bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The stock market reaction to Ernst & Young's sale of its consulting unit to Cap Gemini
Authors: Liu Carol , Nabar Sandeep 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how the stock prices of Ernst & Young's (E&Y's) audit clients reacted to the sale of the accounting firm's consulting unit to Cap Gemini. The study is motivated by the debate on how the provision of non‐audit services by auditors affects investor perceptions of auditor independence.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the event study approach and examines market model prediction errors around relevant dates.FindingsE&Y client firms' mean and median abnormal stock returns are significantly positive for two events, the approval of the sale by E&Y's partners, and the approval of the transaction by Cap Gemini stockholders.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to one major audit firm for reasons discussed in the paper.Originality/valueThis study offers evidence on investor perceptions of auditor independence without relying on an earnings management model as is common in the literature. This study's evidence suggests that investors view the separation of auditing and consulting favorably.
Board member contingent compensation: watch your back
Authors: Dalton Catherine M. , Dalton Dan R. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeExamines new SEC guidelines for the reporting of “Executive Compensation and Related Party Disclosure”.Design/methodology/approachThe study discusses the new SEC guidelines for the reporting of “Executive Compensation and Related Party Disclosure”.FindingsThe compensation of governance boards should not include contingent arrangements of any sort, certainly including stock options.Practical implicationsProvides executives with information on important factors to consider in compensating board members.Originality/valueOf particular value to CEOs and other board members.
Entering low‐end markets: a new strategy for Swiss companies
Authors: Gebauer Heiko 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper provides a better understanding of why manufacturing companies often fail to enter the low‐end market.Design/methodology/approachCase studies on Swiss firms that create competitive advantage through technological, quality and/or innovation leadership are the main tool of theory development.FindingsOur objective was to explain why firms often fail to enter the low‐end market. The main finding is a method for entering the low‐end market successfully.Research limitations/implicationsOur remarks are limited to manufacturing firms that create competitive advantage through technological, quality and/or innovation leadership.Practical implicationsThe key managerial implications is a method for entering the low‐end market successfully. The method offers some guidance for overcoming the successive hurdles limiting the entry in the low‐term price segment in emerging markets.Originality/valueWe were able to add a complementary perspective to existing literature on the international management. We suggest that the long‐term success in emerging markets is influenced strongly by the entry in the low‐end price segment.
Resonant leadership: a new kind of leadership for the digital age
Authors: McKee Annie , Massimilian Dick 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe authors contend that the current, intensive emphasis on short‐term results prevalent in much of corporate America unwittingly undercuts the ability of companies to achieve long‐term financial success. Given the “always on” nature of life for senior executives in the Digital Age, leaders find themselves subject to tremendous, ever‐increasing pressures and a perceived and/or real need to work harder and longer. The mental, physical and psychological toll extracted by these pressures over time leads to escalating personal sacrifice and ultimately, if unaddressed to the well‐known phenomenon known as “burnout”. Through recognizing what the authors refer to as the Cycle of Sacrifice and Renewal, executives can renew themselves using Mindfulness, Hope and Compassion. Through renewal, senior leaders can counteract the effects of work‐related pressures, perform at their best over the long‐term, and lead their organizations to sustained long‐term financial success.Design/methodology/approachThe authors rely on research conducted by co‐author Annie McKee and Richard Boyatzis as outlined extensively in their current book, Resonant Leadership.FindingsThe authors discuss the Cycle of Sacrifice and Renewal as well as Mindfulness, Hope and Compassion, defining each term, and explain the relevance of each to a leader committed to achieving sustained, long‐term performance.Originality/valueThe paper is relevant to current and aspiring leaders and to Human Resource executives interested in working with people to help them perform at their best.
Evaluating the role of information technology in crisis and emergency management
Authors: Jefferson Theresa L. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper seeks to discuss the recommendations for handling future extreme events based on the response and mitigation effort to Hurricane Katrina. It discusses how information technology (IT) relates to these recommendations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews recent recommendations for handling future extreme events and pinpoints the role of information systems in supporting these recommendations.FindingsThe study provides areas for IT researchers and practitioners to focus on to support the crisis and emergency management community.Orginality/valueThe paper provides ue for IT researchers and practitioners to focus on to support the Crisis and Emergency Management Community.
