bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental diagnostic model to support the environmental municipality planning
Authors: Amiro Motany de Albuquerque Azevedo Helsio , de Souza Bias Edilson 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology with which it is possible to perform analysis of the environmental situation of a given municipality.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is referred to as municipal environmental diagnosis (MED). MED uses methodologies of various authors such as Mota, Santos amongst others, public and private institutions such as the Ministry of the Environment of Brazil and the United Nations Development Program. The proposed model has, as objectives, the creation and application of techniques for environmental auditing and their analysis for planning in a designated area; in this case the Municipality of Inhambane in Mozambique was used as an area of study.FindingsThis methodology is applicable and gives support to environmental planning and management and, subsequently, could serve as a diagnostic base for environmental components in other Mozambican municipalities and around the world.Practical implicationsThese techniques will fundamentally support environmental and tourism strategies focused within a theoretical understanding of practical actions related to planning and environmental management, with the aim of increasing the sustainability of the municipality.Social implicationsThe methodology will help to improve the living conditions of local people and visitors so that after its application they can develop their activities in concordance with the environmental plan and within set parameters.Originality/valueThis work is relevant for Mozambican municipalities specifically and to all world municipalities in general that do not have tools for environmental management. This work introduces a methodology for environmental diagnosis which allows municipalities to change their environmental situation.
Municipal environmental governance in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Bille Larsen Peter 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to illustrate the particularities and challenges associated with creating municipal environmental governance institutions in the Peruvian Amazon.Design/methodology/approachA case‐study approach based on qualitative research, document analysis and interviews is used based on field research between 2007 and 2009.FindingsFindings reveal the limitations of municipal governance institutions to reflect local environmental concerns illustrated by the example of oil exploration. Whereas municipal institutions put in place resulted in environmental plans and policies, they failed to effectively address major sustainability concerns within their territorial boundaries. On the one hand, policy ambiguities about the meaning of “local” action reflect longstanding divides between centralised policy making and local agenda setting. On the other hand, findings point to the flexibility of local environmental processes easily neglecting core environmental problems.Practical implicationsThe conclusions justify reinforcing policy efforts to strengthen the mandate and competencies of municipalities on broader environmental matters. They also reinforce the need for more locally responsive and socially inclusive environmental agenda setting.Originality/valueThe study sheds light on poorly described environmental governance aspects from an area of global significance. Amazonian affairs are emblematic for environmental conflicts related to deforestation, extractive industries and ecological complexity. Analyzing the importance of municipal processes is critical in this respect.
Brokers' incentives and conflicts of interest in the control of opportunism
Authors: Olalekan Yusuf Tajudeen 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine brokers' financial incentives in the Nigerian insurance market and how they balance conflict of interest which their role engenders. The paper aims to assess how these affect the control of opportunism of customers in the Nigerian insurance market.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved the use of semi‐structured interviews of insurance broking executives and documentary analyses of how incentives aid the control of opportunism in the insurance market.FindingsFindings suggest that the Nigerian insurance market operates on highly tariff incentive system which might be hampering insurance brokers' role in bridging information asymmetries to control opportunism in the market. Conflicts of interest are also real in the insurance market.Practical implicationsFindings are relevant for practitioners and regulators in addressing the restrictive remuneration system which calls for liberalisation to encourage the control of opportunism in the insurance market.Originality/valueThe study underscores how financial incentives might be utilised to balance conflict of interest which insurance intermediation engenders.
