bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DTD schema: a simple but powerful XML schema language
Authors: Liu Mengchi 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a novel XML schema language called DTD Schema that solves major limitations of document type definition (DTD) and supports features that XML Schema supports in a simple and concise way.Design/methodology/approachDTD Schema is designed based on DTD and data definition language of object‐oriented and object‐relational databases. It extends DTD with namespaces, richer built‐in types and user‐defined subtypes, local elements and attributes, complex types with nonmonotonic multiple element and attribute inheritance with overriding, blocking, conflict handling, and polymorphism.FindingsXML Schema is recommended by W3C as the schema language for XML. It uses a set of predefined XML tags to define the schema, which is often a long, intricate specification, full of details and concepts and its verbose syntax often doubles or triples the document length. It is so complicated that even XML experts do not find it human‐readable, mostly due to the XML‐based syntax.Research limitations/implicationsThe only limitation is that DTD Schema is not in XML. But for the same reason, it is simple and concise.Practical implicationsDTD schema is halfway between DTD and XML Schema and thus it is less complex and much easier for human to use than XML Schema.Originality/valueDTD Schema supports all functionalities of XML Schema and also the best of object‐oriented features including multiple inheritance, overriding, blocking, conflict handling and polymorphism. Therefore, it is much more expressive than XML Schema.
Managing spoiled identities: dirty workers' struggles for a favourable sense of self
Authors: Grandy Gina 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how a group of dirty workers, that is, exotic dancers employed in a gentlemen's club, engage in identity construction amidst various macro, meso and micro considerations.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a social constructivist approach in exploring the stories of a group of 21 dancers employed at a chain of exotic dancing clubs in the UK, For Your Eyes Only.FindingsIdentity construction is a complex process whereby dancers struggle to secure a positive sense of self among the various resources they encounter. The findings focus upon the processes of distancing through projecting disgust upon clients, other dancers and other clubs. Dancers do this to minimize the stigma associated with their own identities and position themselves in a more favourable light to others. In doing this, dancers construct a variety of identity roles for themselves and “others.” This process of distancing also results in the construction of a hierarchy of stigmatization whereby dancers categorize motivations for dancing, type of dancing and type of clubs to rationalize the work they perform and manage their spoiled identities.Practical implicationsThe stories of these dancers illustrate the messy nature of identity construction for dirty workers. In turn, it also illuminates how a better understanding of the complexity of identity construction for exotic dancers can offer insights transferable to other dirty work occupations and organizations in general.Originality/valueThe paper provides an indepth look at an occupational site that is relatively unexplored in organization studies and thus makes a unique empirical contribution. It also offers a more comprehensive theoretical lens for understanding identity construction and dirty workers.
What forms of the bancassurance alliance model is customers' preference?
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Ru , Lin Chin‐Tsai , Lin Yu‐Fan 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and evaluate the relationships among the flexibility enablers and to prepare a hierarchy of these enablers to know their influences over each other in global supply chain. The framework suggests that the priority of enablers in supply chain should be determined on the basis of their driving power and dependency.Design/methodology/approachVarious enablers used by researchers and practitioners for flexibility management of global supply chain have been identified. These enablers have been classified as strategic, operational and performance‐based enablers. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to establish mutual relationships among the flexibility enablers and to prepare a hierarchy‐based model.FindingsIt has been observed that some enablers having high‐driving power and low dependency are of strategic importance. These enablers require more attention while other enablers based on operations and performances are dependents of strategic enablers.Practical implicationsThe index of enablers based on driving power and dependency provide an insight for supply chain managers to make the entire supply chain highly flexible, that would help them to respond to global uncertainties.Originality/valuePresentation of enablers in the form of hierarchy using ISM and ranking them into various driving power and dependent categories is a good effort to make flexible global supply chain.
