bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐run price behaviour of equity REITs: become more like common stocks after the early 1990s?
Authors: Lee Ming‐Long , Chiang Kevin 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe US real estate investment trust (REIT) market experienced a structural change in the early 1990s. This paper aims to examine the following two issues: is the equity REIT market movement positively linked with the stock market movement in the long‐run? If so, how does the long‐run relation between the two markets change after the early 1990s?Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines the long‐run relation between REIT prices and common stock prices within a four‐price system, i.e., REIT prices, common stock prices, bond prices, and private real estate prices, for two sub‐periods: 1978‐1993 and 1994‐2008. This study uses the more advanced Johansen procedure, which is more robust than the Engle‐Granger procedure, to test the co‐integrated relation.FindingsThe results show that REITs behave like common stocks during the earlier 1978‐1993 sub‐period. In contrast, REITs become less like common stock and more like private real estate after the early 1990s structural change. These results are at odds with the conclusion of Glascocket al., who examine the relationship between REITs and common stocks within a bi‐variate system with the Engle‐Granger procedure.Originality/valueThe paper, as far as the authors are aware, is the first study focusing on the long‐run relation between REIT prices and other asset prices within a multi‐price system. With a more complete price system and a more robust estimation method, this study is the first to document formally that the impressive growth and maturation of the REIT market since the early 1990s has made REITs less like common stocks and more like private real estate in the long‐run. The immediate implication is that REITs are capable of providing investors, such as immature defined benefit pension plans, real estate exposures in the long‐run.
Implications of the change in user preferences in the economic downturn on investment strategies
Authors: French Nick , Salisbury Jones Laura 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe current world economic climate is uncertain. The credit crunch has led to occupiers rethinking their strategic requirements, and, at the same time, they are fire fighting to keep their occupation costs at a level that will allow the companies to survive. This briefing note aims to look at the activity between landlords and tenants in the market to determine, indicatively, the changes that are happening due to the downturn.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an indicative survey and market commentary.FindingsIn this market, more than any other, tenants are approaching landlords with the idea of renegotiating their rental liabilities. Landlords are considering each proposal on its merits and solutions are ranging from side agreements to not demand full payment, to surrender and renewals to provide a more even cash flow or outright surrenders with a reverse premium being paid.Practical implicationsThis paper looks at the UK market and the nature of agreements being made with a background of such uncertainty. The booming investment market of the last few years has shielded the profession from the need to consider fully the role of proactive management. This paper argues that good relationship management and a foresight to negotiate to protect future cash flows means that, now more than ever, management surveyors can enhance and protect capital values.Originality/valueThis paper provides an insight into the confluence of requirements between landlords and tenants in a market driven by a lack of capital and access to borrowings on both sides.
Learning from each other: promises and pitfalls of benchmarking in communications policy
Authors: Bauer Johannes M. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeInternational benchmarking is increasingly used to inform information and communications policy. The paper aims to discuss the conditions under which learning from the experience in other jurisdictions (communities, nations, and super‐national regions) is possible.Design/methodology/approachResearch from different disciplines is reviewed and synthesized to provide an integrated conceptual framework that can be used to design more robust international benchmarking approaches.FindingsDrawing lessons from the policy experience in other jurisdictions is more difficult than is commonly perceived. Nonetheless, as long as the conditions for policy learning are met and it is properly done, international comparisons yield valuable data that can be used to improve the design of information and communications policy.Research limitations/implicationsIn conducting internationally comparative inquiries, researchers need to ascertain that the prerequisites of the methods employed are aligned with the structure of the problems that are investigated. Each method (e.g. qualitative, qualitative comparative analysis, panel data) has strengths and weaknesses and may not be an appropriate tool. Given these concerns, methodological pluralism and regular attempts to triangulate findings with other methods would be desirable.Practical implicationsPolicymakers should resist the temptation to search for “best practice” approaches elsewhere and to imitate them. Successful policy approaches, while learning from abroad, need to be adapted to, and attuned with, local conditions.Originality/valueThe paper provides a timely discussion of the intricacies of benchmarking to improve policy decisions. It cautions against blind‐faith reliance on best practice models and encourages policy diversity as a way to facilitate continuous learning.
