bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exploratory analysis of the state of software maintenance research
Authors: Ramanujan Sam , Nerur Sridhar 
Published: May 2009

PurposeResources allocated to software maintenance constitutes a major portion of the total life cycle cost of a system. The enormous effect that this can have on an organization's ability to react to dynamic environments has been the primary motivation for researchers to study issues related to software maintenance. The purpose of this paper is to take stock of the research conducted in this area in order to identify the intellectual trails embodied in the coherent body of knowledge on software maintenance.Design/methodology/approachAn author co‐citation analysis (ACA) involving authors who have made seminal contributions to the field of software maintenance was performed. The data for the study were obtained from the Science Citation Index (SCI) and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI).FindingsThe results indicate that most of the software maintenance research has focused on eight areas: Program logic characteristics, Quality of processes/metrics, Effort and productivity issues, Cognitive issues in repair maintenance, Organizational Issues: Strategies for software evolution/maintenance, Object‐oriented (OO) maintenance, Domain specific language issues and Program construction and design. Research limitations/implications – Some of the limitations of this study include: exclusion of data after 2003, giving equal weight for all citations, and implicit assumption that a relationship exists between the citing and cited documents.Practical implicationsThe extension of software maintenance research in the areas suggested in this study may lead to new innovations for practice.Originality/valueThe paper not only introduces new methods for meta analysis, it also suggests that opportunities abound for extending the frontiers of software maintenance research, particularly in the context of contemporary software development approaches.
Evolution of an IS development effort
Authors: Mitra Amit , Campoy Laura 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to stand back from the debate of success and failure and develop an interpretive account based on narratives of major actors to enable project managers with a rich understanding of a complex organisation.Design/methodology/approachActor network theory (ANT) was the method that was applied to both frame and sum narratives that were gathered from the six subjects along with anecdotal evidence and confidential documents used for this research.Findings –Success is based on the perception of both actors as well as the principal audience of the Commonwealth Games (CWG). Second information systems (IS) success is uniquely associated to an event like the CWG.Research limitations/implicationsMost of the data used for the research was after the conclusion of the games. Therefore usefulness of interpretation may have a time dimension. Probably if the subjects had included spectators and other project managers during the games, the quality of conclusions could have been further enriched.Practical implicationsProject managers of future events may be able to internalise the role of co‐ordination and agreement that is necessary among different actors to achieve success.Originality/valueOriginality of present paper stems from its “unusual” identification of success – as it has attempted to outline distinctions between certainty of success and anything contrary to success. Project managers, organisers and researchers of IS projects are likely to find value in the paper in being able to appreciate the evolutionary nature of IS success.
Enablers and impediments to IT adoption in business relationships
Authors: Cripps Helen , Salo Jari , Standing Craig 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to describe the impediments to information technology (IT) adoption and possible solutions in the context of business relationships by drawing on case studies conducted in both Australia and Finland in the heavy manufacturing sector.Design/methodology/approachThe in depth case studies were conducted in the steel manufacturing industry in Finland and in the marine defence (shipbuilding) industry in Australia.FindingsThe findings indicate that doubts about the security of shared information, missing mutual benefits, incompatibility of IT systems, inadequate IT resources, uncertainty about the future directions of the relationship, information rich working routines, i.e. face to face communication, IT deployment not being part of the industry standard and investments not justified by the relationship seems to be the most significant impediments to IT adoption in heavy manufacturing in Australia and Finland.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses on one industry sector using case studies. Further work could be conducted in other industry sectors to determine if the same impediments arise.Practical implicationsThrough the cases discussed an attempt is made to identify some of the impediments to IT adoption, strategies for overcoming them and by doing so, adding to the body of marketing knowledge on business relationships. For managers this paper provides some insights to manage IT adoption in the heavy manufacturing industry.Originality/valueAcross various industry sectors managers have adopted different types of IT tools to coordinate their relationships with their counterparts. However there has been little academic research in this area until recently, as the research has been focused on large firms in technology rich industry sectors. This paper broadens the discussion on IT adoption in the context of business relationships in industry sectors that have not been traditionally targeted.
