bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Where will it all end?
Authors: Curry‐Sumner Ian , Curry‐Sumner Scott 
Published: March 2009

PurposeIn total, 11 US legal jurisdictions have enacted registration schemes of various types. The purpose of this paper is to clarify, describe and analyse the developments of these various same‐sex relationship types in the USA and the role State constitutions play in this process.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses the various types of registration schemes and categorises them into different theoretical themes as well as analysing the jurisdictions which permit and prohibit same‐sex relationship legal recognition.FindingsThe findings indicate that State constitutions have been used in order to gain access to legal recognition as well as to deny access to rights and duties of legally recognised relationships. A classification has been put forward which categorises and catalogues which states have used their constitutions to prohibit as well as permit same‐sex marriage and registered same‐sex relationships.Originality/valueThis type of categorisation is valuable in attempting to keep track of and understand the very fast‐moving area of law and law making, especially for other legal jurisdictions which may be able to use the theoretical approach of one of the US states.
Severing the link between marriage and children's best interests
Authors: Kelly Fiona 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the attitudes of lesbian mothers towards same‐sex marriage, focusing in particular on how they perceive the relationship between marriage and children's best interests.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on 36 semi‐structured interviews with lesbian mothers living in British Columbia and Alberta, comparing their views on marriage and children's best interests with those articulated by lesbian and gay litigants during the Canadian same‐sex marriage campaign.FindingsIt was found that few of the mothers made any positive link between having married parents and children's best interests. Only a quarter of the couples had married or intended to marry.Research limitations/implicationsWhether the views expressed in this research will be embraced by the next generation of lesbian mothers is difficult to predict. Prospective lesbian mothers will be able to marry before having children, will likely experience greater societal pressure to marry, and may have weaker ties to feminist politics. The issue should be revisited to see whether the views expressed in the research resonate with the next generation of mothers.Practical implicationsLaw reform directed at same‐sex families should not presume that lesbians perceive there to be any positive relationship between marriage and children's best interests.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical data on how lesbian mothers understand the relationship, if any, between having married parents and children's best interests. It challenges the universality of the very traditional views expressed in the same‐sex marriage litigation, and argues that amongst the wider lesbian mothering community attitudes towards the relationship between marriage and parenting are considerably more diverse.
Extracting appropriate scope for information systems: a case study
Authors: Laitinen Erkki K. , Länsiluoto Aapo , Rautiainen Iiris 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the practical suitability of the frameworks of Tillema and Dixonet al.for assessing the scope of information systems (IS). The study also investigates whether these frameworks help determine an appropriate scope for a new IS before implementation.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes both qualitative and quantitative data from a case company. The company is a middle‐sized Finnish international technology company with about 1,000 employees.FindingsBoth frameworks are useful in assessing scope. The integrated contingency framework (ICF) by Tillema lacks detailed suggestions of how to design an IS. The performance measurement questionnaire (PMQ) by Dixonet al.makes it possible to determine detailed information requirements in addition to an appropriate scope.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has the general case study limitations.Practical implicationsCompanies should utilize both ICF and PMQ frameworks when implementing IS. ICF allows determination of the general scope of IS whereas PMQ enables investigation of the specific measures of IS.Originality/valueEarlier IS scope contingency theory studies used few contingency factors, and were primarily quantitative and so did not provide useful frameworks for determining scope in practice. ICF and PMQ are exceptions but their usability in determining the appropriate IS scope is not evaluated in earlier studies. This study also combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches; which has been a limitation of earlier studies.
Service innovation through dynamic knowledge management
Authors: Shang Shari S.C. , Lin Shu‐Fang , Wu Ya‐Ling 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study on the management of intellectual capital in Fortune Motors. It intends to highlight how an automobile service firm apply dynamic knowledge management concept to create new service processes which resulted in breaking through the bottleneck of profit loss.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on an in‐depth case study, semi‐structured interviews and extensive access to the secondary data on the firm. A qualitative approach was used to analyze the data due to the complexity of contextual content.FindingsThe proposed model has been validated and found that dynamic capabilities could enhance knowledge management by linking external resources or stimuli and internal knowledge management practices. Empirical evidence has also been provided on how a firm can apply dynamic capabilities to its knowledge management to substantiate service innovation.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies verifying the linkage between knowledge management and specific capabilities can be extended from this study.Practical implicationsThe proposed model provides a guideline for practitioners in managing their valuable knowledge and enhancing the existing knowledge management practices.Originality/valueThis paper identifies a gap in the linkage between knowledge management and constant environmental changes that has been overlooked. To narrow down this research gap, a model of a cyclical flow has been proposed containing processes of integration/coordination, learning/experimentation and innovation and transformation.
