bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combating cyber crime in Nigeria
Authors: Adomi Esharenana E. , Igun Stella E. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe cyber crime and techniques adopted for combating it in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachReviews the state of cyber crime in Nigeria, and how it is being stemmed in the country.FindingsThe types of cyber crime in Nigeria are revealed together with the efforts geared towards combating/preventing cyber crime in the country. The paper also draws attention to the possibility of libraries that offer public internet access service being victims of cyber crime as well as unknown perpetrators. The paper recommends how cyber crime can be brought under control.Originality/valueIt reveals factors that contribute to perpetration of cyber crime in Nigeria and efforts being made to combat it. This will enable various countries, in developing and developed world, to be sensitized to the menace of cyber crime and take relevant steps to fight against it.
Interoperability between library software: a solution for Iranian libraries
Authors: Alipour Hafezi Mehdi 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to propose a solution for data interoperability between library programs in Iran.Design/methodology/approachThe research proceeded through expressing the essence of interoperability in library programs in order to exchange metadata, In this regard, the current situation is analyzed using a researcher‐made checklist, and then the problems and shortcomings are highlighted in the field of the interoperability which in turn enables us to find some ways to overcome them.FindingsThe majority of the library software in Iran do not respect data exchange. They mostly use ISO 2709 as an export format and rarely use other formats. Moreover, most of the library software use Z39.50 client to get information from Library of congress and also Iranian National Library. Therefore, none of them could exchange data between each other because of not using server side service. The proposed model tries to introduce harvesting metadata by OAI service provider and also searching the metadata records by SRU client‐server model.Originality/valueThe findings indicate that Iranian libraries should be aware of the essence of interoperability. Using the proposed model would help them to exchange metadata in a cost‐efficient and cost‐effective manner.
Internet usage in Greek libraries
Authors: Semertzaki Eva 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to point out the utilization, integration and exploitation of the internet among libraries in Greece.Design/methodology/approachA survey consisting of 44 questions was distributed to librarians in Greece to collect the data for the study.FindingsThe study reveals that the internet is an essential and rigorous tool for librarians in Greece. It plays an important role for providing quality and quick reference services to users.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations in this study are related to the small sample size, as well as to the number of variables studied.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study would provide some interesting insights into measuring user satisfaction after the introduction of the internet and into conducting future studies with comparable results.Originality/valueThis is believed to be a unique paper featuring Greek libraries and internet. The information and communication technologies could have wider implications in all kinds of libraries.
Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) in the context of risk management in new product development
Authors: Segismundo André , Augusto Cauchick Miguel Paulo 
Published: October 2008

PurposeEffectively managing risk is an essential element of successful project management. In this sense, the present study seeks to propose a systematisation of technical risk management through the use of FMEA to optimise the decision making process in new product development (NPD).Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach adopted in this paper is a case study at an automaker in Brazil. Data were gathered from various sources, mostly participant observation and document analysis of two important NPD programmes. The risk management system was described and its influence on programs development analysed.FindingsResults included a reduction in the number of project and test planning loopings as well as a reduced number of prototypes needed to approve product components. In addition, there was a positive influence on the product development decision‐making process, evidenced by better allocation of resources among projects at the programme.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to a single case study which considers two major NPD programmes. Replications among other units of analysis are needed to further validate current findings.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few published studies that report and discuss the FMEA within a broad context of risk analysis.
Implementing total quality management with a focus on enhancing customer satisfaction
Authors: Mehra Satish , Ranganathan Sampath 
Published: October 2008

PurposeAims to examine the role of total quality management (TQM) towards enhancing customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachUsing meta‐analysis, existing research studies on TQM and customer satisfaction were quantified, summarized, and tested for moderators to clarify TQM impact.FindingsIt is found that TQM substantially increases customer satisfaction across diverse industrial and cultural settings.Originality/valueThis research broadens the scope of TQM applicability across varied industrial and cultural settings to achieve higher customer focus, increased customer satisfaction, and stresses the need for more meta‐analytic studies on the subject.