A note on ratings of international banks
Authors: Matousek Roman , Stewart Chris 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the quantitative determinants of individual ratings of commercial banks (as conducted by Fitch Ratings).Design/methodology/approachThe ordered probit model is applied as an extension of the standard binary probit model. The model is estimated using a sample of 681 international banks.FindingsBanks with a greater capitalisation, larger assets, and a higher return on assets have higher bank ratings. Further, the greater is a bank's liquidity, the larger is its net interest margin and the more is the ratio of its operating expenses to total operating income the lower is a bank's rating.Originality/valueModelling the determinants of international bank ratings spanning a sample of 90 countries. Applying a model with dynamics that considers whether the rating is determined by information up to four years prior to the rating date.
Measuring and regulating extreme risk
Authors: Nielsson Ulf 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss two important extensions to the well‐known value‐at‐risk (VaR) methodology, namely extreme value theory (EVT) and expected shortfall (ES). Both of these extensions address the weaknesses of VaR, in particular the methodology's tendency to systematically underestimate risk of extreme market events.Design/methodology/approachThe theory of VaR and the two extensions are reviewed and the methodology is evaluated in light of the Basel II regulatory framework that calls for the use of VaR by financial institutions.FindingsThe paper clarifies the use of VaR and its extensions to make practitioners more aware of the pitfalls and how to address them. It is recommended that the two extended measures of extreme event risk (i.e. EVT and ES) be included into every risk manager's information pool.Originality/valueA compact review of these approaches and their regulatory connection has not previously been compiled. This review is of particular value to risk managers and policy markers given the turbulent market conditions of the past year.
On the economics of fixed‐mobile convergence
Authors: Rokkas Theodoros , Varoutas Dimitris , Katsianis Dimitris , Smura Timo , Renjish Kumar , Heikkinen Mikko , Harno Jarmo , Kind Mario , Von Hugo Dirk , Monath Thomas 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that fixed‐mobile convergence (FMC) has gathered much interest in the telecommunications industry lately. Integrated operators (who own both fixed and mobile networks), are keen to exploit FMC benefits in order to save costs and generate new revenues. This paper aims to analyze the effects of converged network and service environment on the business of existing telecommunication operators.Design/methodology/approachAfter an introduction to the regulatory, market, and technology related issues of convergence, the authors focus on analyzing the role of FMC technologies and services in their businesses of an integrated operator with existing fixed and mobile operations in a large Western European country.FindingsResults reveal that an integrated operator can benefit from cost savings, customer retention and prevent revenue erosion by migrating to FMC.Originality/valueThis paper examines the effects of fixed‐mobile convergence to an integrated operator.
Evaluation of FSO and FTTH technologies using techno‐economic and risk analysis
Authors: Rokkas Theodoros , Katsianis Dimitris , Kamalakis Thomas , Varoutas Dimitris , Sphicopoulos Thomas 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to carry out a techno‐economic evaluation of the business prospects of Free Space Optical (FSO) technology as an alternative last mile solutionDesign/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on the results from the TONIC tool that takes into account parameters such as network topology, area characteristics, service demand, price evolution forecasting and calculates several economic figures‐of‐merits. Furthermore in order to analyze market and technologies uncertainties a thorough risk analysis has been performedFindingsThe results reveal that FSO technology could provide a viable alternative in cases where the existing duct availability is limited especially compared to the Fiber‐to‐the‐Home (FFTH) solutions.Originality/valueThis paper studies two alternative last mile broadband technologies FSO and FTTH
Demographic analysis for consumer spend in communications
Authors: Pöllänen Ossi , Eloranta Lauri 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create a global view of consumer spending, taking into account income and rural population density in countries where mobile communications is still in the growth phase.Design/methodology/approachTo gain a view of the applicable demographic conditions, information in four different databases was analyzed. Gross domestic product (GDP) formation was studied per geographic area within rural population. A short case study on South Africa is also included to provide detail on how communications penetration can increase rapidly in a favorable environment.FindingsCommunications seems to be a necessity once relative spending increases towards the lower income segments of world population. It is assumed that where people live in arable land the population densities in many low income countries are very high. When different spending patterns were analyzed it became clear that mobile communications gain most notably from travel‐related expenditure.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings in this study are general, which opens a large field for further studies in each country; to analyze how social, economic and political development occur when mobile communications become more popular.Practical implicationsThis study should help operators in different countries plan their investments better. It may also well be that future innovations for mobile communication and information access emerge from growth countries.Originality/valueOnly few public papers have approached this topic in the past. More detailed studies and analysis will remain to be performed for scientists and practitioners.
