bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A theoretical approach to urban environmental governance in times of change
Authors: Corrêa de Faria Sueli , Fernando Macedo Bessa Luiz , Corrêa Tonet Helena 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the ideal meaning of good governance for cities sustainability, basing itself on the international consensus of governance as the most important issue when facing urban environmental problems.Design/methodology/approachFocusing on urban environmental problems and based on discussions about environmental governance and sustainability carried out throughout the last decades, the paper recognizes that the discussions on environmental governance, although presenting converging ideas and some successful examples, are still to convey a definitive framework as a base to be followed and consolidated. For this reason, it aims to offer a theoretical framework for handling urban environmental governance, as well as an approach that allows one to recognize ways for an appropriate assessment of cities sustainability.FindingsThe results of the analysis suggest that, while the notion of governance offers a direction in researches addressing the study of institutions and of the interaction between governmental and non‐governmental actors, there is still a lack of applicable and appropriate models to achieve good governance in a democratic way, especially in developing countries. Another important conclusion lies in the perception that, for knowledge construction purposes, as well as for structure policies and measurement of society's achievements towards a more sustainable development, urban environmental governance indicators are a helpful and thoroughly necessary tool.Originality/valueDeveloping an urban environmental governance assessment model allows for comparisons in between analytical results of projects implemented or under implementation, creating a scientific basis for designing sustainable institutional arrangements in future projects.
A comparative analysis of green certificates markets in the European Union
Authors: Plumb Ion , Zamfir Andreea‐Ileana 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate how green certificates markets have developed in the European Union, with a view to producing consistent recommendations that could be used in future environmental strategies and policies to improve existing schemes for renewable energy promotion and support.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted by combining a wide variety of sources, such as regulations, position papers, road‐maps, as well as articles and research reports. European experiences in using green certificates to support renewable energies were compared from the point‐of‐view of the legislative framework and national support systems.FindingsThe findings reveal that improvements in three major areas (legislative framework, national support systems, and cost reduction) are needed in order to achieve a better support for renewable energy generation.Practical implicationsThe conclusions justify the effort invested in developing green certificates markets and are relevant for policy makers in a very sensitive sector to accomplish sustainability goals – the use of renewable energy. The study may represent a starting‐point for further research into renewable energy support systems, environmental issues and economic implications.Originality/valueThe paper provides a rational and comparative approach for finding solutions to the problems of green certificates markets in the European Union. The methodology and the results reported in this research could be used for exploring green certificates markets opportunities in other European countries.
Assessment of droughts in Jordan
Authors: Abu Rumman Malek , Hiyasat Mohammad , Sweis Ghaleb J. , Sweis Rateb J. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify drought conditions in Jordan in the period 1960‐2006 for two major basins – the Yarmouk and the Zarqa. This study aims to look at the long‐term drought conditions (hydrological droughts) and to investigate the possibility of changes in the monthly precipitation pattern for the period of 1997‐2006, as this period has suffered from the average slightly dry conditions for the two basins.Design/methodology/approachThe Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) is used to assess drought conditions in the Yarmouk and Zarqa basins. The SPI is applied on an annual basis to assess the hydrological long‐term droughts. Average monthly precipitation is used as the input to the SPI procedure.FindingsThe SPI is applied on an annual basis (12 months) SPI‐12. Results of the SPI‐12 assessment show that the years 1978, 1995, and 1999 represented extremely dry conditions in both basins. The years 1989 and 1993 represented severely dry conditions in the Zarqa basin and extremely dry conditions in the Yarmouk basin. The statistical procedure for precipitation anomalies identifies precipitation anomalies for the years 2000, 2003, and 2006. However, due to the limited number of anomaly years this study does not conclude that there is a change in the pattern of monthly precipitation of the tested period 1997‐ 2006.Research limitations/implicationsUsing the SPI method this work can be extended to compare drought conditions in the remaining major basins in the country.Originality/valueThe paper provides important information about drought conditions in Jordan and ways to assess precipitation anomalies and pattern changes. This can be beneficial to the planning of water resources in Jordan and the associated developments (agricultural, industrial, tourism, and residential).
Financial services firms face increased pressures on anti‐corruption compliance
Authors: Morley Matt T. , Maletta Jeffrey B. , King Michael J. , Hadley Robert V. , Fader Matthew J. , Saulnier Brian F. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain and emphasize the importance of compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti‐corruption laws in force in other countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper cites renewed pressure to address corruption risks from regulatory and other sources, and recommends compliance steps a firm can take to reduce the risk of legal liability.FindingsFINRA has identified FCPA compliance as an examination priority for 2009, the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) has recently taken a high‐profile disciplinary action against a firm for inadequate training and due diligence as to bribery and anti‐corruption risks, and FCPA enforcement is expected to remain a priority for the Obama Administration.Originality/valueThe paper presents practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009: Congress amends money laundering and criminal fraud statutes to expand their scope and penalties
Authors: Goldstein Howard W. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the changes to the US federal money laundering and criminal fraud statutes contained in the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 (“FERA”)Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains how FERA extends the definition of “proceeds” under the statute to include gross receipts of illegal activity, how the definition of a financial institution is revised to include a mortgage lending business, and how the federal securities fraud statute is expanded to apply to frauds involving commodity futures and options.FindingsAny prior ambiguity as to the meaning of “proceeds” has now been unequivocally resolved; alleged money launderers will no longer be able to defend themselves by arguing that they committed unprofitable criminal activities. The classification as a “financial institution” matters because a number of federal criminal statutes either only apply to financial institutions or set out different penalties or statutes when a financial institution is affected by a generally applicable crime. Under FERA, henceforth frauds involving options and futures in commodities will violate the securities fraud statute.Originality/valueThe paper presents practical guidance by an experienced white‐collar criminal defense lawyer.
