bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing brand preference through corporate social responsibility initiatives in the Thai banking sector
Authors: Chomvilailuk Rojanasak , Butcher Ken 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of three corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on brand preference in the Thai banking sector.Design/methodology/approachA 2 × 2 × 2 between subject experimental design was used to test the hypotheses in a bank setting. Three CSR initiatives were tested against a predictor variable of perceived brand quality and moderated by age, CSR predisposition and cultural values. The CSR initiatives comprised commitment to CSR; type of CSR programme; and transparency. Written vignettes disguised as press releases by the bank were used as stimulus materials and a survey completed by 219 consumers in Thailand.FindingsOverall, all three CSR initiatives had a modest but significant effect on brand preference. The level of influence varied according to age, CSR predisposition and cultural values. While older customers placed more emphasis on perceived brand quality overall it was also found that the type of CSR programme could significantly affect brand preference. In those groups high on the cultural value of individualism, commitment to CSR was found to be a strong contributor to brand preference. Similarly in those groups with a high power distance, brand preference was more influenced by CSR initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsWhile CSR initiatives make modest improvements to brand preference overall, more substantial impacts occur under situational conditions. Discovering and exploiting such situations is critical to any firm making substantial investments in CSR.Practical implicationsThe differential impact of CSR initiatives on brand preference highlights the importance of carefully targeting stakeholders to optimise CSR investments. Communication strategies need to ensure that the appropriate message is designed for particular audiences.Originality/valueA specific dependent variable of brand preference is used in this study, together with three specific CSR initiatives and three moderating influences. In addition, perceived brand quality is utilised as a benchmark variable to test the strength of CSR initiatives.
Reflections on civil culpability and accountability in the destabilization of financial institutions
Authors: Serio Mario 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to try and trace a new itinerary in the matter of the destabilization of financial institutions, i.e. the identification of a catalogue of measures that private law can offer in order to make sure that all unlawful initiatives resulting in the loss of credibility of financial markets and prejudice to the public at large do not escape the imposition of all possible liabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe matter here applied consists of the recourse to a number of experiences deriving from European legal systems that have tackled the phenomenon of unlawful attacks on the integrity of the financial markets through individual or organized acts. This comparative approach also benefits from the scrutiny of both legislation and judicial decisions: the latter are also looked at from the perspective of legal authors.FindingsThe most striking result of the research is that the instruments provided for by the private law remedies seem to be very efficient in the contrast of unlawful practices adversely affecting financial markets: the new spirit emerging from this survey is that it is imperative to set aside all contracts and agreements aimed at creating illicit ways to make profits and hide their origins.Practical implicationsThe practical implication should be to encourage all institutions with the task of checking the good functioning of financial markets to avail themselves of the tools here described to stabilize markets and deprive illegal contracts of their ill effects: it would be most desirable if such an approach were to be taken.Originality/valueThe novelty lies in the new approach described above (practical implications).
From white‐collar crime to red‐collar crime
Authors: Brody Richard G. , Kiehl Kent A. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of violence with respect to white‐collar criminals.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is conceptual, focusing on the historical underpinnings of white‐collar crime and reviewing the evolution of white‐collar criminals.FindingsFindings suggest that white‐collar criminals do display violent tendencies and, contrary to popular belief, can become dangerous individuals.Practical implicationsThe paper represents an extremely useful and practical source for fraud examiners and other white‐collar crime investigators. Raising the awareness of investigators dealing with white‐collar criminals may prevent them from becoming victims of a violent act.Originality/valueThe paper fulfills a need to highlight a dangerous trend with white‐collar criminals in that they may be driven to violence against those involved in investigating their crimes.
Development of MBA with specialisation in sustainable development
Authors: Amran Azlan , Nabiha Abdul Khalid Siti , Abdul Razak Dzulkifli , Haron Hasnah 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share the experience of the Graduate School of Business at Univeristi Sains Malaysia (USM) in developing the new MBA programme, specialising in sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the urgency for a source of education for sustainable development, particularly in the Malaysian business context. The justifications and rationale for incorporating sustainability issues in postgraduate business education is also described in this paper. Additionally, the process involved in developing the programme is also explained.FindingsThis is the first programme of its kind in Malaysia. USM, which aims to be a sustainability led university, has introduced many significant changes. One of the significant initiatives is to develop an MBA programme that specialises in sustainable development. This programme aims to be the catalyst for changes to sustainability from the business context. The whole process appeared to gain support from the University community with less bureaucratic challenges than were anticipated.Practical implicationsThis paper provides various examples and ideas for others on how to promote sustainable development for the business community, with a focus on the contribution that can be made by a University.Originality/valueThis is the first effort contribution to the education for sustainable development for business in a less developed country.
