bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sector, region or function? A MAD reassessment of real estate diversification in Great Britain
Authors: Byrne Peter , Lee Stephen 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to re‐examine the portfolio risk/return performance of “conventional” sector/regional classifications with one based on socio‐economic criteria.Design/methodology/approachApplying the mean absolute deviation (MAD) portfolio optimisation method, this study revisits sector versus regional diversification within the UK using the Investment Property Databank (IPD) annual data over the period 1981‐2007. A modern functional classification, with data from the 2001 Census, is used to retest the proposition that such groupings may offer superior diversification benefits.FindingsIn line with previous research, sectors dominate regions, however defined, and should be the first level of analysis when developing an optimised portfolio diversification strategy. When the performance of functional groups is compared with “conventional” administrative regions results show that such groupings can provide greater risk reduction. The underlying characteristics of these functional groups may be more insightful and acceptable to real estate portfolio managers in considering assets that a portfolio might contain.Originality/valueReal estate markets are thought to be dynamic, in that their form and content can change dramatically even over quite short periods. This paper shows it is actually rather unlikely that matching changes in the structures of real estate investment portfolios will be observed, even over extended time periods, except at their margins. Although efficient frontiers move across the MAD risk/return space, the relative positions of the sectors and regions hardly change at all in pure analytical terms. In particular, the use of functional groupings, which reflect the greatly changed economic landscape in Britain over some 20 years, do not presage any great change in the pattern of institutional real estate investment, nor even a very obvious improvement in the portfolio performance.
Valuers' perceptions of depreciation models in DRC valuations
Authors: Ogunba Olusegun 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to address concerns that valuers' choice of depreciation models in their cost approach to value is not sustainable (is incapable of preserving patronage in present and future generations).Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws up conceptual expectations regarding how seven UK and US depreciation models pass or fail four identified sustainability indicators: reliability, consistency, usability and separate treatment of depreciation components. Valuation surveyors in Nigeria were offered as a case study of how valuers in one country respond to such conceptual investigations.FindingsThe study found that cross‐sectional models, the breakdown model and hedonic modeling are the depreciation models perceived as most sustainable. However, popular model use follows easiest models rather than most sustainable models.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that the pursuit of sustainability in valuation modeling should involve provision of institutionalized best practice guidance beyond that currently provided so as to assist valuers/appraisers in more sustainable choices.Originality/valueThe paper is probably the first to address both UK and US depreciation models and to assess each using defined sustainability criteria.
Geographically segmented regulation for telecommunications: lessons from experience
Authors: Xavier Patrick , Ypsilanti Dimitri 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to make policy makers and regulators more fully aware of the practical problems and costs involved in implementing geographically segmented regulation. This awareness will be valuable in deciding whether to adopt the approach and, if so, in designing its implementation, i.e. how the scheme's problems will be addressed and costs minimized.Design/methodology/approachIncreasingly, incumbent operators and some regulators have argued that regulatory forbearance should be adopted in geographic areas (usually the more densely populated cities) where facility‐based competition is developing. Certainly geographically segmented regulation accords with widespread agreement that regulation should be the minimum necessary. Indeed, a number of countries have implemented the scheme, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Portugal, Spain, the UK and USA. This paper examines the experience these countries have had in applying geographically segmented regulation.FindingsThe lessons from experience in applying geographically segmented regulation suggest that the processes used to determine specific relevant markets are, at present, contentious and problematic in principle, and complex and subjective in practice. The problems/costs relating to the implementation of geographic regulation could erode the stability, certainty and predictability so important in a regulatory regime. Moreover, outcomes are uncertain, especially when looking ahead into an NGN environment.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that examines the actual experience of countries that have implemented geographically segmented regulation.
