bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managerial lessons on relevance and measurability in R&D project valuation
Authors: Suomala Petri , Kanniainen Juho , Lönnqvist Antti 
Published: March 2012

PurposeComprehensive R&D project valuation calls for internal information on, for example, R&D investments as well as external information such as market projections that relate to the expectations on product's life and revenue cash flows. Given the versatility of information needs, the valuation is generally expected to be challenging during R&D. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the perceived feasibility of R&D project valuation in real‐life organizations and discuss possibilities to increase the relevance of measurement for managing value creation.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on empirical data gathered by a questionnaire targeted at companies representing different industries in Finland. The data are analyzed in terms of company size, R&D intensity and the nature of the development activity (product or service).FindingsThe results describe how the managers responsible for R&D experience the importance and measurability of different elements potentially relevant for the success of a project. It was discovered that things that were considered important were generally perceived as challenging to apply in practice.Practical implicationsThe paper lists several managerial activities for improving R&D evaluation practices. As a managerial contribution, the paper develops a framework for identifying different types of measurement elements.Originality/valueBased on the empirical findings, a number of suggestions are made for improving the measurement of various elements of value. The paper elaborates the potential role of a number of indirect and less obvious aspects in association with R&D project value: the features of developed product's life cycle, created intellectual capital, emerging real options and windows of opportunity.
A contingency approach to performance measurement in service operations
Authors: Jääskeläinen Aki , Laihonen Harri , Lönnqvist Antti , Palvalin Miikka , Sillanpää Virpi , Pekkola Sanna , Ukko Juhani 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the contingency factors affecting performance measurement in the service context. The paper aims to review the literature on performance measurement and synthesize it to a framework that creates a basis for analyzing measurement practices in various kinds of service contexts.Design/methodology/approachIn order to obtain a fresh update to the existing knowledge on the topic, a systematic literature review was carried out. Around 8,000 articles published between 2005 and 2011 were reviewed and as a result 80 papers were chosen for a more detailed examination.FindingsThe paper applies a fresh approach to performance measurement in services, increasing generalizability of case study findings. By analyzing a large set of studies, the study identifies contextual factors that affect performance measurement in service operations. The resulting framework acts as a foundation for further research on performance measurement in services.Practical implicationsThe results of this research can be further refined into more practice‐oriented framework. After further field research and testing, the framework can be linked to practical recommendations in different settings of measurement development.Originality/valueThe measurement of service operations is known to be challenging due to some service‐specific features. Much of the existing research on the topic has been carried out in a specific service industry with a specific measurement need. In order to increase generalizability, there is also a need to carry out cross‐case analysis identifying patterns among individual case studies. This supports the application of lessons learned from a certain specific setting into other fields. There is very limited knowledge on the contingency factors related to measurement system development caused by service context.
Social housing, community empowerment and well‐being: part one – empowerment practice in social housing
Authors: Rosenberg Jonathan 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper gives an account of the development and pioneering management practices of a community‐owned and managed agency, Walterton and Elgin Community Homes (WECH), locating these in the context of continuing concerns and emerging aspirations over the role of social housing, with developing UK national policy and a proposed statutory “Right to Transfer” for tenants.Design/methodology/approachThis report provides a narrative of the recent development of social housing policy development and the evolving practice of WECH. This is the essential historical and social policy background to a recent study into the health and well‐being benefits of empowerment through community ownership of social housing. This first paper refers to and discusses the wider implications of the data collected during the well‐being research and literature review, indicating that the population of the WECH estates experience a sense of belonging, and of being involved, which contrasts markedly with statistics for comparable populations in comparable areas of deprivation. Further analysis of the key findings of the original study will be published in Part two.FindingsThe benefits of more community‐owned services include the more efficient and holistic management of properties. Community‐based, resident‐controlled housing associations offer a secure foundation for building in additional services as part of the continued drive to devolve public services to the local level, including hosting of a substantial range of community services, for example the reintegration of the Police into the community. The principle of community ownership of council estates is also valuable in its own right for informing the direction of housing management and policy and where to target effort. The experience and practice of WECH supports the proposition that community ownership of social housing may be an exceptionally effective means for improving and sustaining wellbeing in poor neighbourhoods.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper argues that Government policy should actively support mass mutualisation as a means for improving wellbeing on council/social housing estates and for empowering poorer communities to take greater responsibility for their welfare. Regardless of the extent of mutualisation, many of the practices involved are transferable to non‐mutual social landlords, and may be seen as markers of good practice for agencies intending to taken on social housing via transfer.Originality/valueThere is continued interest in the transfer of social housing stock to new provider agencies. WECH has been the only large‐scale statutory transfer until now of council housing in England and Wales to a mutual, community‐owned housing association. WECH's experience is especially relevant for evidencing the significant advantages governments could obtain through encouraging many more transfers of council estates to community housing associations.