New CfD disclosure regime comes into force on June 1, 2009
Authors: Bates Chris , Conceicao Carlos , Poulton Mark , Pudge David 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain changes to Chapter 5 of the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR 5), introducing new disclosure requirements relating to holdings of financial instruments that have a similar economic effect to shares, such as CfDs, that took effect on June 1, 2009.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the principles behind the extended disclosure regime and summarizes questions and answers from the FSA to assist market participants' understanding of that regime, covering issues such as domicile of the issuer, instruments covered, how a disclosable holding is calculated, the inclusion of financial instruments relating to unissued shares, treatment of holdings acquired before June 1, 2009, potential double counting, how the regime applies to intra‐group movements of holdings and delta‐adjusted reporting, and exemptions for client‐serving intermediaries, market timing, trading books, and investment management.FindingsQualifiying financial instruments give a legal right to acquire (on the holder's own initiative) shares already in issue and with voting rights attached. The policy behind the new regime is to require the disclosure of financial instruments with similar economic effect to qualifying financial instruments which are used to build stakes in companies.Originality/valueThe paper presents practical guidance from experienced financial institution and securities lawyers.
Amendments to the Capital Requirements Directive adopted by European Parliament
Authors: Hawken Kevin , Bake Miles 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain a new directive of the European Union adopted by the European Parliament on May 6 that governs, among other things, the amount of capital that banks and other credit institutions are required to hold in respect of credit risk.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the background to the 5 percent retention agreement, outlines provisions of the new Article 122a, explains exemptions to the 5 percent retention, and discusses additional requirements for investing and originating credit institutions.FindingsThe amended Capital Requirements Directive requires investing credit institutions to demonstrate to their regulators that they understand the risks and valuations of their securitization positions, and have detailed performance and monitoring systems in place. Originators and sponsors will also have to comply with significant new disclosure rules, and originators will be required to align their lending criteria for securitized exposures with loans made for their own banking book. Further amendments are in prospect.Originality/valueThe paper presents practical guidance by experienced securities lawyers.
Summary of selected FINRA Regulatory Notices, April‐June 2009
Authors: Davis Henry A. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this summary is to provide excerpts of selected Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Regulatory Notices and Disciplinary Actions issued from April to June 2009 and a sample of disciplinary actions during that period.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides excerpts from Regulatory Notice 09‐22, Personal Securities Transactions; 09‐25, Suitability and “Know Your Customer”; 09‐27, Member Public Offerings; 09‐30, Credit Default Swaps; 09‐34, Investment Company Securities; 09‐35, Municipal Securities.FindingsNotice 09‐22: Sound supervisory practices require that a member firm monitor personal securities transactions outside of the firm by or for its associated persons. Notice 09‐25: Suitability obligations and know‐your customer obligations are critical to protecting investors. Notice 09‐27: The offering of securities by a member firm or a control entity of the firm in a private placement raises conflicts of interest and has been an area of regulatory concern in recent years. Notice 09‐30: Regulatory authorities are adopting measures to address system risk arising from credit default swaps (CDS), including risks to the financial system arising from the lack of a central clearing counterparty to clear and settle CDS; the SEC has approved a rule establishing an interim pilot program on margin requirements for CDS transactions. Notice 09‐34: As part of the process to develop a new consolidated rulebook, FINRA is requesting comment on a proposed rule regarding the distribution and sale of investment company securities. Notice 09‐35: FINRA recommends that firms engaged in municipal securities business review and, if necessary, modify their policies and procedures in light of changes to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's (MSRB) Electronic Municipal Market Access system (EMMA) that take effect July 1, 2009, and changes to MSRB rules that went into effect June 1, 2009. FINRA also encourages firms to review the overall adequacy and effectiveness of their current policies and procedures for municipal securities activities generally, particularly those relating to the disclosure of material information, the suitability of recommendations to retail customers, and the general supervision of their municipal securities activities.Originality/valueThese are direct excerpts designed to provide a useful digest for the reader and an indication of regulatory trends. The FINRA staff is aware of this summary but has neither reviewed nor edited it. For further detail as well as other useful information, the reader should visit www.finra.org
Work engagement among hotel managers in Beijing, China: potential antecedents and consequences
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Koyuncu Mustafa , Jing Wang , Fiksenbaum Lisa 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine potential antecedents and consequences of work engagement in a sample of male and female hotel managers employed in Beijing, China.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 309 respondents, a 90 percent response rate, using anonymously completed questionnaires. Engagement was assessed by three scales developed by Schaufeli, Salanova, Gonzalez‐Roma, and Bakker: vigor, dedication and absorption. Antecedents included personal demographic and work situation characteristics; consequences included measures of work satisfaction and psychological wellbeing.FindingsThe following results were observed. First, organizational level and organizational tenure were found to predict all three engagement measures but in opposite ways. Second, engagement, particularly dedication, predicted various work outcomes (e.g. job satisfaction, intent to quit). Third, engagement, particularly dedication, positively predicted various psychological wellbeing outcomes but less strongly than these predicted work outcomes. Surprisingly, absorption was related to some of these outcomes but in the opposite way.Research limitations/implicationsQuestions of causality cannot be addressed since data were collected at only one point in time. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the effects of work life experiences on engagement.Practical implicationsOrganizations can increase levels of work engagement by creating supportive work experiences (e.g. control, rewards and recognition) consistent with effective human resource management practices. But caution must be exercised before employing North American practices in the Chinese context.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the understanding of work engagement among managers in a large Confucian country in transition to a market economy.