Analysis of labour productivity of formwork operations in building construction
Authors: Moselhi Osama , Khan Zafar 
Published: July 2010

PurposeLabour productivity plays an important role in the successful delivery of engineering, procurement and construction projects. This paper aims to present a field study that determines the effects of a set of variables on daily and/or short‐term jobsite labour productivity, using artificial neural network model.Design/methodology/approachThe data used in this paper were collected over a period of ten months, directly from the job sites of two building construction projects in Montreal. A neural network model was used to study a number of factors considered to impact labour productivity on daily basis. These included temperature, relative‐humidity, wind speed, precipitation, gang size, crew composition, height of work, type of work and construction method employed. The data were then analyzed to determine the influence of these parameters on site labour productivity.FindingsAmong the nine parameters studied, temperature was found to have the most significant impact on productivity, closely followed by the height then by the type of work. Given the range of the collected data available on the variables considered, temperature, humidity and crew composition were found each to have a similar trend, with an optimum value that corresponds to the normalized maximum productivity.Originality/valueThe findings of this paper will provide awareness and better understanding of parameters that impact labour productivity in building construction.
Contractor selection innovation: examination of two decades' published research
Authors: Holt Gary 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe “problem” of selecting a contractor has attracted significant academic research endeavour over the last two decades. The principal aim here is to examine that research via published academic outputs for the period circa 1990‐2009.Design/methodology/approachA sample of published contractor selection (CSn) research is critically appraised. Aspects highlighted include: stated aims and research justification; methodological approaches employed; research tools used; and products of CSn research.FindingsMain research foci are observed as: modelling the CSn process; studying selection criteria; and “interrogation” of existing CSn systems. Foci justifiers are linked mainly to the “importance” and “difficulties” of CSn decision making. Deterministic modelling of CSn is the favoured methodological approach, followed by documentary synthesis then questionnaire surveys. Preferred research tools are found to be system interrogation, rank order analysis and Likert scale/importance indices, with hypothesis testing and “other” methods used less so. Almost two‐thirds of research products are CSn models, with derived or proffered processes, and knowledge relating to CSn criteria, between them representing approximately the remaining third of output.Research limitations/implicationsIt is suggested that many of the CSn models exhibit as much complexity as the original “problem” they sought to resolve, while the reliability and longevity of suggested “cocktails” of CSn criteria (in practice), might be questioned. A call for future research products to more closely consider end‐user impact and potential for “take‐up” by industry is made. An empirical follow‐on study to assess (inter alia) practitioner use and “value” of CSn research is proposed.Practical implicationsThe paper signals a possible need for greater industrial engagement in the research domain.Originality/valueThe findings are novel to this paper.
The marketing/entrepreneurship interface: a report on the “Charleston Summit”
Authors: Hansen David J. , Eggers Fabian 
Published: July 2010

PurposeA group of researchers met in Charleston, South Carolina, USA to discuss the past and future of the marketing/entrepreneurship interface. The purpose of this paper is to summarize main discussions from the three‐day summit.Design/methodology/approachRoughly 16 hours of presentations and discussions were digitally recorded. The lead author reviewed the recordings making copious notes, which were organized into 17 themes for further analysis. Future research directions based on discussion around the most poignant themes are reported.FindingsThe paper presents nine categories of discussions around the interface including: the four research perspectives; “the future is in the past;” marketing; entrepreneurship; small business marketing; entrepreneurial marketing; practical significance; context of research; and modeling.Research limitations/implicationsThroughout the nine sections, this paper highlights considerations for future research. It suggests that scholars conducting research at the interface consider the theoretical perspective of their research to improve collective theory building and better positioning. It suggests that scholars also consider the firm and industry context of their empirical research. Finally, it suggests a number of research questions.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that during the research design phase, scholars make efforts to consider the practical significance that will result from their research. In particular, they should consider that research in start‐ups (all businesses start somewhere) and small businesses (the vast majority of all enterprises) can have widespread impacts.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique approach to conceptually organizing marketing/entrepreneurship interface research and provides an abundant source of ideas for future research.
