bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lawyers, notaries, accountants and money laundering
Authors: He Ping 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo call for the legislature to pay more attention to the professional laundering and to improve the capability to attack money laundering.Design/methodology/approachBy describing the phenomena that money laundering crimes nowadays often involves lawyers, notaries and accounts, to analyze the necessity and rationale of bringing these professionals under the obligations of anti‐money laundering, and to present a reasonable solution to the contradiction between professional privilege and anti‐money laundering obligations.FindingsIn order to keep a balance between the fight against money laundering and the protection of professional privilege, we should make a difference among the professional activities: when professional activities are linked judicial proceedings or in the course of ascertaining the legal position of clients, they would be exempted from the obligation of anti‐money laundering; when they perform financial or company law activities, they should assume anti‐money laundering obligations.Originality/valueThis paper presents a reasonable solution to the contradiction between professional privilege and anti‐money laundering obligations, which would be beneficial to the legislature.
SWOT analysis for Air China performance and its experience with quality
Authors: Ahmed A.M. , Zairi M. , Almarri K.S. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo report on the lessons learned during the implementation of TQM principles in Air China as a response to the dramatic changes in both international and domestic markets.Design/methodology/approachThis research work is based on analysing secondary case studies in the airline industry to identify best practice and critical success factors of total quality management implementation. The use of SWOT analysis was selected in the case of Air China.FindingsAir China is the largest air carrier in China in terms of traffic volume and company assets. It own most updated fleet and competent repairs and maintenances expertise. It owns good reputation in both international and domestic market, quality service and keeps the number of loyal frequent flyers rapidly increasing. Distracted by domestic operations in term of resources, organizational concentrations and management time, the international business get to be mediocre. China airline industry is growing faster than GDP increase, and the trend will continue in next five years. Air China faces imminent aggressive competition from world leading airlines and price wars triggered by domestic player, when Civil Aviation Administration of China has to deregulate under requirement of WTO agreements.Originality/valueThis paper is a case study reporting of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat analysis technique. The paper provides empirical data to identify those factors that play key role in implementing TQM successfully within the Airlines Industry and in particular Air China.
Architecture for a real estate analysis information system using GIS techniques integrated with fuzzy theory
Authors: Pagourtzi Elli , Nikolopoulos Konstantinos , Assimakopoulos Vassilios 
Published: June 2006

PurposeProposes a new real estate valuation methodology and presents the architecture for a decision support system for real estate analysis based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques integrated with fuzzy theory and spatial analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed information system architecture/problem‐solving methodology uses GIS technology integrated with two approaches: fuzzy logic and spatial analysis. The steps required in the proposed methodology are: database design and implementation; criteria and rules; system design; and implementation. The components/modules included in the proposed methodology are: requirement and definition analysis; data production; topology; integrated database; visualization; variables; quantification; valuation; and implementation.FindingsThe applicability of the system is evaluated via a case study in estimation of house sale prices. The proposed system/methodology was used in order to valuate property values in one municipality of Attica in Greece. The estimation, market analysis, forecasting and management of property values are of great importance and a prerequisite for real estate development.Originality/valueThe proposed methodology is innovative, easy to implement and has a vast theoretical background. Following the methodology/architecture, a prototype information system is presented in order to move from theory to practice. The value of the paper is the combination of new technology assessments and GIS tools, integrated with fuzzy theory and spatial analysis.
Market valuation of real estate finance mergers: a note
Authors: Kirchhoff Marc , Schiereck Dirk , Mentz Markus 
Published: June 2006

PurposeReal estate finance institutions as well as the mortgage banking landscape have undergone a profound restructuring since the late 1980s. This study seeks to examine the value implications of 69 domestic and cross‐border merger and acquisition (M&A) deals of exchange‐listed real estate finance institutions.Design/methodology/approachTo identify relevant M&A transactions between 1995 and 2002 the following data sources are used: Thomson Financial SDC (Securities Data Company – Mergers and Acquisitions Database), Bloomberg, and Computasoft M&A Data. To assess the value implications of M&A standard event study methodology is used, which relies on the market adjusted model and the market model. Cumulated abnormal returns stemming from the market model and the market adjusted model are calculated for four different event windows.FindingsThe results document that shareholders of targets earn, at least in the closest analyzed interval, significant positive abnormal returns. There are no significant abnormal returns accruing to the shareholders of the bidders in any of the analyzed intervals. CARs are slightly negative in two of the four event windows, and positive in the remaining two. Hence, M&A transactions cannot be considered a clear success. Nor, however, is any significant evidence found that they destroy value.Originality/valueSince market valuations of mergers and acquisitions depend on industry‐specific circumstances, this paper explores value effects for a specific sector, namely the real estate finance sector. It shows that real estate finance transactions are beneficial for target shareholders. In addition, the results indicate that these transactions do not significantly destroy value for bidding companies. This result contradicts prior evidence for the related banking industry.
