bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International business relationship and entry modes
Authors: Zineldin Mosad 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the critical events of the establishment processes of two Swedish companies in the context of cross‐culture and cross‐border investment and to discuss how and to what extent the networks have changed and how the change has affected the Swedish firms' establishments and positions in the market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an exploratory study to develop a conceptual framework. A descriptive case study approach is also employed to document the nature of the automotive industry in Mexico and the establishment processes of two Swedish manufacturer companies. Data are collected by means of a number of semi‐structured interviews with some key figures of Scania and Volvo in both Mexico and Sweden.FindingsManagement of firms that operate or intend to operate in the Mexican market and especially in the Trucks segment, have to consider and take appropriate measures in order to bridge the cultural gap that can be created by the old cabs concept; otherwise their investments are risky and they can easily be swallowed by other suppliers. Not only satisfying customers' needs but also dealing with the various government authorities adequately is also one of the preconditions for success in the Mexican market. It is recommended here that firms should comply and lobby in accordance with the environmental regulations.Practical implicationsThe result can be used by the automotive industry to re‐engineer and redesign their international business establishment processes and the future direction of their more effective and competitive international investment strategies.Originality/valueIn contrast with earlier findings, pricing in the Mexican industrial market is found to be one of the major competitive tools for developing and sustaining a strong market position. Developing strong relationships with the various governmental authorities can help industrial firms to get a certain Act adopted and implemented that can enable them to create a competitive edge that also weakens the position of their rivals in the market. Instead of competing with all firms operating in the market, a firm co‐operates with some of them and competes with the rest (co‐opetition).
Malaysian shopping mall behavior: an exploratory study
Authors: Ahmed Zafar U. , Ghingold Morry , Dahari Zainurin 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe ascendancy of the shopping mall as a significant shopping, social interaction and/or entertainment destination has had a major impact on retail strategies and the retail landscape in numerous countries, especially the USA. Shopping malls are not nearly as well established in developing and newly industrialized countries, however. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to assess international consumer behavior in regards to shopping malls in a non‐Western country, specifically, Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA survey of Malaysian university students was conducted to assess the mall‐directed shopping habits and shopping orientations of young adults in that country. A total of 132 usable surveys were obtained from five university campuses in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia, a region with a numerous institutions of higher learning.FindingsMalaysian students were motivated to visit malls primarily by the interior design of the mall; products that interested them; opportunities for socializing with friends; and convenient one‐stop shopping. Further analysis showed that younger respondents have more favorable dispositions or shopping orientations towards malls than somewhat older respondents. Post‐secondary students in the Klang Valley of Malaysia were frequent and long‐staying visitors to shopping malls, typically visiting six stores per 2.5 h mall visit. And, more than one‐third of respondents visited three or more different shopping malls during the previous 30 days. Generally, the observed Malaysian shopping behavior was similar to that observed of Western shoppers in prior shopping studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe sampling frame for this research was limited to students in the Klang Valley regions in Malaysia. Study findings, although interesting, are clearly not generalizable to all populations of non‐Western consumers or even all Malaysian consumers. The non‐probabilistic convenience sampling methods used in this research due to time and resource constraints may have lead to biases in selection of respondents. It is recommended that future research utilize random sampling methods to ensure the generalizability of results. Future research should also consider a broader demographic profile (not just students) representing multiple geographical locations in Malaysia as well as other countries in the Asia‐pacific region given that consumers' shopping‐related perceptions and expectations are likely to differ across countries or cultures throughout the world.Originality/valueThe data indicated the primacy of certain shopping motives over others in explaining why respondents visited shopping malls. The results of our study have several implications that should be of benefit to the retailing industry, and mall management, specifically.
Influence of cognition on product component country of origin evaluation
Authors: Karunaratna Amal R. , Quester Pascale G. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how need for cognition (NFC), a personality trait, influenced the way consumers used information about product components in forming overall evaluations of motor vehicles.Design/methodology/approachThe study used interviews from a convenience sample of 445 visitors to a motor vehicle show over a three‐day period using a choice‐based conjoint analysis study design.FindingsThe NFC scale used in this study focused on abstract thinking. Results showed that consumers' responses to components from different countries changed their overall purchase intentions, and nationalism appeared to play a strong role in consumer attitudes to components. Consumers exhibiting high levels of NFC were more engaged in more complex assessment of the country of origin (COO) cue in their product evaluation than those who have less NFC.Practical implicationsManufacturers sourcing components from low labour cost countries need to be cautious. Even trusted brands may be sullied by components sourced from countries with negative stereotypes.Originality/valueResearch on product component systems and the use of choice‐based conjoint analysis in this context are novel contributions to COO research.
