Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on collision type accidents.Design/methodology/approachAccident data were collected from different sources such as the daily newspapers, reports of Department of Shipping (DOS) and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). The accidents are analysed according to different variables such as vehicle type, time distribution, spatial distribution, weather condition, nature of casualties, and others.FindingsThe study revealed that the leading causes of accidents were collision between ships, trawlers and country boats and loss of stability due to Nor'wester (a seasonal storm that appears from the north and western directions). Of the accidents, 80 per cent involve cargo vehicles hitting other vehicles. Collisions have increased dramatically over the last decade and the number of fatalities has increased significantly.Research limitations/implicationsMany accidents in Bangladesh often remain under‐reported owing to limited exposure to the media, which is probably because the victims represent the poorer segment of society. This under‐reporting appears to be a major barrier for accident analysis and prevention.Originality/valueThe paper provides an explicit idea on the characteristics of accidents, so that the problem can be easily comprehended and necessary action can be taken by different stakeholders, such as operators, law enforcement agencies, designers, users and others concerned in order to come up with a coordinated action plan to stop these severe incidents.
Learning from cross‐cultural problems in international projects: a Chinese case
Authors: Xiao Hong , Boyd David 
Published: November 2010

PurposeGlobalisation means that more and more construction projects involve participants from different cultural backgrounds. Besides the obvious language barrier, people may also have different faiths, assumptions and behaviour norms which can and do cause conflicts. This challenges previous approaches and is creating a new context for the construction industry. This research aims to explore how practitioners can work more effectively in cross‐cultural situations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses real‐life experience and personal construct theory to understand the problems in interpretation, communications, emotion and trust. It uses methods of participatory action research and experiential research, and an analysis based on dialogue and reflection between the researchers with different cultural backgrounds.FindingsThe paper concludes that, to work effectively in cross‐cultural situations, one needs to work with one's personal constructs and pay more attention to informal communications. It is also necessary to recognise and deal with emotions explicitly. It is very important yet difficult to build and maintain trust in cross‐cultural cooperation.Research limitations/implicationsThis approach inevitably brings some personal or even biased subjective judgement on certain cultural phenomena. There are others involved who do not have a voice.Practical implicationsThe research provides a new approach to facilitate practitioners to tackle the problems of cross‐cultural projects.Originality/valueThe paper applies personal construct theory to cross‐cultural analysis using a novel methodology of cross‐cultural dialogue. This develops a practical approach to situations and establishes the importance of emotion in cross‐cultural cooperation.
Analysis of project delivery systems in Chinese construction industry with data envelopment analysis (DEA)
Authors: Qiang Chen Yong , Lu Huanqing , Lu Wenxue , Zhang Ning 
Published: November 2010

PurposeSelecting a proper project delivery system is one of the critical issues for the success of a project. This paper discusses the application of project delivery systems in China and the existing project delivery system selection methods, analyzes project objectives and indicators influencing the selection of project delivery systems, and aims at finding an appropriate method to select project delivery systems.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted by postal questionnaire and Multivariate Statistical Analysis was applied to analyze the project data. A robust model was developed to analyze the selection of project delivery systems.FindingsThe results of survey and analysis show that design‐bid‐build (DBB)/project management (DBB+PM), design‐build (DB)/engineering, procurement and construction (EPC)/Turnkey, multi‐stage DB/EPC and EP+C are commonly used in China. The differences between DBB and DBB+PM, and differences between DB/EPC and Turnkey in China are not significant. Weights of project objectives in each project delivery system and the ranking of indicators influencing the selection of project delivery systems are acquired.Originality/valueAnalysis was conducted with a robust model instead of traditional model in consideration of efficiency. This research may assist owners in Mainland China in selecting project delivery systems, improve project performance, and encourage efficiency in project delivery process.
Supply chain modelling using a multi‐agent system
Authors: Pino Raúl , Fernández Isabel , de la Fuente David , Parreño José , Priore Paolo 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on a supply chain (SC) simulation of all its management processes by means of a multi‐agent system (MAS).Design/methodology/approachNowadays, the company must develop its activity in an environment characterized by: globalization, hard competitiveness, the necessity of flexibility and of answering dynamically to a changing demand. Thus, a distributed, autonomous approach, strong enough to face changes is necessary, which is what MASs contribute to. An agent can represent each of the components that form the SC. Then the resulting agent system will own similar characteristics to the ones in the studied SC: autonomy, social abilities, reactivity, pro‐activity.FindingsWhen analysing the demand for each SC member (from manufacturer to final consumer), one can observe that while consumer demand is a relatively stable feature, the upper link in the chain (the manufacturer), presents a very pronounced variability. This is known as the “bullwhip effect” or “forrester effect” and is mainly due to the fact that the SC members' strategies are not considered as a whole but as a sum of individual strategies. In the proposed system, each agent will be communicated with other “agents” who will be the only responsible for making forecasts based on information provided to it by all components of the chain. The ultimate goal is for each SC echelon to satisfy its own objectives, while at the same time meet the local and external constraints.Research limitations/implicationsIn this work a standard SC is proposed (one manufacturer – one distributor – one wholesaler – one retailer) although it could easily be modified to incorporate a bigger number of members in each echelon within the SC.Originality/valueThe paper shows the benefits of using artificial intelligence in the SC management.
