bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The jobs of others: “speculative interdisciplinarity” as a pitfall for impact analysis
Authors: Rader Michael 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe paper shows that current research systems are not geared to organise and evaluate research involving several scientific disciplines. A consequence is exaggerated promises and expectations based on “speculative interdisciplinarity”. These expectations are one cause of “speculative ethics”. Evaluators of interdisciplinary research proposals should be aware of the pitfalls existing in this kind of research. The purpose of this paper is to highlight “speculative interdisciplinarity” as a cause of exaggerated expectations with the result that ethical analysis and similar activities focus on unlikely impacts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper confronts documented statements of champions of emerging technologies with assessments by specialists from the scientific disciplines involved in the development of the technologies and examines the extent to which differences are due to problems with interdisciplinary work.FindingsThe paper identifies the causes of exaggerated expectations related to the impact of emerging technologies based on interdisciplinary research. Lack of experience with interdisciplinary research is shown to be a major cause.Research limitations/implicationsThis is basically a case study for a spectacular individual example. There is a need to show that the same problems exist for less spectacular scientific endeavours.Practical implicationsReview process organisers and reviewers should be aware that exaggerated expectations can arise as a result of insufficient attention to the organisation of interdisciplinary research. There is a need for studies to confront expectations with the genuine state of research.Originality/valueThe paper highlights a need to pay attention to the organisation of interdisciplinary research.
Ethics in the bank internet encounter: an explorative study
Authors: Dahl Rendtorff Jacob , Mattsson Jan 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss some ethical issues in the internet encounter between customer and bank. Empirical data related to the difficulties that customers have when they deal with the bank through internet technology and electronic banking. The authors discuss the difficulties that customers expressed from an ethical standpoint.Design/methodology/approachThe key problem of the paper is “how does research handle the user's lack of competence in a web‐based commercial environment?” The authors illustrate this ethical dilemma with data from a Danish Bank collected in 2002. The data have been structured by an advanced text analytic method, Pertex (by generation of intentionality of verbal actors from text).FindingsThe authors can conclude that the experience of lack of competency in internet banking implies a severe damage on the experience of the ethics of the good life and of the respect for the basic ethical principles of customer autonomy, dignity, integrity and vulnerability. However, increased experience of competency may imply experience of increased feeling of ethical superiority and of the good life among customers.Research limitations/implicationsThe important implication for managerial research of this study would be for banks to focus on customer competency with an ethical concern instead of only being concerned with technical solutions for effective internet operations.Practical implicationsSince more and more businesses are digitally based, the authors can foresee a potential generic problem of lack of competence for certain age groups and also of people from different social groups.Originality/valueThe paper provides an analysis of the ethics of on‐line banking on the basis of Pertex methodology and with the use of basic ethical principles of autonomy, dignity, integrity and vulnerability.
Current state of public sector performance management in seven selected countries
Authors: Lee Rhodes Mary , Biondi Lucia , Gomes Ricardo , Melo Ana I. , Ohemeng Frank , Perez‐Lopez Gemma , Rossi Andrea , Sutiyono Wayhu 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to extend the analysis of performance management regimes by Bouckaert and Halligan to other countries in order to contribute to the developing theory of forms and challenges in public sector performance management.Design/methodology/approachThe state of performance management and the context in which it has evolved is assessed in seven different countries using dimensions drawn from Bouckaert and Halligan's work along with elements from earlier work by Pollitt and Bouckaert. These are summarized in a table and comparisons made to generate additional insights into the factors that influence the shape and speed of public management evolution.FindingsThe paper finds that the Bouckaert and Halligan framework for analyzing public sector performance management is useful, albeit with some modifications. Specifically, it finds that administrative culture is a key factor influencing the speed of reform and that the attitude of elites (politicians and civil servants, in most cases) is also a vital piece of the puzzle that was not included in Bouckaert and Halligan, but did appear in the earlier framework of Pollitt and Bouckaert. It also finds evidence that economic and political crises occurring together accelerate the introduction of integrated performance management systems, but that trust in government does not appear to be a significant factor. Finally, the paper observes that, absent political crisis/commitment, governments will prioritise “external” performance measures such as customer service, participation and transparency objectives over “internal” performance measures such as financial, staff management and whole of government reporting.Originality/valueThe countries studied provide a rare insight into lesser‐known performance management regimes and the use of the Bouckaert and Halligan framework allows for comparisons to earlier (and future) research. The findings will be of interest to scholars in public administration reform and performance management.
