bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance in Germany
Authors: von Rosen Rüdiger 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an outline of German corporate governance.Design/methodology/approachThe history of the German Corporate Governance Code is highlighted. Then a short overview of the acceptance of the code by companies in practice is given which is based on an empirical survey. This is followed by the most recent changes as well as an overview of the developments of corporate governance in Europe. Finally, a summary of the current discussion of codetermination in terms of company management in Germany is provided.FindingsThis appraisal, accompanied by a high degree of approval of the code, shows that, on the one hand, its stipulations partly break with tradition and, on the other hand, have undergone frequent changes: in a period of four years, already four amendments have been made.Originality/valueThe paper offers insight into issues of corporate governance in Germany.
An appraisal of the Pensions White Paper proposals
Authors: Flight Howard 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to evaluate the Pensions White Paper proposals against down to earth and relatively obvious objectives and criteria; and to suggest some options – no matter how politically difficult – which need to be considered.Design/methodology/approachThe paper assesses eight objectives which the White Paper should meet, namely: increasing retirement saving and reducing the savings gap; adequate minimum income for all aged over 75; incentives for retirement saving; simpler retirement saving products; tidying up state saving schemes; public sector and private pension provisioning; retirement saving products and arrangements for changing times; and stability for the future.FindingsThe White Paper has the hallmarks of a compromise and politically crafted palliative, which is in danger of having unintended and contrarian effects towards reducing rather than increasing pension savings.Originality/valueThe paper offers a critical appraisal of the Pensions White Paper proposals.
“If in doubt count it out!”: a review of the AIT criminal trial
Authors: Hatt Samantha , Burger Richard 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the outcome of the Financial Services Authority (FSA)'s first ever contested criminal prosecution of company directors accused of making misleading statements to the market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the trial and the comments of the trial judge and court of appeal on sentence and confiscation.FindingsThis case shows the FSA's willingness to prosecute significant cases of market misconduct and how seriously the courts consider such behaviour.Originality/valueThis paper will be of interest to the directors and officers of listed companies, their professional advisers and regulatory lawyers.
An exploratory study on the reasons for purchasing imported high fashion apparels
Authors: Kamenidou Irene , Mylonakis John , Nikolouli Konstantina 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the reasons that Greek consumers purchase imported high fashion apparel over Greek designers high fashion apparel. The objective of the research is to detect the underlying factors that affect their purchasing behaviour.Design/methodology approachQualitative research was conducted through discussions with consumer focus groups, all purchasers of imported high fashion apparel. Quantitative research was undertaken by means of a questionnaire with 28 items referring to the reasons for purchasing imported high fashion apparel. The sample consisted of 200 high fashion consumers from the city of Larissa, Greece. Data analysis includes descriptive statistics, reliability, as well as factor analysis by principal component analysis with Varimax rotation.FindingsResults indicate that the consumers perceive that the imported high fashion apparel have better aesthetics, a better line and are produced from quality textiles, compared to the domestic high fashion apparel. Four factors derived underpinned the purchasing reasons of imported high fashion apparel: “status and image”, “quality of the product”, “marketing reasons” and “in fashion”.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was exploratory in nature and employed a non‐probability sampling method. Future research should be carried out to confirm the findings of the current study.Practical implicationsThis study provides a useful source of information, which can be used by Greek high fashion apparel designers regarding the reasons why Greek customers of high fashion apparel purchase imported over domestic ones. This paper suggests which elements Greek designers of high fashion apparel should focus upon in order to gain a larger market share.Originality/valueThis study is important in terms that it is the first one to explore the reasons for purchasing imported high fashion apparel over domestic ones in Greece. It highlights 28 reasons (items) derived from qualitative research. In addition it suggests appropriate quality and marketing actions to be undertaken by Greek high fashion apparel designers.
