bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyst following and corporate governance: emerging‐market evidence
Authors: Yu Minna 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the association of analyst following with the strength of overall firm‐specific corporate governance (CG) in an emerging‐market setting.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses empirical methodology to test the hypothesis with a sample of 753 emerging‐market companies over 2001 and 2002.FindingsIt is found that the effectiveness of CG has a positive impact on the level of analyst following. Further analyses indicate that this positive relation is concentrated in the countries with a common law tradition.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper joins prior research by providing evidence on the information intermediary role of financial analysts. It also provides supporting evidence on analysts' monitoring role in common law countries of emerging markets.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper have implications for the decision making of managers and investors. By improving CG at the firm level, companies can significantly improve their information environments. The findings of this paper also have important implications for standard setters and regulators in emerging economies by shedding light on the importance of requesting firms to have good CG mechanisms in place, particularly in countries with relatively strong investor protection.Originality/valueAlthough prior research has documented the positive effect of country‐level investor protection or a single aspect of firm‐level CG on analyst following, it is unknown whether the level of analyst following is associated with the quality of firm‐specific CG. This paper fills in this research gap by empirically investigating this relation.
Australian evidence on the accuracy of analysts' expectations
Authors: Chen Xiaomeng 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to use Australian analysts' forecast data to compare the relative accuracy of consensus and the most recent forecast in the month before the earnings announcement.Design/methodology/approachCross‐sectional regression is used on a sample of 4,358 company‐year observations of annual analyst forecasts to examine whether the number of analysts following and the timeliness of an individual analyst's forecast is more strongly associated with the superior forecast measure.FindingsThe results suggest that whilst in the late 1980s the most recent forecast was more accurate than the consensus, since the early 1990s the accuracy of the consensus forecast has outperformed the most recent forecast in 15 out of 17 years, and the differences are significant for nine out of 15 years. The forecasting superiority of the consensus can be attributed to the aggregating value of the consensus outweighing the small timing advantage of the most recent forecast over the short forecast horizon examined in this paper.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the consistent use of analysts' forecasts as proxies for expected earnings in Australian research, this paper provides insights to what extent the expected level of forecast accuracy is realised and the reasons for the greater accuracy in the superior forecast measure.Practical implicationsThe findings confirm market practitioners' views that the consensus forecast is a better measure of the market's earnings expectations.Originality/valueThis paper provides direct evidence of the accuracy of alternative forecast measures and the importance of diversifying idiosyncratic individual error across analyst forecasts.
A review of state‐of‐the‐art large‐sized foam cutting rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies
Authors: Brooks Hadley , Aitchison David 
Published: July 2010

PurposeCurrent additive rapid prototyping (RP) technologies fail to efficiently produce objects greater than 0.5 m3 due to restrictions in build size, build time and cost. A need exists to develop RP and manufacturing technologies capable of producing large objects in a rapid manner directly from computer‐aided design data. Foam cutting RP is a relatively new technology capable of producing large complex objects using inexpensive materials. The purpose of this paper is to describe nine such technologies that have been developed or are currently being developed at institutions around the world. The relative merits of each system are discussed. Recommendations are given with the aim of enhancing the performance of existing and future foam cutting RP systems.Design/methodology/approachThe review is based on an extensive literature review covering academic publications, company documents and web site information.FindingsThe paper provides insights into the different machine configurations and cutting strategies. The most successful machines and cutting strategies are identified.Research limitations/implicationsMost of the foam cutting RP systems described have not been developed to the commercial level, thus a benchmark study directly comparing the nine systems was not possible.Originality/valueThis paper provides the first overview of foam cutting RP technology, a field which is over a decade old. The information contained in this paper will help improve future developments in foam cutting RP systems.
