bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The determinants of stock market development in the Middle‐Eastern and North African region
Authors: Ben Naceur Samy , Ghazouani Samir , Omran Mohamed 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the role of stock markets in economic growth and to shed some light on the macroeconomic determinants which must have an important influence on stock markets development.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study is conducted using an unbalanced panel data from 12 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region countries. Econometric issues are based on estimation of some fixed and random effects specifications.FindingsIt is found that saving rate, financial intermediary, stock market liquidity and the stabilization variable are the important determinants of stock market development. In addition, it is found that financial intermediaries and stock markets are complements rather than substitutes in the growth process.Practical implicationsThis paper has some policy implications to MENA region countries. In order to promote stock market development in the region, it is important to encourage savings by appropriate incentives, to improve stock market liquidity, to develop financial intermediaries and to control inflation.Originality/valueSince it is unclear whether emerging markets in the MENA region respond, similarly, to economic and political shocks like other emerging markets and/or developed markets. This paper fills this gap by making an in‐depth analysis of 12 MENA capital markets in order to assess how they can improve their capital markets, and hence, benefit the global investor.
Market efficiency, time‐varying volatility and the asymmetric effect in Amman stock exchange
Authors: Al‐Zoubi Haitham , Bashir Bashir 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the market efficiency, asymmetric effect and time varying risk–return relationship for daily stock return of Amman Stock Exchange (ASE).Design/methodology/approachThe Box–Jenkins selection model is used to determine the stochastic process of equity returns; the exponential generalized autogressive conditional heteroscedesticity (EGARCH) and threshhold autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity in mean are utilized to measure the persistent of volatility, risk–return relationship and volatility magnitude to bad and good news.FindingsThe univariate statistics show negative skewness, excess kurtosis and deviation from normality for the ASE index. The results show that stock return follows an ARMA (1, 1) stochastic process with significant serial correlation, implying stock market inefficiency. The results also show significant positive relationship between equity return and risk in the ASE, which is consistent with the portfolio theory. The EGARCH model suggests the existence of the asymmetric effect.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into market efficiency, time‐varying volatility and asymmetric effect in the ASE.
Empirical testing of the loss provisions of banks in the GCC region
Authors: Zoubi Taisier A. , Al‐Khazali Osamah 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the factors which affect loss provision for loans and investment in Murabaha, Musharka, and Mudarabah for banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The effect of prior period earnings, legal and statutory reserves, size of the bank, level of debt, and loan and investment to deposit ratio on the loss provisions of banks are examined for the period 2000‐2003.Design/methodology/approachTo test the factors that explain the loan loss provision and to test the income smoothing hypothesis, debt to equity hypothesis, and reserve hypothesis, a single stage regression model was developed and tested.FindingsThe results indicate that when return on assets (ROA) before tax and loss provisions for the current year is higher than the prior year ROA and the actual capital reserve is below the legal required reserve, then management is expected to increase loss provisions for the current year. This result is robust for all the years of this study.Originality/valueWhile prior research has examined the issue of the loan loss provision in USA, Japan, and Europe, no research has examined the issue of the loss provisions in the GCC region. This study demonstrates that the income smoothing hypothesis is relevant across different regulatory requirements, economic conditions, and different accounting standards. Managers of banks in the GCC region use the loss provision, among other things, to smooth earnings to achieve certain objectives.
“Inspiring Readers”: a cross border reader development project
Authors: Peoples Anne , Ward Trisha 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a major reader development initiative delivered by a cross‐border partnership, involving two public library authorities (one in Ireland and one in the UK). It aims to outline the strategies and activities developed to support the wider political agenda of building a peaceful and stable society.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an introduction to the context within which the project was developed and an overview of the project delivery. It focuses on the development of project activities to address the peace and reconciliation agenda and draws on the external evaluation report findings.FindingsThe project demonstrates that public libraries are well placed to develop and deliver community‐based programmes to address sensitive and contentious issues, through the provision of reading activities and opportunities for meaningful discussion.Originality/valueThis paper is based on the experience of two public library services, operating in different countries, in communities divided by physical borders and sectarian divisions. It shows how libraries can capitalise on their local presence, and the imaginative space provided by books and reading, to move from their traditional role as a neutral space to a more dynamic role, in which the promotion of reading supports inclusion and diversity.
