bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Winning the information wars
Authors: Kennedy Anthony 
Published: September 2007

PurposeRecognising that financially related, personal information is the raw material of successful asset recovery investigations, the paper aims to examine the mechanisms which investigators may use to gather such information and the legal barriers to information gathering.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the author's own practical experience of involvement in criminal asset recovery proceedings in the UK.FindingsIt is the State's obligation to deliver criminal asset recovery in the most efficient and cost‐effective way, consistent with privacy rights and obligations, providing value for money in what is delivered by law enforcement. Doing so will require making better use of financial information held by public sector agencies. There must be no form of financial information which is beyond the reach of an investigator in an appropriate case. If there is, criminals will utilize that weakness to place criminal assets where information in respect of those assets cannot be obtained. If asset recovery is to be successful, it is essential that – to use the metaphor of financial information as “dots” – investigators are able to collect the dots, connect the dots and share the dots.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies: the need to keep the legal tools used to obtain information under regular review; eight core information skills which investigators must develop for effective asset recovery; and the importance of a multi‐disciplinary approach in analysing financial information.Originality/valueThe paper explores UK criminal asset recovery from an informational perspective.
Countering cross‐border VAT fraud: the Bulgarian experience
Authors: Pashev Konstantin V. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe paper sets out to study value added tax's (VAT's) exposure to missing‐trader or carousel fraud and possible countermeasures, their costs and benefits.Design/methodology/approachIt studies the modus operandi of network fraud by distinguishing it from individual evasion. Drawing on the experience of Bulgaria, it discusses the costs and benefits of the principle of joint liability and of the VAT account, the latter being tried so far only in Bulgaria.FindingsThe study concludes that the possible solutions are in the field of optimizing risk management and the application of the principle of joint liability rather than through tighter controls at entry and on the conduct of business.Originality/valueConfronted with the drastic increase of carousel fraud, the European Commission identified the urgent need of a coherent strategy to combat it. Yet, neither the literature nor the practices of tax and law enforcement have addressed the threat adequately. Tax evasion literature is focused on the drivers and deterrents of individual evasion, while studies of VAT network crime rarely consider the preventive instruments' extra compliance costs for taxpayers. In this context, Bulgaria's unique experience with the VAT account provides useful insights to policy makers about its limitations and the application of the joint liability principle.
Monetary policy rules in transition economies: the impact of ambiguity
Authors: Ghatak Subrata , Spanjers Willy 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential benefits of monetary policy rules for transition economies (TEs).Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses monetary policy rules, inflation targeting, political risk and ambiguity and monetary policy and ambiguity.FindingsIt is argued that the nominal interest rate may fail to be the appropriate instrument in such rules. One reason is the amount of non‐calculable political and economic risk inherent in TEs. These risks lead to a significant and volatile‐ambiguity premium in the interest rate over and above the normal risk premium, which makes the real equilibrium interest rate difficult to measure. Furthermore, ambiguity of the public regarding the monetary policy leads to an ambiguity premium on inflation.Originality/valueThe paper advocates a simple monetary policy rule based on a monetary aggregate like the money base minimizes the impact of ambiguity. It may therefore be the appropriate monetary policy for TEs.
Transferability of approaches to sustainable development at universities as a challenge
Authors: Adomssent Maik , Godemann Jasmin , Michelsen Gerd 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the particular character of the research and development project “Sustainable University – Sustainable development in the Context of University Remits” which lies both in its integrative perspective on universities and the attempt to transfer its findings onto other higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the testing and further development of transdisciplinary research methods (transformative approach, scenario development) for the purpose of both exploring and testing potentials/capabilities for sustainable development of a single institution (case study: University of Lüneburg, Germany) against the backdrop of sustainability concept; and making this kind of development transferable to other universities. The paper offers additional reinforcement of strategic scope/effectiveness by means of reference to findings of higher education research (e.g. relevance of neo‐institutionalism)FindingsThere is empirical evidence for successful development of transdisciplinary techniques for sustainability in higher education domains (among others management, research, and teaching – cf. other contributions of this issue). Further, dissemination of the “Lüneburg Approach” by establishing an intermediate level of collaboration between sustainability activists within universities and in higher education policy and administration (e.g. constitution of working groups in northern Germany and at the federal level)Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for enhancing research tools for transdisciplinary sustainability science; deliberating on international transferability (current focus: (solely) German academia)Practical implicationA systemic approach is indispensable: instead of focusing upon isolated sustainability fields of action” (management, research, teaching, etc.), all‐embracing advancement to encompass their strategic relationships and thus synergies.Originality/valueThe paper provides a holistic view of academic organisations addressing the issue of how universities are to be proactive in advancing sustainable development.