Differences in orientations between Western European and Chinese service organizations
Authors: Gebauer Heiko , von Zedtwitz Max 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend knowledge of differences between Western European and Chinese service organizations in typical manufacturing companies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper combines qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The qualitative study involved 23 minicases with Swiss manufacturing companies which operate a service organization in Western Europe and China. The results of the minicases were validated externally by using factor and discriminant analysis.FindingsThe results suggest that the service orientation of corporate culture, human resource management and the entire organization is significantly lower in Chinese service organizations than in their Western European counterparts, leading to significantly lower financial service‐related performance outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsFor service management theorists, the findings suggest that increasing financial service‐related performance outcomes in China is affected to a high degree by Chinese cultural characteristics.Practical implicationsFor managers, the findings suggest that implicit logic for increasing financial service‐related performance outcomes starts with overcoming typical and, in some respects, limiting cultural characteristics.Originality/valueUnfortunately, the existing literature provides surprisingly little in the way of suggestions as to the actual differences between Western European and Chinese service organizations. This research closes this gap by validating factors that differentiate Western European from Chinese service organizations.
The selection of international retail franchisees in East Asia
Authors: Choo Stephen , Mazzarol Tim , Soutar Geoff 
Published: October 2007

PurposeAlthough international franchising has occurred in East Asia over the past 20 years, surprisingly very little academic research has been undertaken to understand key dynamics of this marketing phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to examine franchise resources, which is a key construct in the internationalization of retail franchising.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study approach has been adopted to generate rich data designed to aid understanding of the complexities inherent within such an international marketing relationship. The data were drawn from five US food service retail franchises, which are household brands across East Asia, operating in Singapore.FindingsThis study presents several interesting findings for the retail franchise industry. First, consistent with resource scarcity theory, international franchising relationship begins with a high degree of franchise dependency on the local franchisees. Next, international franchisors will be well served to select their overseas franchisees with strong financial resources to engage in rapid expansion, good contacts to secure early stores in prime retail locations and well‐proven local knowledge to modify the concept to suit particular market needs.Practical implicationsFindings from this study have important managerial implications for international retail franchisors on how to effectively select franchisees to successfully launch and manage their brands in East Asia.Originality/valueThis empirical study has made a major contribution in adding to the limited body of empirical knowledge on franchisee selection in international retail franchising, particularly in East Asia. It is hoped that this paper will encourage more academics to investigate why certain international retail franchise concepts perform relatively better in East Asia than others.
Unfolding the post‐transition era: the landscape and mindscape of China's retail industry after 2004
Authors: Liu Katherine 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically investigate the competitive situation in China's retail sector after its three‐year transition period upon accession to the WTO. Based on this suggestions for domestic retailers’ development strategies are made.Design/methodology/approachThe landscape of China's retail sector is given first in the paper. A critical review of variations of regional markets following the models adopted by Swanson and Cui and Liu is carried out. A focus group discussion is conducted. Analysis of the focus group discussion highlights the strategic issues of retail development and expansion.FindingsSynthesis of recent studies on China's retail market and results generated from the focus group indicate that the development patterns in the regional markets could vary. Domestic and international retailers enjoy different advantages and face different challenges in their expansion. Issues concerning learning, infrastructure development, government policy and business culture are addressed.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides a holistic view of China's retail market and its evolution after it became totally open to foreign investment at the end of 2004.Practical implicationsThe synthesis of current studies and discussion of focus group data provide domestic retailers with a “mindscape” of the evolving market they are operating in. This mindscape enables Chinese retailers to articulate mid‐to‐long term strategies in their expansion and respond to the dynamic market situation effectively.Originality/valueThis study provides a snapshot of China's retail sector at a critical transitional stage. The discussion serves as a starting point to conceptualise the development patterns of an important emerging market.
