bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling of post‐construction failure factors of bridges
Authors: Sampat Wakchaure Sanjay , Neeraj Jha Kumar 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe failure of a bridge is a complex phenomenon due to the involvement of a large number of factors. Bridge failure cannot be attributed to a single cause due to the intricacies involved in the relationship among the factors causing failure. The aim of this paper is to identify the various factors causing bridge failure and show an interdependence/relationship among them.Design/methodology/approachInterpretive structural modeling (ISM), which is a tool of structural analysis for interactive learning, has been used to develop a hierarchical structure of the phenomenon of bridge failure showing the interrelationship of the causative factors. Impact Matrix Cross Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) tool has been used to quantify and classify the factors for bridge failure on the basis of their influence and dependence.FindingsIn total, 14 factors, which may contribute to the failure of a bridge, have been identified through the literature survey and interaction with bridge experts. Even though all the 14 factors are important, the authors have found that the environmental factor has the maximum influence, while the age factor is the most dependent of all factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed research utilizes the ISM and MICMAC tools and thus has all the limitations of structural modeling. The application of structural equation modeling in the civil engineering field is limited, but it is hoped that a similar approach can be applied in other areas of engineering.Originality/valueThe factors causing bridge failure have been identified and hierarchical interdependence model has been arrived at by using ISM. On the basis of MICMAC analysis, the factors have also been classified into three categories, namely, influent, autonomous and dependent. The study reaffirms the importance of all factors in the overall performance of a bridge.
Impact of MoU on financial performance of public sector enterprises in India
Authors: Gupta Seema , Jain P.K. , Yadav Surendra S. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been conceived as an instrument to quantify/assess social and commercial obligations/performance of central public sector enterprises (PSEs) in India. The purpose of this paper is to measure the financial performance of the MoU PSEs and to compare their performance with PSEs which have not opted for MoU (referred to as non‐MoU PSEs) over a period of 13 years.Design/methodology/approachFinancial ratio is a well accepted technique to assess financial performance. Accordingly, the financial performance of CPSEs has been assessed on the basis of 15 ratios pertaining to the profitability, efficiency, liquidity and solvency.FindingsThe findings suggest that MoU seems to have yielded decisive improvement in the performance of PSEs which have signed MoUs during the period of the study under reference. At the same time, the performance of non‐MoU PSEs is unsatisfactory. In sum, MoU have enhanced not only commercial profitability but also have enhanced operational efficiency of the PSEs.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses only on financial aspects; the significant non‐financial aspects such as social responsibilities, environments etc. are not reckoned in the study to judge the total performance.Originality/valueThe study is the first of the type to cover a long time‐span of 13 years to assess virtually all non‐financial CPSEs operating in India.
Leading indicators of innovation as a competence for individuals: an empirical study
Authors: Waychal Pradeep , Mohanty R.P. , Verma Ajit 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to construct an empirical model of innovation as a competence of individuals and validate it. The model takes into consideration the multidimensional characteristics of individuals and the parameters of surrounding ecosystem and establishes their associations with the innovation as a competence.Design/methodology/approachThe model is built based on an extensive review of literature relating to innovation. A diagnostic study is conducted in a large information technology (IT) company to validate the model. The experiment is conducted over a sample of 442 individuals and uses appropriate reliability measures and chi square analysis as a validation technique.FindingsThe study establishes association of various measures of innovation competency with individual characteristics and ecosystem parameters. Some of the salient findings are that individuals having a high degree of self‐belief, and an ecosystem where the habits of celebrating success and competitive market are found, do better on innovation as a competence.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has significant implications and its findings can facilitate individuals and ecosystem managers to undertake progressive actions. Although the findings are limited to the IT industry, the implications can spread over to formulating competence development strategy in any organizational setting. However, the scope exists to make the research broad based, including factors such as geography, culture, business area of operation, size of organization, etc.Practical implicationsInnovation as a competence of an individual is pivotal to an organization's competitive advantage. This study can facilitate competency management, such as competency planning, deployment, development, utilization and ecosystem up‐gradation.Originality/valueThe model is empirical in nature and has been tested in a large Indian IT firm and the managers have found this model pragmatic and practical.