Do sustainability projects stimulate organizational learning in universities?
Authors: Albrecht Patrick , Burandt Simon , Schaltegger Stefan 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the preparation of a sustainability report and a large‐scale energy‐saving campaign with regards to their role for organizational learning (OL). Similar processes indicating OL were observed during the implementation of both projects. Along the lines of a theoretical framework of OL these processes will be discussed. Potential of institutional transformation regarding sustainable development is indicated.Design/methodology/approachFollowing calls for “unified theory” on OL which can be used for empirical research, an integrative perspective has been proposed. Based on this perspective, two projects are discussed with respect to five dimensions in the process of OL: actors and media as communicative characteristics and triggers, factors as well as results as information processing characteristics.FindingsThe results show the driving role of making data available to the public (transparency as incentive for organizational change) and the need to change structures for cross‐linking information. Furthermore, benefits of creating new networks of actors for reflecting current structures and developing visions for future change are outlined.Practical implicationsPossibilities for transferring the project designs and experiences to other institutions are shown. Need for further research on the mechanisms of OL for promoting structural change toward a stronger role of sustainability in higher education is indicated.Originality/valueThe perspective of OL for sustainability reporting and energy saving offers new perspectives for internal change processes triggered by sustainability related projects. Promising research opportunities on triggers and drivers of such processes evolve.
Developing key competencies for sustainable development in higher education
Authors: Barth Matthias , Godemann Jasmin , Rieckmann Marco , Stoltenberg Ute 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo date, little attention has been given to the circumstances in which the process of developing key competencies for sustainable development may take place. The purpose of this paper is to consider, the possibilities both of formal and informal learning and their relationship to competence development within higher education.Design/methodology/approachAn explorative, qualitative study based on focus groups was designed using different groups from formal and informal learning settings.FindingsThe development of key competencies is based both on cognitive and non‐cognitive dispositions and asks for multiple contexts. Through combining formal and informal learning settings within higher education – as part of a new learning culture – a variety of contexts can be given and competence development can be enhanced.Research limitations/implicationsWhile aspects of both formal and informal learning settings could be identified, the interdependencies between them remain elusive.Practical implicationsBased on the findings, some main aspects for acquiring competencies can be pointed out that may be crucial in higher education settings.Originality/valueThe paper analyses the implications for both formal and informal learning settings of new ways of developing key competencies within higher education. Particular attention is given to interdisciplinarity and students' self‐responsibility.
Managing sustainability communication on campus: experiences from Lüneburg
Authors: Franz‐Balsen Angela , Heinrichs Harald 
Published: September 2007

PurposeSustainability communication is evolving as a new interdisciplinary field of research and professional practice. The purpose of this paper is to point out the advantage of applying theoretical frameworks and related research instruments for an adequate sustainability communication management on campus. It also aims to highlight the normative constraints and challenges (participation) that differentiate sustainability communication from public relations.Design/methodology/approachAn interdisciplinary theoretical framework and empirical studies (quantitative/qualitative; audience research) were used for the design of a context‐sensitive sustainability communication management concept for the University of Lüneburg‐FindingsEmpirical data clearly showed that disciplinary cultures (including their gender specificity) are highly relevant for sustainability attitudes. Continuous visibility of sustainability efforts on campus is critical for people's attitudes and engagement. Campus community members can be characterized by degrees of “sustainability affinity” vs “sustainability distance”. Too much sustainability‐campaigning is counterproductive, whereas listening to campus community members' ideas and needs seems appropriate.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for qualitative data to assess “communication culture”Practical implicationsA balanced theoretically, empirically and normatively grounded communication management is recommended in order to establish a participatory communication culture.Originality/valueThe application of sustainability communication theory, including participation research, in the context of higher education for sustainable development is overdue; thesis: sustainability communication wants to initiate structural changes on campus, but is itself dependent on visible structural change in order to be effective.
