bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expectations of recruiters and applicants in large cities of China
Authors: Zhao Hao 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper has three purposes. First, it aims to explore important factors in the Chinese employment market. Second, it aims to find whether recruiters and applicants understand each other's expectations. Third, it aims to find whether applicants with different Hukou (locals vs non‐locals) have different expectations on position/organization characteristics and whether recruiters from organizations of different ownerships (foreign vs state‐owned) have different expectations on applicant qualifications.Design/methodology/approachA list of 15 applicant qualifications items and 15 position/organization characteristics items that are relevant in the Chinese context were generated by interviewing ten applicants and recruiters. Then 141 college graduates and 44 recruiters were surveyed in four job fairs in Beijing, and asked them to rank the importance of position/organization characteristics and applicant qualifications.FindingsThe study found that recruiters overestimated applicants' expectations on extrinsic rewards (e.g. salary) but underestimated their needs on intrinsic rewards (e.g. job security). Applicants overestimated recruiters' expectations on exogenous qualifications (e.g. local Hukou) but underestimated their expectations on endogenous qualifications (e.g. analysis skills). Local applicants have higher expectations on job locations and voice opportunities while non‐local applicants have higher expectations on local Hukou quota. Recruiters from foreign organizations have higher expectations on endogenous qualifications than recruiters from state‐owned organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe applicant samples were college graduates in Beijing, and the findings may not be generalized to the whole job applicant population in China.Originality/valueThis paper represents an early attempt to investigate both recruiters' and job applicants' expectations at the pre‐employment stage in the contemporary Chinese context, and it provides practical suggestions to recruiters, students, and policy makers.
Governance structures, ethnicity, and audit fees of Malaysian listed firms
Authors: Yatim Puan , Kent Pamela , Clarkson Peter 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the association between external audit fees, and board and audit committee characteristics of 736 Malaysian listed firms. It is hypothesised that good corporate governance practices reduce auditors' risk assessments, resulting in lower audit fees. Drawing on the existence of a clearly identifiable ethnic domination of board membership and ownership of Malaysian listed firms, the study also posits that Bumiputera‐controlled firms pay higher audit fees because of their weaker governance practices.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a cross‐sectional analysis of 736 firms listed on the Bursa Malaysia for the financial year ending in 2003. Multiple regression analysis is used to estimate the relationships proposed in the hypotheses.FindingsOverall, the results of this study reveal that external audit fees are positively and significantly related to board independence, audit committee expertise, and the frequency of audit committee meetings. The study also finds a strong negative association between external audit fees and Bumiputera‐owned firms. An additional analysis into the internal governance structures of firms in the sample show that Bumiputera firms practice more favourable corporate governance practices compared to their non‐Bumiputera counterparts.Originality/valueThis study is a unique contribution in that it provides data on corporate governance practices in Malaysia for a large sample in the period after the corporate governance reforms taken by Malaysian capital market regulators and participants. Previous studies have shown that Bumiputera‐controlled firms pay higher audit fees than non‐Bumiputera‐controlled firms. These studies have not tested theoretical explanations for this fee differential. A theoretical explanation provided in the current study is that Bumiputera‐controlled firms pay higher audit fees than non‐Bumiputera‐controlled firms partially because of differences in corporate governance practices. The study finds conflicting results with previous research suggesting that corporate governance practices have changed in Malaysia since the amendments of Bursa Malaysia Listing Requirements, 2001.
Cash flow estimation practices in Mediterranean countries
Authors: T. Lazaridis Ioannis 
Published: July 2006

Purpose
– To examine, determine, investigate and compare the extent to which enterprises in Greece and Cyprus use the theoretical framework to evaluate investments which are the discouraging factors concerning the use of this framework with particular emphasis to investigate the type, size and percentage of total capital expenditures detailed cash flow estimates; cash flow estimation practices and forecasting errors experience in the businesses in Greece and Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach
– The investigation was conducted by the distribution of a questionnaire to adequate number of small sized companies of Greece and Cyprus. The study was based on a questionnaire that was promoted to 800 firms in Greece and 120 in Cyprus.