Predicting Tunisian mutual fund performance using dynamic panel data model
Authors: Ben Belgacem Samira , Hellara Slaheddine 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the ability of well known fund characteristics such as the recent past performance, fund size, management fees, fund age, net asset value and fund growth so as to explain Tunisian equity mutual fund performance.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was split according to investment objectives, and the advanced dynamic panel data approach was used over the period 1999‐2006.FindingsThe authors find that past performance and fund size have a positive and significant influence on future performance for all fund categories, irrespective of what performance measure was used. This may indicate the existence of scale economies in the Tunisian equity mutual fund industry. The author also find that the other fund characteristics play an important role in explaining performance, but their impact varies among the fund categories. In all, regression results support the dynamic links between fund characteristics and future performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings do not take into account the behaviour of fund managers and their ability to extend the investment opportunities set. It seems that there are more complex factors related to the strategic behaviour of the manager and driving differences in performance across funds than previous studies have indicated.Practical implicationsThe authors confirm the empirical evidence that historical performance contains some information about future performance and such information may be important to mutual fund investors. It was also found that fund size is positively related to future performance of small fund category as well as of large fund category. This may indicate the existence of scale economies in the Tunisian equity mutual fund industry. In addition, the influence of the other control variables varies among the fund categories, but often is the same as in earlier studies.Social implicationsThe paper provides information to foreign investors for investing in Tunisian capital market.Originality/valueIn this regard, the study of literature revealed that the explanation of performance, based on quantitative factors, is often limited to a static approach that involves making estimates resting on multiple regression, regression in cross section and principal component analysis for short periods. However, several empirical studies highlight the impact of past performance on future performance. It seemed essential to enrich the analysis by using a dynamic approach.
Competitive forces and cost‐based analysis in SEC review of SRO market data fee filings: NetCoalition v. Securities and Exchange Commission
Authors: Ferraro Edward J. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze and discuss the implications of the August 2010 decision of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals vacating and remanding to the SEC its December 2008 order approving a proposed fee filed by NYSE Arca, LLC for its depth‐of‐book product ArcaBook. It also seeks to consider the effect on the court's decision of the Dodd‐Frank Act amendments to Section 19(b) of the Exchange Act.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes the evolution of the SEC's policy regarding SRO market data fees including the 1999 Concept Release on Market Information, the Advisory Committee on Market Information, the effects of decimalization and the 2005 adoption of Regulation NMS. It focuses on market data fee policy in connection with the Commission's decade‐long project to increase the role of competition in the US securities markets, culminating in the 2006 NYSE Arca fee filing, the SEC's 2008 order approving those fees and the NetCoalition decision.FindingsThe court's decision that a cost analysis is not irrelevant to the SEC's review of proposed SRO fee filings brings clarity and finality to a long‐standing dispute within the Commission and the securities industry and identifies a procedure for reaching an economically sound determination of “fair and reasonable” fees for SRO market data.Practical implicationsA cost‐based analysis of SRO market data fee filings is likely to result in a significant decline in market data revenues for those exchanges that charge fees for their data. For the Commission, cost‐based analysis is likely to require a significant reallocation of its regulatory staff and resources.Originality/valueThe paper presents a useful analysis for securities regulatory lawyers and financial analysts and investors following the stock exchange and financial information industries.
Corporate ownership interests hidden through cash‐settled equity derivatives: impact on the companies' governance under the Italian legal framework
Authors: Opromolla Gabriella 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to analyze the impact on companies' governance of corporate ownership interests hidden through cash‐settled equity derivatives.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the definition and use of cash‐settled derivatives and describes the recent proposal of the Italian financial regulator to extend disclosure obligations of significant shareholdings to positions held through cash‐settled derivatives.FindingsGiven the structure of Italian companies and the proven risk of evasion through cash‐settled derivatives, it should be advisable to extend the concept of a major shareholding for mandatory bid purposes to this kind of instrument. Moreover, recent cases have shown that the lack of a common worldwide disclosure regime for cash‐settled derivatives could result in misleading information and in turn in a lack of confidence by investors and an increase in the costs of raising capital.Practical implicationsThe disclosure regime to be implemented should neither completely ignore cash‐settled equity derivatives nor impose excessive duties that may increase the costs of compliance. It should be empirical and concrete. Ownership disclosure is intended to improve corporate governance by enabling minority shareholders to monitor the abuse of control.Originality/valueThis paper provides practical guidance from an experienced Italian securities lawyer. It explains and supports the Italian regulator's proposal to identify cases in which holdings of derivatives trigger mandatory bid obligation.
