bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Should corporate social reporting be voluntary or mandatory? Evidence from the banking sector in France and the United States
Authors: Perrault Crawford Elise , Clark Williams Cynthia 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis research project aims to investigate how country contexts pressure firms for greater reporting activity and to explore the impact of these pressures on disclosure quality.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical lens is used to based on the three pillars of institutions: regulative, normative, and cultural in order to assess qualitatively how strong each pillar is reflected in creating a context with regard to disclosure, and then to compare two disclosure ratings' reports – that of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and that of CERES – to provide a quantitative comparison of disclosure quality.FindingsExpecting that countries with higher regulative pressures, such as France, will lead to a “minimum‐requirement” type of disclosure, while countries with more liberal markets, such as the USA, will present higher quality disclosure, counter‐theoretical evidence was found in the results, indicating that French firms exhibit higher quality disclosure than US firms on average.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings, although derived from a small sample limited to the banking sector, point to the possibility that higher reporting quality is more closely linked to normative and cultural pressures, and that these pressures appear to be more important in stronger regulatory contexts.Originality/valueThe results inform the public policy literature, seeking to explore the effectiveness of self‐regulation in face of increasing mandatory requirements. The paper also contributes to the disclosure literature, by establishing a relationship between disclosure quality and institutional context, and to the institutional theory literature by inscribing the study within the nascent stream of empirical papers in search of a methodology to compare institutional contexts across countries and their impact on firms' reporting activities.
E‐book devices and m‐commerce: what might be the impact on organizational learning?
Authors: Ratten Vanessa 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore how e‐book devices and m‐commerce affect organizational learning.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines how e‐books are changing the m‐commerce industry by encouraging organizations to adopt electronic formats of written material.FindingsThis paper highlights how e‐books can make a difference to organizations by being a more cheaper and efficient way to share information and knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsAs e‐books are a relatively new innovation that organizations are using it is important to understand how people within an organization learn and use e‐books.Practical implicationsOrganizations need to keep up to date with new technology and e‐books provide a unique way for organizations to learn about market developments and encourage information sharing throughout the whole organization.Social implicationsE‐books enable people in an organization to share information in a timely and secure manner. However, for society this may mean an increase in unethical conduct such as illegal downloading that organizations need to be aware of.Originality/valueThis paper highlights how e‐books are used by individuals within an organizational context and the impact on the market for organizations having e‐book devices.
Critical success factors in crafting a strategic architecture for e‐learning: a case study at H.P. University, India
Authors: Sharma Kunal 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to highlight the critical success factors that were involved in crafting a strategic architecture for E‐learning at H.P. University in IndiaDesign/methodology/approachA descriptive survey type of research design was used. An empirical study was conducted on students attending personal contact programs (PCP) to figure out the importance of E‐learning in distance education programs.FindingsIt was found that that the current practices of instruction are reasonable within PCPs. However, staff don't have a high level of interest in the ICT program, though the learners are ICT savvy. In addition, there is no regular electricity supply, a lack of facilities and consumables to facilitate using the technology.Research limitationsAlthough an empirical study was conducted, respondents sometimes don't divulge full informationPractical implicationsThe article addresses the critical success factors in crafting a strategic architecture for E‐learning at H.P. University. E‐learning is necessary for PCP students as they lose contact with their teachers after their PCP programs.Originality/valueThe article addresses the critical success factors for implementing E‐Learning in a traditional university environment.
Sustainable development of a solar adsorption cooling machine
Authors: Louajari Mohamed , Ouammi Ahmed , Mimet Abdelaziz 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the possibility of the use of a solar adsorption refrigeration machine, using the pair activated carbon/ammonia within the framework of sustainability and development of rural areas.Design/methodology/approachThe limited availability of electrical grid in rural areas of Morocco makes necessary the adoption of new methods in order to provide the needs of energy services, which represent an important factor affecting the quality of life. The studies that were undertaken in this current paper investigated the sensitivity of the COP as well as the production of the cold at various refrigeration machine temperatures.FindingsIt can be recognized that the feasibility of the machine with significant production of cold in the form of ice is between 3.33 and 4.14 kg/m2 for a solar flat plate collector; and between 7.16 and 9.94 kg/m2 for solar flat plate.Originality/valueThe paper presents a model of decision‐making support for selecting the optimal conditions for the use of a solar adsorption refrigeration machine. The model optimises the quantity of cold produced and the coefficient of performance (COP) of the machine and investigates the sensitivity of the COP to the characteristic temperatures of the cycle of the machine.