The frontiers of knowledge management
Authors: Desouza Kevin C. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss the new frontiers of knowledge management research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the author's experiences of putting together a compilation of writings by scholars on the future of knowledge management.FindingsThe paper outlines a research agenda for knowledge management.Originality/valueThe paper sheds light on critical problems that need to be examined in order to advance the field of knowledge management. Current scholars and students in the area of knowledge management can gain from the insights presented here.
European printed circuit board (PCB) technology and environmental trends: their impact on PCB supply from China
Authors: Weinhold Michael K. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo give an introductory overview of the key issues that need to be addressed when manufacturing PCBs in China for the European market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper gives an overview of key issues impacting manufacturers supplying printed circuit boards into Europe. The demand for higher performance and the need to comply with legislation such as the European RoHS Directive are posing significant challenges for non‐European fabricators. The paper introduces some of the key issues including materials substitution, the move to lead‐free assembly and new laminate requirements in the context of increasingly stringent quality and performance criteria.FindingsLow cost manufacturers in China supply a large proportion of the PCBs used by the European electronics industry. If this supply is to continue as board complexities and performance requirements increase, PCB fabricators will need to pay careful attention to a wide range of issues including European legislation, choice of laminates, reliability and manufacture in compliance with industry specifications. Failure to meet these requirements will be costly and could result in the loss of European sales opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsThere are significant challenges for overseas board manufacturers wishing to supply an increasingly demanding European market. Strategic alliances with partners in Europe can offer one route for better understanding these demands and meeting customer requirements without incurring unnecessary costs.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to highlight some of the issues and potential problem areas that need to be addressed when using low cost manufacturing routes to supply high quality circuit boards into the European market.
Asset securitisation as a risk management and funding tool
Authors: Jobst Andreas A. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper surveys the risks and rewards of asset securitisation and illustrates how this structured finance technique can lift credit constraints to small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) as banks to turn more conservative in their lending in response to more risk‐sensitive capital requirements for credit risk.Design/methodology/approachThe mechanics of securitisation provide an analytical framework and perspective for our analysis of conditions for sustainable SME securitisation and its potential contribution to greater risk diversification of both issuers and investors. The paper also elicits lessons to be learned for essential regulatory and policy measures to guide a sound development of securitisation markets from an empirical review of SME securitisation in Germany.FindingsThe paper finds that the structural versatility of securitisation offers economic benefits irrespective of the configuration of the financial system. The development of a viable securitisation market for SME‐related claims in a bank‐based financial system is likely to require financial sector initiatives, whose scope and intensity might be enhanced by development agencies. Orchestrated policy efforts make for a benign strategy to incubate SME securitisation in a timely fashion, while keeping legal uncertainty and economic attrition to a minimum.Originality/valueAs opposed to previous papers, the paper defines and discusses SME securitisation from both the perspective of bank‐ and firm‐sponsored securitisation and issue hands‐on recommendations for its efficient implementation.
Market condition, number of transactions, and price volatility
Authors: Tai Vivien W. , Chou Robin K. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTaiwan OTC market is an electronic, order driven, call market. The purpose of this paper is to gain understanding of whether trade size or number of transaction provides more information on explaining price volatility and market liquidity in this market. The paper also aims to investigate how market condition can affect the relationship between information type and trading activities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses data from the Taiwan OTC market to run the empirical tests. It divides firms into five size groups based on their market capitalization. Regression equations are run to test: whether number of transactions has a more significant impact on price volatility on the Taiwan OTC market; the impact of market information on number of transactions; the relative impact of firm specific and market information on number of transactions; and the impact of number of transaction of bid‐ask spread.FindingsFindings show that the larger the number of transactions, the higher the price volatility. Smaller firms on the Taiwan OTC market are traded based on firm‐specific information. This relation is further affected by market trends. Especially for the larger firms, when the market is up and the amount of market information increases, number of transactions increases. When the market is down and the amount of market information increases, number of transactions decreases. Finally, it is found spread size is more likely to be influenced by number of transactions, instead of trade size. Overall, based on these empirical results, the information content of number of transactions seems to be higher than that of trade size in the Taiwan OTC market.Practical implicationsInvestors now understand that number of transaction actually carry more information than trade size does.Originality/valueThe relation between market information and number of transaction, also that between market information and trade size is influenced by market condition. The paper fills a gap in the literature to show that market condition has an impact on the relation between information type and trader's behavior. A number of transactions are identified that provide more information than trade size does. It is also shown that market conditions can further affect the impact of information on trading activities.
