bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Considering plain language: issues and initiatives
Authors: Petelin Roslyn 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the literature on plain language in Australia, the UK and the USA since the movement began to accelerate in the early 1960s; to review the progress of plain‐language initiatives in those countries in the years since then; to provide guidance on generating plain‐language documents for writers in the corporate arena; and to present suggestions for further research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses historical and contemporary initiatives and issues relating to plain language, presents guidelines for writing in plain language, and discusses the desirability of ongoing research.FindingsThe paper concludes with suggestions for further research in the corporate sector, where issues such as plain‐language “standards” are contestable, and compliance with plain‐language guidelines is under‐researched.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the plain‐language movement has gained great momentum worldwide in recent years, this paper is limited to the countries in which it was pioneered.Practical implicationsThe desirability of adopting plain language is undeniable, with many professions and businesses recognising the social and economic benefits of presenting information to their customers in plain language: efficiency, effectiveness, cost‐savings, equity, enhanced consumer satisfaction, among others.Originality/valueThe paper provides a valuable overview of the progress of plain‐language initiatives in Australia, the UK and the USA since the 1960s and highlights the necessity for further research in a movement that has become an important consideration for corporations in an economy in which writing and information design are central.
Investigating incidents of fraud in small economies: the case for Cyprus
Authors: Krambia‐Kapardis Maria , Zopiatis Anastasios 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and types of fraud victimization in small economies or specific industries in such economies. In addition, the paper identifies the state of the art in a small economy and considers policy implications.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on an extensive literature review, a questionnaire was developed, pilot tested and administered to individuals working in 600 randomly selected organizations in Cyprus. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the collected data and address the postulated research questions.FindingsIt is found that no industry or size of company is immune from fraud. Whilst executives are well aware of fraud, they do not seem to be able to prevent it in their organizations since 85.8 percent are victimized in the last five years. The deterrent impact/effect of both the code of conduct and the audit committee has been investigated. In addition, findings revealed the types of fraud least tolerated as well as those who pose the greatest risk to the local economic environment. Finally, the paper explores the actions taken by local companies when fraud is identified.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the very sensitive nature of the research topic, many respondents felt reluctant to participate, resulting in an 18.83 percent response rate.Practical implicationsThe findings have a practical relevance to both industry stakeholders and academic scholars who wish to further explore fraud victimization in small economies. Numerous practical implications for the local industry and regulatory authorities are raised regarding fraud precaution and the need for a specialized fraud investigation team as well as forensic accountants is emphasized.Originality/valueFraud victimization studies have been carried out in bigger economies (G7 or E7) but not in smaller economies. This is the first in‐depth attempt to investigate fraud in a small economy in such detail, thus the paper adds to existing knowledge of interest to stakeholders.
Theories of financial crime
Authors: Gottschalk Petter 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand what, how, and why financial crime, to stimulate know‐what, know‐how, and know‐why, there is a need for theory development.Design/methodology/approachIn the context of financial crime, the paper searched theoretical explanations in three streams of research. One stream of research is labeled behavioral theories of financial crime where theories were developed explicitly to explain individualistic aspects of financial crime. Another stream of research is labeled organizational theories of financial crime where theories were developed to explain organizational phenomena of financial crime. A third stream of research is labeled managerial theories of financial crime, where general management theories were applied to the phenomenon of financial crime.FindingsA number of theoretical perspectives on financial crime are identified from the literature review.Research limitations/implicationsFuture case studies will empirically have to illustrate and validate theories of financial crime.Originality/valueThis paper presents an overview of theories useful for further conceptual as well as empirical research into financial crime.
Brokers and the control of postcontractual opportunism in the Nigerian insurance market
Authors: Olalekan Yusuf Tajudeen 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how insurance brokers control opportunism at the postcontractual stage of insurance contract in the Nigerian insurance market. Such opportunism, widely reported of insurance commercial customers, threatens the survival of the entire insurance institution while brokers' role is grossly ignored.Design/methodology/approachThe paper involved the use of semi‐structured interviews of insurance broking executives and documentary analyses of how insurance brokers gather and pass on information between clients and insurers to control opportunism in the insurance market.FindingsFindings suggest that the involvement of the insurance brokers from the claim notification stage, claim auditing to actual settlement and dispute mediation are instances of control over customers' opportunistic tendencies. Also, it is found that fear of reputation damage and brokers' professional way of handling clients' over‐exaggeration and suspicious claiming might considerably control insurance opportunism.Practical implicationsInvolving insurance brokers in the claim settlement stage is capable of reducing insurers' claim auditing costs while guaranteeing hassle‐free claiming experience for customers and boosting the image of the insurance industry. Hence, findings are relevant for insurance companies and regulators desirous of controlling opportunism in the insurance market.Originality/valueThe paper extends the marketing role of brokers to the claim settlement stage by highlighting their potentials to control clients' opportunistic behaviours which threaten the insurance market.
