bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic sustainability of international telecommunication networks
Authors: Alfonso Fernández González Juan 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the expanding broadband “digital divide” as a warning that developing countries are falling behind in the upgrade of their telecommunication networks, specially the access network. It points out the deteriorated financial conditions facing developing countries in the context of the global economic crisis that adversely affects the availability of resources to invest in network infrastructure.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a review and analysis of relevant literature and the outcomes of significant ICT for development events.FindingsThe existing economic mechanisms in international communications networks establish the financial flows in favor of the developed countries, thus thwarting any attempt to increase its net external income that could be used in investments in telecommunications infrastructure. On the other hand, convergence and the migration to next generation networks present a new set of opportunities and challenges to establish an international interconnection regime that will allow the developing countries to recover the investment in infrastructure.Research limitations/implicationsThe scarcity of publicly available economic data of the current international interconnection agreements suggests the necessity to conduct further research in this area.Practical implicationsThe failure to establish a non‐discriminatory international interconnection regime could lead to economic unsustainability of international networks in the long run. The paper presents some recommendations to address this issue.Originality/valueThis paper presents an approximation to an important issue of international telecommunication networks that is usually hidden behind the confidentiality of services contracts.
Restricted mobility and fixed‐mobile convergence in Brazil
Authors: Aranha Márcio , Galperin Hernán , Bar François , Villela Marina 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis article aims to explore the impact of a particular regulatory framework for CDMA and GSM use by fixed‐phone companies in Brazil on access, local‐loop competition and fixed‐mobile convergence.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the analysis of the three most significant cases in Brazil and the discussion of recent regulatory changes that facilitate access to radio spectrum on a secondary basis.FindingsAmong the findings of the study is that while fixed‐wireless access (FWA) systems using CDMA seem to be more suitable to high‐density, well‐served areas, in which a large operator attempts to address a low‐income market satisfied with restricted mobility – GSM systems deployed on a secondary basis are best fitted to address the digital gap in low‐income, underserved areas, promoting local‐loop competition in markets of little interest to traditional operators.Practical implicationsThe conclusion outlines regulatory recommendations for promoting competition and the growth of innovative, small‐scale operators that take advantage of new wireless technologies to address service coverage gaps.Originality/valueThe paper presents the first attempt to address the Brazilian CDMA‐ and GSM‐based fixed wireless access experience from a regulatory perspective and analyzes the “ruralfone” case, which uses a fixed phone license to deliver GSM‐based services in underserved communities, surpassing incumbent penetration in cities where there is no cellular network yet under a given regulatory environment in Brazil.
Governance of mobile service innovation after the walled gardens
Authors: de Reuver Mark 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to study how interorganizational governance mechanisms within mobile eco‐systems are affected by the end of the walled gardens and what this implies for developing mobile internet services.Design/methodology/approachStarting from concepts on interorganizational governance, the paper conducts an extensive case study on how the Dutch walled garden i‐mode portal evolved in an open WAP‐based portal.FindingsThe transition of walled garden to open portals dramatically changes governance mechanisms between operator and content providers. Authority‐based governance in the form of operator rules, contracts‐based governance in the form of formalized agreements, and trust‐based governance in the form of close collaboration all reduced following the end of the walled garden.Research limitations/implicationsThe author demonstrates that theoretical concepts of interorganizational governance are relevant for actors within the mobile ecosystem to understand, next to regulatory, technical and market mechanisms, if they are to provide value to the customers as well as to the eco‐system itself.Originality/valueAlthough scholars often agree that the choice between walled gardens and open models will influence service innovation, existing studies do not systematically study how governance between operators and content providers changes when the mobile eco‐system is transforming from walled gardens to open models. Although this paper focuses on the relation between operators and content providers, the power shift to hardware and platform providers implies that governance is still highly relevant. As walled gardens also emerge in other areas of ICT‐enabled services, for instance in the Smart Living domain, the insights will be valuable for studies on ICT‐enabled service industries as well.
