bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Framework and meta‐model for specifying business components
Authors: Fettke Peter , Loos Peter 
Published: September 2007

PurposeComponent‐based software development is a potential reuse paradigm for the future. While the required technologies for a component‐style system development are widely available (e.g. Sun's Enterprise Java Beans), the breakthrough of the component paradigm in business application domains is impeded by the following problem: compared with traditional engineering disciplines there is a lack of standardized methods to describe business components. The objective of this paper is to develop a holistic approach to specify business components.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a design science approach is used. Based on well‐known specification notations, a new specification framework is proposed. The usefulness of the framework is demonstrated by an example.FindingsIt is argued that a specification framework for business components has to address several aspects: what services are offered and requested by a business component? How can these services be used? Are there any interdependencies between the services of a set of business components? What quality characteristics do the offered services fulfil? And so on. The proposed approach consists of seven specification levels addressing both technical and business aspects.Originality/valueAccording to the authors' knowledge the developed specification framework is the first one which allows a holistic description of business components. The proposed approach can be used to precisely specify business components in practice. The main contribution is to tie together various well‐known and preferably standardized specification notations. Furthermore, the authors develop a meta‐model for the proposed specification framework that facilitates the communication about the framework, supports training on the framework, and simplifies the implementation of the framework. To conclude, this work is meant to implement theory in practice.
Information systems outsourcing
Authors: Adam Suhaimi Mohd , Hussin Husnayati , Mustaffa Muzzafar 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to aid in understanding the motivations for information system (IS) outsourcing decision and its initial implementation at one of the top commercial banks in Malaysia. The scope of the study includes the motivating factors, the implementation strategy and managing the change process.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a case study approach where 40 interviews were conducted among the staff, covering the management as well as non‐management group.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that the motivating factors are the focus on core competencies, turning non‐profit activities into profit‐generating activities, and cost reduction. The implementation strategy involves the setting up of a two‐tier relationship between the bank and the service provider. The challenges involved in the transition phase include managing the partnership and handling the staff transition and morale.Research limitations/implicationsTo some extent, there may be some subjectivity involved in interpreting the results of analysis, as with any other studies that adopt a case study approach.Practical implicationsAmidst the complexity involved in any IS outsourcing endeavour, the management of a bank may learn some lessons from the experience reported in this study. At the initial stage, the bank should be concerned with the approach in establishing the partnerships and staff matters should not be undermined.Originality/valueThe study provides a real life example of IS outsourcing implementation in the banking sector of a developing country.
A business‐revenue model for horizontal portals
Authors: Burgess Stephen , Tatnall Arthur 
Published: September 2007

PurposeHorizontal web portals fill an important place in the operation of the internet and this paper seeks to look at how these portals may become profitable. A portal is simply a gateway, and a web portal can thus be seen as a gateway to content and services on the internet, or on a corporate intranet. This paper aims to compare several different views of what constitutes a portal, and to offer a specific definition. The main focus of the paper is on general horizontal (or public) portals and the relationship between their business‐revenue models and the content they provide. This paper aims to briefly review the relevant literature before describing a revenue model consisting of players, strategies and content. This is then examined and synthesised to match various revenue models and content.Design/methodology/approachAfter proposing the model, the paper tests how the matches proposed between revenue and content in the model compare with two currently operating popular horizontal portals.FindingsAn examination of two popular portals (one world‐wide and one based in Australia) has provided typical examples of how the advertising/revenue can be employed by horizontal portals and shown that they appear to match fairly closely with the proposed revenue/content model. After having examined the content of these two well‐known portals, it appears at this early stage that the revenue‐content model may show some promise.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the paper cannot claim complete generalisability of a model based on a comparison of only two horizontal portals, the results are promising and should be useful for horizontal portal managers looking for how to balance the revenue of their portal with the content that they generate and the services they offer.Practical implicationsWhen fully tested, the model will provide horizontal portal operators assistance with the process of determining suitable content for their portals to match their chosen revenue strategies.Originality/valueIt is believed that this model is one of the few revenue/content matching models developed for horizontal portals.
