bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated cost and quality benchmarking for electricity distribution using DEA
Authors: Ajodhia Virendra 
Published: September 2010

PurposeEnergy regulators applying price‐cap systems typically do not incorporate quality into the benchmarking process. The paper aims to develop a methodology for integrated cost‐quality benchmarking for electricity distribution networks.Design/methodology/approachTwo basic models are developed namely a technical model which specifies quality as a minimising input factor, and a social cost model which measures the extent to which the provided quality level is optimal. The two models are applied to a sample of Dutch and UK firms.FindingsThe results suggest that integrated price‐quality benchmarking is an important regulatory asset but at the same time, its limitations should also be recognised.Originality/valueTraditionally, benchmarking under price‐caps has been mostly restricted to the analysis in the area of costs. A truly integrated price‐quality benchmarking approach for electricity distribution networks is, however, lacking. This paper aims to fill this gap.
Should Chinese new technology SMEs remain independent in overseas markets?
Authors: Tao Shaw X. , Li Lee , Qian Gongming 
Published: September 2010

PurposeChinese new small‐ and medium‐sized technology enterprises face an important strategic decision when they operate in overseas markets. That is, should they remain independent? Independent small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) rely on their own internal resources while dependent SMEs resort to external resources through partnerships. The paper aims to evaluate various market contexts in which one strategy is preferred to the other.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses developed from the literature review are tested with the quantitative data which were collected through questionnaires.FindingsThis paper assesses Chinese new technology SMEs' market environments and their internal resources. Findings from this paper suggest that different market contexts and different internal resources lead to different strategies.Originality/valueThis paper makes contributions to existing studies on two fronts. First, it investigates Chinese new technology SMEs' performance in the overseas market. Chinese new technology SMEs have been a new phenomenon in the world market and few studies have been reported on these firms' strategies and performance. Second, this paper assesses SMEs' strategic option of independence and dependence against the background of high‐tech industries which require heavy R&D investments and have been highly risky and uncertain.
The strategy of designing around existing patents in technology innovation
Authors: Chunlin Si , King‐Lien Lee 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a systematic framework of strategy of designing around existing patents in enterprises' innovative activities. After reviewing the choice of strategy and principle of the design to evade the existing patents, this paper discusses how to select the target patent under enterprise's strategy, before finally taking the designing around existing patent based on patent standardisation as an successful implementation of innovative process.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory research with a case study of critical technology of OTFT to illustrate the application of the proposed strategy. The choice of strategy of designing around existing patents is analyzed on the basis of judgments of patent infringement, and a framework of selecting target patent is proposed for the development of strategy of designing around existing patents as an innovation process.FindingsThis research suggests that technology innovation based on designing around existing patent should focus on choosing technology from the target patent of critical technology, choosing a policy that can balance the risk of patent infringement and costs of technology innovation and combining the policy of designing around existing patent and the application of TRIZ theory.Originality/valueThe framework proposed in this paper provides an alternative strategy of technological innovation for technology follower firms.
Empirical study on commonness of fast growing private enterprises in China
Authors: Haisu Wang , Zhongxiu Fang 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the similarities of fast‐growth private enterprises (PEs) in China with particular focus on enterprises listed on growth enterprises market in order to draw managerial implications for other PEs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at the release effects of intangible assets in PEs. It examines the excavation effects of preferential policy on PEs and goes on to discuss the agglomeration effects of the inherent advantages of these.FindingsThe paper argues that the fast growth of PEs in our sample was attributable to three main factors, i.e. benefits of intangible assets marketisation, shrewd use of government preferential policies and technological and managerial capabilities.Practical implicationsThis research calls for the Chinese Government to adjust relevant policies to create a fair and competitive environment for enterprises with different ownerships and different scales.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the fact that the social and economic conditions of China in the post‐transition period have changed greatly and that the Chinese Government needs to clarify and define the existing characteristics and functions of enterprises and improve their service‐oriented functions.