On the assessment of regulators' efficiency: an application to European telecommunications
Authors: Lupi Paolo , Manenti Fabio , Scialà Antonio , Varin Cristiano 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to provide a new and simple approach to the empirical assessment of the internal efficiency of national regulatory authorities (NRAs) based on outcomes on regulated markets. Moreover, in order to illustrate this approach, the authors apply the proposed methodology to telecommunications.Design/methodology/approachFirst, this paper defines the production process of a NRA to identify correctly the inputs and the outputs of regulatory activity. Second, with reference to the telecommunications sector this paper provides estimates for the inputs and output identified. Third, by treating each NRA as a decision making unit (DMU) this paper carries out a data envelopment analysis (DEA) used in conjunction with a smoothed bootstrap technique.FindingsThis paper provides evidences that NRAs operating in new accession countries look more efficient in pursuing dynamic efficiency goals than (more experienced) NRAs operating in other European countries, while they are less efficient when the regulatory outcomes are measured in terms of retail efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe lack of data on NRAs' personnel and budget requires a cautious discussion of the results.Practical implicationsThis paper enables one to get a better understanding of the effectiveness of different regulatory measures.Social implicationsOnce a measure of productive (internal) efficiency of a regulatory body has been obtained, it is then possible to embed this information in a more general analysis aimed at disentangling the effectiveness of regulatory measures from the ability (efficiency) of NRAs in putting them into force.Originality/valueThe evaluation of regulators' productive efficiency, as well as the identification of its determinants, has been almost completely neglected in the literature. With this paper we start to fill this gap.
Private costs of delayed privatization of TOT Public Company Limited
Authors: Srinuan Chalita 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the private costs of delaying privatization of TOT Public Company Limited, a state‐owned enterprise telephony carrier.Design/methodology/approachTo address the private costs of a delay in terms of privatization, a counterfactual forecasting model has been constructed for the years 2007‐2012. The starting year of the evaluation is 2006, as this year was the deadline for privatization under the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement. The forecasting model uses the traditional investment approach as well as scenario analyses.FindingsThe traditional investment approach and sensitivity analyses provide similar results. Both show that the benefit of delaying the privatization process could be higher than if the WTO‐agreed time process for TOT privatization were followed, as the growth of revenue sharing and from concessionaires would be higher than if TOT were privatized. There are no benefits in the long run, however, as the growth rate of revenue in the base case is lower than that in the privatization case, leading to a reduction in the present value of the base case over time: hence, the longer the delay in privatization, the slower the firm growth.Originality/valueThere are very few studies on Thailand's telecommunications sector. The results of this study are also useful to other developing countries.
Sustainability transdisciplinary education model: interface of arts, science, and community (STEM)
Authors: Clark Barbara , Button Charles 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the components of a sustainability transdisciplinary education model (STEM), a contemporary approach linking art, science, and community, that were developed to provide university and K‐12 students, and society at large shared learning opportunities. The goals and application of the STEM curriculum will be discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe STEM integrates the sciences, arts and aesthetics, and the university with the greater New Britain community, and beyond. Academic areas included geography, environmental science, communication, art history, aesthetics, and teacher education. The transdisciplinary methodology was integrated in a learner‐centered design. To achieve a cycle of community engagement regarding sustainability, university students were placed within the greater New Britain community. This included interaction with K‐12 urban public schools, the New Britain Museum of American Art (NBMAA), numerous nongovernmental organizations, state and federal governmental elected officials, and the general public.FindingsAs a result of the mutual learning implicit in the STEM, all participants expanded each other's understandings of sustainability. Students were learning from instructors, instructors were learning from students, students were learning from students, instructors were learning from instructors, and all were learning and sharing knowledge with the greater community. As a result, all participants gained a deeper and broader understanding about human‐environment relationships and how humans impact natural resources.Practical implicationsBecause the assignments given to the university students were authentic performance tasks embedded in sustainability issues, students developed a broader disposition for thinking and learning and therefore become metacognitive. The STEM emphasized aesthetic education, integrating science and the arts. As a result, the participants developed their ability to connect academic domains of knowledge and creatively address sustainability challenges.Originality/valueThe convergence of science, art, and aesthetics enabled the participants to develop a deeper spiritual awareness and understanding of eco‐justice for the promotion of a sustainable society. The STEM utilized cultural resources of the university and New Britain community (i.e. institutional members of the NBMAA and The Central Connecticut State University). Students were introduced to the concept of mutual learning with all the communities and organizations involved.