Planning and implementation of effective collaboration in construction projects
Authors: Shelbourn M. , Bouchlaghem N.M. , Anumba C. , Carrillo P. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe twenty‐first century is now seen as the time for the construction industry to embrace new ways of working if it is to continue to be competitive and meet the needs of its ever demanding clients. Collaborative working is considered by many to be essential if design and construction teams are to consider the whole lifecycle of the construction process. Much of the recent work undertaken on collaborative working has focused on the delivery of technological solutions with a focus on web (extranets), CAD (visualisation), and knowledge management technologies. However, it is now recognised that good collaboration does not result from the implementation of information technology solutions alone, the organisational and people issues, which are not readily solved by pure technical systems, need also to be resolved. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachWork discussed in this paper brings together the benefits provided by technology, with organisational issues, and people issues, in developing a framework to implement effective collaboration. The research uses a literature search, semi‐structured interviews and a questionnaire to gain the industry's requirements for effective collaboration in the construction sector. From these requirements a develop‐test‐refine approach was taken to develop the methodology for effective collaborative working for construction.FindingsThe findings reported in this paper are a summary of the results from the semi‐structured interviews and questionnaire used to gain the industry's requirements. They show that a focus on the “softer” issues (business process and an organisations' people) rather than a technology focus is needed to plan and implement collaborative working more effectively in projects. An initial approach is discussed in this paper concerning a structured approach to be developed further in the research to highlight to the industry the issues associated with the planning and implementation of effective collaborative working in projects.Originality/valueThis paper uses a socio‐technical approach to the planning and implementation of effective collaborative working in construction. It combines technology with the people and business aspects of collaborative working to provide an approach which can enable stakeholders in a project to benefit fully from having a collaborative working approach to their projects.
The appropriateness of built environment tertiary education
Authors: Manthe Mark , Smallwood John 
Published: September 2007

PurposeConstruction is a complex process which requires the co‐ordination of and co‐operation between stakeholders. Most construction projects require the skills and services of various built environment disciplines and the effective integration of these skills determines the success of the project. However, built environment students continue to receive discipline‐based education. Construction shapes the built environment; therefore knowledge and understanding, to varying degrees of depth and complexity, of an array of subject areas are one required to suitably equip entrants into the built environment arena. Furthermore, the outdated education system is challenged by academics, built environment practitioners, and media reports. The purpose of this study is to question the suitability of built environment tertiary education in terms of current trends, technologies and practices.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire developed from literature related to the diverse content, appropriateness, empowering effect, and delivery methods of built environment education, was used to survey built environment academics and postgraduate students. The questionnaire also aimed at determining the interconnectedness and cohesion between the five disciplines of architecture, quantity surveying, civil engineering, project management, and construction management.FindingsThere is a perceived need for both university of technology and university programmes, built environment tertiary education is relatively diverse in terms of content, there is a perceived need for a common first year and common subjects at other levels, and there is a trend towards perpetuation of traditional technologies, practices and systems within built environment education.Originality/valueCertain subject areas should form an integral part of all built environment tertiary education programmes, in particular construction science and technology, management theory, information technology, and project management. This conclusion and the percentage responses relative to other subjects highlight the inadequacy of architecture and, to a lesser extent, civil engineering tertiary education.
