bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing talent across national borders: the challenges faced by an international retail group
Authors: Boussebaa Mehdi , Morgan Glenn 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of national institutional contexts on a multinational's project to develop a transnational talent management system.Design/methodology/approachThe study combines a comparative analysis of British and French conceptions of management with qualitative empirical data drawn from interviews, observation and documents collected in France and the UK.FindingsThe concept of “talent management”, as understood by UK managers, could not simply be reproduced in the French setting where the idea of managing talent took on a different meaning. The attempt to do so through a UK‐instituted programme ignored this difference and resulted in the complete failure of the headquarters' project to develop a transnational talent management system.Research limitations/implicationsTheoretical implications include the importance of an institutionally sensitive approach to the study of talent management within multinationals. A limitation of the study is that it is based on a single case study.Originality/valueThe paper is a case study of a cross‐national talent management programme from a comparative institutionalist perspective rather than that of mainstream international management. It highlights the conflicts and tensions involved in implementing management systems uniformly across national borders. The paper's Anglo‐French focus also contributes a comparative angle that is relatively rare in institutionalist studies of MNCs (multinational companies). Finally, the paper sheds light on the newly emerging and yet under‐researched concept of “talent management”, connecting this idea with existing debates on multinationals and institutional change and reproduction.
Taking the mess back to business: studying international business from behind
Authors: Hopsdal Hansen Gard 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the role of the qualitative researcher in international business (IB) studies and the need for a local perspective to better comprehend the complexity and consequences of international economic activity.Design/methodology/approachArgues that the internationalization process is constructed at the doorstep where local and international actors meet and should thus be studied from both angles. The article provides some empirical examples and anecdotes from research in China to underpin the argumentation. The questions are discussed in the voices of “the Geographer” and “the Explorer” – characters borrowed from Saint‐Exupery's novelThe Little Prince.FindingsResearch on IB is overly oriented towards the activities of international actors. More knowledge on how local actors evaluate and act upon international initiatives and the relations between entrants and locals may provide better understanding of realities and dynamics of actors in both camps.Practical implicationsResearchers of IB should go beyond the traditional sources of information (i.e. Multinational Corporation managers) and also consult actors on the far side of IB. By entering deeper into the field of study the researcher may be able to gain profound insight, but s/he may also become a more active ingredient in the realities being studied.Originality/valueTo discuss these issues through metaphorical characters like the Geographer and the Explorer, and, on top of this, construct an interview is of course a rather unorthodox solution. However, considering the methodological issues being discussed and the messy approach advocated the author found this solution appropriate.
Practices and dynamics of immobility
Authors: Méric Jérôme 
Published: February 2008

PurposeAs its academic definition refers to, induction can be seen as a process designed to prepare newcomers in a company to integrate at least the way of working and collaborating in their new environment. Thus, induction as a process is somewhat a vector for institutionalization. The purpose of this paper is to consider induction as a practice embedded in specific contexts of action. In so doing, it proposes that induction can also be turned into an institution for itself, and this lead to a kind of organizational immobility.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces the case of a consulting company. Supposing that induction is firstly a practice, that is to say an aggregate of ostensive (explicit pattern of action), performative (what is actually done) elements and artefacts (tools and material productions), the dynamics of interactions between these elements are examined.FindingsOrganizational dynamics and change are often considered as synonymous. The paper asserts that, on the contrary, constant dynamics in practices may contribute to organizational immobility. This process can be depicted as “control through the institutionalizing of practice (in the meaning of ways of doing).”Research limitations/implicationsThe paper delivers an interpretation of such counterintuitive results, showing the role of modes of action in the way dynamics in practice can engender motion or stability. This research is based on a single case study in a specific range of activities. Additional analyses in other businesses should help deepen the understanding of such dynamics.Practical implicationsIntroducing the institutional dimension of practices, this paper offers the opportunity to broaden perspectives on control and responsibility. Change is not only a matter of process design or of culture, which are organizational variables. It should be dealt with in the institutional field.Originality/valueIt sounds original that an organization like a consulting company, supposed to be as highly adaptable as it suggests to be, finally shows to be embedded in such traditional patterns of action.