Integrating the analytic network process (ANP) and the driving force‐pressure‐state‐impact‐ responses (DPSIR) model for the sustainability assessment of territorial transformations
Authors: Bottero Marta , Ferretti Valentina 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe paper, which is based on an integrated approach that is able to aid the comprehension of complex phenomena, aims to investigate innovative models and tools in the field of sustainability assessment of territorial transformations. The model has been applied to a real case study related to the choice of alternative projects for the requalification of a downgraded urban area in Turin (Italy).Design/methodology/approachThe work proposes the use of a comprehensive key environmental indicator framework and multi‐criteria analysis to evaluate the sustainability of different strategies. The evaluation has been performed through the application of the analytical network process (ANP) and by means of a set of indicators, which have been arranged according to the Driving Force‐Pressure‐State‐Impact‐Responses (DPSIR) framework. The assessment model provides priority lists of the importance of the considered indicators and alternatives. All the analysis elements are modelled with the ANP, taking into consideration the interconnections between the indicators and their respective cumulative importance.FindingsAccording to the aim of the paper, the most important element in the performed analysis refers to the variation of the well‐being of the population, followed by the changes in the accessibility and attractiveness of the area, then by the effects on the real estate market and the presence of new cycle tracks.Originality/valueThe work is the first study at a national level and one of the first applications at an international level in research concerning the use of the DPSIR framework integrated with an ANP analysis.
An analysis of the Land Use Sustainability Index (LUSI) at territorial scale based on Corine Land Cover
Authors: Gardi Ciro , Bosco Claudio , Rusco Ezio , Montanerella Luca 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to propose a methodology based on the use of a simple and accessible database, such as Corine Land Cover (CLC), for providing an in depth evaluation of environmental sustainability. This evaluation has been carried out through the analysis of factors such as landscape and habitat composition, the level of biodiversity, the degree of anthropisation and soil sealing and the arable land availability.Design/methodology/approachStarting from the analysis of some of the existing approaches for the evaluation of environmental sustainability, this paper presents a GIS approach, based on the use of the Corine Land Cover (CLC), and other sources of geographical data, aimed at producing several thematic Environmental Sustainability Indicators, and one synthetic index.FindingsThe proposed methodology was found to enable a satisfactory assessment of the environmental state, at territorial scale, starting from an easy accessible land use data set. The adopted approach is tailored by the CLC, but can easily be adapted to other land cover/land use classification systems. The applications presented in this paper have been applied to a relatively small area, and other tests should be performed across Europe for a better evaluation of the methodology. However, the results obtained from the Emilia‐Romagna case study, showed a realistic and coherent picture of the environmental status in the area. Similarly to other successful sustainability indexes and/or indicators, the main advantage of the LUSI is the possibility of synthesizing, as a single value, the environmental sustainability of a given territory.Originality/valueThe application of the proposed methodology relies essentially on land use data and can be easily executed in batch mode, using simple models or script in a GIS environment. Contrary to other environmental sustainability indicators, where the land use data are only a sub‐set of the data required, LUSI core data set is represented by the Corine Land Cover, or other equivalent geographical database.
Hazard and risk evaluation in hydrogen pipelines
Authors: Dagdougui H. , Garbolino E. , Paladino O. , Sacile R. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is the definition and the implementation of a simplified mathematical model to estimate the hazard and the risk related to the use of high‐pressurized hydrogen pipeline.Design/methodology/approachThis study aims to investigate the effects of different hydrogen operations conditions and to tackle with different release or failure scenarios. Based on the combination of empirical relations and analytical models, this paper sets the basis for suitable models for consequence analysis in terms of estimating fire length and of predicting its thermal radiation. The results are compared either with experimental data available in the literature, thus by setting the same operations and failure conditions, or with other conventional gaseous fuel currently used.FindingsThe findings show that the release rate increasingly varies according to the supply pressure. Regarding the effect of the hole diameter, it hugely affects the amount of hydrogen escaping from the leak, up to a value of approximately 0.3 m, after which the release rate remains fixed at a maximum of 43 Kg/s. For failure consequences related to jet flame, the leak dimension has a strength impact on the flame length.Originality/valueThis paper represents a helpful engineering tool, to establish the safety requirements that are related to define adequate safety buffer zones for the hydrogen pipeline in order to ensure safety to people, as well the environment.