Economic development, business strategy, and corporate restructuring in India
Authors: Aggarwal Raj 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the reasons for the increased pace of restructuring of Indian industry in response to increasing market efficiencies and declining transactions costs in India.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses theory of transactions cost economics as the theoretical framework for analyzing the changing structure of Indian industry.FindingsAs in many developing countries, the Indian business environment has reflected high‐transactions costs so that Indian companies found it more efficient to diversify and internalize many unrelated activities. Consequently, most large Indian businesses have traditionally been widely diversified with vertically integrated group structures. As economic deregulation and adoption of internet technology reinforce each other, Indian transactions costs are declining and vertical integrated and diversified group structure is likely to become inefficient and a disadvantage.Practical implicationsDeclining transactions costs will continue to force significant and sudden restructuring and specialization among the large and major Indian conglomerates with rising volumes of mergers and acquisitions activity in India. This will require managers with new skill sets that include strategic analysis and undertaking successful corporate re‐structuring.Originality/valueThe paper presents an assessment of the impact on Indian business of new technologies and economic deregulation in India.
India's economic growth and market potential: benchmarked against China
Authors: Kalyanaram G.K. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeIn the context of India's growth and development benchmarked against China, this paper aims to address two important research questions: How do the growth models and market potential of China and India compare? What are some policy lessons to be learned?Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a critical analysis and review of the empirical results.FindingsWhile India has adopted policies that have stimulated consumer demand and fostered entrepreneurship, China has adopted policies that have encouraged resource‐mobilization. China's physical infrastructure, while impressive, may have come at the cost of social investments (e.g. primary and secondary education). Empirical result shows that social investments are important for an economy's sustained growth, more than incentives to attract foreign direct investments. While the structure of the economy appears to be more promising for India, there is one enigmatic issue yet to be understood: China's path of economic development (agriculture to industry to services) has been demonstrated to be viable but India's path of development (almost directly agrarian to services‐based) may or may not be viable (the jury is still out). Finally, data from China and India are not yet discriminating enough to answer the question: is growth driven by greater export‐import trade recommended for long‐term and stable growth?Originality/valueThis study shows that while China and India have adopted two different models of growth, India's model is likely to be more sustainable.
Diverse alcohol drinking patterns in 20 African countries
Authors: Clausen Thomas , Rossow Ingeborg , Naidoo Nirmala , Kowal Paul 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTAims This paper describes drinking patterns in 20 African countries, exploring the extent of abstention, heavy occasional drinking and daily light drinking and how these aspects of drinking are inter‐related.Design and participants Data were collected as part of the World Health Survey in 2002–04 and comprise national representative data sets from 20 African countries. A cross‐sectional survey of 77 165 adults aged 18 years and older were undertaken by face‐to‐face interviews in respondent households.Measures Drinking behaviour was assessed in terms of life‐time abstention and the following measures over the 7 days immediately preceding interview: high consumption (15 or more drinks); heavy drinking occasions (five or more standard units at at least one session) and daily light drinking (one or two drinks daily).Findings In four countries (Comoros, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal), virtually all respondents were life‐time abstainers. The prevalence of current drinkers (previous week) did not exceed one‐third in any country. Among current drinkers the prevalence of heavy drinking varied between 7% and 77% and the prevalence of daily light drinkers varied between 0% and 21%. Overall drinking patterns varied significantly between and within the examined African countries.Conclusions African drinking patterns are diverse, and although life‐time abstinence dominates in African countries, a single typical pattern of drinking for the African continent, such as the alleged ‘all‐or‐none’ pattern, was not observed.
Mortality among opiate users: opioid maintenance therapy, age and causes of death
Authors: Clausen Thomas , Waal Helge , Thoresen Magne , Gossop Michael 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTAims  This study investigates how age of opioid users is related to causes of death prior to, during and after opioid maintenance treatment (OMT), and estimates risks of death from various causes in relation to age.Design, setting and participants  Data on all opiate dependents in Norway (1997–2003) who applied for and were accepted for OMT (n = 3789) were cross‐linked with the Norwegian death register. The total observation time was 10 934 person‐years.Findings  A total of 213 deaths was recorded. Of these, 73% were subject to autopsy, and causes of death were known for 208 cases: the overall death rate was 1.9%. Deaths were due to drug overdose (54%), somatic (32%) and traumatic causes (14%). Overdose deaths among all age groups were reduced during OMT but age had a differential effect upon risk when out of treatment. Younger opioid users were at greater risk of overdose before entering treatment; older users were at greater risk after leaving treatment. Older OMT patients were at higher risk of both somatic and traumatic deaths, and deaths during OMT were most likely to be due to somatic causes.Conclusions  The high rates of overdose prior to and after treatment emphasize the need to provide rapid access to OMT, to retain patients in treatment and to re‐enrol patients. The high prevalence among older patients of deaths due to somatic causes has implications for screening, treatment and referral, and may also lead to increased treatment costs.
