bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Asian real estate companies add value to investment portfolio?
Authors: Hiang Liow Kim , Adair Alastair 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of Asian real estate companies with regard to their “value‐added” performance and portfolio diversification benefits in Asian mixed‐asset portfolios, as well as in international real estate securities portfolios over 1996‐2005.Design/methodology/approachFirst the risk‐return performance for all 13 Asian as well as the US and UK real estate securities markets is compared. For each country, next the correlation profiles between real estate, common stock, bonds and cash are assessed. The value‐add benefits of Asian real estate securities in an unconstrained and constrained mixed asset portfolio are then assessed in relation to portfolio return, risk and terminal wealth. Finally, the paper explores whether there are benefits derived from international diversification with a universe of Asian real estate securities from the perspectives of the US and UK investors.FindingsIt was found that, whilst there is little evidence of diversification benefits and superior risk‐adjusted performance of Asian real estate companies in Asian mixed‐asset portfolios, diversification into Asian real estate stocks can provide positive portfolio implications for international investors. Thus investing in Asian real estate securities portfolios rather than investing in Asian mixed‐asset portfolios may be seen to be the more effective diversification strategy over this period.Originality/valueThe study has provided some interesting and important insights into the dynamics and performance of Asian real estate securities. With an increased emphasis on international property investment and as the regional upturn becomes more evident, Asian real estate companies potentially provide an important real estate investment opportunity for international property fund mangers.
Defining strategic processes in investment companies
Authors: Hanafizadeh Payam , Rezaei Mehrdad , Ghafouri Alireza 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define the strategic processes or processes with strategic nature of investment companies (ICs). This goal is achieved by proposing a methodology for selecting strategic processes among the processes of ICs based on the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework and the statistical analysis.Design/methodology/approachTen leading Iranian Investment Companies (ICs) were selected whose processes represented those in the field. Through administration of a questionnaire, the processes under study were ranked based on their degree of contribution to the IC's strategy.FindingsThis paper defines the common ICs' processes based on surveying the literature review. By using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework, ICs are able to define the processes which are critical in achieving organizations' objectives. These processes are ranked based on company strategy using a statistical survey which finally leads to defining strategic processes. Determining strategic processes in business process reengineering (BPR) is of great importance owing to time and budget limitations.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on multi case studies. It therefore has its limitations which should be taken into consideration in interpreting and/or generalizing the results obtained from the study. The paper is partially based on previous findings of a literature review. Furthermore, the strategy considered in this study is a competitive one and the strategic processes are chosen according to this strategy which can be changeable. In interpreting the result, these limitations should be kept in mind.Originality/valueDefining the strategic processes for ICs helps them to allocate their resources to the processes which directly contribute to the company's strategic goal. This paper builds a portfolio of ICs' processes highly related to organization strategic goals. Therefore, these processes are the appropriate candidate in BPR project investment.
The role of culture in e‐commerce use for the Egyptian consumers
Authors: Refaat El Said Ghada , Galal‐Edeen Galal H. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to systematically research and characterise the cultural response of a particular culture in the use of e‐commerce systems. The research paper highlights the roles of trust, uncertainty avoidance (UA), internet store familiarity, and reputation as the main salient factors affecting the perception of the targeted group toward e‐commerce.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a laboratory experiential survey with 370 Egyptian internet users during an internet shopping experience. The results are analysed using a number of statistical techniques including structural equation modelling.FindingsThe research highlights the significant role of the internet store's perceived familiarity and reputation as the main antecedents of online trust. The relationship between trust and its two antecedents are found to be culturally sensitive; the high UA of the consumer is found to be associated with a stronger effect of the store's reputation on trust, and a stronger effect of the store's familiarity on trust.Research limitations/implicationsThis research deals with intentions, not actual e‐commerce behaviour. However, there is a general consensus amongst researchers to assume that the degree to which people express their intentions to buy from an internet site is a reasonable predictor of the actual purchase behaviour. Also, UA, which is posited in this research as an important element of e‐commerce adoption, may have a different effect on the actual purchase behaviour.Originality/valueThe paper examines the interaction of a certain sub‐type of the Arab culture with various elements that are assumed to affect on‐line purchasing behaviour, which has not been examined in this depth elsewhere in the literature.