Actions to overcome knowledge transfer barriers in MNCs
Authors: Riege Andreas 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to offer a comprehensive list of actions that help managers to prevail over numerous internal knowledge transfer barriers, an area that has received little attention thus far.Design/methodology/approachArguments draw upon theory in knowledge management and related fields and in‐depth interviews with over 60 senior and middle managers in 20 Australian‐based multinational corporations (MNCs).FindingsThe approach established two main thrusts. First, the literature review has identified a wide range of knowledge transfer barriers that managers need to consider. However, there also is some confusion as to how to prevail over them. Second, based on the literature and fieldwork the paper highlights an extensive list of initiatives managers can employ to overcome numerous internal transfer barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of respondents was sufficiently large to provide analytical generalisation. Whilst the paper provides a general guideline on how to overcome diverse barriers, there still is no conclusive empirical evidence based on a large‐scale comparative study giving indication about the effectiveness of diverse managerial actions to enhance knowledge transfers in the internal and external supply chain.Practical implicationsSenior and middle managers may utilise the provided list as an action identification tool when challenged to overcome diverse knowledge transfer barriers.Originality/ valueThis paper highlights a large number of possible actions to overcome barriers to internal knowledge transfer. In particular, the action list serves as a starter or reassurance kit for managerial decision making when facing various barriers upon introducing, maintaining, or seeking to improve internal knowledge transfer practices. The aim, however, was no cookbook approach suggesting that a set of particular managerial actions will suit all firms, that is, specific actions are likely to show diverse levels of success and effectiveness.
Knowledge management in the Malaysian aerospace industry
Authors: Wai Tat Lim , Hase Stewart 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to study existing knowledge practices, the use of knowledge management (KM) as a strategic tool and the factors affecting the use of KM in the Malaysian aerospace industry.Design/methodology/approachSenior personnel in the industry were interviewed using a grounded theory approach and convergent interviewing. Secondary data in the form of company documents and reports were used to clarify issues raised in the interview. Triangulation of the findings with the literature resulted in the identification of a framework for the application of KM practices.FindingsThe framework identified in this study consists of four stages: awareness cultivation; objectives definition; strategy adoption; and action implementation. Each of these stages involves a number of key elements for successful KM implementation.Originality/valueKM is a considerable organizational asset as a source of competitive advantage and wealth. Thus, it is vital to identify those factors critical to the successful implementation of KM practices in organizations.
Do SMEs influence their markets? An exploratory study
Authors: Grundvåg Ottesen Geir , Grønhaug Kjell 
Published: February 2007

PurposeDue to their limited resources small‐ and medium‐sized firms are often assumed not to influence or “drive” their industries or markets. However, based on insights from social cognition and studies of firms' reputations it is argued that small firms might benefit from actively influencing their reputations as well as the standards against which they are evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to explore empirically whether small firms actually try to influence their markets in such a manner.Design/methodology/approachA detailed longitudinal tracking of a top manager's (of a medium‐sized manufacturing firm) interactions with the firm's external constituencies is applied to investigate whether and how this manager tries to influence other market actors.FindingsThe results show that considerable efforts are devoted to try to influence a wide range of external actors in relation to a range of topics, but with an emphasis on the characteristics of his own firm. This indicates that the firm aims to induce and benefit from a good reputation.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is that it demonstrates how small firms can “drive” their small enterprises, markets in a more subtle and incremental manner as opposed to how market driving is presently understood.
“Insider accounts”: a qualitative research method for small firms
Authors: Ekanem Ignatius 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to present a detailed description of the qualitative research method adopted by the author in his doctoral research into the investment decision‐making process in small manufacturing enterprises; and to inform small firm researchers generally, particularly those who may be considering the use of a qualitative research methodology for the first time in the study of processes of decision‐making.Design/methodology/approach“Insider accounts” is an innovative qualitative methodology, which involves in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews and direct observation, conducted longitudinally in a case study approach. It is a research method, which includes detailed accounts from the actors themselves, incorporating the actual motives and behaviour of owner‐managers. It is based on a philosophy that the “objects” studied are in fact “subjects”, producing accounts of their world.FindingsThe finding in the study for which this methodology was used is that owner‐managers predominantly use “bootstrapping” techniques for their investment appraisal rather than the more formal methods suggested in the financial management literature. So‐called “objective” studies of decision‐making process using questionnaires and positivist‐type approaches, do little to help to answer the basic questions relating to how and why decisions are taken. Without answering these questions it is impossible to recommend how practices can become more effective.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to the extent to which it can be generalised to a wider population of small firms.Originality/valueThe paper presents a detailed description of a qualitative research method, “insider accounts”.
