bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evaluation of the Canadian BAX contract in managing short‐term interest rate exposure
Authors: Siam John J. , Khalid Nainar S.M. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to document stylized features and market behaviour of the Canadian Bankers' Acceptance Futures (BAX) contract; and outlook for the BAX contract as the dominant instrument to manage Canadian short‐term interest rate exposure.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts GARCH methodology to model the time‐varying nature of the volatility of prices in the context of hedging and presents a time‐varying estimation of the hedge ratios between the BAX contract and major Canadian money market instruments.FindingsThe key finding is that the growth of the BAX Market hinges on the further development of the Canadian money market and its appeal to the international investor.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the suitability of the BAX contract as a tool in managing Canadian short‐term interest rate exposure for both domestic and international investors.
A study on how public policies affect legitimacy in virtual communities
Authors: Hercheui Magda David 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how public policies may influence the way members of virtual communities linked with social movements perceive the legitimacy of their leaders and governance structures.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on qualitative research (in‐depth interviews) with three Brazilian environmental education virtual communities. It adopts an interpretive approach, grounding the analysis in institutional theory.FindingsThe paper shows that a public policy of funding the studied communities has reinforced the legitimacy of some leaders and legitimated more centralised decision‐making structures. The influence of the funding has endured even after the end of the respective contracts.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the paper is limited to three virtual communities in a very specific context, its conclusions may inform other studies on the institutional instruments (sanctions mechanisms) governments may appropriate to influence the virtual interactions among members of social movements and civil society organisations and which impact their offline interactions as well.Practical implicationsThe paper calls attention to the need to discuss public policies with stakeholders, especially to permit social movements and civil society organisations to have a say in policies that may affect their social structures.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to understanding how public policies impact interactions in virtual environments and in a broader sense, and the relevance of considering the influence of institutions in online interactions.
Free and Open Source Software in developing contexts
Authors: Miscione Gianluca , Johnston Kevin 
Published: February 2010

PurposeOriginating in the USA and Northern Europe, Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) found on the internet its fertile environment. In more recent years, FOSS is becoming an increasingly important element in strategies for development and implementation of information and communication technologies also in developing countries. Mainstream research on FOSS has catered to the underlying principles or freedom, open organizational forms, and on its economical aspects. The purpose of this paper is to shed new light on the actual consequences of FOSS, often left in the background.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines where FOSS principles' assumptions are likely to be more evident: in contexts of developing countries, which are geographically and organizationally far from the original environment of FOSS. A mixed methodology characterizes this work: quantitative and qualitative methods bring readers' attention to unusual empirical settings and downplayed organizational processes of information technology (IT) implementation and adoption.FindingsThe consequences of FOSS on IT implementation and actual use are ambivalent. It is argued that FOSS adoption does not happen spontaneously, neither by decree, and that the relevance of open technologies as public goods remains in the different role of local actual technical and organizational capabilities, and environment conditions.Originality/valueSuch a focus complements existing studies on the economical relevance of FOSS, which are not the focus of this paper.
A human environmentalist approach to diffusion in ICT policies
Authors: Weilbach Lizette , Byrne Elaine 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThrough an evaluation of the information technology (IT) adoption and diffusion models and the free and/or open source policy of the South African Government, the underlying assumption is that the developmental divide between those with and those without access to technology is purely technical. This paper aims to illustrate that if Free and/or Open Source Software is to be used as a building block to bridge the “digital divide” a more social and environmental perspective, which embraces the philosophy behind the software, needs to complement the technical perspective. The human environmental model is presented as a useful alternative which, if embraced, can inform more holistic information and communication technology (ICT) policies.Design/methodology/approachThrough a review of diffusion of innovations models an alternative diffusion framework is described and applied to an interpretive open source case study in South Africa.FindingsContemporary diffusion and innovation models are narrowly focused on IT as a purely technological linear phenomenon. This perspective also underlies many ICT policies. A more socio‐technical adoption model can assist in providing a more holistic approach to ICT policy development.Originality/valueThe application of a new innovation model, the human environmental model, to ICT policy provides a holistic framework in which the complexity of the innovation process can be reflected in policy. Such an approach to ICT policy formulation will assist with broadening the perspective of policy makers from IT as a technical solution to IT as part of a socio‐technical solution and recognise the duality of the innovation process.