Managing the process of channel alignment
Authors: Wehmeyer Kai , Kipp Alexander , Riemer Kai 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a framework and a reference process for achieving channel alignment in companies that use traditional and electronic marketing channels. Instruments for gathering and structuring of information on channel deployment are proposed and integrated in the process of strategy formulation.Design/methodology/approachThe research grounds on a conceptual model of strategic channel alignment (MSCA) that is a recently proposed modification of the well‐established strategic alignment model (SAM). Framework, instruments, and reference process were developed by drawing on results from literature analysis and experiences gathered in a research and consulting project at a large multinational corporation. The case context is explicated.FindingsThe developed management tools were successfully applied in strategic business units of the case company. They were found to be useful for facilitating strategic channel alignment by fostering processes of communication and collaboration between managers across organizational units. The framework helps to implement a common “strategy language” on multi channel management. The instruments support the creation of a shared information base on a company's multi channel strategy and operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper contributes to research on strategic alignment processes and discusses model‐driven alignment as social process that aims at the construction of a common understanding of multi channel issues. The beneficial role of management tools in such processes is spelled out.Practical implicationsThe generic nature of the proposed management tools makes further practical applications possible. Companies that strategically address the alignment of their marketing channels can utilize the methodology and adapt it to their specific needs.Originality/valueThe paper translates a conceptual management model into a practical methodology. Models like the SAM and the MSCA are frequently discussed but research and reports on their practical value has been scarce. This paper contributes to filling this gap and develops tools of practical value in a particular domain of strategic management.
A cause‐effect‐cause model for sustaining cross‐functional integration
Authors: Emery Charles R. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify prerequisites for sustaining effective cross‐functional integration as well as their temporal inter‐relationships. Once this type of information is known, a “cause‐effect‐cause” model is constructed to identify constraints and improve effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachA case research approach was used to explore the relationships between various prerequisites of integration and to understand “how” or “why” their presence may influence the success of sustaining integration. The study focused on 13 companies from the US aerospace defense industry which were in the process of implementing TQM programs.FindingsOrganizations which successfully attained “sustained” integration indicated that the reward/performance system based on cross‐functional or process objectives was the major driver behind: forcing employees to understand the organization's processes; providing dedicated time for employees to reflect on process improvement; ensuring employees are rewarded for process improvements; and increasing accountability for integration. These organizations believe that the employee's understanding of the strategic processes acted in conjunction with the process improvements rewards to improve the employees' understanding that cross‐functional relations play a critical role in success.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide a valuable linkage between the organizational constraints, integration and the organizational learning literature.Practical implicationsStudy results suggest both a construct for measuring levels of organizational integration and a cause‐effect‐cause relationship to identify prerequisite constraints.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies that examine 13 corporations to clarify both the prerequisites for sustaining integration and their temporal inter‐relationships. Additionally, a “cause‐effect‐cause” model based on the Theory of Constraints is used to identify prerequisite constraints.
Approximate dynamic programming for management of high‐value spare parts
Authors: Simao Hugo , Powell Warren 
Published: January 2009

PurposeAn aircraft manufacturer faces the problem of allocating inventory to a set of distributed warehouses in response to random, nonstationary demands. There is particular interest in managing high value, low volume spare parts which must be available to respond to low‐frequency demands in the form of random failures of major components. The aircraft fleet is young and in expansion. In addition, high‐value parts can be repaired, implying that they reenter the system after they are removed from an aircraft and refurbished. This paper aims to present a model and a solution approach to the problem of determining the inventory levels at each warehouse.Design/methodology/approachThe problem is solved using approximate dynamic programming (ADP), but this requires developing new methods for approximating value functions in the presence of low‐frequency observations.FindingsThe model and solution approach have been implemented, tested and validated internally at the manufacturer through the analysis of the inventory policy recommendations in different network scenarios and for different pools of parts. The results seem promising and compelling.Originality/valueThe uniqueness of this research is in the use of ADP for the modeling and solution of a distributed inventory problem. Its main value resides on the incorporation of the issue of spatial substitution in demand satisfaction within the problem of determining inventory levels in a distributed warehouse network.
