bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How much does performance matter in strategic decision making?
Authors: Elbanna Said , Naguib Rabia 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of two aspects of firm performance: financial and business performance and organizational effectiveness, on three dimensions of the strategic decision‐making process, rationality, intuition, and political behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study goes well beyond the common anecdotal observations or reflections on strategic decision‐making by utilizing a mixed‐methods approach. Based on a multi‐method field study, 286 Egyptian managers who participate in making strategic decisions are surveyed; and 36 semi‐structured interviews are conducted.FindingsThe results suggest that strategic decision‐making in high‐performing firms is more rational and less intuitive and political. Interestingly, they also show that organizational effectiveness is a stronger predictor of strategic decision‐making process dimensions than of financial and business performance.Research limitations/implicationsIn Egypt, a widespread suspicion of academic research adds to the frequent difficulty of obtaining completed questionnaires from more than one senior manager in a company. Moreover, because of the difficulty of collecting objective financial data, subjective measures are used to gauge performance. Further research should test the generalizability of our results in narrowly defined samples, e.g. the banking industry or the automotive industry.Practical implicationsThe results highlight the importance of performance in strategic decision making and seem to support the “culture free” argument advancing the position that cultural differences may not have a significant impact on the influence of performance on the strategic decision‐making process.Originality/valueAlthough scholars have posited organizational performance as an important contextual variable influencing the process of strategic decision making, this influence is not well understood or articulated, especially in the Egyptian setting. This paper contributes to filling this gap.
Educating the supply chain logistics for humanitarian efforts in Africa: a case study
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Niedan‐Olsen Kristin , Peterson Lynn 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThere are gaps in the countries of Africa between basic universal health care and what is provided. Educating those who are trying to help is important to bring about change. Recently, there are many organizations and individuals responding to those needs, including governmental and non‐governmental organizations (NGO). These entities strive to improve the conditions of the African people by providing essentials such as food, clean water, and basic medical supplies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the NGO humanitarian efforts to determine strategies for these organizations to maximize their effectiveness. This paper will provide a framework, with examples that can be used to educate organizations involved in humanitarian efforts how to use their resources more efficiently and effectively.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of this paper includes literature review and a site survey and interview are also conducted with the director of operations at an NGO called Global Health Ministries. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis is performed to assess how this non‐profit (and other non‐profit NGOs) manage their operations with limited resources, unlimited needs of customers, a global logistics and supply chain, and the necessity to minimize risk to the organization.FindingsThe paper helps in determining how to leverage the benefits of an existing established network called Technical Exchange for Christian Healthcare (TECH) that can be utilized by NGOs to build a humanitarian supply chain for Africa and related decision framework. Various recommendations are derived from the analysis for improving services including implementing customer facing metrics, collaborating with other non‐profit organizations to leverage the strengths of each organization, recruiting volunteers with specific business skills like logistics, grant writing, etc. and improving partnerships with global logistics service providers.Originality/valueThe major contribution of the paper is to present a design of a humanitarian supply chain for Africa and the associated decision flow framework for NGOs by leveraging and coordinating TECH network capabilities to help protect the safety of vital life of many vulnerable citizens in African continent.
A cross‐section analysis of financial market integration in North America using a four factor model
Authors: Beaulieu Marie‐Claude , Gagnon Marie‐Hélène , Khalaf Lynda 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine financial integration across North American stock markets from January 1984 to December 2003.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an arbitrage pricing theory framework. The risk factors considered are the three Fama and French factors augmented with momentum for both countries as well as their international counterparts. Both the domestic and international four factor models in cross section and test for partial, mild, and strong financial integration are estimated. The domestic and international model are estimated on domestic portfolios and on a subset of Canadian cross listings matched with American stocks.FindingsResults can be summarized as follows: first, results show stronger evidence of mild rather than partial or strong integration in both domestic portfolios and interlisted stocks. Second, interlisted stocks appear at first glance to be more integrated than the domestic portfolios, but this result can be attributed to the poor explanatory power of the models applied to interlisted stocks. Once the authors rule out the case where the model does not generate statistically important risk premiums for both countries, the evidence of integration is similar in both domestic and interlisted stocks. Third, the domestic and international models have similar explanatory power, although the domestic model performs better with the Canadian interlisted stocks are found.Originality/valueThe results suggest that, in an international context, a portfolio manager is better off using the four factor model as a benchmark in cross sections rather than the single market. Furthermore, if the agency problem described in Karolyi is ignored, Canadian interlisted stocks and Canadian domestic portfolios have the same diversification potential.