The concept of modularity: diffusion from manufacturing to service production
Authors: Bask Anu , Lipponen Mervi , Rajahonka Mervi , Tinnilä Markku 
Published: February 2010

PurposeModules and modularity have been popular concepts in operations research and management rhetoric for decades. Nevertheless, it seems that there is no single universal definition of modularity for classical research themes such as modularity in physical products or modular manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to describe the current state of modularity research and to clarify the concept and impacts of modularity by means of a literature review. The paper discusses whether the modularity concept originally developed in the context of physical products could be applied in the context of product‐related services.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors use a methodology called systematic integrative literature review to describe the current state of modularity research and to define – based on the findings of the review – the themes that are most commonly related to the modularity concept. As service modularity research is a relatively new topic, the authors look for definitions and themes related to modularity from other areas of modularity research.FindingsThe paper presents four key themes and definitions associated with modularity in different perspectives. To illustrate how modularity can be comprehended in the service context, the paper presents examples related to logistics services.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of an integrative literature review has its limitations and a more thorough review of service literature is needed for more in‐depth understanding of how modularity is actually manifested and conceptualized in the service context. In the future, in‐depth interviews of service providers will be needed for a more thorough understanding of whether the modularity approach can be used in services today and in the future and if so, how it can be applied in practice.Practical implicationsThe findings may be useful particularly for manufacturers and logistics service providers in improving their service offerings and processes.Originality/valueThere is growing interest in issues related to modularity. The paper discusses the key themes related to modularity in the contexts of product, production and processes, organization and supply chain, and service. In addition, the paper illustrates some practical implications for modularity, particularly in the logistics services context.
Demand‐supply chain representation
Authors: Holmström Jan , Ala‐Risku Timo , Auramo Jaana , Collin Jari , Eloranta Eero , Salminen Antti 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose demand‐supply chain representation as a tool to support economic organizing between original equipment manufacturers going downstream and customers considering how to better outsource maintenance and asset management.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a presentation of a representation tool using a design theory template.FindingsThe concept of demand visibility point and requirements penetration point can be used to describe different ways of economic organizing as interaction between demand and supply. The proposed representation scheme supports the identification of visibility‐based changes in economic organization, such as vendor‐managed inventory and reliability‐based maintenance services.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is conceptual and requires further empirical work.Practical implicationsThe representation tool can be used both by practitioners engaged in outsourcing maintenance and practitioners involved in the development of industrial service offerings.Originality/valueThe paper introduces demand‐supply chain representation to development of industrial service offerings and outsourcing of maintenance activities.
Implementation of Lean‐Kaizen in the human resource service process
Authors: Suárez‐Barraza Manuel F. , Ramis‐Pujol Juan 
Published: February 2010

PurposeOver the last decade, some Mexican public organisations have begun to enter into a dynamic in which issues such as service quality, ongoing improvement, and internal and external customer orientation are becoming essential to their day‐to‐day management. The purpose of this paper is to present a successful example of how Lean‐Kaizen is implemented in the human resource service process of a Mexican public service organisation.Design/methodology/approachThe research method adopted is the case study. Research is carried out in a Mexican public service organisation, and adopts a retrospective focus. Four methods are used to gather data: direct observation; participative observation; documentary analysis; and semi‐structured interviews.FindingsThe Lean‐Kaizen approach helps this public service organisation to improve cycle times in the human resource selection and hiring process. Various enablers and inhibitors are also identified during implementation.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is based on a single case study. However, rather than seeking empirical generalisation, it tries to examine how the Lean‐Kaizen approach can be successfully implemented in a service process.Practical implicationsThe research is effectively a guide for practitioners (public managers) wishing to apply or already applying Lean‐Kaizen in their service processes.Originality/valueA review of academic and practitioner literature on the subject indicated that implementation of the Lean‐Kaizen approach has hardly begun to be explored. It is also significant that in Mexico and Latin America, examples of the transfer and implementation of this kind of approach are practically non‐existent in academic literature on the subject.