Geometric feedback control of discrete‐deposition SFF systems
Authors: Cohen Daniel L. , Lipson Hod 
Published: July 2010

PurposeNew applications of solid freeform fabrication (SFF) are arising, such as functional rapid prototyping andin situfabrication, which push SFF to its limits in terms of geometrical fidelity due to the applications' inherent process uncertainties. Current closed‐loop feedback control schemes monitor and manipulate SFF techniques at the process level, e.g. envelope temperature, feed rate. “Closing the loop” on the process level, instead of the overall part geometry level, leads to limitations in the types of errors that can be detected and corrected. The purpose of this paper is to propose a technique called greedy geometric feedback (GGF) control which “closes the loop” on the overall part geometry level.Design/methodology/approachThe overall part geometry is monitored throughout the print and, using a greedy algorithm, real‐time decisions are made to serially determine the locations of subsequent droplets, i.e. overall part geometry is directly manipulated. A computer simulator and a physical experimental platform were developed to compare the performance of GGF to an open‐loop control scheme. Root mean square surface height errors were measured under controlled uncertainties in droplet height, droplet radius of curvature, droplet positioning and mid‐print part deformations.FindingsThe GGF technique outperformed open‐loop control under process uncertainties in droplet shape, droplet placement and mid‐print part deformations. The disparity between performances is dependant on the nature and extent of the imposed process uncertainties.Practical implicationsFuture research will focus on improving the performance of GGF for specific cases by designing more complex greedy algorithmic scoring heuristics. Also, the technique will be generalized beyond heightmap representations of 3D spaces.Originality/valueThe GGF technique is the first to “close the loop” on the overall part geometry level. GGF, therefore, can compensate for a broader range of errors than existing closed‐loop feedback control schemes. Also, since the technique only requires the real‐time update of a very limited set of heights, the technique is computationally inexpensive and widely applicable. By developing a closed‐loop feedback scheme that addressed part geometry‐level errors, SFF can be applied to more challengingin situfabrication scenarios with less conventional materials.
Understanding designer clothing purchases over the internet
Authors: Fogel Joshua , Schneider Mayer 
Published: July 2010

PurposeStudies for online designer clothing purchases and also online purchases of numerous types of designer clothing are so far unknown. This study seeks to analyze variables influencing intentions to purchase designer clothing online and also online purchases of different types of designer clothing over three months.Design/methodology/approachCross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed with linear and logistic regression (n=527). The theoretical framework was the Theory of Planned Behavior. Independent variables also included the Boredom Proneness Scale, and the Consumer Decision Making Styles Inventory. Clothing types were intimate apparel, underwear, swimwear, pants, jeans, skirts/dresses, T‐shirts, shoes, sneakers, sweaters, jackets/coats, socks, hosiery, and hats.FindingsThe cross‐sectional analysis for intentions substantiated the Theory of Planned Behavior. Boredom was associated with intentions and some of the specific types purchased. In the longitudinal analysis, increased internet information search was associated with purchases for all the specific clothing types. The most common purchases were T‐shirts, shoes, and skirts/dresses.Research limitations/implicationsParticipants were allowed to interpret what was perceived as designer clothing.Practical implicationsAs information search is associated with purchases of many types of designer clothing, companies should focus on increasing the likelihood of their web pages being searched. Useful strategies can include purchase of sponsored links and efforts to improve page rank.Originality/valueThis is the first study to analyze predictors for purchasing numerous specific types of designer clothing online. Also, it is believed to be the first longitudinal study to use the Theory of Planned Behavior as the framework to analyze online apparel purchases.
Evaluation of sizing provision among high street retailers and consumer buying practices of children's clothing in the UK
Authors: Tongue Michelle Ann , Otieno Rose , Diane Cassidy Tracy 
Published: July 2010

PurposeSince anthropometric dimensions vary during a lifetime, it is difficult to provide adequate sizing for all, especially growing, children. This paper aims to review children's sizing provision for girls aged 4‐8 years among four UK retailers (Adams, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and Mothercare), an area of limited research.Design/methodology/approachTwo research strategies were utilised: observational visits to retail stores (on sizing systems and environment) and face‐to‐face interviews with ten parents and five childrenswear garment technologists (on sizing of children's garments and fit issues).FindingsUK retailers utilised various numerical size coding systems based on height, age and weight. Next, Asda George and Adams were the favourite shopping stores for children's wear. Parents were co‐shoppers with their children. While parents' key criteria for purchase were durability, fit, quality, price and washability, children's choice was based on colour, fashion and peer influence. Variation in sizing designation caused confusion. Parents have suggested varying lengths as a solution to accommodating different sizes; preferring a common system with age as key size code. Sizing inconsistency between brands and incomprehensible size codes are major factors in the creation of customer dissatisfaction with children's clothing. Providing ambient facilities for co‐shopping is vital.Research limitations/implicationsThe children's fashion sector is important to children, parents and retailers. Parents are co‐shoppers with their children and have key criteria for selecting to shop in a store. Marketers should be aware of core needs: sizing provision, shopping environment and the dynamics of co‐shopping. Sizing systems should be relevant to avoid dissatisfaction and confusion. More research is needed focusing on larger and other samples; target markets and psychological needs for shopping.Originality/valueThe area of children's shopping for clothing in the UK has a limited literature. Key issues revolve around garment sizing, garment fit, co‐shopping and consumer satisfaction. This study contributes to filling the gap in knowledge.