Managing consumer adoption of broadband: examining drivers and barriers
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Lal Banita , Williams Michael D. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe commonly used internet service provider's (ISP) business models based on price comparison may prove to be a successful strategy for organisations in the short‐term. However, it may be argued that a sustainable business model for the long‐term requires a detailed understanding of the various factors that may help ISPs in attracting future customers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the drivers and barriers of consumer adoption of broadband in the UK.Design/methodology/approachA survey research approach was utilised to examine the effect of a number of constructs from attitudinal (utilitarian outcomes and hedonic outcomes), normative (social influence), control (self‐efficacy and facilitating conditions resources) and demographic (age) categories on the behaviour of consumers when adopting broadband in the UK.FindingsResults indicate that all the constructs, apart from hedonic outcomes, significantly influenced the adoption behaviour of consumers.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides a snapshot of the adoption behaviour of broadband within UK households. The findings may therefore change as technology becomes established and consumers become more experienced in its use. By undertaking a longitudinal study, the elimination of any variables could achieve anomalies in the obtained results. In addition to a discussion of the findings, the paper outlines the contributions and limitations of the study and provides suggestions for future research activity.Originality/valueThe research presented in this paper is a part of doctoral research which forms one of the initial efforts towards understanding the adoption behaviour of broadband within UK households.
Effects of daily and “woot‐off” strategies on e‐commerce
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Lai C. , Koong Kai S. , Bai Shuming 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the prices and consumer behavior at Woot.com, a deep discount online retailer, and compare two selling mechanisms it uses – the regular “one deal a day” and the “woot‐off” mechanisms. The paper also compares the “one deal a day” business model with the mainstream multi‐product retail business model.Design/methodology/approachProduct, pricing, and sales data for products sold on Woot.com were collected using an automatic online data‐collection agent. The data set of 572 products includes 270 products sold using the regular “one deal a day” format and 302 products sold on ten woot‐off days.FindingsTwo periods of the day were identified when most orders were placed. It is found that Woot.com's prices were usually lower than the lowest found elsewhere online, and the price differences were even greater during woot‐offs. The analysis reveals that the price elasticity at Woot.com is lower than those at internet retailers such as Amazon.com or BarnesandNobile.com. In addition, factors such as having the lowest online price, a large customer base, and selling during a “woot‐off” and on weekdays all help increase sale outcomes. The comparison of the “one deal a day” and the multi‐product retail business model suggests that the former focuses on niche markets and primarily sells closeout and refurbished products to online bargain hungers.Originality/valueThe current study contributes to both research and practice toward understanding prices and consumer behavior at “one deal a day” web sites. Future research can examine other aspects, such as the order arrival on these sites.
When to measure productivity: lessons from manufacturing and supplier‐selection strategies
Authors: Phusavat Kongkiti , Jaiwong Pensuda , Sujitwanich Supattra , Kanchana Rapee 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis study aims to identify the set of circumstances that requires productivity information. It is part of an effort to improve productivity measurement. For this research, when to measure productivity is addressed by linking with manufacturing and supplier‐selection strategies.Design/methodology/approachA survey is developed in order to gain insights into three areas: manufacturing strategies, supplier‐selection strategies for maintenance services (MS), and productivity. The development and distribution of a survey are conducted jointly with the Federation of Thai Industries. There are 40 companies completed the survey. The analysis on top executives' opinions, by the correlation analysis, is based on a two‐stage manner. The first stage is to list a circumstance that indicates the positive relationships between manufacturing and supplier‐selection strategies. The second stage is to match each circumstance with productivity information.FindingsAltogether, they are nine circumstances that need productivity information. For example, when delivery is selected as a manufacturing strategy and quality is chosen as a supplier‐selection strategy for MS, productivity measurement is required for an effective management process.Practical implicationsAwareness of the relationship between strategic decisions and productivity information helps strengthen performance measurement and subsequently a management process. A strong management process can drive organizational policies and objectives.Originality/valueThe more insights into when to measure productivity have been urged by several prominent researchers. A research methodology in this study is also perceived to be useful for possible future applications.