Your place or mine? Face‐to‐face reference services across campus
Authors: Del Bosque Darcy , Chapman Kimberly 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a case study which describes reference and instruction outreach programs promoted by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Library. Direct‐2‐U Reference, Crash Courses, and Drop‐In Tours reached out to students in innovative ways to encourage non‐library users to see what they were missing and to give current library users even more choices. Direct‐2‐U Reference provided opportunities for students to get research help on their own turf. Librarians offered assistance at several locations across campus, combining the benefits of face‐to‐face reference with the convenience of getting help without going to the physical library. Library Crash Courses promoted subject‐specific assistance without the formality of in‐class instruction. Drop‐In Tours allowed curious students to figure out the layout of the library and get answers to their questions.Design/methodology/approachThis case study describes researching alternative services, and includes practical information on how services were implemented. Information is presented about ongoing evaluation of the outreach programs that improved the direction, marketing, and overall success of the programs.FindingsThe outreach programs promoted by the library reached additional users, provided more options for patrons, and improved the visibility of the library campus‐wide.Originality/valueThis case study will be of interest to other academic librarians wanting to provide library services outside the library. It builds on the existing literature regarding library outreach services.
Research designs and scientific identity in marketing journals: review and evaluation
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis research is based upon the assumption that the empirical research designs and the scientific identity of a journal are related. The objective is to review and evaluate the empirical research design of papers to determine the scientific identity of a selection of academic marketing journals.Design/methodology/approachThe journal sample consists of the Australasian Marketing Journal (AMJ), the European Journal of Marketing (EJM) and the Journal of Marketing (JM). The review and evaluation considers a six‐year period, namely 2000‐2005. The content analysis consisted of 811 papers.FindingsThe scientific identity of JM may be seen as built upon quantitative research designs and the North American paradigm of research values. The scientific identity of AMJ is based upon a mix of empirical research designs and the Australian paradigm of research values. The scientific identity of EJM is also based upon a mix of empirical research designs, but a multi‐continental paradigm of research values.Research limitations/implicationsThe leading continental journals in marketing maintain a scientific identity based upon the continental paradigm of research values. If it is driven to the extremes, a paradigmatic myopia and inertia of research designs may evolve that limit the scientific identity to be dogmatic and narrow‐focused rather than variable and broad‐focused.Originality/valueA cross‐continental review and evaluation of research designs and scientific identity of academic marketing journals is presented.
Making sense of market segmentation: a fashion retailing case
Authors: Quinn Lee , Hines Tony , Bennison David 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose is: first to review the marketing segmentation literature and its antecedents; second, to evaluate the organizational practice of marketing segmentation in a specific commercial context noted for its dynamism and complexity, fashion retailing; third, to assess theoretical and practical implications; and finally to identify an agenda for future research.Design/methodology/approachThrough the analysis of an instrumental case study examining practice in fashion retailing this paper makes a contribution to current market segmentation debates. Sensemaking properties are used as a disciplined structure in which to report the case and make sense of segmentation.FindingsThis research demonstrates that the definition and scope of market segmentation is broader than the current marketing literature suggests. In practice, based on evidence from this research, contemporary segmentation solutions include implicit assumptions, judgement and compressed experience, which are latent within the modelling processes.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research needs to be extended to different organizational settings in order to develop further our understanding of the tacit and intuitive aspects of segmentation decisions.Practical implicationsIntuitive decision‐making processes and tacit knowledge employed in them are difficult to replicate and make explicit. However, a better understanding of these intuitive processes would offer practitioners an opportunity to systematically improve the quality of decision‐making.Originality/valueThis research broadens normative theoretical perspectives on market segmentation by highlighting intuitive and tacit dimensions. Combining sensemaking within the case study analysis has helped structure thought trials to provide a rare qualitative insight into the managerial construction of segmentation.