White spots and black holes: developing a conceptual model for broadband rollout
Authors: Bouwman Harry , Fijnvandraat Marieke , van de Wijngaert Lidwien 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to create insight into the way technological, economic or regulatory factors affect broadband rollout in the local loop with the objective of developing a conceptual model that will help us gain insight into critical relationships between these factors and the decision to broadband infrastructure investments, implementation and broadband rollout in the local loop.Design/methodology/approachTo develop a conceptual framework the study used three research methods. A meta‐analysis was conducted to collect and analyze relevant existing literature that discusses broadband rollout in the local loop. Content analysis was used to analyze hypothesis and propositions and network analysis was used to analyze the data extracted from the literature.FindingsThe network found provides a valid picture of the complexity involved in broadband rollout. The combination of research methods used has resulted in an approach that is both practical and robust when it comes to describing the state‐of‐the‐art in a coherent and clear way.Research limitations/implicationsOne has to consider that broadband is a relative concept. The definition of broadband has changed during the period in which the papers were published (1992‐2004).Practical implicationsNetworks, and thus network analysis, always reflect the choice made by the researcher with regard to the key concepts. If the study had started from other dependent variables (nodes in the network), it would have found a different network.Originality/valueThis paper presents a theoretical framework based on a meta‐analysis of existing research with regard to broadband roll out in the local loop. Until now, a coherent theory has been lacking. Most research is based on implicit assumptions or on economic/econometric models that are insufficiently explained.
E‐government: a strategic operations management framework for service delivery
Authors: Affisco John F. , Soliman Khalid S. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to present a conceptual framework for selecting and developing e‐government applications as part of an overall coherent strategy of e‐government service delivery (EGSD).Design/methodology/approachThe framework proposed in this paper builds on and expands prior literature in the areas of e‐government and service delivery in organizations. Specifically, the framework extends Heskett's work in service delivery in organizations to the area of e‐government.FindingsThe strategic operations management framework for EGSD developed in this paper represents a response to the need for a more strategic point of view on the electronic delivery of government services. The framework consists of seven building‐blocks – four basic elements: market segmentation, service mode development, operations‐strategy redesign, and service delivery, in addition to three integrative elements: differentiation, leverage of value and alignment of strategy and system.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework fills two important voids in the area of government transformation to provide electronic services. First, it provides a precise framework and steps to implement successful e‐government applications. Second, the framework provides a tool for researchers through which e‐government studies can be organized and developed.Practical implicationsThe framework developed in this paper is flexible enough to be adopted by governments at different levels; federal, state, or local and by developed and developing countries around the world. Further, it realizes the importance of having an integrated plan for e‐government projects.Originality/valueThe framework developed in this paper guides delivering government services over the internet projects world‐wide. Also, it recognizes the ripple effect of fluctuating service levels before delving into an e‐government project.
Method, philosophy and empirics in KM and IC
Authors: Spender J.C. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeHow does one speak of knowledge as an asset when it is non‐rivalrous and ephemeral? The purpose of this paper is to frame “knowledge management” (KM) as significantly more than asset management; instead of binding it to rational decision making, it is grounded in managers' creative responses to the typical deficiencies in their knowledge and to uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the method of distinctions a knowledge and intellectual capital (IC) management discourse is constructed that relates, first, to data, meaning, and practice, and second, to knowledge assets and knowledge absences.FindingsThe rationalist treatment of knowledge assets relates data and meaning to purposive practice. Under conditions of uncertainty this is balanced here with a radical constructivist approach that sees meaning as arising from managerial creativity and exploratory organizational practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe practical or managerial implications of this theorizing are legion.The main point is not a theory that supplants managerial creativity; on the contrary, creativity drives both our theory and the organizations that managers manage.Practical implicationsManaging uncertainty forces practice and experience into the foreground. KM and ICM must cover situations in which analysis fails when knowledge is absent just as it covers the management of knowledge assets when they are present.Originality/valueKM (or ICM) is reframed as an empirically grounded critical theory, a direct critique of rational decision‐making and, by implication, of mainstream managerial theorizing.