Regulatory change for financial institutions: crossing the ocean in an open boat
Authors: Turing Dermot , Benzler Marc , Lacroix Frédérick 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to draw some overall conclusions and suggest a general approach financial institutions might take in response to all the different countries' recent financial reform legislation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper lays out some of the important themes running through the post‐crisis set of reforms, discusses the practical impact, and recommends a checklist for financial institutions to follow in responding to the reforms.FindingsFinancial institutions have been cast into the role of villains and have lost some of their influence, but they still play a vital role. Making a decent profit in the new world will be hard, but there is much secondary legislation to come, and the different ways in which it will be implemented in various countries may present opportunities.Originality/valueThe paper provides expert guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
SEC approves rule banning “naked access” to trading centers
Authors: Hardy Callcott W. , Foley Timothy C. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper sets out to explain the new Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c3‐5, which will require broker‐dealers to adopt and implement risk controls to govern their provision of “direct market access” (DMA).Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains how the development and use of automated electronic trading processes and systems motivated broker‐dealers to offer DMA, “sponsored access,” and “naked access.” It explains the systems of risk management controls and supervisory procedures a broker‐dealer is required to maintain to manage the financial, regulatory, and other risks of sponsored access, including financial and regulatory controls and procedures.FindingsThe SEC proposed the Rule to more effectively manage the financial, regulatory, and other risks, such as legal and operational risks, associated with market access.Originality/valueThe paper offers practical guidance from expert broker‐dealer lawyers.
Using grey relational analysis and TRIZ to identify KSFs and strategies for choosing importers and exporters
Authors: Lin Po‐Yin , Lee Tzong‐Ru (Jiun‐Shen) , Dadura Agnieszka M. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the key success factors (KSFs) of purchasing decision making of overseas importers of Taiwanese products and the Taiwanese exporters; and second, to translate these KSFs into critical problems and formulate strategies to solve them.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use grey theory to identify the KSFs. In the end, 24 KSFs are obtained and changed into 22 critical problems. That is, the authors define what characteristics need to be improved for each critical problem and what characteristics could worsen (deteriorate) when the improved parameters are applied to solve the critical problems. Then, the authors use the TRIZ contradiction matrix to determine inventive principles they relate to and apply them to formulate the strategies for the hand‐tool industry.FindingsThe study offers short‐, medium‐ and long‐term improvement strategies for companies in the hand‐tool industry in the area of purchasing decision making.Originality/valueThe paper contributes in four ways. First, in understanding the overseas importers and the Taiwanese exporters' purchasing decision making with reference to the hand‐tool industry in Taiwan. Second, it determines B2B communication tools, which is a theoretical contribution of this paper to the literature. Third, companies in Taiwan and other countries can also apply strategies formulated in this research to solve similar problems. Finally, it simulates the critical problems and its solutions in the operations.
Supply chain management from the perspective of value chain flexibility: an exploratory study
Authors: Hock Soon Quah , Mohamed Udin Zulkifli 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate supply chain management practices related to flexibility, value chain and capabilities. It describes an exploratory study to examine the interrelated factors to propose a research framework.Design/methodology/approachA comparative case study was conducted on several manufacturing organizations in the electrical and electronic industry, investigating the business drivers and response effect of a flexible value chain.FindingsIn general, all the organizations enhanced their manufacturing flexibility components with supply and logistic networks in order to be responsive to customers and gain tangible benefits. The core flexibility of the value chain can be defined from operational, supply and logistics perspectives where different levels of integration and implementation strategies offer different levels of flexibility response to volume and product mix.Research limitations/implicationsResearch through case survey requires further empirical investigation to quantify the determinants and the significance of the relationship theorized. However, the findings confirmed the practical aspect of manufacturers to consider flexibility in designing their value chain within the industry.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the fact that local manufacturers value the flexibility aspect of supply chains to stay competitive during demand uncertainties and being responsive to customers.
