bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Internet auctions as a means of issuing financial securities: the case of the OpenIPO
Authors: Jones Steven L. , Yeoman John C. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the OpenIPO process, vis‐à‐vis traditional bookbuilding, and evaluate the suitability of the OpenIPO for various types of companies, market conditions, and assets.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops the pros and cons of the OpenIPO process, vis‐à‐vis the traditional bookbuilding method, in light of the recent academic literature on securities auctions and the results of the OpenIPOs Hambrecht has conducted, as of mid‐2004.FindingsThe main advantage of the OpenIPO process is that it precludes many of the abuses recently observed in investment banking; however, it is not well suited for complex businesses that are either difficult to value or far removed from the public eye.Research limitations/implicationsOnly nine OpenIPOs have been conducted by Hambrecht, or using the Hambrecht method, as of the completion of this paper in mid‐2004.Practical implicationsThe paper foresees the OpenIPO process of Hambrecht as supplementing, rather than supplanting, the traditional bookbuilding method. This could come about through the emergence of the OpenIPO as a more viable alternative to bookbuilding, or possibly through some hybrid type of offering in which individual investors play a larger role in price discovery, via the internet, and shares are allocated through both the internet auction and traditional bookbuilding.Originality/valueManagers considering an initial public offering have a choice between the OpenIPO process of Hambrecht, used in the Google offering, and the traditional bookbuilding process. The choice of the OpenIPO has become more viable not only because of the Google offering, but due to the severe criticism the traditional method has received in recent years for alleged abuses related to the pricing and allocation of shares. This paper assists managers in evaluating this choice IPO offer type while rigorously evaluating the pros and cons of the OpenIPO process and its likely future role in the investment banking industry.
Using instant messenger in the finance course
Authors: Michelson Stuart , Smith Stanley D. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeNew technologies have provided new tools we may use as finance professors to communicate with our students. Instant messaging (IM) has become a common communication tool in industry and among students. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of IM as a communication tool in finance courses.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of IM, the students were surveyed to determine how they viewed IM in comparison to other communication techniques.FindingsThe paper finds that 50 per cent or students use IM at any time (not just for class). The majority of the IM users, use it several times a day and have used it for two to three years. Only about 15.7 per cent of our students have used IM for our classes. The range of IM usage in the classes is 7‐25 per cent. Of those students who have used IM for our courses, they have used it 2‐5 times during the semester and almost all students found it useful. Students were asked to rate various methods of professor/student communication. The students strongly like face‐to‐face communication, followed by (in order of preference) email, IM, and telephone. Students disagree with the statement that IM is a substitute for face‐to‐face interaction and agree that IM is a supplement to face‐to‐face interaction.Originality/valueThe findings suggest ways to improve communications with students and other persons.
Employee training needs and perceived value of training in the Pearl River Delta of China
Authors: Kai Ming Au Alan , Altman Yochanan , Roussel Josse 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore Hong Kong firms' training needs in the Pearl River Delta, a booming region in the fast growing People Republic of China economy, by resorting to a human capital approach. Also, to identify the training policies selected by those firms in order to cater for those needs.Design/methodology/approachA survey based mail questionnaire was sent to a large sample of Hong Kong firms (mostly SMEs) operating in the Pearl River Delta area. The questionnaire was designed in two parts: the first asked close‐ended questions about firm characteristics, knowledge needs of staff and recruitment policies; the other enquired about preferences for study training programs. Results are analyzed employing an Anova and Conjoint Analysis within the context of a human capital framework.FindingsFinds that Hong Kong firms investing in PRD recruit their senior staff from Hong Kong, whereas junior and intermediate level staffs are hired from the Mainland. It also shows that intermediate and senior level staff benefit from most of the training investments, where unskilled are deprived of training altogether.Practical implicationsObtains a practical insight on human capital management policies by foreign investors in fast‐growing emerging economies.Originality/valueProvides an innovative study of an under‐researched area in the fastest growing region of the People Republic of China.