Review processes for improving business excellence frameworks
Authors: Saunders Max , Mann Robin , Grigg Nigel 
Published: October 2008

PurposeTo examine the processes used by custodians of business excellence frameworks (BEFs) internationally to review and revise their frameworks, and to present the findings of a review of the design of the Australian business excellence framework (ABEF).Design/methodology/approachA literature review, three surveys, and a series of focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted. The study involved input from 16 countries and was part of a larger study of how BEFs are designed, reviewed, promoted and deployed within and across nations.FindingsThe role of stakeholders in business excellence model design and development, the processes involved in framework review and enhancement, and the frequency of minor and major review activities and who led them are presented. We found there was widespread support for the design of the ABEF amongst stakeholders. This review of the ABEF design and its appropriateness to the Australian business environment are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the primary focus was on the Australian context, the findings draw upon a range of international sources and hence are of relevance to all BEF custodians.Practical implicationsThe findings from the project were used to redesign the ABEF, and are expected to help inform national business excellence strategies worldwide.Originality/valueThe paper updates the current situation regarding the review of BE frameworks in 16 countries, with a focus on Australia.
The impact of internal service quality on customer service behaviour
Authors: Bellou Victoria , Andronikidis Andreas 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe increasing importance of customer satisfaction is uncontested. Yet, banks are currently facing another major challenge, meeting the changing needs of customers. For this reason, the present study aims to examine the effect that internal service quality has on employees' prosocial customer behaviour displayed, which is crucial for customers' perception of service quality. This effect was examined both for publicly and for privately held banks.Design/methodology/approachOut of 19 banks that operate in a major Greek city, 16 agreed to cooperate. The researchers personally administered 10 questionnaires to front‐line employees of every branch, on a random basis, and gathered 113 usable questionnaires. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, and regression analyses.FindingsThe findings indicate that employees are more likely to improve their general performance and are more cooperative when internal service quality exists. Despite the fact that employees in both sectors agree to the fact that reliability and access are critical for displaying role‐prescribed customer behaviour, there are significant difference with regards to cooperation and extra‐role customer behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsSince, the study took place in only one Greek city, increasing the sample base both in terms of the number of cities and respondents could provide safer generalizations of findings.Practical implicationsQuality circles, employee involvement and human resource management policies designed to stress internal service quality can enhance employees' willingness to serve customers, and in turn increase service quality provided to external customers.Originality/valueThe paper assesses the impact of internal service quality on customer service behaviour, focusing on the Greek banking sector.
Are boards and institutional investors active monitors? Evidence from CEO dismissal
Authors: Florou Annita , Pope Peter 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how the turnover‐performance relation depends on the proportion of outside directors and institutional ownership concentration and to explore the relative roles of accounting‐ and stock‐based performance measures in the process of CEO dismissals.Design/methodology/approachProbit analysis using an unbalanced panel of the top 460 UK listed companies from 1990 to 1998 was employed.FindingsNo evidence of effective board monitoring was found. On the other hand, evidence of institutional shareholder activism was found. In particular, when institutional concentration is high, the turnover‐performance link is more negative in relation to stock returns but less negative in relation to accounting performance. This is consistent with institutional investors using a richer set of information than that contained in reported accounting earnings.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research may examine the effect of board monitoring on the turnover‐performance relation after considering the endogeneity of board structure and membership. Moreover, further research may examine the complementarity of the two governance mechanisms considered, i.e. the board of directors and institutional investors.Originality/valueIn the aftermath of Enron and other corporate frauds world‐wide, the paper exploits a unique dataset of institutional ownership and provides additional evidence on the controversial role of boards and institutional investors in replacing inefficient CEOs, as well as on the role of accounting information in the effectiveness of governance processes.