Campus sustainability: emerging curricula models in higher education
Authors: Savelyeva Tamara , McKenna James R. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to build a detailed description of the Global Seminar (GS) curricula model by exploring its on‐the‐ground participatory practices in America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.Design/methodology/approachWithin a qualitative research design framework, the authors interviewed 20 faculty members from the USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Australia, Sweden, Honduras, South Africa, Germany, Austria, and Denmark. They observed 11 class sessions; and analyzed available course documents.FindingsThe GS model provides a broader notion of teaching and learning for sustainability that incorporates greening and education for sustainability into curricula. This participatory model proves the emerging shift towards a new paradigm of teaching and learning for sustainability in academia.Originality/valueThis paper shows how academia can address sustainability through curricula models that promote a fundamental change to the dominant academic paradigm and challenge the existing understanding of sustainability in higher education.
The state of sustainability reporting in universities
Authors: Lozano Rodrigo 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review and assess the state of sustainability reporting in universities.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of the performance level of 12 universities sustainability reports using the Graphical Assessment of Sustainability in Universities tool.FindingsThe results show that sustainability reporting in universities is still in its early stages (both in numbers of institutions reporting and in level of reporting) when compared to sustainability reporting in corporations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by the limited number of universities that publish sustainability reports. However, the results show that universities could learn from the experiences of corporate sustainability reporting efforts, and incorporate them into their efforts as learning organisations to better align their systems with sustainability.Practical implicationsUniversity leaders and champions need to consider publishing more information on the social and educational dimensions.Originality/valueThe paper provides an analysis of sustainability reporting in universities, which has the potential to better incorporate and institutionalise sustainability.
College students' perceptions of campus sustainability
Authors: Emanuel Richard , Adams J.N. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether or not there are differences between college students in Alabama and Hawaii based on three questions: are students concerned about the present/future? What do students know about sustainability? Who is responsible for sustainability?Design/methodology/approachTwo approaches were used to address these questions. First, a summary of sustainability efforts at universities in Alabama and Hawaii is provided. Second, a random sample of 406 undergraduate students at two universities in Alabama (n=258) and at a community college in Hawaii (n=148) were surveyed.FindingsThe data indicate that sustainable programs and practices are being implemented on a number of college campuses in Alabama and in Hawaii. Students surveyed in both states are concerned about wasteful consumption and pollution. Respondents' were similar in their self‐assessed knowledge about sustainability. Respondents were also similar in their views about who is responsible for sustainability. However, a consistently larger proportion of Hawaii respondents expressed concern for and willingness to participate in sustainable practices. So, there seems to be little or no “knowledge gap” when it comes to campus sustainability, but there does seem to be a “commitment gap.” Possible reasons for this are discussed.Originality/valueSince the 1980s, many universities in the USA have elected to incorporate sustainability practices into campus development and day‐to‐day operations. They are now emerging as environmental leaders and innovators. An understanding of students' perceptions of sustainability may give insight into whether or not and how they are likely to engage in sustainable practices.
Relationship marketing practice in Lithuanian logistics organizations
Authors: Juščius Vytautas , Grigaite Viktorija 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish relationship marketing practice aspects, their prevalence and opportunities in Lithuanian logistics organizations.Design/methodology/approachBy applying a standardized questionnaire, Lithuanian logistics organizations were examined. Mostly executives, organizations' owners and logistics specialists were key informants.FindingsThe findings indicated that cooperation is a fundamental element in the organizations. Depending on the developed relationship type in the organizations the significance attached to relationship marketing elements differ, level of satisfaction of long‐term relationship different too.Research limitations/implicationsA suggestion for further research is to adapt the study in other Lithuanian industries business relationships.Practical implicationsThis study is of managerial interest, as the framework may be applied by logistics organizations and if necessary modified considering the main aspects of customer relationships.Originality/valueThis paper makes a contribution to relationship marketing aspects and customer management analysis in Lithuanian logistics organizations.
