bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The transfer of Japanese‐style HRM to subsidiaries abroad
Authors: Che Rose Raduan , Kumar Naresh 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to empirically examine the extent to which the Japanese‐style human resource management (HRM) model is being transferred to subsidiaries, given the contextual characteristics of the Malaysian environment.Design/methodology/approachThe transferability of Japanese‐style HRM is examined through an analysis of the policies and practices of 69 Japanese subsidiaries and focuses on the following specific areas of HRM: employment policies and practices, remuneration systems and career development policies and practices; and management strategies and workplace industrial relations practices.FindingsOverall, the findings suggest that the key elements associated with the Japanese‐style HRM as described in most of the literature are either present to a very limited degree or completely absent. It seems clear that the transfer of the distinctive Japanese‐style HRM, and especially the “four pillars” is not a priority of management. To a certain extent, most companies seem uncomfortable with the characteristics of the local labor. However, the HRM policies and practices in the companies surveyed are not simply the result of the limitation of the local environment and resources; rather they are “opportunist” management strategies which, by taking account of these contextual limits, seek to control the subsidiaries' operations.Originality/valueBy confirming many of the findings of research on the HRM policies and practices of Japanese subsidiaries, especially in other developing countries and, to a certain extent, some developed countries, this study demonstrated that while “technical” elements (the hardware) of the Japanese model are readily being transferred, most of the HRM elements (the software) are adapted in significant, and not always subtle ways. Thus, the issue of the transfer of Japanese‐style HRM abroad in general and in Malaysia particularly is not so much a question of whether the Japanese want to transfer their distinctive policies and practices as of whether they need, or indeed are able, to do so. The findings of this study also demonstrate that what most Japanese subsidiaries achieve is a system of labor control – this is the essential purpose of the HRM practices under considerations: to make the production methods work and enable the company to make and sustain profit – and indeed what the Japanese have achieved and secured in Malaysia is a highly effective system of control (given local conditions).
Colonial history and its effects on Sub‐Saharan economic development
Authors: Beraho Enoch K. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the causes of political and economic problems faced by Sub‐Saharan countries.Design/methodology/approachData were compiled from current statistical data from various countries in the region. Also library sources were used to study the historical developments relating to the countries’ past and current political and economic situations.FindingsThis paper finds that the Sub‐Saharan countries misruled themselves and ruined their economies soon after they gained independence. They were then forced to seek help from their past colonial masters whom they had fought and got rid of to be independent.Practical implicationsThe implications are that these former colonies have had to face reality and work with some western countries (including their past colonial foes) in order to foster economic development. In so doing, they have had to compromise and be accommodate donor and invest conditionsOriginality/valueThis paper provides explanation as to why the countries in this region have had economic and political problems. Furthermore, it lists comprehensive strategies these countries have devised to get out of their problems.
Conversion of non‐calendar to calendar‐time based preventive maintenance schedules for semiconductor manufacturing systems
Authors: Ramírez‐Hernández José A. , Fernandez Emmanuel , O'Connor Matilda , Patel Nipa 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present the rationale, a numerical example and a case study of the application of an algorithm to convert non‐calendar based preventive maintenance (PM) schedules into calendar‐time format for semiconductor manufacturing systems (SMS). The resulting calendar‐time PM schedules can be utilized as a baseline within a PM scheduling optimization process.Design/methodology/approachThe algorithm utilizes estimations of work‐in‐process (WIP) and system parameters to estimate an equivalent calendar‐time schedule for PM schedules based on different units. A numerical example based on fictitious data illustrates the utilization of the conversion algorithm within a mixed PM scheduling scenario, including wafer, processing‐time and energy‐based PM tasks for multi‐chamber tools. In addition, a case study illustrates the accuracy of the algorithm by comparing estimated PM targets (i.e. due, warning and late dates) with historical data from a real semiconductor fabrication facility.FindingsResults from the case study validated the conversion algorithm by showing accurate estimations of PM targets (i.e. due, warning and late dates). The accuracy of the algorithm depends, however, on good estimates for WIP levels within the planning horizon.Originality/valueThe conversion algorithm may be utilized not only in SMS but also in other industries that require the conversion of non‐calendar based PM schedules into calendar‐time format for PM optimization and operational purposes.
