bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does ownership matter? A study of German and UK IPOs
Authors: Goergen Marc , Renneboog Luc 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to answer the question whether control and changes in control after a firm's initial public offering (IPO) have a significant influence on firm value in two very different systems of corporate governance, i.e. Germany and the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe dynamics of post‐IPO firm performance are investigated for size‐ and industry‐matched German and UK samples.FindingsIt was found that, although the post‐IPO evolution of control in German and UK companies differs significantly, there is no significant change in their long‐run financial and operating performance. The paper concludes that the long‐run performance of IPOs is not correlated with control and ownership retention. Moreover, the results presented in the paper suggest that the poor long‐term performance of IPOs documented in empirical literature can neither be explained by potential agency conflicts arising from the reduction in control held by the original shareholders nor by a reduction in the incumbents’ control.Practical implicationsContrary to what may be expected, the involvement of the pre‐IPO shareholders in the firm after the flotation is not crucial to the firm in terms of value generation. Although a reduction in control is expected to lead to less intensive monitoring as strong blockholders are no longer present, there is still no evidence that the firm will suffer in terms of its performance over the long run.Originality/valueThe paper uses an original methodology which consists of matched samples of German and UK firms with similar initial levels of control. The paper then tracks changes in control over the six years after the IPO and links these to the levels of and changes in performance.
The long‐run performance of initial public offerings in Germany
Authors: Bessler Wolfgang , Thies Stefan 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe objective of this study is to investigate the long‐run performance of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Germany for the period from 1977 to 1995. The paper studies why some IPO firms have substantial positive and others have substantial negative long‐run buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns.Design/methodology/approachThe paper approaches this problem by differentiating the abnormal return patterns by the following criteria: benchmark, year of going public, security design, money raised, market value and magnitude of underpricing.FindingsThe empirical findings suggest that the subsequent financing activity in the equity market is the most important factor for determining the future performance of an IPO. This variable separates the out‐performers from the under‐performers. Thus, only successful firms have the opportunity to raise additional funds in the equity market through a seasoned equity offering.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should concentrate on investigating whether the introduction of new stock market segments in Germany has changed the long‐run performance of IPOs.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that firms with a superior performance have the opportunity to raise additional equity whereas the poor performers do not get a second chance to sell equity to the public. This means that firms have to earn at least their cost of capital in order to receive additional funding.Originality/valueCompared to other research, this study explains the significant difference in long‐run performance between two groups of IPOs based on the future financing decision. This finding offers new insights to both academics and practitioners alike.
Financial integration, regulation and competitiveness in Middle East and North Africa countries
Authors: Gentzoglanis Anastassios 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine is to the link between stock markets and economic growth in advanced and emerging economies in the Middle East and North Africa (mena) region.Design/methodology/approachIndices measuring the degree of financial openness and market development are constructed and used to perform various Granger causality tests to identify predictors of current growth rates.FindingsIt is found that the link exists only in the group of high income countries but this relationship is rather weak for the low income MENA economies. Privatization alone, although necessary, is not enough to spur economic growth. The establishment of sound institutions and well‐defined regulatory policies are needed to protect investors’ rights and entice them to invest in real and financial assets in the MENA region.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into financial integration, regulation and competitiveness in MENA countries.
A curriculum for digital librarians: a reflection on the European debate
Authors: Tammaro Anna Maria 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the trends for digital library education in Europe. It addresses two questions: what are the roles for digital librarians? How should they be educated?Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on the results of the project “European Curriculum Reflections on Library and Information Science Education” and the proceedings of the Workshops on Digital Library Education, held in Italy in 2005 and in Croatia in 2006.FindingsThree approaches to education for digital library are described: the emergence of the concept of “memory institutions”; the library‐based approach to knowledge management; and the isolation of IT from library and information science (LIS) schools.Research limitations/implicationsThe roles of the digital librarian are suggested, and the structure of a course for digital library education is proposed, but further research is needed on the definition of the digital library concept.Practical implicationsA digital librarian should have a combination of technological and librarianship competences.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the issue of education needed for digital librarians in Europe.