The counter‐control revolution: “silent control” of individuals through dataveillance systems
Authors: Orito Yohko 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the social impacts of “silent control” of individuals by means of the architecture of dataveillance systems. It addresses the question whether individuals, in reality, can actually determine autonomously the kinds of information that they can acquire and convey in today's dataveillance environments. The paper argues that there is a risk of a “counter‐control revolution” that may threaten to reverse the “control revolution” described by Shapiro.Design/methodology/approachUsing relevant business cases, this paper describes the nature of dataveillance systems, then it examines situations in which the intellectual freedom of individuals is silently constrained by the architecture of such systems. This analysis leads to the conclusion that individuals in today's information society face the risk of a “counter‐control revolution” that can threaten their intellectual freedom. Given this troubling conclusion, the present paper addresses the challenges of establishing socially acceptable dataveillance systems.FindingsIntentionally or unintentionally, the architecture of dataveillance systems determines what kinds of information an individual can access or receive. This means that social sorting occurs based upon the processing of personal information by dataveillance systems; and, as a result, individuals' intellectual freedom could be constrained without their realising that it is happening. Under this circumstance, the ability of individuals to control the transmission and flow of information, recently made possible by the “control revolution”, already has been compromised by business organisations that operate dataveillance systems. It is business organisations, and not the individuals themselves, that control the kinds of information that individuals are able to acquire and transmit.Originality/valueThis paper provides an analysis of social risks caused by the architecture of dataveillance systems, and it introduces the concept of a “counter‐control revolution”. These contributions provide a good starting point to evaluate the social impacts of dataveillance systems and to establish better, more socially acceptable dataveillance systems.
Ethical assessment of new technologies: a meta‐methodology
Authors: Harris Ian , Jennings Richard C. , Pullinger David , Rogerson Simon , Duquenoy Penny 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to set out a structured meta‐methodology, named DIODE, for the ethical assessment of new and emerging technologies. DIODE has been designed by a mixture of academics, governmental people and commercial practitioners. It is designed to help diverse organisations and individuals conduct ethical assessments of new and emerging technologies.Design/methodology/approachA framework discussion paper was developed for consultation to ensure that DIODE addresses fundamental ethical concerns, has appropriate and manageable scope and is comprehensive in its ethical compass. The resulting DIODE meta‐methodology uses flowcharts and templates, encompassing the use of diverse tools and techniques.FindingsThere are two different angles for the ethical assessment of new technologies; a strategic/abstract angle and a project/application specific angle. DIODE includes two channels to accommodate this distinction. Early stage testing yielded positive feedback and mostly favourable comment. Additional guidance materials are being developed in response to the feedback.Practical implicationsWithout training and guidance, it is difficult for technologists to take ethical concerns into account during the development and deployment of new technologies. DIODE can provide that training and guidance through a practical meta‐methodology which should help ICT professionals, policy makers and academics.Originality/valueThere is very little structured methodology material available on the ethical assessment of new technologies. The depth and sophistication contained in DIODE is therefore believed to be unique. DIODE provides practical help while remaining rooted in the philosophical and theoretical concepts of ethics.
Bottom‐up approach for productivity measurement in large public organizations
Authors: Jääskeläinen Aki , Uusi‐Rauva Erkki 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis study aims to identify means to overcome some of the current problems in public service productivity measurement. The objective is to develop a new method for measuring productivity in large public organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe research is carried out as a constructive case study in the City of Helsinki, Finland. Interviews are used in order to identify practical requirements for measurement. The measurement data from around 200 units is used in testing the method.FindingsThe new method applies an approach proposed in the literature. It aggregates measurement information from component measures used at the operative level. Based on test calculations and evaluation it is argued that the new method is managerially more relevant than a conventional method.Research limitations/implicationsThis study tested the method only to a limited extent. It is necessary to gain more understanding by applying the method in different organizations, and by using longer time periods.Practical implicationsCurrent productivity measures of public services have been criticized for providing information that lacks managerial relevance. The method described in this study aims to improve relevance in two ways. It enables the gathering of more detailed measurement information from the operative levels of large organizations. In addition, it facilitates the use of different measurement methods in different service providing departments and units.Originality/valueMany of the existing studies examine productivity measurement at the macro‐level. This study presents a measurement method that is a step forward in developing more sophisticated measurement systems in public organizations. The study also describes and highlights the role of component productivity measurement at the operative level.
