bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining cumulative capabilities in a developing economy
Authors: Amoako‐Gyampah Kwasi , Meredith Jack R. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the cumulative capabilities theory of manufacturing strategy against the capabilities tradeoffs theory in a less‐developed economy. It also aims to test whether the sequential development of capabilities follows the same order prescribed in the sand cone model.Design/methodology/approachSpecific hypotheses on the relationships among the four manufacturing strategy components of cost, delivery, flexibility, and quality were stated. Data were collected from 126 manufacturing firms in Ghana. Statistical analyses included correlation, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis.FindingsAs with previous studies, the evidence here supports the cumulative capabilities theory. However, tradeoffs between the capabilities of quality, cost, delivery, and flexibility were not found. In addition, the sequence of capability development was found to be different from that in developed economies, with cost being second in importance after quality. This is postulated to be due to the substantially different economic conditions in Ghana.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research provide guidelines to managers, particularly in developing economies, on the sequence of manufacturing capability development that is most likely to occur as they seek lasting improvements in manufacturing performance.Originality/valueThis paper provides findings from a less‐developed economic environment that is typically not included in manufacturing strategy research – Ghana. The consistency of the results with those obtained in more advanced economies provides additional evidence for the cumulative capability model.
Value of the consumer bundle: a data‐series set
Authors: Officer Lawrence H. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide long‐run annual series of the value of the consumer bundle and related variables.Design/methodology/approachBenchmark data are assembled for each of the variables. Interpolative techniques are used to obtain values for missing years.FindingsContinuous annual series for 1900‐2004 are developed for value of the consumer bundle, number of consumer units, and average size of the consumer unit. Behavior of the series over time is consistent with what economic and demographic experience would suggest.Originality/valueGeneration of long‐run series as extensions of aggregate‐type data in the Consumer Expenditure Survey of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Feldstein‐Horioka puzzle in an ARIMA framework
Authors: Serletis Apostolos , Gogas Periklis 
Published: August 2007

PurposeTo test the Feldstein‐Horioka hypothesis that the investment‐to‐output ratio moves one‐for‐one with the saving‐to‐output ratio, suggesting international capital mobility.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the econometric framework developed by Fisher and Seater, interpreting the Feldstein‐Horioka hypothesis as a long‐run phenomenon, and paying particular attention to the integration properties of the data, since meaningful tests critically depend on these properties. The paper also investigates the power of the long‐horizon regression tests, using the inverse power function of Andrews.FindingsThe paper tests the Feldstein‐Horioka hypothesis for 15 European countries, as well as for the USA and Japan, using annual data for the period from 1960 to 2002. Evidence is found against the Feldstein and Horioka hypothesis of low international capital mobility.Originality/valueAlthough the findings are in contrast to those of Feldstein and Horioka, they are consistent with neoclassical growth theory according to which there is no reason to expect a relation between saving and investment if there are no barriers to capital movements.
Unreal exchange rates: a simulation‐based approach to adjust misleading PPP estimates
Authors: Sjölander Pär 
Published: August 2007

PurposeIn what seems as an infinitely ongoing debate regarding the purchasing power parity (PPP) theory, this paper seeks to question the strength of the scientific “evidence” put forward by the PPP revisionistsDesign/methodology/approachIn this paper, the validity of the PPP revisionists' scientific evidence supporting long‐run PPP is questioned based on the replication of an influential review study that is considered by PPP revisionists to exhibit “some of the strongest evidence” in favour of the PPP theory.FindingsBy simulation experiments it is demonstrated that the traditional PPP unit root tests are non‐robust to the empirically identified (G)ARCH distortions. Due to (G)ARCH distortions, over‐rejections for the traditional unit root tests are shown to be a problem that potentially misleads researchers to believe that long‐run PPP holds under circumstances when it is in fact not valid. As a potential remedy to this problem, a new unit root test is introduced which is robust to conditional heteroscedasticity disturbances, and in contrast to traditional unit root tests, it exhibits no significant empirical support for the PPP theory.Originality/valueThe study illustrates that the PPP revisionists' unit root tests cannot reliably test the PPP hypothesis in the presence of (G)ARCH distortions, due to bad power and size properties. Perhaps it is time to conclude that, based on the currently existing research, it is virtually impossible to empirically come to a credible conclusion regarding whether long‐run PPP holds or not.