An exploratory survey of current practice in the medical device industry
Authors: Eatock Julie , Dixon Dorian , Young Terry 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis study seeks to examine the extent to which mainstream tools and strategies are applied in the medical devices sector, which is highly fragmented and contains a high percentage of small companies, and to determine if company size impacts on manufacturing strategy selection.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was developed and disseminated through a number of channels. Responses were received from 38 companies in the UK and Ireland, describing 68 products taken to market in the past five years.FindingsBecause of the limited scope of the survey, the findings are indicative rather than conclusive, and interesting trends have emerged. New to the world products were much more likely to exceed company expectations of market success compared to derivative products. It was found that the majority of these innovative products were developed by small companies. Large companies appear to favour minor upgrades over major upgrades even though these prove – on the data presented – to be less successful overall.Practical implicationsThese results provide those engaged in this sector with comparative information and some insights for further improvement. The reported trends with respect to company size and product complexity (or degree of novelty) are particularly illuminating. Academically, this sets some expected trends on a firmer footing and unearths one or two unexpected findings.Originality/valueIt is believed that this is the largest survey of determinants of success in UK medical device companies and it provides a comparison with other sectors.
A cladistic classification of commercial aerospace supply chain evolution
Authors: Rose‐Anderssen Christen , Baldwin James , Ridgway Keith , Allen Peter , Varga Liz , Strathern Mark 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to address the advantage of considering an evolutionary classification scheme for commercial aerospace supply chains. It is an industry wide approach. By going beyond the performance of the single firm and considering the whole supply chain for a product a better understanding of present states and performances of the firms within the chain can be achieved.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is presented as evolutionary steps by introduction of key supply chain characters. These steps are brought together by applying cladistics to classify the evolutionary relationships between supply chain forms.FindingsKey character states define the change of supply chain forms in the evolutionary adaptation to market realities and to proactive responses to increased competition.Originality/valueThe potential benefits of this approach include a benchmark of best practice, a strategic tool for policy development, and the creation of future scenarios.
Selection of lean manufacturing systems using the analytic network process – a case study
Authors: Anand G. , Kodali Rambabu 
Published: January 2009

PurposeLean manufacturing (LM) has attracted the attention of industries all over the world. Many operation managers have implemented or will be implementing LM because of the benefits reported by other companies or because their customers have demanded it. This paper aims to present a case study of a medium‐sized valve manufacturer in which the decision of implementing LM is made by analyzing the capabilities, practices, tools and techniques of alternative manufacturing systems apart from understanding its effect on the decision areas of the operations department.Design/methodology/approachA multi attribute decision making (MADM) model, namely, the analytic network process (ANP) has been used for this purpose, which structures the problem related to selection of alternative manufacturing systems in a hierarchical network form. In this problem, it links the performance measures or competitive priorities, decision areas, and the elements with alternatives available to the decision maker and provides a holistic framework for the selection of alternative manufacturing systems to achieve the competitive priorities of the organisation under study.FindingsFrom an extensive analysis of the results, under the given circumstances, it is evident that implementation of a lean manufacturing system (LMS) is a better alternative, as it would result in overall improvement in the performance of an organisation in comparison with the alternatives.Practical implicationsThis paper demonstrated a step‐by‐step approach of the ANP model using a case study of a small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise, which makes it more suitable for managers to learn and adopt such MADM models to support their decisions.Originality/valueTo the author's knowledge, there is no paper available in the existing literature that discusses the application of ANP in the field of LM.
Convergence of fish communities from the littoral zone of reservoirs
Authors: GIDO KEITH B. , SCHAEFER JACOB F. , FALKE JEFFREY A. 
Published: January 2009

Summary1. Understanding factors that regulate the assembly of communities is a main focus of ecology. Human‐engineered habitats, such as reservoirs, may provide insight into these assembly processes because they represent novel habitats that are subjected to colonization by fishes from the surrounding river basin or transported by humans. By contrasting community similarity within and among reservoirs from different drainage basins to nearby stream communities, we can test the relative constraints of reservoir habitats and regional species pools in determining species composition of reservoirs.2. We used a large spatial database that included intensive collections from 143 stream and 28 reservoir sites within three major river basins in the Great Plains, U.S.A., to compare patterns of species diversity and community structure between streams and reservoirs and to characterize variation in fish community structure within and among major drainage basins. We expected reservoir fish faunas to reflect the regional species pool, but would be more homogeneous that stream communities because similar species are stocked and thrive in reservoirs (e.g. planktivores and piscivores), and they lack obligate stream organisms that are not shared among regional species pools.3. We found that fish communities from reservoirs were a subset of fishes collected from streams and dominant taxa had ecological traits that would be favoured in lentic environments. Although there were regional differences in reservoir fish communities, species richness, patterns of rank abundance and community structure in reservoir communities were more homogonous across three major drainage basins than for stream communities.4. The general pattern of convergence of reservoir fish community structure suggests their assembly is constrained by local factors such as habitat and biotic interactions, and facilitated by the introduction of species among basins. Because there is a reciprocal transfer of biota between reservoirs and streams, understanding factors structuring both habitats is necessary to evaluate the long‐term dynamics of impounded river networks.