The determinants of corporate performance
Authors: Shin‐Ping Lee , Tsung‐Hsien Chuang 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants and interrelations between corporate ownership structure and corporate performance.Design/methodology/approachThe ownership of institutional investors are classified into government institutional ownership, financial institutional ownership, securities investment trust funds ownership, incorporated companies ownership, and other institutional ownership, so as to facilitate a detailed study. Ten‐year (1994‐2003) panel data of 569 Taiwanese listed companies are examined. Furthermore, this study applies the F‐test, LM‐test and Hausman test to determine the best statistical method (ordinary least squares method, fix effects model or random effects method).FindingsThe results show an inverse “U‐shaped” relationship between insider ownership and corporate performance. Government institutional ownership and incorporated companies ownership are found to have a significant negative correlation with corporate performance. However, securities investment trust funds and corporate performance are positively correlated.Practical implicationsThese findings provide Taiwanese listed companies with a insights on how to improve their corporate control mechanisms. These results can also serve as a useful reference for companies and the academics concerning future competitive strategies and decision making.Originality/valueThis study further incorporates the ratio of mortgaged/pledged shares of directors and supervisors and different institutional ownership to analyze how the mechanisms of corporate governance function in Taiwan's industries, and whether these mechanisms can effectively lower agency problems to enhance corporate performance.
The value relevance of financial statements and their impact on stock prices
Authors: Dimitropoulos Panagiotis E. , Asteriou Dimitrios 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the relevance of financial reporting. In order to achieve this, a model that includes specific ratios is developed, which have proved to be indicators of falsified financial statements in the Greek capital market, and by estimating accruals quality, measured both by discretionary and non‐discretionary accruals.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from a sample of 101 non‐financial firms listed at the Athens stock exchange. The time frame spans from 1995 to 2004 and the methodology used was OLS regression models.FindingsThe results indicate that the ratios of working capital to total assets and net profit to sales have a negative impact on stock returns, while the ratios of net profit to total assets and sales to total assets affect returns positively. Additionally, both types of accruals have incremental importance – with the non‐discretionary appearing to be more important compared to the discretionary one – in explaining stock return movements. Thus, it is concluded that the Greek stock market depicts prices accruals.Originality/valueThe present study adds to the existing literature by examining the issue of financial reporting relevance within the context of an emerging capital market such as Greece. This is believed to be the first study which considers the aforementioned issues in the Greek accounting setting.
Investors' use of corporate reports in Bahrain
Authors: Al‐Ajmi Jasim 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the results of an investigation into individual investors' perceptions of the factors affecting buying, holding and selling of stock on the Bahrain stock exchange (BSE). Additionally, the paper investigates the perceptions of individual investors about corporate financial statements as a source of information for individual investors' investment decisions and what specific information such investors would like firms to disclose in these reports.Design/methodology/approachThe research method involved a mail questionnaire sent to 800 individual investors. The response rate was 42.6 percent. This research method was complemented by a series of field interviews conducted with 20 investors and six stockbrokers for the purpose of gaining additional insights into the topic.FindingsThe study found that individual investors perceived corporate financial statements as the most important source of information for their investment decisions. The results also show a relatively high degree of agreement within the groups (both large and small) as to the ranking in terms of the importance of the topics. Overall, the study found relatively high levels of consensus between the two user‐groups with regards to the majority of questions investigated. The greatest difference between the user‐groups regards the perception of the relative importance of the cash‐flow statement, the income statement and which information items are needed for investors' decision making.Originality/valueThe paper offers rich data on the perceptions and uses of financial and non‐financial information by individual investors. This is the first time this type of research has been conducted in Bahrain.