Combating white‐collar crime in Canada: serving victim needs and market integrity
Authors: Kempa Michael 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis paper has two integrated purposes: it provides a report on a symposium hosted by the Bank of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in December 2008 dealing with key challenges and directions forward for addressing white‐collar crime; and it ties this material into a conceptual review of the academic literature addressing the key conceptual, structural, legal, and cultural issues that impede the effective policing – broadly conceived – of white‐collar crime.Design/methodology/approachParticipant‐observer in a symposium and literature review.FindingsThe original argument is put forward that the bedrock difficulties for dealing with white‐collar crime are conceptual: fundamental liberal capitalist beliefs about what markets are and how best they serve the well‐being of the population have resulted in a deep public‐private divide in law, institutional design, institutional culture, and institutional practice that often frustrates the types of collaboration and information sharing that are universally deemed essential for the effective policing of market space.Practical implicationsCoordinated experimentation across the enforcement spectrum must be undertaken, documented, and communicated with the purpose of identifying approaches that circumvent the known practical (i.e. legal, structural, and cultural) difficulties associated with the current political economy.Originality/valueThe value of this paper thereby lies in situating the practical obstacles to policing market space that face regulatory and enforcement actors, along with victims, in political economic context, so that alternatives that work beyond the limits of the current concepts become literally conceivable.
Investment risk management in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) using technique of Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS)
Authors: Farid Darush , Rajabipoor Meybodi Alireza , Heydar Mirfakhraddiny Seyed 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to try to show how to manage risk by the use of “value at risk (VaR) concept” with Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) technique in stock exchanges.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses MCS technique in calculation of VaR in different set of stock portfolio, so that the risk inherent in the portfolio while making decision about investment in stock market could be estimated.FindingsThe paper specifies which equity stocks have been more affected on VaR in set of portfolio and which equity stocks are lesser affected. In addition, the main result which is derived by the research shows that if there is a loss at future, what is max the loss at the level confidence which could be imposed by investors. Thus, the paper suggests how the investors can invest their capital so that they would minimize their loss and maximize their profit.Practical implicationsBy using concept of VaR calculated by MCS, the investors would be in a position to select better stock portfolio with a known risk measure.Originality/valueThis paper tries to manage risks by use of “VaR concept,” which could be calculated by MCS technique.
Brand image inconsistencies of luxury fashion brands
Authors: Matthiesen Insa‐Mascha , Phau Ian 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine whether brand perceptions differ across channel members of luxury brands using the buyer‐seller exchange situation model.Design/methodology/approachA triangulation approach was used to compare perceptions of different channel members. The data collection was completed in two stages. First, a self‐administered mail survey was sent out to 3,592 individuals from a publicly available mailing list. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 22 retailer buyers.FindingsThe findings reveal that brand perceptions differ across channel members. There appears to be a mismatch in the perceptions of wholesalers and retailers that might constitute a source of brand image inconsistencies. Although the final consumers' overall attitude toward the Hugo Boss brand is positive, consumers appear to be in favour of other brands and their inclination to purchase the Hugo Boss brand seems to be relatively low.Research limitations/implicationsThe study only examined one brand and is limited to the Australian context. Future research could examine other luxury brands in different countries. The study utilised judgement sampling, which could result in selection bias.Practical implicationsBrand knowledge is crucial to achieving brand image consistency between seller and buyer. Internal marketing techniques could be employed to assess the efficiency and development of brand knowledge among employees, retailers and other channel members.Originality/valueThis is one of the pioneering studies that applies a marketing channel approach to investigate brand image inconsistencies in a concrete working example. It contributes to luxury brand management across borders, opening the way for further research. The study provides ecological validity and reliability by working on a triangulation approach, using qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Exploring consumers' adoption of highly technological fashion products