The parables, premium puzzles, and the CAPM
Authors: Lin Hong‐Jen , VanderLinden David C. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether religions parables are relevant to finance.Design/methodology/approachIn the Gospel, one may find parallels to the capital asset pricing model in the context of the parables of the kingdom of God. For instance, the duality in the parables is particularly analogous to the gain – loss decision making in the practice and theory of finance. Moreover, several parables giving insight into investor reactions may help explain the premium puzzles in asset pricing.FindingsBased on a thorough analysis, one can see that the parables contribute to finance practice and education.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to link parables in the Gospel of Matthew to finance theories.
Investing in stocks: three models of faith integration
Authors: Porter Brian E. , Steen Todd P. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of Christian investors and the responsibility to promote justice and stewardship.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines three models of integrating the Christian faith with investing in the stock market. The first model considers investing in the stock market with minimal ethical discretion, looking at possible justifications for such behavior. The second model looks at the practice of avoidance of the stock market. The third model examines the ethic of active stewardship, where individuals more closely monitor the ethical behavior of firms.FindingsBuying stock in a company makes one a part owner of that firm, and as an owner Christians have responsibilities to promote justice and stewardship within that firm. Although Christians may differ on the proper model for responding to this responsibility, the goal of all Christians should be to encourage fair business practices, honest labor‐management relations, care for the environment, and the production of goods that are truly useful in today’s society.Practical implicationsAll three models can be based on various understandings of the Christian scriptures. The authors assert that whatever model is chosen, Christians need to look beyond just monetary returns when making investment decisions.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is that it explores the difficulty of integrating the Christian faith with investing and offers a model for being a responsible Christian investor.
Observations of school library impact at two rural Ugandan schools
Authors: Dent Valeda F. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore connections between the presence of a library at two schools in rural Uganda and certain student academic engagement indicators, such as scholastic performance, reading habits, study habits, and library use patterns. The study is not intended to demonstrate strong correlations between these items, rather, it is a limited exploration of certain questions meant to inform further enquiry in the area. Five specific questions guided the research: Do students with a school library read more? Do students make good use of the library? Do students recognize the importance of having the library? Do students use the library materials for other than class‐related work? Are there any noticeable differences between the grades of students with the library at their school, and those without?Design/methodology/approachResearchers gathered both quantitative and qualitative data from two different schools in the Masaka District, one school with a library, the Kitengesa Comprehensive Secondary School, and one without, Masaka High School. Researchers also gathered important library‐use information from a third school, Sseke Secondary School, to supplement the quantitative data gathered from the other two schools. Grade and class rank information was collected for 85 students, 6 focus groups were conducted, 85 questionnaires were distributed and collected from students, 5 school administrators and 3 library staff were interviewed, and approximately 10 hours of observation was done.FindingsFindings indicate that there are several areas where the presence of a school library has an impact, including students' reading habits, use of materials for non‐school‐related activities, and academic performance. The school libraries visited are both successful examples of how important the rural school library can be to the development of a reading culture. Implications of the findings are discussed in detail.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research efforts might include a multi‐school, longitudinal study on the impact of rural libraries specifically on student achievement. Many studies have been conducted on this topic in the West, but no significant studies so far in Sub‐Saharan Africa, where hard evidence is needed in order to demonstrate the importance of the rural school library to student learning.Originality/valueThe study itself is unique in that the data hail from a two‐year study conducted at local schools/libraries in rural Uganda, using a broad methodology which included reviewing qualitative and quantitative data. It will provide information that can be used by others to support the need for the establishment of rural school libraries in underdeveloped regions, and provision of reading materials, which are otherwise scarce, for students and teachers.