Sustainability reporting and assurance
Authors: Marx Ben , van Dyk Vanessa 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of sustainability reporting and the assurance thereof in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a literature review and a study of empirical evidence obtained through content analysis of the sustainability reports of companies listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange Socially Responsible Investment Index for 2009.FindingsAlthough sustainability reporting and the independent assurance thereof are widely researched and advocated in the literature, only a limited number of companies obtained independent assurance on their sustainability reporting.Originality/valueThe paper supports the recommendations of King III (effective from 1 March 2010) that companies should provide integrated reporting in terms of both their finances and sustainability, and that the sustainability reporting and disclosure should be independently assured.
Perspectives on capital budgeting in the South African motor manufacturing industry
Authors: Viviers Suzette , Cohen Howard 
Published: October 2011

PurposeCapital budgeting is a key issue in corporate finance and over time major theoretical developments have been incorporated into the appraisal processes of capital intensive companies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the capital budgeting practices of a sample of motor manufacturing companies in South Africa and compare the empirical findings to the existing literature in order to establish whether the theoretical aspects are still widely practiced.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured personal interviews were conducted with respondents at eight motor manufacturers in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces of South Africa.FindingsThe net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return criteria are the two most popular appraisals methods used in practice. Most respondents used multiple criteria before making substantial capital investments. These findings conform to contemporary capital budgeting theory.Practical implicationsFinancial managers should first calculate the discounted payback period of a project before embarking on a more detailed analysis. Once all the data are available, NPV should be used as the primary means of evaluating investments, as this criterion gives the best indication of how much shareholder value the project will add. It is further recommended that more attention be given to “green” considerations in the capital budgeting process.Originality/valueThe paper evaluates the applicability of existing literature on capital budgeting to the practice thereof in a capital intensive industry in South Africa. No similar study has been done previously.
Conflict diamonds, legitimacy and media agenda: an examination of annual report disclosures
Authors: Watson Shaun 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether the voluntary annual report disclosures, relating to conflict diamonds, for four of the largest diamond mining companies operating in South Africa can be explained through applying legitimacy theory and media agenda‐setting theory.Design/methodology/approachApplying legitimacy theory under the assumption of media agenda‐setting theory, the study draws a comparison between the volume of disclosure relating to conflict diamonds made in the annual reports of four of the largest diamond mining companies operating in South Africa and the volume of South African media publications addressing conflict diamonds.FindingsThe results of the study suggest that changes in the degree of media attention relating to the issue of conflict diamonds are largely mirrored by the annual report disclosure by one firm, but not by the other firms in the sample. Hence, legitimation motives lend support for only one of the four firms.Research limitations/implicationsIt should be noted that in relying upon legitimacy theory to examine variations in voluntary annual report disclosures regarding conflict diamonds, the study does not invalidate the likelihood that other theories, such as stakeholder theory or political economy theory, for example, may also hold explanatory power.Originality/valueNo prior research combining legitimacy theory and media agenda theory to explain voluntary disclosure of conflict diamonds by South African diamond mining companies could be found.
Simplifying difficult calculations: consumer choice of two‐part tariffs
Authors: Redden Joseph P. , Hoch Stephen J. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to outline a decision process for how consumers choose among two‐part tariffs which consist of a flat fee plus a per unit charge for usage over an allowance. The paper also seeks to examine what types of decision aids help consumers choose lower cost tariffs.Design/methodology/approachThe approach used is two experimental studies.FindingsMost consumers do not choose a tariff by calculating an expected cost because of usage uncertainty. They instead rely on simple comparisons of the overage rate, usage allowance, and flat fee attributes. These heuristics lead to systematic biases, beyond what actual true cost justifies, for favorable comparisons on these attributes. An online calculator improved choice of the lower cost option from 65 percent to 80 percent, yet this increased to 91 percent if people were also forced to consider a range of usage levels.Practical implicationsConsumers struggle to choose the lowest cost tariff, especially with uncertain usage. Consumers should realize the biases in their decision shortcuts and use the presented decision aids. Firms can leverage these biases by offering larger usage allowances (often done) and smaller overage rates (often not done), or correct them with decision aids.Originality/valueMuch work on tariffs assumes consumers calculate a cost, but the authors question this assumption, and show that consumers instead use simple attribute comparisons to deal with uncertain usage. An understanding of the specific heuristic consumers use allows the authors to better account for past effects, predict and establish new effects, and design effective decision aids. Results indicate tariff biases largely result from information processing shortcomings.
