bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing sustainable reporting standards
Authors: Aras Güler , Crowther David 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the development of reporting standards for both financial reporting and for corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. It aims to argue that both International Financial Reporting Standards and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are vehicles of colonial exploitation and cannot be sustainable. This can be contrasted with the voluntary approach to the development of CSR reporting standards.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach is dialectical, and is based upon diagnosis and concomitant prognosis.FindingsThe findings take the form of an evaluation of progress so far in the harmonisation of financial reporting standards, the development of CSR reporting standards and the consequences are contrasted with the rhetorical justification. From this a prognosis is developed.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications are a projection into the future and therefore subject to limitations.Originality/valueThis paper increases the understanding of the relationship between standards development and exploitation and the implications for the longer term.
A disclosure index to measure the quality of annual reporting by museums in New Zealand and the UK
Authors: Ling Wei Ting , Davey Howard , Coy David 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the reporting practice of leading museums in New Zealand (NZ) and the UK to develop a museums' performance accountability disclosure index.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports a study of annual reporting by 16 museums in NZ and the UK. Because of the unique nature of the industry the disclosure index uses a framework which draws on the balanced scorecard (BSC). The BSC provides a link between internal reporting of key performance issues and the need of a community organisation to report to the public.FindingsOverall, the quality of reporting in each country is found to be of a similar standard. The strongest parts of reports are those dealing with internal processes and objectives, and the weakest are those reporting on learning and growth.Originality/valueMuseums are a key repository of tangible cultural heritage of huge intrinsic value both to the community now, but of more importance to future generations. However, the performance and accountability of this sector is basically without research or commentary, and this paper addresses this deficiency.
The management of interest rate risk: evidence from UK companies
Authors: Dhanani Alpa , Fifield Suzanne , Helliar Christine , Stevenson Lorna 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the interest rate risk management (IRRM) practices of UK‐listed companies. In particular, it examines the significance of interest rate risk (IRR) to these companies as well as the risk management practices adopted, including: the methods used to assess the level of IRR and the types of interest rate forecasts used in the process; derivatives activity; and corporate governance, reporting and control.Design/methodology/approachA series of semi‐structured interviews was conducted with the treasurers of ten UK companies in order to provide an in‐depth analysis of IRRM.FindingsThe results of this research suggest that IRR is important to UK companies and that their IRR hedging strategies are geared towards managing shareholder considerations and protecting banking covenants and corporate credit ratings. Moreover, companies rely extensively on financial derivatives to manage their IRR although their corporate governance practices relating to derivatives usage, in some instances, are lacking. Finally, there was a mixed response in relation to the implications of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 39; while some companies fear that the new standard may curb managerial practices, others are in favour of the more stringent reporting requirements.Research limitations/implicationsThe research indicates that IRRM is important to UK companies, and especially so for firms that have loan covenants in place. Thus, the interest rate decisions of the Bank of England will have a major effect on UK industry. The study also suggests that the implementation of IAS 39 may have unanticipated consequences on the risk management behaviour of UK firms as the possible reduction in the use of options and exchange‐traded products may result in less efficient IRRM within companies. Finally, the research suggests that corporate governance practices relating to financial risk management need to be improved.Originality/valueThe use of an interview‐based approach facilitates an investigation of the IRRM practices of companies on an individual basis rather than the aggregated analysis offered by most studies in the area. In addition, the paper addresses the more qualitative aspects of IRRM, such as the form and significance of IRR, IRR policy and strategy, and the use of derivative instruments.
Organizational learning and the learning organization
Authors: Rebelo Teresa Manuela , Duarte Gomes Adelino 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the evolution of the concepts of organizational learning and the learning organization and propose guidelines for the future..Design/methodology/approachThe evolution of organizational learning and the learning organization is analysed in the light of the three‐stage model of the evolution of concepts developed by Reichers and Schneider in 1990.FindingsBased on the aforesaid model, the authors positioned these topics at the beginning of the second stage of evolution, a period characterised by evaluation and the attempt to add to the comprehension of concepts through empirical research and conceptual clarification. Faced with this finding, the authors argue that the development and consolidation of concepts is mainly a question of researchers' responsibility and suggest some key areas to guarantee their progress and their general acceptance in the future.Originality/valueThe use of a concept's life cycle stage model as a framework to analyse evolution of the concepts of organizational learning and the learning organization that allows comprehension of their pattern of development and, in consequence, provides a consistent basis to propose guidelines for their future development.