A new library in Bloomsbury: relocating the UCL SSEES Library
Authors: Pitman Lesley 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to describe the processes involved in an academic library building project, from the choice of site and appointment of the architects to the move itself. The focus is on finding solutions to problems caused by limited space, fixed deadlines and innovative design, and ensuring that the Library needs are fully understood throughout a complex project involving other interest groups over a number of years.Design/methodology/approachThe experience of the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies Library is used as a case study to describe various issues around library design, working with architects and project managers, and managing a library move. Reference is made to the impact of the 7 July bombings in London on library staff.FindingsThe case study outlines the importance of Library involvement in every aspect of the design, the impact of decisions about internal layout on library capacity, the adaptability of library staff to unusual and difficult working conditions, the possibility of providing a limited service in an incomplete building, the importance of balancing aesthetic and functional considerations in the final design, and the impact of those design decisions on the long‐term functioning and use of the Library.Originality/valueThe paper describes most of the processes and problems likely to be encountered in a major library building project and will be useful to any library setting out on such a project.
The library as intergenerational workplace
Authors: Topper Elisa F. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to understand typical generational values and traits that can help facilitate a more collegial environment and more goal‐oriented directed behaviour, especially as mixed generational groups work together in libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a literature review and provides suggestions to bridge the generation gap.FindingsAlthough there may be differences between generations, they all have similar values. It is the behaviours that go along with those values that may be different.Originality/valueThe paper stresses the value of being sensitive to the strengths and differences that all staff members have no matter what their age.
Sofia 2006: Globalization, Digitization, Access, and Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Agee Jim 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide an overview of the Sofia 2006: Globalization, Digitization, Access and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Conference held in Bulgaria, in November 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a description of the environment and social setting of the conference together with a selection from the conference content and comments regarding the future of the conference.FindingsThis was the largest Globenet conference to date, with participants from more than 30 nations.Originality/valueThis brief conference report will be of value to library and information professionals worldwide.
Sofia 2006: Globalization, Digitization, Access, and Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Hutchinson Eric 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide an overview of the Student Poster Session of the “Sofia 2006: Globalization, Digitization, Access and Preservation of Cultural Heritage” conference, held in Bulgaria in November 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe paper gives a description of the student poster session and presentations as part of the conference and the interaction between the students and with library/information professionals.FindingsThe paper highlights the engagement of students of many different nationalities in dialogue concerning important issues of librarianship within the context of an international conference.Originality/valueThe paper provides a brief report of a poster session within a conference, which will be of interest to library and information students and professionals worldwide.
What is personalization? A conceptual framework
Authors: Vesanen Jari 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe object of this paper is to help to understand what it is all about in question when talking about personalization.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework of personalization is presented, based on the literature.FindingsMarketers are looking increasingly at personalization to help them improve the performance of their efforts. However, personalization seems to be hard to apply. Some of these problems are caused by the fact that personalization means something different to each business and to the different actors in the value chain. This lack of agreement regarding the meaning of personalization limits successful communication between the different actors who produce or buy services and products that are connection with personalized marketing. This hinders co‐operation between service providers and marketers who are willing to apply personalization.Originality/valueIt is hoped that the framework is useful when discussing and developing the idea of personalization further.
Market orientation processes in retailing: a cross‐national study
Authors: Elg Ulf 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe main purpose is to provide an in‐depth understanding of market orientation in retailing and to identify the specific activities that have to be understood and managed in order for a retail firm to become market oriented.Design/methodology/approachQualitative studies of six firms in Sweden, Italy and the UK were carried out, including in‐depth interviews with retail managers and manufacturers.FindingsThree market orientation processes on different operational levels are identified, including critical activities that support each process. Linkages between retail market orientation and different background characteristics are also identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative, in‐depth approach using a limited number of respondents means that the results are not generalizable. The findings can serve as a basis for future operationalizations of retail market orientation in order to measure the degree of retail market orientation as well as its character with regards to the emphasis a certain retailer puts on each of the processes.Practical implicationsThe identified three processes and the corresponding activities can assist retailer managers in developing a more systematic market orientation approach.Originality/valueThe paper is a first attempt to develop a framework for market orientation in retailing based on the specific nature of retail marketing and management. It also shows that the quality and relevance of the market data in relation to the specific strategic activity that it is expected to support should be given much more consideration.