Transferring Lean into government
Authors: Radnor Zoe 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper evaluates the transfer of a Lean approach developed by a global manufacturing and logistics company into a large UK Government department. The purpose of this paper is to examine which tools and techniques are transferred and implemented into the government department together with their impact as viewed by the staff within the department in order to bring about both technical and culture change.Design/methodology/approachThe research takes a case study approach based visiting ten sites within one organisation interviewing over 250 people throughout the organisation.FindingsThis paper reflects on the introduction or transfer of a Lean approach into a large government department in order to understand which tools are relevant and have had an impact. The findings indicate that the tools mostly focused on the principle of Lean related to reduction of waste and that some of the concepts such as standard work may not be appropriate for public services. On reflecting on the findings, the paper presents two frameworks – one for clarifying the purpose of the tools in terms of assessment, improvement and monitoring and another, the House of Lean, as a framework for not only for the tools but also the factors to support the implementation of the tools.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to one organisation one approach to Lean. However, the size of the organisation and the establishment of the approach mean that the limitations are small with the findings – particularly the development of the frameworks relevant to the majority of public service organisations.Originality/valueTo date the development and implementation of business improvement methodologies such as Lean are still under researched within public services. The majority of papers to date focus on presenting case studies of what happened. This paper attempts to go beyond that in order to present framework to help in understanding, developing and challenging the concept of Lean in public services.
Work‐related attitudes of employees in the emerging ITES‐BPO sector of Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Kumara Saman 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore work‐related attitudes of information technology (IT) enabled business process outsourcing (ITES‐BPO) employees.Design/methodology/approachThere are 25 firms operating in Sri Lanka that fall into the category of ITES‐BPO; a random sample of 117 employees from these 25 firms responded to the survey.FindingsThe findings suggest that tenure has a significant effect on task autonomy and marital status has a significant effect on working hours.Originality/valueA research exploring work‐related attitudes of ITES‐BPO employees towards their work and work environment, in a South Asian country that is considered as active and promising destination for such services, could provide practitioners with key information that could enable them to make informed managerial decisions.
Achieving client‐supplier alignment through management control paths
Authors: Silva‐Domingo Luis , Canet‐Giner Teresa 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe client‐supplier alignment problem is receiving growing attention in related literature and important contributions have been made for our understanding of the phenomenon. However, recent works agree on the fact that an integrative view of the problem is still lacking and consequently, a practical model is lacking also. The purpose of this paper is to present a new management control perspective that may help to improve understanding of the phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachFrom a review of the previous literature, the paper evolves into the conceptual development of a new model.FindingsThe paper argues that previous literature shows important limitations. First, its models try to find the best archetypes when evidence shows that no pure archetype can be found. Second, it has neglected the performance problem. Third, the suggested specific control mechanisms have been limited to the appropriation problem. In order to make a contribution, this paper presents an innovative and complete view of the client‐supplier alignment problem from a management control perspective that evolves into an integrative model which introduces the concepts of central misfit and management control paths.Originality/valueThe paper makes a contribution to the outsourcing literature by exposing previous biases and proposing an innovative view of the client‐supplier alignment problem. Moreover, the paper proposes a new model for the design of management control systems in order to improve performance. These contributions, although theoretical, could have a great practical impact as they could lead to a prescriptive model, useful for practitioners.