The value of research to the housing profession
Authors: Brunwin Rick 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe intention of this article is to alert practitioners of the need to engage with research and to appreciate the range and specific roles of organisations undertaking research and the purposes for their findings. The paper seeks to describe the difficulties research findings bring if not used within their limitations, and fully conscious of their motivation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper illustrates the issues through the example of research studies published over several years on homelessness amongst former Services personnel – “veterans”.FindingsThe paper finds that understanding research findings within the context of the original purpose of the commissioner is crucial if managers are to understand the need for changes in practice – in this case working with homeless people with an ex‐military background. With this proviso, housing organisations can use research to evidence the issues they are encountering to a wider audience, notably policy makers and secondary, to establish new directions for Services that are then more accurately designed to meet actual and emerging needs.Practical implicationsThis paper encourages housing organisations, especially those working with people whose needs are partly specific to their cohort, to integrate research into their main business functions, i.e. to underpin their business plan.Originality/valueThis is a rare account to appear in print, tracing the history and drawing conclusions from this particular area of research.
Staff and ex‐service user co‐working: a counselling service's enhanced response to multiple exclusion homelessness
Authors: Conolly John , Ashton Paul 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to describe a novel collaboration between a worker and a former service user in developing two support groups – an art group and an “alcoholics anonymous group” self help group – at a central London “Wet” hostel for the homeless. The paper seeks to explore the issues raised for both workers in this experience.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a jointly written case study of innovative and reflective practice. It begins with an overview of policy frameworks and research that promote and advocate inclusion practice; then gives an account of the origins and development of the collaboration initiative; and concludes with reflections from each of the participants on what they have gained from the experience.FindingsThe main challenge for professionals lies in the need for “self‐reflective” practice and to challenge their own personal investments in the maintenance of their professional role and status. For ex‐service users, the challenge is to overcome low self‐confidence, the safety of the all‐too‐familiar “service user” role, and to realise that, despite real obstacles, a productive, useful contribution can be made to society. This can therefore be seen as a journey for both parties.Social implicationsWorking with multiple exclusion homelessness can leave professionals feeling isolated and deskilled, leading people with complex needs to be further excluded from services that feel that they do not fit their criteria. Tackling these issues requires time for reflection on the personal issues raised.Originality/valueThe paper provides unique learning and insight into the development and running of support groups, resulting from the novel collaboration between a worker and a former service user.
North European companies' relation with Russia and China: future outlook on transport flows
Authors: Laisi Milla , Hilmola Olli‐Pekka , Sutela Mikko 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the changes in Swedish and Finnish companies' traffic flows and evaluate the future prospects.Design/methodology/approachResearch was implemented through web‐based questionnaire. Furthermore, numerous second‐hand sources were used to gain knowledge. Research was conducted in three parts: first research was executed in 2006, second in 2009 and the third was realized in 2010.FindingsThe main findings support previous studies arguing that the traffic between Europe and China will continue to grow in the future. However, contrary to earlier studies, the balance will change from eastbound to westbound traffic. The future prospects to Russian traffic are stated as a slight increase in demand: however, the balance is shifting from eastbound to westbound transport, and it is noted that the transport flows from Russia to Europe might increase in the near future.Research limitations/implicationsEmpirical data were gathered from two North European countries, Sweden and Finland. To follow the development in the market, and in order to make more general conclusions, research should be extended to include other countries. Furthermore, economic downturn's influences on traffic flows and its development could be analyzed in a year's time.Practical implicationsThe research aggregates data from three surveys and evaluates the companies' standpoints. The study results could be used to evaluate the companies' development trends in Finland and Sweden. In addition, the research provides valuable data for the business world, as well as for academia, by adducing the market actors' outlook.Originality/valueThe paper contributes actor‐level data to the subject, which previously has been scrutinized mainly via second‐hand data and literature analyses.
