bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Has the management of infrastructure assets (IAs) improved with the use of the accrual method in local government?
Authors: Molland Allan , Clift Robert 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate how senior accounting staff in Victorian local authorities are recording and reporting infrastructure assets (IAs) with their relevant depreciation in General Purpose Financial Reports (GPFRs) and the decisions made from this information. IAs are long‐lived assets such as roads, drains and bridges. The introduction of Australian Accounting Standard No. 27 Financial Reporting by Local Governments (AAS27), which applies to all Australian local authorities require IAs to be reported in the balance sheet and depreciation to be charged in the operating statement in order to reflect the loss of service potential in the operating period concerned. Before AAS27, the purpose of public sector accounting was to demonstrate that funds have been raised and expended strictly within the authority of the annual budget on a cash basis. The efficiency and effectiveness of decision‐making by users of this cash‐based information was impaired with this short‐term charge/discharge objective. The study was carried out to determine if information provided in an accrual accounting environment would be more efficient and effective for decision making by users than cash‐based information.Design/methodology/approachThe study included a comprehensive literature review then interviews with 15 chief financial officers from Victorian local authorities. These authorities represented inner metropolitan, outer metropolitan, rural city, large rural and small councils.FindingsThe study reported the implications for change to accrual accounting method in accounting for IAs and the efficiency and effectiveness for decision making by both internal and external users. The question answered is whether the information provided by accrual accounting is used in the management of IAs. In some areas, it has been used and the benefits show from both an efficiency and effectiveness perspective. Concerns with this issue were identified by academics, parliamentary inquires, accounting authorities and local government interest groups.Originality/valueThis study is a comprehensive review of how senior local government accounting management are using the information generated from AAS27 on IAs and what value it has in their decision making.
Stock prices and accounting information: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Pirie Scott , Smith Malcolm 
Published: August 2008

PurposeAs one of the main purposes of financial statements is to provide relevant information for investors, relationships between share prices and accounting variables have been widely researched. Early studies focus mainly on earnings, but attention has turned in recent years to valuation models that include the book value of the equity. Many of these studies cite the residual income model as their theoretical base and, with the growing emphasis on shareholder value, residual income measures are more commonly used in the business community to track financial performance. Given such trends, the purpose of this paper is to review the theoretical background of the residual income model and discuss results of empirical studies that use it.Design/methodology/approachThe study seeks an understanding of how published accounting information relates to share prices in the developed market in Asia, outside Japan. More specifically, the study aims to extend the international literature in market based accounting research by examining empirical evidence on relationships between share prices and the two summary accounting variables of equity book value and earnings for firms listed on the stock exchange in Malaysia.FindingsThe findings imply that, the two accounting variables summarising the balance sheet and the income statement, respectively, are significant factors in the valuation process, and that managers are justified in using the accounting system as a primary source of information for monitoring financial performance.Originality/valueThese findings should be of interest to other researchers, and to managers and investors who currently use or are planning to use residual income to monitor business performance.
Accounting conservatism in Greater China: the influence of institutions and incentives
Authors: Kung Fan‐Hua (Alex) , Ting Chih‐Wen , James Kieran 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe aim of the research is to use variations in measured accounting conservatism to gain a deeper understanding about the reporting incentives created by a country's institutional structure.Design/methodology/approachGeographic proximity, cultural affinity and integrated economic relations provide Greater China with a unique setting for studying cross‐country differences in institutional characteristics which affect the demand for accounting conservatism. Ball and Shivakumar contend that the economic role of conditional conservatism is an important attribute of financial reporting quality because it improves the efficiency of contracting, reduces information asymmetry and improves corporate governance.FindingsThe empirical results indicate that Hong Kong is the most conservative economy, followed by Taiwan and China, implying that the legal/judicial system, regulatory environment and political economy of different countries are the pivotal forces which drive accounting conservatism. Overall, the evidence suggests that a country's institutional structures interact strongly with reporting incentives in determining accounting conservatism.Originality/valueThis research examines cross‐country differences in financial reporting quality by contrasting the influence of country‐specific institutional factors on financial reporting incentives for conservative accounting practices. It is expected that this research will have important policy implication.