Fabricating management practices: “Responsible Care” and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Berland Nicolas , Loison Marie‐Claire 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to focus on the policy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) launched in the chemical industry in the 1980s and known as “Responsible Care” (RC). The debate surrounding this issue prompts us to question the ever‐changing nature of this policy and the way to measure the performance achieved.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are drawn from analysis of a double set of data including a longitudinal survey and a current case study. Blending these two data sets allows a better understanding of the ongoing building process of “RC” and, more broadly, of CSR.FindingsThis paper asserts that, contrary to the common wisdom developed in research, companies do not simply react to stakeholder pressure. Companies autonomously develop ways to protect their environment and so contribute to changing society's expectations. Thus, performance cannot be read without a dynamic perspective in mind.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors' findings lead them to reconsider the assessment of companies' sustainable performances by taking into account the fabricating process of sustainable activities. The main limitation of this research stems from the single unit of analysis considered. Broader studies will be necessary to enrich our understanding of corporate policies.Originality/valueThe paper stands apart from the traditional view of organizations as cynical actors and attempts to provide a more complex picture of the behaviours observed.
The dynamics of capital structure and heterogeneous systematic risk classes in Egypt
Authors: Eldomiaty Tarek I. , Azim Mohamed H. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine firms' strategies to change long‐ and short‐term debt financing in Egypt. It aims to examine a list of capital structure determinants that include the basic assumptions of the three well‐known theories of capital structure: tradeoff, pecking order, and free cash.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes the properties of partial adjustment model for three heterogeneous systematic risk classes: high, medium and low. The sensitivity analysis is carried out using the “extreme bound analysis”.FindingsThe results indicate that Egyptian firms adjust short‐ and long‐term debt according to the class of systematic risk; long‐term debt is a source of financing at all classes of systematic risk; firms have obvious tendency to extent short‐ to long‐term one; medium risk firms adjust long‐term debt according to the industry average debt, and depend heavily on long‐term debt financing; firms depend significantly and constantly on the liquidity position to adjust short‐term debt levels; and medium risk firms are relatively affected by the basic assumptions of free cash flow and low‐risk firms are relatively affected by the assumptions of the pecking order theory.Research limitations/implicationsIn general, the results provide evidence that the three theories have transitory effect from developed markets to transitional markets. In addition, the firm‐specific variables (industry characteristic, size and time) provide an additional support to the robustness of the results.Originality/valueFew, if any studies, have been carried out in Egyptian data.
Testing weak‐form efficiency in the Bahrain stock market
Authors: Asiri Batool 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis study seeks to measure the behaviour of stock prices in the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE), which is expected to follow a random walk. The aim of the study is to measure the weak‐form efficiency.Design/methodology/approachRandom walk models such as unit root and Dickey‐Fuller tests are used as basic stochastic tests for a non‐stationarity of the daily prices for all the listed companies in the BSE. In addition, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and exponential smoothing methods are also used. Cross‐sectional‐time‐series is used for the 40 listed companies over the period 1 June 1990 up until 31 December 2000.FindingsRandom walk with no drift and trend is confirmed for all daily stock prices and each individual sector. Other tests, such as ARIMA (AR1), autocorrelation tests and exponential smoothing tests also supported the efficiency of the BSE in the weak‐form.Practical implicationsThe finding of the study is a necessary piece of information for all investors whether in Bahrain or dealing with Bahrain stock market. Listed firms could also benefit from the findings by seeing the true picture of their stock price. Since, Bahrain is considered as an emerging market, the new methodologies used could be replicated for all other emerging markets. In addition, the finding is used as a base for testing the market efficiency in the semi‐strong form, which has not yet been tested by any researcher.Originality/valueThis study will add value to the literature of market efficiency in emerging market since it is the only study which covers all the listed companies and over a long period of time. To confirm the weak‐form efficiency in Bahrain, the study is unique in using five different methods in the same paper which have not been found in the previous literature.