Antecedents and benefits of 3D and 4D modelling for construction planners
Authors: Khatib J.M. , Chileshe N. , Sloan S. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the antecedents and benefits of 3D and 4D modelling as a construction planning tool in the construction process, and examine why it is not being implemented throughout the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA survey of the literature, questionnaire survey, and a case study including interviews and observations were used to conduct the study. The findings are investigated using appropriate statistical tests.FindingsThis study shows that using 4D modelling will benefit the industry once the lack of confidence amongst contractors, design teams and clients has been overcome. Eventually design teams will provide 3D models, but in the interim contractors wishing to receive the benefits of this technology are using modellers to produce these 3D models which planners can then manipulate to display their construction schedule as a 4D model. Attitude, lack of continuity of similar work, and lack of knowledge rather than cost of producing 4D models are identified as the main barriers impacting on the deployment of this technology among the construction planners. The preferred mode of communicating 3D and 4D awareness was via presentation, whereas the least ranked was through articles.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross‐sectional data would make it difficult to generalise the findings.Practical implicationsThis technology will provide many benefits to the planning role, resulting in a much more thoroughly planned project which will in turn improve health and safety, shorten contract periods, improve quality and reduce costs. Furthermore, the results have provided a new series of issues and concepts that can help to develop the technology further.Originality/valueThe paper explains how this technology can benefit the planning role. The deployment of the technology results in costs reduction during the construction period and impacts on the securing of future work. The paper stresses that the planner should be involved in the process of adding the 4D modelling to a 3D model.
Customer orientation and performance outcomes in supply chain management
Authors: Sik Jeong Jung , Hong Paul 
Published: September 2007

PurposeDespite an extensive body of knowledge on the importance of customer orientation in the marketing and management literature, the impact of customer orientation and interactive system infrastructure throughout enterprise networks is not fully understood. The purpose of this paper is to present a model linking customer orientation, interactive system infrastructure, value chain practices, and network performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe prior literature on customer orientation and supply chains is reviewed and a framework is presented which shows the relationship between customer orientation and network performance outcomes, along with other variables.FindingsThe conclusion supports the importance of customer orientation in the context of the proposed value chain framework.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework introduced in this paper provides a review of customer orientation in the enterprise network and a basis for further empirical validation.Practical implicationsThe research framework suggests that customer orientation practices may have a positive impact on network infrastructure design, practices, and performance outcomes. Implementation of customer orientation practices and outcomes within this research framework may allow management to meet customer requirements more effectively.Originality/valueThis paper expands the concept of customer‐orientation in the extended enterprise network context.
Framework for internet‐supported inter‐organizational product development collaboration
Authors: Kern Eva‐Maria , Kersten Wolfgang 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to introduce a framework for internet supported inter‐organizational product development, which enables companies to efficiently configure their development processes according to their needs.Design/methodology/approachThree ideal types of partner integration are identified and specific design guidelines for each type are proposed. Current approaches for product development collaboration are analysed. Based on their shortcomings the main approach of this paper evolves. Additionally the main results of interviews with experts are used to develop and introduce a framework which has been tested partially in the shipbuilding industry.FindingsThe paper identifies three types of partner integration and proposes specific design guidelines.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework introduced in this paper provides guidance for future research in the area of product development collaboration.Practical implicationsThe framework further supports managers in designing efficient and effective inter‐organizational product development collaboration by choosing the appropriate level of partner integration.Originality/valueThe paper presents a practical and usable framework for internet supported inter‐organizational product development collaboration. The main focus is on designing the partnership interaction.
Reconceptualising benchmarking development in UK organisations: the effects of size and sector
Authors: Anderson Karen , McAdam Rodney 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore both the development and reconceptualisation of benchmarking and performance measurement within UK organisations, using a brief literature review, theoretical reconception and an empirical study of UK organisations.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted involving UK organisations (n=156) across a wide range of organizational sizes and sectors. Analysis included the use of descriptives, chi‐square tests and one‐way ANOVA between and within groups.FindingsThe findings show how, firstly, organisations are progressing towards benchmarking and performance measurement maturity as traditionally defined. Secondly, the findings show how organisations that have reached this stage are reconceptualising benchmarking and performance measurement to meet fundamentally changing market and operational conditions.Practical implicationsThe paper gives a structured outline for organisations seeking to design and implement advanced performance measurement and benchmarking methodologies.Originality/valueThe concept of lead performance measure and benchmarking is an emergent area of study. This paper shows current developments and makes suggestions for further research.