Auditors' perceptions of reasonable assurance in audit work and the effectiveness of the audit risk model
Authors: Law Philip 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThough assurance services framework has been defined in the Auditing Standards, the understandability of the concept of reasonable assurance are varied by different auditors. The audit risk model (ARM) that is being used on a worldwide basis to underpin the audit risk of companies, is often being criticized. The purpose of this paper is to assess auditors' perceptions of reasonable assurance in audit work and the effectiveness of the ARM.Design/methodology/approachThree independent variables are examined: CPA certification, ranks of auditors and gender for their influence on two dependent variables: the perceptions of reasonable assurance in audit work and the effectiveness of the ARM. MANOVA analysis and follow up Discriminant Analysis are employed.FindingsResults reveal that there are significant differences between the perceptions held by auditors of different ranks regarding reasonable assurance in audit work. Partners entertain higher perceptions of reasonable assurance than staff auditors. The “gender” variable does not have an influence on the two dependent variables. Auditors with CPA certifications have higher perceptions of reasonable assurance. There are no differences in the perceptions ratings by different rank of auditors, gender and CPA certifications on the effectiveness of the ARM. The three independent variables have average high‐mean ratings on the effectiveness of the ARM, confirming that the current ARM still can provide an effective assurance.Originality/valueThis empirical study revokes the UK study and The Netherlands study. Immediate attention need not be focused on restructuring the ARM. Future contemplation of other important issue such as auditor independence may be considered.
Personal wellbeing and intra‐cultural interaction interventions for cross‐border adjustment
Authors: Fish Alan , Bhanugopan Ramudu 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on research which addressed two purposes. First, to test the fit between, the theoretical model, and the empirical findings from an earlier reported study. Secondly, to test the extrapolative and interrelated nature of a two sets of cultural adjustment constructs designed to enhance the personal wellbeing and intra‐cultural interaction of cross‐border managers when on foreign assignments.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 244 cross‐border managers working for Australian private sector businesses in South‐East Asia in two broad industry groups: manufacturing/industrial, and financial/services. Respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire based on two separate dimensions associated with an individual's adjustment to cross‐border circumstances vis., personal wellbeing and intra‐cultural interaction. This paper evaluates the measurement fit between the identified constructs, by first examining any significant relationship though a structural equation model using LISREL 8; and then through employing path analysis.FindingsResults from the structural equation modeling were significant; and suggest a sound fit between the theoretical model and the empirical findings. The path analysis further supports the multidimensional model. The results provide direction for organisations in addressing cultural adjustment issues to support the personal wellbeing; and the intra‐cultural interaction; of cross‐border managers.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research will need to consider the potential for measurement invariance associated with the framework identified in this paper.Originality/valueThe overall results provide useful insights for organisations as to important interventions to assist cross‐managers in becoming more attuned to their new job, business and cultural surroundings and circumstances. In this respect, cross‐border organisations need to include such interventions amongst the “adjustment experiences” for their cross‐border managers in developing personal wellbeing skills and intra‐cultural interaction strategies.
Problem solving: an Islamic management approach
Authors: Fontaine Rodrigue 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a problem‐solving model that incorporates Islamic values and concerns. A secondary aim is to acquaint readers with the field of management from an Islamic perspective (MIP).Design/methodology/approachUsing an emic research approach, the paper discusses from the Koran and prophetic statements. These are then linked to a generic problem‐solving model that acts as an ideal for Muslims to aspire to.FindingsSeveral findings stand out: The focus in the international business literature has been on the Koran alone. This is misleading as prophetic statements are more specific than the verses of the Koran and particularize the Koran. Six prophetic statements in particular have been highlighted by Muslim scholars and these are discussed in this paper. The A6H problem‐solving model is similar to other problem solving models but there are filter mechanisms that reflect Muslim values. The medical analogy in particular allows students to identify the root cause of the problem as oppose to its symptoms. The discussion relates the A6H model to the cross‐cultural literature in general.Originality/valueThis paper deals with problem solving from an Islamic management perspective. This is a new topic in the MIP literture.
Service provider‐customer similarities and disparities
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Benkenstein Martin , Holtz Michael 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the extent of congruence between service providers’ perceptions of customer satisfaction and customer‐reported satisfaction in the context of optometric services.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via mail surveys from a sample of German optometrists and their customers. Usable responses were obtained from 388 optometrists and 2,237 customers.FindingsResults show that the underlying configurations of satisfaction attributes decompose into eight factors in the case of optometrists and five factors in the case of customers. The extent of congruence between the two groups is weak.Research limitations/implicationsReplications among other optometrist and customer samples are needed to validate the current findings. Also to gain more pointed insights into the similarities and disparities between service providers’ perceptions of their customers’ satisfaction and customer‐reported satisfaction, extension of research to other service sectors would be fruitful.Practical implicationsThe overall inconsistencies between the optometrists and customers underscore the need for accurate assessment of customer perceptions for business success. For stronger business performance, service providers should be trained to look at satisfaction from the perspective of customers by using customers’ definitions.Originality/valueThe study used a dyadic approach in collecting the data. The factor congruency technique was employed to determine the extent of similarities and disparities between the two groups. A general lack of customer knowledge has implications for service providers.