An empirical investigation of the market duration of repossessed single‐family houses
Authors: Larsen James E. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine if lender experience in disposing of repossessed single‐family houses in the local market is significantly related to the probability a property will sell. In addition, other factors that are significantly related to the market duration of repossessed houses are identified.Design/methodology/approachThe Cox proportional hazard model is used to analyze transaction data for 2,099 single‐family houses in Dayton, Ohio. Title to each of these properties was obtained by lenders through foreclosure. The study period approximates the first three years of the subprime mortgage crisis in the USA: 2007‐2009.FindingsThe marketing efforts of lenders with more local property disposition experience are found to be superior to the efforts of less experienced lenders. The results also indicate that the selling rate function increased over the study period, and there is seasonality in the data which is consistent with lenders attempting to limit holding costs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to the experience of lenders in a single local market over a three year study period. Additional research to determine if similar results apply in other markets would be a valuable addition to the literature.Practical implicationsWhile foreclosure is not a desirable outcome for any of the parties involved in a mortgage loan, the paper's results offer a bit of good news for lenders. The results are consistent with organizational learning theory which posits that experience should enhance performance. Given predictions that the mortgage crisis has not yet run its full course, lenders' performance in disposing of repossessed houses is likely to continue to improve.Originality/valueThis is the first study to apply the proportional hazard model to the study of foreclosed houses. This technique offers an advantage over previously applied methodologies because it allows the researcher to include properties that lenders did not sell during the study period into the analysis. All previous efforts were limited to sold properties and this restriction may have biased the previous results.
Knowledge management capabilities and SMEs' organizational performance
Authors: Gharakhani Davood , Mousakhani Morteza 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of knowledge management (KM) capabilities on small to medium‐sized enterprises' (SMEs') organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, Data were collected from 30 SMEs in Iran. The present study employs a questionnaire survey approach to collect data for testing the research hypotheses. The response rate was 60 percent. Relevant statistical analytical techniques, including regression for analysis, were then used.FindingsThe results indicate that all three factors of KM capabilities (knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application) have positive and significant effects on SMEs' organizational performance.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the results is that managers need to actively manage their firm's human capital to stimulate its capability in managing knowledge acquisition, sharing, and application. Furthermore, research suggests appropriate investments in KM initiatives can enhance organizational performance.Originality/valueThe main contribution of the paper is to provide empirical evidence about the impact of KM capabilities on SMEs' organizational performance. Also the findings of the study are important for both practitioners and academics.
Rainfall and temperature scenario for Bangladesh using 20 km mesh AGCM
Authors: Mizanur Rahman Md. , Ferdousi Nazlee , Sato Yasuo , Kusunoki Shoji , Kitoh Akio 
Published: February 2012

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the use of the Meteorological Research Institute (MRI) global 20-km mesh Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM), called MRI-AGCM, to simulate rainfall and mean surface air temperature. Through calibration and validation the MRI-AGCM was adapted for Bangladesh for generating rainfall and temperature scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach
– The model generated rainfall was calibrated with ground-based observed data in Bangladesh during the period of 1979-2006. The Climate Research Unit (CRU) data are also used for understanding of the model performance. Better performance of MRI-AGCM obtained through validation process increased confidence in utilizing it in the future rainfall projection for Bangladesh.

Findings
– Rainfall and mean surface air temperature projection for Bangladesh is experimentally obtained for the period of 2075-2099. This work finds that the MRI-AGCM simulated rainfall and temperature are not directly useful in application purpose. However, after validation and calibration, acceptable performance is obtained in estimating annual rainfall and mean surface air temperature in Bangladesh.

Originality/value
– Change of rainfall is projected about 0.64 percent in monsoon season (JJAS), 1.90 percent in post-monsoon season (ON) and 13.46 percent in Winter season (DJF) during the period of 2075-2099. Similarly, change of mean surface air temperature is projected about 2.5 degrees Celsius for the same period.