Ease of doing business and FDI inflow to Sub‐Saharan Africa and Asian countries
Authors: Morris Rosetta , Aziz Abdul 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between factors that influence conducting business and the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) and Asian countries.Design/methodology/approachThe factors of business climate defined by the World Bank in 2006 as ease of doing business were correlated with FDI flows to SSA and Asian countries.FindingsTwo factors, “registering property” and “trading across borders”, were found to be related to FDI over all six years of the study (2000‐2005) for the combined sample. Also, several factors were found to be related to FDI received by SSA and Asian countries during various years.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the study is that the sample included only SSA and Asian countries.Practical implicationsThe findings may help SSA and other countries to improve the business climate in terms of the factors of ease of doing business, in order to attract more FDI.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical support to the hypothesis that FDI is related to some of the factors of the business climate. It advances understanding of the determinants of the inflow of FDI to African and Asian countries and may be particularly useful to international organizations seeking to do business in SSA and Asian countries.
Conflict and performance in US and Mexican learning teams
Authors: Cooper Danielle , Watson Warren 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of two moderators of the relationships between affective conflict and cognitive conflict and team performance: the cultural context and the level of team‐oriented behaviors.Design/methodology/approachSurvey questionnaires were administered to a sample of 143 Mexico‐ and US‐based learning teams. Regression analysis was used to test hypotheses.FindingsIn both cultural contexts, cognitive conflict more positively affected performance when team‐oriented behaviors were high. This effect was stronger for Mexican teams. Affective conflict more negatively affected performance in Mexican teams than US teams, particularly when team‐oriented behaviors were high.Practical implicationsThe results have implications for managing conflict to improve team effectiveness in the USA and in Mexico and for training managers who work across these cultural contexts.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the joint role of the cultural context and team behaviors in how conflict influences team performance.
Walmart and Carrefour experiences in China: resolving the structural paradox
Authors: Chuang Ming‐Ling , Donegan James J. , Ganon Michele W. , Wei Kan 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to combine secondary sources and interviews with Chinese suppliers to explore the structural paradox faced by retail multinational firms in China as they balance the competing demands of standardization and localization. The authors describe the challenges faced by two retail giants, Walmart and Carrefour, as they attempt to replicate in China their lean retailing successes elsewhere in the world.Design/methodology/approachThis is a comparative study of Walmart's and Carrefour's ventures into the Chinese market, largely based on publicly available secondary sources, but also incorporating interviews with three Chinese nationals engaged in supplying these firms.FindingsWalmart and Carrefour have so far failed to extend their oligopolistic dominance to the Chinese market. Walmart has stressed its well‐known standardization of operations, whereas Carrefour has better adapted to the Chinese economic culture. Issues identified are: the formation of partnership alliances and their impact on store location choice; the effect of under‐developed infrastructure on distribution and logistics; the unique Chinese business culture – guanxi (using social capital to build business relationships) and its influence on supplier relationships; the variety of consumer behavior and its effect on procurement and sourcing; and an immature information technology environment which impedes information sharing between supply chain partners. While both firms have had some degree of success, neither has been able to match the combined growth of their larger Chinese competitors.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors are cautious in drawing normative conclusions or making predictions about the future. Both firms face significant obstacles as they challenge China's largest domestic retailers.Originality/valueMany multinational corporations are aware of the topology of the Chinese market, what they lack is an in‐depth understanding and the skills needed for effective operations. This paper discusses the effectiveness of the strategies adopted by two leading global retailers as they attempt to resolve the paradox presented by the competing demands for standardization and localization and includes information provided by three of Walmart's and Carrefour's local Chinese suppliers.