Customer satisfaction factors (CSFs) with online banking services in an Islamic country
Authors: Sadeghi Tooraj , Heidarzadeh Hanzaee Kambiz 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate the key factors underlying customer satisfaction with electronic banking services in an Islamic country, Iran.Design/methodology/approachThe authors validate a measurement model for customer satisfaction evaluation in e‐banking service quality based on different service quality models and theories such as technology acceptance model, theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behavior.FindingsThe paper provides a model of seven factors on the following dimensions: convenience, accessibility, accuracy, security, usefulness, bank image, and web site design. Some of these factors illustrate a significant statistical difference between males and females.Originality/valueThese dimensions are determinants of customer's quality perception in e‐banking services and this paper presents new directions in service quality research and offers new directions to researchers and managers in providing service quality improvement.
Arabian Gulf innovator attitudes for online Islamic bank marketing strategy
Authors: Elbeck Matt , Dedoussis Evangellos‐Vagelis 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThis paper's aim is to guide online Islamic bank marketing strategy.Design/methodology/approachA study in 1999 interviewed 120 innovators about their attitudes and preferences to a hypothetical online Islamic bank, and replicated in 2009 for existing online Islamic banks using a sample of 220 innovators.FindingsThe ten‐year replication interval reveals increased internet and online bank usage, higher household incomes and concerns about security (fraud, theft, and hacking). Criteria describing a bona fide online Islamic bank are inconsistent and do not strongly reflect Sharia, suggesting a vague marketspace position. Similarities between online Islamic bank innovator attitudes and preferences with online bank innovators allows online Islamic banks confidence in the use of best practices in online marketing strategy.Practical implicationsThe 2009 study offers present‐day insights for online Islamic bank marketing strategy development, with 48 percent planning to open an online Islamic bank (51 percent have a retail branch Islamic bank account) citing time savings and 24‐hour access as primary advantages, with online security as the major impediment. For product mix, preferred investment products include real estate, construction and restaurants, whilst popular bank services include the ability to view and transfer across accounts, investment portfolio variety, and ease to open new accounts.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to address marketing issues about the burgeoning online Islamic bank market.
Compliance to Islamic marketing practices among businesses in Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Kalthom , Ismail Ahmad Mohd. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThis research paper aims to explore the perceptions of Muslim consumers of the degree of compliance of Malaysian businesses to Islamic marketing practices and promotional strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe perceptions of the Muslim consumers were examined by distributing a self‐administered survey questionnaire to a sample of 450 Muslim respondents residing in the major towns in Peninsular Malaysia. Items used in the questionnaire were derived from the basic guidelines provided in the Quran and the Sunnah on the conduct of business practices, specifically on the general marketing and promotional practices used.FindingsFindings suggest that though there is an awareness of these regulations and practices, not many businesses in Malaysia are perceived to be complying with them both with respect to general Islamic marketing principles and with recommended Islamic promotional practices. There was also a significant difference in opinions expressed by Muslim consumers due to the influence of their religious educational background and the states in which they resided.Practical implicationsThere is a need towards more research on how Islamic guidelines could be applied in all aspects of marketing activities. This could create more awareness among businesses about the issues and obligations that are relevant in marketing practices.Originality/valueThis research is a rare attempt on the part of researchers and scholars in Malaysia to relate the Islamic injunctions and guidelines on a specific discipline such as marketing. Although there have been many studies on Islamic finance and economics, the area of Islamic marketing remains clearly under researched.
Re‐stating financial statements and its reaction in financial market
Authors: Robbani Mohammad G. , Bhuyan Rafiqul 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the short‐term reactions of stock prices to the announcement of earnings restatement by the public companies listed in the Toronto stock exchange in Canada.Design/methodology/approachThe paper conducts an empirical study. For the purpose conducting the empirical study, a standard event study methodology has been utilized to examine the effect of restatement announcements on the stock returns. The dates of the announcement of restatement by each company have been collected and the effect of the announcement has been studied surrounding the announcement dates.FindingsThe results of empirical works indicate that, in general, the financial market reacts negatively to any restatement of earnings. This is evident from the fact that irrespective of the reasons for restatement, all restatements show a negative effect on the stock price. The impact of the restatement announcements is significant for all the prediction intervals. However, the long‐term reaction is more pronounced compared to short‐term reaction. In addition, the negative reaction is much higher for those reasons that are directly related to the earnings management than those that do not involve any active earnings management.Research limitations/implicationsSince the paper investigates only one stock exchange, it may have a limited application in other financial markets. Similar researches can be undertaken for other financial markets different in size, scope or geographical location.Practical implicationsThe findings of the paper may have broad implications both for individual investors and corporate executives. The decisions made by executives on restatements affect stock price and hence the investors' rate of return. Since the general effect of such restatement is negative on the stock returns, it may portray a negative perception about the company. Therefore, the paper has implications on the decisions made by both the investors and the corporate executives.Originality/valueThe paper studied the Canadian stock market which was not studied in the past to examine the reactions of restatement.