Knowledge creation in construction organisations: a case approach
Authors: Eliufoo Harriet 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate and characterise the knowledge creation process in construction organisations and explore to what extent organisations facilitate the process.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is adopted using four construction organisations; a knowledge creation model is also used as the analytical tool.FindingsThe model successfully identifies the characteristics of the knowledge creation process and its uniqueness among the cases studied; and that conscientious effort by organisations to facilitate the process is limited.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to intra‐firm knowledge creation.Practical implicationsUnderstanding of the knowledge creation process by organisations adopting the model is a potential platform for enhancement of the process in organisations.Originality/valueThe article provides the establishment of specific knowledge creation models through an empirical investigation of construction organisations.
Using e‐mentoring to sustain distance training and education
Authors: Homitz Daniel James , Berge Zane L. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine e‐mentoring as a way to sustain distance training and education.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes a framework for sustaining distance training and education by adding e‐mentoring (mentoring over the internet). It also explores the role of mentors, the benefits of the programs to the mentor and the sponsoring organizations, and ways of overcoming challenges faced by e‐mentoring in distance training and education.FindingsOne effective and cost‐effective way to monitor and improve the effectiveness of training and education in the workplace is to involve expert peers, subject matter experts, and managers in a mentoring or coaching capacity.Originality/valueThe article shows a cost‐effective way to monitor and improve the effectiveness of training and education in the workplace.
Supply chain development: insights from strategic niche management
Authors: Caniëls Marjolein C.J. , Romijn Henny A. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the study of supply chain design from the perspective of complex dynamic systems. Unlike extant studies that use formal simulation modelling and associated methodologies rooted in the physical sciences, it adopts a framework rooted in the social sciences, strategic niche management, which provides rich insights into the behavioural aspects of complex innovation dynamics of emerging supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe use of the framework is illustrated by means of a case study about the development of a new biofuels supply chain in East Africa.FindingsThree key dynamic processes are found to be at the core of new supply chain development: networking, learning and the management of actor expectations. The case analysis suggests the need to actively manage these processes and suggests possible ways of doing so.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralisability is limited since the research is based on one case study. Additional case studies using the same framework would help to validate and extend the results obtained.Practical implicationsImplications for strategic managerial decision making include the need to encourage stakeholder networking and shared learning, and managing their expectations.Originality/valueThe paper uses an innovative conceptual framework to examine new supply chain development, which yields new insights into how these processes can be actively managed and supported.
Analysis of volatility persistence in Middle East emerging equity markets
Authors: Rao Ananth 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThere is growing demand for research approaches that consider the functioning of financial markets in the emerging economy. The current paper aims to examine cointegration and volatility persistence of six Middle East emerging Arabian Gulf Cooperation council (AGCC) equity markets with developed markets.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses the MGARCH and VAR methodology to analyze the cointegration and volatility spillover across emerging AGCC markets and developed markets. Time series stock return data for six AGCC countries from February 2003 to January 2006 are used from Shuaa Capital Market together with MSCI world developed market index.FindingsThe study shows that AGCC markets exhibit significant own and cross spillover of innovations and volatility spillover and persistence in these markets. Emerging markets in AGCC derive relatively more of their innovations and volatility persistence from within the domestic market.Practical implicationsThe results imply that, emerging AGCC markets are susceptible to conditions within the AGCC region. This increases potential benefits of international diversification for international investors. The study findings have implications for security pricing within AGCC markets, for hedging and other trading strategies, and for regulatory polices conducted within financial markets.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical evidence and justification for investors, both individual and foreign institutional, to adjust their portfolios through diversification.