Antecedents and consequences of inter‐organizational knowledge transfer
Authors: Martinkenaite Ieva 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the current body of research on inter‐organizational knowledge transfer, indicating some of its limitations and openings for future studies. It maps research in an integrative framework of knowledge‐specific, organizational and network‐level antecedents and performance outcomes of transfer. When assuming that transfer of knowledge does not by itself influence organizational performance, this study gives special attention to a mediating role of knowledge acquisition in relationship between antecedents and performance outcomes of transfer.Design/methodology/approachIn this conceptual paper the author consolidates, annotates and critiques existing research on antecedents and consequences of inter‐firm knowledge transfer. The author reveals limitations of the current body of literature and provides directions for future research.FindingsThis paper points to the underestimated role of knowledge acquisition in conceptual models of inter‐firm knowledge transfer. The author suggests that the extent, type and nature of “new knowledge learned” mediate the relationship between various antecedents of transfer and financial, product/market and strategic performance of firms. Related to this, the study calls future research to analyze knowledge transfer as a two‐stage process that involves acquisition of knowledge and its exploitation.Originality/valueAlthough research on inter‐organizational knowledge transfer is burgeoning, yet our understanding of its antecedents and consequences remains unclear. As a first step to filling this gap, this study provides a comprehensive literature review, reveals its limitations and suggests meaningful directions for further research. It points to high explanatory value of theoretical frameworks that examine linkages between antecedents of transfer, learning outcomes and firm performance results.
The impact of globalization on legitimacy signals
Authors: Ivanova Olga , Castellano Sylvaine 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is two‐fold: to examine the challenges that organizations that have originated in transition environments face when moving from one layer of the environment (local/national) to another one (international/global) and to enrich the understanding of the legitimacy concept by looking at two types of legitimacy (functional and relational) relevant to the organizations in transition environments trying to access the global marketplace.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the legitimacy needs of organizations evolving in transition environments and trying to access a different environmental layer, we developed a signalling theory of legitimacy.FindingsWhen trying to move from one layer of the environment to another one, organizations will use different types of legitimacy signals in order to address the liabilities they face.Research limitations/implicationsThe research examines organizations facing both drastic environmental changes and evolving in a global industry. Future research can separately study the impact of each factor; and also investigate additional types of liabilities.Practical implicationsThe study can help organizations from transition and emerging economies identify and employ signals that can enhance their organizational legitimacy, which may affect their performance. Additionally, public policy implications are developed in order to stimulate local businesses.Originality/valueThe multidimensionality of a signalling theory of legitimacy – functional and relational – increases our understanding of organizations facing liabilities, such as firms evolving in transition environments and trying to access the global marketplace.
Turnover prediction using attitudes towards benefits, pay, and pay satisfaction among employees and entrepreneurs in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
Authors: Carraher Shawn M. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the efficacy of predicting turnover for employees and entrepreneurs from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania using attitudes towards benefits, pay satisfaction, pay, gender, and age across a four‐year time frame.Design/methodology/approachA survey that included information on attitudes towards benefits and pay satisfaction was used to collect data from 153 Estonian, 157 Latvian, and 146 Lithuanian employees and 243 Latvian, 103 Estonian, and 109 Lithuanian entrepreneurs. The turnover of the employees and business owners was then followed over a four‐year time period with assessments done each year allowing for an examination of temporal variations in the relationships over time. Actual salary/income data was also obtained from organizational records.FindingsIt was found that for the employee samples the classification rates increased slightly as compared to base rates over time (e.g. did better the longer the time period included), while for the employers the classification rates andR2values were relatively flat as compared to base rates. For the employee samples theR2values decreased over time. Attitudes towards benefits were generally significant predictors of turnover for employees and entrepreneurs over a four‐year time period while satisfaction with pay was typically significant for employees but not for entrepreneurs. It was also found that for the employees both equity and expectancy considerations were able to explain differences in turnover rates while for entrepreneurs expectancy theory considerations were more powerful than equity theory explanations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited both by geography, job types, and the theoretical construct of turnover. Few studies have examined turnover among both employees and business owners, and few studies have explored the similarities and differences between the two.Practical implicationsPay and benefits are important for employees. Pay seems to be important for attracting employees while benefits are important for retaining them.Originality/valueThis study examines turnover for both employees and entrepreneurs with a four‐year longitudinal design with data from three different countries – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Temporal variations in the relationships are also examined on a year by year basis. As employee retention has been an important factor in the Baltic region over the last two decades it is vital to understand how to retain employees.