Towards a social capital theory of resistance to change
Authors: Pearse Noel J. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to generate a substantive grounded theory of organizational change and leadership, particularly focusing on the manifestation and management of resistance to change, or what has been more broadly conceptualized as organization inertia.Design/methodology/approachA grounded theory study, investigating a particular type of change occurring in a variety of South African churches, was conducted using a Straussian approach. A sample of incidents was gathered from 38 in‐depth interviews conducted with ministers who were leading churches of various backgrounds, sizes, and denominations, in four South African provinces.FindingsWhen analysing the process of church transition from a programme‐based to a cell‐based design, the concept “sense of community” was developed. This concept underscored the manifestation of organization inertia in the churches that were engaged in a process of change.Research limitations/implicationsFurther exploration of the literature suggests that – compared to other theories of resistance to change – the theory of social capital offers a better explanation of the occurrence of organization inertia in this study.Originality/valueIn the light of this paper's discovery, social capital theory is proposed as a new theoretical explanation of resistance to change.
Strategic inventory allocation for product platform strategy
Authors: Kristianto Yohanes , Helo Petri , Takala Josu 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper focuses on decision making related to the use of strategic inventory allocation in product platform design. The purpose of the paper is to present a novel approach to managing product variety by considering product and manufacturing strategy, and considering the supply chain benefits.Design/methodology/approachDiscrete event simulation is used for analyzing product platform performance in terms of inventory level and throughput. Simulation parameters such as lead times and safety stock allocation are optimized by using an analytical model of strategic safety stock allocation.FindingsThe results show that strategic safety stock allocation supports product platform strategy by increasing production output, and reducing inventory level and customer order queues at a higher level of product variety.Research limitations/implicationsLinking the safety stock allocation and product platform strategy facilitates simultaneous product and process design by providing the most optimum platform strategy at minimum safety stock allocation.Practical implicationsStrategic safety stock allocation facilitates decision making with regard to lean strategy by reducing inventory level, agile strategy by increasing the amount of product variety and outputs, and responsiveness by reducing the number of customer order queues.Originality/valueThe paper presents an innovative customer order decoupling point decision.
An integrated risk management system (IRMS) for PPP projects
Authors: Fischer Katrin , Leidel Katja , Riemann Alexander , Wilhelm Alfen Hans 
Published: November 2010

PurposeLarge infrastructure projects involve many different stakeholders. Risk allocation is negotiated between the public sector and the special purpose vehicle (SPV)/consortium. Moreover, risk allocation is negotiated between the shareholders of the SPV and between the SPV and its contractors, financiers/lenders and insuring companies. Since the individual understanding of risks associated with the project differs amongst the contract partners, negotiation is often very time consuming and may not lead to the best possible outcome. The variability of risk management approaches and a lack of coherent practices often prove to be problematic. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe study has been conducted using a questionnaire and expert interviews to identify the current state of public‐private partnership (PPP) risk management. As a result, a process model for risk management for each stakeholder has been developed.FindingsBy developing an integrated risk management system (IRMS), it is possible to meet particular project requirements, such as reducing complexity, establishing risk awareness, covering the different perspectives of the parties involved, building on a common understanding regarding the nature of risks and opportunities providing step‐by‐step contingency instructions, and enhancing the available information.Originality/valueThe provision of an IRMS in PPP will induce transparency by utilizing better sources of data and information distribution. Moreover, the application of sophisticated risk management techniques will enhance the capabilities and accuracy of the decision‐making processes. As a result, credibility and a common understanding of key data, ratios and reports for all contract partners is achieved.
Intellectual capital and the capital market: a review and synthesis
Authors: Abhayawansa Subhash , Guthrie James 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review and synthesise current knowledge on the importance of intellectual capital (IC) information to the capital market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is by way of literature review. It reviews the empirical research literature from different methodological strands and synthesises the findings to provide evidence on the impact/importance/usefulness of IC from a capital markets perspective.FindingsImportance of IC information has been examined using various research methods including capital markets research, questionnaire surveys, face‐to‐face interviews, experimentations, verbal protocol analysis and content analysis of analyst reports. These studies provide evidence on the usefulness/importance of many types of IC information. Also, evidence from IC disclosure studies on initial public offering prospectuses sheds light on perceived importance of types of IC information to the capital market. However, there is a scope for more research to refine the current understanding of the importance of IC to the capital market.Practical implicationsBy reviewing and synthesising the literature, this paper provides an important source of reference for future researchers and policy makers who wish to formulate guidelines for IC reporting to better meet the information needs of capital market actors. It also highlights future research directions.Originality/valueThis is the first‐published literature review on the importance of IC that provides a comprehensive review of studies adopting various research methods. Prior reviews have been limited to value‐relevance and/or predictive ability studies.