Tacit knowledge in the workplace: the facilitating role of peer relationships
Authors: Peroune Denise L. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate the role peer relationships play in making tacit knowledge explicit and accessible in the wider organization and whether they contribute to learning in a learning environment.Design/methodology/approachA dominant‐less dominant design, with the qualitative design being the dominant paradigm. Semi‐structured interviews provided qualitative data while the dimensions of the learning organization questionnaire (DLOQ) yielded quantitative data.FindingsIt was found that peer relationships provide the context within which sensemaking can take place and that the peer relationship by definition is the context within which these constructs already function effectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are relevant to this case, a small organization within a specific industry, printing, and so cannot be generalized. Existing research addresses sensemaking in hierarchical organizations. Future research should address sensemaking in the context of the flatter organization. Such research must look at the role of peer relationships.Originality/valueAdds to limited existing body of knowledge peer relationships. Shows how peer relationships can contribute to learning within the organization through the use of dialogue, inquiry, and the process of sensemaking and that the learning organization is environment in which sharing of tacit knowledge can take place.
Training transfer: the mediating role of perception of learning
Authors: Velada Raquel , Caetano António 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the mediating effects of perception of learning between occupational satisfaction, affective reactions, utility reactions and perceived training transfer.Design/methodology/approachThe participants in the study were 185 Portuguese teachers who attended a professional training programme.FindingsThe results of this study show that occupational satisfaction, affective and utility reactions are associated with perception of learning and perceived training transfer. Furthermore, the results also reveal that perception of learning fully mediates the relationship between occupational satisfaction and perceived training transfer and partially mediates the relationship between affective reactions, utility reactions and perceived training transfer.Research limitations/implicationsResults are based on self‐reported measures to evaluate training transfer.Practical implicationsOrganisations interested in maximising their return on investment on training and development should regularly monitor the employees' level of satisfaction with their occupation and determine whether new actions need to be taken regarding human resources practices or the working conditions. To enhance training transfer, careful attention should be given to the training design in order to ensure that it reflects the trainees' needs previously identified and to guarantee that trainees acquire a good level of learning in the programme.Originality/valueThe present study extends the empirical literature about the predictors of training transfer, showing that learning can play a mediating role between some predictors and transfer.
Structural issues and knowledge management in transnational education partnerships
Authors: Walton John S. , Guarisco Gisèle 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to analyse knowledge flows within a transnational educational partnership and to use social network analysis to map out structural differences between the two partners and the evolution of these differences over time.Design/methodology/approachA single longitudinal case study social network analysis is undertaken over a ten‐year period based on semi‐structured interviews with key informants supported by observational and archival data.FindingsThe investigation identifies feedback, feed‐forward and feed‐across knowledge transfer processes resulting in shared personal learning within the network zone and increasing institutionalisation of acquired knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on a single case study setting and further research with similar partnerships needs to be undertaken to establish points of comparison.Practical implicationsHow diagrammatic representation can be used to capture key structural issues that underpin the knowledge management process in loosely formed organisational settings.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new diagnostic‐enabling knowledge management model that helps address issues of how knowledge flows/transfer can be analysed and identified between partners at individual, group and organisational level. This model also identifies the inter‐organisational space that bounds the social network under discussion.
Open‐ended course evaluations: a response rate problem?
Authors: Darby Jenny A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine participants' response rate on dual style training course evaluation forms. These combine structured and open‐ended formats. Pencil and paper forms have a long history of use by trainers in business and commerce and more recently in education. Research methods texts tend to have neglected the issue of response rates with this type of form.Design/methodology/approachApproximately 2,000 course participants attending 28 courses completed evaluation forms. These were designed with a series of structured responses scales followed by a section for open‐ended comments.FindingsIt was found that the completion rate for the open‐ended sections was low and thus validity was suspect. Various explanations were offered for this. Subsequently when a redesigned evaluation form was administered to a further 1,641 course participants it was found that response rates increased dramatically when open‐ended sections were placed earlier in the questionnaire.Practical implicationsIndicates ways in which course evaluation forms can be redesigned to increase response rates for open‐ended sections and thus improve the validity of any findings.Originality/valueProvides information about response rates neglected by most methodology texts concerning the design of training evaluation questionnaires which include open‐ended sections.