The association between insider trading surrounding going concern audit opinions and future bankruptcy
Authors: Stanley Jonathan , Todd De Zoort F. , Taylor Gary 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether insider trading surrounding a first‐time going concern audit opinion is associated with a firm's future bankruptcy status.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses are developed predicting that insiders of firms receiving going concern opinions (GCOs) trade in a manner consistent with private assessments of the firms' bankruptcy risk. Hypothesis testing involves univariate and logistic regression analysis of 363 firms receiving GCOs between 1996 and 2001.FindingsAs predicted, results indicate that changes in top executives' net selling (i.e. sales less purchases) immediately before and after the GCO are positively associated with the likelihood of bankruptcy over the following two years. Supplemental analysis reveals this finding is a function of insiders within the bankrupt sample reporting fewer purchase transactions surrounding the GCO event.Practical implicationsThe results of the study have the potential to influence external stakeholders' assessments of GCOs and insider trading disclosures.Originality/valueThis study extends prior research examining the link between GCOs and clients' subsequent bankruptcy status by highlighting the potential for insider trading activity to serve as an, ex ante, identifier of Type I audit reporting errors. This study contributes to the insider trading literature by identifying the GCO as a specific type of price‐relevant information that potentially underlies insider trades. Consideration of the study's findings should include the possibility of model misspecification and measurement error in the variables of interest. Furthermore, the study's inability to isolate the specific factor(s) underlying the documented changes in insider trading is highlighted.
Blends of pre‐irradiated polypropylene powder and syndiotactic 1,2‐polybutadiene: isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation kinetics
Authors: Zhang C. , Huang Y. , Liu Y. , Wang S. , Zhang X. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation kinetics of pure polypropylene (PP), 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP and 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP/syndiotactic 1,2‐polybutadiene (s‐1,2 PB) (90/10) blends by differential scanning calorimetry.Design/methodology/approachThe Avrami equation, modified Avrami equation, Ozawa equation and the treatment by combining the Avrami and Ozawa equation were used to analyse the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation of various samples.FindingsThe s‐1,2 PB acted as a heterogeneous nucleation agent during the crystallisation of the PP/s‐1,2 PB blends and accelerated the crystallisation rate. The Avrami exponent n of the blends implied that the isothermal crystallisation kinetics of the blends followed a three‐dimensional growth via heterogeneous nucleation. The modified Avrami equation was limited to describe the nonisothermal crystallisation process of pure PP and 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP, but it was successful for the blends. The treatment by combining the Avrami and Ozawa equation described appropriately the nonisothermal crystallisation process and obtained the kinetic parameter F(T) with specific physical meaning. The crystallisation activation energy for isothermal crystallisation and nonisothermal crystallisation of the blends was reduced due to the s‐1,2 PB acting as a heterogeneous nucleating agent during the crystallisation of the blends and accelerating the crystallisation rate.Research limitations/implicationsThe Avrami equation, modified Avrami equation, Ozawa equation and the treatment by combining the Avrami and Ozawa equation were compared for analysis of the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation of samples. The crystallisation activation energy for isothermal crystallisation and nonisothermal crystallisation was also calculated according to the Arrhenius and the Kissinger method.Practical implicationsThe fundamental research on the crystallisation properties of PP/s‐1,2‐PB blends is essential to understand the mutual effects of two components on their crystallisation mechanisms, facilitating to improve the mechanical properties of the final materials.Originality/valueThe isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation behaviours of PP/s‐1,2 PB blends, especially pre‐irradiated PP/s‐1,2 PB blends, have not been studied systematically yet, though PP/s‐1,2 PB blends were promising materials in terms of both PP toughening and the application of s‐1,2 PB thermal plastic elastomer.
Study on gluing reaction between WPI adhesive and bamboo by means of DSC
Authors: Cheng R.X. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study interactions between water‐based polymer isocyanate (WPI) adhesive and bamboo by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).Design/methodology/approachThe method of adapting new reference substance replacing aluminium was used due to the special characteristic of WPI adhesive when studying reactions between WPI adhesive and bamboo.FindingsThe methods of changing reference substance could counteract effect of water in the sample on DSC measurement. The results of DSC analysis showed that hardener of WPI adhesive can react with water and also with ‐OH in bamboo and matrix of WPI adhesives. That is to say that a competition exists between urethane formation (covalent bonding of isocyanate with hydroxyl groups in bamboo and matrix in WPI adhesive) and urea formation (isocyanate consumption due to the reaction with water) during the operation of glued bamboo products.Research limitations/implicationsThe method of changing reference substance can be used for other DSC samples in which water cannot be conveniently removed, but this method requires that weight of reference substance to be exactly the same as the sample used in DSC measurement. So accuracy of weighing was very important in this DSC measurement.Practical implicationsThe method developed in this paper provides a simple and practical solution to studying interactions between WPI adhesive and bamboo by means of DSC.Originality/valueChanging reference substance was brought forward as a new method of counteracting effect of water in the sample on DSC measurement. The understanding gained through this study could help improve bonding properties of glued bamboo products.