The role of organizational capabilities in successful e‐business implementation
Authors: Lee Chih‐Ping , Lee Gwo‐Guang , Lin Hsiu‐Fen 
Published: September 2007

PurposeBased on organizational capabilities and information technology implementation literature, this study seeks to propose a research model to examine the influence of organizational capabilities on e‐business implementation success.Design/methodology/approachData collected from 202 information systems executives in large Taiwanese organizations were employed to test the relationships between the research model constructs. The results from the structural equation modeling approach provide quite a strong support for the hypothesized relations.FindingsThe results showed that certain factors related to organizational learning and knowledge management capabilities are important antecedents of e‐business value.Research limitations/implicationsThis study did not test all organizational factors, and focused particularly on learning capacity and knowledge capability factors. A knowledge asset must be rare and inimitable to become a source of competitive advantage. Without secure processes, knowledge loses the key qualities of being rare and inimitable. Future research could assess the influence of knowledge protection processes on e‐business implementation success.Practical implicationsKnowledge management means recognizing and managing all of an organization's intellectual and social capital to meet its e‐business objectives. An organization needs a well‐designed knowledge management infrastructure to create and maintain the e‐business knowledge required to improve back‐office efficiency, customer intimacy and efficiency of coordination with business partners.Originality/valueThis study is significant for at least two reasons: it determines the key antecedents to successful e‐business implementation based on organizational learning and knowledge management perspectives and it helps to understand the effects of organizational capabilities and e‐business contribution on a firm's performance.
HR BPO service models for small and medium enterprises
Authors: Kim Gyeung‐Min , Jung Won Hyun 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe goal of this research is first to investigate the outsourcing needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in each of the following HR sub‐processes: recruiting, training, HR administration, payroll, and benefit processes. Then, the outsourcing needs are analyzed against the characteristics of the companies such as company size, operating environment, culture and information technology maturity. Lastly, integrated business process outsourcing (BPO) service models are developed according to the characteristics of the company.Design/methodology/approachTo fulfil the objective of this research, the questionnaire is used to assess the outsourcing needs of the companies. The data collected by questionnaire are analyzed against the characteristics of the companies. Then integrated BPO service models are developed based on the analysis of the questionnaire data and the interviews with HR managers. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.FindingsThis study suggests BPO service industry with two different service models: partially integrated model where e‐recruiting and e‐learning are integrated and fully integrated model where all of the HR‐subprocesses are integrated.Originality/valueAs BPO is expected to be booming in the next few years, this study helps BPO service industry to better serve SMEs in the area of human resource management.
Business process reengineering in UAE public sector
Authors: Hesson Mihyar 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to reengineer the applications' processes of the Naturalization and Residency Department in Al Ain city and to develop an electronic version of the reengineered processes.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach used in this work is similar to the five‐point redesign process. Also, this work is categorized as incremental as opposed to the radical way of change. The five steps are: establishment of the business vision and objectives; identification and focus on the core business processes that support them; modeling and analysis of the business environment; streamlining; and continuous control and improvement of the previous steps.FindingsIt is believed that the best possible solution for shorter and more efficient processing paths was achieved. Great savings in cost, time and human resources were achieved. Many factors have contributed to the success of the work. These include the efficient reengineered process, efficient database design, search facilities, electronic document archive and easy‐to‐use user interface.Practical implicationsThere were some critical factors that had to be considered. Perhaps, one of the most serious obstacles was the reluctance of some key decision makers to cease or reduce some of their authorities. Those officers believe that a direct supervision or control on the different stages of the processes is essential. Special considerations may be required under certain circumstances and these are only dealt with by key decision makers. The absolute minimum of two approval points model has helped to eliminate those legitimate concerns. Other factors such as reluctance of the users to accept change, job redundancy resulting from the change and financial resources were important but less significant.Originality/valueThe paper is a case study that describes the reengineering processes in the public sector in UAE. This sector suffers from a great deficiency and this work represents a leading step towards improving its working practices. The value of the paper lies in the comprehensive study and analysis of this department and the efficient customized solutions it offered.