The internet, information and empowerment
Authors: Harrison Tina , Waite Kathryn , Hunter Gary L. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo critically assesses the extent to which consumers are being empowered by the internet, focusing specifically on the role of the internet in the context of online pension information provision.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method study involving focus groups and observational research. Focus groups explored consumer meanings of empowerment and pension information needs. Actual information provision was measured using a content analysis of a sample of 20 pension web sites from 1996 to 2004 accessed from the internet archive.FindingsWhile consumers generally feel that the internet is empowering, the sense of empowerment has not been fully realised in the context of pensions. The findings reveal gaps between consumer needs for information and information provision with implications for pension providers and consumers.Research limitations/implicationsRelies on consumers' own reported information needs. Pensions are complex and consumers may not fully appreciate the most relevant information in order to make an informed pension decision. Researching professional financial advisors could close the loop and help understand what information consumers should be using to make decisions.Practical implicationsProvides useful insights for pension providers and employers in understanding the value of pension web sites and the features/facilities that consumers value most in using them.Originality/valueAddresses a key concern of government – insufficient pension provision – and helps to understand how the internet can be used to engage consumers in pensions and encourage them to take greater responsibility for and ownership of their retirement saving.
Self‐empowerment and consumption
Authors: Conrad Henry Paul , Caldwell Marylouise 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo delineate the range of consumer responses to life‐conditions where sustained powerlessness is experienced. To provide a framework to understand the ways in which these consumers try to reclaim degrees of self‐empowerment and wellbeing.Design/methodology/approachGoffman's conceptualization of stigma is employed to study a heavy metal music enclave consisting of lower socioeconomic consumers, who exhibit a range of stigmatizing attributes.FindingsA taxonomy of ten consumer remedies for their situation is developed. These include: resignation, confrontation, withdrawal, engagement, concealment, escapism, hedonic, spiritual, nostalgia, and creative. Each can potentially have negative or positive consequences. However, we found consumers often use a blend of these remedies as pathways to self‐empower.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the strengths and weaknesses of each of the remedies will potentially guide public policy makers in shaping programs better able to foster self‐empowerment among disadvantaged consumers.Originality/valueThe paper advances understanding of consumer response to sustained powerlessness as consequence of disadvantaged life conditions that are resistant to change.
The promise of virtual teams: identifying key factors in effectiveness and failure
Authors: Horwitz Frank M. , Bravington Desmond , Silvis Ulrik 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe aim of the investigation is to identify enabling and disenabling factors in the development and operation of virtual teams; to evaluate the importance of factors such as team development, cross‐cultural variables, leadership, communication and social cohesion as contributors to virtual team effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachA total of 115 employees in virtual teams using an on‐line survey contributed a 55 per cent response rate. An on‐line survey combining both quantitative Likert scale and qualitative explanatory questions measured the following variables in addition to those above: team member roles and responsibilities, relationships and trust and team dynamics.FindingsResults indicated that cross‐cultural communication improvement, managerial and leadership communication, goal and role clarification, and relationship building are most important to virtual team performance.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research focusing on particular sectors such as knowledge‐ intensive firms (KIF), including information and telecommunications, and research and development is needed to provide in‐depth insights into virtual team operations. In addition this research highlights potential issues in cross‐cultural composition of virtual teams and the need for further work on appropriate team training, selection factors in comprising virtual teams and communications.Originality/valueWhile there is a growing body of research on knowledge and information economy issues and the changing sociology of work for example in the ICT sector and in tele‐remote work and call centres, empirical work specifically on virtual team operation is embryonic. This exploratory research begins to add to the understanding of variables important in the operational effectiveness of virtual teams.