How to decide on the priorities and coordination of information society policy? Analytical framework and three case studies
Authors: Poel Martijn , Kool Linda , van der Giessen Annelieke 
Published: October 2010

PurposeICT is everywhere, but information society policy cannot address all the sectors and policy issues in which ICT plays a role. This paper's aim is to develop an analytical framework to assist policy makers in deciding on the priorities and coordination of information society policy.Design/methodology/approachThe analytical framework is based on public management literature and innovation literature. The framework can be applied to individual ICT issues – when to lead, advise, explore or refrain from policy intervention. The framework consists of seven questions, including the rationale for intervention, stakeholders, the mandate of fellow policy makers (e.g. other ministries) and the costs, benefits and risks of intervention. The framework was applied in three cases.FindingsA leading role for information society policy is most clear for e‐skills. For services innovation, several market failures and system failures appear to be relevant. This calls for a mix of policy instruments, with roles for several ministries. Policy coordination is crucial. For ICT in health sectors – and other public sectors – the conclusion is that information society policy can take the lead on cross‐cutting ICT issues such as privacy, standardisation and interoperability.Originality/valueThe article addresses one of the main challenges of information society policy: how to increase its scope, yet maintain effectiveness and coherence.
The benefits of introducing European competition principles into national public broadcasting policy
Authors: Donders Karen 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThis article aims to investigate whether and how the application of European state aid rules to the public funding of public broadcasting organisations in Europe has advanced public broadcasting as a policy process and made it more adaptive to the challenges of the digital age.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on a triangulation of literature study, document analysis and expert interviews (with over 50 stakeholders involved with the topic of state aid and public broadcasting).FindingsThe article consists of four main parts. Firstly, the issue of state aid and public broadcasting is contextualised within the heated discussions on the legitimacy of European intervention in a cultural policy domain such as broadcasting. Secondly, the analytical framework is presented. Thirdly, analysis of specific state aid cases follows. Finally, some conclusions and recommendations are outlined. The article concludes that European state aid policy has furthered a public service media project in the EU member states.Research limitations/implicationsThe article fills a void in current fragmented and often overly descriptive or overly ideological assessments of the relevance of state aid policy for public service broadcasting.Practical implicationsThe paper contributes to ongoing policy debates about the issue of state aid policy for public service broadcasting.Originality/valueThe article fills a void in current fragmented and often overly descriptive or overly ideological assessments of the relevance of state aid policy for public service broadcasting.
From security versus privacy to identity: an emerging concept for policy design?
Authors: Lusoli Wainer , Compañó Ramón 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the electronic identity (eID) market from a social, technical and regulatory viewpoint, and the opportunities/challenges for policymakers. The paper also aims to discuss whether a single European market for identity is realistic and whether a common eID framework for Europe is timely and appropriate.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a structured review of user behaviours, a timeline of technical developments, and an analysis of market trends and policy analysis in relation to the eID ecosystem.FindingsUsers of electronic systems and applications disclose increasingly more identity‐relevant data. These data are often a prerequisite to the supply of advanced electronic services. In economic terms, the utility functions of users and service providers in relation to eID data are divergent. This generates a market asymmetry, as service providers are able to extract value from user data via opaque value propositions. European policymakers have different options to redress this unbalance. An eID framework based on the “privacy by design” approach is seen to offer a solution to excessive disclosure, market fragmentation and unclear value propositions. The strengths and weaknesses of the approach are assessed.Research limitations/implicationsResults from the application layer of the eID market are based on exploratory research. Evidence from a larger number of cases and sectors is required to determine and articulate emerging value chains.Practical implicationsIn discussing an eID framework, policymakers should address critical issues concerning resources and funding, balance between online versus offline transactions and between present versus future technologies, users' actual behaviours, the infrastructure of certification and trust, and governance at the industrial, member state and EU levels.Originality/valueThe paper draws together research in four domains – social, technical, market and regulatory. It addresses for the first time the barriers to the “privacy by design approach”, alongside its virtues.