A quantitative analysis of factors contributing electronic data interchange adoption among Bruneian SMEs
Authors: Seyal Afzaal H. , Noah Abd Rahman Mohd , Awg Yussof Hj Awg Mohammad Hj 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe primary purpose of this research is to examine and explore quantitatively the determining factors that contribute electronic data interchange (EDI) adoption among Brunei's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) not addressed previously.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based upon survey approach to collect the primary data from 50 SMEs in Brunei Darussalam based upon stratified random sampling plan. A one stage normative model that is associative in nature was developed based upon reviewing the previous researches and further in line with the research objectives. The model elicits six factors that are grouped in three categories, namely, organizational, environmental and technological.FindingsThe findings based upon regression analysis indicate that factors such as perceived benefits, government support and management support are significant determinants of EDI adoption. The 35 percent of the total variance is explained by these three factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe small market size as well small sample size is one of the research limitations in addition that only 20 percent of the SMEs have adopted EDI. The inclusion of some more variables such as external pressure and competitive pressure will not only increase the shared variance, but will also bring broader perspective to the research. However, findings support similar other regional Asia‐Pacific studies.Practical implicationsThe study has practical significance as it provides help to the management of the SMEs with the factors contributing towards EDI adoption. In case, these SMEs have to capitalize on EDI adoption, the management with the government support should not only take a supporting role, but also act proactively and competitively. The management focusing on the potential benefits could further trigger the adoption.Originality/valueThis pioneering study adds value to the existing knowledge and supports previous work. It further provides a platform for the future research. The EDI adoption among Brunei's SMEs could further be geared up by considering the factors mentioned above.
The SEC's enforcement of procedures to prevent insider trading
Authors: Ochs Brian A. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyze the SEC enforcement staff's recent scrutiny of the roles and responsibilities of securities firms for the protection of confidential information.Design/methodology/approachThe article reviews the SEC's implementation and enforcement of section 15(f) of the Exchange Act and section 204A of the Advisers Act. Part I discusses the legislative history of these provisions and reviews SEC and staff pronouncements relating to procedures for the protection of material nonpublic information. Part II discusses the potential consequences, from an enforcement perspective, of a firm's failure to satisfy the requirements of section 15(f) or section 204A. Part III describes the SEC's enforcement program in this area and distills guidance for securities firms from the SEC's actions.FindingsSections 15(f) and 204A require brokers, dealers, and investment advisers to “establish, maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed, taking into consideration the nature of such (broker, dealer, or investment adviser's) business, to prevent the misuse” of material nonpublic information. Thus, the statutory terms frame the issues in any SEC investigation. Does the firm maintain written procedures? Are the written procedures reasonably designed to safeguard material nonpublic information? In particular, are the procedures designed with a view toward the specific structure and business activities of the firm? Has the firm taken reasonable steps to enforce its written procedures?Practical implicationsGiven the SEC's current enforcement emphasis in this area, it is essential that brokers, dealers, and investment advisers look critically at whether they are taking adequate steps to protect the confidential information they may handle on a daily basis.Originality/valueThe paper presents a practical guide by an experienced enforcement attorney.
Cross‐border access to US investors: some recent proposals
Authors: Ferraro Edward J. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyze and draw conclusions from recent SEC staff proposals and commissioners' comments and a recent roundtable discussion concerning access to foreign exchanges and broker‐dealers by US investors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper summarizes a proposal by Erik Sirri, Director of the SEC Division of Market Regulation; a proposal by Ethiopis Tafara and Robert J. Peterson, respectively, the Director of the SEC Office of International Affairs and its Senior Counsel; and comments in speeches by Commissioners Roel Campos, Paul Atkins, and Annette Nazareth; and draws conclusions regarding the SEC's current efforts to develop and articulate a strategic approach to mutual recognition.FindingsAs the securities market becomes globalized, there is a growing interest among US investors for foreign securities and for more direct access to foreign broker‐dealers and exchanges. The SEC is determined to remain in the forefront among US government agencies on securities exchange mutual recognition issues, and therefore is pursuing an accelerated agenda to address these issues. The SEC sees its role as not only to function as a bulwark for the protection of US investors but also to take constructive, affirmative steps that serve to strengthen the US capital markets. While the SEC has historically been an advocate for the global convergence of national regulatory standards, it is now considering proposals for a country‐by‐country bilateral approach based upon cooperation among regulators with substantively comparable regulatory regimes.Originality/valueThis paper presents a useful analysis of the direction the SEC is likely to take on the mutual recognition issue by an experienced securities lawyer.