The paradox of customer education
Authors: Bell Simon J. , Eisingerich Andreas B. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the dynamics of customer education by exploring the relationship between education and customer expertise and their combined effects on customer loyalty in a high involvement investment services context. The paper also considers the service context within which customer education initiatives are delivered. More specifically, it explores the moderating effects of increasing levels of customer expertise (the outcome of customer education) on the relative importance of technical service quality (what is delivered) and functional service quality (how it is delivered) in determining the loyalty decision. In doing so, the paper aims to provide implications for the investment service firm for managing the service offering as customers develop expertise over time.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a conceptual model that formalises the research objectives as a series of testable hypotheses. This is followed by an outline of the research design and method. The hypotheses are tested using a sample of 1,268 high value clients from a global investment services firm. An analysis of the model and the results is presented.FindingsCustomer loyalty was found to be positively and significantly related to technical service quality, functional service quality, and customer education. Contrary to expectations, however, customer expertise was not negatively related to customer loyalty. Customer education was found to be positively associated with customer expertise. The main effect of customer education on loyalty was significant; however it did not diminish when customer expertise was entered into the third equation. In other words, the conditions for partial mediation were not satisfied. Finally, the positive and significant interaction coefficient between technical service quality and expertise implied that the positive effect of technical service quality on consumer customer loyalty was indeed stronger when customer expertise was high. Conversely, and consistent with expectations, the interaction term between functional service quality and customer expertise was significant and negative, indicating that the positive relationship between functional service quality and customer loyalty is diminished as customer expertise increases.Originality/valueWhere there is a significant amount of research on customer knowledge and expertise, there is relatively less understanding of how customers acquire such knowledge. It is hoped that this paper can shed some additional light on the subject of customer education, its impact on customer expertise and, ultimately, on the way in which service quality is perceived.
Causes and consequences of emotions on consumer behaviour
Authors: Watson Lisa , Spence Mark T. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeConsumption situations can be emotionally charged. Identifying the cause(s) of emotions has clear practical import to the understanding of consumer behaviour. Cognitive appraisal theory serves this purpose; however, a consensus has not yet emerged concerning terminology, number of relevant concepts and concomitant construct measurements, and theoretical linkages between constructs. This paper attempts to rectify this shortcoming.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper provides an extant review of emotions literature as it pertains to cognitive appraisals and consumption behaviours. Based on this review an integrative cognitive appraisal theory is advanced that is parsimonious and incorporates similarities across the various appraisal theory perspectives to date.FindingsFour appraisals are proffered that appear capable of implicating specific emotions and their effects on consumer behaviour. The appraisals advanced are outcome desirability that encompasses pleasantness and goal consistency, agency which includes responsibility and controllability, fairness, and certainty. Sample propositions concerning how cognitive appraisals affect information processing extensiveness have also been provided.Originality/valueFirst, the paper provides an extant review of cognitive appraisal theories of emotions, which makes transparent the looseness in terminology and differences in theoretical perspectives that currently exist. Second, based on this review the paper advances a unifying theory of consumption appraisals and explore their relevance to marketers. The theory proposed could explain inconsistent findings in the current literature. Third, directions for future research highlighting confounds that should be considered in study designs complete the paper.
Where does the logistic regression analysis stand in marketing literature?
Authors: Akinci Serkan , Kaynak Erdener , Atilgan Eda , Aksoy Şafak 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe objective of this article is to determine the usage and application of logistic regression analysis in the marketing literature by comparing the market positioning of prominent marketing journals.Design/methodology/approachIn order to identify the logistic regression applications, those journals having “marketing” term in their titles and indexed by the social citation index (SSCI) were included. As a result, the target population consisted of 12 journals fulfilling the criteria set. However, only eight of these that were accessible by the researchers were included in the study.FindingsThe classification of marketing articles from the chosen prominent marketing journals were made by journal title, article topic, target population, data collection method, and study location has mapped the position of logistic regression in the marketing literature.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample journal coverage was limited with 12 marketing journals indexed in SSCI. In some of the journals utilized, the accessibility was limited by the electronic database year coverage. Due to this limitation, the researchers could not reach the exact number of articles using logistic regression.Originality/valueThe results of this study could highlight what is researched with logistic regression about marketing problems and may shed light on solving different problems on marketing topics for the future.
“Miles ahead” – using jazz to investigate improvisation and market orientation
Authors: Dennis Noel , Macaulay Michael 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate ways in which improvisation can be used to enhance and advance market orientation.Design/methodology/approachThe article draws upon existing market orientation literature and musical theory to extend the authors' previous work of the need for improvisation in strategic market planning (SMP) into a wider area of market orientation.FindingsThe article evinces a conceptual matrix to illustrate four basic levels of market oriented improvisation: one‐size fits all; improvisation through alternatives; single level improvisation (SLI); and multi‐level improvisation (MLI).Practical implicationsThe article will demonstrate the core competences of a jazz band: musical knowledge; role definition; quasi‐autonomous leadership; open communication; and self‐reflexivity. It will discuss how these competences are directly transferable to market oriented organisations.Originality/valueThe article provides a new definition of market orientation, which posits improvisation as a central element.
