bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Living with increasing floods: insights from a rural Philippine community
Authors: Gaillard Jean‐Christophe , Pangilinan Michael R.M. , Rom Cadag Jake , Le Masson Virginie 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider people's ways of coping with increasing flooding in a Philippine rural community.Design/methodology/approachThe paper relies on extensive field work conducted between July and August 2006. It cross‐checks data from different sources including interviews with key informants, a questionnaire‐based survey, informal group discussions, passive and stationary observations and photographic documentation. Field work was completed by the collection of secondary written documents.FindingsThe paper emphasizes that the capacity of flood‐affected people to cope with increasing hazards is rooted in their ability to adjust their everyday lifestyles. Flood‐affected people seldom rely on extraordinary measures to face nature's extremes. People's ability to adjust their daily life is deeply dependent on the strength of their livelihoods and social network. The kind and variety of livelihoods turned out to be a critical factor in securing the financial means to purchase enough food to satisfy daily needs. Social networking was also found to be critical in providing alternative support in times of crisis.Practical implicationsThis paper fosters the use of community‐based disaster risk reduction programmes coupled with development objectives to enhance people's capacity to cope with natural hazards. It further underlines the need to empower people to make them less vulnerable in the face of natural hazards through fair access to resources.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the understanding of how people cope with natural hazards in the Philippines and provides an array of possible remedial strategies for community‐based disaster risk reduction.
Poverty alleviation or poverty traps? Microcredits and vulnerability in Bangladesh
Authors: Gehlich‐Shillabeer Mareen 
Published: June 2008

PurposeIt is imperative that microcredit organisations (MCOs) have a high level of awareness of the environmental context in which their clients pursue their livelihoods. This is particularly true for regions that experience regular environmental and economic shocks. However, to date this level of analysis has been largely absent from impact studies. The purpose of this paper is to overcome this lack of contextual analysis by using Bangladesh as a pertinent example.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on empirical data and a wide range of literature from a variety of disciplines, including geography, development studies, economics and anthropology, the paper aims to provide an in‐depth analysis of the dual impact of flooding and microcredits in Bangladesh.FindingsOver the last few years the use of preventive mitigation and coping strategies has declined in Bangladesh. The most widely cited reason for this is financial constraints as a result of declining rural incomes despite a large presence of MCOs in the country. In order to overcome cash shortages many people have resorted to borrowing from a variety of sources, which has become effectively the single most important coping strategy employed. In conjunction with lowered debt capacity and restrictive terms under which microcredits are disbursed, higher indebtedness, creating a potential for poverty traps, is the outcome.Originality/valueFor MCOs to be able to claim that their work alleviates poverty they have to demonstrate sensitivity towards the needs of their clients. Yet, the added risks imposed by recurring environmental stressors have been markedly absent from their studies. This paper proposes that the environmental context not only is important but also draws attention to some of the negative consequences that it can have on livelihood sustainability.
Supply chain management and suppliers' HRM practice
Authors: Othman Rozhan , Abdul Ghani Rohayu 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to examine the impact of supply chain management (SCM) on the HRM practice of suppliers. The paper argues that the performance requirement in an SCM system requires that suppliers develop specific HRM practices.Design/methodology/approachA structured interview was used to collect the data from seven companies.FindingsThis paper found evidence to suggest that impact of SCM on the HRM practice of local suppliers is related to the extent of linkage the customers develop with their suppliers.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper relied on an examination of seven companies. This limits the generalizability of its findings.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper suggest that a successful supplier‐customer relationship is dependent on the suppliers developing specific HRM practices that will enable them to fulfill customer's requirements.Originality/valueThis paper is probably the first attempt to examine how SCM affects the HRM practice of suppliers.