Fiscal policy, private investment and economic growth: the case of Ghana
Authors: Ogeh Soli Vera , Kwadzogah Harvey Simon , Hagan Edmond 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationships between disaggregated government fiscal policy variables; private capital investment and economic growth in Ghana, as well as the similarities and differences in the impact of these variables on private investment (PI) and economic growth.Design/methodology/approachCointegration and an error‐correction models are used, with time series properties of the variables investigate using augmented Dickey‐Fuller test and cointegration of the variables tested using Engel‐Granger two step procedure.FindingsThe findings indicate that changes in government recurrent expenditure, current government capital expenditure and international trade taxes are significant for growth while changes in tax on domestic goods and services, tax on international trade and tax on income and property matter for private capital investment. The major difference between the impact of fiscal policy on PI and economic growth, however, lies in the direction of impact.Practical implicationsBased on the findings of this study, it is recommended that different policies be pursued in the promotion of PI and economic growth. Also, given the low correlation between PI and economic growth, it is recommended that the Ghanaian private sector be focused on and fully developed in order for it to perform its role as an engine of growth.Originality/valueGrowth has been shown to be influenced by government expenditure and international trade taxes while private capital investment is influenced by taxes on domestic goods and services, international trade and on income and property. Fiscal policy authorities will find these useful.
Strategies and success factors for overcoming challenges in TPM implementation in Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Ahuja I.P.S. , Khamba J.S. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the challenges before Indian manufacturing organizations for adapting to proactive total productive maintenance (TPM) initiatives. The aim of this research is to critically examine the factors influencing the implementation of TPM practices in the Indian manufacturing industry, and to devise an overall maintenance strategy for overcoming obstacles to successful TPM implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe study focuses on systematic identification of obstacles in TPM implementation and working out success factors towards improving manufacturing performance in Indian industry through strategic TPM initiatives.FindingsThe study highlights the strong potential of TPM implementation initiatives in affecting organizational performance improvements. The paper reveals that implementing TPM is by no means an easy task, which is heavily burdened by organizational, cultural, behavioral, technological, operational, financial, and departmental barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has been conducted in Indian manufacturing organizations to formulate the critical success factors and enablers for overcoming obstacles to successful TPM implementation with regard to its preparedness to face global challenges.Practical implicationsThe study stresses the need for improving the synergy between the maintenance function and other organizational quality improvement initiatives in the organizations, to establish maintenance as a competitive strategy for meeting the challenges of a highly competitive environment.Originality/valueThe study highlights the difficulties faced by Indian manufacturing organizations in their attempt to implement TPM initiatives in order to improve organizational efficiency.
Modelling preventive maintenance for auxiliary components
Authors: Al‐Mishari Salman T. , Suliman S.M.A. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a preventive maintenance (PM) model for auxiliary components whose failures may not necessarily correspond to system failure but rather to faster system degradation.Design/methodology/approachThe concept of load sharing was utilized to build a suitable Markov model for the problem. Regression analysis was used to estimate the various transition rates of the model. A real field application was used to illustrate the model.FindingsModels addressing the design of an optimal PM strategy for such a problem are rare in the literature. The load‐sharing concept was borrowed and found very useful to model this problem. Regression analysis based on real field data was also found to be useful to estimate the model transition rates.Originality/valueThis paper addresses a problem that is not given enough attention in the currently available literature. Available models assume that a PM activity will restore the equipment to an as new, or at least to a better, condition. There exist situations, however, where a PM activity does not amend any damage but instead slows down further deterioration.