Progressive stage transition does mean getting better: a further test of the Transtheoretical Model in recovery from alcohol problems
Authors: Heather Nick , Hönekopp Johannes , Smailes David 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTAims  To test two central assumptions of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) regarding recovery from alcohol problems: (i) individuals making a forward transition from pre‐action to action stages will show greater drinking improvements than those remaining in pre‐action stages; and (ii) individuals remaining in pre‐action stages will not demonstrate improvements in drinking outcomes.Design and setting  Large, multi‐centre, randomized controlled trial of treatment for alcohol problems [United Kingdom Alcohol Treatment Trial (UKATT)].Measurements  Stage of change, drinks per drinking day and percentage days abstinent at baseline, 3‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups.Findings  In support of TTM assumption 1, improvements in drinking outcomes were consistently greater among clients who showed a forward stage transition (Cohen's d = 0.68) than among those who did not (d = 0.10). Two tests of assumption 2 showed a significant improvement in drinking outcomes in non‐transition groups, inconsistent with the TTM; one test showed a significant deterioration and the other showed equivalent drinking outcomes across time. An explanation is offered as to why, under the relevant assumption of the TTM, clients in non‐transition groups showed small changes in drinking outcomes.Conclusions  In contrast to a previous study by Callaghan and colleagues, our findings largely support the TTM account of recovery from alcohol problems in treatment. The discrepancy can be explained by the use in our study of a more reliable and valid method for assigning stage of change.
Variation in the CYP2D6 gene is associated with a lower serum sodium concentration in patients on antidepressants
Authors: Kwadijk‐de Gijsel Sonja , Bijl Monique J. , Visser Loes E. , Van Schaik Ron H. N. , Hofman Albert , Vulto Arnold G. , Van Gelder Teun , Ch. Stricker Bruno H. 
Published: May 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Several antidepressants are metabolized by the polymorphic enzyme cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6).• The variant allele CYP2D6*4 is the main polymorphism resulting in decreased enzyme activity in Caucasians.• Decreased CYP2D6 enzyme activity potentially leads to higher plasma concentrations of antidepressants.• Consequently, patients carrying the *4 allele are more likely to suffer from adverse drug reactions such as hyponatraemia. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • The association between CYP2D6 genotype and serum sodium concentration in users of antidepressants has not been examined thoroughly, and most studies suffer from small numbers of poor metabolizers (PMs) of CYP2D6.• This study shows that serum sodium concentrations in users of tricyclic antidepressive drugs are lower in CYP2D6 PMs than in extensive metabolizers.AIMTo study the effect of the CYP2D6*4 polymorphism on serum sodium concentration in users of antidepressants [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)].METHODSIn this population‐based cohort study, all subjects in the Rotterdam Study were included who used an antidepressant at baseline and from whom a blood sample was available in which CYP2D6 genotype and serum sodium concentration could be determined (n= 76). Multivariate linear regression was used to study the association between CYP2D6*4 and serum sodium concentration.RESULTSCYP2D6 poor metabolizers (PMs) (*4/*4) had a significantly lower mean serum sodium concentration in comparison with CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs) (*1/*1) [difference −3.9 mmol l−1; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.86, −7.03; P= 0.013]. In CYP2D6*4 heterozygotes (*1/*4) serum sodium concentration was 1.7 mmol l−1 (95% CI −3.48, 0.18) lower compared with CYP2D6 EMs, but this difference was not statistically significant (P= 0.077).CONCLUSIONSThe serum sodium concentration in PMs was lower in users of an antidepressant, especially in TCA users. Therefore CYP2D6 PMs might be at increased risk of developing symptoms of hyponatraemia.