bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of flexibility in capital investments of infrastructure systems
Authors: Arboleda Carlos A. , Abraham Dulcy M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to evaluate the capital investments in infrastructure projects managed by private operators considering uncertainties in the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure components.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology described in this paper is based on two major sources of information: deterioration curves of the infrastructure systems obtained from Markov chain models and the value of flexibility obtained from a real options analysis.FindingsUsing this methodology, it is possible to determine whether there is value if project managers adopt flexible strategies in determining capital investments. These strategies refer to the opportunities of postponing, deferring or canceling capital investments required to maintain the operation of the infrastructure systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe model utilizes Monte Carlo simulation and real options analysis to overcome the complexities associated with the solution of the differential equations that represent the variability of the main factors in the project cash flow.Originality/valueThe methodology presented in this paper can be used by public officials, private investors, and asset managers to determine the value of flexibility associated with the strategies required to maintain the operation of infrastructure assets.
Why are all financial services brands not great?
Authors: de Chernatony Leslie , Cottam Susan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo investigate the factors characterising financial services brands in the UK which are succeeding rather than thriving.Design/methodology/approachFrom a grounded theory perspective, depth interviews were conducted with 42 respondents within four UK financial services organisations.FindingsBrands which had not achieved “greatness” tend to be rooted the past, place emphasis on financial performance rather than brand success indicators have inadequate leadership support for the brand, be poorly differentiated, exhibit a lack of understanding and confusion about branding issues, have service quality concerns, demonstrate HR activities which could be more fully “on brand”, and have a culture and values which are not clearly and consistently reinforcing the brand.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was bound by the availability of respondents' time. The focus was to examine four organisations in considerable depth. Moving forward, it is intended that a quantitative study will be undertaken to better generalise and expand upon these findings within financial services.Practical implicationsA number of significant managerial implications are drawn from this work, which are of value to managers, consultants and academics.Originality/valueWhile the extant literature is rich in suggestions about what might promote brand success, less attention has been paid to the opposite scenario. This paper seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by addressing the factors which may be linked to some financial services brands' relative lack of success.
Price misleading advertising: effects on trustworthiness toward the source of information and willingness to buy
Authors: Romani Simona 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of the research reported is to investigate consumers'reactions to advertisements containing misleading information on price. The underlying thesis is that such advertising generates negative consumer reactions in terms of attitude and intention and that these are heightened in the presence of suspicion.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study was employed to identify the most frequently used misleading price communication strategies in Italy, and subsequently, an experimental study examined consumer response to a selection of advertisements that rely on these.FindingsThe qualitative study allows for the development of a typology of eight different misleading price communication practices which includes those based on the provision of purely false information alongside those employing an unclear or incomplete application of complex price communication strategies. The experimental study reveals that, when price information is communicated using misleading practices, consumers develop lower levels of trustworthiness toward the source of information as well as willingness to buy. Furthermore, these effects are heightened in the presence of suspicion.Research limitations/implicationsThese results provide evidence that consumers may react unfavourably to misleading price information. In addition, the research demonstrates that this negative response is greater for suspicious rather than non‐suspicious consumers.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the growing body of literature that demonstrates consumers' negative reactions to unclear and incomplete price information generated by the misleading usage of complex price communication strategies.
Line Logic™ on the bow tie
Authors: Reffue Doug , Crittenden Victoria L. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to present Line Logic™ as a means of developing and building a company's portfolio of products.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a sporting goods company in the USA as a case study to portray the implementation of Line Logic™.FindingsAn extensive analysis of the company and its implementation of the Line Logic™ methodology found that the company was operating in conjunction with a bow tie channel strategy.Research limitations/implicationsA case study does an excellent job of capturing phenomena at a particular company. The Line Logic™ framework needs to be explored and reported in various companies, thus allowing multiple sources of data to highlight strengths and weaknesses of the Line Logic™ methodology.Practical implicationsThere is no magic formula or prescription for managing a company's line of product offerings. Line Logic™ offers a disciplined approach to creating and presenting a full complement of product choices. As shown here, the implementation of Line Logic™ assists companies in understanding both strategic and tactical issues related to competitors and channel members.Originality/valueWhile there are companies that execute some of the Line Logic™ system, this paper illustrates the importance of line logic in the sporting goods industry. Additionally, the paper introduces the concept of the bow tie in product line planning.