Role of logistics outsourcing on supply chain strategy and management
Authors: Hilletofth Per , Hilmola Olli‐Pekka 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of logistics outsourcing in Northern Europe through survey research. Research work intends to shed more light on logistics outsourcing with other than case‐based company examples.Design/methodology/approachSurvey was completed during late 2007 and early 2008 in Finland and Sweden for the largest companies in industrial and service sectors. Altogether 34 answers were received, and they were gained mostly from industrial and trading companies.FindingsThe research results show that warehousing, IT, and customs brokerage outsourcing could have impact on some managerial and strategic aspects of supply chains (SC). Thus, none of the identified difference areas was found to be statistically significant. Potential impact areas of SC strategy and management are integrated IT systems of manufacturing and logistics, reverse logistics procedures, and re‐engineering of logistics processes. However, research shows that in‐house produced IT function, and potentially outsourced warehousing, have important roles in more international purchasing.Research limitations/implicationsAltogether, the amount of responses in the survey was relatively low, but treating Finnish and Swedish companies as one group gives us some opportunity for statistical analysis. This grouping might be one limiting factors of our study, and especially in its generalization power; however, our earlier analysis with the data shows that these countries operate in a rather similar interest area. Another limiting factor of our research findings is the difference in respondent profiles – operating principles of logistics and trade companies are different as compared to manufacturing.Practical implicationsResearch shows that IT is potentially having an important role in both, international purchasing emphasis as well as on warehousing outsourcing activities. Contrary to the common view, this research gives some indication that in‐house IT is valuable, and more integrated applications are needed for example, when warehousing is being outsourced.Originality/valueThis is one of the seminal research works regarding North European outsourcing practices, and their affects on SC strategies and management. Both of the countries have an advanced industrial sector, which gives perspective for the readers world wide.
The next step for the CEO
Authors: Willcocks Leslie 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to distill research findings that will influence CEO and top team behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on case study research into 650 plus organisations and their outsourcing arrangements in Europe, Asia Pacific and USA.FindingsCEOs have five reasons for ensuring IT‐based services outsourcing is included in their strategy discussions. IT outsourcing impacts upon a firm's market value. The sheer size of outsourcing expenditure merits senior management attention. Getting outsourcing wrong can seriously damage corporate health. At the same time, the evidence shows examples of outsourcing playing a strategic role for many businesses, and only the CEO has the real bargaining power to make outsourcing deliver this strategic dividend.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was carried out by the LSE's Outsourcing Unit and uses in‐depth longitudinal case studies to identify outsourcing practices that work, in terms of achieving superior business results.Practical implicationsThe paper spells out the reasons why CEO and top teams should be engaged in their outsourcing decision making and management.Originality/valueThe paper establishes well researched grounds for why CEOs and top teams need to act differently if more effective outsourcing is to be achieved.
ISO 9001:2000 implementation in the Greek food sector
Authors: Fotopoulos Christos V. , Psomas Evangelos L. , Vouzas Fotis K. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of the implementation of the ISO 9001:2000 standard in the food sector in Greece.Design/methodology/approachResearch was conducted in 97 Greek food companies certified to ISO 9001:2000, using the questionnaire method and aimed at examining the reasons for certification, the difficulties in implementing the standard, the benefits of certification and their relationships. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was applied to define the main constructs of reasons‐benefits‐difficulties and to explore their relationships.FindingsResults showed that the major reasons for certification, unlike benefits, concern firstly the internal business environment and then the external one and no particular difficulties were observed during the standard implementation. Achieving internal (external) benefits is positively affected by the existence of internal (external) reasons and negatively affected by the difficulties to meet the standard's requirements.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is based on subjective data that refer to a short ISO 9001:2000 certification period. A more thorough research on food companies that have been certified for a long period using data coming from their internal environment, such as executives, managers, employees, would offer more information about ISO 9001:2000 and would reveal its impact on business performance.Practical implicationsThe results of the study will be of great use to food companies that have not been certified yet, particularly in light of the new challenge they face with the ISO 22000 standard.Originality valueThe present study is exclusively focused on companies in the Greek food sector in order to draw information about the revised ISO 9001:2000 standard.