Fiscal decentralization in the Republic of Slovenia: an opportunity for the property tax
Authors: McCluskey William J. , Bevc Igor 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to show how the Slovenian government has recognised the need for local government fiscal autonomy and to enhance this has instigated the introduction of an ad valorem property tax. Since independence in 1991 Slovenia has embarked on a path of administrative and fiscal decentralization. Local government has been subject to significant reform in terms of the creation of additional municipalities and the allocation of devolved expenditure responsibilities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an in‐depth analysis of central and local government statistics to demonstrate the potential role of the property tax in any future decentralisation of responsibilities and funding to the local level.FindingsThis study finds that in terms of both municipal revenue and expenditure there remains a high degree of centralised control by the state. On the positive side with the introduction of the new property tax there is an expectation for greater local fiscal autonomy, however, on the negative side progess towards the introduction of the new tax has been extremely slow. The study concludes that while the proposals are likely to provide for a more stable and uniform local tax, there appears to be lethargy in implementing the property tax.Originality/valueIt is argued in this paper that accession to the EU has created pressures for Slovenia to adopt a financing model which gives greater fiscal autonomy to local government. Currently, the high level of centralization is seen as a barrier to greater devolution of powers which in turn has a negative effect on the introduction of the new property tax.
The blog as a high‐impact institutional communication tool
Authors: Goodfellow Tom , Graham Sarah 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe considerable cost of sending staff to a conference is often not matched by the benefits that the library then gains. The aim of this paper was to maximise the institutional impact of the authors' attendance at the ALIA Click06 conference in Perth, Western Australia by providing a blog of the event and encouraging interaction with colleagues during the conference itself.Design/methodology/approachThe University of Sydney's “Blogs dot Usyd” service provided the platform for the blog, using WordPress software and holding the blog within the usyd.edu.au domain. Prior to the conference postings were done occasionally in order to build up interest in the blog. During the conference, postings were done several times each day using conference or hotel wifi facilities and internet cafes. Pictures were also posted to Flickr. Posts were a mix of informal/contextual and formal/informational.FindingsThe response from colleagues was very positive. Usage statistics show that a high proportion of the target audience read the blog with many of them using RSS. Some posts also attracted a number of comments, which often produced results that added value to our original posts. The authors were also surprised to find a high level of interest from the wider library community. In particular, Australian bloggers seem to be forming a strong community bond based around the librariesinteract.info communal blog. Producing the blog enabled the authors to meet with a number of peers, thereby increasing the benefits from the conference activity.Practical implicationsThe further use of blogs as staff communication tools during conferences and similar events should be encouraged. This could be linked with staff development activities such as training in blogging and RSS.Originality/valueThe blog differed from most institutional blogs in that it had a tightly defined target audience, a predetermined period of existence and a very tight focus on a single event.
Innovation in a podshell: bringing information literacy into the world of podcasting
Authors: Berk Jaya , Olsen Sonja , Atkinson Jody , Comerford Joanne 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the development of a pilot program for using podcasting as a tool in the provision of information literacy in an academic library. It aims to discuss the implementation process and the issues encountered in developing a podcasting series at the Curtin University Library.Design/methodology/approachThe possibilities for using podcasts to deliver library information literacy in an academic library are discussed in reference to current literature and trends. The method for creating a podcasting series, including the equipment, software, RSS feed, legal issues and cost and staffing implications, is outlined along with the parameters used by the Curtin University Library in the development of a pilot series.FindingsThe paper finds that podcasts offer libraries a new method of delivering information literacy to their clients. It is possible to create a podcasting series with minimal expense and the simple production method enables many libraries to take advantage of this new technology. The podcasting series at Curtin has proven to be popular with downloads increasing steadily over the course of the semester. There have been over 9,000 downloads of the audio files to the end of November 2006. By taking advantage of this ubiquitous technology libraries can communicate with their clientele in a new and exciting way.Originality/valueThe paper outlines how to create a podcasting series for information literacy in an academic library environment, and provides recommendations for other libraries wishing to create their own podcasting series.