Promotion in call centres: opportunities and determinants
Authors: Tatiana Gorjup María , Valverde Mireia , Ryan Gerard 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of jobs in call centres by focusing on the opportunities for promotion in this sector. More specifically, the research questions focus on discovering whether promotion is common practise in the call centre sector and on identifying the factors that affect this.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was administered to call centre directors or their human resource managers. A least square regression analysis was carried out to examine how training, job security and knowledge about employees' abilities, affect the use of promotion in call centres, as well as three structural variables of the organisations: size, being part of a larger organisation and whether the call centre was in‐house or outsourced.FindingsThe results suggest a limited use of promotion and the absence of consolidated internal labour markets in this sector. Nevertheless, a diverse range of call centres exists in terms of the use of promotion. The analysis identifies structural and managerial variables that identify where promotion is likely to be employed more intensively in call centres.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the paper is related to the variables used to examine training. An important implication of the results for managers is the suggestion to employ promotion policies with other human resource management practices.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is the finding that the use of promotion has been determined by structural factors and other management practices. Therefore, call centre managers are encouraged to establish these practices in order to subsequently facilitate the use of promotion.
Synthesis and characterisation of 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene catalysed by cation exchanger
Authors: Liu W. , Wang J. , Qiu Q.H. , Ji L. , Wang C.Y. , Zhang M.L. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to synthesise high‐purity 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene (BHPF).Design/methodology/approach9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene was prepared from phenol and fluorenone using cationic ion‐exchange resin as the condensation catalyst. The purity and chemical structure of the resulting 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene were characterised by elemental analysis, MS, HPLC, FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy, etc.FindingsThe purity and weight yield of 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐fluorene reached up to 99.1 and 81.3 per cent, respectively, under the optimal reaction condition, that is, the molar ratio of phenol to fluorenone was 8‐1, the reaction temperature was 100°C, reaction time was 10 h, the mass percentage of cation exchanger accounting for the total reactants was 15 per cent and the co‐catalyst quantity was 0.2 ml.Originality/valueThe method for preparation was novel and could find numerous applications as monomer or modifier for heat‐resistant adhesives, high‐temperature coatings and matrix resin for advanced composites, etc.
Management and leadership: buccaneering or science?
Authors: Nienaber Hester , Roodt Gerrie 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to determine the views of a select group of manager‐students on general management and leadership and whether or not their views correspond to classical management theory.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory‐descriptive approach was employed. Specifically, a survey was conducted among final‐year MBA students of a specific university. These students were all employed in management positions in their respective organisations.FindingsThe students viewed general management and leadership as being the same and their views correspond to the theory underpinning classical management.Research limitations/implicationsStatistically, the findings cannot be generalised beyond the scope of this study due to its exploratory nature. However, the concepts referred to in this study can inform and be tested in further research.Practical implicationsIt would seem that there is indeed a body of knowledge underpinning classical management. Mastery of this knowledge could enable managers to ensure the preferred competitive positions of their organisations.Originality/valueThis paper focuses attention anew on classical management and its scientific nature as well as its contribution to the sustained competitive success of organisations.
Specification of core competence and associated components
Authors: Ljungquist Urban 
Published: January 2008

PurposeTo outline a core competence model by exploring links between core competence and the associated concepts of competencies, capabilities, and resources, and by proposing refinements to the characteristics of these concepts.Design/methodology/approachA case study based primarily on personal interviews.FindingsThe findings suggest that competencies, capabilities, and resources are all linked to core‐competencies; the first two continuously, and the third intermittently; motivate refinement of the competence concept, by adding adaptation competence as governing customer loyalty, and transfer competence as managing transcendental integration; and motivate refinement of the capability concept, by adding capacity as a quality characteristic, and communication as a characteristic that can actively initiate organizational change.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper outlines a core competence model and propose refinements of the characteristics and links of the concepts, contributing to both core competence theory and resource‐based theory.Practical implicationsThis work informs managers of the details of the core competence concept, of particular interest to managers with a customer‐focused standpoint. An empirical core competence exemplifies the importance of knowing the characteristics of competencies, since they encapsulate the power of organizational development. Managers also need to pay attention to the influences of capabilities, since they not only support organizational processes (if up‐to‐date), but also initiate change.Originality/valueThe development and specification of the core competence concept.