A multilevel study on antecedents of manager voice in Chinese context
Authors: Wang Lin , Huang Jiaxin , Chu Xiaoping , Wang Xiaohui 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the antecedents of manager voice in Chinese business from the theory of plan behavior perspective. The paper focuses on how antecedents including organization‐based self‐esteem, psychological ownership, and supervisor‐subordinate guanxi influence manager voice. It also examines the cross‐level moderating effect of Chinese indigenous leadership style authoritarian leadership on the relationships between antecedents and manager voice.Design/methodology/approachA literature review on manager voice, organization‐based self‐esteem, psychological ownership, supervisor‐subordinate guanxi, and authoritarian leadership provided the model and hypothesis. Using a sample of 262 supervisor‐subordinate dyads collected in Chinese business, a cross‐level analysis was conducted to test the model and hypothesis.FindingsThe results of hierarchical linear modeling show that on a individual level, in comparison with the organization‐based self‐esteem and psychological ownership, supervisor‐subordinate guanxi is a more critical factor influencing manager voice; on a group level, authoritarian leadership is negatively related to manager voice; and authoritarian leadership moderates the relationship between the supervisor‐subordinate guanxi and the manager voice: for weak authoritarian leadership group, the positive relationship between supervisor‐subordinate guanxi and manager voice is stronger.Research limitations/implicationsIt was a cross‐sectional study, and the samples were limited to Chinese business. It is necessary to replicate this research in other organization contexts. The results indicate that indigenous guanxi and authoritarian leadership significantly influence manager voice, which advances voice research in Chinese management studies.Practical implicationsResults of the study suggest top Chinese business leaders should strengthen the interpersonal relationship between supervisors and subordinates in order to encourage manager voice. Moreover, the top leaders should change their authoritarian leadership to facilitate voice behavior.Originality/valueThe paper is original in its investigation on how Chinese indigenous organizational factors – guanxi and authoritarian leadership – influence manager voice. The paper also explains the relationships between antecedents and manager voice from a cross‐level perspective.
Trust, relationship commitment and cooperative performance: supply chain management
Authors: Xiao Yuchun , Zheng Xiyan , Pan Wenan , Xie XiaoXia 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effects of team trust and individual trust on cooperative performance and to examine the role of relationship commitment.Design/methodology/approachStatistical analysis on questionnaire data from 245 team members was used to assess relationship between trust, relationship commitment and cooperative performance.FindingsThe results show that both the team trust and the individual trust are positively correlated with cooperative performance. The indirect effect of team trust on cooperative performance mediated by relationship commitment is significantly greater than its direct effect. However, the indirect effect of individual trust on cooperative performance mediated by relationship commitment is significantly less than its direct effect.Originality/valuePrevious researches about the trust between teams focused on the team trust which did not match with the reality, especially in China, a country that thinks highly of interpersonal relationship. The paper first considers the effects of both the team trust and the individual trust on cooperative performance and compares these effects with the effects mediated by relationship commitment.
Are “standardized performance appraisal practices” really preferred? A case study in China
Authors: Chen Jie , Eldridge Derek 
Published: August 2010

PurposeIn spite of the increasing awareness that standardized performance appraisal practices must fit in varied local contexts, limited research and mixed findings still cloud our understanding about how those appraisal practices are perceived and implemented in the subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs). The purpose of this paper is to examine this issue, aiming to clarify the contextual and cultural boundary of standardized appraisal practices in China.Design/methodology/approachA case study was conducted in an MNC subsidiary located in Southern China. Organizational performance appraisal documents were collected, and in‐depth interviews were conducted.FindingsIt has been found that the implementation of a Western standardized appraisal system was far from attaining an optimistic effect in a Chinese business setting: employees were nowhere near being able to be involved in setting objectives and developmental plans; the appraisal system was not perceived be fair enough due to the influence of a seniority‐based rewards system; and managers hesitated to take ownership of performance reviews.Practical implicationsWhen designing and delivering standardized appraisal system to subsidiaries, foreign investors and global human resource practitioners are expected to be more context focused. Distinct cultural values and norms in local contexts should be carefully taken into consideration.Originality/valueThe paper fills in the literature gap by providing an in‐depth study of employees' perceptions towards the actual implementation of a standardized performance appraisal system in an MNC subsidiary in China.
