bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Only the right people are strategic assets of the firm
Authors: Crain David W. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeIn service‐based industries employees are in direct contact with customers, either personally or electronically, completing transactions that are part tangible and part experiential. In such industries, people have become integral to the value proposition. This paper aims to investigate this issue.Design/methodology/approachCase examples show how innovative service providers are learning to reconsider their service delivery employees as critical contributors to the value of the firm's offering. The paper focuses on two key questions: Is there a way to tell how people in a service firm are viewed and managed as strategic assets? How can they become strategic assets if they currently aren't?FindingsTo make people strategic assets of the firm: Criteria for selection and retention of people must be consistent with company values. Performance management must be linked through measurement to the firm's strategic goals.Originality/valueThe paper shows how in today's service‐based companies, employees are “the center of organizational performance.” Where people drive low‐cost service (Walmart) or where they become inseparable from the service (JetBlue and Starbucks), employees feel they are valued because they possess an acute awareness of the impact they have on their company's strategy.
Characteristics of innovation in adopting a renewable residential energy system
Authors: Tapaninen Aija , Seppänen Marko , Mäkinen Saku 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the criteria influencing the adoption of innovation in the empirical context of renewable residential energy solutions, particularly the wood pellet heating system.Design/methodology/approachThe study carried out an extensive literature review on Rogers’ characteristics of innovation theory and then complemented it with a content analysis on empirically perceived characteristics of wood pellet heating systems.FindingsThe literature review shows that most of the previous studies employ the characteristics of innovation but do not confirm the usability of the Rogers framework as a whole. In addition, our empirical results demonstrate that relative advantage is the predominant characteristic in the adoption of residential energy systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the literature review and the biases of empirical findings are discussed. For instance, there are limitations that the study is based on single country data and its theoretical approach relies on only one theory, Rogers’ characteristics of innovation.Practical implicationsIn order to achieve sustainable strategic advantage, firms providing renewable energy solutions should attempt to communicate clearly the relative advantages instead of attempting to, for instance, offer an opportunity for trialling such green energy systems.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the use of characteristics of innovation and further empirically examines the perceived characteristics of an innovation considering green investments in residential heating systems. Owing to the exploratory nature of the study, the results provide a gateway to a number of possible avenues for future research.
Actuarial insights into the global banking catastrophe
Authors: Clarkson Robert S. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the underlying causes of the series of banking disasters that unfolded from July 2007 onwards and to suggest what action should be taken to avoid a repetition.Design/methodology/approachThe practices and culture that have evolved in banking over recent decades are compared and contrasted with general principles of actuarial science and with Adam Smith's blueprint for a well‐functioning market economy as set out in his Wealth of Nations. Recent instances of financial turmoil such as the Northern Rock debacle and the global “credit crunch” are then viewed from a longer term perspective.FindingsThe serious weaknesses identified by comparisons with actuarial science and the wisdom of Adam Smith, amplified by perverse methodologies of finance theory and “fair value” accounting and unchecked by the lax regulatory framework, take not only the global banking industry, but also the entire global economy to the point where the self‐stabilising properties of Western capitalism are destroyed. To avoid a repetition, banking practices and culture must be completely rebuilt along actuarial and “Adam Smith” lines, the destabilising methodologies of finance theory and “fair value” accounting must be abandoned, and the new and more prudent approach must be rigorously enforced by a strong regulatory regime.Originality/valueBy adopting a longer term actuarial perspective, the paper identifies deeper problems and suggests more fundamental solutions than have generally been the case in the continuing debate as to the best way forward in rebuilding a robust financial system.
