bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An investigation of perceptions of company annual report users in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Zoysa Anura , Rudkin Kathy 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a study of how users of company annual reports in the emerging market of Sri Lanka view those reports. Since limited studies exist that examine financial reporting practices in emerging markets, little is known about the user perceptions of company annual reports in these markets. This paper contributes to filling this gap by examining the views of a wide spectrum of users on the usefulness of corporate annual reports in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachThe data reported in this study were collected through a questionnaire survey, covering seven user groups – accountants, executives, bankers, tax officers, academics, financial analysts, and investors. The 264 responses received were analysed using the Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way ANOVA test.FindingsThe results reveal that most use annual reports for obtaining information for share transactions. Despite the long delay in publishing many annual reports and lack of availability of these reports to the general public, the majority of users view annual reports as the most important source of company information. The paper also reveals that, in comparison with developed markets, Sri Lankan users depend more on annual report information than on information provided by stockbrokers, newspapers, and other media reviews.Originality/valueThis paper provides information about the usefulness of annual reports in an emerging market, Sri Lanka. No prior research on this aspect of Sri Lankan companies is reported in the literature.
The role of consumer ethnocentrism in a buy national campaign in a transitioning country
Authors: Saffu Kojo , Walker John H. , Mazurek Marica 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe goal of this paper is to examine the link between consumer ethnocentrism (CE) and the attitudes of two consumer groups to a buy local campaign in a transitioning economy, Slovakia.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 211 non‐students at shopping malls in Banská Bystrica (non‐student group) and from 209 students at the University of Matej Bela, Banská Bystrica (student group) in Slovakia. Ethnocentrism was measured using the consumer ethnocentric tendencies scale (CETSCALE) while attitudinal statements were used to measure the attitudes toward locally made products and a buy local campaign. The attitudinal data were factor analysed and the correlations between the CETSCALE and the attitudinal statements were examined. Summative scales based on the factor analysis results were also developed.FindingsA significant finding of this paper is the role of the government and industry in encouraging Slovakians to buy local. The nonstudent consumers to be less ethnocentric than the student group are found. The attitudinal statements of both groups toward Slovakian products are generally similar.Originality/valueThis research was designed to contribute to the discussion of CE by linking it to attitudes to a buy local campaign in a transitioning country.
The Saturday effect in emerging stock markets: a stochastic dominance approach
Authors: Al‐Khazali Osamah , Zoubi Taisier A. , Koumanakos Evangelos P. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the Saturday effect in three emerging stock markets (Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia) by taking into consideration the thin trading that is normal in such capital markets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies the stochastic dominance (SD) approach, which is not distribution‐dependent and can shed light on the utility and wealth implications of portfolio preferences by exploiting information in higher order moments, to investigate empirically the existence of the Saturday effect in the three Gulf stock markets.FindingsThe findings indicate that the Saturday effect does not manifest itself in the three Gulf stock markets and that the SD results show that the Saturday effect in these markets is not present when raw data are corrected for thin and infrequent trading.Originality/valueThis paper is believed to be the first to use SD approach to examine the Saturday effect.
An approach to promote frequency regulation service in India
Authors: Parida S.K. , Singh S.N. , Srivastava S.C. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeIn India, the frequency regulation (FR) service has been provided by the generators, operating under free governor mode of operation (FGMO), with certain regulatory basis prescribed by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission in Indian Electricity Grid Code. Many short comings lie with the existing FR mechanism. This paper proposes a capacity linked mechanism to promote the FR service.Design/methodology/approachNo compensation is being provided for the capacity reserved for the FR service, nor are the providers encouraged enough to render its full capacity under FGMO. Therefore, a novel remuneration mechanism, considering the capacity reserved for FR service, has been developed to eradicate these cons.FindingsThe effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated on the Northern Regional Electricity Board data of India.Practical implicationsThe implementation of the proposed mechanism can lead to boost up of participation in the FGMO, which helps to maintain the frequency within a narrow operating band.Originality/valueVery few works have investigated the issues regarding the FR service provision in India. Indeed, no work has proposed any mechanism to enhance the effectiveness of the existing FR service provision.
