bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Errors of omission and their implications for computing scientometric measures in evaluating the publishing productivity and impact of countries
Authors: Jacsó Péter 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to explore the extent of the absence of data elements that are critical from the perspective of scientometric evaluation of the scientific productivity and impact of countries in terms of the most common indicators – such as the number of publications, the number of citations and the impact factor (the ratio of citations received to papers published), and the effect these may have on the h‐index of countries – in two of the most widely used citation‐enhanced databases.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses the Scopus database and Thomson‐Reuters' (earlier known as ISI) three citation databases (Science, Social Sciences and Arts & Humanities), both as implemented on the Dialog Information Services (Thomson ISI databases) and on the Web of Knowledge platform, known as Web of Science (WoS). The databases were searched to discover how many records they have for each year, how many of those have cited references for each year, and what percentage of the records have other essential or often used data elements for bibliometric/scientometric evaluation.FindingsThere is no difference between the databases in the presence of publication year data – all of them include this element for all the records. The presence of the language field is comparable between the Thomson and Scopus databases, but it should be noted that a 2 per cent difference for mega‐databases of such size is not entirely negligible. The rate of presence of the subject category field is better in Scopus, even though it has far fewer subject categories (27) than the Thomson databases (well over 200). The rate of absence of country identification is the most critical and disappointing. It is caused primarily by the fact that journals have not had consistent policies for including the country affiliation of the authors. The huge 34 percent omission rate of country identification in Scopus also hurts its impressive author identification feature. Unfortunately, the country information is not available in more than 12 million records.Originality/valueIrrespective of the reasons for the very high rate of omission of country names or codes, it should be realised and prominently mentioned in any scientometric country reports. The author has never seen this mentioned in published papers, nor in the manuscripts that he has peer reviewed. Many can live with the low omission rates of the language, document type and subject category elements, and many can just avoid using these filters. The two factors that define the level of distortion in the assessment and ranking of the research achievements of countries are the rate of cited reference enhanced records and the rate of presence of country affiliation data.
Intangible and financial performance: causes and effects
Authors: Moeller Klaus 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect between intangible and tangible (i.e. financial) organizational performance as well as the effects of the crucial influencing factors “trust”, “strategic relevance” and “participation”.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modelling is used to test a large‐scale empirical study of more than 100 German business networks. Quantitative data are collected from the heads of the management accounting departments by means of a written questionnaire.FindingsThe results show an interrelation between intangible and tangible/financial performance that is mainly influenced by strategic relevance and participation. In contrast to other studies, trust is not found to have significant effects on tangible or intangible performance.Research limitations/implicationsAs the study focuses on German business networks, country‐specific effects cannot be excluded. Furthermore, no time‐lagging effects have been revealed, as the data are only representative of a point in time. As the study is based on empirical data gathered by individual persons, it is open to general criticism of the broad empirical analysis methodology that is applied.Practical implicationsThe study supports the selection of measures for performance management and the control of intangibles. It differs from prior studies in respect of its findings regarding the impact of trust on intangible and tangible performance; consequently, more research on this topic is essential.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies that focuses on the prerequisites of intangible performance instead of investigating the correlation between different groups of intangible factors. Measures from social capital theory, as well as from organisational system design and strategic management, are integrated into this study.
The incremental impact of intellectual capital on value creation
Authors: Liu Day‐Yang , Tseng Kuo‐An , Yen Szu‐Wei 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the validity of the Ohlson model and to explore the influence of intellectual capital (IC) on corporate value (V) and value creation (VC) in order to develop a business valuation model served as the managerial criterion of IC.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses are based on current research on the Ohlson model and IC. Descriptive statistics are used to find the data patterns. Information content and incremental information provided by various capital sources are validated through multiple and stepwise regression.FindingsCorporate value is measured by both IC and financial capital (FC). The Ohlson model with FC reveals information that is significant in corporate value. Besides, FC and IC – mainly, innovation and human capital – contains a great deal of incremental information in terms of V and VC.Research limitations/implicationsIn addition to financial statement, IC must be taken into account when intending to do business valuation.Practical implicationsTo create higher corporate value, corporations must actively place a high premium on their IC and manage it well, particularly for innovation and human capital.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on the information technology industry in Taiwan. It, respectively, uses the share price and price and book value models to represent V and VC. It cites the more complete four aspects of IC, which are referred to as “other information”, to combine IC and the Ohlson model.