Minimizing total flow time and maximum tardiness with periodic maintenance
Authors: Chen Wen‐Jinn 
Published: August 2007

PurposeIn today's industry, a machine breakdown is common for a machine running a long period of time without maintenance. To avoid a sudden breakdown, periodic maintenance is usually performed in the production system. This paper aims to find a set of efficient schedules that considers both jobs and maintenance simultaneously.Design/methodology/approachThis paper addresses a real‐life scheduling problem in a plastic company. An algorithm based on the variable range technique is developed to solve the problem by providing a small set of efficient schedules.FindingsOnce maintenance is performed, the job being processed must be stopped. This will result in some jobs being late or tardy and a relatively larger flow time is generated. Therefore, how to minimize these two criteria in the production system becomes an important issue in the company. Computational results show that problems with larger maintenance intervals and smaller maintaining time can produce a smaller number of efficient schedules.Practical implicationsIt is seen that scheduling maintenance will result in some jobs being tardy and a larger flow time is generated. A decision maker can easily select a preferred schedule from the small set of efficient schedules. The proposed algorithm is appropriate not only for the studied company but also for those companies where periodic maintenance is required.Originality/valuePresents an algorithm to find a small set of efficient schedules.
Economic‐statistical design of an S EWMA control chart for monitoring process variability
Authors: Castagliola P. , Celano G. , Fichera S. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe aim of this study is to present the economic‐statistical design of an EWMA control chart for monitoring the process dispersion.Design/methodology/approachThe optimal economic‐statistical design of the S EWMA chart was determined for a wide benchmark of examples organized as a two level factorial design and was compared with the designs obtained for the S Shewhart chart. Both the two charts have been designed so that an equal number of false alarms (in‐control Average Run Length) is expected.FindingsThe S EWMA allows significant hourly cost savings to be achieved for the entire set of process scenarios with respect to the S Shewhart; a mean percentage cost saving of 6.77 per cent is obtained for processes characterized by a reduction in process dispersion (i.e. processes whose natural variability is reduced through an external technological intervention), whereas up to a 9.78 per cent saving is achieved for processes whose dispersion is increased by the occurrence of an undesired special cause.Practical implicationsThe proposed S EWMA chart can be considered as an effective tool when statistical process control procedures should be implemented on a process with the aim of monitoring its data dispersion.Originality/valueIn literature the economic design of EWMA charts covers only the process cost evaluation when the sample mean is monitored; here, the study is extended to the sample standard deviation to investigate if the EWMA scheme still outperforms the Shewhart chart. An extensive analysis is proposed to evaluate the influence of the process operating parameters on the EWMA chart design variables.
Small business growth: recent evidence and new directions
Authors: Dobbs Matthew , Hamilton R.T. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeTo review empirical contributions to the small business growth literature since the mid‐1990s.Design/methodology/approachNarrative review of the literature using the framework adopted in previous reviews: management strategies; characteristics of the entrepreneur; environment/industry factors; and firm characteristics.FindingsThe absence of any unifying theory means that the literature continues to feature a wide range of growth measures and model specifications. As a result of this, knowledge development appears fragmented rather than cumulative. New theoretical perspectives are needed if we are to develop our understanding of the growth process in small businesses.Research limitations/implicationsAlternative types of research are suggested that focus on small business growth as a process rather than an episode. Future research needs to adopt multiple measures of growth and, more importantly, be based on theory longitudinal in scope but idiosyncratic in its focus. Empirical work should seek to explain the periodicity of growth and the role that learning plays in the idiosyncratic development of small businesses.Originality/valueThe paper synthesizes the literature in an area that is critical in terms of the advice given to policy makers and business owners. It does so while building on the frameworks used in previous reviews and then identifying new research approaches that are needed to advance understanding of the small business growth process.