An empirical comparison of non‐Big 4 and Big 4 auditors' perceptions of auditor independence
Authors: Law Philip 
Published: October 2008

PurposePerceived independence is one of the corner‐stones in auditing theory. Despite prior research on auditor independence, the results are inconclusive. The lack of research in the Hong Kong auditing environment motivates this study, particularly following the Enron débâcle. The purpose of this paper is to examine the non‐audit services (NASs), competition, rank and types of auditors, in respect of the independence problem as it relates to the practices of Hong Kong auditors in the post‐Enron environment.Design/methodology/approachFour independent variables identified from literature gaps are examined, namely NASs, levels of competition, auditors of different ranks and types of auditors. Mixed ANOVA are employed to analyze survey responses from 207 “Big 4” and 185 “non‐Big 4” auditors.FindingsResults of the study show that the provisions of NASs and high competition could have a negative influence on auditors' perceptions of independence. Second, auditors' perceptions that the influence of NASs on independence depends on an individual auditor's rank are supported. Senior managers have the highest mean rating on perceptions, while partners have the lowest mean rating. Results support the agency theory that the agent (senior manager) may not always act in the best interests for the principal. Finally, there is no difference between Big 4 and non‐Big 4 auditors' perceptions of the influence of NASs and competition on independence.Originality/valueThe study revokes earlier US research that indicates that NASs provisions favorably influence auditors' perceptions of independence. It would be advantageous for a regulatory body to reconsider professional reforms such as prohibitions of NASs and the repercussions of non compliance of independence.
Why bigger is not always better: the strategic logic of value creation through M&As
Authors: Kalpič Brane 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe strategic thinking behind numerous M&As is: “bigger is more important than better”. Such logic is also followed in the growth strategies of many players who believe that increasing scale via M&As will bring sustainable competitive advantage and generate above‐average financial performance and value creation for their shareholders. But numerous failed M&As and the modest financial performance of many large players compared to smaller ones question the universality of this logic. The aim of this article is to emphasize how important it is in strategic decision‐making to correctly understand and interpret contemporary concepts such as scale‐based completion, industry consolidation, and M&As.Design/methodology/approachThe discussion is guided by three leading questions which need to be answered in any strategy formulation process: does scale matter, and where? What are the implications of industry concentration? What should be the strategic logic behind M&As? These questions are addressed according to the key assumptions and premises of the merger and industry consolidation theory and the Rule of Three concept, and the discussion is enriched by several cases and examples from various industries.FindingsScale does not necessarily bring competitive advantage, improve financial performance, or generate scale‐related synergies per se. To develop sustainable competitive advantage, executives must understand the true nature and mechanisms which drive the industry concentration process, value creation through M&As and the consequent advantages of increasing company scale.Originality/valueThe article discloses key strategic elements to be considered when formulating effective corporate strategies in a complex business environment and a context of rapidly concentrating industries. The discussion also raises awareness regarding the importance of strategic logic, correct interpretation of strategic concepts and sensitivity toward differences in industries in avoiding false conclusions and poorly‐formulated strategies.
Kick the discounting habit: step one for more effective pricing
Authors: Holden Reed K. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeDiscounting has become the crack cocaine of senior management with terrifying effects on both revenue and profits. The purpose of this paper to show managers how and where to put a stake in the ground to kick the discounting habit and move to a more effective and disciplined approach to pricing.Design/methodology/approachThe author leverages his research on trust in buyer seller relationships with extensive experience with real world pricing to provide insights in why and when discounting is not appropriate and how business can benefit in terms of both profits and revenue growth by adopting more appropriate pricing tactics.FindingsPrior research has shown that more effective pricing can lead to an 11 percent improvement in a firm's profitability. By focusing on eliminating unnecessary discounting, managers can improve profits by more than 20 percent. Specific management tactics are identified which reflect the realities of doing business in today's world of increased competition, product commoditization and sophisticated buyers.Originality/valueProvides insights in why and when discounting is not appropriate and how business can benefit in terms of both profits and revenue growth by adopting more appropriate pricing tactics.
Alignment and follow‐up: steps to strategy execution
Authors: Khadem Riaz 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a framework for the successful execution of business strategy in medium to large organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology for the elements required to assure the effective execution of strategy was developed in the field during the implementation of concepts from the author's first book, One Page Management.FindingsWhen there is unity around the vision of the organization and a creative strategy is in place, a few key elements work together to assure the excellent execution of strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe data in the examples are all simulated based on learning from implementations in Europe, US, Mexico, and Latin America.Practical implicationsThe paper focuses on how individual executives can implement processes to assure the effective execution of their strategies.Originality/valueThe concepts, methodology, and approach are all original to this author. They challenge traditional thinking and serve as a valuable alternative. The paper should be of value to the leadership team of any organization.