The project of intellectual capital disclosure: researching the research
Authors: Abeysekera Indra 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine a number of key issues relating to intellectual capital disclosure by addressing some of the strengths, weaknesses and gaps of the extant research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins by examining the definitions of intellectual capital and intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) currently in use. Methodological issues are examined in relation to the use of source documents, coding frameworks, and research methods. Both positivist and critical theoretical perspectives used to provide the theoretical underpinning of ICD analysis are reviewed.FindingsThe paper concludes by arguing for the importance of addressing these issues in order to improve the credibility of ICD, and offers suggestions for doing so.Practical implicationsNumerous suggestions are provided for improving the credibility of future work on IC disclosureOriginality/valueThis paper critically examines issues related to improving the credibility of ICD in future research.
Surface runoff hazard map distribution in Kuwait
Authors: Al‐Awadhi Jasem , Hersi Ahmed 
Published: June 2006

PurposeAn attempt is made to produce a susceptibility surface runoff hazard map for Kuwait by integrating four maps: paleodrainage; topography; vegetation cover (extracted from a Landsat image of 2001); and soil.Design/methodology/approachLocal expert knowledge, weighting methods like the Delphi method and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and GIS techniques were used to evaluate the factors controlling surface runoff hazard in Kuwait.FindingsThe susceptibility surface runoff hazard map produced indicates that a moderate class of surface runoff hazard in Kuwait averages 45.5 percent, followed by a low class (21 percent). The very low, high and very high classes constitute about 8, 18.5 and 15 percent, respectively.Practical implicationsThe surface hazard map obtained from this study may be presented to the authorities concerned to be used as basic data for designing runoff flood prevention and mitigation measures.Originality/valueThe approach adopted in this study is new to Kuwait.
Trust an analyst? An investigation of conflicts of interest in an Australian investment bank
Authors: Proimos Alex 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo show how conflicts of interest and disingenuous investment research at the end of the 1990s stock market bubble occurred in Australia as well as the USA and Western Europe.Design/methodology/approachReviews the role of research analysts in major securities firms and conflicts of interest such as analyzing and evaluating a company for investment purposes, while seeking the investment banking business of the same company. Provides a case study of how an investment banking firm dealt with a provider of internet search services in both a research and an investment banking capacity. Investigates and evaluates the regulations and guidelines developed and introduced by the Australian regulatory bodies (Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) and Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)) and the Australian Government to deal with potential conflicts of interest that could affect the objectivity and independence of analyst research.FindingsThere were examples of conflicts of interest and fraudulent stock recommendations in Australia that rivaled the worst examples in the USA and Western Europe.Originality/valueA reminder of fraudulent investment research practices during the stock market bubble and the potential for conflicts of interest between research and investment banking functions within the same firm.
Strengthening corporate governance regulations
Authors: Proimos Alex 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo discuss how to develop best practices and to enforce effective guidelines for corporate governance.Design/methodology/approachInvestigates the ASX Corporate Governance Council's “framework” for improving corporate governance practices. Addresses the importance of effective corporate governance regulations for preventing corporate malfeasance and a loss of confidence by shareholders. Two key corporate governance principles outlined in the ASX's Corporate Governance Guidelines, “make timely and balanced disclosure” and “respect the rights of shareholders,” are examined. Provides a case study of how the CEO of Aristocrat, a poker machine manufacturer and operator, failed to offer timely and balanced disclosure and otherwise demonstrated incompetence and disrespect for shareholders, causing significant financial distress for the corporation and investors.FindingsFor essential corporate governance principles to be effective, they cannot merely serve as “guidelines” to public corporations, but instead must be requirements that are prudently monitored with stringent penalties attached if breached.Originality/valueHighlights the importance of effective corporate governance regulation in the prevention of future corporate scandals and collapses.