Trust and knowledge sharing in green supply chains
Authors: Cheng Jao‐Hong , Yeh Chung‐Hsing , Tu Chia‐Wen 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to examine how trust interacts with factors affecting interorganizational knowledge sharing in green supply chains, where cooperation and competition coexist.Design/methodology/approachA new research model is developed which comprises nine constructs and 13 research hypotheses, with trust as a mediating construct. The nine constructs are measured by well‐supported measures in the literature. The hypotheses are tested on data collected from 288 major green manufacturing firms in Taiwan, using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe paper finds that trust is the pivot of the factors influencing interorganizational knowledge sharing. The more a factor contributes to trust positively (such as participation and communication) or negatively (such as opportunistic behavior), the more the factor contributes to knowledge sharing correspondingly. The factors with no significant influence on trust (such as shared values and learning capacity) have no or less influence on knowledge sharing.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical study is conducted on green supply chains, with data collected from Taiwan's green manufacturing firms. With the research model developed, cross‐industrial studies on various forms of supply chains can be conducted to investigate whether differences between supply chains exist about the role that trust plays in interorganizational knowledge sharing.Practical implicationsThe findings of the paper provide useful insights into how supply chain members should reinforce their collaborative behaviors and activities that would enhance the trust‐based relationships, in order to achieve the competitive advantage of knowledge sharing for the supply chain as a whole.Originality/valueThe new research model developed allows the relationships between trust and other influencing factors on interorganizational knowledge sharing to be explored. The model reflects the coexistence of the cooperation and competition relationships between supply chain members, which is not dealt with in previous studies.
Linking order winning and external supply chain integration strategies
Authors: Quesada Gioconda , Rachamadugu Ram , Gonzalez Marvin , Luis Martinez Juan 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present empirical results of an analysis of the strategic alignment between order winners selection and external supply chain integration strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe research instrument is an international survey from IMSS II. It was applied in 23 countries. ANOVA was used for statistical analyses.FindingsThe findings show that firms choosing to use price as an order winner do not show any significant difference in the extent of external supply chain integration. On the other hand, firms that use delivery, customer service, quality and/or flexibility as order winners present differences in the extent to which they integrate their external supply chains.Research limitations/implicationsThe results should be treated with caution as any empirical study due to generalizability concerns. The data do not necessarily imply causal relationships, which could be an interesting topic to explore in further research.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the importance of supply chain integration as a competitive competence, meriting management consideration and resources.Originality/valueThe paper shows empirical evidence with a large sample size that some associations exist between external supply chain integration and order winning strategies.
New configurations in supply chains: the case of a condominium in Brazil's automotive industry
Authors: Pires Sílvio R.I. , Sacomano Neto Mário 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to ascertain some of the implications of the supply chain configuration for important elements of the chain's management at an automaker using the industrial condominium configuration.Design/methodology/approachIn an attempt to identify the main motivating factors for the adoption of an industrial condominium configuration, a basic case study framework was built to guide and define the key content of the research. The framework considers simplification, cost reduction, process integration, and shared infrastructure as the four main interdependent factors that impel and drive an automaker's implementation of a condominium. It also considers product and process management, logistics management, performance assessment and relationship management as business processes significantly affected by implementation of the condominium. Using an intentional sampling approach, a case study was made of an automaker that uses the industrial condominium configuration, and of four of its representative suppliers.FindingsThe study confirmed that the supply chain's configuration is indeed a determining element in the way the automaker's relationship with its suppliers is conducted and substantiated the importance of the logistics management process within the context of the condominium.Research limitations/implicationsThe research reported involved only one case study.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes and discusses four interdependent factors that motivate and drive an automaker's implementation of a contemporary industrial condominium in the auto industry.Originality/valueThe study was conducted in a supply chain with an automaker using an industrial condominium and four suppliers situated in different positions, and contributes mainly to the understanding of new forms of supply chain configuration.