The determinants of corporate disclosure: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Khlif Hichem , Souissi Mohsen 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between disclosure and seven corporate characteristics which are ownership dispersion, analysts following, audit firm size, leverage, corporate size, profitability, and multi‐nationality.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies the meta‐analysis technique developed by Hunter et al. in 1982 to a sample of 16 articles published between 1997 and 2006 for the purpose of cumulating and integrating the findings across studies.FindingsThe paper shows a significant association between disclosure and audit firm size.Originality/valueThe paper is an extension of previous work of Ahmed and Courtis to the extent that it includes other determinants of disclosure not included in prior works. It also aims at reconciling the inconsistent results of prior studies.
A field study of user versus provider perceptions of management accounting system services
Authors: Fleischman Gary , Walker Kenton , Johnson Eric 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate user versus provider perceptions of management accounting system (MAS) services using the DeLone and McLean information system success model and the theoretical lens of social perception theory.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative survey data were collected and analyzed using ordinal regression. Qualitative interview data concerning user‐provider perceptions of MAS service information quality, importance, use, and satisfaction were utilized to corroborate and explain the data analysis.FindingsThe results suggest that there are significant perceptual differences about MAS service quality by users versus providers. For this organization, the paper identifies what these differences are, why they exist, and how organizations may identify and narrow identified gaps.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on a case study that may not be generalizable to broader populations. It uses a cross‐sectional, correlational, self‐report survey, therefore is unable to make causal or directional inferences. Future research should assess MAS services in different organizations, industries, and cultures.Practical implicationsThe paper is among the first to provide quantitative and qualitative evidence of perceived differences in accounting service quality, approaches to uncovering sources of differences, and steps that organizations may take to improve service quality.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to apply the DeLone and McLean information system success model in the context of MAS service quality. The paper examines perceptions of MAS providers and users to evaluate services and investigates perceptual differences across functions and at different organizational levels.
Strategic human resource management practices: effect on performance
Authors: Akong'o Dimba Beatrice 
Published: September 2010

PurposeStrategic human resource management (SHRM) practices are used by large foreign multinational companies to improve their performance. The purpose of this paper is to establish the direct or indirect relationship between SHRM practices and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachSHRM practices are conceptualized as independent variables measured through a bundle of distinct practices. Organizational performance as a dependent variable is measured using constructs of image, interpersonal relations, and product quality. The model is tested with data from 50 large foreign multinational companies operating in Kenya.FindingsResults of this paper show that the SHRM practices that best predict firm performance are training and development and compensation systems. The relationship between the use of SHRM practices and firm performance does not hold across the five bundles of what are considered as “high performance work practices”. This paper also assumes that the relationship between SHRM practices and firm performance is indirect through motivation.Research limitations/implicationsCross‐sectional data from 50 large manufacturing companies in Kenya are used, and it would be interesting to test this model for more industries and countries.Practical implicationsResults of this paper have shown that the SHRM practices that best predict firm performance are training and development and compensation systems.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first large‐scale empirical paper of the influence of SHRM practices on firm performance, using data from large foreign manufacturing companies operating in Kenya.
Financial literacy and youth entrepreneurship in South Africa
Authors: Kojo Oseifuah Emmanuel 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the level of financial literacy and impact on youth entrepreneurship in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used both desk research and questionnaire complemented by interview to assess the level of financial literacy among youth entrepreneurs in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa.FindingsThe paper reveals that financial literacy among youth entrepreneurs in the Vhembe District appears to be above average and contributes meaningfully to their entrepreneurship skills.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed to verify in specific and practical terms, the level and impact of financial literacy on youth entrepreneurs in the Vhembe District.Practical implicationsEducation and training at both high school and tertiary levels with emphasis on financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills may have significant implications for small‐, micro‐, and medium‐sized enterprise development and growth for the youth entrepreneur in general in South Africa.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to examine the level of financial literacy among youth entrepreneurs in the Vhembe District. The paper therefore sets an important benchmark for further research in this area.