Lucent Technologies, Inc.: using structural models to value debt (and equity)
Authors: Camiolo Jack , Cantale Salvatore , Purcell Michael 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how contingent claim valuation and, more precisely, structural models, can be used to value the debt and the equity of a corporation. The objective is to provide a general and unified valuation framework.Design/methodology/approachA discrete version of the Geske model in a binomial‐like environment is implemented. To make the analysis more applied, real data of a corporation – Lucent Technologies, Inc. are used – and the valuation is attempted.FindingsStructural models can be used as a practical valuation tool. The results that are obtained are close to market data. Additionally, the authors are able to determine the price of some non‐traded claims (debt).Research limitations/implicationsWhile the more direct implication is that structural models can be used as a practical valuation tool, more applied research is needed to better calibrate the models.Originality/valueTo the applied finance literature is contributed by presenting a way of estimating the value of corporate debt and equity by calibrating a discrete version of Geske model. It is believed that this approach is not only interesting from the academic point of view, but can also serve as a useful tool for practitioners.
SD‐DES model: a new approach for implementing an e‐supply chain
Authors: Verissimo Pereira Jorge 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology (system dynamics‐discrete event simulation, SD‐DES) to model the SC vulnerabilities and the implementation of IT applications that can improve SC robustness and resilience.Design/methodology/approachStudies from different and recognised authors are reviewed, compiled and analysed in the follow aspects. First, the behavioural characteristics of SC‐IT issues are presented. Second, the potential and pitfalls of SD‐DES in addressing these issues are described. Third, the properties that packages of software should have in order to conform to SD‐DES philosophy are outlined. Finally, topics for future research are presented.FindingsThe behavioural characteristics of SC‐IT problems require a new methodology to address this issue which involves both uncertainties and qualitative measures. SD‐DES model promises to have this capacity. Therefore, the simulation software should incorporate both continuous process and discrete events.Research limitations/implicationsThere are few papers about software packages for modelling.Practical implicationsThis paper sheds light in a hot‐topic which embraces both uncertainties and continuous processes.Originality/valueThis research gives an innovative way to address disruptive events in the SC and IT integration by means of SD‐DES model.
The reliability of aggregated probability judgments obtained through Cooke's classical model
Authors: Lin Shi‐Woei , Cheng Chih‐Hsing 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare various linear opinion pooling models for aggregating probability judgments and to determine whether Cooke's performance weighting model can sift out better calibrated experts and produce better aggregated distribution.Design/methodology/approachThe leave‐one‐out cross‐validation technique is adopted to perform an out‐of‐sample comparison of Cooke's classical model, the equal weight linear pooling method, and the best expert approach.FindingsBoth aggregation models significantly outperform the best expert approach, indicating the need for inputs from multiple experts. The performance score for Cooke's classical model drops considerably in out‐of‐sample analysis, indicating that Cooke's performance weight approach might have been slightly overrated before, and the performance weight aggregation method no longer dominantly outperforms the equal weight linear opinion pool.Research limitations/implicationsThe results show that using seed questions to sift out better calibrated experts may still be a feasible approach. However, because the superiority of Cooke's model as discussed in previous studies can no longer be claimed, whether the cost of extra efforts used in generating and evaluating seed questions is justifiable remains a question.Originality/valueUnderstanding the performance of various models for aggregating experts' probability judgments is critical for decision and risk analysis. Furthermore, the leave‐one‐out cross‐validation technique used in this study achieves more objective evaluations than previous studies.