A model of foreign direct investment flows at the municipal level in South Africa
Authors: Okeahalam Charles , Dowdeswell Mark 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between South Africa's foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic fundamentals at the municipal level.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a data set and an econometric model to analyze FDI flows at the municipal level in South Africa.FindingsThe empirical results derived from municipal level data support the findings in some of the established literature (which for the most part uses country‐level data) and indicates: that FDI tends to flow to areas with high factor (capital, labour and land) productivity; and that increases in higher labour productivity lead to higher investment.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has used a cross‐section of municipalities. A further area of research would be to carry out a similar exercise with panel data.Practical implicationsThese findings indicate that FDI flows can be considered at the municipal level and this justifies the need for careful selection of the geographic basis for economic policy and development planning.Originality/valueWhereas most studies on FDI use country‐level data as standard geographic units of analysis, this paper analyzes FDI flows at the municipal level.
A metafrontier model to assess regional efficiency differences
Authors: Matawie K.M. , Assaf A. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe major aim of this paper is to model, estimate and compare the technical efficiency and technology gap ratios of health care foodservice operations that operate in different Australian regions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a metafrontier model to analyse the difference in health care food efficiency across the various Australian regions. The interesting feature of this model is that it allows for the estimation of firms' efficiency in of various groups that might differ in technology and other production environments. In testing the model, cross‐sectional input/output data were used reflecting on the operational characteristics of health care foodservice operations.FindingsThe estimation process was initially supported by a hypothesis test which confirmed the validity of the metafrontier model in comparing the efficiency of the different outlined groups. Results showed that operations in the states of NSW and Victoria are producing on average 85.6 per cent of their potential output with respect to the metafrontier technology. The ratio is lower in other states with an average of 73.4 per cent. The average technical efficiency for operations in NSW and Victoria is also higher both in terms of local (87.8 per cent) and metafrontier technologies (66.6 per cent).Originality/valueThe paper is the first to introduce the metafrontier model to the health care foodservice area, especially for Australian regions.
The Role of CSR in Re‐empowering Local Communities
Authors: Shaw Hillary J 
Published: November 2008

PurposeTo investigate CSR initiatives and suggest how these might re‐legitimate, where necessary, current systems of democracy.Design/methodology/approachThe CSR programmes of the world's largest 60 companies were examined, along with more unusual CSR activities of smaller companies worldwide. Democratic systems were analysed to elicit what deficiencies exist in this form of government. CSR initiatives were classified according to the balance of their benefit to the community against benefit to the company itself. This classification was used to suggest how CSR might fill the democratic gap left by the increasingly global scale of government.FindingsToo often, CSR comprises companies claiming credit for programmes they would be legally obliged to undertake or which increase company profits, although some CSR is genuinely altruistic. Traditionally, local communities have little say as to what companies put back into their neighbourhood however if competitions, for example “best kept village”, were encouraged involving companies at a local level, CSR would then have greater relevancy. Perhaps global actors, both corporate and governmental, would in this way gain legitimacy.Research limitations/implicationsApproximately 100 companies were used for this study. A larger sample could have been used although this selection covers most of the types of CSR currently being practiced. The findings are only applicable to democratic countries, although this system of government is practiced by the majority of countries worldwide.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a novel classification of CSR, by geographical scope and by type of initiative. New links are made between the concept of CSR and the deficiencies of the democratic system of government.