An evaluation of risk factors impacting construction cash flow forecast
Authors: Odeyinka Henry A. , Lowe John , Kaka Ammar 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the extent of occurrence and impact of risk factors responsible for the variation between the forecast and actual construction cash flow.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted through a structured questionnaire administered to UK contracting organizations. Adopting a project‐by‐project approach, respondents were asked to provide opinions on the extent of occurrence of some identified risk factors and their impacts on cash flow forecast. Respondents were split into three groups of small, medium and large contracting firms based on their annual turnover so as to be able to investigate statistical differences of opinions between the groups. Statistical analyses were carried out using mean response analysis and univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) in order to determine significant risk factors and also to investigate differences of opinions between respondents' groupings.FindingsThe research identified 11 significant risk factors out of 26 research risk variables. These significant risk variables can be grouped under three generic factors of “changes in the design or specification”, “project complexity” and “natural inhibition”. The significant risk variables are those ranking high in “extent of occurrence” and with critical impacts on cash flow forecast. The research further showed that there is no statistically significant difference in the opinions of different categories of contractors regarding the extent of risk occurrence and impacts on cash flow forecast.Research limitations/implicationsThe research showed that the order of extent of risk occurrence is different from the order of impact in case of occurrence. This suggests that further work needs to be done to measure the impact more objectively on a ratio scale so as to provide an avenue for a more quantitative measure of risk impacts on cash flow forecast. This objective is the next focus of this study.Practical implicationsBased on the finding, it is evident that the knowledge of the identified significant risk factors provides invaluable information to the construction contractor as regards what risk variables to focus attention on in cash flow forecasting.Originality/valueThe paper makes an original contribution of exploring the extent of risk occurrence and its impact on construction cash flow forecast from an objective point of view rather that the usual subjective point of view. The epistemic nature of the investigation makes the finding of practical value to the construction contractor in cash flow forecasting.
Investigating the overhead costs in construction projects in Palestine
Authors: Enshassi Adnan , Rashid Abdul Aziz Abdul , El Karriri Ala'a 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the overhead costs of construction contractors at the Gaza Strip, Palestine, specifically the level of contractors' awareness of the concept of overhead cost, their perception of main components of overhead cost, percentage of overhead to total project cost, method used to manage and control overhead cost, and reasons for increasing overhead cost.Design/methodology/approachIn the research 40 contractors classified under the Palestinian Contractors Union (PCU) and United Nation Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) list were surveyed.FindingsThe findings indicate that the majority of contractors are aware of overhead costs in construction projects. The staff wages are the highest overhead costs component. The currency exchange rates, inflation, increase in financial costs among others lead to increase in overhead costs. The findings illustrate that the overhead costs are on average 11.1 percent of the total project cost. Controlling and managing overhead costs are considered the main tools to improve the companies' financial situation.Practical implicationsThe trend in most companies is to adopt techniques to manage and control their cost components. Using activity based costing (ABCs) is one of the main techniques which the companies should take into consideration. The contractors' knowledge and awareness of the research finding will increase their chances of winning bids within an acceptable profit margin. Applied training courses are recommended for contractors to improve their awareness regarding the importance of overhead costs.Originality/valueThis study will extend contractors' awareness and knowledge through guidance on how to gear their financial resources carefully, and how to bid correctly in order to remain competitive in the market place.
A risk‐based option pricing strategy for property valuation: an empirical study in Hong Kong
Authors: Hui Eddie C.M. , Ng Ivan M.H. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply a risk‐based option‐pricing framework for property developers to come up with the critical investment timings, based on their tolerance of risk.Design/methodology/approachThe viability of a project is subject to the potential benefit and market conditions. Option embedded in the project is considered a perpetual call option that is an opportunity to establish a new building on a vacant land. With the aid of scenario testing, whether the immediate implementation is appropriate or not can be examined, and which key factor(s) affects the profit most can be assessed.FindingsThe results reveal that the chosen study case, Chelsea Court project, is highly favorable from a financial standpoint.Research limitations/implicationsSince the Samuelson‐McKean model specializes on non‐expired options that in general fit to the evaluation of options of a land development project with no maturity, it may be limited in evaluating projects with multi‐phases and a maturity date.Practical implicationsThis valuation framework allows flexibility to assess the plausible investment timing under various suspicious circumstances about the property market.Originality/valueThe valuation framework presented in this paper provides advice for prospective property developers on whether to invest now or at a later stage to yield the best return.