Organizational development and transformational learning approaches in process innovations
Authors: Sisaye Seleshi , Birnberg Jacob G. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply the organizational learning framework to the management accounting literature to better understand why management accounting innovations succeed or fail in organizations.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework integrating diffusion and organization learning theories is developed. Diffusion theory is used to describe the process whereby the innovation is implemented. Argyris' and Argyris and Schon's theory of organizational learning is used to describe the type of learning – single loop or double loop – required by the innovation. Finally, the works of Attewell, and of Schulz relating to organizational learning, and of Rogers and of Sandberg relating to adoption and diffusion theories, were utilized to identify and understand the potential pitfalls faced by managements implementing an accounting innovation.FindingsThe paper advances the notion that an organization's approach to learning and innovation should be of interest to management accounting researchers. The single‐loop (incremental/organizational development (OD)) and the double‐loop (radical/organizational transformation (OT)) learning influences the adoption (stage one) and diffusion (stage two) strategies that are appropriate for the design and implementation of management accounting innovations.Originality/valueThe paper makes an important contribution to the behavioral accounting literature by integrating sociological diffusion and organizational learning behavior literatures and relating them to management accounting research.
Audit quality attributes, client size and cost of equity capital
Authors: Fernando Guy D. , Abdel‐Meguid Ahmed M. , Elder Randal J. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of certain audit quality attributes, namely auditor size, auditor industry specialization and auditor tenure on a client firm's cost of equity capital.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses empirical data to construct a measure of ex ante cost of equity capital for each firm and year using analyst forecasts. Independent audit quality measures used are auditor size, auditor industry specialization and auditor tenure. Firm cost of equity capital is regressed against the three independent variables and appropriate control variables.FindingsThe paper finds that auditor size (auditor is a member of the BigX), auditor industry specialization and auditor tenure are negatively associated with the client firm's cost of equity capital. However, the paper finds that this effect is limited only to small client firms, potentially reflecting the poor information environment associated with such firms.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the importance of audit quality attributes in determining the firm's cost of capital. It also highlights ways in which firms (especially small firms) can reduce the cost of equity capital by improving their information environment through the judicious selection of auditors.Originality/valueThis is believed to be the first paper to examine whether the effects of three audit quality attributes (auditor size, auditor industry specialization and auditor tenure) on a firm's cost of capital are dependent on the client's size. The paper empirically shows that such effects are more pronounced for smaller clients.
Do external sources generate greater investor awareness that can affect a firm's value and cost of capital?
Authors: Clemons Roy 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether focused attention on a firm by an external organization, group, or influential analyst generates greater investor awareness that can affect a firm's value and cost of capital. This study is motivated by contemporary research that provides support for the hypothesis that investors have limited attention. Prior studies have focused on how investors' limited attention has influenced their analysis of firm‐specific financial data. The studies have shown that investors may have limited attention and hence pay more attention to the more salient financial statement items. This paper extends this stream of research by empirically testing to determine if external sources attract investors' limited attention to a firm.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the published monthly Center for Financial Research and Analysis (CFRA) research reports from 1998 through 2004 that identify firms experiencing operational problems and/or using unusual or aggressive accounting practices. To provide evidence that information appearing in CFRA research reports has not already been impounded into a firm's stock price prior to the publication of the CFRA research report, the paper tests for abnormal returns around the publication of the CFRA research reports. Second, to provide evidence that the firms' cost of capital decreases after the publication date of the CFRA research reports, the paper tests for a decrease in the bid‐ask spreads after firms appear on the CFRA research reports.FindingsSupport was found for the hypothesis that firms experience a significant decline in their market value in the days surrounding their appearance on the CFRA research reports. For a sample of 892 firms, the cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) for a two‐day window around a firm's appearance on a CFRA research report is −1.89 percent, and the CARs for a seven‐day window around a firm's appearance on a CFRA research report is −3.50 percent.Originality/valueThe paper's findings suggest that the information from the fundamental analysis conducted by the Center for Financial Research and Analysis has not already been impounded into a firm's stock price before its appearance on a CFRA research report. Although the paper found a decrease in the mean difference in the bid‐ask spread change, it cannot provide statistically significant support for the hypothesis that a firm's cost of capital decreases after appearing on a CFRA research report.
The implications of retained and distributed earnings for future profitability and stock returns
Authors: Papanastasopoulos Georgios , Thomakos Dimitrios , Wang Tao 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the informational content of retained and distributed earnings for future profitability and stock returns.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes firm‐level cross‐sectional persistent regressions, Mishkin's econometric framework and portfolio‐level analysis.FindingsThe paper shows that investors act as if the components of retained earnings (current operating accruals, non‐current operating accruals and retained cash flows) have similar implications for future profitability, leading to an overvaluation of their differential persistence. It also appears that while they cannot distinguish between the distinct properties of distributed earnings, they correctly anticipate the persistence of net cash distributions to debt holders (net debt repayment) but underestimate the persistence of net cash distributions to equity holders (dividends minus net stock issues). Overall, the findings of the paper suggest that the accrual anomaly documented in the accounting literature and the anomaly on net stock issues documented in the finance literature could be a subset of a larger anomaly on retained earnings.Originality/valueThe paper enhances one's understanding of the conflicting market's reaction to the accrual and cash flow component of earnings.