A framework for estimating negotiation amounts in construction projects
Authors: Marzouk Mohamed , Moamen Mohamed 
Published: April 2009

PurposeConstruction disputes can often be resolved using several techniques including: negotiation; mediation; dispute resolution boards; arbitration; and litigation. Negotiation is considered the most preferred technique due to the following facts: first it prevents litigation amongst project parties; and second it keeps a harmonious relationship between project participants. Further, negotiation saves the time, expenses and efforts that are associated with other resolutions techniques. The purpose of this paper is to provide a tool that is geared towards assisting construction contractors during negotiation process.Design/methodology/approachThe framework consists of three modules; duration, certainty and intention. These modules capture the main characteristics of the negotiation process including: the expected claim duration in the case of litigation; certainty of litigation; and contactor's intention to make litigation. The paper also describes the characteristics of these three modules and their associated factors which have been determined based on interviews with claims' experts and questionnaire surveys. Analytical hierarchy process and utility theory are used to determine weights and utility values of attributes, respectively. Decision tree analysis is used to estimate the equivalent monetary value of litigation.FindingsThe framework calculates the lower threshold of a claim value with an average error of 12 per cent. A case study is presented to illustrate the practical use of the proposed framework and its ability to determine the minimum acceptable claim amount.Research limitations/implicationsThe knowledge of the framework was retrieved from the Egyptian construction industry. However, the utilized methodology can be applied to capture local contraction practices, law and politics in other construction industries.Originality/valueThis paper presents a framework that is developed to assist contractors in calculating the lower threshold of a claim value, which can be considered, during negotiation process with owners.
Construction professionals' perception of critical success factors for large‐scale construction projects
Authors: Toor Shamas‐ur‐Rehman , Ogunlana Stephen O. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeLarge‐scale construction projects pose several challenges for successful completion. There seems to be no general agreement among researchers on what are the critical success factors (CSFs) on construction projects. Success factors vary across various projects, let alone countries. This paper attempts to elicit the perception of construction professionals on CSFs appertaining to large‐scale construction projects in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire surveys and interviews were conducted with project managers, deputy project managers, and line managers to gather their perception on CSFs.FindingsResults of 76 questionnaire surveys and 35 interviews revealed that factors related to project planning and control, project personnel, and involvement of client were perceived to be critical for the success of large‐scale construction projects in Thailand. Participants also showed their high concern for sufficient resources, adequate communication, mutual understanding of stakeholders on project goals, and award of bids to the “right” designers and contractors.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted on a single large‐scale construction project in Thailand, and hence, findings should be interpreted in context of Thai construction industry. The study also did not consider any specific procurement methods under which the project was being developed. Participants were asked about their general perception about CSFs on large‐scale construction projects.Practical implicationsResults from this study can be used as guidelines to ascertain CSFs on other large‐scale projects in Thailand. Project managers can also use this study to evaluate their current project and compare the perceived and real success factors for knowledge management exercises.Originality/valueThe paper captures the perception of construction professionals about CSFs in large‐scale projects in Thailand. It also presents a model for conceptual illustration of CSFs by differentiating the process domain from performance domain.
Towards sustainable construction: promotion and best practices
Authors: Pitt Michael , Tucker Matthew , Riley Mike , Longden Jennifer 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand what factors best promote or prevent sustainable construction practices and establish the consistency of how sustainability is measured.Design/methodology/approachA literature review considered the impact of the industry to sustainability and identified what action and initiatives are already in place. Through this, the main drivers, barriers, measures and benchmarks were identified. The opinions of building surveying professionals were sought and analysed.FindingsThe paper suggested that fiscal incentives/penalties and regulations help to drive sustainable construction. Such financial implications are consistent with “affordability” being the biggest barrier highlighted. The majority of respondents believed the industry is taking some account of sustainability issues, but identified that more needs to be done.Originality/valueSustainable development is an integral part of the lives and affects all aspects of business operations. This paper provides an in‐depth insight into the level of sustainable development within the construction industry, identifying implications for both the demand and supply side.