Findings
– The results of our survey have indicated the perceived important of some financial, marketing, and production factors on the cash flow forecasting process, as borrowing and repayment of funds, sales forecast, and operating expenses. The results of our study have indicated that the majority of forecasting methods used to generate cash flow estimates is management's subjective estimates and that the majority of the Greek firms adjust capital expenditure cash flow for inflation.

Practical implications
– This study could potentially stimulate further research on cash flow forecasting practices of firms in other countries, such as Italy, France, and other Mediterranean countries, in order to compare the results.

Originality/value
– This study provides evidence on the forecasting practices of small and medium-sized companies of Mediterranean companies.
A free cash flow version of the cash flow statement: a note
Authors: V. Kousenidis Dimitrios 
Published: July 2006

Purpose
– This paper reports an attempt to design a free cash flow version of the cash flow statement. In specific, the paper relates the comprehensive income concept to the definition of free cash flows and shows how free cash flows and residual income can be calculated from the cash flow statement.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper exhibits how this different version of the cash flow statement can be reported by illustrating the differences with the form of the statement required by the regulatory accounting bodies.

Findings
– This paper shows that the cash flows resulting from operating and investing activities are exactly equal to the cash flows received by debt and equity holders (financing activities) by using a simple definition of a company's free cash flow.

Practical implications
– The method used requires a different version of a cash flow statement in which all financing related cash flows, such as interest expense is not included in the cash flow from operating activities. This version of the cash flow statement can be used in order to evaluate and appreciate financial policy formulation.

Originality/value
– The paper provides to the shareholders and all the parties who are interested in firm and its operation (managers, lenders etc) with information about the company's ability to distribute dividends, to issue new debt and in general the company's ability to meet its obligations.
Logit models for analysing and forecasting the performance of industrial enterprises in the Treviso area
Authors: Nicolis O. , Tondini G. 
Published: July 2006

Purpose
– The objective of this study is to formulate a model for forecasting the performance of firms in terms of trends in turnover, investments, exports, employment and flexibility, and to identify the principal correlations with selected dependent variables, such as the level of computerization, the extent of collaboration with competitors and the characteristics of the product.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper analyses data, which refers to a survey conducted on a sample of 89 firms from the Treviso province in the north east of Italy by using the Logit model.

Findings
– From the application of the logit models it emerges that the most important variables contributing to the economic success of the firms are technological flexibility, collaboration, with competitors, and investments in certain areas such as research and development, marketing and fixed technology. Moreover, the findings show that the factors which contribute most significantly to technological flexibility (a key factor for the growth of the firm) are flexibility to demand, the level of computerization and staff training.

Practical implications
– From the application of logit models it emerges that the most important variables influencing the good performance of firms are flexibility in keeping pace with technology, collaboration with competitors, and the choice of certain types of investment. Moreover, the variables which contribute most to greater flexibility are investments in human capital and in information technology, as well website use, the technological characteristics of the product and the firm's flexibility in following the demand trend.

Originality/value
– In this study logit models are analysed from both a theoretical and applied point of view.
Disclosure requirements and voluntarily reporting of cash flow information in Greece
Authors: V. Kousenidis Dimitrios , I. Negakis Christos , N. Floropoulos Iordanis 
Published: July 2006

Purpose
– To review the disclosure requirements for cash flow reporting in Greece and the willingness of Greek companies to voluntarily disclose cash flow information.

Design/methodology/approach
– The empirical research was conducted on a sample of 97 Greek firms listed in the Athens Stock Exchange by examining the relation between cash flows and other measures of profitability for year 1994 when IAS No. 7 was set in effect.

Findings
– The results show that despite the fact that cash flows are more informative than an accruals definition of profits, in deciding about financial policy issues Greek companies show an increased preference to funds flows defined in terms of working capital.

Practical implications
– The publication of a cash flow statement may reveal that many listed companies in Greece are not as robust as the balance sheet and the income statement potentially indicates. Thus, the main conclusion of the paper is that publication of the cash flow statement in Greece should become mandatory.

