bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The synchronization of business cycles in CARICOM
Authors: Augustine Carlton 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the feasibility of the proposed Caribbean Monetary Union (CMU) by examining the synchronization of business cycles within CARICOM. According to the literature on optimum currencies, the synchronization of business cycles is a key requirement for the formation of a monetary union.Design/methodology/approachIn order to extract the business cycles we use the Hodrick‐Prescott (HP) filter and the band pass (BP) filter. For the purposes of measuring synchronization two concepts are used: the simple correlation coefficient and the Concordance statistic of Pagan and Harding. First, the feasibility of enlarging the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union is examined and then consideration is given to the formation of a new monetary union with Trinidad and Tobago as the center.FindingsThe paper finds the degree of business cycle synchronization to be weak. This casts doubt on the feasibility of the proposed CMU.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has placed emphasis on the synchronization of business cycles. While the synchronization of business cycles is necessary, is not sufficient for a successful monetary union. Other factors such as political cohesion may be just as important.Originality/valueThis paper's main contribution is that it employs a more rigorous framework and a more comprehensive data set than previous studies.
The SPDC and sustainable development in the Niger Delta
Authors: Samuel Ibaba Ibaba 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the place of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this objective, the paper takes an overview of the oil industry and the Niger Delta. The paper further evaluates the sustainable policy of the SPDC, and highlights the strengths and weaknesses.FindingsThe paper establishes that oil industry activities have undermined the sustainable development of the region. Although the SPDC has created wealth for Nigeria, the wealth does not benefit the Niger Delta people due to the culture of politics which promotes individual and parochial interests as against public good. SPDC's investments in the oil producing communities suffer a number of set backs which include faults in implementation strategy and structural deformities in the development process of the country. Also of note is the environment unfriendly operation of the SPDC that pollutes the environment and induces unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and collapse of local economies.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests political reforms and changes in oil legislations that will direct the oil wealth to the benefit of the people.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that SPDC's sustainable development strategy in the Niger Delta has gaps that constrain efficiency. This understanding can guide the company to reposition its sustainable development programmes and thus become more beneficial to the oil producing communities.
The impacts of the stock price and country risk on the exchange rate in Singapore
Authors: Hsing Yu 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine movements of the Singapore dollar exchange rate against the US dollar.Design/methodology/approachAn extended open macroeconomic model with the IS, LM, and AS functions and comparative static analysis are employed and applied. The Newey‐West method is employed to estimate consistent estimates for the standard error and covariance when the forms of both autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity are unknown.FindingsThe real exchange rate in Singapore is negatively associated with real M1, country risk, the real US treasury bill rate, and a binary variable for the period since the Asian financial crisis, and positively influenced by the real stock price, world output, and the amount of foreign exchange reserves. Real government deficit spending is statistically insignificant.Research limitations/implicationsOther exchange rate models may be considered and compared.Practical implicationsThe Reserve Bank of Singapore may use the outcomes of this paper as a reference in monitoring exchange rate movements. Among others, changes in country risk, stock values, foreign exchange, the world interest rate, and world output are expected to influence the exchange rate.Originality/valueSeveral important variables such as country risk, the Asian financial crisis, stock values, and the amount of foreign exchange are included to find their impacts on the exchange rate.
Developing countries and fertility: role of agricultural technology
Authors: Self Sharmistha 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of agricultural technology on fertility rates in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachIt is hypothesized here that agricultural technology transforms production techniques and labor demand patterns which affect fertility rates. The hypothesis is tested empirically using ordinary least squares as well as instrumental variables estimation techniques.FindingsThe results show that agricultural technology has a direct and indirect negative impact on fertility. Once technology is divided into mechanical and biochemical technology, one finds stronger evidence of mechanical technology being the driving force behind reducing fertility.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper's main limitation is that it does not take regional, sub‐regional and intra‐country variations into account. Future research should focus on these areas.Practical implicationsThe policy implication of these results would be for governments of developing countries to concentrate on modernizing the existing agricultural sector while absorbing more women in the formal labor force.Originality/valueThis paper adds meaningfully to research in an area that has received limited attention thus far. The results of this paper will be of value to researchers in economic development and policy makers in developing countries.