Investigating the integration of design and construction from a “lean” perspective
Authors: Jørgensen Bo , Emmitt Stephen 
Published: April 2009

PurposeBetter integration of project processes has often been identified as the key issue regarding construction performance improvement. In some countries lean construction has become well‐established, although there appears to be considerable diversity in the interpretation of the concept. Lean construction initially focused on production aspects, but gradually design issues have started to receive more attention and integrating construction design and production processes from a lean perspective are beginning to be addressed. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the practical challenges underlying the implementation of approaches promoted as “lean” and compare this with published research/theory.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an extensive review of the literature, a multiple case‐strategy approach was used to explore the practical application of lean approaches to design and construction integration in an organisational setting. Summaries of the case studies, one from the USA and two from Denmark, help to highlight a number of pertinent issues facing practitioners and researchers.FindingsFindings suggest that it is possible to identify a number of aspects that (in theory as well as in practice) both influence and, to various extents, limit the applicability of the lean philosophy to construction. Findings also help to emphasise the importance of a number of interdependent factors for achieving better integration, namely: value identification/specification; an appropriate project delivery framework; structuring and planning of delivery processes; transparency; management and leadership; learning; and the importance of local context.Originality/valueThe findings provide an original contribution to the integration of design and construction activities from a lean perspective. The findings are generic and could be practically applied in a variety of contexts.
Audit assessment of the facilities maintenance management in a public hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Ali Maisarah , Mohamad Nasbi Bin Wan Mohamad Wan 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the existing facilities maintenance management practices and processes in public hospitals, in accordance with the concession agreement (CA), in order to identify the current performance status.Design/methodology/approachA case study is conducted in one district hospital in Malaysia to assess five key elements: leadership; policies, plans and procedures; training and orientation; monitoring and supervision; and service performance. Data are collected through questionnaires, guided interviews, documentation review and retrieval, archival records review, and direct observations.FindingsThe status of facilities maintenance management in the hospital is categorised as “maturing”, which implies that there has been a good planning and management with all essential requirements and compliance with regulations. Nevertheless, analyses of findings indicate that the maintenance organisations in the hospital still do not realise the importance and benefits of effective facilities maintenance management.Research limitations/implicationsFindings reveal that continuous involvement of all organisations is rudimentary to provide guidance and direction to the maintenance function.Practical implicationsThis research has gained an insight into the management practices and processes exhibited by a maintenance organisation in executing contractual and regulatory requirements of privatised facilities maintenance services in a public hospital. It has also gained an insight into the practice of a maintenance management audit, which was conducted with a view to identifying areas of weakness such that recommendations can be derived to improve the maintenance performance.Originality/valueThis research has introduced a set of key ingredients and effectiveness measures for successful facilities maintenance management. It also explores opportunities for improving facilities maintenance management in public hospitals.
The view on Chinese license regulation for insurance companies
Authors: Feng Li Chao , McGee Andrew 
Published: April 2009

PurposeWith the development of the Chinese economy and its gradually opened market, there are more and more chances for foreign business entities who want to expand their businesses in China. The insurance market is one the most attractive. However, getting the authorization for their insurance business is one problem they encounter. The purpose of this paper is to provide some different views about Chinese insurance license regulations for those who want to start their business in China.Design/methodology/approachDifferent from the office papers or Regulations of China, this paper is based on research interviews carried out in China (mainly in Beijing and Shanghai). The empirical methodology reveals the actual ideas and attitudes about Chinese insurance license regulations. Except that, the comparative about some issues have been carried on between Chinese insurance companies and foreign insurance companies.FindingsThe research interview reveals that it is not difficult for foreign insurers to meet the requirements of clauses of regulations. However, the attitude of Chinese insurance regulators and the culture background, and even the political opinions of the official leaders, have played a very important role in the decision of the regulatory body.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the limitation of funds and time for this interview research, the interviews were carried out mainly in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzheng. Even most of head offices of insurance companies located in these cities, however, it cannot be said these views represented the 100 percent true opinions.Originality/valueThese findings cannot be said in public, while everyone can understand it. That is the value of this paper.