Environmental Reporting Verification: A Critical Evaluation of Accountants’ Views and Corporate Practices in India
Authors: Pahuja Shuchi 
Published: November 2008

PurposeTo obtain opinions of Chartered Accountants (CAs) on the need for verifying environmental statements produced by a concern and desired status and qualifications of experts doing such an audit. To examine EIA systems of large manufacturing companies operating in India.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data collected by using two structured questionnaires: the first one to obtain opinions of CAs and the second one to examine EIA practices followed by the selected companies.FindingsThe users think that companies should produce duly verified environmental reports to increase credibility of these reports. They prefer appointment of a team of external duly qualified environmental auditors for this purpose. Majority of the sample companies prepare only statutorily required environmental statements. Most of these companies claim that they provide audited information in these statements verified generally by external environmental auditors.Research limitations/implicationsSome of the respondents gave incomplete answers for not disclosing their organizational policies because of perceived sensitive nature of environmental issues. Non‐manufacturing and small companies not included in the sample.Practical implicationsMake EIA mandatory at least in major polluting industries. An urgent need to develop standards covering the scope and limitations of third party EIAs was realised. Companies should also voluntarily try to provide audited environmental information in the annual reports to build credibility and trust among corporate stakeholders.Originality/valueThe paper presents empirical evidence from interviews with CAs and executives from the selected companies in India and provides insight into the need for EIA.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Your Own Backyard
Authors: Arthur Len , Cato Molly Scott , Keenoy Tom , Smith Russell 
Published: November 2008

PurposeTo explore the link between enterprise scale, ownership and responsibility, specifically with regard to environmental responsibility. The paper argues that more local ownership and the co‐operative organisational form may ensure a higher level of corporate responsibilityDesign/methodology/approachThe paper is mainly discursive, although three case‐studies of companies are used to illustrate the argument: Shell, Vaux Brewery, and Tower Colliery.FindingsThe central findings are that the nature of ownership, the scale of an enterprise, and the governance form are key considerations in terms of the corporate responsibility of firms.Research limitations/implicationsFurther explorations of CSR in relation to the nature of governance and ownership of firms, and the scale of their operations, would develop and explore this paper's central argument further and thus provide more valuable insights.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that the issue of scale and the role of co‐operatives may be of more significance as corporate governance comes under greater scrutiny and sustainability plays a more central role in business practice.Originality/valueThis is the first conceptual application of the concept of CSR to co‐operative ownership and governance.
Corporate Social Disclosures by Indonesian Listed Companies: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gunawan Juniati 
Published: November 2008

PurposeAs one of the world's leading producers of energy resources, offering a large domestic market and workforce, Indonesia is susceptible to the issue of corporate social responsibility. As this research area is considered relatively new in the Indonesian context, the purpose of this paper is to provide useful information and describe early pictures of corporate social disclosure (CSD) practices in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines the extent of CSD in Indonesian listed companies. Content analysis method is applied to analyse the companies' annual reports. An exploratory study was also carried out to find the motivation of the companies in making CSD, as well as the perceived importance of CSD information by Indonesian stakeholders. Finally, some preliminary independent variables were selected to be examined in their relationships to the extent of CSD.FindingsThe results show that the most important information on CSD perceived by the stakeholders is about “products” while information about “community” is perceived as the least important. However, “community” is considered as the most influence party of CSD for the companies. Additionally, there are three main motives for the Indonesian listed companies in conducting CSD: “to create positive image”, to “act accountability” and to “comply with stakeholders' needs”. This study also indicates that the extent of CSD in Indonesian listed companies is very low. Further, the correlation examinations demonstrate that the majority of null hypotheses were accepted.Originality/valueThere is currently a level of research or invent CSD practices in developing countries. This paper helps to fill some of this gap.
A Quest for Ethical Decision Making: Searching for the Holy Grail, and Finding the Sacred Trinity in Ethical Decision‐Making by Managers
Authors: Luca Casali Gian 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify what ethical framework(s) small business managers use in making decisions, and whether they differ from those drawn on by the wider community?Design/methodology/approachA scale for managerial ethical decision‐making has been used, targeting small business people and academics and students in Australia. This scale was piloted in a geographical test community in Queensland Australia. Targeted respondents were asked to fill in the self‐assessment survey (MEP). A quantitative evaluation of the results was carried out by measuring variance between eight ethical variables by ANOVA (analysis of variance).FindingsThis study found statistically significant differences in the ethical decision‐making profile of business and non‐business decision makers. Contrary to expectations, small business people do not hold economical return as the most important factor in making managerial decisions to the exclusion of other more ethical criteria. There are, however, significant differences between small business people and academics and students in relation to which ethical principles are the most important when making a decision.Originality/valueA new scale has been developed and validated to profile the ethical style of managers. From this tools can be further developed for self‐assessment or by organizations wanting to profile the ethical styles of their managers.
What Level of Trust is Needed for Sustainability?