The sub‐prime crisis, the credit crunch and bank “failure”
Authors: Hall Maximilian J.B. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to explain how UK bank failure resolution policy has evolved since the nationalisation of Northern Rock in February 2008 in the light of the fallout from the sub‐prime crisis and the subsequent credit crunch.Design/methodology/approachThe evolution of the UK authorities' approach, from a piecemeal approach to a comprehensive, system‐wide approach, is traced through analysis of the treatment accorded the troubled entities Alliance and Leicester, HBOS (both the subject of separate officially brokered takeover‐rescues) and Bradford and Bingley (eventually nationalised, like Northern Rock) prior to consideration of the two industry‐wide bailout schemes introduced in October 2008 and January 2009.FindingsConfounding initial hopes, Northern Rock proves to be just the first of a series of major institutional casualties of the fallout from the sub‐prime crisis, eventually necessitating a comprehensive and system‐wide solution. While this successfully prevents the system from literally collapsing in the Autumn of 2008, in the wake of the decision not to rescue Lehman Brothers in the USA, it fails to stimulate lending, as intended. Accordingly, a second industry bailout package was introduced in January 2009, but even this may fail to secure the main goals of intervention‐financial stability and a resuscitation of bank lending to support the ailing economy‐heralding possible further state inroads into domestic bank ownership.Originality/valueThe paper clearly identifies the need for, and nature of, both the ad hoc and system‐wide solutions adopts to deal with individual cases of institutional “failure” and the wider stability concerns, respectively. The authorities' actions are subject to critical analysis, while a personal assessment of both the House of Commons Treasury Committee's report on Northern Rock and the tripartite authorities' reform proposals, which culminate in the Banking Act of 2009, is also provided.
The regulation of British retail banking utilities
Authors: Mullineux Andy 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider in the light of the post August 2007 banking crises, how “fair” access to retail banking services for British households and small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) can be assured.Design/methodology/approachThe current responsibility for assuring the bank customers are “treated fairly” belongs to the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The paper argues for the establishment of a banking commission to regulate retail banks as utilities, leaving the FSA to concentrate on prudential (“risk based”) supervision of bank and non‐bank financial institutions.FindingsIf access to payments services is infrastructural and access to finance is regarded as essential in a modern society, then retail banks should be regulated as utilities.Originality/valueThe banking crisis led to calls for banks to maintain lending to SMEs and households (especially mortgages). This implies that access to finance, like access to water and electricity, should be assured and that customers should be protected against the “monopoly” powers of large suppliers. Hence, retail banks are utilities and should be regulated as such.
Northern Rock shareholders' challenge to basis of compensation in nationalisation considered in high court and court of appeal
Authors: Gray Joanna 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report and comment on Northern Rock shareholders' challenge to basis of compensation in nationalisation considered in the High Court and Court of Appeal.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the facts surrounding the case and comments on the decisions.FindingsThe High Court, in a carefully reasoned judgement which reviewed relevant UK and European Court of Human Rights case law, rejected all the claimants' arguments for judicial review and the claimants appealed to the Court of Appeal.Originality/valueBoth the High Court and the Court of Appeal judgment provide a rare glimpse of the legal process examining the “lender of last resort” function of a central bank – a key technique of macro‐economic policy, the very delicacy and subtlety of which appear to defy ready legal definition.
Police stress: the role of the psychological contract and perceptions of fairness
Authors: Noblet A.J. , Rodwell J.J. , Allisey A.F. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe overall purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which breaches in psychological contracts and perceptions of organizational fairness account for variations in job stress experienced by operational police officers (as measured by psychological distress and employee performance), after controlling for the variance associated with more established job stressors (i.e. job demands, job control and social support).Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on data collected through a self‐report survey involving operational members of a large Australian police force (n=582).FindingsResults of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicate that vast majority of explained variance in psychological distress and extra‐role performance is attributed to the additive effects of demand, control, and support. Furthermore, only one of the social exchange dimensions (interpersonal fairness) is predictive of either target variable.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations that need to be taken into account are the cross‐sectional nature of the study design and the focus on a single police service.Practical implicationsDespite the generally weak support for the social exchange variables, there are signs that dimensions of justice (particularly interpersonal justice) should be included in future police‐stress investigations. The results also suggest that job characteristics such as job demand, job control and social support should be taken into account when developing strategies to prevent and/or reduce chronic job stress in policing services.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to examine the relationships between psychological contract breach, perceptions of fairness and police stress.