Consumer confusion in the Chinese personal computer market
Authors: Leek Sheena , Kun Dai 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper seeks to identify the sources of confusion in the Chinese personal computer market and the confusion reduction strategies used.Design/methodology/approachA self‐completion questionnaire with a sample of 140 respondents was used.FindingsTechnological complexity is the major source of confusion. Word of mouth is the most common source of information used to reduce confusion due to its credibility and reliability.Practical implicationsTechnical confusion leads to similarity confusion and overchoice confusion. Manufacturers and retailers need to address technical confusion to reduce the overall level of confusion in the PC market.Originality/valueThe paper examines confusion in an Eastern culture, whereas previously it has been predominantly investigated in Western cultures.
The efficacy of online cooperative learning systems
Authors: Chen Charlie C. , Wu Jiinpo , Yang Samuel C. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of online synchronous audio and video systems on the performance of cooperative learning in decision making and intellective tasks.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 156 subjects, divided into 46 groups, were invited to resolve decision and intellective tasks in text messaging and audio conferencing e‐learning environments.FindingsFor decision‐making tasks, audio conferencing has a significant impact on cooperative learning satisfaction but not on learning performance; while for intellective tasks, neither audio conferencing nor text messaging has an impact on cooperative learning outcomes. There are no cross‐effects between platforms and task types on cooperative learning outcomes. The results indicate that the main effects of platforms and task types are independent. In other words, the impact of platforms on group discussion processes can be examined without the need of considering task types, since the latter will not affect the impacts of platforms.Research limitations/implicationsThe main effects of information richness and task types are independent. Major limitation is that the student sample may not be sufficiently representative to allow wider generalization of the findings of this study.Practical implicationsThe main effects of information richness and task types are independent as far as learning outcomes are concerned. The learners' attitude toward the synchronous learning system significantly affects the satisfaction of synchronous online cooperative learning.Originality/valueThis study uses empirical data to validate the hypothesized relationships between the independent variables of online synchronous learning systems (audio‐ and text‐based), the moderating variable of task types (decision making vs intellective) and the dependent variable of learning outcomes.
Enabling SMEs to deliver synchronous online training – practical guidelines
Authors: Taran Carmen 
Published: July 2006

PurposeWhile synchronous and asynchronous distance education options have fulfilled the promise to reduce travel costs and decrease the number of human resources necessary for training delivery, many corporations are faced with the need to produce learning even at a faster pace in order to gain and sustain competitive advantage. This means a paradigm shift in the distance education arena: in order to reduce the time to produce and deliver training, subject matter experts (SMEs) are asked to step up to the plate and assume additional roles in the instructional design process. This research addresses these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis research, conducted within the training department of a large telecommunications company, focuses on enabling SMEs to teach online, using synchronous instructional methods and a rapid e‐learning approach.FindingsBased on student performance records and satisfaction survey results, it was concluded that SMEs are able to reduce training development time, deliver workshops online and maintain acceptable quality of instruction. SMEs' training background did not impact student achievement or satisfaction. Practical implications for corporate training development related to synchronous online training are also included.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper resides in the fact that the guidelines that emerged from this research are a step forward towards the expansion of rapid e‐learning as it applies to synchronous online training and to helping SMEs to teach online.
Beehive: a software application for synchronous collaborative learning
Authors: Turani Aiman , Calvo Rafael A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe Beehive, a new web application framework for designing and supporting synchronous collaborative learning.Design/methodology/approachOur web engineering approach integrates educational design expertise into a technology for building tools for collaborative learning activities. Beehive simplifies the development of the collaboration tools required to implement proven educational design strategies. The methodology consists of a framework model that has three abstraction layers: pedagogical techniques, patterns, and computer supported collaborative learning components.FindingsBuilding eLearning systems that are informed by the educational research in design patterns, can lead to a better, richer and more flexible, infrastructure. Beehive's design enables teachers to design and use synchronous collaborative learning activities, either by using well tested research‐based learning designs or by creating their own.Research limitations/implicationsThe system will need to be used by a large number of teachers and learners before evaluation and usability tests are possible.Originality/valueThe paper presents an integrated solution application that enables teachers and students to design and carry out synchronous collaborative learning activities in a very simple manner.