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: recent cases and enforcement trends
Authors: Santangelo Betty , Stein Gary , Jacobs Margaret 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explain recent enforcement trends under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), providing examples of recent cases.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes recent trends in FCPA enforcement, including increased enforcement by US authorities, greater vigilance by private industry, and global anti‐corruption efforts. It provides an overview of the FCPA, including the original reason why the Act was passed, its anti‐bribery provisions, the need to show corrupt intent, the interstate commerce requirement, exceptions and affirmative defenses, record‐keeping and control provisions, and penalties. It describes recent FCPA prosecutions and enforcement actions and draws conclusions on how to reduce FCPA risk.FindingsThe FCPA is a Watergate‐era law that was passed in response to disclosures by a number of large US corporations that they had made illicit payments to foreign government officials. The FCPA applies to bribes by any US issuer or domestic concern, paid to any foreign official, foreign political party, official or candidate, or official of a public international organization in order to assist in obtaining, retaining, or directing business. To prosecute, the government must show corrupt intent. The FCPA also contains provisions that require accurate record‐keeping and internal controls of US issuers. Violations of the FCPA are subject to both criminal and civil penalties.Originality/valueThe paper presents a thorough explanation, practical advice, and examples of recent violations and penalties by experienced lawyers specializing in FCPA compliance as well as white‐collar defense, securities regulatory matters, internal investigations, and anti‐money laundering.
Court decision on hedge fund registration requirements derails SEC fraud case
Authors: Machtinger Steven N. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate through a recent Order Dismissing Proceedings against a San Francisco hedge fund manager the interplay between the SEC's regulation and enforcement programs and the way that a patient response to SEC enforcement allegations can sometimes be rewarded.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the background to the Order Instituting Proceedings in the Global Crown case, how the Goldstein decision led to the Order Dismissing Proceedings, and the implications of that ODP.FindingsThe paper finds that in the future, as a result of the Goldstein decision, there will be fewer instances in which fraudulent statements by hedge fund managers to investors will be discovered, because the managers will not be registered and the SEC will therefore not have access to their records through the examination process; and, until a recently approved rule becomes effective, the SEC's remedies will be limited.Practical implicationsThe result in the Global Crown case shows how respondents can sometimes benefit from a patient approach in responding to SEC enforcement allegations. If the respondents had settled the case when it was filed, the matter would have been closed before the Goldstein decision ripped out the legal premise of the SEC's enforcement action.Originality/valueThe paper presents a practical, interpretive guide to a recent SEC decision by an experienced lawyer who represents and advises broker‐dealers and other financial institutions on securities litigation, compliance and regulatory enforcement matters.
Final Section 409A regulations and their effect on offshore hedge fund deferral arrangements
Authors: Shea Fries Elizabeth , Scerbak Adrienne A. , Tse Marian A. , Webster Scott A. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain restrictions on nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements contained in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.Design/methodology/approachThe study explains the background to Section 409A, how Section 409A applies to hedge funds, how deferral elections may be made, permissible payment events, and back‐to‐back deferral arrangements.FindingsThe paper finds that, to avoid current taxation, the penalty tax, and interest, a deferral arrangement must comply with the technical provisions of Section 409A. These provisions generally govern the timing of initial and subsequent deferrals, the form and time of distributions, and the acceleration of distributions under certain circumstances.Practical implicationsSection 409A places specific requirements on certain deferred amounts which, if not followed, will cause the amounts to be subject to current taxation and a 20 percent penalty tax plus interest charges.Originality/valueThe paper is a practical guide written by a team of lawyers with experience in advising hedge funds on the full range of legal issues that affect their business and investments.