Rethinking research management in Colombia
Authors: Zarama Roberto , Reyes Alfonso , Aldana Eduardo , Villalobos Jorge , Bohorquez Juan C. , Calderón Juan P. , Botero Alonso , Lammoglia Nelson L. , Villaveces José L. , Pinzón Luis , Bonilla Ricardo , Mejía Andrés , Bermeo José , Dyner Isaac , Johnson Neil F. , Valdivia Juan A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a proposal to change the form in which knowledge is produced in Colombia.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses the key issue – to transform the way in which the production of knowledge is currently taking place at the university level.FindingsTo be able to increase the production of knowledge in this country there is a need to create bonds among industrial, governmental, and academic institutions. It is believed that this can be done by the development of a system capable of continuously forming researchers at a doctoral level.Originality/valueThe paper puts forward a proposal for the construction of such a system based on the developments of organizational cybernetics. The proposal is based on the concept of autonomy which is crucial to solve this problem.
From sociohistory to psychohistory
Authors: Yolles M.I. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to postulate a theory of psychohistory as a “think‐piece”. It develops from some earlier theoretical work on sociohistory that can model cultures that are large‐scale (e.g. societies) over the long term or small scale (e.g. corporations) over the short term. Sociohistory, as developed by Yolles and Frieden, provides a new theory to explore the possibilities of tracking and explaining social and cultural change. It offers entry to the development of a theory of psychohistory that explores the psychological basis for decision making and social action and interaction, and connects with both Jung's propositions on psychological profiling and with the popular Myers‐Briggs instruments of personality testing.Design/methodology/approachSociohistory was developed by coupling three theoretical frameworks: the knowledge cybernetics of Maurice Yolles, the mathematical approach in extreme physical information (EPI) of Roy Frieden, and the sociocultural dynamics of Pitrin Sorokin. Knowledge cybernetics creates the vehicle for the exploration of the sociocultural dynamics that reflects the theoretical structures of Sorokin, and uses EPI as a way of fine tuning one's understanding of the qualitative and quantitative dynamics uncovered. The basic fractal nature of knowledge cybernetics is be used to extend the theory of sociohistory from sociocultural dynamics to psychosocial dynamics. Elaborating on the fractal nature of the approach, an indicative theory of psychohistory is formulated.FindingsThe theoretical basis for sociohistory is outlined and extended from sociocultural to psychosocial dynamics, and it is shown how the methodological approach can then be extended to the development of psychohistory. An agenda for further sociohistorical and psychohistorical research is also developed in this process.Originality/valueSociocultural dynamics is extended to the promise of being able to deal with social dynamics within a cultural setting. The postulated theory of psychohistory both explores social dynamics in psychological terms and is linked to the potential for developing a new personality inventory.
Fostering innovation by unlearning tacit knowledge
Authors: Rebernik Miroslav , Širec Karin 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the problems of managing tacit knowledge and the importance of unlearning it. As the main problem of managing tacit knowledge lies in the fact that it escapes observation and measurement, an adequate framework that would make some dimensions of tacit knowledge visible has to be developed.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of literature surveys the authors discuss several types of knowledge and issues related to sharing, learning and, most importantly, unlearning obsolete tacit knowledge dimensions.FindingsTo overcome the perpetual elusiveness of tacit knowledge is presented a framework that could help highlight dimensions of tacit knowledge that can be mobilized and observed through the manifestation of different behaviour. It is partly possible to make explicit some dimensions of tacit knowledge that not only contribute to successful sharing and mutual learning, but also enable the identification of those parts of knowledge that hinder innovation and should be unlearned. The better one's understanding of the process of creating and using new knowledge and discarding obsolete knowledge, the more likely it is that organizations will foster innovative behaviour in organizations.Originality/valueIntroduced insight is important in understanding the importance of the distinctive requirements of knowledge management related to managing tacit dimensions. In the turbulent and ever‐changing business environment, tacit knowledge dimensions grow obsolete very rapidly and hinder innovation processes, so ways of un‐learning this obsolete knowledge have to be found.