Authors: Watchravesringkan Kittichai , Nelson Hodges Nancy , Kim Yun‐Hee 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis study seeks to develop and test a model of consumers' adoption of highly technological fashion products (HTFPs) through modifying the technology acceptance model (TAM).Design/methodology/approachUsing a convenience sampling method, students between 18 to 26 years old were chosen as the sample population from a mid‐size southern university in the USA. The final sample consisted of 268 responses. Confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis were employed to answer all hypotheses using the structural equation model.FindingsEmpirical results revealed that consumers' intentions to adopt an innovation (i.e. highly technological fashion product) are driven by the multi‐dimensional nature of consumers' extrinsic (i.e. perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) and intrinsic (i.e. perceived innovativeness and perceived fashionability) motivation. Additionally, these motivational dimensions contribute to consumers' utilitarian and hedonic attitudes toward using an innovation, which in turn affects their purchase intentions.Practical implicationsConsumers' utilitarian and hedonic consumer attitudes may enable retailers and marketers to design effective advertising campaigns by helping them to determine whether the functional or sensational components of the product need to be emphasized. Furthermore, when developing a new product, marketers need to focus on product attributes that possess both functionality and hedonic benefits.Originality/valueThis is the first known study to examine the underlying relationships between motivations, two‐dimensional consumers' attitudes (utilitarian and hedonic), and purchase intentions in the consumer‐related product context. The study has broadened the TAM by integrating extrinsic and intrinsic motivational variables into the model. It has also deepened the TAM by conceptualizing consumers' attitudes as comprising two distinct dimensions: utilitarian and hedonic.
The financial institution as a racketeering enterprise: RICO and beyond
Authors: Cihlar Frank P. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the reader to Section 901(a) of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, which deals with “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations” and is popularly known as the “RICO” statute.Design/methodology/approachRICO was designed to protect legitimate enterprises from infiltration by organized crime. The paper discusses one case in which a bank, the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), was found to have violated RICO by engaging in prohibited racketeering activities and a second case in which another bank, UBS AG, engaged in activities criminal under US law. The paper then details some of the activities of the two banks and explores the remedies available under RICO.FindingsFollowing the failure of BCCI, the US filed a criminal information against the bank that included a forfeiture allegation under Section 1963 of RICO. In February of 2009, UBS AG, Switzerland's largest bank, entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the US Department of Justice, under the terms of which the bank agreed to waive indictment and consented to the filing of an information charging the bank with participating in a conspiracy to defraud the USA and its agency, the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of 18 USC 371.Originality/valueBCCI may be something of an extreme case in terms of the breadth and scope of the illegal activities in which it engaged. But, it is not the only example of a bank gone wrong. Unfortunately, abuses can and do continue, although not every case may end with RICO forfeiture. Indeed, in a recent case with faint echoes of BCCI, RICO did not come into play at all.
Promoting financial sector stability through an effective AML/CFT regime
Authors: Shehu Abdullahi Y. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of the recent financial crisis and the need for prudential management and effective supervisory and regulatory measures in ensuring the stability and integrity of the financial sector, especially financial institutions, such as banks. The aim is to increase awareness about the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and the efforts at enforcing these standards.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the impact of the global financial crisis of 2009 and relates it to inadequate enforcement of prudential and regulatory measures. The paper argues that effective implementation of the core and key FATF Recommendations would assure some modicum of stability, productivity, and integrity of the financial system. It also discusses briefly the monitoring process of the implementation of these standards. The paper adopts a policy approach with a view to explaining the importance and benefits of implementing these standards in all jurisdictions. Thus, it covers the work of the anti‐money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) global network in promoting financial sector stability.FindingsThe mutual evaluation process is a demonstration of the commitment of member states to implement the FATF standards and remedy deficiencies in their systems. However, many countries, in particular low‐capacity countries, face challenges in the implementation of the FATF standards. These are: competing priorities for scarce government resources; severe lack of resources and skilled workforce to implement government programmes, including AML/CFT programmes; weaknesses in legal institutions; the dominance of the informal sector and a cash‐based economy; poor document and data‐retention systems; and in some cases, very small financial sector with limited exposure to the international financial system.Research limitations/implicationsFor the AML/CFT standards to be enforced more effectively, developing countries need more technical assistance, especially in preventing the flow of proceeds of corruption to developed countries' financial systems. The strategy to recover the proceeds of crime has proven to be problematic, but no better approach has yet been articulated. This should constitute an issue for further research.Originality/valueThe paper aims to increase awareness to the FATF standards and the work of all the global network organizations involved in the fight against ML/TF. It is useful particularly to financial institutions who wish to protect the integrity of their system and promote stability.