A study of total quality management and supply chain management practices
Authors: Talib Faisal , Rahman Zillur , Qureshi M.N. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a set of total quality management (TQM) and supply chain management (SCM) practices through an extensive literature review and to identify the relationships among them by comparing the identified TQM and SCM practices.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive overview of the practices of TQM and SCM is carried out using published research papers and some major TQM and SCM practices were extracted. These identified practices are then compared to explore the relationship between them for better understanding and application.FindingsThe results reveal six major TQM and SCM practices from as many as 50 TQM practices and 40 SCM practices. The paper further compares these practices and found that management support and commitment, customer focus, and supplier partnership are the most common practices found in both TQM and SCM literature, and have the strongest impact in the integration of TQM and SCM across organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses only on the literature review of previously published studies, further empirical study can be undertaken using these six identified practices which may allow the validation and generalization of results.Practical implicationsThe result of this paper will help in providing greater understanding of identified TQM and SCM practices that will lead to successful implementation of TQM and SCM strategies to improve customer service levels and, hence, business performance.Originality/valueMuch of the literature on TQM practices and SCM practices are available, but as far as the authors know there is no study undertaken to integrate TQM and SCM practices. This is the first kind of study that compares TQM and SCM practices taken together and can be thus, treated as filling a gap in the extant literature.
Acquiring CSR practices: from deception to authenticity
Authors: Debeljak Jelena , Krkač Kristijan , Bušljeta Banks Ivana 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to focus on CSR manifested regarding two points, namely CSR insincerity and authenticity from the point of view of pragmatist and care ethics principles. Its purpose is to evaluate critically the genuineness of the early stages in acquiring CSR practices, and to advance the notion of authenticity in its mature development stage. The analyses seek to show an imbalance between the so‐called feminine and masculine principles in the professional business arena, which prevents an authentic CSR business approach taking place.Design/methodology/approachThe authors approach the topic from various concepts and criteria of moral correctness regarding CSR, and crucial change points in the transient process from insincere to authentic CSR.FindingsThe paper identifies some elements of insincere CSR in every company in its early stages of acquiring CSR practices, especially in the early stages of the development of the business culture, and also during the maturing process.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper demonstrates the excessive significance of the rapid development of CSR sensibility in society and in the business community because, in such situations, knowledge of all affected parties prevents business subjects from misdirection and forces them to choose between lying and telling the truth.Practical implicationsThe paper demonstrates a business‐based rationale for the adoption of mature, non‐deceptive CSR practices, since the overall situation in the business community and in society becomes clearer regarding criteria.Originality/valueAn authentic approach to business by companies as legal persons in the light of pragmatist and care ethics principles for CSR enables them to identify themselves very precisely and transparently.
Leaking legitimacies: the Finnish forest sector's entanglement in the land conflicts of Atlantic coastal Brazil
Authors: Myllylä Susanna , Takala Tuomo 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to focus on the legitimacy problems faced by the Finnish forest industry in the Brazilian context, specifically from the perspective of the region's indigenous communities: the Tupinikim, the Guarani and the Pataxó.Design/methodology/approachThe method used is qualitative research with a case study approach. The empirical data are based on the fieldwork in the states of Espírito Santo and Bahia. The aim was to scrutinize the corporate tactics in gaining societal legitimacy, both in Brazil and in Finland; these were categorized into thematic groups.FindingsThe legitimacy of the Finnish companies becomes questionable due to the unethical tactics of their Brazilian business partner, Aracruz Celulose SA. When the company takes its “marginal” stakeholders' demands seriously and commits itself to them in diverse ways (economically, ecologically etc.), corporate social responsibility becomes a reality. The search for legitimacy also requires the company to change its corporate knowledge production systems, and also requires a willingness on the part of the company to encounter different types of knowledge that are locally attached.Originality/valueThe study offers new information about the relationship between multinational corporations and local communities in Brazil – especially from the perspective of indigenous communities. The paper also contributes to legitimation research. Finally, the authors offer some concluding remarks considering the new cultural environments of Finnish companies operating in the global South.