Confucianism and Chinese leadership
Authors: Seow Wah Sheh 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relevance and implication of the Confucius teachings in present days' context particularly in the area of leadership and organization.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview of Chinese cultural values, Confucianism, and their implications for Chinese management.FindingsFive key dimensions of the Confucian values and ethics have been uncovered and be applied to the contemporary leaders' behaviors that are moral character, human‐heartedness, human relationship, lifelong learning, and moderation.Practical implicationsThe five key Confucian value dimensions can be used to shape leader's behavior. The review hopes to contribute to the study of social psychology and modern leadership.Originality/valueThe paper offers a re‐organization and re‐interpretation of the Confucius classics.
Dealing with plagiarism in a complex information society
Authors: Wheeler Debbie , Anderson David 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the modern information society on attitudes and approaches to the prevention of plagiarism and to examine a less punitive, more educative model.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is a literature review of plagiarism in contemporary society followed by a case study of the education department of a tertiary‐level college in the United Arab Emirates.FindingsThe authors advocate a move towards a less punitive, more educative approach which takes into account all the relevant contextual factors. A call is made for a truly institutional response to a shared concern, with comprehensive and appropriate policies and guidelines which focus on prevention, the development of student skills, and the proactive involvement of all relevant stakeholders.Practical implicationsThis approach could inform the policies and practices of institutions who wish to systematically deal with plagiarism in other contemporary contexts.Originality/valueThis paper could be of value to policy makers and administrators in tertiary institutions, particularly in English as a second language contexts, who recognise the limitations of traditional approaches to plagiarism and wish to establish more effective practices.
Using digital storytelling to build a sense of national identity amongst Emirati students
Authors: Raven John , O'Donnell Karen 
Published: August 2010

PurposeMany believe that in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the perception of a national identity, as a construct amongst Emiratis, is under threat at the moment. The purpose of this paper is to examine this concern and describe how one educational establishment in the UAE, the Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology (SHCT), a context that presents unique language and cultural issues, used a digital storytelling competition to address this issue with Emirati students.Design/methodology/approachA total of 150 students at SHCT used a variety of tools to create digital stories around the theme of “Proudly Emirati”, a topic aimed at building a sense of self. Stories covered topics ranging from family traditions to cultural icons. A case study investigated this initiative and addressed how the process of creating digital stories shaped the students' perspectives of self and national identity. We collected feedback on the digital storytelling initiative using focus group interviews and surveys with the students involved.FindingsStrong support is voiced for the competition and its impact on helping students express feelings of national pride and identity.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey addresses a limited number/range of issues and many more points and implications are raised in the focus group meetings that we would like to include in future research of digital storytelling.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the practical implications and huge potential of digital storytelling for learning environments.Originality/valueThis is an innovative approach to highlighting a contentious social issue with the students and community.
Outlook of female students towards entrepreneurship
Authors: Gallant Monica , Majumdar Sudipa , Varadarajan Damodharan 
Published: August 2010

PurposeIn today's world, entrepreneurship is seen as the vital source for economic growth and education is a vital component in the creation and development of entrepreneurial attitudes. It is, therefore, natural to consider students as the primary resource of future entrepreneurs. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to carry out an empirical research amongst females in their first year of business studies in Dubai, providing a descriptive analysis of students' entrepreneurial intentions.Design/methodology/approachA primary survey amongst female first‐year business studies students in Dubai was conducted. A five‐point Likert scale was used for each question and mean scores were generated from the ranks.FindingsThe results show that the young female students in Dubai are positive regarding the role that universities can play in fostering their interest towards entrepreneurship, both for their education and the incubator for their new venture.Practical implicationsSignificant scope for promotion of entrepreneurship in the education system in the United Arab Emirates is found. Emirati females students showed a high inclination to become entrepreneurs provided they underwent a specialized entrepreneurial Business Program. More attention is required by policy makers and higher education authorities to foster “hands‐on” entrepreneurship as a part of business studies program.Originality/valueBoth academia and practitioners have increased their efforts in promoting entrepreneurial mindset within the society. However, only a few studies have investigated entrepreneurial attitudes amongst students; even fewer have considered entrepreneurial intentions of females and no studies have been conducted in the Middle East. This paper fills this gap.