A linear model for determining coordination of two adjacent signalized intersections
Authors: Lin Liang‐Tay , Huang Hung‐Jen 
Published: June 2009

PurposeUrban networks are usually divided into several open or closed sub‐networks. Signal coordination has been recognized as one of the most efficient methods of controlling sub‐networks that have independently optimized timing plans. However, coordinating adjacent intersections in a network is a basic prerequisite to optimizing signal‐timing plans for sub‐networks. This paper aims to develop a linear model to support decisions regarding coordination of adjacent signals.Design/methodology/approachThis paper aims to develop a linear model to support decisions regarding coordination of adjacent signals. The tests of this model which using the field data differ from those for calibration from various roadways, indicating that the model has transferability. Evaluations using microscopic simulation show that the model can objectively determine whether or not to interconnect adjacent signals depending on various traffic demands.FindingsThe model was calibrated by stepwise regression analysis with a total of 195 field samples. This model consists of the dependent variable critical block length (CL) between adjacent intersections, and the independent variables original platoon size (OPS) and platoon completeness ratio (PCR). The calibrated model is shown as following: CL = 689.97 + 6.86 OPS−7.15 PCR.Originality/valueThe proposed model appears to be a viable solution for determining whether to coordinate adjacent signals according to various traffic demands for variously configured roadways. The model shows that a larger OPS or a smaller PCR implies a larger CL. The model also indicates that adjacent signals must be interconnected if they are separated by 690 meters or less. The results also suggest that OPS from 10 to 30 fully disperse at about 800 meters downstream of a stop line. The results support the CL for effectively coordinating adjacent signals, similar to that recommended in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. These results may be useful for the effective management of traffic signal networks.
Market‐to‐economy developments in Central Asia: performance measurement
Authors: Humala Heidi 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of the emerging markets of Central Asia, and to bridge quantitative development indicators with a qualitative measurement of market and broader socioeconomic conditions. While findings may warrant deeper examination of inter‐ and intra‐country developments, and, inter alia, comparison to other emerging markets, the paper aims to highlight the importance of aligning macro‐level reforms with due development of industry‐level aims to the conditions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper relies on secondary research and data from international financial institutions (IFIs), as well as the author's experience in working with private sector development issues in emerging and developing economies. The Central Asian context derives from a comparison of definitions set out by relevant IFIs. Quantitative economic and outlook data set the stage for further examination of market conditions. The paper also touches upon the total factor productivity economic development indicator that was used as the basis for a World Bank report on economic and productivity growth in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.FindingsWhile this paper examines reforms and development on a regional level, increasingly favorable market conditions in Central Asia may well be an indirect response to a globalizing world economy. The understanding and systematic measurement of both sectoral and macro‐level drivers will lead to a more holistic understanding of economic development in emerging markets.Originality/valueThis paper provides an understanding of existing market conditions in Central Asia, and builds on the importance of market performance measurement in assessing broader economic development.
Relationship marketing: a Thai case
Authors: Chattananon Apisit , Trimetsoontorn Jirasek 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of relationship marketing in a Thai context by gathering both quantitative and qualitative data.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a multi method approach. A preliminary model is developed from existing literature, and then tested with data collected from a mail survey completed by 166 salespeople in 30 steel pipe firms in Thailand. Finally, to better understand the quantitative results from a different perspective, in‐depth interviews with 15 sales managers are undertaken and the model further refined.FindingsThe quantitative findings indicate that from the perspective of industrial sales people, the key success factor of relationship marketing is trust. However, the results of the in‐depth interviews with sales managers did not support the views of the salespeople. The sales managers endorse four variables: bonding, empathy, reciprocity, and trust, as affecting the success of relationship marketing. Further, company image, information exchange, and time are identified as key factors that contribute to the building of these variables, which in turn contribute to performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are gathered from one industry in one country only, hence future research could extend these findings to other industries and countries to test their general application.Practical implicationsThe key implications of these findings for marketing managers include support for the use of relationship marketing programs at a strategic level as well as suggestions for successful implementation of these programs. These findings suggest that the existence of needs analysis and response adaptation characteristics in salespeople have a strong, significant, and positive association with buyer‐seller relationship development.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to relationship marketing research because a scarcity of empirical research still exists in this field, particularly in emerging markets such as Thailand.