Anonymous attribute certificates based on traceable signatures
Authors: Benjumea Vicente , Lopez Javier , Troya Jose M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a cryptographic protocol for anonymously accessing services offered on the web. Such anonymous accesses can be disclosed or traced under certain conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe “traceable signature” scheme was used in conjunction with the “privilege management infrastructure”.FindingsThe cryptographic primitive provides a suitable tool for anonymous and unlinkable access to web resources based on the privileges that users hold. Moreover, the scheme allows for anonymity revocation and tracing of unlinkable accesses.Research limitations/implicationsThe power of the attribute authority should be divided into several entities, one of them being a trusted third party, to avoid illicit disclosing of information.Practical implicationsNew systems with support for anonymous access to web resources can be developed.Originality/valueThis paper adds the unlinkability property to anonymous accesses together with a tracing facility to existing proposals.
The future of proprietary post‐secondary education
Authors: Lee John B. , Topper Amelia M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo describe the future of proprietary higher education in the USA based on current industry and student trends.Design/methodology/approachProvides a survey of recently published studies and articles on proprietary higher education.FindingsThe problems of overly aggressive marketing and over‐promising results to potential students could undermine the public willingness to support proprietary education. These issues have periodically plagued the proprietary sector, often resulting in new regulations and oversight. Although the sector remains vulnerable to changes in public policy, it has always risen to the occasion and has in many cases been on the forefront of battling the abuses of a few, strengthening of the entire industry as a result.Originality/valueProvides a resource for faculty, administrators, legislators, and those in the business sector reflecting current postsecondary trends and the emergence of proprietary schools in the national and international higher education arena.
Tests of weak form efficiency in the Middle East emerging markets
Authors: Omran Mohammed , Farrar Suzanne V. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficiency of the emerging stock markets in the Middle Eastern countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the validity of the random walk hypothesis (RWH) and tests for calendar effects in five major Middle Eastern emerging markets, by applying a range of statistical and econometrics techniques.FindingsIn general, the results reject the RWH for all markets and instead suggest that the stock returns in these countries exhibit calendar effects. However, the evidence for the Israel Tel100 stock market shows greater support for the RWH compared with the other markets in the sample.Research limitations/implicationsThe evidence for calendar effects is subject to data limitations due to the relatively short time period for which data were available. The anomalies observed may result from institutional factors specific to the countries in the sample. Further research in this area might aim to clarify the influence of such institutional factors.Practical implicationsThe limited support for weak form efficiency in Middle Eastern emerging markets implies a degree of predictability of returns for these emerging stock markets, which may be a factor in their attractiveness to global investors.Originality/valueOwing to the relatively recent establishment of stock markets in most of the Middle Eastern countries, little is known about their stock price behaviour. This paper examines this under‐researched area and is of value to finance academics and to global investors.
Technical analysis and the stochastic properties of the Jordanian stock market index return
Authors: Atmeh Muhannad A. , Dobbs Ian M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo investigate the performance of moving average trading rules in an emerging market context, namely that of the Jordanian stock market.Design/methodology/approachThe conditional returns on buy or sell signals from actual data are examined for a range of trading rules. These are compared with conditional returns from simulated series generated by a range of models (random walk with a drift, AR (1), and GARCH‐(M)) and the consistency of the general index series with these processes is examined. Sensitivity analysis of the impact of transaction costs is conducted and standard statistical testing is extended through the use of bootstrap techniques.FindingsThe empirical results show that technical trading rules can help to predict market movements, and that there is some evidence that (short) rules may be profitable after allowing for transactions costs, although there are some caveats on this.Originality/valueNew results for the Jordanian market; use of sensitivity analysis to investigate robustness to variations in transactions costs.