Secondary education and broadband diffusion: a qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: María Castellano José 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the determinants of broadband diffusion, taking into account supply‐side factors such as market entry regulation and demand‐side factors such as secondary education attainment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyzes 27 countries from the European Union (EU) from 1996 to 2009 using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), which combines quantitative and qualitative methods.FindingsThe main findings point out that there is one way for “innovator” adopters and “laggard” adopters in broadband diffusion, while there are few ways for the remaining adopters. Moreover, high entry regulation is associated more with “innovator” adopters, “early adopters” and “early majority adopters” in broadband diffusion, while medium and low entry regulations are associated more with “late majority” and “laggard” adopters in broadband diffusion.Social implicationsThis paper suggests that high secondary school attainment is a necessary factor for broadband innovator countries. By contrast, low income and low secondary school attainment are factors connected with late majority and laggard broadband adopters.Originality/valueAt present, there is no other research about broadband diffusion or technology diffusion that uses this mixed approach. While the results may not be very conclusive, they will serve as an initial springboard for further research into more specific‐variable studies.
Innovation and ancient Roman facilities management
Authors: Bröchner Jan 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review facilities management among the ancient Romans with an emphasis on features that are relevant for understanding the evolution of current innovative practices.Design/methodology/approachAncient Roman literary sources, inscriptions, other archaeological findings and secondary literature are used to identify facilities management functions and facilities managers. The advanced management of public baths and gymnasia is discussed as well as relations between lifestyles and workplaces. Roman information technology and contractual skills are included.FindingsIt is meaningful to speak of facilities managers in Roman times, although mostly for buildings such as baths with complex technologies. There is a striking lack of differentiation between offices and homes, and the meanings of work and leisure were understood differently. Primitive information technology is a possible explanation, although it did not impede the development of contracts with detailed service‐level agreements. Availability and use of energy in facilities emerges as the most important change.Originality/valueRecent studies of innovations in facilities management concern very short‐time periods. In this paper, the long historical perspective allows identifying the importance of large technology shifts. Practitioners may benefit from implications for specialised building design, in particular the link between a particular level of information technology and the need for offices.
Incentives for individual metering and charging
Authors: Siggelsten Simon , Hansson Bengt 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look more closely at incentives for a landlord to use individual metering and charging of heat and water. This paper also aims to look at the possible reasons for the differences in use of individual metering and charging between Sweden and Germany.Design/methodology/approachThe research in this paper is based on a questionnaire and interviews with landlords, in Sweden, using individual metering and charging.FindingsThe two main incentives for the landlords in the survey to use individual metering are the possibility to save energy and the possibility to create a fair allocation of heating cost between tenants. Sweden has a long history of heat and water included in the rent leading to a possibly tougher transition to individual metering.Originality/valueTo see the overall picture and understand the purpose of individual metering is important to avoid conflicts between landlords and tenants. The paper aids this process.
Sustainability life cycle comparison of biofuels: sewage the saviour?
Authors: Ketola Tarja , Salmi Tiina 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe aim of this research is to conduct a holistic sustainability life cycle assessment (LCA) comparison of different kinds of biofuels, integrating environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability. The feasibility of a vision that by year 2015 households, companies, and other organizations all over the world will turn their sewages into biofuels, instead of discharging them into the environment is tested through these comparisons.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews of biofuels' experts in Finnish companies, industry organizations, research institutions, and non‐governmental organization were conducted.FindingsBiogases are environmentally more sustainable than bio‐oils, field biomass, wood‐based biomass and peat, all of which cause loss of biodiversity. Bio‐oils and field biomass are socio‐culturally unsustainable when they affect farming for food. Launching any kind of biofuel system is expensive, but running it reaps benefits. Biogases, bio‐oils and liquid field biomass use the cradle‐to‐grave approach; solid field biomass, wood‐based biomass and peat use the cradle‐to‐cradle approach in their life cycles. Biogases made of sewage have an endless supply with little need for an endless life cycle, which, however, could also be developed.Practical implicationsRefining sewage into biofuels solves two global environmental problems at once: carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels contributing to climate change and over‐fertilization of waterways causing sea, lake and river deaths. Hence, the launching expenses are well worth the effort. Yet other biofuels compete so heavily that large‐scale global turning of sewage into biofuels by 2015 is unlikely.Originality/valueThis is the first holistic sustainability LCA comparison of biofuels which integrates environmental, socio‐cultural and economic sustainability views of industry, research and civil society experts.