Impression management tactics and affective context: influence on sales performance appraisal
Authors: Bande Vilela Belén , Varela González José Antonio , Fernández Ferrín Pilar , Luisa del Río Araújo M 
Published: June 2007

PurposeDespite the recognition that the subordinate's influence is a particularly noteworthy feature of the social context with considerable potential to affect the performance evaluation process, there are almost no studies that consider this influence in a selling context. Attempting to contribute to address these needs, the model presented here depicts a number of social and situational factors influencing supervisor's rating of salesperson's performance, primarily operating through affective processes.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 122 salespeople and their immediate managers from 35 firms pertaining to nine different industries.FindingsSEM results indicated that supervisor‐focused impression management was positively related to the supervisor's liking of the salesperson. Consistent as well with prior research is the positive influence of supervisor's affect towards salesperson on the supervisor's ratings of sales performance, both directly and indirectly, through the effect on salesperson's perceived interpersonal skills. Finally, a salesperson's physical attractiveness demonstrated significant positive effects on performance ratings, through the influence on supervisor's liking and salesperson's interpersonal skills.Practical implicationsThese results have important managerial implications: sales managers should be aware that salespeople might be using impression management tactics and that the use of these behaviours might influence the way that they evaluate their employee's performance. Managers should also remain vigilant to the potential bias based on physical appearance in hiring and supervising salespeople.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the knowledge of the social and affective variables that influence the sales performance appraisal process, an area of research that is almost unexplored.
Interfunctional trust as a determining factor of a new product performance
Authors: García Rodríguez Nuria , José Sanzo Pérez M , Trespalacios Gutiérrez Juan A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the present study is to analyze the role the existing trust between marketing and R&D plays on a new product development performance. As trust determining factors four key variables of relationship marketing have been considered: satisfaction, cooperation, communication and conflict.Design/methodology/approachThe R&D directors of 178 Spanish innovative firms were surveyed. A sample of 345 products (177 successes and 168 failures) were obtained. To estimate the model proposed a structural equation analysis was used.FindingsThe success of an innovation is especially favored by the existence of affective bonds among the participants. In this respect, the existing trust between marketing and R&D, directly, and the satisfaction of the areas with the relationship, indirectly through the former, are essential determinants of a new product performance.Originality/valueThe novelty of the research lies in the use of relationship marketing approach to investigate intra‐functional relationships and their influence on a new product performance.
Human capital development policies: enhancing employees' satisfaction
Authors: Lai Wan Hooi 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe aim of this article is to gain insight into some of the human capital development (HCD) policies that enhance employee satisfaction. A salient focus of the study is to assess whether employees in globalised foreign‐owned MNCs are likely to be more satisfied with the HCD policies than with the practices employed by locally owned MNCs.Design/methodology/approachSpecifically, four MNCs in the chemical industry, which were selected based on equity ownership, were analysed to ascertain whether employees in these MNCs in Malaysia are satisfied with the HCD policies by providing an account of the satisfaction level of the employees with the HCD policies in these four Malaysian MNCs.FindingsA main conclusion from the findings of this research is that respondents in European MNCs are generally more satisfied than respondents in Asian‐owned MNCs with the HCD policies of the company. On the whole, European MNCs place more importance in HCD but it cannot be concluded that foreign‐owned MNCs have better HCD policies and hence higher employee satisfaction with the HCD policies compared with locally owned MNCs.Research limitations/implicationsSimilar research could be conducted on a larger sample, incorporating MNCs of different equity ownership, to determine how HCD policies of globalised MNCs affect employee satisfaction. Further research could be extended to different regions and sectors.Practical implicationsIt provides an insight of desirable HCD practices that human capital practitioners could develop to create competitive advantage through their human capital assets.Originality/valueIn addition to identifying the relevant HCD practices, commentary is provided of current knowledge in terms of best HCD practices that could be emulated by local organisations as well as other institutions in the Asia Pacific region.