Assessing the reporting of stakeholder reciprocity in the Australian banking industry
Authors: Cuganesan Suresh , Khan Haider 
Published: June 2008

PurposeCompanies are increasing the amount of their voluntary disclosures to inform stakeholders about organisational performance. Despite criticism that these are simply “public relations” exercises, there has been little formal evaluation of stakeholder reporting, especially in Australia. In addition, the important aspect of stakeholder reciprocity, where not only stakeholder satisfaction but also their contribution to the organisation is evaluated and reported, has not been examined. This study aims to examine both of these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted using the non‐financial performance indicators of Australia's top five banks, as available in both annual reports and web sites, to examine the nature of stakeholder reporting and the extent to which stakeholder reciprocity is disclosed.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that there is neither consistency in the reporting of key performance indicators, nor is there consistency in reporting across both stakeholder satisfaction and stakeholder contribution. Stakeholder satisfaction dominates and little effort has been directed to evaluate and report on stakeholder contribution. The study also indicates that, other than shareholders, the top five Australian banks have identified customers and employees as their primary key stakeholders.Originality/valueDespite widespread acknowledgement of the importance of stakeholder dialogue for the enhancement of stakeholder relationships, stakeholder reciprocity and the extent to which it is disclosed is an area that has been insufficiently examined. Thus, the originality and value of the study lie in its examination of corporate disclosures of stakeholder reciprocity.
Valuing human resources: perceptions and practices in UK organisations
Authors: Verma Shraddha , Dewe Philip 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis research aims to explore perceptions and practices in the area of valuing human resources. It focuses on the importance of valuing human resources, current measurement practices, barriers to measurement and the progress expected in this field.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a survey questionnaire design to identify and describe perceptions and practices in valuing human resources in three types of UK organizations: traditional companies; knowledge intensive companies; and local authorities.FindingsWhile the majority of respondents regarded the measurement of human resources as important to their organization, little or moderate progress was expected in measurement practices over the next few years. The main reasons for this included a lack of organizational support, uncertainties as to what should be reported, lack of precision in current measurement practices and sensitivities around what should be reported.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation was in identifying who in the organization should receive such a questionnaire in order to improve the response rate.Practical implicationsOrganizations need to be made more aware of the benefits and strategic importance of measuring human resources particularly in an era of resource‐based strategies – competing through people.Originality/valueThe paper highlights that by reporting the data descriptively it can be used as a context for considering what issues need to be resolved and what barriers need to be overcome to take measurement beyond just recognizing its importance.
Financial implications of accounting for human resources using a liability model
Authors: Theeke Herman , Mitchell John B. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to: discuss how reporting under a human resource liability paradigm fits into the traditional accounting framework of contingent liabilities; examine the financial effects of such reporting on market valuation and internal planning; and explore measurement of human resource liabilities.Design/methodology/approachFrom reviews of financial effects of human resource liability reporting the paper logically extends those results to support the proposed paradigm.FindingsAccountants already recognize some liabilities resulting from future expenses for past labor. A fuller treatment of expected costs from human resource polices would provide external and internal financial analyst with different and useful information. Recognizing these future expenses will depress asset turnover and return on asset calculations, while increasing estimates of risk such as higher debt ratio, lower cash flow coverage and higher degrees of operating leverage.Originality/valueThe paper provides support for the feasibility and need to adopt a human resource liability paradigm for valuing, reporting and managing human resources.
Macroeconomics of structural adjustment and public finances in developing countries
Authors: Nayyar Deepak 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis essay aims to analyze the process of structural adjustment in developing countries. Its focus is on macroeconomic stabilization in the short‐term, but the analysis is situated in a wider context to consider how it relates to the implications of structural reform in the medium‐term and the prospects for economic growth in the long‐term.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins by setting out the contours of the orthodox, the Keynesian and the heterodox perspectives on stabilization and adjustment to highlight the differences. Such different perspectives on macroeconomic theory and policy, it suggests, are attributable to differences in objectives, assumptions and beliefs. These are made explicit.FindingsThe paper argues that the relationship between stabilization and growth is characterized by inter‐connections rather than trade‐offs and suggests that outcomes depend on modes of adjustment. It also provides a macroeconomic analysis of government deficits and public finances, which are critical in the process of adjustment. This highlights the macroeconomic significance of government deficits and points to the fallacies of deficit fetishism based on accounting frameworks. The intersection of economics and politics in the design and implementation of macroeconomic policies is also explored.Practical implicationsGoing beyond a critique of orthodox stabilization programmes, it shows that there are alternatives in macro‐management for economies in crisis, for which it is necessary to shift the focus from the financial to the real economy, from the short‐term to the long‐term, and from equilibrium to development.Originality/valueThe paper develops a heterodox perspective on the macroeconomics of structural adjustment and public finances. And, it sets out an alternative framework which straddles time horizons, to understand the restructuring of economies over time.