Breaking up mobile: implications for firm strategy
Authors: Zander Martin , Anderson Jamie 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to support and extend other scholars’ examinations of the evolution of technological modularity, vertical specialization and the concepts of the drivers of change in the basis of competition through an analysis of the evolution of the mobile phone industry.Design/methodology/approachA two‐year research project was undertaken and in‐depth interviews took place with managers at companies that were responsible for developing the value chain approaches of their firms. Companies were identified from the existing body of literature, observation and personal contact. Additionally, data were collected from developing case studies.FindingsThe paper finds that the mobile phone industry value chain is in the process of deconstructing towards more horizontally stratified structures for some device segments. But, unlike the PC industry, an industry which many analysts suggest provides a precedent for likely evolution of the mobile phone value chain, this trend will not be uniform or consistent across different product types. This will require mobile phone manufacturers to adapt their organizational structures and value chain approaches accordingly, and to rethink the basis for future competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsAs the research is based on interviews with a limited number of firms within the extended mobile handset industry value chain, it cannot be suggested that the impact of trends identified has equal impact for all firms.Practical implicationsMobile handset vendors should learn from the PC industry and make sure that their future strategies are not made simply on the basis of cost optimization or speed to market.Originality/valueThe paper fulfils an identified need to understand how industry structures are evolving in one of the most dynamic sectors in the world.
Switching costs and consumer behaviour: implications for telecommunications regulation
Authors: Xavier Patrick , Ypsilanti Dimitri 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the extent to which telecommunications consumers decide to switch and why.Design/methodology/approachResults from surveys of consumer switching behaviour in a number of countries are examined to ascertain reasons for actual consumer decision making regarding switching.FindingsImplications for telecommunications regulation are considered. In essence, regulation should require that communications service providers ensure that switching is fast, cheap, predictable and reliable and that consumers are able to switch with minimum difficulty and delay.Practical implicationsThe ability and willingness to switch from one to another supplier of telecommunications and internet services are an important aspect in manifesting consumer empowerment. In turn, empowered consumers are important for sustainable competition. If consumers are inert and passive, suppliers will not be under pressure to deliver the potential benefits of competition. And it is empowered assertive consumers, able and willing to switch, who will exert pressure on suppliers to deliver these benefits. Thus, in making well‐informed choices between suppliers, consumers not only benefit from competition but also initiate and sustain it.Originality/valueInsights from behavioural economics are incorporated in the analysis.
Privacy, trust, and justice considerations for location‐based mobile telecommunication services
Authors: Chen Jengchung V. , Ross William , Huang Shaoyu F. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how the development of location‐based services (such as those using global positioning satellite (GPS) systems) has accompanied the growth of mobile telecommunication, providing mobile telephone users with a variety of functions. The paper aims to considers the benefits and concerns that these location‐based services present to consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies issues based on the academic literature, relevant theory, and current mobile telecommunication developments.FindingsWhile location‐based services offer many benefits to consumers, issues pertaining to privacy, trust and justice are significant areas of concern.Research limitations/implicationsTestable research propositions pertaining to consumer behaviour are offered to guide future research.Practical implicationsSocially‐responsible telecommunication firms should consider the issues that are raised here. They should adopt policies to safeguard data, build trust, and offer consumers fair policies as the firms offer location‐based services.Originality/valueWhile much has been written about GPS systems and wireless telecommunications, almost no empirical research has been conducted and little theoretical guidance has been offered to prospective researchers. The paper reviews the literature from a variety of disciplines and identifies important theoretical areas to guide future research on consumer behaviour. The paper identifies important issues for researchers and managers.