Cruise passengers' satisfaction: Cartagena de Indias
Authors: Gabriel Brida Juan , Garrido Nicolás , Jesús Such Devesa María 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the onshore satisfaction of cruise passengers, in the port of call of Cartagena de Indias.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was given to 1,361 passengers of 28 cruise ships during October and November of 2009, then factor analysis and cluster analysis were employed.FindingsThe results suggest that although visitors held a high overall satisfaction of the onshore experience, there are two dimensions that require the attention of tourist policy makers: the city infrastructure (traffic, noise, cleanliness and infrastructure) and the general shopping experience. In particular, the worst experience seems to be related to street vendors. Moreover, there is evidence that tourists from the USA are more exigent of being fully satisfied.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was only conducted in the months of October and November. Future research can also include the repetition of the study in different seasons to compare results. The study shows that there is a good potential for the growth of tourism activity of the destination because over 52 per cent of the participants declared their intention of return to the city as land tourists and more than 60 per cent will recommend the destination to their friends.Originality/valueThe application of known methodologies to an emergent destination, in which many stakeholders are involved and concerned about cruise tourism evolution and its effects on the destination.
Consumer representation in UK communications policy and regulation
Authors: Tambini Damian 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the role of consumer representation in communications policymaking with a focus on the UK. It aims to review the role of the Communications Consumer Panel and to argue that there is an important role to play for a consumer advocate due to behavioural biases, information overload, and market failure.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on analysis of all relevant reports and documentation published by the Ofcom Consumer Panel, as well as participant observation carried out by the author as a member of the panel. It also analyses switching data to make the case that the communications sector may be unique in terms of the low levels of switching between suppliers.FindingsThe paper finds that there is an ongoing role for a consumer advocate in media and communications and that this body should be independent of government and the regulatory agency.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this research is that it focuses principally on only one sector, though it does reference a literature that covers other sectors, and in a paper of this length full comparison of other sectors would be impossible.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that the communications sector would be well served by its own separate consumer representation body and that this should have close links to, but be independent of, Ofcom.Social implicationsThis paper has relevance to consumer representation in communications regulation and policy in countries beyond the UK. It examines the peculiarity of the communications market and the particular difficulties consumers face in fast moving technically challenging markets.Originality/valueThe paper examines a particularly important sector of consumer representation at a time when policy on a new regulatory structure is being set. It offers the perspective of a researcher who has also been a member of the Consumer panel, and, as such, it provides valuable insight at a crucial time.
A systems framework to telecommunication policy: the Philippine experience, 1989‐2009
Authors: de la Cruz Paragas Fernando 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to present a dialogue‐based systems framework using two cases in the liberalization of Philippine telecoms.Design/methodology/approachThrough a meta‐analysis of government data, academic research and policy studies about Philippine telecoms, the paper presents a holistic view of the role of political, business, and social sectors in policy making and implementation.FindingsThe paper shows how intra‐ and inter‐sector dialogues have resulted in the liberalization and growth of the industry. Conversely, it shows how paucities among such dialogues have had consequences in terms of unutilized capacity and in an oversight about the medium of choice in promoting universal access. Moreover, the paper shows how policy is a product of local traditions and global policy trends.Social implicationsThe paper reinforces calls for states to consider technological innovation and adoption in addressing universal service goals. The Philippines also serves as a case study for other developing states which pursue an agenda of liberalization and deregulation.Originality/valueThe study shows the utility of a proposed dialogue‐based systems framework as a parsimonious solution to the complexity of policy studies.