Originality/value
– The present study shows that, despite the desire of the regulatory authorities that investors receive adequate and relevant information, voluntarily cash flow disclosure is not apparent in Greece because cash flows reveal financial problems that other measures of performance do not. Thus, it provides directions for standard setters in making mandatory the publication of cash flow statement in Greece.
Democratic accountability and economic reality
Authors: Fáyné Emese Peter 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe absorption of the New Member States (NMS) after the 2004 enlargement and their integration into Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is perhaps the most important challenge facing the European Union (EU). The article seeks to address the issues.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based upon observations of contemporary events within Hungary and relates the political process with issues of fiscal governance.FindingsThe NMS of the EU, unlike Great Britain and Denmark will not have an “opt‐out” – the right to remain outside EMU. Indeed, the NMS have declared that they want to join the monetary system as soon as is feasible. This is the next major step in the integration process for Hungary. In particular, the article observes that there has been an electoral business cycle which overrides Hungary's longer term commitment to qualify for EMU and provides an insight into the process of achieving EMU membership in one NMS.Originality/valueThe article discusses how Hungary has elaborated its strategy for entry into EMU, but the target date has been changed mainly because of the problems of significant budget deficits. This inability to maintain consistent progress towards entry indicates that there are issues of fiscal governance which need to be resolved.
The European Parliament – giving democratic powers to the “people's body”
Authors: Newton‐Dunn Bill 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe article has the purpose of looking back to the founding of the European Union (EU).Design/methodology/approachThe article combines narrative with analysis.FindingsIt is the author's view that the EU is a success story. The EU's separation of powers between three decision‐making bodies is explained and contrasted with what the author considers to be the regrettable centralisation of power at Westminster. The article looks at the many major challenges which are facing Europeans, including the question of how large the EU should be allowed to grow and the economic challenges from China and India.Originality/valueThe value of the article is that it contains the views of a member of the parliament (MEP) who has been a MEP since the first direct elections in 1979 and who is able to reflect on developments with singular first hand knowledge.
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Forum 2006
Authors: Arthur Mihram G. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo outline notable events of the 31st Annual Science & Technology Policy Forum of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), held in Washington, DC, in April 2006. Design/methodology/approach –‐ Gives a brief review of the main features of the conference.FindingsThe annual AAAS Policy Forum is the venue for when journalists and the US people learn what the financial commitments to science and technology for the year have been and what implications it has for policies in this subject area. Potentially complicated this forum brings together the scientific community from industry and academe to see how economics drives science.Originality/valueThe sharing of educational value and awareness of issues covered at the forum. To educate different communities about the kind of priorities science and technology policy sets dependent on the fiscal support given by the federal government.
Quality Assurance and the Management of the University Library System: Committee of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (CULNU), National Workshop, 2006
Authors: Okiy Rose B. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo report on the bi‐annual national workshop of the Committee of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities, held at the National Universities Commission, Abuja in May 2006.Design/methodology/approachProvides a review of the main events.FindingsHaving serious goals and being poorly under‐funded, University Librarians are beset by conflicts in how to achieve their priorities. This program focused on Quality Assurance as its primary theme with many ideas about how to secure better funding.Originality/valueShares the content of papers delivered at this workshop with a greater readership. Collaboration on a national as well as regional and international level may contribute to new ideas that can lend to goal‐setting.
Organisational antecedents of market orientation in the public university system
Authors: Flavián Carlos , Lozano Javier 
Published: July 2006