Gravity gradiometer systems – advances and challenges
Authors: DiFrancesco Daniel , Grierson Andy , Kaputa Dan , Meyer Thomas 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe past few years have witnessed significant advances and unparalleled interest in gravity gradiometer instrument technology as well as new deployment scenarios for various applications. Gravity gradiometry is now routinely considered as a viable component for resource exploration activities as well as being deployed for global information gathering. Since the introduction of the torsion balance in the 1890s, it has been recognized that gravity gradient information is valuable – yet difficult and time‐consuming to obtain. The recent acceptance and routine use of airborne gravity gradiometry for exploration has inspired many new technology developments. This paper summarizes advances in gravity gradient sensor development and also looks at deployment scenarios and gradiometer systems that have been successfully fielded. With projected improved system performance on the horizon, new challenges will also come to the forefront. Included in these challenges are aspects of instrument and system intrinsic noise, vehicle dynamic noise, terrain noise, geologic noise and other noise sources. Each of these aspects is briefly reviewed herein and recommendations for improvements presented.
Reconstruction of the layer anisotropic elastic parameters and high‐resolution fracture characterization from P‐wave data: a case study using seismic inversion and Bayesian rock physics parameter estimation
Authors: Bachrach Ran , Sengupta Mita , Salama Antoun , Miller Paul 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTWide‐azimuth seismic data can be used to derive anisotropic parameters on the subsurface by observing variation in subsurface seismic response along different azimuths. Layer‐based high‐resolution estimates of components of the subsurface anisotropic elastic tensor can be reconstructed by using wide‐azimuth P‐wave data by combining the kinematic information derived from anisotropic velocity analysis with dynamic information obtained from amplitude versus angle and azimuth analysis of wide‐azimuth seismic data. Interval P‐impedance, S‐impedance and anisotropic parameters associated with anisotropic fracture media are being reconstructed using linearized analysis assuming horizontal transverse anisotropy symmetry. In this paper it is shown how additional assumptions, such as the rock model, can be used to reduce the degrees of freedom in the estimation problem and recover all five anisotropic parameters. Because the use of a rock model is needed, the derived elastic parameters are consistent with the rock model and are used to infer fractured rock properties using stochastic rock physics inversion. The inversion is based on stochastic rock physics modelling and maximum a posteriori estimate of both porosity and crack density parameters associated with the observed elastic parameters derived from both velocity and amplitude versus angle and azimuth analysis. While the focus of this study is on the use of P‐wave reflection data, we also show how additional information such as shear wave splitting and/or anisotropic well log data can reduce the assumptions needed to derive elastic parameter and rock properties.
A comparative study of teachers' attitudes in the teaching of undergraduate medical students
Authors: DAVIS R. HARVARD , STOTT N. C. H. 
Published: January 2009

SummarySenior staff of the departments of medicine, surgery and general practice in each medical school in the United Kingdom were asked to annotate the same case studies which had been prepared by medical students. Analysis of the annotations showed that general practitioners demanded much greater consideration by the student of the patient, his family and his environment, whereas physicians and surgeons tended to be more disease orientated. Nevertheless, expectations and attitudes of teachers in similar departments are remarkably diverse and this highlighted the potential role of the case study as an educational tool for staff and students alike. Many departments need to clarify the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate teaching objectives.
Instruction on death and dying for the medical student
Authors: BLOCH S. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryWith instruction on death and dying beginning to be included in the curricula of many medical schools and the likelihood that this development will spread, it is timely to examine the best ways in which the subject can be taught. The most important need at this stage is the creation of objectives. Nine objectives have been briefly outlined which have either been reported on by teachers in the field or which seem to be pertinent to death education. The focus on objectives rests on the premise that the format and content of courses will follow largely from the goals that are selected. Questions of who should teach death and dying, when it should be taught and what format should be used, are discussed.