China's next big challenge: mastering radical technology
Authors: Kriz Anton , Cunneen David 
Published: February 2012

PurposeChina has been exceptionally competent at utilising the technology of others but the ability to develop its own is yet to be tested. The purpose of this paper is to investigate China's capacity for nurturing radical technology. For China to recapture its earlier technological prowess it will need a creative class. The paper proposes eight stepping stones for China to move from its current situation to a position where creativity and radical technology re‐emerge.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper that investigates options for China using a historical and trans‐disciplinary review.FindingsRadical technology was a major strength for China prior to the 1500s. This paper suggests that China's subsequent demise in the technology stakes came from a combination of factors including regressive policies and the West finding a new politico‐economic model around science and technology. In total, eight stepping stones for Chinese institutional reform around creativity and radical technology are proposed.Practical implicationsChinese businesses need to go much further than cost innovations and incremental additions to seriously challenge the creative capacity of their Western counterparts. This paper offers important insights for Chinese policy makers as they embark on innovation advancement in a highly competitive international business environment.Social implicationsFostering radical technology is a challenge for any society. Developing this aspect of Chinese society is a critical element for China and its policy makers as they progress to the next phase of economic growth.Originality/valueThe paper shows that identifying systemic issues for China's radical technology demise is important. Offering steps for China to increase its capacity for radical technology is equally worthy of investigation.
Aiming for resilience and adaptation in managing environment
Authors: Lin Moe Tun 
Published: February 2012

PurposeEnvironmental and emergency leaders are important individuals who play a vital role in managing ecological resources. Based on the resilience thinking of Walker and Salt, this study highlights aims to how resilience for adaptive management can be built by incorporating vision formation of environmental and emergency management leaders.Design/methodology/approachThe study addresses two research questions: What constitutes environmental and emergency leadership systems? How are the concepts of vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation relevant to the environmental and emergency management processes? The study employs two case studies and discusses how resilience leadership can be incorporated into environmental management and emergency management systems in organizations.FindingsThis study includes a review that consists of activities in resilience‐building, and the process of vision formation. It explains how resilience thinking influences vision. Investigations of the application of the resilience approach by examining two environmental and emergency leadership organizations in Arizona demonstrate how situations can improve with resilience thinking and leadership in emergency and environmental management systems.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the knowledge body of resilience and leadership by calling importance and incorporation of resilience thinking into the management systems of environment and emergency management.
Vulnerability assessment and retrofitting of existing school buildings: a case study of Aceh
Authors: Darshan Shrestha Hari , Yatabe Ryuichi , Bhandary Netra Prakash , Subedi Jishnu 
Published: February 2012

PurposeAs the widely held perception is that retrofitting is a complicated process and is expensive, the purpose of this paper is to analyze cost effectiveness of retrofitting existing buildings in order to make them safer against earthquake and also to add child friendly features. This case study focuses on the simple method of retrofitting on rectangular single storey existing school buildings. The school buildings are of different types, based on material, shape and size, number of storeys and their vulnerability to earthquake is different case by case. The paper also outlines the process of vulnerability assessment and approach to retrofitting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the data collected from a case study carried out in Aceh (Indonesia) as a part of an assessment of vulnerability of newly constructed school facilities and retrofitting them in order to increase their seismic performance.FindingsOne of the key findings of this study is that retrofitting can be achieved through the use of simple methods, tools and equipment and local human resource. This approach not only reduced the vulnerability of school children to earthquake disaster but also contributed to disseminate the message of culture of safety among the neighboring communities. Another major finding is that cost of retrofitting is less compared to the cost of demolition and rebuilding. The retrofitting option further saves the cost as it is time saving and the downtime is less. The retrofitting process and onsite training can also be an effective medium for dissemination of best construction practices in the community. The process also helps the local people to understand the context of risk and raise awareness on disaster risk reduction.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this paper are not limited to vulnerability assessment and retrofitting of school building in Aceh. They can be replicated in other parts of Indonesia and countries having similar type of buildings.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper will be useful for decision makers to replicate similar processes in other types of schools in other areas. The findings will also be useful advocate disaster safer and child friendly schools.Originality/valueThe paper is unique in its findings that retrofitting of school buildings does not only make the schools safer and reduces the risk to children but is also cost effective compared to new construction.