Emerging technologies changing our service delivery models
Authors: Kajewski MaryAnn 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the range of free and inexpensive technologies that are available and have been simply implemented with practical and immediate benefits both for library staff and clients.Design/methodology/approachThe paper demonstrates positive examples of integrating technologies such as blogs, wikis, RSS aggregators, podcasts, vodcasts, web conferencing, and instant messaging into library services and programs. The paper reports the take up of these technologies by public libraries nationally and internationally and examines Australian public library use and promotion of these services to their clients. Questions around the level of use or non‐use by public libraries are also explored.FindingsThe paper finds that these technologies have increased clients' interaction with and access to library services and collections. By providing information in various formats these technologies are meeting client's various and individual requirements, and reflect the increasing demand of services in virtual environments. A case study around the OPAL Training Project Emerging Technology course will examine library staff buy‐in and involvement in the development of new services and explore the difference these emerging technologies can make to our clients.Originality/valueEmerging technologies provide librarians with a unique opportunity to substantially enhance user‐centred services and to facilitate and promote collaboration between libraries and their clients.
Print v. electronic reference sources: implications of an Australian study
Authors: Ritchie Ann , Genoni Paul 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the evolving balance between the use of print and electronic sources for answering reference questions.Design/methodology/approachA review of the international literature from the mid‐1990s is conducted. A case study of reference questions received at the Northern Territory Library is undertaken, by auditing data held in the online reference information management system, RefTracker. Over 620 questions are categorised according to the sources used in responding to those questions.FindingsResults indicate that print and electronic sources are both important to the reference service at the Northern Territory Library.Research limitations/implicationsThere is great difficulty in assessing what constitutes a “correct” balance between print and electronic sources for responding to reference questions, and the current practice is likely to differ significantly between libraries. The results of the study are discussed in terms of their implications for the future of reference services and the education and training needs of reference librarians.Originality/valueFrom the results of this study, coupled with data gathered from the review of international literature, it is possible to identify trends and issues influencing reference services and collections.
Architecture for implementing a sustainable electronic delivery services platform
Authors: Thundatil Nandu 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe main objective of this case study paper is to describe the State Library of New South Wales (SLNSW) implementation strategy and technical architecture model for implementing a sustainable technology platform for the delivery of electronic services as part of its atmitchell.com initiative.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on practical experience and knowledge gained by the SLNSW atmitchell.com project team as part of implementing the project strategy i.e. the three main horizons, defining the target technical architecture model and undertaking the technology evaluation to select appropriate technology vendors and products for digitisation, digital asset management, content management and system integration services.FindingsThe paper finds that the implementation strategy for atmitchell.com, i.e. to implement the project in three main horizons or phases, was critical to the success of this initiative. Defining a target architecture model to address the key issues and challenges within the SLNSW enterprise was also useful during the technology evaluation and selection process.Originality/valueThis case study paper focuses mainly on the implementation strategy and technical architecture developed by SLNSW to implement the atmitchell.com initiative. The key issues related to data, process and network are specific to the SLNSW enterprise. Cultural institutions with similar information technology (IT) systems and challenges can use the target technical architecture model described in this paper as a reference model to develop their organisation's target architecture model. The findings and lessons learned from SLNSW technology evaluation and tender process combined with the strategy adopted early on by SLNSW to implement the atmitchell.com initiative in three main horizon or phases will be valuable information for solution architects, IT managers and senior management executives of cultural organisations that are planning to embark in to similar initiatives.
Do macroeconomic factors subsume market anomalies in long investment horizons?
Authors: Chou Pin‐Huang , Ghon Rhee S. , Wang Jane‐Sue 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to examine whether macroeconomic variables could subsume the size and book‐to‐market (BM) anomalies for longer‐return intervals using Tokyo Stock Exchange‐listed stocks.Design/methodology/approachThe Fama‐MacBeth cross‐sectional regressions of various models over time‐intervals ranging from one month to one year are performed.FindingsThe empirical results show that most macroeconomic variables explain short‐term returns within six months, with the industrial production as the only variable that persistently explains returns of all horizons ranging from one month to one year. Firm size does bear significant risk premium, but its significance diminishes for return‐intervals beyond three months when macroeconomic variables are included in the regression. BM is the only variable that significantly accounts for the cross‐section of stock returns for all horizons, regardless of the inclusion of macroeconomic variables.Research limitations/implicationsThese empirical findings suggest that stock returns are determined by both rational factors such as macroeconomic variables and behavioral factors such as BM.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that potential trading strategies indeed can be formed to exploit the persistent predictability, especially the BM regularity.Originality/valueThis paper is the first study that examines the competing explanatory power of various asset‐pricing models over different investment horizons.