Authors: Aras Güler , Crowther David 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that the main ontological position of modern capitalism, founded on the philosophy of utilitarianism, derived of course from the work of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, is fundamentally flawed as it ignores power inequalities and assumes that the economic fiction of perfect competition can actually exist.Design/methodology/approachNevertheless it provides a legitimating mechanism for modern capitalism and the operation of firms within a market economy. More significantly, from the viewpoint of this paper, is the problem caused by the naïve assumption that the firm as nexus of treaties is sufficient to negotiate the contracts between the various stakeholders. This is significantly inadequate because it ignores the aspect of trust between the parties – the focus of the paper.FindingsIn this paper it is argued that the sustainability of a firm is not predicated in the negotiated contracts it enacts but rather in the underlying trust which is implied and that one of the problems of the modern firm is that this trust has been negated in the drive for efficiency and shareholder value. The purpose of this paper therefore is to explore the nature of trust between the various stakeholders to the social contract which the firm enacts, paying particular attention to the involuntary stakeholders. In doing so, the role of trust in each aspect of sustainability identified in a previous paper is analysed and consider whether it is necessary for each stakeholder or just they key ones, or whether it is different for each aspect? In doing so, particular attention is paid to involuntary stakeholders.Originality/valueThis argument has implications for every business in managing its stakeholder relations.
CSR Initiatives of Indian Banking Industry
Authors: Narwal Mahabir 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to highlight the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives taken by the Indian Banking Industry, which can help them to enhance their overall performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on the survey questionnaire, administered to 33 public‐private sector banks in Northern Haryana, including its capital Chandigarh, which has been analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics and factor analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest that banks have an objective view‐point about CSR activities. They are concentrating mainly on education, balanced growth (different strata of society), health, environmental marketing and customer satisfaction as their core CSR activities. The Indian banking industry is found to be adopting an integrated approach by combining CSR with the ultimate customer satisfaction. Irrespective of location, the nature of CSR activities undertaken by banks is found to be similar.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted on 33 banks. As the banks are undertaking CSR activities under the guidance of their respective head office, this perhaps generalizes its usefulness elsewhere.Practical implicationsAs CSR improves the performance of banks in terms of goodwill, social image and expanding business, this may be a fruitful example for other industries as well.Originality/valueThis paper observes that the work done for society may pass on the advantages to the corporate world and initiatives in this area may enhance the value.
Transition in Poland: Economic Success and Social Failure?
Authors: Aluchna Maria 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to focus on the results of Poland's transition from central planning to market economy and from communist regime to democracy. It attempts to answer the question of fulfilling the transition's aims and expectations, identifying main successes and failures observed in Poland today.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the literature review of the socialistic state's and transition process's main characteristics and a set of data and research provided by institutions and centres illustrating the current stage of economic and social development in Poland. The analysis uses statistical data comparing the pre‐transition period with the economic and social indices for 2006.FindingsThe evidence collected during 18 years of transition process and data on the current situation provide a unique opportunity to test whether the formulated goals were achieved. The analysis reveals substantial improvement in all economic indicators referring to macroeconomic stability, inflation and growth rates and private sector activity, while the social conditions related to unemployment and recent emigration to Western Europe, income distribution, homelessness and poverty ratios remain disappointing.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents the current stage of Polish society and economy, not discussing the problems of other CEEC countries that underwent a transition process in 1989 (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary). Moreover, the economic and social development remains highly dynamic, particularly due to substantial EU funds currently invested in Poland. Since the analysis is based on data 1989‐2006 one may expect changes in Poland's society and economy in the very near future.Practical implicationsThe paper points up the difficulty of formulating the agenda of the transition process which would assure balancing of the economic as well as social goals. Moreover, it suggests that institutions and systems building seems to be easier, while transition sets significant challenges for society and its ability to adjust to new conditions.Originality/valueThe analysis sheds light on the discussion of the state's orientation towards social responsibility on a macro scale, since the impact and strategies of state formulate patterns and a regulatory framework for the corporate legal environment (e.g. working conditions), rules of behaviour and business practice.