Police and immigration enforcement
Authors: Vidales Guadalupe , Day Kristen M. , Powe Michael 
Published: November 2009

PurposeRecent years have witnessed a national policy shift towards involving state and local police in enforcing US federal immigration laws. Critics argue that involving local police in enforcing immigration law will decrease Latino(a) and immigrant residents' willingness to report crime and their cooperation with the police, and will also increase racial profiling and negatively impact documented and undocumented residents. This paper aims to examine Latino(a) residents' perceptions of the police before and after an extended local controversy about involving police in enforcing immigration laws in Costa Mesa, California.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports findings of a before‐and‐after study in the Westside area of the City of Costa Mesa, California. Methods include Spanish and English language telephone surveys of Latino(a) and non‐Latino(a) residents in the Westside (n=169 respondents before and n=91 respondents after), conducted in 2002 and in 2007.FindingsIn survey responses, Latino(a) residents report that they are more likely to be stopped by the police in 2007 compared to 2002. Latino(a) respondents also have more negative perceptions of the police, find the police less helpful, feel less accepted in the community, and say that they are less likely to report crimes after the controversy, compared to before.Originality/valueThe findings show the importance of policies that encourage cooperation with and trust of the police. These results can help inform cities about the potential impacts of involving local police in immigration enforcement.
On‐scene victim assistance units within law enforcement agencies
Authors: Smith Ekman Margaret , Seng Magnus Joseph 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe major purpose of this paper is the review of the administration and operation of four on‐scene victim assistance units within law enforcement agencies in one Canadian and three US cities. The primary purpose is to learn how these units operate and the extent to which there are accepted by the officers involved. An additional purpose is learn how many departments nationally had such units.Design/methodology/approachThe basic methodology includes telephone interviews with key personnel in each unit, an on‐site examination of the Denver, Colorado unit, and a brief survey of large city police departments to learn the extent of on‐scene units in major US cities.FindingsA review of the administration and operation of each unit reveals that each unit is well managed, integrated into the department's structure, and staffed with paid staff who are members of the department and volunteers. Key to the success of each unit is extensive training of victim specialists and a clear understanding between specialists and police that the officers at the scene are in charge. The findings clearly confirm that such units are well received by officers at all levels. The survey findings indicate that relatively few departments have on‐scene victim assistance units, although most do have some program to address victims' issues.Originality/valueWhile there is an extensive literature on victim assistance generally, little has been written about the need for, and operation of, on‐scene victim assistance units that are part of police departments. This article contributes to knowledge in this area and suggests that such units can be a valuable asset to departments.
Chinese police cadets' attitudes toward police role and work
Authors: Sun Ivan Y. , Cretacci Michael A. , Wu Yuning , Jin Cheng 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine Chinese police cadets' attitudes toward police roles and their work.Design/methodology/approachUsing survey data collected from 182 cadets in a Chinese police college, this paper assesses the influences of cadets' characteristics and training on their attitudes toward law enforcement, order maintenance, preventive patrol, and community building.FindingsCadets without family members or relatives serving as police officers and with stronger physical capability are more likely to support the law enforcement role, while cadets with greater physical capability are less likely to favor order maintenance. Younger cadets and those without a Bachelor's degree are more likely to view preventive patrol as an important goal for the police. Cadets with stronger attitudes toward law enforcement are more likely to regard community building as an important police goal.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should continue to explore factors that influence officers' occupational attitudes and incorporate more attitudinal dimensions into the analysis. Future projects should also target local station officers from different departments.Originality/valueThis study represents one of the first attempts to empirically assess Chinese police cadets' work‐related attitudes. Findings of the study provide Chinese police administrators with useful references and directions to improve police training and enhance police‐community relations.
A business process outsourcing framework based on business process management and knowledge management
Authors: Mahmoodzadeh E. , Jalalinia Sh. , Nekui Yazdi F. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeNowadays, outsourcing has proved to be an enterprise management strategy in the face of globalization and growing competition. The decision to outsource a business process for any organization has far‐reaching consequences and risks. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of business process management (BPM) and knowledge management (KM) on reduction of outsourcing risks and pitfalls.Design/methodology/approachOutsourcing models and frameworks are reviewed to find the main risks in outsourcing. One of the most important groups of risks is emergent KM issues arising from widespread outsourcing. A strategic KM approach can reduce this risk. Communication and coordination difficulties between outsourcing partners is another group of risks that could be decreased by using the BPM approach in organizations. Then the contribution of a business process outsourcing (BPO) framework based on BPM and KM lifecycles is tested.FindingsThe paper finds that BPM and KM could reduce risks of outsourcing and enable a BPO lifecycle.Practical implicationsA contemporary case of IEI Company's outsourcing practices with one of its subsidiaries, Irancell, is discussed as an illustrative example.Originality/valueThe paper demystifies BPM and KM could enable BPO via coordinating BPM, KM, and BPO lifecycles.