The sensitivity of German and British tourists to news shocks
Authors: Ertuna Cevat , Ilhan Ertuna Zeliha 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of news shocks on the growth rate of German and British tourist arrivals in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThis research utilizes GARCH as a detection device to distinguish the sensitivity of German and British tourists to news shocks, and employs monthly log‐differenced tourist arrivals covering the period from January 1996 to December 2006.FindingsThe uncertainty about future British arrival rates does not follow any specific pattern. The impact of news shocks seems to have an asymmetric, long‐lasting, but decaying, effect on German tourists. The national culture seems to modify the impact of news shocks on visiting decisions; German tourists seem to be more sensitive to news shocks than British tourists.Research limitations/implicationsThe research covers only British and German tourists' decisions to visit Turkey. The question of whether the composition of the mean equation substantially alters the variance structure merits further study.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that, in the case of an unexpected negative news shock, tourism and travel‐related organizations (private and government) should concentrate their mitigating policy responses on news‐sensitive nationalities. Destinations that are more susceptible to negative occurrences such as natural disasters or political instability could reconsider their approaches to their target markets by taking into consideration characteristics of national cultures in their strategy.Originality/valueThe paper compares, for the first time, non‐event‐specific sensitivity of national cultures to news shocks and offers practical recommendations for response strategies.
A study on the influence of purchase intentions on repurchase decisions: the moderating effects of reference groups and perceived risks
Authors: Lin Long‐Yi , Chen Yeun‐Wen 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the influence of purchase intentions on repurchase decisions, and also to examine the moderating effects of reference groups and perceived risks.Design/methodology/approachThe travelers on Taiwan tourist trains were surveyed. Convenience sampling was used to collect primary data. A total of 1,200 questionnaires were distributed and 1,155 effective samples were collected. The effective return rate was 96 percent. Regression analysis was used to test hypotheses.FindingsThe paper finds that; purchase intentions will have a positive effect on repurchase decisions: the higher the informational reference group influence, the greater the positively moderating effect between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions; the higher the value‐expressive reference group influence, the greater the positively moderating effect between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions; and the higher the psychological risk, the greater the negatively moderating effect between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study are: the research targets the travelers on tourist trains. Consequently, it is less efficient in external validity due to the limited scope; the conceptual limitation needs to be elaborated more; and, since the research adopts the cross‐sectional research method without longitudinal section study it may be limited in the generalization. The moderating effects of reference groups and perceived risks have been examined on the inconsistency between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions in the study.Practical implicationsIn tourism, reference group influence can provide the opportunity for individuals to communicate with group members in sharing the experiences of a destination and selection of a particular purchasing decision. The sole moderating effect of psychological risk has been verified among three dimensions. Therefore, the measurement and enhancement are critical for marketers to handle future business.Originality/valueThe extra value of the paper is to combine theory and practice together, and verify the moderating effects of reference groups and perceived risks between purchase intentions and repurchase decisions.
Key factors influencing foreign direct investment in the tourism industry in South Africa
Authors: Snyman J.A. , Saayman M. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key factors influencing foreign direct investment (FDI) in the South African tourism industry. This is done in order to successfully attract and sustain FDI as well as to remain competitive.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted by means of questionnaires that were completed by various estate agents in South Africa that specialise in dealing with foreign direct investors. The descriptive statistical analyses were performed by using the Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS 15.0). A factor analysis with Promax rotation was performed and five key factors were identified.FindingsThe findings indicated the following key factors: namely perception and infrastructure, government and policy, economy, competitiveness, and nature. The results also indicated which type of product is preferred by which international market.Practical implicationsThe results can be used to assist government policy on FDI as well as to assist marketers to focus on specific issues in their marketing campaigns.Originality/valueThe paper makes the following contributions: first, it gives greater insight and understanding of the decision making of foreign investment in the South African industry. Second, it is the first time that this research has been attempted in South Africa. Third, it shows the close relationship between FDI marketing and tourism marketing.