PurposeOver recent years, the new public management system has made significant inroads in Spain, and brought about considerable change. This study seeks to analyse the application of market orientation theories in the context of the Spanish public university. More specifically, the paper aims to study the causal relationship between organisational factors which characterise University departments and the level of market orientation adopted by their teaching staff.Design/methodology/approachConsidering the particularities of this context an exhaustive process is followed to develop the appropriate scales to measure the different constructs studied; then the psychometric properties of these scales are checked and structural equation models applied to analyse the causal relationship between the level of market orientation adopted by the teachers and their antecedent factors.FindingsThe results of the study allow one to identify and confirm that several factors significantly condition the level of market orientation adopted by the University staff in their activities of teaching, research and cultural diffusion.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis is centred on the case of the Spanish public University system.Practical implicationsUniversity managers should take measures to increase the market orientation of departments. It is necessary to improve knowledge of society's needs, to develop an atmosphere of cohesion and an incentive system that motivates market‐oriented behaviours.Originality/valueIn this paper the market orientation concept is applied to a public service such as the University. The particular characteristics of this context called for an ad hoc re‐adaptation of the concept. Specifically, the design of the scale and its contents had to take into account the plurality of the higher education beneficiaries (students, companies, the administration, society), the three‐fold objectives of the teaching staff (teaching, research, and cultural diffusion) and the particularities of University departments.
The interaction of market and technology in radical transformation
Authors: Erakovic Ljiljana , Wilson Marie 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study aims to demonstrate the interaction of the regulatory environment and market forces with rapid technological change in the transformation of SOEs, as exemplified by Telecom NZ.Design/methodology/approachThis case study analysis explicates resource dependency and institutional forces in the process of SOE privatisation, in the first ten years of transformation, through textual analysis of data collected from company annual reports and interviews.FindingsIt is demonstrated that resource dependencies on technology and capital, market forces, and the institutionalization of new structures and relationships, are as important as regulatory changes in the analysis of SOE restructuring. It is also documented that the regulatory transitions are not as clear‐cut as the legislative dates and economic analyses suggest.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses on a single exemplar to explicate key interactions. While generalizable to theory, the use of in‐depth case studies is context‐specific.Practical implicationsBoth technology and market forces must be incorporated in models of public sector transformations to fully capture resource dependence and institutional effects.Originality/valueThe value of the paper to academics is its integration and application of institutional theory and resource dependence theory to issues that have previously been explored primarily through economic lens. Methodologically, this paper provides an original insight into organisational change. The content analysis of annual reports, supported by interview records, reflects the importance of certain themes in organisational documents for organisational actors. To practitioners, this presents an in‐depth “portrait” of one of the largest and most successful public sector transformations of its era.
Public procurement of consulting services
Authors: Roodhooft Filip , Van den Abbeele Alexandra 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to shed light on the procurement process of consulting services within the public sector and to benchmark the obtained results with practices in the private sector.Design/methodology/approachA two‐stage research design has been used. First, in‐depth personal interviews were conducted with six users of consulting services. The second stage involved a cross‐sectional survey of purchasers of a broad range of business advisory services. This included private as well as public purchasers.FindingsIt was found that the procurement process of consulting services in the public sector differs significantly from that of private companies. Further analyses indicate that purchasers from public and private organizations are equally satisfied with the results of consulting services.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the study indicate that public sector organizations may need to develop new buying skills in market management, specification, competitive process, negotiation regulation and monitoring.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that a more high‐level management involvement is needed, recognizing the importance of the procurement function within the public sector and supporting highly trained staff in implementing strategic procurement initiatives.Originality/valueThe study provides unique insights on how consulting services are purchased in the public sector as well as in the private sector. Furthermore, the paper illustrates which purchase practices explain the satisfaction level of purchasers of consulting services.
Profit and the legitimacy of the Canadian banking industry
Authors: Breton Gaétan , Côté Louise 
Published: July 2006

PurposeLegitimacy is defined as the ability to exercise authority without resorting to open coercion. It is an essential asset for firms seeking to reach and maintain profitability. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to present the case of the Canadian banking industry, which has been highly criticized during the last decade for its record profits, low level of risk taking, high fees and buoyant CEO compensation packages. More specifically, this research aims to analyze the general public's perceptions of the industry during a 50‐month period, starting with the first strong reaction to recurrent announcements of record profits. It also seeks to look at industry reactions as a response to bank bashing.Design/methodology/approachThe case study in this paper was conducted in two steps. It first analyzed public perceptions by studying the content of a sample of newspaper articles on the Canadian banking industry from 1996‐2000. It then examined the industry's reactions by reviewing the documents found on the web site of the Canadian Bankers Association.FindingsThe study shows that the crisis faced by the banking industry was of limited but sustained intensity. The industry used a mixed strategy, justifying itself through its public discourse and mounting a program to inform and educate the Canadian public on the effects of economic factors in their lives. The banking industry limited its reactions to Sethi's first‐level strategy found in the literature.Originality/valueThe paper highlights how the general public perceive profit levels in the Canadian banking industry and how legitimacy is clearly an issue in this context.