Practice of information systems
Authors: Sharma Milind Kumar , Bhagwat Rajat 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo provide the outcome of information system (IS) related practice survey designed to identify current trends in Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis research is exploratory in nature, a survey methodology is used for study and the focus of study is cross‐sectional. Two companies have been selected for detailed case studies. The objective of the study was to become more familiar through survey and information collected to one point in time. The methodology was based on a questionnaire survey and personal interviews.FindingsThe outcomes, based on a survey of 210 SMEs, reveal that though SMEs understand and acknowledge the importance of the IS in day‐to‐day operations management in the present dynamic and heterogeneous business environment but these are yet to implement, operate and exploit it fully in a formal and professional manner so as to enable them to derive maximum business gains out of it. SMEs are not found equipped adequately with the IS resources to suit their needs.Research limitations/implicationsThe target of the study is the SMEs operational in the western part of India and hence it has the limitation in terms of the scope. However, the overall results are encouraging with 70 percent response rare in the survey and underline the need for more such studies. The results have implications for all managers responsible for IS, any SME in the era of globalization.Originality/valueThe paper presents IS‐related practices going on in Indian SMEs. Findings reported in the paper provide SMEs operators the utility of IS in day‐to‐day business operations.
Optimizing fixed and variable compensation costs for employee productivity
Authors: Burke Lisa A. , Hsieh Chengho 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework to determine the optimal balance between fixed and variable compensation costs incurred by a firm.Design/methodology/approachIn 2004 Burke and Terry used an economic framework to demonstrate how variable pay can reduce operating leverage and hence increase a firm's value. Their theme is extended to develop a conceptual framework for ascertaining the optimal balance between fixed and variable pay components.FindingsAs demonstrated with an example, the choice between fixed and variable pay affects the firm's employee productivity, operating leverage, market risk, cost of capital, and cash flows. The ultimate choice of the variable and fix compensation “mix” should meet the goal of management – maximizing the firm value, and hence the shareholders' wealth.Practical implicationsEvidence suggests there is a growing use of variable pay schemes in firms to increase employee motivation and productivity.Originality/valueThe framework allows a firm's cash flows to vary due to the changes in the variable pay component.
Business in society or an integrated vision of governance
Authors: Breton Gaétan , Pesqueux Yvon 
Published: June 2006

PurposeCorporate governance is more than disciplining managers to produce more value for the shareholders. It must include how the organization influences other social institutions in order to impose its view or legitimize its procedures. The purpose of this paper is to give the concept of governance its full meaning.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes some of the essential networks between the corporation, as an organization, and other social institutions. It also tries to separate the level at which these networks function, while proposing some categories to understand the specificity of the organization in regard to individuals or the society all included in a discussion of the managerialism.FindingsThe paper considers the other side of the institutional theory, showing that the enterprise is, at least, influencing the functioning of the society, as much as the society influences the enterprise. However, in this period still dominated by the agency theory, this kind of analysis had not been developed very much yet.Originality/valueThis paper situated itself in the scotoma of the theories customarily used in accounting or management. These theories are interested to present the enterprise as passively supporting the weight of social pressures. The paper's originality is to focus on what is habitually left in the blind spot of those theories using works that have a best audience in political sciences than in management.
Negotiating into China: the impact of individual perception on Chinese negotiation styles
Authors: Ma Zhenzhong 
Published: June 2006

PurposeAs one of the most important emerging markets, China presents the greatest challenge to companies that are planning to enter its market. The purpose of this study is to examine a critical process required for any successful market entry – negotiation – and explore the impact of individual perception on negotiation process within Chinese culture.Design/methodology/approachSpecifically, the paper explores how negotiators' perception of the negotiation structure and the alternatives to the negotiated agreement would affect negotiation behaviors and outcomes in a Chinese context.FindingsThe results showed that the perception of an integrative potential for the negotiation situation predicted more integrative behaviors and the perception of better alternatives predicted more competitive behaviors during a negotiation simulation.Originality/valueImplications are discussed on how to negotiate into China.