The new policing of assets and the new assets of policing
Authors: Sproat Peter A. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeAsset recovery and the incentivisation of law enforcement is a theme within both the official and critical discourses on anti‐money laundering and asset recovery. This paper attempts to find out whether this so‐called “new policing of assets” in the UK has produced new assets for policing.Design/methodology/approachThe aim is achieved by producing an estimate for the costs to private companies and public authorities as well as an estimate of the financial benefits, both of which challenge the costs and benefits stated in previous work on the issue.FindingsIn doing this work it points out the difficulty of producing such costings and questions whether the regime justifies the compliance costs imposed.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the debate about improving the quality of cost‐benefit analyses of the money laundering regime.
Implementing innovation management in manufacturing SMEs: a longitudinal study
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Keogh William , Reid Renee S. , Mitchell Neil 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to evaluate the longitudinal effect of innovation programmes on improving the process of innovation in manufacturing SMEs. The process of innovation in organisations covers people, process and technology. Therefore interventions in the form of innovation improvement programmes often require high levels of complexity. This complexity is compounded in SMEs, where issues such as scarce resources and skill shortages must be recognised.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case research methodology combined with an innovation evaluation model is used to evaluate the longitudinal effect of an innovation intervention programme, which combined taught modules and Critical Action Learning networks over an eighteen month period. Within‐group comparisons are made.Findings/research implicationsThe findings reveal that SMEs, which have high levels of innovation improvement, adopted a broad process based approach to innovation rather than using a narrow technical definition of innovation. These SMEs also developed a process of critically reflective action learning to ground the innovation in organisational practice.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of longitudinal research studies on innovation interventions in SMEs.
Social entrepreneurship
Authors: Shaw Eleanor , Carter Sara 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the emerging practice of social entrepreneurship by exploring the historical and theoretical antecedents of social enterprise and its contemporary practice. By exploring key theoretical concepts, the paper draws comparisons between “for‐profit” and social entrepreneurs. The paper seeks to discuss the contemporary practice of social entrepreneurship. Discussion of the theory of entrepreneurship and contemporary practice of social entrepreneurs seeks to create a more nuanced view of social entrepreneurship and develop greater theoretical insights into this phenomenon and its recent expansion.Design/methodology/approachA phenomenological research approach was adopted, and 80 in‐depth interviews with social entrepreneurs from across the UK identified as the most appropriate data collection tool. Data analysis sought to identify and understand similarities between the more understood and studied behaviour of “profit‐seeking” entrepreneurs and those of an emerging group of social entrepreneurs.FindingsIn‐depth interviews revealed five key themes within which the practice of social entrepreneurship could be compared and contrasted with for‐profit entrepreneurship. These included: the entrepreneurial process, in particular, opportunity recognition; network embeddedness; the nature of financial risk and profit; the role of individual versus collective action in managing and structuring enterprises; and creativity and innovation.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that while the contemporary practices of social enterprises share many similarities with their for‐profit counterparts, significant differences can be found when comparing these practices with extant entrepreneurship research.Originality/valueThe paper addresses an emerging phenomenon within the practice and theory of entrepreneurship and offers insight into similarities and differences between entrepreneurship in the profit and not‐for‐profit sectors.
Expectations‐based evaluation of SME advice and consultancy: an example of business link services
Authors: Bennett R.J. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to assess an expectations‐based approach to service evaluation by small and medium sized companies (SMEs) of government advice services. These are often criticised for providing what politicians think SMEs need rather than what SMEs want. Little analysis has gone into assessing the expectations of these services. Yet expectations are a crucial datum against which to measure evaluations of the impact and satisfaction with services received.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses new large‐scale survey results of the experience of Business Link in England to assess expectations and outcomes. It compares expectations, through open response format questions, with assessments of how far expectations are met, service impact and satisfaction. Outputs are also compared between “hard” (profit, sales, costs) and “soft” (improving the ability to manage).FindingsThe results demonstrate a mixture of expectations ranging from specific service wants (in the majority of cases) to a range of softer and quality elements (which include inter alia, the desire for a “neutral” or “external” view). Comparison of the varied expectations with the level of satisfaction and impact shows Business Link to be strongest where the SME client is most focused in what they seek and where the quality expectations are not too demanding.Originality/valueThe key implication for Business Link design is that it should focus on the primary aim of specialist advice links to subsidised services, primarily with a skills or other technical focus.