HIV/AIDS in the workplace: a case study from higher education
Authors: Von Der Marwitz Jill , Were‐Okello Tom 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to highlight the nature and possible effect of the South African higher education (HE) sector's human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) workplace programmes response and progress.Design/methodology/approachA discourse approach is employed within the contextualization of the role of the South African higher education institution (HEI) in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic.FindingsThe focus of wellness is rapidly becoming part of any corporate landscape and institutions of HE are an integral part of this landscape. Significant gains have been made in the implementation of creative and innovative HIV/AIDS workplace programmes in South Africa's HEI's at the individual, group, family, and at local community level.Research limitations/implicationsAll HEIs are currently aligning their HIV/AIDS policies with the National HIV/AIDS sector policy framework. Further research is thus needed on HIV/AIDS where this aspect forms part of a strategic and holistic approach to employee wellness.Practical implicationsMainstreaming of HIV/AIDS within the institution and the realignment of other allied institutional HIV/AIDS policies together with the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation tool with relevant indicators to gauge the level of responsiveness of institutions.Originality/valueThis study is the first that seeks to ascertain the level of importance of employee wellness in South Africa's HE sector. Therefore, this study sets an important benchmark for further research in the area.
Gender buying behaviour: German tourists – informal craft markets
Authors: Küsel Reulene , Ras Peter J. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the gender buying patterns of German tourists travelling on coach tours while visiting South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on quantitative research methodologies and descriptive statistics were used to determine the gender buying behaviours of the German tourists in organised coach tours.FindingsIn this paper, the research questions are answered and provide the necessary insight into the buying behaviour of the tourists.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed to determine the different types of foreign tourists buying needs. The implication will be that not only German tourists must be researched but also other foreign tourists visiting South Africa.Practical implicationsThe informal craft market owner will know the tourists' preferences and by producing the crafts that are unique, the informal craft owner will be able to sustain not only themselves but also impact positively on the immediate communities as more jobs can be created.Originality/valueThis research is timely and much needed as it is the start of the building blocks for further research in informal craft markets and will help with the development of informal craft markets. By determining the buying needs of tourists that visit South Africa in organised coach tours, the craft owners will be able to produce the correct crafts that are sought by foreign tourists.
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies target sequential functional proteinase 3 epitopes in the sera of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Bruner B F , Vista E S , Wynn D M , Harley J B , James J A 
Published: September 2010

SummaryMany patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) have anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCA). Aside from being a diagnostic marker, these autoantibodies may play roles in disease pathogenesis. Proteinase 3 (PR3) is the primary target of c-ANCA in WG patient sera. Of 60 c-ANCA-positive patients, 10 patients were selected for detailed humoral epitope analysis, contingent upon serum availability, using samples with positive levels of anti-PR3 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sequential epitope specificities of anti-PR3 antibodies detected by screening the maximally overlapping solid-phase octapeptides of PR3 showed seven major common antigenic targets bound by WG patient sera. These include novel and previously identified sequential PR3 epitopes bound by c-ANCA. B cell epitope prediction algorithms identified all or part of the seven defined epitopes. Several epitopes share sequence and structural proximity with functional sites, including the catalytic triad and proposed binding sites of other potential proteins [PR3 complementary peptide and soluble endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR)]. Epitope 4 (VVLGAHNVRTQ) had the highest binding prevalence (90%) and epitope 2 (AQPHSRPYMAS) has the highest average reactivity of the antigenic regions. Epitope 4 includes the interaction site between sEPCR and PR3 which may serve as an important interaction to down-regulate inflammation. Epitopes 3, 5 and 7 are in direct proximity to amino acids that form the catalytic triad of the protein. c-ANCA targets both unique and previously known sequential PR3 peptides. This information may prove useful in understanding anti-PR3-mediated disease pathogenesis in systemic vasculitides.