Assessing the risk relevance of accounting variables in diverse economic conditions
Authors: Brimble Mark , Hodgson Allan 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the contemporary association between accounting information and a number of measures of systematic (beta) risk that incorporate dynamic market features. The goal is to determine the fundamental accounting drivers of beta and to assess whether their explanatory variable power has changed or declined over time.Design/methodology/approachBeta estimates are calculated using adjustments for thin‐trading, central tendency, leverage, and time variance. Accounting risk variables are derived from theoretical foundations and prior empirical research, and classified as operating, financial or growth.FindingsResults show a strong association between accounting variables (operating and growth) and systematic risk that is consistent over time, but with some industry and size differences and possible country effects. Accounting variables are able to capture dynamic risk shifts and generally are able to outperform naïve M‐GARCH and industry betas in predicting next year's systematic risk.Practical implicationsInternal management and external decision making enable the development of more efficient ex‐post risk measures, isolating actual risk determinants rather than just determining the level of risk, overcoming the problem that conventional ex‐post measures cannot be used for non‐listed entities, initial public offering firms, or those that do not have sufficient trading history, reduces the noise found in traditional risk estimates that rely on historical security returns, and the development of trading and valuation strategies.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that assesses the association between a range of dynamic risk measures and accounting variables and tests whether this long‐run association has changed over time.
Stable betas, size, earnings‐to‐price, book‐to‐market and the validity of the capital asset pricing model
Authors: Guan Liming , Hansen Don R. , Leikam Shannon L. , Shaw J. 
Published: August 2007

PurposePrior work claims that the CAPM is mis‐specified based on evidence that beta and idiosyncratic variables such as size, book‐to‐market, and price‐earnings ratios combine to explain average cross‐sectional variation in stock returns. This paper set out to reexamine this research by employing more rigorous statistical methods to control for beta shifts.Design/methodology/approachTIMVAR program is employed to control for risk shift. Clean betas are used to reexamine the methods used in Fama and French (1992).FindingsThe paper shows that, even if the CAPM generates expected returns, the mentioned idiosyncratic variables may be correlated with expected returns. Moreover, if beta is measured with error, then it is possible for idiosyncratic variables to enter as explanatory variables. Evidence is provided indicating that, as measurement error in beta is reduced, then the role of beta in explaining cross‐sectional returns increases, while the role of idiosyncratic variables diminishes.Practical implicationsBeta continues to be a significant variable to measure the risk of securities.Originality/valueThis paper employs a novel approach (TIMVAR program) to detect and control for structural changes in linear regression. This approach has been widely used in quality control by industries. The audience of the paper includes both academics and practitioners.
Complementarity bilateral bounds on forces in magnet systems
Authors: Bossavit Alain 
Published: August 2007

PurposeIt is well known that complementarity can provide bilateral bounds on energy, in numerical approximations of nonlinear magnetostatics. Questions whether like force is, up to sign, the derivative of energy, can such bounds also apply to forces, torques, and other concepts?Design/methodology/approachThis is a discussion paper exploring the issues conceptually.FindingsOn the face of it, no, since inequalities are not preserved by differentiation. Yet, useful bounds can be given in some cases, as shown in the discussion, following an idea by Matagne.Originality/valueThe paper aids the understanding of nonlinear magnetostatic systems.
FE analysis of induction motor working in cryogenic temperature
Authors: Kołowrotkiewicz Jerzy , Barański Mariusz , Szelęg Wojciech , Długiewicz Lech 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to elaborate the method and algorithm of analysis of induction motor working in cryogenic temperature.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the design and investigation of performance characteristics of three‐phase high voltage squirrel‐cage submerged motor. The motor is intended to work at cryogenic temperature −161°C in liquefied natural gas (LNG). The time‐stepping finite element method of transients analysis in induction motor working in cryogenic temperature has been presented. The nonlinearity of the magnetic circuit, the movement of the rotor and skewed slots have been taken into account.FindingsThe study finds that presented method and elaborated software are used to determine the steady state and dynamic performance of the high voltage squirrel‐cage submerged motor. The results of simulations and measurements of constructed model motor have been presented.Research limitations/implicationsThe problem has been considered as the 2D one. In order to take into account the skewed slots of the rotor the multi‐slice finite element method has been used.Practical implicationsInvestigation presented in the paper has been performed in order to study the influence of the temperature on motor characteristics and to verify design calculations. No‐load current, starting torque and short‐circuit current during short‐circuit test, obtained on the basis of measurements and received from calculations, are in good concordance.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a method to determine the steady state and dynamic performance of the high voltage squirrel‐cage submerged motor working in cryogenic temperature.