Managing environmental training in organizations
Authors: José Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel , Alves Teixeira Adriano , Henrique Caldeira de Oliveira Jorge , Fouad Soubihia Davi 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe aim of this work is to address the issue of environmental training in organizations, presenting a theoretical review on the subject and proposing a model that highlights the importance of this type of training for organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a thorough, updated literature review, discusses typology and the best practices of environmental training, and presents a framework integrating environmental training and organizational results.FindingsA careful consideration allows identifying a significant theoretical gap related to the lack of theoretical references, best practices, and an alignment between environmental training and organizational results. To overcome this gap, a model was proposed that helps to manage the environmental training process in organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper needs to be complemented with empirical research on the topic.Originality/valueEnvironmental training is considered to be an essential element for organizations seeking to mitigate their environmental impacts. ISO 14001 states that environmental management is a duty of certified organizations. However, there have been few published articles that suggest models and insights to improve the environmental training in organizations.
Testing the impact of sustainable development policies in Canton Geneva
Authors: Catenazzo Giuseppe , Epalle Alexandre , Fragnière Emmanuel , Tuberosa Jean 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to identify the impact of two Canton Geneva pedagogical tools devised to sensibilise the local population to sustainable development issues.Design/methodology/approachThe survey attempts to verify individuals' awareness and opinion towards sustainable development, as well as the influence of both tools on their routines. In total, 992 people who live and work in Canton Geneva answered a questionnaire that was administered between January and February 2008.FindingsPeople feel concerned by sustainable development issues and seem to be motivated to adapt their routines to comply with its needs. However, they feel not to be sufficiently informed: experiencing either or both pedagogical tools seems to positively influence individuals' behaviours.Originality/valueThe paper provides some measures about the impact of educational driven programmes on individuals' awareness and behaviours towards sustainable development.
An empirical study on the influences on the acquisition of enterprise software decisions
Authors: Palanisamy Ramaraj , Verville Jacques , Bernadas Christine , Taskin Nazim 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the decision process of enterprise software acquisition. The research aims to focus on identifying significant influences on enterprise software acquisition decisions.Design/methodology/approachAs a research model and theoretical background, the organizational buying model (OBB) is proposed for the acquisition of enterprise systems. Influences on enterprise software acquisition decision processes were found by an empirical study carried out from a practitioner's perspective. The study collected data via a mail survey administered to information systems (IS) professionals involved in the acquisition of enterprise software (ES). The survey questionnaire was developed based on a previous research project and a literature review. Organizational buying behavior (OBB) models in the literature served as the basis for the influences included in the survey instrument. Factor analysis was carried out on the survey data to identify the most significant factors/influences.FindingsThe following five factors emerged as significant influences on the acquisition decision process of enterprise software: ES strategy and performance; BPR and adaptability; management commitment and user buy‐in; single vendor integrated solution; and consultants, team‐location, and vendor's financing. These factors are discussed and managerial implications are extracted. Conclusions are derived from the study findings and guidelines for further research are suggested.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides a starting point for further research in understanding a more comprehensive list of influences on enterprise software acquisition. A bigger sample from more industries is required to examine whether the significance of the influences remains stable.Originality/valueUsing OBB models has proven to be useful for organizations in making effective decisions on enterprise software acquisition.
Information systems: a “cargo cult” science?
Authors: Sharif Amir M. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThis article seeks to revitalise and add to the debate on the rising and declining fortunes of the field of information systems, to contrast and compare this to computer science, and to argue for a review within the field of the scientific basis of the field in general.Design/methodology/approachThe article draws upon the existing debate within the information systems (IS) field and highlights pertinent IS debate and dogma from the historical past – including the notion of “cargo cult science” as debated by the Nobel laureate, Richard Feynmann, as a vehicle for the viewpoint discussion.FindingsThe field of IS is still susceptible to having weak roots in terms of scientific and theoretical formality for its fundamental basis, and those in the field should be warned against complacency in developing the field in an incremental manner.Originality/valueThis article adds to the debate on IS in general.