Exploring illegal guarantees between group companies: a case from Turkey
Authors: Ilter Cenap 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss that in an uncontrolled business environment public companies' resources may be abused to fund other group companies by their management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper has been designed on fraud theory. The theory has been developed on interviews with key management personnel, financial analysis, audit tests and gathering the facts on each step.FindingsThe paper concludes that in an uncontrolled financial market, owners, executives and statutory company auditors acting in harmony may break the financial rules, statutory obligations and convert a healthy public company into bankruptcy by means of milking its resources to other group companies on unfeasible projects or on individual pleasures.Practical implicationsAuditors both internal and external should pay attention to intragroup transactions. Companies, partially or wholly owned by the public might be under the influence of owner/executives. Here, it is not only the government interests as tax or social insurance, but also the shareholders' interests are at stake.Social implicationsResources are scarce, especially in developing countries. The public's savings must be sourced to feasible projects in trustworthy hands, otherwise public's trust is shaken which will deter potential shareholders to invest in capital markets, and consequently these negative repercussions will affect the whole community.Originality/valueThe case that the paper covers reflects the author's own audit experiences as an ex‐auditor. The names of the companies have been changed but not the essence of events. It is believed that the paper will shed light onto the path of the reader who might be an external or an internal or a statutory auditor or a manager of a company who might be involved in similar situations.
The enigma of private brands in the emerging Mediterranean countries
Authors: Herstein Ram , Efrat Kalanit , Jaffe Eugene D. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to discuss the import of private branding strategy for retailers, manufacturers and customers. It seeks to focus on private branding strategies in the emerging MEDA markets, and, using Israel as a case study, aims to identify why the huge potential of private brands has not been exploited in these countries.Design/methodology/approachBoth secondary data and empirical studies of Israeli exporters and chain store managers were conducted to determine what strategies are used to market private brands in developed, emerging and developing MEDA countries. Also included is a case study based on an analysis of four separate periods of the marketing of private brands in Israel, which are very similar to those seen in other emerging MEDA countries such as Greece and Turkey.FindingsA review of private branding strategies in the MEDA countries reveals three different markets, each one managed differently: developing, emerging, and developed. The most attractive MEDA markets with regard to private brands for retailers and manufacturers are the emerging countries, which have the most rapid growth potential in this region.Originality/valueFew studies are to be found in the literature that are based on the development of private labels in emerging countries. Moreover, the paper is the first to survey such development in Israel, one of the most developed countries in the Mediterranean.
Predicting consumer behavior based on country of origin (COO)
Authors: Ahmed Zafar U. , Zbib Imad J. , Sikander Arif , Tanios Farhat Karla 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis study seeks to examine country of origin (COO) and national loyalty effects on Lebanese consumers' quality perceptions, attitudes, and purchase intentions with respect to airlines serving Lebanon.Design/methodology/approachThe research comprised formulation of a detailed questionnaire that was served to 360 persons via personal delivery and e‐mails. Statistical analysis of data employed chi‐square and ANOVA tests.FindingsIt was found that factors other than personal experience could impact customer perceptions when selecting the airlines of preference in which national loyalty was a key factor. An important finding was that, from the point of view of personal experience, demographic variables influenced customer perceptions, whereas otherwise the country of origin (COO) effect was predominant.Research limitations/implicationsThere was a direct implication that factors other than personal experience do impact customer perception when selecting the airlines of preference. The findings show disagreement with many scholars who give high importance to personal experience as a basis for selection. In this scenario, the majority of the respondents traveled on MEA and gave a good evaluation for the quality services provided by MEA. A different experimental setting would be required to determine the response of dissatisfied customers with travel on MEA.Originality/valueThe analysis of COO effect in selecting an airline by Lebanese consumers is the first of its kind of study in Lebanon and would contribute to the overall literature. It could also provide useful information to the airline industry and national aviation planners in Lebanon.