Oil demand in China: an econometric approach
Authors: Hölscher Jens , Bachan Ray , Stimpson Andrew 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis study intends to explore the determinants of Chinese oil demand and to build a short‐ and long‐run model.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses the Engle‐Granger two‐stage cointegration method to create a dynamic short‐run model. Data is taken from both international data sources and the Chinese authorities themselves.FindingsThe research largely confirms current research in the area. The error correction model finds that only vehicle numbers and real GDP are determinants of the demand in the short‐run. The model also shows that there is a fairly slow adjustment from the short‐run to the long‐run model.Research limitations/implicationsThe model also shows that there is a fairly slow adjustment from the short‐run to the long‐run model. Both models find that structural breaks exist in the data and dummy variables were significant in allowing for the regime change.Practical implicationsThe policy implications not only for China but the whole world are clear. China's demand for oil is growing at a rate that will be difficult to sustain. The world's refineries are currently trying to work at capacity as far as possible to take advantage of the high‐oil prices, which continue to rise.Originality/valueThis paper provides ongoing confirmation of the importance of China's oil consumption on world markets.
Facing the challenges of expansion in the European Union
Authors: Wang Fang , Kozlowski Wojciech , Ouyang Ming 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine challenges and opportunities that occurred in the Polish ultra‐high temperature (UHT) milk market after Poland entered the European Union.Design/methodology/approachThrough an in‐depth analysis of the Polish UHT market and by interpreting statistical data, this paper analyzes the retailing, production, and distribution channels, branding, and potential changes in the marketing perspective of the UHT market in Poland. To understand the nature of the market, this paper employs a marketing science method, marketing persistence analysis, to explore the relationship of short‐term marketing efforts and long‐term market response in Polish UHT milk market.FindingsBased on empirical testing of ten Polish brands, results show that the UHT milk market in Poland presents marketing persistence, which means that short‐term marketing efforts can generate long‐term revenue effects.Research limitations/implicationsIf marketing spending data are available, causality tests can be performed to see what are most effective marketing means (e.g. TV advertising or sale promotion) in Polish dairy markets.Practical implicationsCombining the empirical findings with the facts that previous marketing activities in Poland are relatively low, and it is now a historic transition for Poland after joining the homogenous market of Europe, the authors suggest that existing marketers increase the marketing investment to strengthen brands, gain market share, and build long‐term customer relationships. International marketers also have good opportunities now to enter Polish UHT markets through intensive marketing campaigns.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to apply marketing science techniques to examine the Polish market and the findings enable both academic researchers and industrial practitioners to understand this market better and explore its potential business opportunities.
Born foreign firms in Cambodia
Authors: Hipsher Scott 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the mode of entry decisions of firms owned by individuals from a developing country, Thailand, when establishing business operations into a lesser developed country, Cambodia.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a case study method, using interviews which were held with owners, managers and employees of eight Thai‐owned companies operating in Cambodia.FindingsThe paper funds that existing internationalization theory and mode of entry frameworks were useful for classifying the two largest firms in the study, however the smaller entrepreneurial firms could not be accurately categorized according to the existing classifications and therefore an additional category, the born foreign firm, was identified.Practical implicationsAs small enterprises are responsible for the vast majority of business activities in lesser developed economies, understanding the nature of born foreign firms can provide policy makers and educators with information to build policies and educational program upon.Originality/valueThe phenomenon of the born foreign firm was identified and explored.
Editorial
Authors: Walker Derek H.T. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the philosophy of the journal and present a summary of its content and how the various papers link to the journal's philosophy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a limited literature review to establish the journal's philosophy and linked description of the issue's content.FindingsThis helps readers to understand the scope scale and expectations of reviewers with respect to papers to be submitted and also helps readers understand what kind of papers to expect in this and future issues.Originality/valueAs the first issue, this editorial establishes the themes to be expected and it outlines several innovations in the journal's format.