Development of a framework for industrial service innovation management and coordination
Authors: Singh Panesar Sukhvir , Markeset Tore 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify different service innovation drivers, innovation process activities and to understand industrial services innovation management and coordination, as well as to develop a framework for industrial service innovation management and coordination.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved collection of information and data from the literature and the Norwegian oil and gas (O&G) industry. A survey was conducted to get an overview of existing practices and guided interviews were conducted to confirm the findings of the survey.FindingsThe study indicates that the market needs are considered the most important innovation process driver, feedback from the customers is the most important activity to encourage service innovations, whilst return on investments is the most important decision‐making factor in evaluating innovation feasibility. Employees are the most important source of innovation ideas. Furthermore, interactions between different companies, as well as involvement of customer, employees and suppliers in the innovation process are becoming increasingly important.Practical implicationsThe study shows that service providers and receivers often collaborate in the innovation processes, and that many of the activities are performed simultaneously. This results in the collaborative parties needing to put resources on managing and coordinating the innovation process in a structured, effective and efficient way. The proposed framework for service innovation management and coordination provides practitioners with a structured approach to manage industrial service innovations.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on the data collected from a number of companies from the O&G industry in Norway.Originality/valueThe paper identifies different innovation process drivers and activities and proposes a modified framework for industrial services innovation management and coordination based on the study analysis, interaction with the practitioners and using available literature on innovation management.
Occupational risks in industrial maintenance
Authors: Lind Salla , Nenonen Sanna 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to describe the most important occupational risks in maintenance operations.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzed all maintenance‐related fatalities since 1985 together with one group of severe accidents in Finland. In connection with the study, risk assessments were carried out in companies with the aim of charting the risks on sites.FindingsThe results indicate that the typical risks in maintenance operations involve poor ergonomics and that the most severe risks among these can lead to direct injury. Severe or even fatal injuries are mainly caused by crushing or falling.Practical implicationsTo manage the risks, maintenance operations should be taken more carefully into account when designing and reconstructing machinery and work environments. It should be ensured that workers have relevant safety knowledge by means of risk assessments and instruction in safe working practice. In addition, safety cooperation with the customer is essential.Originality/valueThe findings indicate that maintenance operations include certain occupational risks. Among such risks, subcontracting offers a specific challenge to the service provider's safety management. The findings of this study provide advice on the safety measures necessary for accident prevention and how to execute them.
Safety risk assessment in industrial maintenance
Authors: Lind Salla , Nenonen Sanna , Kivistö‐Rahnasto Jouni 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to answer the following questions: What conditions must be taken into account in order to manage maintenance‐related risks? and how can the service‐providing company assess and manage maintenance‐related risks?Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on analyses concerning: maintenance‐related risks in companies; literature review; and real accident data. The development process was carried out in cooperation with companies providing maintenance services.FindingsBased on the findings, the method takes into account various risks relating to maintenance operations. The method includes specific parts for safety planning and hazard identification for managing maintenance safety. In addition, it provides a safety check‐list for the worker.Research limitations/implicationsThe usability and feasibility of the method should be reassessed and developed. The method could be especially useful in an electronic form.Practical implicationsThe method can be utilized for assessing maintenance‐related occupational risks in different working environments. The results from the assessments create the basis for risk management in industrial maintenance.Originality/valueOwing to certain specific safety challenges, maintenance operations require a specific risk assessment method. However, such a method has not been previously available. The findings and feedback indicate that this kind of a risk assessment tool can be useful in companies.
Country of origin, brand image perception, and brand image structure
Authors: Koubaa Yamen 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of country of origin (COO) information on brand perception and brand image structure.Design/methodology/approachThrough an analytical review, research hypotheses were built. An empirical investigation was carried out among Japanese consumers. Two brands of electronics with different levels of reputation were investigated.FindingsResults showed that COO had an effect on brand perception. This effect differs across brands and across countries of production. Brand‐origin appears to be of significant impact on consumer perception. Brand images are found to be multidimensional. Their structures differ across brands and across COO.Research limitations/implicationsCOO has multiple effects on brand image perception. Brand image is multidimensional. This research dealt with one type of product among culturally similar respondents which may limit the finding.Practical implicationsMarketing actions should be customized across brands with different levels of reputation. Brand image should be assessed as a multidimensional concept incorporating multiple facets. Consumers are influenced by the brand‐origin. Marketers should be aware of this association.Originality/valueThis research tests the multidimensional aspect of brand image structure and effect of COO information on brand image structure. Results show that COO information affects both the degree of fragmentation of brand image as well as its composition.