A case study of DIY ICT
Authors: Uesugi Shiro 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a case study of a rural Do It Yourself (DIY) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project in a Japanese depopulated rural community.Design/methodology/approachThe paper consists of two parts. First, the technology that enables the project is presented together with policy considerations about why such a technology had to be deployed. An analysis of the results from surveys and interviews is then presented.FindingsIn order to achieve sustainable development of a rural ICT project, which is the key to enabling economic development, it is essential to involve residents' participation. A test‐bed DIY project was constructed in a Japanese rural community in 2004, and surveys were conducted in 2004 and 2006 in order to identify residents' needs and awareness of ICT, determine the information literacy level, and evaluate the attitude toward the acceptance of ICT. Also, individual interviews were conducted to look at the qualitative side of residents' perceptions. In general, the residents were found to be indifferent as far as the statistical significance is concerned. However, insights from individual interviews disclosed some useful factors about how to tackle the digital divide in modern society, including the usefulness of DIY in ICT.Originality/valueThe findings, based on analysis of a unique DIY ICT project, will be of value to operators and regulators.
Metanationality and telecommunications incumbency
Authors: Turner Colin 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper sets out to recognise the complexity of the internationalisation process of telecommunications operators via an examination of the metanational forces influencing strategy of European incumbents. Thus as part of a broad strategy of strategic defence incumbents may seek to tap into metanational forces.Design/methodology/approachThe utilisation of metanational forces for the purposes of strategic defence was examined via a dual case analysis. These were chosen to reflect two different strategic scenarios. The first case (Belgacom) has a purely defensive strategy, while the second (Telefonica) has dual‐faceted strategy based on defence alongside a more offensive international strategy.FindingsAcross both of these cases, there was evidence of emergent metanational strategies. These incumbents accessed the global resource pool to retrieve or acquire skills, capabilities or resources that would aid the competitive positioning of incumbents within their home market. It was found that the strong market position aided their ability to gain access to “valuable” resources. This raises evident policy issues.Research limitations/implicationsA dual case analysis only offers a limited perspective on the influence of metanationality. However, the trend does highlight the increasingly complex nature of international strategy in telecommunications.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in understanding that the competitive advantage of incumbent operators can lie beyond their own national borders. This raises issues over the nature of strategic defence for incumbents in an increasingly internationalised marketplace.
Lean, six sigma and lean sigma: fads or real process improvement methods?
Authors: Näslund Dag 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore if six sigma and lean are new methods, or if they are repackaged versions of previously popular methods – total quality management (TQM) and just‐in‐time (JIT).Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a critical comparison of lean with JIT and six sigma with TQM, a study of the measure of the publication frequency – the number of academic articles published every year of the previous 30 years – for each topic, and a review of critical success factors (CSF) for change efforts.FindingsThe more recent concepts of lean and six sigma have mainly replaced – but not necessarily added to – the concepts of JIT and TQM. lean and six sigma are essentially repackaged versions of the former, and the methods seem to follow the fad (product) life cycle. The literature offers fairly similar and rather general CSF for these methods, e.g. top management support and the importance of communication and information. What seems to be missing, however, is the need for a systemic approach to organizational change and improvement.Practical implicationsA prediction is, given the fad or product life cycle phenomenon, that there will be a new method promoted soon, something perhaps already experienced with the borderline preposterous concept of lean six sigma. On the other hand, based on the gap in time between both JIT and lean, and TQM and six sigma – a gap filled by BRP/reengineering – the next method will be process oriented. This paper concludes with the discussion of the need for a process‐based approach to organizational improvement efforts.Originality/valueThis paper is of value in that it analyzes what lessons can be learnt from organizational change and improvement efforts. The analysis includes a comparison of CSF for any change project before discussing the need for a process (systems) perspective for successful organizational improvement efforts.
A quantitative model to predict the Egyptian ERP implementation success index
Authors: El Sawah Sondoss , Abd El Fattah Tharwat Assem , Hassan Rasmy Mohamed 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a quantitative model which helps enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementers in Egypt to predict their implementation success as a function of achieved critical success factors and the organizational culture.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is formulated and operationalized based on existing literature and a series of interviews with key persons involved in ERP implementation in Egypt. A cross‐sectional survey involving 45 ERP implementers is conducted to collect data used to fit the developed model.FindingsHalf the surveyed ERP implementations are considered failures according to the research success metrics. While the critical success factors positively contribute to the success of an ERP implementation, the Egyptian organizational culture hinders its progress. The concept of integration provided by ERP systems is considered relatively new to the Egyptian organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe surveyed sample size is considered relatively small, which partially restricts the generalization of results to the whole population of ERP Egyptian adopters. Future research will involve combining detailed case studies and a larger survey.Practical implicationsERP adopters should periodically evaluate their implementation process using risk analysis tools for ensuring optimum benefits and avoiding any problems that may occur. Furthermore, the Egyptian organizational culture should be carefully considered while implementing an off‐shelf ERP system.Originality/valueThis paper research adds to the growing body of knowledge on ERP implementations, a study of ERP implementation in the Egyptian settings. For practitioners, it provides ERP adopters with a self‐evaluation tool that helps them to monitor and predict the likelihood of project success.