Transfer of funds in China‐US BIT negotiations: comparing the Articles of Agreement of the IMF
Authors: Liu Qiao , Ren Xiang 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore discrepancies between transfer provisions in the US model BIT, employed as a working text in the ongoing China‐USA BIT negotiations, and relevant Articles of the Agreement of the IMF, to which both China and the USA are signatories, with a view to advising on China's possible strategies for negotiation.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is doctrinal and comparative analysis and treaty interpretation of the US model BIT, the Articles of the Agreement of the IMF, the Chinese model BIT and some earlier versions of these instruments.FindingsA detailed analysis of several major discrepancies between these instruments finds that a differentiated treatment of capital transfers and current transfers is desirable and, in respect of current transfers, a properly formulated “temporary derogation” exception should be adopted.Originality/valueThe paper conducts a unique substantial comparison of two most influential instruments governing transfer of funds in international investments. It reveals the common rationale shared by the transfer provisions under both instruments.
False dichotomies in commercial contract interpretation
Authors: DiMatteo Larry A. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better understand how commercial contracts are interpreted and the level of control that contracting parties have over the judicial interpretation of their contracts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper approaches the subject of commercial contract interpretation through an analysis of four dichotomies debated in legal scholarship and found in judicial decisions. The four dichotomies are formalism versus realism, literalism versus contextualism, facilitation versus regulation, and rules versus standards.FindingsThe main finding of the paper is that both poles of each of the dichotomies play important roles in the interpretation and enforcement of commercial contracts. For example, contract interpretation characterized by a high degree of formalism looks to the four‐corners of the contract for interpretive answers. In turn, some courts make use of external factors – such as distributive justice or public policy concerns in interpreting contracts.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the research implications of the paper is the need for a more in‐depth analysis of how contracting parties may agree on how their contracts are to be interpreted and whether courts should be obligated to enforce party‐mandated rules of interpretation.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of understanding the means and methods of contract interpretation is that it leads to a better understanding of commercial contracts in transborder transactions.Originality/valueThe value of this research lies upon the fundamental premise that the same philosophies and theories of interpretation found in most legal systems are replicated in the area of international commercial contracting.
The right to reject for short delivery and termination
Authors: Thomas Sean 
Published: March 2012

PurposeIf a seller fails to deliver the correct quantity, the buyer may reject the goods in accordance with the Sale of Goods Act 1979, section 30(1). The nature of this right to reject is unclear, and whether breach by short delivery will suffice to terminate the contract is also unclear. The purpose of this paper is to clarify this area of law.Design/methodology/approachThe focus is on the combined case‐law and academic commentary on the topic of short delivery, and the broader issue of termination.FindingsThe paper suggests that breach by short delivery does terminate the contract. It suggests that the right to cure cannot provide an entirely satisfactory response for victims of short delivery. The paper also proposes a reform of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 to take this into account.Research limitations/implicationsThis research mainly focused on the current legal position. Further research on the historical development of the rules on short delivery, which were crystallised in the Sale of Goods Act 1893, will provide valuable insights into this area of law.Practical implicationsThe proposal for reform could have a practical benefit in terms of protecting buyers from the danger of short delivery, by providing them with a more secure remedy than what appears to be currently available.Originality/valueTo the extent of the author's knowledge, this is the first dedicated analysis of short delivery in the literature.
The effectiveness of EU's Generalised System of Preferences
Authors: Zhou Weifeng , Cuyvers Ludo 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe European Union's Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) has existed for over 40 years and it aimed to promote the export growth in the developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the evolution and characteristics of the EU's GSP regime and examine the effectiveness of the EU's GSP in promoting the export growth of ten ASEAN beneficiary countries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyse the trade flows between the EU and ASEAN beneficiary countries under the GSP scheme by referring to trade data (1990‐2007) at the aggregate level, the sectoral level and individual beneficiary country level.FindingsThe authors find that using the EU's GSP to promote the exports growth of the ASEAN countries has very limited effectiveness. Although the total EU imports from the ASEAN countries experienced a significant increase during the period 1990‐2007, the preferential imports under the GSP scheme remained stagnated at the same period. However, the least developed ASEAN members reported very high utilization rates and successfully exploited GSP preferences for pushing up their exports to the European market.Originality/valueThis work provides new evidence on whether the EU's GSP really works and to what extent the EU's GSP enhances the export growth of ASEAN beneficiary countries. The empirical findings may provide trade policymakers with some guidance in making EU trade policy.