Developing financial intelligence: an assessment of the FIUs in Australia and India
Authors: Sathye Milind , Patel Chris 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a comparative position of the extent of commonality or diversity in the rationale, objectives, processes used and outcomes achieved by financial intelligence agencies in India and Australia. An effective financial‐intelligence unit (FIU) can make a significant contribution to combating serious financial crimes nationally and internationally.Design/methodology/approachThe agencies in these two countries are compared using the framework for assessment of financial regulatory agencies – suitably modified to capture the specialist role of such agencies. Information available at the web site of the two agencies has been used.FindingsThe study shows several commonalities and differences in the financial intelligence agencies in the two countries and points to operational and policy changes required in making the units more effective.Originality/valueIt is hoped that the study would encourage similar studies in respect of other FIUs and help in contributing to making the global financial‐intelligence regime more robust.
Money laundering from Islamic perspective
Authors: Al Agha Samah 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe focal point of this paper is money laundering from the Islamic perspective. As money laundering has become a world‐wide phenomenon, studying it from an Islamic viewpoint is of significance. The purpose of this paper is to examine: the conception of money laundering in Islam; the criteria by which Islamic law distinguishes between lawfulness (al‐halal) and unlawfulness (al‐haram); what the stipulations (conditions) are for having money or owning property in Islam; and what the attitude of Islamic law is towards the laundered money.Design/methodology/approachThe research depended on secondary data. The data were taken from Quran and Sunna.FindingsIn responding to the first question, it has been found that, although money laundering is a contemporary crime, the conception of money laundering has been addressed through many provisions in Quran and Sunna (going back 1,400 years). From many examples in Quran and Sunna, it has been recognised that the scale of prohibition in Islam is much wider than the scale of prohibition in any secular law. Qimar (gambling) is prohibited by Sharia law but not in secular laws.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in identifying the criteria by which Islamic law distinguishes between lawfulness and unlawfulness. It also identifies four stipulations for having money or owning property in Islam. Finally, the paper reviews the attitude of Islamic law towards the laundered money.
International trade‐based money laundering: the Malaysian perspective
Authors: Thanasegaran Haemala , Shanmugam Bala 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the dangers posed by money‐laundering activities undertaken by criminals through the international trade mechanism, from the Malaysian perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis is to be achieved by providing a description of the money‐laundering process in general and, more specifically, the international trade‐based money‐laundering mechanism. This is followed by an account of the development of international trade in Malaysia and related control mechanisms undertaken, so as to highlight the scope available to curb money laundering via the international trade mechanism in Malaysia.FindingsThe research showed two things: first, that the common techniques of laundering money via international trade involve over‐ and under‐invoicing of goods, multiple invoicing of goods, over‐ and under‐shipment of goods, falsely described goods and complex trade approaches; and second, the unfortunate state of affairs pertaining to the lack of data/information available on the existence and workings of such activity in the Malaysian context (which has in part hampered the aims of this paper).Practical implicationsNevertheless, this paper has the practical implication of being something of a wake‐up call to the Malaysian policymakers (and the policymakers of developing countries), in that awareness of the impending challenges brought about by money laundering to international trade is crucial in tackling the menace.Originality/valueThis paper's call for increasing awareness and identification of international trade‐based money laundering and improving international cooperation and interaction makes it a useful read for policymakers, academics and students alike.
Comments on the law of the People's Republic of China on anti‐money laundering
Authors: Ping He 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the merits and disadvantages of the law of the People's Republic of China on anti‐money laundering.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the main contents contained in the newly adopted law of the People's Republic of China on anti‐money laundering, celebrates the enactment of the law and points out the gap still remaining between Chinese legislation and international standards.FindingsThe enactment of the law of the People's Republic of China on anti‐money laundering is of vital significance. Based on the international experience in the fight against money laundering, Chinese anti‐money‐laundering legislation has made considerable progress. Its shortcomings, however, are also evident.Originality/valueThis paper presents a comprehensive description of, and comments on, the law of the People's Republic of China, which would be beneficial to the legislature.