Avoiding quality fade in Chinese global supply chains
Authors: Enderwick Peter 
Published: November 2009

PurposeChina's increasing importance as a major global supplier has coincided in recent years with a number of disturbing cases of quality fade (sudden unexpected deteriorations in agreed quality levels) adversely impacting consumer safety, welfare and brand equity. The most effective responses to the problem of quality fade when sourcing from China are firm‐based. However, the efficacy of such responses assumes the existence of efficient markets and market‐supporting institutions. In the face of widespread market failure overseas, buyers need to carefully structure the global sourcing relationship to minimise the risk of quality fade. This paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a comparative discussion approach to explore the three key global sourcing governance structures: contracts, internal organisation, and trust, and assesses their effectiveness in attenuating quality issues under both the general contracting problems of uncertainty and opportunism and the challenges unique to the Chinese business environment.FindingsThe comparative discussion suggests no clear superiority of any one structure and a need to carefully monitor quality performance on an ongoing basis. This suggests that the appropriate structure is contextual and depends on specific needs for information and compliance.Originality/valueHighlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the three major governance structures emphasises trade‐offs that firms sourcing from China may need to make. Increased costs but assured quality may be an acceptable trade‐off when firms are sourcing high‐risk products (foodstuffs, pharmaceutical and vehicle tyres) or serving vulnerable market segments such as children.
House of risk: a model for proactive supply chain risk management
Authors: Nyoman Pujawan I. , Geraldin Laudine H. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeIncreasingly, companies need to be vigilant with the risks that can harm the short‐term operations as well as the long‐term sustainability of their supply chain (SC). The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to proactively manage SC risks. The framework will enable the company to select a set of risk agents to be treated and then to prioritize the proactive actions, in order to reduce the aggregate impacts of the risk events induced by those risk agents.Design/methodology/approachA framework called house of risk (HOR) is developed, which combines the basic ideas of two well‐known tools: the house of quality of the quality function deployment and the failure mode and effect analysis. The framework consists of two deployment stages. HOR1 is used to rank each risk agent based on their aggregate risk potentials. HOR2 is intended to prioritize the proactive actions that the company should pursue to maximize the cost‐effectiveness of the effort in dealing with the selected risk agents in HOR1. For illustrative purposes, a case study is presented.FindingsThe paper shows that the innovative model presented here is simple but useful to use.Research limitations/implicationsIn the proposed framework, the correlations between risk events are ignored, something that future studies should consider including.Practical implicationsThe framework is intended to be useful in practice. For the calculation processes, a simple spreadsheet application would be sufficient. However, most of the entries needed in the model are based on subjective judgment and hence cross‐functional involvement is needed.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the SC management literature, a novel practical approach of managing SC risks, in particular to select a set of proactive actions deemed cost‐effective.
An application of returns‐based style analysis to investigating the disappearance of the size premium
Authors: Sawicki Julia 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate explanations for the behaviour of the size premium using measures of large and small stock holdings of mutual funds.Design/methodology/approachReturns‐based style analysis is used to measure asset class exposure by regressing equity fund returns on asset class returns over the period 1965 to 2003. The coefficients estimate portfolio asset allocation indicating a fund's investment styles. The estimates from 36‐month rolling regressions of US equity fund returns on various asset classes are aggregated and used as measures of investors' exposure to small stocks. The patterns are analyzed in the context of the behaviour of the abnormal returns to small stocks.FindingsThe results indicate the importance of the 1974‐1975 bear market to the historical size premium and support an overreaction and reversal argument. Exposure to small stocks drops dramatically between 1975 and 1977, suggesting a sell‐off of small stocks. Fund exposure subsequently increases rapidly to its highest levels between 1982 and the market crash of 1987. These patterns are consistent with pricing pressure that would lead to the initial undervaluation and subsequent overvaluation driving returns to small stocks over this period.Originality/valueThe study introduces the application of the returns‐based style analysis methodology to studying an asset‐pricing phenomenon and demonstrates important insights that can be obtained from the use of this methodology in new contexts and at an aggregate level.