Improving manufacturing process for biomedical products: a case study
Authors: Nepal Bimal , Natarajarathinam Malini , Balla Krishna 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design and implement a new manufacturing process for biomedical products by removing an electro‐polishing (EP) operation. The research was performed in a major North American orthopedic industry.Design/methodology/approachValue stream mapping is used to analyze and identify the waste in the current manufacturing process of bone screw. Upon formulation of new (to‐be) process, it has been validated to meet the regulatory requirements for the products through autoclave, endotoxin level, and biomechanical tests. Statistical tests are performed to compare the EP versus non‐EP process.FindingsThe study has shown that the EP operation was not only redundant to bone screw manufacturing but also created other problems such as quality and production delays. The overall production lead time of the screws has been reduced from 17 to 4.5 days.Research limitations/implicationsScope of the pilot study was limited to stainless steel screw. In future, the company plans to perform similar studies on other material types.Practical implicationsThe EP operation is very common in the orthopedic industry. However, as found in this paper, it is not required for every component. The bone screw case study presented in the paper offers a huge saving for the company by eliminating a “wasteful” activity from the manufacturing process.Originality/valueBiomedical products pose unique challenges to the process optimization efforts because of their stringent government and industry requirements. This paper provides an original case study of design, validation, and testing of an improved manufacturing process for a biomedical product.
An investigation into current production challenges facing the Libyan cement industry and the need for innovative total productive maintenance (TPM) strategy
Authors: Graisa Mustafa , Al‐Habaibeh Amin 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate maintenance and production problems in the cement industry in Libya, with particular emphasis on future implementation of total productive maintenance (TPM).Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the use of case study approach of production data and history, field visits, a survey methodology using a detailed questionnaire with employees and interviews with top and middle managers in four cement factories.FindingsIt has been found that the four factories under investigation have low productivity and production levels when compared with the design values. There is no clear TPM strategy and also it has been found that the lack of training and personal development is the main cause of this problem. In addition, employees are found not to be motivated as a result of the lack of a management strategy and reward structure.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the findings, a new framework for TPM has been developed. This TPM strategy could be implemented in other Libyan factories as a result of the potential similarities in the cultural and environmental aspects.Practical implicationsThe current challenges have been identified and comparative analysis is developed into a model for the implementation of TPM.Originality/valueThe paper highlights limitations in some of the cement factories in Libya in relation to TPM and production strategies. The importance of adopting a realistic strategy and framework by managers is discussed. This work is developed as collaboration between academia and one of the Libyan cement companies to solve productivity problems and develop a strategic framework of TPM for improving Libyan industry.
ERP adoption in Chinese small enterprise: an exploratory case study
Authors: Li Yulong 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine a Chinese small enterprise's failed attempt to adopt enterprise resource planning (ERP) and to identify the critical success factors for these type of projects.Design/methodology/approachInformation was collected through multiple site visits and semi‐structured interviews with key staff of the ERP project, as well as examination of relevant company documentations.FindingsThe study identified nine critical success factors and discussed how these factors affected ERP adoption in a small farming feed manufacturing company.Originality/valueConsidering very few ERP project failures are recorded in the literature and the majority of existing ERP research in China was in the context of large state‐owned or foreign‐invested companies, this paper represents an early effort to explore the reasons why ERP adoption failed in the case study company. It provides valuable lessons to Chinese small enterprises on some of the common pitfalls they may encounter when pursuing ERP.
The use of performance measurement system in logistics change process
Authors: Hisano Barbosa Danilo , Andreotti Musetti Marcel 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze how performance measurement systems (PMSs) can be used to support the key elements of the logistics change process.Design/methodology/approachThe research analytical framework is based upon the review of the mainstream literature on PMS and its use in the organizational change process. Two case studies in high logistical performing companies from the manufacturing sector were undertaken to describe how the use of PMS supports their logistics change process.FindingsThe results from both case studies showed that the use of PMS can support all elements of the logistics change process, which is triggered by the monitoring and analysis of the current situation, its management and finally the compilation and interpretation of performance results. This last stage is responsible for reviewing performance measures and providing feedback for further change and improvement initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper presents the first empirical analysis of the role played by the use of PMS in the logistics change process in high logistical performing companies. Furthermore, it is the first research to investigate logistics performance measurement from the perspective of logistics excellence and change management models to propose a guide to measure performance and lead change process in this area.