Identification of energy policy priorities from existing energy portfolios using hierarchical decision model and goal programming
Authors: Daim Tugrul U. , Schweinfort Willy , Kayakutlu Gulgun , Third Noah 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThere has not been a technology assessment study conducted that can be found publicly that created the energy policies of France and Germany – which are two nations that represent the vast extremes of national energy mix in Europe. This paper aims to use objective data to reverse generate the energy policy priorities that would yield the current portfolios.Design/methodology/approachA hierarchical decision model was developed and analyzed backward using the goal programming to identify the priorities of criteria in a variety of technology alternatives. The three levels of goals are combined in one discrepancy minimization. Goals are defined in a non‐linear way to determine the values in different levels. Although the goals are given the same priority, the proposed model is used to determine the weight of each criterion and then finds the weight of technical, political/social and economic influences. Discrepancies achieved after having run the goal‐programming model determines the unbalanced policies.FindingsThe paper results in key findings. First is that social/political factors have overwhelmingly low importance. It is also found that this is not completely reflecting the countries' portfolios, suggesting more research must be done to refine and extend the model. Also, experts need to be consulted and areas such as public opinion need to be quantified.Originality/valueThe paper presents a hybrid method to identify the true priorities that lead to the current energy portfolios of France and Germany. Although limited, this approach can be expanded to all Europe.
Demand response by dynamic demand control using frequency linked real‐time prices
Authors: Chanana Saurabh , Kumar Ashwani 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a novel demand response method for real‐time (RT) balancing markets, which relies on dynamic demand control (DDC) based on frequency linked RT prices.Design/methodology/approachA RT balancing market, where the RT price varies inversely with the system frequency, is described. In such a market, producers and consumers can get the RT price, simply by monitoring the frequency deviations themselves. Air conditioning load, the main contributor of summer peaks, is selected for DDC. A physically based model of air conditioner load is taken to simulate the load control. A smart load controller is proposed that changes the thermostat setting with deviations in grid frequency/RT price. Simple examples are simulated to show the load reductions achieved by DDC in a single air conditioner, a group of large number of air conditioners and a RT market consisting of four generation companies and four distribution companies.FindingsThe result of simulation on a single air conditioner shows that significant reduction in energy consumption can be achieved during severe frequency dips in a RT market. The results of simulation in an example of a RT market show that such load control not only results in better frequency control but also lowers the RT price of power.Practical implicationsThe demand control mechanism suggested in this paper can be applied to Indian market setting but its applicability to other markets might be limited due to differing, reliability standards, market rules, and regulatory framework.Originality/valueThis paper finds that DDC by distribution companies based on RT price/frequency signal not only results in a significant benefit to these companies and consumers but also helps the system operator in frequency regulation. By making the demand‐side participate in frequency regulation, such control can potentially facilitate an increase in renewable energy portfolio.
Enterprise risk management in the Middle East oil industry
Authors: Muralidhar K. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to appraise the current status of enterprise risk management (ERM) in the Gulf Co‐operation Council (GCC) oil and gas entities to develop a practical, region‐specific, and systematic action plan for the GCC oil and gas industry that can transform the existing ERM models to a mature and robust framework.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews current relevant literature on Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission ERM Framework; and enterprise wide risk framework within the precincts of the GCC oil and gas industry to identify the knowledge gaps which form the basis for the research questions. The paper then empirically investigates the GCC oil industry through six case studies, encompassing the six countries in the GCC (GCC comprising of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates). The case study has focused by exploring the ERM systemper sethrough comparative case studies to answer the research questions. The research questions and the work have been done from the perspective of the naturalistic (inductive) research paradigm.FindingsThis paper establishes the understanding of the current existing ERM models while identifying the determinants of ERM adoption and the most significant challenges for its implementation. Furthermore, the paper also develops the best practice approach for successful ERM implementation in the GCC oil and gas entities.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a case study has been made precluding the use of other direct methods such as survey questionnaires. The analytical methods used are deductive and discursive in nature, limited to the nature of the methodology of case study used. Rigorous statistical methods could not be applied owing to the limitations of the case study method. The paper explores and compares the industry structure of oil and gas sector in GCC countries, for this purpose, only a few selected entities in the upstream and downstream oil and gas sector are discussed.Practical implicationsAlthough ERM is conceptually straightforward, its implementation in practice is not. Furthermore, ERM is accepted as a contemporary hot topic and also a board room priority in most industries. The present paper steers the way forward for an improved understanding of the ERM system in a strategic industry dealing with a strategic commodity.Originality/valueThere is a need for a proactive ERM program in the oil and gas industry and also a need for additional research especially in terms of its implementation. Nevertheless, an apparent caveat in the ERM system is that there is no standard approach to implementing and entities grapple with how they should go about putting together an ERM program. The findings provide useful and timely analysis of the GCC oil and gas industry from the perspective of implementation of an ERM framework which is contemporaneous business priority item in most entities in the GCC hydrocarbon sector.