Consumer value structures reflected in clothing advertisements
Authors: Ko Sunyoung , Norum Pamela , Hawley Jana M. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to construct consumer value structures for clothing.Design/methodology/approachUsing content analysis, a total of 301 advertisements from the New Yorker and Esquire magazines are analyzed during one representative year out of each of the last four decades.FindingsConsumer values reflected in clothing ads are identified as functional, social, emotional and epistemic. Functional value dominated throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, but showed a decreasing trend. By the 2000s, emotional value had overtaken functional value in emphasis. Consumer consequences and product attributes, which fell under each of the consumer values, are also revealed. Of all the consumer consequences, high quality was connected the most frequently with functional value. At the same time, high quality served as an intermediary qualifier for symbols of social status, a consequence of social value. Fabric was the attribute linked most frequently to functional and social consequences.Practical implicationsClothing companies can use the values, consequences and attributes presented here to differentiate between values, to determine the most effective attributes to emphasize, and to target certain audiences for their marketing and advertising strategies.Originality/valueThe essential contribution of this paper is that this study reveals a hierarchical dimension to clothing value and is the first study which attempts to construct a means‐end chain through the content analysis of advertisements.
The certainty of uncertainty: risk management revisited
Authors: Richardson Jacques G. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to scan flagrant cases of uncertainty and hesitation in the conception of plans and strategy and to assess new results in risk management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses outstanding examples, present and past (and some future), of both risk taking and risk aversion and their concrete consequences – whether action follows or is blocked by lack of certitude or perhaps confidence.FindingsThe paper shows that the wilful overcoming of missing assuredness may incur, in its turn, hazardous risk.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the roles of knowledge, precautions wisely taken, and being willing or hesitating to risk the sometimes long shot.
An exploratory system dynamics model of strategic capabilities in manufacturing
Authors: Größler Andreas 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of accumulation processes of strategic capabilities in manufacturing, i.e. cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility. By applying a dynamic view, concepts from the literature are tested and shortcomings are identified.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis was conducted with the help of an exploratory system dynamics model that represented a hierarchy of these accumulative capabilities. The exploratory model was parameterized with empirical data from a large international survey of manufacturing plants.FindingsThe major finding of this paper is that results from a static analysis can be transferred into a dynamic model, which can be used to test allocation strategies of resources to strategic capabilities.Practical implicationsThe practical implications concern the distribution of managerial attention on the four capabilities and the consequences of different distributions.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in the insights gained by the transformation of a verbal model into a quantified simulation model, and the learning resulting from simulation experiments.
Rapid manufacturing in the spare parts supply chain
Authors: Holmström Jan , Partanen Jouni , Tuomi Jukka , Walter Manfred 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and evaluate the potential approaches to introduce rapid manufacturing (RM) in the spare parts supply chain.Design/methodology/approachAlternative conceptual designs for deploying RM technology in the spare parts supply chain were proposed. The potential benefits are illustrated for the aircraft industry. The general feasibility was discussed based on literature.FindingsThe potential supply chain benefits in terms of simultaneously improved service and reduced inventory makes the distributed deployment of RM very interesting for spare parts supply. However, considering the trade‐offs affecting deployment it is proposed that most feasible is centralized deployment by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), or deployment close to the point of use by generalist service providers of RM.Research limitations/implicationsThe limited part range that is currently possible to produce using the technology means that a RM‐based service supply chain is feasible only in very particular situations.Practical implicationsOEMs should include the consideration of RM in their long‐term service supply chain development.Originality/valueThe paper identifies two distinct approaches for deploying RM in the spare parts supply chain.