Managing webmavens: relationships with sophisticated customers via the internet can transform marketing and speed innovation
Authors: Davidson Alistair , Copulsky Jonathan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeA new player has emerged to influence the buying behavior of customers – the webmaven. Marketers and product developers must take in account that webmavens now have a huge potential audience for their reviews of products and services. An active program of tracking, measuring and marketing to these influential infomediaries is likely to reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises. For many firms, marketing to mavens, hobbyist and rating sites may also prove to be a strategic and cost effective means to stimulate innovation and revenue growth.Design/methodology/approachShows how marketing to mavens, hobbyist and rating sites can be implemented.FindingsThe good news for decision makers is that access to comments from webmaven websites can provide product managers with fresh intelligence on the failures and successes that customers are experiencing with their offerings. The bad news is that the negative feedback from just one or two influential webmavens can influence a brand's reputation, sometimes with the same dire effect as poor reviews in traditional media such as Consumer Reports or PC Magazine.Research limitations/implicationsJournalistic research.Practical implicationsR&D – take advantage of Internet customer and user experience to research new innovations and develop new features based upon rapid and early user feedback. Product defect tracking – track user complaints, ratings and reviewer critiques about your, competitive and leading edge or deviant product[9] usage to frame future product development. Market research – measure share of mind on the Internet, in traditional media, at rating sites, at review sites. Maven management – pay special attention to the heavily involved user and hobbyist sites.Originality/valueAlerts managers to the power of these new market influencers and provides a how‐to guide for marketing to webmavens and other infomediaries on the Internet.
Creating strategic advantage with dynamic scenarios
Authors: Schriefer Audrey , Sales Michael 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe authors illustrate how the Dynamic Scenario Learning Process works in practice.Design/methodology/approachA case showing how “Forward Bank” used the DSLP to discover crucial inter‐relationships that were not intuitively obvious.FindingsForward's scenarios provided a year's head start on understanding how to manage the dotcom collapse and the 9/11 attacks. Because managers had considered how to implement the robust strategies and apply contingent strategies as unfolding events merited, they were better prepared.Research limitations/implicationsThe DSLP is not just a strategic planning tool; it is also an instrument of leadership.Practical implicationsThe DSLP process creates bonds within the organization as everyone from senior leaders to front line employees across business lines and functions share a common language to communicate their insights into future possibilities. Narratives based on a DSG are easy to grasp and can be widely disseminated throughout the organization.Originality/valueThe case demonstrates how to use a scenario tool to achieve widespread learning so that an organization is well prepared to rapidly adapt to discontinuity.
Corporate social reporting in Thailand
Authors: Ratanajongkol Sunee , Davey Howard , Low Mary 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the extent and nature of the corporate social reporting (CSR) practices of the 40 largest Thai companies over the years 1997, 1999 and 2001.Design/methodology/approachThe extent and nature of CSR in annual reports was measured according to the number of words disclosed and trends were analyzed over this five‐year period. CSR disclosure was classified according to five key themes, the nature of the evidence, and the type of news disclosed.FindingsThe research showed, in aggregate, a trend of increasing amounts of corporate social disclosure, although the five‐year trends varied within different industries. CSR among Thai companies was found to be primarily focused on human resources, providing “declarative” good news disclosures. Legitimacy theory, political economy theory and economic conditions were used to present explanations for the trends. The study concluded that while no single perspective can explain the disclosure of CSR, the empirical findings demonstrate that the key areas of company social exposure are reflected by CSR.Originality/valueThis paper makes an important contribution to the knowledge of CSR in Asia and demonstrates similar issues in CSR reporting to those found in other countries.
Guest editorial: special issue on organisational and accounting change
Authors: Burns John , Nixon Bill 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo introduce the special issue on organisational and accounting change.Design/methodology/approachThe editorial is very short, and introductory‐only.FindingsThe editorial provides and introduction to the special issue that comprises a collection of papers written by members of the European Network for Research in Organisational and Accounting Change (ENROAC).Originality/valueThe editorial acts as a basic introduction to the papers comprising the special issue.