Entrepreneurial burnout: exploring antecedents, dimensions and outcomes
Authors: Shepherd C. David , Marchisio Gaia , Morrish Sussie C. , Deacon Jonathan H. , Miles Morgan P. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conceptually and empirically explore the antecedents and consequences of entrepreneurial burnout – that is burnout related to the process of discovery or creation of attractive economic opportunities, the assessment of these opportunities, and the decision on the exploitation of opportunities.Design/methodology/approachThis study is a survey of entrepreneurs in New Zealand who were alumni of a university sponsored executive development course for owner‐managers of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises.FindingsIt is found that role stress is positively related to burnout and that burnout has a negative impact on organizational commitment, organizational satisfaction, and relative perceived firm performance. In addition, implications for entrepreneurs are offered with the objective of providing suggestions to mediate the negative consequences of entrepreneurial burnout.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is limited by culture – the sample was drawn from New Zealand entrepreneurs; survivor bias – only successful owner‐managers who self‐selected for executive education were in the sampling frame; and the limits of the metrics. The first additional questions would be how widespread is the problem, and how does that vary by type of entrepreneurial endeavor? The secondary research priority concerns the antecedents of burnout in the entrepreneurial context.Practical implicationsEntrepreneurial burnout may have significant social and economic costs that can be minimized with proper treatment and prevention.Originality/valueBurnout has not been extensively explored in the context of entrepreneurs.
Suitability of life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) as asset management tools for institutional buildings
Authors: Shankar Kshirsagar Anurag , El‐Gafy Mohamed A. , Sami Abdelhamid Tariq 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy of life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for institutional (higher education) buildings as a predictor of actual realised facility costs.Design/methodology/approachResearch methodology includes a comprehensive literature review to identify issues, best practices and implementation of LCCA in the construction industry. A case study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of LCCA in predicting facility costs.FindingsNotwithstanding the benefits of LCCA, its adoption has been relatively slow for institutional buildings. The case study revealed that the average difference between estimated and actual construction cost is 37 per cent, whereas the average difference between the actual and estimated maintenance cost is 48 per cent. There is an average difference of 85 per cent in the actual and estimated administration cost.Research limitations/implicationsWhile limited to a few buildings, the case study underscores that LCCA methods should not be used for cost predictions of facility performance but rather for comparing total costs of alternative building features and systems, as well as building types. Sensitivity analysis also revealed that the selection of a discount rate would have less impact on recurring costs estimates compared to non‐recurring cost estimates. Facilities managers' involvement in LCCA technique developments and implementations will likely improve its performance during programming phases.Practical implicationsThe value of LCCA procedures is limited as a predictor of actual realised facility costs. Educational institutions can use the methods described in this paper to replicate the study and arrive at their own conclusions regarding the LCCA techniques and their potential use in programming stages.Originality/valueThe paper evaluated the accuracy of LCCA for institutional buildings and the potential of LCCA as an asset management tool for institutional buildings and provided suggestions to improve its adoption in facilities management.
Understanding the service provider perspective towards better service quality in local authorities
Authors: Zahari Wan Yusoff Wan , Ismail Maziah , Shah Ali Azlan 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to provide better understanding of internal customer perspectives, i.e. the employees of local authorities (LAs) as a service provider in Malaysia. The research attempts to identify the contributing and the constraining factors affecting the quality of the services to the public.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a qualitative approach of primary data collection. Data were obtained through semi‐structured interviews and open‐ended question interviews. The study conducted involved service providers and officials from Johor Bahru City Council in the capital of Johor state, Malaysia.FindingsThe paper revealed that substantial measures should be taken to ensure that the service provider is able to provide better service quality in the delivery system. It was also found that before the service providers are able to offer quality services to the public, the service providers have to first overcome the problems they face.Originality/valueThe paper suggests that it is equally important to understand internal customer satisfaction in advance before the authors expect the service providers to offer better service delivery processes to the service receiver's, i.e. external customers in LAs.