How cultural values affect the impact of abusive supervision on worker attitudes
Authors: Kernan Mary C. , Watson Sharon , Fang Chen Fang , Gyu Kim Tai 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of cultural values on the relationship between abusive supervision, or workplace bullying, and worker job attitudes such as job satisfaction, job involvement, negative well‐being and perceived organizational support.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a survey to collect cross‐cultural data from workers in the USA and South Korea to test hypotheses regarding how cultural values affect the impact of abusive supervision on employee attitudes. Unlike previous research, the authors measured cultural values directly, rather than using nation as a proxy for culture.FindingsIt was found that the effects of abusive supervision on workers' job‐related attitudes are moderated by some, but not all, cultural values. In particular, moderating effects were found for Schwartz' achievement and benevolence values, but not for power values. Additionally, evidence was found that some of the measures commonly used in organizational research are not invariant across cultures.Originality/valueAlthough the incidence of abusive supervision has been well documented in the USA and research on the causes and consequences of abusive supervision has grown steadily, very few studies have examined this topic in a cross‐cultural context. This study addresses this important, yet under‐researched issue by examining the joint effects of cultural values and abusive supervision on employee attitudes, using a cross‐cultural sample of workers.
Cross‐cultural challenges for a global maritime enterprise
Authors: Lombardo Gary A. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a hypothetical case study which provides an opportunity for students to conduct realistic business analysis applying subject material related to cross‐cultural issues presented in the international business, international management and management courses.Design/methodology/approachThe hypothetical case study requires students to review and analyze cross‐cultural issues related to the appointment of the senior executive for a foreign office of a global business enterprise. A hypothetical Chinese maritime enterprise and its publicly‐traded subsidiary are profiled. Cross‐cultural considerations come into play as the senior executive for two foreign offices must be appointed.FindingsThe case reflects refinements based upon its use during the past few years. Students are provided a realistic experiential exercise. Student feedback indicates a heightened sensitivity to cross‐cultural considerations that transcends their assigned textbook readings and traditional testing.Research limitations/implicationsAs with any classroom exercise, differences do exist with “real‐world” business practice. Students do not fully appreciate the pressures and tensions experienced by business professionals with respect to recruiting, selecting, appointing and developing a senior executive for a foreign office assignment.Practical implicationsThe case study provides an experiential exercise for students to apply theories and concepts learned from the textbook and the instructor's lectures.Originality/valueThe case study offers a complex view of myriad cross‐cultural considerations inherent in an international business firm, providing value to instructors and students as it reinforces discipline theories and concepts in a meaningful way, creating an active learning environment fostering academic excellence.
Maintenance cost evaluation of a system to be used in Arctic conditions: a case study
Authors: Kayrbekova Dina , Barabadi Abbas , Markeset Tore 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss operation and maintenance challenges under Arctic conditions and to propose a methodology to assess systems' reliability, maintainability and maintenance costs under the influence of the Arctic operational environment.Design/methodology/approachA model is suggested for quantifying maintenance costs while taking into account uncertainty due to lack of appropriate data and operational experience using the proportional hazard model and proportional repair model as well as Monte Carlo simulation.FindingsThe results show that the operating environment has a considerable influence on the number of failures, the maintenance and repair times and consequently on maintenance cost. Forecasting the maintenance costs based on technical characteristics (e.g. reliability and maintainability) and considering the operational environment, as well as including uncertainty analysis using Monte Carlo simulation, provide more trustworthy information in the decision‐making process.Practical implicationsThere are few data and little experience available regarding the operation of offshore oil and gas production systems in the Arctic region. Using the available data collected from similar systems, but in a different operational environment, may result in uncertain or incorrect analysis results. Hence, the method that is used for maintenance cost analysis must be able to quantify the effect of the operating environment on the system reliability and maintainability as well as to quantify the uncertainty.Originality/valueThe paper presents a statistical approach that will be useful in predicting maintenance cost considering the lack of appropriate reliability data from equipment operated in Arctic conditions. The approach presented is valuable for the industrial practitioners in the Arctic region, and may also be adapted to other areas where there is lack of data and operational experience.