A methodology for researching international entrepreneurship in SMEs
Authors: Fillis Ian 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate an alternative methodological approach to researching international entrepreneurship which mirrors the creativity of successful entrepreneurial organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe biographical approach discussed overcomes the pervasive linear thinking found in the wider management discipline. Successful entrepreneurial practice is anything but linear. This notion is embraced in the consideration of a methodology which mirrors its non‐linear path.FindingsA biographical approach constructs richer and deeper data which would otherwise remain undiscovered. It allows for a more flexible approach to research. Triangulation with the more usual methods of survey work and in‐depth interview ensures that quality and rigour are maintained throughout.Research limitations/implicationsResearch which adopts a more considered, critical perspective is limited in international entrepreneurship. There is evidence that critical entrepreneurship researchers are embracing alternative methodologies such as narrative, discursive and literary approaches which complement and challenge existing dominant thinking.Practical implicationsUp to now, many practitioners have felt that researchers do not listen sufficiently to their stories of success and failure and that there is a lack of meaningful engagement with them. The approach discussed here helps to improve the relationship between researcher and researched.Originality/valueFollowing more creative approaches such as those espoused in this paper, can help to facilitate more meaningful interaction between the researcher and the biographical subject.
A review of techniques for risk management in projects
Authors: Ahmed Ammar , Kayis Berman , Amornsawadwatana Sataporn 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a review of techniques that support risk management in product development projects using the concurrent engineering (CE) philosophy.Design/methodology/approachThe Australia/New Zealand risk management standard AS/NZS 4360:1999 proposes a generic framework for risk management. This standard was adapted for product development projects in the CE environment. In this paper, existing techniques were reviewed for their applicability to processes in risk management; namely, techniques for establishing context, risk identification, risk assessment and treatment.FindingsRisk management is an activity within project management that is gaining importance due to current business environment with a global focus and competition. The techniques reviewed in this paper are used on an ad hoc basis currently. A more risk focused approach is likely to result in an integration of several of these techniques, resulting in an increased effectiveness of project management.Practical implicationsThe techniques reviewed in this paper can be used for the development of risk management tools for engineering and product development projects.Originality/valueThis paper provides a gist of techniques categorized in the form that they are applicable for implementation of risk management functions in product development projects using CE philosophy.
Simulating less‐than‐truckload terminal operations
Authors: Deshpande Pranav J. , Yalcin Ali , Zayas‐Castro José , Herrera Luis E. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeRecent surveys indicate that transportation companies are not utilizing technology in decision making despite growing complexity of transportation systems. This paper aims to present a discrete simulation approach to benchmarking performance measures of terminal operations of less‐than‐truckload (LTL) freight carriers.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involves design of heuristics for the dock assignment problem and uses discrete event simulation to evaluate performance of the various heuristics.FindingsIntelligent dock assignment for incoming trailers can greatly improve performance of LTL terminals and simulation is an effective tool to determine the effects of various assignments on terminal performance.Originality/valueThe paper introduces a dock assignment heuristic and integrates the tactical level decision‐making process and operational aspects in LTL terminals to evaluate the performance of the system. A case study is used to demonstrate the use of the heuristic and performance improvements.
Elements of a business process management system: theory and practice
Authors: Shaw Duncan R. , Holland Christopher P. , Kawalek Peter , Snowdon Bob , Warboys Brian 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo construct, test and illustrate a sophisticated and theory‐based architecture for analyzing business process management systems (BPMS) used for business process change.Design/methodology/approachExploration of business process modeling‐based BPMS via a meta‐survey of academic and business literatures. Two main dimensions are used based upon semiotics and a block‐based BPMS pyramid architecture. Each block is a core technology required for the functioning of the BPMS and include: the subject being modeled; the software formalism; the IT infrastructure; the modeling language and notation; and the underlying technical infrastructure.FindingsTheoretically explains and empirically illustrates each core technology in the proposed architecture then does the same for the architecture, its arrangement as a whole and its interrelationships. Recognizes the lack of a theoretical basis for business process modeling constructs and the dangers that this generates. Explains why automatic BPMS require formal construct transmission from subject modeled to modeling hardware and software.Research limitations/implicationsThe architecture's core technologies span numerous disciplines so each set of literatures introduces the component concepts and their bases but is not exhaustive.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a considerably more sophisticated framework for BPMS analysis than is currently available; it is theoretically and not just empirically based; it uses a novel method of theoretical justification concerned with the transmission of modeled properties and characteristics between several technological media; and it illustrates the innovative analytical use of this architecture and the practical use of BPMS with three different case vignettes.