Regulation of money laundering in Africa: the Nigerian and Zambian approaches
Authors: Okogbule Nlerum S. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the regulatory mechanisms adopted by two African countries, Nigeria and Zambia, in dealing with money laundering in their countries and to suggest ways of enhancing the effectiveness of these mechanisms to serve as veritable models for other African states.Design/methodology/approachThe relevant laws enacted by these states in their efforts to tackle this crime were examined to assess their adequacy or otherwise in this direction. The key provisions of these enactments, namely, the Nigerian Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2004 and the Zambian Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2001, were discussed and the similarities and dissimilarities in both enactments highlighted.FindingsIt was found that these enactments have provided the requisite regulatory framework for dealing with this crime in these countries. In particular, both enactments contain novel provisions such as prohibition on cash transactions involving large sums of money, forfeiture of assets obtained from money‐laundering transactions, etc. It was also found that, although enacted three years earlier, in 2001, the Zambian enactment is more comprehensive and forward‐looking than the Nigerian Act, which was enacted in 2004, as the former provides for the establishment of an investigation unit within the Anti‐Money Laundering Authority, provisions that are absent in the Nigerian enactment.Practical implicationsThe implication of this finding is that African states must adopt strict and stringent measures to enhance the enforcement of Money Laundering Laws, with the regulatory mechanisms, which were put in place by these countries in tackling the menace, serving as veritable guideposts.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates, in a special way, the steps taken by two African states, Nigeria and Zambia, in dealing with money laundering and suggests that, if other states utilize these measures, it will go a long way in improving their capability in the fight against money laundering. It finally suggests proper co‐operation and collaboration between African states to make the fight more meaningful.
Implications for the financing and sustainability of enterprises based on a ranking methodology for categorical financial data
Authors: Aggelopoulos Stamatis , Menexes G. , Kamenidou I. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe aim of the study is to present the implications for the financing and sustainability of enterprises based on a ranking methodology for categorical financial data.Design/methodology/approachTaking advantage of the optimal scaling properties of correspondence analysis (CA), a ranking‐clustering procedure is proposed. The proposed method was applied to categorical financial variables (i.e family farm income, gross profit, gross income, labour income and profitability) collected from a stratified random sampling of 80 Greek pig farms using a structured questionnaire.FindingsThe cluster analysis revealed three distinct groups of pig farms. Several recommendations for managerial practices and financial development resulted from this study. For the farms belonging to cluster C1, that present low rankings on both criteria, a development planning process must be applied that will focus on organizational and management issues. For the farms belonging to cluster C2, that present low rankings on the “composite income” criterion, policy measures have to be undertaken, aiming at exploiting their own production coefficients, reducing fixed costs and increasing productivity. Finally, for the farms in cluster C3, that present high scores on both ranking criteria, it is recommended to take actions that will improve their competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited to five selected financial variables. Therefore, future studies in the same or other business fields would benefit from incorporating a greater number of variables.Originality/valueThe proposed methodological scheme could be useful to practitioners and academics, due to the fact that limited studies have dealt with this ranking problem, particularly in relation to the Greek agricultural business environment.
Human resource challenges confronting the Cyprus hospitality industry
Authors: Zopiatis Anastasios , Constanti Panikkos 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe primary purpose is to investigate specific human resources issues that challenge managerial level employees of the Cypriot hospitality industry. In particular the study, aims to examine: the motivational factors that directly impact on hospitality managers; burnout among hospitality managers; and the factors most likely to cause managers to either change employers or change industry segments entirely.Design/methodology/approachThe research design included both an extensive literature review of secondary data sources relevant with the topics under investigation and a quantitative primary data collection tool; a survey questionnaire. The sample consisted of 200 randomly selected individuals currently holding managerial level positions in 5‐, 4‐ and 3‐star hotels operating in Cyprus, in order to address our research questions. The data was analyzed utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe findings on motivation tend to echo those which relate to the content motivation theories whose focus is on what it is about the individual. Furthermore, the findings affirm earlier research which suggests that motivational factors are likely to change as demographics change. In addition, the findings indicate that hospitality managers experience low levels of accomplishment, irrespective of age, while those with high levels of customer contact are at greater risk of experiencing burnout.Practical implicationsAs far as turnover and leakage issues are concerned, the local hospitality industry could do well by reviewing its manager retention practices.Originality/valueAn investigation of this type has not been undertaken in Cyprus before. Consequently it is creating new knowledge in the Cypriot hospitality industry, and which could be utilized by the stakeholders in their future human resource strategies.