Equipment supplier/user collaboration in the process industries
Authors: Lager Thomas , Frishammar Johan 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical insight and practical guidance on how both process firms and equipment manufacturers can address the challenges posed by collaboration during the operational stage of the process technology/equipment life cycle.Design/methodology/approachMotives and driving forces for entering collaborative projects far from always converge, and while some projects require deep and long‐lasting relationships, others call for pure transactions and arms‐length relationships. The questions of why, when and how collaboration should take place and be organised and managed are addressed and discussed in the light of the literature on technology diffusion and technology transfer, and supplemented by ideas from industry professionals.FindingsA tentative list of potential pros and cons has been compiled to serve as an embryo for further creation of a more complete set of expected outcomes with a view to developing a firm benchmarking instrument for establishing new collaborative relationships. Subsequently, a conceptual model of the full life‐cycle of process technology/equipment is developed to create a platform for determining collaboration intensity and success factors during different phases. Finally, a matrix with the dimensions “type of capability” and “expected performance improvements” is introduced as a tool for selection of different forms of collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is that so far this is only a theoretical framework, but as such it will serve as a new platform and a guide for further empirical studies of this important yet under‐researched area.Originality/valueThis area of technology and innovation management research for the process industries has not been addressed before in depth. The new framework can already be deployed by industry professionals in their efforts to improve inter‐company collaboration and technology transfer, but also as a means of avoiding unintended technology diffusion.
Quality improvement of a categorical response with weight effect consideration
Authors: Hsieh Kun‐Lin 
Published: July 2010

PurposeNo methodology has been directly proposed to address the parameter optimization problem with weight effect on the categorical response. The aim of this paper is to propose a suitable procedure to address such a problem.Design/methodology/approachThe computation of aggregation weight and neural network modeling technique were employed into forming the core architecture of the proposed approach. The consistency and difference of the weight effect between several experts or professionals can be included into the weight computation. The backpropagation neural network model is chosen to model the non‐linear relationship among the control factors, the probability, and the accumulated probability of categories for a qualitative response.FindingsWeight effect for different categories of a qualitative response significantly exists in L/F manufacturing process. Including such weight effect into the L/F manufacturing analysis can achieve the parameter optimization and enhance their quality improvement.Originality/valueThis paper can be viewed as the first to address the parameter optimization problem for the categorical response with the weight effect consideration. The proposed approach can aid engineers making necessary decisions about quality improvement.
Analysis of e‐inclusion projects in Russia, Austria and Switzerland
Authors: Niehaves Björn , Plattfaut Ralf , Gorbacheva Elena , Vages Peter H. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe issue of digital divide is widely discussed in research as well as in practice. Today, especially senior citizens are excluded from the merits of using information and communication technologies (ICT). This paper aims to study municipal projects for an inclusive information society in Russia, Austria, and Switzerland.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper 50 cities are selected from each country studied based on three variables. In each city, all age‐related e‐inclusion projects are analyzed to find commonalities and varieties.FindingsResults show that in all countries the projects share several commonalities. However, project ideas are not shared internationally.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by the selection of countries and cities. Future research should compare the results of other countries.Practical implicationsDecision makers in municipalities should look for successful e‐inclusion projects in other areas, not only nationally but also internationally.Originality/valueThis paper presents a first comparative analysis of e‐inclusion projects in several European countries.
A simple probabilistic analysis of sensor data fluctuations in the real world
Authors: Hiramatsu Kaoru 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on sensor data fluctuations. Context‐aware applications in the real world adapt their behavior to contexts abstracted from real‐world situations sensed as physical quantities by heterogeneous and distributed sensors. Most of the adaptations are programmed as rules derived from human experience in making environments comfortable and efficient. Preparation of sufficient rules, however, is difficult because oversights and exceptional contexts are inevitable.Design/methodology/approachThis paper, focuses on sensor data fluctuations and calculates the probabilities indicating the frequency of such fluctuations.FindingsThe results help to confirm the preset rules of the context‐aware applications and find previously unnoticed situations that the context‐aware applications should cope with.Originality/valueThe paper shows how this method is applied to log data captured in an office in order to evaluate the method's capabilities and consider the feasibility of abstracting the newly observed situations into rules.