Project relationship management and the Stakeholder Circle™
Authors: Bourne Lynda , Walker Derek H.T. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to summarise a successfully completed doctoral thesis. The main purpose of the paper is to provide a summary that indicates the scope of, and main issues raised by, the thesis so that readers that are undertaking research in this area may be aware of current cutting edge research that could be relevant to them. A second key aim of the paper is to place this in context with doctoral study and further research that could take place to extend knowledge in this area.Design/methodology/approachResearch reported in this paper was based upon action learning from a series of case studies where a project management tool for managing stakeholder relationships was tested and refined.FindingsThe tool is useful in helping the project delivery team identify major influencing stakeholders and visualise their potential impact. This tool then helped the studied project delivery teams to develop stakeholder engagement strategies. While it was initially tested as a planning tool to be used at the early stages of a project it can be used through the whole implementation phase of a project as the flow of major stakeholders and their influence changes during a project.Practical implicationsThe tool was further improved during 2006 and commercialised in 2007 and is currently being used by numerous organisations. In observing how it is being used and can be used, it is suggested that over time a useful data base of stakeholder behaviours is being established that can be mined and used to better predict stakeholder types and their likely actions.Originality/valueThis paper provides a summary of cutting‐edge research work and a link to the published thesis (see URL www.mosaicprojects.com.au/Resources_Papers_021.html for a pdf (7meg)) that researchers can use to help them understand how the research methodology was applied as well as how it can be extended.
Comprehensive framework for estimating the deployment cost of integrated business transformation projects
Authors: Hoon Kwak Young , Watson Rudy J. , Anbari Frank T. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper is a summary of a successfully defended doctoral dissertation. The purpose of this paper is to place this research in context to emerging areas of project management and service science, management and engineering and to encourage others to embark on further research related to this important topic.Design/methodology/approachResults reported in this paper were based upon action learning from research in which a project management tool for estimating deployment cost was developed by capturing the knowledge of subject matter experts (SMEs) and subsequently tested against projects from various geographic areas.FindingsThere were two primary findings. A development and analysis of the conceptual estimating framework supports the assertion that the use of the framework provides an awareness of the project that may not otherwise be observed or, at best, would be observed later in the life of the project and potentially addressed at a higher cost. A strong association has been found between the conceptual estimate produced by the comprehensive framework and the conceptual estimate produced manually through the use of SMEs.Originality/valueFrom academic perspective, the synthesis of technology management, business processes, and the conceptual estimating framework enhances the body of knowledge of project management. For practical applications, the method and framework employed can be utilized to build functioning conceptual estimating tools for deployment, which can lead to cost savings during the estimating process and, as this study surmises, will lead to more effective project management, control, and implementation.
Effects of exposure to job insecurity on workplace expectations of interns in the United States and Australia
Authors: Fonner Kathryn L. , Roloff Michael E. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeLinkages between downsizing, job insecurity, and negative employee outcomes have been established, but little is known about the impact they have on interns who observe them. This article aims to examine the relationship between interns' exposure to downsizing and job insecurity and their ongoing workplace perceptions and expectations.Design/methodology/approachTwo studies analyze the negative workplace experiences that influence interns' vocational socialization and pre‐employment schemata. Study 1 surveyed 96 students interning in the United States and Australia, and Study 2 surveyed 100 interns in the United States. Linear regressions were used to test hypotheses.FindingsStudy 1 reveals that interns at organizations with low employee morale, previous downsizing, and job insecurity are pessimistic about the organization in which they interned and the typical organizational culture. Study 2 indicates that interns exposed to job insecurity expect less trust and support in future employment relationships.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected using self‐report surveys, and may also reflect a uniquely American perspective. Future research should be conducted in additional locations, utilizing a longitudinal approach and various data collection methods.Originality/valueThese studies provide insight into the influence negative internship experiences may have on interns' future workplace and job expectations.
Entry mode and HRM strategies of emerging multinationals
Authors: Paulo Esperança José , Magalhães Hill Manuela , Cláudia Valente Ana 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between entry mode and human resource management in the context of small, emerging, multinationals.Design/methodology/approachThis study surveyed international personnel from Portuguese firms actively present in the Spanish market through different modes, ranging from exporting to direct investment. Usable data on 208 relevant employees from 28 firms was obtained.FindingsFirms selecting weak entry modes tended to prefer country‐specific competences, such as knowledge of foreign languages and capacity to adapt, as well as younger personnel. By contrast, preference for stronger entry modes was significantly related to firm‐specific knowledge and higher management skills.Practical implicationsSuccessful expansion into foreign markets depends on the crucial role played by human resources. This study underscores the importance of hiring and training competent international personnel whose skills fit the selected entry modes. This may be even more important for firms that are younger, smaller and less experienced with foreign markets.Originality/valueThis study extends previous knowledge of the relationship between human resource requirements and the entry modes used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) when they enter foreign markets.