Chinese consumer perceptions of socially responsible consumption
Authors: Chen Hua , Kong Yusheng 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe performance of corporate social responsibility has affected consumers' purchase actions. This study seeks to commit a questionnaire investigation to find out what the Chinese consumer is thinking and acting about corporate social responsibility.Design/methodology/approachThe paper commits a questionnaire that contains three factors and analyzes and reports the results on the Chinese consumer's attitude and the influenced purchase on corporate social responsibility.FindingsIt is found that different status consumers in China have different perceptions on corporate social responsibility and their purchases are influenced at a different extent. It is only under specific conditions that consumers act in a socially responsible manner.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides a starting‐point for further research on putting forward items according to different region, scale, industry and products and analyzing the weight of each item.Originality/valueCompanies may draw up different CSR strategies in connection with different products or different consumers in order to improve profits.
The embedding of knowledge in the academy: “tolerance”, irresponsibility or other imperatives?
Authors: Green Miriam 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine why there were different representations and research applications of Burns and Stalker's The Management of Innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe approach primarily takes the form of an examination of academic journals, in particular The Administrative Science Quarterly between 1960 and 1980. Theoretical works, in particular by Bourdieu, were also used.FindingsContrary to accepted knowledge, the journals were eclectic in their approaches and did not require authors to adopt positivist approaches.Research limitations/implicationsA fuller answer to the question posed would require interviews with journal editors and university policy makers from the 1960s‐1980s. This has not been possible so far. Although some answers have been provided, questions still remain as to why certain representations of this book were dominant.Practical implicationsThere are implications as to what counts as knowledge in academe, and how this knowledge should be treated, given that it may only partially represent the theory above and also other theories. This has implications for what is taught in universities and what is adopted by consultants as bona fide knowledge.Originality/valueTo the author's knowledge such questions using this type of research have not been examined in the detail pursued here.
CSR activities in award‐winning Thai companies
Authors: Virakul Busaya , Koonmee Kalayanee , McLean Gary N. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis case‐study research aims to examine best CSR practices in four Thai companies that were given CSR awards. The purpose is to report on best practices in CSR in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachFour Thai companies that received the best CSR awards from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in 2006 were selected. The data were collected through a questionnaire, interviews, and company documents and web sites.FindingsCSR activities in the top Thai companies were based on moral or altruistic motivations with a focus on both production‐process and philanthropic outcomes. The driving forces behind CSR activities in these companies were CEO leadership, company performance, and stakeholders' expectations. Their CSR framework followed the stakeholders' model and issues management which arranged CSR activities into five main categories: education, arts and culture, sports, environment, and public welfare. Critical issues in managing CSR activities were selection of appropriate CSR activity, participation by people in communities affected by the CSR activity, gaining shareholders' support and understanding, and appropriate CSR evaluation methods.Research limitations/implicationsThe research studied only four companies in Thailand. This may limit generalizations and may provide only a foundation for further research rather than definitive conclusions.Originality/valueThe findings of the research may be useful for: companies in Thailand or in other countries which are considering adopting CSR activities appropriate to their environment; researchers who might utilize the findings for furthering their CSR work; and indicating the contribution and the valuable role of both local and international CSR institutes and networks.