The determinants of online loan applications from small businesses
Authors: Han Liang , Greene Francis 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine both the characteristics of the business customers and the types of venture which make use of online loan applications. Despite the growth in the use of technology in banking and the advent of online banking, little research has been conducted on the factors underlying online loan application behaviour amongst business banking customers.Design/methodology/approachA multivariate analysis is conducted on a USA dataset to empirically test the hypotheses derived in this paper. The empirical evidence is drawn from the US Survey of Small Business Finances, which contains 3,561 sample ventures, representing 5.3 million small businesses in the USA.FindingsThe paper finds that online loan behaviour is largely determined by the characteristics of the entrepreneur, rather than that of the venture. It is also found that factors that trust, evident in the length of the relationship between the applicants and their primary lender, is important. Moderating these effects is further evidence that suggests the number of lenders and distance between lenders and applicants has a marked effect on online loan behaviour.Originality/valueThis paper identifies the factors determining small business online loan application behaviour. This is important because the nature of online loan behaviour is changing the existing relationships between banks and customers. Whilst online loan applications afford banks the opportunity to substantially reduce costs, the danger is that long term relationships with customers are harder to cement.
Business modelling revisited: the configuration of control and value
Authors: Ballon Pieter 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a theoretically grounded framework for designing and analysing business models for (mobile) information communication technology (ICT) services and systems.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the most topical literature on business modelling, as well as general strategic management, industrial economics and network economics literature, it also constructs a new integrated framework.FindingsThe study finds that business model design is interpreted as the (re)configuration of control parameters on the one hand, and value parameters on the other hand within a particular innovation system.Originality/valueThe paper is informed by a wide range of theories and approaches and proposes an improved and generally applicable framework.
When standards become business models: reinterpreting “failure” in the standardization paradigm
Authors: Hawkins Richard , Ballon Pieter 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the question: “What is the relationship between standards and business models?” and illustrate the conceptual linkage with reference to developments in the mobile communications industry.Design/methodology/approachA succinct overview of literature on standardization, business models and platform markets in the paper leads to a hypothesis on the relationship between present‐day standardization processes and business model design. This is then explored by means of three short case studies.FindingsThe case studies of Mobile‐ICT illustrate that regardless of institutional orientation or process, the most important standardization strategy for equipment and service providers is to create platforms that are open to the development of complementary products and services while at the same time preserving the proprietary edge necessary to ensure lock‐in effects. All three cases yielded strong reasons to doubt whether many of the traditional advantages of standardization (interoperability, economies of scale, positive externalities, etc.) will be achieved equitably for all of the stakeholders.Originality/valueThis is an exploratory paper that aims to shed light on present‐day concerns about “failure” in the standardisation paradigm.
Mobile payment models and their implications for NextGen MSPs
Authors: Van Bossuyt Michaël , Van Hove Leo 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a first overview of important implications of payment models for next‐generation mobile service platforms (NextGen MSPs).Design/methodology/approachThe starting point of the paper is an existing set of mobile payment models. These models are modified and expanded on in order to be able to highlight implications for NextGen MSPs.FindingsThe paper identifies two different types of payment models for mobile environments: carrier centric models and payment service provider (PSP)‐centric models. Instantiations of both categories are already being applied, although not necessarily always in the mobile environment. Both types come with a number of advantages as well as disadvantages. This paper argues that combining different models or introducing intermediaries yields solutions that satisfy the requirements of NextGen MSPs for offering a compelling value proposition to their users.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to analyse the suitability of existing mobile payment models in the specific context of NextGen MSPs. It also proposes alternative models that provide a better fit with the potential business models for such platforms.