An assessment of facilitators and inhibitors for the adoption of enterprise application integration technology
Authors: Bahli Bouchaib , Ji Fei 
Published: February 2007

PurposeEnterprise application integration (EAI) aims to integrate various enterprise applications, such as legacy systems, enterprise resource planning systems, and best‐of‐breed business applications, to aid in promoting organizational goals. EAI is a relatively new area of concern for researchers and practitioners and research on its adoption by organizations remain to be examined.Design/methodology/approachThis paper extends prior research by providing a systematic examination of both generic and specific dimensions of facilitators and inhibitors for the adoption of EAI technology. A rigorous validation of these factors was established. A case study was conducted to refine the developed instrument.FindingsThe results indicate that EAI adoption is facilitated by generic as well as specific factors to this technology.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral limitations of the study need to be mentioned at this stage. First, the research design of this study has incorporated only one site to examine and enrich the list of facilitators and inhibitors of EAI adoption. It is not known whether these results would apply to other organizations, other technologies and whether the project size has some influence on the results. More empirical work is needed to increment the developed instrument. The results of this study have three specific implications for future research. First, this study can be replicated to examine the effect of these facilitators on EAI project performance. Second, more research can be conducted to validate dimensions identified in this study. A survey may strengthen the validation process of the developed instrument and the structure of the dimensions and constructs used. Finally, the results of this study and the developed instrument can be applied on other technologies such as web services, etc.Practical implicationsThe paper extends King and Teo's list to include EAI‐specific factors. Second, it validates the instrument through the card sorting procedure and a case study. The identified dimensions can be used in future research on EAI adoption. The results have also important managerial implications. Managers who are planning to adopt EAI technology can use the developed instrument to assess systematically the facilitators and inhibitors of this technology in their organizational context.Originality/valueThis study extends and accumulates on Teo's framework for inhibitors and facilitators of IT adoption in the EAI context.
A model for analysing the success of adopting new technologies focusing on electronic commerce
Authors: Jackson Martin L. , Sloane Andy 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo provide an organisation or supply chain with the means to analyse their current business foundations prior to the adoption of a new technology for the assessment of successful adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives were to analyse and aid the successful adoption of new technology. This was achieved by the construction of three models from previously conducted research focusing on electronic commerce for application research.FindingsThe research clearly identified a link between an organisation's structure and ease of new technology adoption. This link is the bind between the categories developed for the models and reflects “best fit” for generic organisational analysis.Research limitations/implicationsA questionnaire was used to fuel the models. It included evenly weighted questions. This led to the category results being based on mid‐point scaling. Both the weighing and model scaling are to be addressed in further research assisted by the results from the application of the questionnaire, models, results and organisation follow‐up analysis.Practical implicationsThe models provide a pre‐adoption analysis that can produce a general view towards success, with relatively no expenditure.Originality/valueThe three models are new. The target model is the main construction that has been developed over a number of years. The construction comprises of human resources, processes, organisational culture, and management styles, these elements have not been brought together in this way before to analyse the adoption of new technology in an organisation or supply chain. The models are generic and can be applied to all industries and types of business.
DRM, law and technology: an American perspective
Authors: Rosenblatt Bill 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of developments in the USA related to digital rights management (DRM) through legal, technological, and market developments in recent years.Design/methodology/approachThis article summarizes recent developments in DRM in two areas. First is the legal landscape, including copyright law developments that apply to digital content and attempts to impose DRM technology through legislation and litigation. Second are recent advances in DRM‐related technology and developments in digital content markets that are based on DRM. In both cases, USA developments are compared with the situation in Europe.FindingsDevelopments in American copyright law, DRM technology, and digital content markets exert heavy influences on the spread of DRM in Europe, but the legal and technological frameworks are not different, giving rise to incompatibilities.Practical implicationsDRM technologies need to evolve differently for European markets, because they need to exist in the context of fundamentally different copyright law frameworks (e.g., Private Copying) and incumbent technologies (e.g., Conditional Access television).Originality/valueEuropean readers of this paper should gain an understanding of American DRM technology and its legal context, and how they influence developments in Europe.