Trade liberalisation and poverty: empirical evidence from household surveys in Ghana
Authors: Kofi Ocran Matthew , Adjasi Charles K.D. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeDrawing first on stylised facts, the purpose of this paper is to isolate the impact of trade liberalisation policies pursued for the past two decades on poverty in agricultural households in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachTwo samples of agricultural households are drawn from the most recently published Ghana Living Standards Survey. Using terms of trade as a channel of the reforms, an econometric estimate of the impact of terms of trade on per‐capita expenditure, of these agricultural households, is run on both samples using two cross‐sectional models.FindingsThe results suggest that trade liberalisation had an adverse welfare impact on agricultural households immediately after the reforms‐1992; however, trade positively influenced welfare much later‐1999. Even though agricultural producers' terms of trade have improved they still constitute the largest segment of the poor in Ghana.Research limitations/implicationsTargeted trade policy instruments are required to positively impact mainstream agricultural households in poverty alleviation efforts. The absence of repeated cross‐sections in the Living Standards Survey limits the possibility of exploring dynamic effects.Originality/valueThis paper isolates welfare effects of trade on agriculture households in Ghana – a departure from previous studies which examine the effect of trade on all households. This distinction is important since welfare effects of trade in Ghana are more likely to impact households whose livelihoods depend on agriculture than on other households.
The legal nature of domain names rights
Authors: Alramahi Moe 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the legal status of domain names from both a contractual and a property right perspective, and to consider whether domain names are to be considered as a new form of property, in particular as virtual property.Design/methodology/approachThe paper approaches the topic from contractual perspective. It then examines the concept and various property law theories. This is followed by an analysis to the intangibility of domain names and the appropriate category of protection.FindingsDomain names are creatures of contract and contract law will provide some form of protection. According to the bundle of rights theory, domain names are intangible property with limitations. Some names are very valuable but nevertheless attract no protection beyond contractual rights. These names should be clothed with property rights protection. The relevant form of property rights is still contentious issue.Originality/valueThe nature of rights over domain names is a key emerging issue in the area of information technology law, with little to guide lawyers and judges. There is currently no consensus on what the legal status of a domain name is and opinions vary about the nature of these rights. The paper offers an insight to the nature of rights in an attempt to further the protection and recognition of rights over domain names.
Sense making of clinical governance at different levels in NHS hospital trusts
Authors: Som Chandra 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the current debate on the implementation of clinical governance by exploring the understanding of clinical governance at different levels in an NHS organisation.Design/methodology/approachA case study method has been adopted with in‐depth interviews to understand how organisational actors make sense of the term “clinical governance”. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a heterogeneous group of 33 persons in an NHS hospital trust handling important responsibilities for clinical governance. In‐depth analysis of the data revealed the understanding of clinical governance at different levels in an NHS organisation.FindingsThe results indicate that clinical governance creates more confusion, debate and disagreement on quality of care, making it more a contentious issue than one promoting unanimity, uniformity and consistency. This could become a major obstacle in achieving continuous quality improvement in healthcare.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on a wider scale is required to develop a better understanding of how people make sense of clinical governance for improving the quality of care.Practical implicationsTo look into implications of clinical governance in NHS organisations, it is necessary to understand how people at different levels in the NHS understand clinical governance. The paper makes a valuable contribution by bringing out the practical implications which will be useful for policy makers and practitioners. A better understanding of how health staff make sense of clinical governance would enable policy makers to know the problems of implementing clinical governance.Originality/valueFrom the current literature very little information is available on the above topic. This empirical research makes a valuable contribution by focusing on how stakeholders at different levels in an NHS organisation make sense of clinical governance.