Merchant power plants in India: risk analysis using simulation
Authors: Siddhartha Potluri Sriram , Rajan A. Thillai 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the risk‐return profile of merchant power plants (MPPs) as compared to power plants with off‐take agreements in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachInformation from the literature was analyzed to identify major risks associated with MPPs. Literature pertaining to risk analysis of capital investments and simulation technique to analyze risks was studied. Financial models for a power plant with off‐take agreements and that for an MPP were developed and risks have been analyzed by incorporating uncertainties. The risk analysis was performed with the application of stochastic simulations using the Monte Carlo technique.FindingsThe results indicate that risk‐return profile differs significantly for a MPP as compared to a power plant with off‐take agreements. The model indicates that equity internal rate of return (IRR) for MPP ranges between 49.33 and 0.43 per cent with mean IRR values ranging between 28.86 and 13.53 per cent for different scenarios. The mean equity IRR for a comparative power plant with off‐take agreements is 14.83 per cent.Research limitations/implicationsThe project financial models are developed using typical values for the Indian context. The robustness of the results can be improved by considering project‐specific variables in the financial model. Owing to limited availability of past data, power price fluctuation scenarios have been generated based on expert opinion. When additional data on power price become available, these could be incorporated in the simulation analysis.Originality/valueMPP is a new concept for India. There is very little research in this area. This paper makes an attempt to understand the financial risk and return from MPPs in more detail.
Analysis of energy efficiency development in the German and Colombian food industries
Authors: Inés Pardo Martínez Clara 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold. The first is to examine in detail energy efficiency performance of German and Colombian food industries. The second is to explain the factors that have influenced energy efficiency.Design/methodology/approachUsing data at the three‐digit level of aggregation, the paper compares energy efficiency across sectors of the food industry for the period 1998‐2005. Energy efficiency is analysed using the energy intensity (EI) indicator as well as a decomposition analysis. To determine the factors that have influenced energy efficiency performance, the concept of the production function is used.FindingsThe results show that both countries' food industries improved energy efficiency. During the period of study, energy consumption in the German food industry increased by an average of 1.3 per cent per year and the EI decreased 7 per cent, whereas the Colombian food industry decreased its energy consumption by an average of 1.9 per cent per the year and the EI decreased 11 per cent. However, the Colombian food industry needs 2.2 times more energy than the German food industry to produce a unit of gross production. A decomposition analysis indicated that economic and technical factors have played an important role in the energy efficiency performance because increases in economic growth and technology improvements increase the industrial sector's ability to improve energy efficiency. A second‐stage empirical analysis reveals that capital, material, investments and value‐added variables had a positive influence on energy efficiency performance in both countries. Energy prices are shown to have a positive influence on energy efficiency in the German food industry, whereas the sizes of enterprises and concentration processes played an important role on energy efficiency performance in the Colombian food industry.Originality/valueThe literature indicates the relative lack of attention paid to the analysis of energy use across sectors of food industry as well as the lack of studies determining the factors that have affected energy consumption and energy efficiency performance using cross‐country and cross‐sectoral comparisons.