The efficacy of principle‐based corporate governance practices and firm financial performance
Authors: Reddy Krishna , Locke Stuart , Scrimgeour Frank 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to address the effect that principle‐based corporate governance practices have on the financial performance of large publicly‐listed companies. In 2004, the New Zealand Securities Commission (NZSC) promulgated nine high level principles and guidelines for all business entities with an aim of improving corporate governance practices and boosting investor confidence in the New Zealand capital market. This event provides a point for empirically testing companies' responses.Design/methodology/approachPanel data for the NZX top 50 companies over the period 1999‐2007 are analysed using ordinary least squares (OLS) and two stage least squares (2SLS) regression techniques to evaluate whether: those firms that were continuously compliant with the NZSC requirements perform better; and the firm performance post‐NZSC recommendations is better than pre‐NZSC recommendations. Tobin's Q, market‐to‐book (MB) and return on assets (ROA) metrics are used as dependent variables..FindingsThe findings indicate that large listed companies have universally adopted the Securities Commission recommendations, establishing subcommittees for audit and remuneration, and having a majority of non‐executive/independent directors on the board which, on average, have seven members. There is support for the view that the NZSC recommendations have had positive influence on firm performance measured by Tobin's Q, MB and ROA. The results show that the presence of a remuneration committee has had a positive influence on firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides empirical support for the corporate governance recommendations made by the NZSC in 2004, giving support to the principle‐based corporate governance practices to be adopted in New Zealand. The sequential testing of each NZSC recommendation provides a comprehensive picture of performance outcomes which has not been achieved in prior research. The interdependency issues are of interest and the correlation between recommendations provides useful insights.Originality/valueThis study offers insights for policy makers interested in adopting principle‐based corporate governance practices within their country. Within New Zealand, public policy developments and stock exchange listing requirements/regulatory issues with associated compliance burdens are better informed as a consequence of the research.
Retail physicality and identity change as innovation strategies: the case of Better Life
Authors: Vel K. Prakash , Dayal Ajay , Eastaugh Dayne 
Published: July 2010

PurposeRetailers, irrespective of their scale of operation, face the tough challenge of standing out from their competition; a major driver to ensure success and progress in the retail industry is differentiation. This paper is a case study based description of how a retail house in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, used retail physicality and identity change as sources of innovation and differentiation and revived its retail operation.Design/methodology/approachA literature review on retailing, retail physicality and identity change is presented to illustrate the challenges faced by retailers and the current trends in retailing. Primary research was conducted by way of in‐depth interviews with Better Life, a retail house of the Al‐Gurg group of companies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to understand the retail strategies employed by Better Life.FindingsRetailers are constantly looking for sources of innovation and differentiation to differentiate themselves from others. This paper shows the role played by retail physicality and identity change as sources of innovation and differentiation and how a retailer has applied them to repositioning its retail identity in the market and revived its operations.Practical implicationsTraditional retail strategies may not provide the necessary competitive advantage needed for survival and progress in competitive markets. Understanding customers, calculated targeting, and focussed positioning using various dimensions are important aspects to be planned by retailers. Among the relevant positioning strategies available, retail physicality and identity change are two prime strategies and drivers, and are hence a source of retail innovation in competitive markets.Originality/valueThe paper provides retailers with a unique perspective to analyse sources of retail innovation taking retail physicality and identity change as innovation strategies. If the strategies are implemented properly they can serve as competitive advantages for retail sustenance and success.
When conflict happens: navigating difficult interactions in senior teams – fostering a culture of constructive engagement
Authors: Robinson Carl 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to identify common ways of dealing with conflict, specifically in C‐level teams, and how to confront them frankly and respectfully.Design/methodology/approachThe author presents his views based on over 30 years' experience as an executive coach.FindingsOne of the most important ingredients for success in any business is to hire smart, confident and assertive people. However, it is impossible to put a bunch of smart, assertive people together without them bumping heads. Nothing creative ever happens in boring, non‐confrontational environments. A lack of overt conflict can be a symptom of apathy. In conflict avoidant or passive aggressive teams, conflict shows up in subversive ways, for example back stabbing, or failing to deliver a commitment on the date to which the requesting executive thought his fellow executives had agreed to deliver.Practical implicationsIt is imperative for senior teams to be able to work well together and confront conflicts that arise. Rare is the person that is consistently comfortable addressing conflict. Some of the most seasoned CEOs often express sentiments such as “I don't know what it is about X, but it just hard talking to him. I know it's going to be a difficult conversation and find myself putting it off.” This article explains how to do so.Originality/valueThis article provides constructive, usable plans of action for confronting conflict in senior teams.