Exploring consumers' perceptions of eco‐conscious apparel acquisition behaviors
Authors: Hiller Connell Kim Y. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to advance understanding of the socially responsible apparel consumer by exploring apparel consumption behaviors perceived by consumers to be eco‐conscious.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data from 26 American apparel consumers. Data collection for the study occurred through semi‐structured interviews.FindingsResults indicate that the participants engaged in a number of perceived eco‐conscious apparel acquisition behaviors. First, they adhered to acquisition limits by acquiring apparel based on need and extending the lifetime of their apparel. Second, they acquired apparel made from fibers or having other attributes perceived as environmentally preferable. Finally, they acquired apparel through sources believed to be environmentally preferable, including second‐hand sources, eco‐conscious companies, independently owned companies, and home sewing.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of 26 American consumers means that the results cannot be widely generalized. Future research should examine the apparel acquisition behaviors of a larger sample and include consumers from outside the USA.Practical implicationsThis study provides evidence that consumers engage in a range of eco‐conscious apparel acquisition behaviors, and a market segment of eco‐conscious apparel consumers exists. Apparel industry professionals can use this baseline information to aid in the development of eco‐conscious apparel consumption strategies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to increased understanding of eco‐conscious apparel consumption, an area with limited previous research, by identifying apparel acquisition behaviors that consumers perceive to be eco‐conscious. The findings are valuable in the promotion of eco‐conscious apparel consumption.
The influence of coercive isomorphism on corporate social responsibility reporting and reputation
Authors: Othman Suaini , Darus Faizah , Arshad Roshayani 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse whether coercive isomorphism as imposed by regulatory authorities is an effective mechanism to promote a company's CSR reputation in a developing country. The study seeks to consider the determinants of CSR reporting as such factors are deemed to influence the external perception of reputation.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs institutional theory as the basis for explaining corporate responsible behaviour. In total, 117 companies in “three sensitive industries” for the year 2007 were selected. CSR reputation is analyzed based on a self‐constructed index.FindingsBased on regression analysis, the study found that regulatory efforts are significant mechanisms in promoting CSR reputation. Surprisingly, these companies in the “sensitive industry” seem to neglect the importance of environmental reputation. However, institutional owners regard CSR reporting as a means to enhance their CSR reputation, while family‐owned companies do not appear to consider CSR reporting as an important channel to boost their reputation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study only considers information from annual reports and the sample is limited to only three sectors that are regarded as “sensitive industries”.Practical implicationsRegulatory efforts have the prospect to become a significant force in promoting CSR reporting, as well as advancing CSR strategies in managing a company's reputation.Originality/valueThis study focuses on companies in a developing country in an attempt to understand the relationship between CSR reporting and companies' reputation. It adds substantially to the existing literature, the focus of which is mainly on CSR issues in developed countries. The study also provides an objective methodology in measuring CSR reputation.
Influence of children on purchasing decisions of well‐to‐do families
Authors: Bahar Isin F. , Alkibay Sanem 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of preschool children at ages 5 to 6 on purchasing decisions among well‐to‐do families and its relation with such factors as number of children, product related criteria (low risk, high risk, used by whole family, used by children) and mother's employment status.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative analysis was conducted on data from 257 responses to a 26‐item questionnaire from parents of children in 12 private kindergartens in Ankara, Turkey.FindingsMost parents acknowledge that their children do influence their purchasing decisions. Findings also revealed that mother's employment status, child's gender and the number of children in the family are the determining factors for the children's influence on the decision of the family to purchase certain product types.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an exploratory study and has limited generalizability as it was conducted solely in one city, Ankara, Turkey. Any further research should contrast perspectives both from other cities in Turkey and other countries.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that products for which the child exerts least influence on the purchasing decision of the family are those which carry high purchasing risk and used by the whole family, whereas the greatest influence of the child on the purchasing decision of the family lies on the products with low risk and used by the whole family.Originality/valueTurkey, is located between Europe and Asia and shares mostly collectivist values. The findings contribute to the understanding of children's influence on family purchasing decisions in this country and provide an opportunity to conduct cross‐national studies. Further, the paper provides insight for marketers about which product advertising is effective on children.