Enhancing long‐term grape grower/winery relationships in the Australian wine industry
Authors: Somogyi Simon , Gyau Amos , Li Elton , Bruwer Johan 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThere are many factors which may influence the ability of wineries to build and maintain long‐term relationships (LTR) with their suppliers of grapes. The aim of this paper is to identify the most important factors which enhance LTR between Australian wineries and grape growers.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative in‐depth interview technique was employed with 13 Australian grape growers.FindingsThe relational dimensions of communication, goal compatibility and use of power were found to influence the relationship quality dimensions of trust and satisfaction, which are also linked to the level of commitment and hence long‐term relationship.Practical implicationsThe Australian wine industry is currently suffering economic instability which has resulted in the demise of some relationships between grape growers and winemakers. However, economic misfortunes will no doubt change and inefficiencies will result if LTR are not maintained. These inefficiencies could prove detrimental as the Australian wine industry strives to produce regionally branded and higher quality wine products which are both grape grower derived element. Furthermore, issues related to communication frequency and reduction in trust have implications for communication strategies which may result in the reduction of winery grower liaison staff.Originality/valueThis paper offers a grape/grower‐winery perspective on buyer‐seller relationships. It moderates the theory on communication and its effect on trust and commitment. Furthermore it posits the issue of buyer size on relational dimension and outcomes, which has had little attention in the literature.
Appellation as an indicator of quality
Authors: Atkin Thomas , Johnson Ray 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the consumer use of geographical information in the wine purchase decision. Consumers often rely upon the place of origin of a wine product in order to assess its quality. This research examines the importance of place‐of‐origin information and what level of place is meaningful to consumers, as well as which consumers utilize that information.Design/methodology/approachData collection took place by means of a highly structured online survey of 409 geographically dispersed wine consumers across the USA. Respondents were recruited by Survey Sampling International and screened for at least occasional wine consumption.FindingsBrand and place‐of‐origin information such as region, country and state were the most important attributes in the consumers' choice of a wine. One type of geographical indicator, appellation, was not well utilized. Core wine consumers and those with greater expertise utilized place‐of‐origin cues to a greater extent than less frequent and less knowledgeable consumers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study sample represents US wine drinkers and should not be taken as a general population sample. Potential respondents were required to have consumed at least one bottle in the last year in order to take the survey. The non‐probability sample includes participants from 46 states, 189 of whom are male and 211 are female.Practical implicationsWineries in established regions should increase their efforts to promote regional identity at the county, state and national level, to enhance their existing product images. Regional information is more heavily utilized by consumers than appellation information, which allows producers to take advantage of pre‐existing levels of awareness. This research suggests that marketers develop strategies to increase sales that emphasize larger regions such as county or state rather than appellations.Originality/valueThis paper is of value to academic readers, wine industry practitioners and regional trade and tourism associations and other commercial entities that market their products with regional cues. The geographically dispersed sample provides results that generalize well to the wine consuming public.
Wine sales in British public houses
Authors: Pratten John D. , Carlier Jean‐Baptiste 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the changes in wine consumption in UK public houses, and to consider if the sector is maximising its sales opportunities.Design/methodology/approachThis study has used both secondary and primary sources. Existing surveys have been used to gain details of the growth in wine sales and possible explanations for this. The trade press has suggested how licensees could improve their wine sales. Suppliers have been approached to discover to the level of assistance they offer individual outlets. Finally, surveys of the public houses and their customers were undertaken to discover the proficiency of their wine service.FindingsThe level of wine sales in the UK is growing rapidly. Much of this is consumed at home, but public houses could benefit from the trend. Some have done so, but the surveys suggest that many do not market the product effectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is a very limited one, and only considers one town, one area of another town and their customers.Practical implicationsThe results of the survey suggest that all licensees could consider the possibility of improving sales by offering a higher quality service to their customers.Originality/valueAny research which may assist the quality of service offered in the licensed trade should be of interest to all stakeholders.
Evaluating the economic performance of Spanish wineries
Authors: Sellers‐Rubio Ricardo 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare different approaches to the evaluation of the economic performance of wineries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper simultaneously applies traditional profitability and productivity measures and a non‐parametric technique to estimate efficiency, and compares the results obtained. A cluster analysis has been applied to identify different groups of firms. The empirical application is carried out on a sample of 1,222 Spanish wineries in 2007.FindingsThe results reveal important differences depending on the methodology employed. Overall, none of the methodologies can be said to be better than the rest.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has only considered the economic performance of wineries and its findings are not substitutes for other subjective measures directed at the assessment of aspects such as the quality of the wines produced.Practical implicationsManagers should be aware of their own performance in order to guarantee the competitiveness and future investments of their wineries.Originality/valueFor the first time, this paper analyses the economic performance of Spanish wineries, simultaneously using different approaches widely employed in the management literature.