Consumers' accounts of perceived risk online and the influence of communication sources
Authors: Andrews Lynda , Boyle Maree V. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend marketing knowledge into perceived risk in online transactions beyond the current positivistic, hypotheses‐driven research by providing qualitative insights into how individuals construct their accounts of perceived risk online. Additionally, the study reported in this paper aims to explore how communication sources influence both these subjective constructions and individuals' behavioural experiences with transaction activity on the web.Design/methodology/approachThe study was developed within a grounded theory method. Ten in‐depth interviews were conducted which were analysed using constant comparison of incidents procedures to provide rich descriptions of the interviewees' subjective perceptions and lived experiences with online transaction activity.FindingsThe findings provide insights into how the human element is present in individuals' perceptions and constructions of their accounts of the risk involved online. The findings also identify the influence of mass communication sources on the construction of these accounts. The study provides insights into whether change agent communication sources, such as marketers or web designers, influence consumers' behaviours towards online transaction activity through mediating their perceptions of the risks involved. The study also reveals how social communication networks influence the interviewees' decisions to use the web for transaction activities, in particular online purchasing, and how the group in this study might act as a communication source to influence others.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the findings cannot be generalised to the internet population overall, the sample used was able to provide relevant information regarding the phenomenon of interest. Future research should continue to examine perceived risk and the influence of communications sources, such as e‐mail, discussion groups and virtual communities.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in permitting the participants to account for perceived risk for themselves. The findings explore what this means at increasing levels of personal relevance and the influence of communication sources to create, sustain or mediate perceptions of this phenomenon.
Application of dimensional analysis to selective laser melting
Authors: van Elsen Maarten , Al‐Bender Farid , Kruth Jean‐Pierre 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to present a possible complete set of dimensionless parameters to describe the process of selective laser melting (SLM). This makes it possible to compare the similarity between different experiments, a sine‐qua‐non for a correct comparison of the results.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the application of dimensional analysis to SLM.FindingsAlthough the idea of dimensionless numbers is far from new, it has apparently never been applied rigorously to rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing technologies. The technique is important, since it reduces the number of factors and makes it possible to compare results of different research groups. Furthermore, some more fundamental insights about the process can be gained.Originality/valueThis work is a first step towards a manageable system to control very difficult processes.
Geometric planning and analysis for hybrid re‐configurable molding and machining process
Authors: Kelkar Aditya , Koc Bahattin 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to develop geometric algorithms and planning strategies to enable the development of a novel hybrid manufacturing process, which combines rapidly re‐configurable mold tooling and multi‐axis machining.Design/methodology/approachThe presented hybrid process combines advantages of both reconfigurable molding and machining processes. The mold's re‐configurability is based on the concept of using an array of discrete pins. By positioning the pins, the reconfigurable molding process allows forming the mold cavity directly from the object's 3D design model, without any human intervention. After a segment of the part is molded using the reconfigurable molding process, a multi‐axis machining operation is used to create accurate parts with better surface finish. Geometric algorithms are developed to decompose the design model into segments based on the part's moldability and machinability. The decomposed features are used for planning the reconfigurable molding and the multi‐axis machining operations.FindingsComputer implementation and illustrative examples are also presented in this paper. The results showed that the developed algorithms enable the proposed hybrid re‐configurable molding and multi‐axis machining process. The developed decomposition and planning algorithms are used for planning the reconfigurable molding and the multi‐axis machining operations. Owing to the decomposition strategy, more geometrically complex parts can be fabricated using the developed hybrid process.Originality/valueThis paper presents geometric analysis and planning to enable the development of a novel hybrid manufacturing process, which combines rapidly re‐configurable mold tooling and multi‐axis machining. It is expected that the proposed hybrid manufacturing process can produce highly customized parts with better surface finish, and part accuracy, with shorter build times, and reduced setup and tooling costs.