Consumer warfare: implications for marketing strategy
Authors: Burns David J. , Warren Homer B. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeInstead of being characterized as manufacturers competing among themselves for business, the marketplace today can be best depicted as powerful consumers competing among themselves. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework of strategies employed by empowered consumers and explore how businesses can relate to each.Design/methodology/approachThe article examines the changes that have occurred in the business environment and in consumers. The power distribution in channels of distribution has shifted from manufacturers to consumers. Furthermore, consumers find themselves in a culture characterized by materialism. In a materialistic culture, the importance attributed to products arises not from the physical needs they fulfill, but from their ability to establish one's identity. Consumers' possessions become the tools for engaging and competing with other individuals.FindingsFaced with the empowered consumer, businesses find that they must employ a different set of strategies when reaching consumers. Strategies available to consumers are identified and explored. Approaches available to businesses to successfully target consumers employing each of the strategies are examined.Originality/valueCatering products and marketing messages to the competitive needs of consumers involves positioning products as tools which consumers can use as they employ consumer warfare strategies. Consequently, by picturing their products as tools to use when employing consumer warfare strategies, businesses can better satisfy the needs of their consumers.
Net shareholder value
Authors: Jackson Stuart E. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeMost investors and business leaders understand that the internet has created a few high‐profile success but many more start‐up businesses that have destroyed rather than created value. As a result, many executives have dampened expectations for the transformational potential of internet‐based commerce, and have cut back investments accordingly. In this column, Stuart Jackson makes the observation that while many internet start‐ups have crashed, most of the biggest e‐commerce successes have come from established companies with a loyal base of customers who have added internet capabilities to supplement traditional channels. Traditional retailers and B2B businesses who have yet to grasp the full potential of the internet have untapped opportunities to create what might be called “net shareholder value” by using the Internet to supplement existing channels. The author proposes four key strategies for companies considering going down this path.Design/methodology/approachIn this article, Jackson considers a number of the assumptions that were used to justify massive (and in many cases, outlandish) valuations of Internet businesses in the late 1990s. Jackson then evaluates the extent to which each of these has been proven true in the light of recent history. The author then draws lessons that can be applied broadly across any business considering e‐commerce strategies to supplement existing channels to market.FindingsCompanies should not think of e‐commerce as a separate business from traditional channels. E‐commerce and off‐line businesses selling the same products are competing in the same strategic market segment. Competitive advantage will go to those who can achieve overall scale benefits (taking account of customer acquisition costs as well as physical infrastructure and operating overheads) superior to the competition. In most situations, the best way to achieve this will be through an integrated offering leveraging multiple channels.Originality/valueBy looking in detail at e‐commerce successes and failures and the reasons behind those, this article provides valuable lessons for companies in how to increase competitive advantage and create shareholder value by leveraging the Internet for their business.
What is your Web 5.0 strategy?
Authors: Kambil Ajit 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe worldwide web continues to evolve as a key capability for commercial and human interactions. This paper lays out how the web is likely to evolve and key capabilities businesses must harness to realize the future value of the web.Design/methodology/approachThe article defines five stages of evolution of the web. Web 1.0 was primarily a publishing and transactional environment. Web 2.0 as a space where users co‐create value. Web 3.0 as a semantic space where machine intelligence combines with human intelligence to create new insights. Web 4.0 as a mobile space where users and real and virtual objects are integrated together to create value. Web 5.0 a sensory emotive space where we are able to move the web from an emotionally flat environment to a space of rich interactions. The article outlines how companies must adapt to each stage.FindingsThe article presents clear reasons for why the web might evolve across these five stages and what businesses must focus on to harness the web.Originality/valueMuch of the discussion today centers around Web 2.0 and Web 3.0. This article pushes forth to a new space provocatively and with reason to suggest future outlines of the evolution of the internet.
Strategic improvisation
Authors: Marren Patrick 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper discusses the parallels between business strategy and improvisational comedy.Design/methodology/approachThis is an opinion column.FindingsThis column examines certain surprising commonalities between business and strategy on the one hand, and improvisational comedy on the other. Strategy, like improv, is creative reaction to a reality that you cannot control (the actions of other people), in real time.Originality/valueInjects useful ideas from an unlikely source into the process of business strategy.