Disclosure and cross‐listing: evidence from Asia‐Pacific firms
Authors: Li Eng Li , Ling Qianhua (Q) 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether both country disclosure environment and firm‐level disclosures are associated with cross‐listing in the USA or London or otherwise.Design/methodology/approachThe authors test the association using a sample of Asia‐Pacific firms covered in the Standard and Poor's, 2001/2002 disclosure survey, capturing the country‐level disclosure using the Center for International Financial Analysis and Research (CIFAR) score. The firm‐level disclosure is measured using the S&P disclosure score. The authors conduct a logistic regression analysis and a two‐stage least squares analysis to examine whether the outcome, cross‐listing or not, is associated with the country disclosure environment and firm‐level disclosures.FindingsThe authors find that Asia‐Pacific firms from weak disclosure environments and having higher firm‐level disclosure scores are more likely to seek listing in the USA. Further, the paper provides initial evidence that these Asia‐Pacific firms are as likely to seek listing in London as in the USA. No significant difference was found in S&P scores between US and London cross‐listings after controlling for the effects of other variables. This suggests that firms that cross‐list in London present similar disclosure levels to firms that cross‐list in the USA.Originality/valueThe paper's findings contribute to the cross‐listing literature on disclosure by showing that the interaction between firm‐level disclosure and country‐level disclosure has an impact on whether a firm cross‐lists in the USA/London or not. The authors' comparison of US cross‐listings versus London cross‐listings provides the first evidence that disclosures of US and London cross‐listings are not significantly different.
Do US commercial banks use FAS 157 to manage earnings?
Authors: Chong Gin , Huang Henry , Zhang Yi 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether commercial banks manage earnings through their use of Level 3 valuation under The Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (FAS 157), Fair Value Measurements. To achieve this goal, the authors investigate the association between banks' performance and size with the percentage of Level 3 inputs for valuing assets and liabilities. The FAS 157 requires or permits US listed firms to adopt one of the three levels of inputs to measure and report fair values of their assets and liabilities. Level 1 input is based on quoted prices in the active markets; Level 2 is from the observable markets other than quoted prices; while Level 3 is based on unobservable and firm‐generated inputs.Design/methodology/approachThe authors extract information from all the 10Q‐reports submitted by the US commercial banks (SEC Code 6021) for the first two quarters of 2008. Since Level 3 input is subject to the highest level of managerial discretion, this is expected to be an avenue for earnings management. Multivariate regression was applied to test whether the banks' performance and size are associated with a higher level of Level 3 input.FindingsOut of 329 quarterly bank observations, the authors find large banks and poor performing banks with lower returns on assets, lower cash flows, and higher amounts of provision for loan losses, use more Level 3 inputs on valuing their assets and liabilities.Research limitations/implicationsThe results suggest that US commercial banks use FAS157 as an avenue for earnings management. The results have implications for the accounting standard setters, banking sector and policy decision makers.Originality/valueThis is the first paper providing evidence that banks use fair value measurements to manipulate earnings.
People value for team effectiveness in China
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Chu Xiaoping 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between team leader's people value and team effectiveness based on social identity theory. This paper focuses on how team leader's people value affects team effectiveness in the Chinese context. It also examines the mediating effect of leader identification between leader's people value and team effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachA literature review on people value, leader identification and team effectiveness provided the authors' model and hypothesis. Using a sample of 64 teams with 386 employees and 64 team leaders from ten companies, hierarchical regression was conducted to test the hypothesis.FindingsThe findings suggest that follower's identification with leader is an important way to understand leader's people value for employees in encouraging employees to strive for team effectiveness. Leaders in teams should pay special attention to their people value for employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are self‐reported and subject to biases, and may not be accurate, Both the scales of leader identification and team effectiveness were developed in western countries, and they may not capture the full meaning in China. Cross‐sectional data were used in this study; future research should use a longitudinal design to prove the direction of causality among the contracts.Originality/valueThis paper is original in its investigation on how leader's people value influences team effectiveness, through the mediation of leader identification at team level in a Chinese context.