Design and fabrication of a hybrid surface‐pressure airfoil model based on rapid prototyping
Authors: Zhou Zhihua , Li Dichen , Zhang Zhengyu , Zeng Junhua 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and present a hybrid design and fabrication method based on rapid prototyping (RP) and electrochemical deposition (ED) techniques to fabricate a pressure wind‐tunnel model with complex internal structure and sufficient mechanical strength.Design/methodology/approachAfter offsetting inward by applied coating thickness, the airfoil model was modified with three pairs of deflecting control surfaces and 24 surface pressure taps and internal passages. The stereolithography (SL) prototype components were fabricated on SL apparatus and roughened by chemical treatments. And then metal‐coated SL components of the airfoil model were created by ED technique. After assembling, a hybrid pressure airfoil model was obtained.FindingsElectrodeposited nickel coating has dramatically improved the overall strength and stiffness of SL parts and the hybrid fabrication method is suitable to construct the wind‐tunnel model with complex internal structure and sufficient mechanical strength, stiffness.Research limitations/implicationsInterface adhesion of SL‐coating is poor even if chemical roughening is applied and the further research is needed.Originality/valueThis method enhances the versatility of using RP in the fabrication of functional models, especially when complex structure with sufficient mechanical properties is considered. Although this paper took an airfoil wind‐tunnel model as an example, it is capable of fabricating other functional components with other rapid prototyping techniques such as FDM, SLS and LOM.
Bricks vs clicks: entrepreneurial online banking behaviour and relationship banking
Authors: Han Liang 
Published: January 2008

PurposeLittle research has been conducted on the effects of information technology on financing entrepreneurial businesses or small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of entrepreneurial online banking and relationship banking on the severity of financial problems perceived by entrepreneurs and their interactive effect. It also investigates how characteristics of individual businesses and entrepreneurial demographics influence SMEs' financial situation.Design/methodology/approachAn ordered logistic model is used on a UK dataset to empirically test the hypotheses derived in this paper. The empirical evidence is drawn from the 2004 UK survey of SME finances, which contains a sample of 2,500 firms.FindingsThis paper finds that both entrepreneurial online banking behaviour and relationship banking alleviates the severity of financial problems perceived by entrepreneurs. The relationship affect is less evident for entrepreneurs who most frequently use an online approach to communicate with their banks than for those using traditional methods. Business and entrepreneur characteristics also have a strong impact on the severity of the financial problems suffered by SMEs.Originality/valueThis paper provides evidence supporting the favourable impacts of the application of information technology on entrepreneurial finance from the perspective of entrepreneur/business. It also identifies a substitute relationship between entrepreneurial online banking behaviour and relationship banking, a relationship which contradicts existing evidence.
Serving the poor: drivers of business model innovation in mobile
Authors: Anderson Jamie , Kupp Martin 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities and challenges of serving low‐income consumers in developing markets with mobile telecommunications.Design/methodology/approachField visits were made to Africa, India, Mexico and the Philippines, and in‐depth interviews took place with companies that had succeeded in serving low‐income consumers.FindingsThe paper provides insights about the importance of various elements of a mobile operator business model. The paper suggests that serving the poor is just as much about motivation as about issues such as affordability and availability.Research limitations/implicationsSince this research is field‐based and examines only a small sample of firms, only tentative propositions can be offered on what the answers to the research questions are believed to be.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that managers need to go beyond traditional approaches to serving the poor, and take into account the unique institutional context of many developing markets.Originality/valueThis has value for management practitioners, regulators and researchers. The paper fulfils an identified need to study different business models of mobile operators in bringing telecommunications services to the poor, and identifies common themes and success factors.
The regulation of international mobile roaming
Authors: Sutherland Ewan 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the effectiveness of the various initiatives taken to regulate international mobile roaming over the last decade.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an analysis of the policies and the measures and their effects on prices and industry dynamics.FindingsThe paper finds that economic approaches through both competition law and the current European Union regulatory package failed. However, an ad hoc political initiative by a determined European Commissioner did finally work.Research limitations/implicationsLack of industry data, disaggregated for roaming, makes it difficult to determine the eventual effects on operators. Further data on revenues and on any increase in demand from price reductions would greatly help understanding.Practical implicationsIn this paper the use of a relatively crude policy instrument raises concerns about the use of more sophisticated economic approaches in difficult cases.Originality/valueThe paper reviews the sequence of efforts and the problems encountered.