Where good ERP implementations go bad: a case for continuity
Authors: Allen Lee E. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the concerns of administrative and clerical employees towards a web‐based business system and associated training which were not identified either before or during an enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. Post‐implementation analyses revealed that while an implementation can be deemed a success immediately following go‐live dates, long‐term planning is essential to maintain change management continuity for administrators and employees.Design/methodology/approachThe stages of concern component of the concerns‐based adoption model offered a method of analysis of the Dallas, Texas, Independent School District's employees to identify the perceptions and levels of acceptance of the users in regards to the implementation of an ERP system in a public school district.FindingsThe findings for the research questions assisted in interpreting and categorizing the responses to the open‐ended portion of the stages of concern questionnaire; and providing recommended guidelines for future ERP implementations in similar environments.Practical implicationsThe paper shows how leaders in an organization must understand the employees' perceptions of the changes taking place in an ERP implementation and post‐implementation. Based on the findings, a summary, conclusion, and recommendations for further research are provided to assist K‐12 districts in planning for ERP implementations.Originality/valueThe significance of this study encompasses the impact of the integration of new technology with various associated people, processes, and systems. Understanding the impact of such potentially significant change by measuring a user community's overall perception and level of acceptance is a key component in providing guidance for future implementations in similar organizational and institutional environments.
An overall view of knowledge management challenges for global business
Authors: Denizhan Kalkan Veli 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an overall view of knowledge management challenges for global business via discussing the challenges and proposing theoretical and managerial implications.Design/methodology/approachBased on a comprehensive literature review, the paper identifies six main knowledge management challenges faced by global business today. Then, the challenges are discussed in relation to managerial practice.FindingsThe paper argues that developing a working definition of knowledge, dealing with tacit knowledge and utilization of information technology, adaptation to cultural complexity, attention to human resources, developing new organizational structures, and coping with increased competition are the main knowledge management challenges faced by global business today.Practical implicationsSuggested implications include a more significant managerial emphasis on considering and dealing with the knowledge management challenges in a holistic manner, taking into account all internal and external factors influencing the knowledge‐management process.Originality/valueThe paper evaluates the critical findings of the literature within the historical progress of knowledge management, clarifies the main knowledge management challenges faced by global business organizations today, and offers a basic framework for further studies.
Design for supply chain collaboration
Authors: Simatupang Togar M. , Sridharan Ramaswami 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the architecture of supply chain collaboration and to propose a design for supply chain collaboration (DfC), which enables participating members to create and develop key elements of the proposed architecture.Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers a concept for designing the five elements of the architecture of supply chain collaboration, namely collaborative performance system, decision synchronisation, information sharing, incentive alignment, and innovative supply chain processes. A case study was carried out to illustrate the applicability of the framework.FindingsDfC was confirmed using a case to evaluate a supply chain system in which the chain members concurrently designed the architecture of supply chain collaboration. The findings show that design for collaboration facilitates the chain members to have a broader view to develop and ensure an effective collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsSecondary data were collected to describe the collaborative practice in the company. Future research is required to elicit primary data using interview or focus group representing key players of collaboration for the purpose of model enhancement and action research.Practical implicationsThe concept of DfC can be used by the chain members in the discussion forum to (re)design appropriate settings of the five elements of the architecture that lead to better overall performance.Originality/valuePrevious research has indicated the emerging school of design for collaboration. However, current researchers pay little attention to integrating and revealing the interactions of key design elements that drive the effectiveness of the chain members to realise better performance. The paper, for the first time, offers a novel framework for understanding DfC.