Procedural justice and French and American performance evaluations
Authors: Fodchuk Katherine M. , Sherman Heather D. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeIncreasing diversity of the global workforce calls for research that guides the implementation of culturally sensitive employment procedures. Performance evaluations are often used to support potentially contentious workplace decisions and little research examines the impact of employee participation on fairness perceptions across cultures. The purpose of this paper is to examine the variation between American and French performance evaluations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines American and French employees’ fairness perceptions for their performance evaluations. The focus was on cross‐cultural variation in instrumental and non‐instrumental voice processes by testing Shapiro's model of procedural justice.FindingsSupport was found for the hypothesis that voice would operate predominantly via non‐instrumental processes (e.g. interpersonally responsive behaviors from the evaluator) for the French and partial support that voice influences procedural justice through a combination of non‐instrumental and instrumental processes (perceptions of decision influence) for Americans.Research limitations/implicationsFindings which indicated that French voice appeared to be tied more directly to status‐affirming non‐instrumental processes were supported by Lind and Tyler's relational model of authority and research surrounding the influence of status differentials in participative decision‐making.Practical implicationsResearch implications for the design of culturally‐sensitive performance evaluations that take into account fairness perceptions are presented.Originality/valueThe paper indicates that voice expectations and processes are not culturally universal and should be considered in the design of employment practices.
Perceptions of psychological contract fairness of Hispanic professionals
Authors: DelCampo Robert G. , Blancero Donna Maria 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate Hispanic business professionals’ perception of psychological contract fairness, perception of discrimination, and the influence of autonomous status judgments on these variables.Design/methodology/approachParticipants were drawn from a sample of an association of Hispanic business professionals. The survey instrument was created from existing scales; validity and reliability were established in a pilot study. The survey was administered at two time intervals to 164 Hispanic business professionals. Data were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis.FindingsThere were significant relationships between Hispanic business professionals’ psychological contract fairness perceptions, and perceptions of discrimination and autonomous status. As the score for psychological contract fairness increased, the score for perception of discrimination decreased. As the score for psychological contract fairness increased, the score for perception of autonomous status increased.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample for the study was a convenience sample and therefore may contain a self report bias.Practical implicationsBy empowering Hispanic employees and giving them the resources to truly believe they are valued by the organization, individual outcomes such as productivity and satisfaction could be positively affected.Originality/valueThis study took a new approach to investigating the psychological contract over time and provided useful data on the global fulfillment argument. It created a new model for studying the interaction of mediating variables on the psychological contract and filled a gap in the present research on Hispanic perceptions of psychological contract fairness.
Economic impact of maintenance management ineffectiveness of an oil and gas company
Authors: Aoudia Mouloud , Belmokhtar Oumhani , Zwingelstein Gilles 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the economic impact of an oil and gas company's maintenance management ineffectiveness and identify its causes.Design/methodology/approachThe method followed in this paper consists of the examination of official documents, the observation of operations at the oil and gas company and interviews with company employees. For that purpose, a questionnaire was prepared and used to detect dysfunctions in the existing maintenance system. A statistical tool was also used to evaluate the degree of conformity between the maintenance system and maintenance management effectiveness according to various factors.FindingsMaintenance management ineffectiveness generates a significant financial loss for the company.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper does not examine the impact of maintenance management ineffectiveness on safety, health and the environment. For reasons of confidentiality, the company name is not mentioned.Practical implicationsThis paper presents an evaluation of the financial losses caused by maintenance management ineffectiveness, findings which may prove useful to top management. In another way, this paper demonstrates that significant financial profit can be made by improving maintenance performance. Furthermore, system maintenance auditing may be extended to the company's other plants and subsidiaries using the methods presented in this paper. The results of these audits can be generalized usefully such as to be used as a guide to outline plans for improving maintenance performance in the company.Originality/valueThis paper evaluates the impact of maintenance management ineffectiveness in order to convince top management of the necessity of being involved in the process of maintenance improvement.
Developing a Six Sigma maintenance model
Authors: Thomas Andrew , Barton Richard , Byard Paul 
Published: August 2008

PurposeBoth total productive maintenance (TPM) and Six Sigma are key business process strategies, which are employed by companies to enhance their manufacturing performance. The purpose of this paper, therefore, will be to develop and implement an integrated Six Sigma maintenance (SSM) model for manufacturing industryDesign/methodology/approachThrough the development of a case study approach, the paper chronicles the design, development and implementation of an integrated Six Sigma maintenance (SSM) model. The model is subsequently evaluated for its effectiveness in the subject company.FindingsA model is proposed and the effectiveness of the approach is subsequently evaluated highlighting the benefits the host organization received through this new approach by measuring the effects of implementation against the seven quality, cost and delivery (QCD) measures.Practical implicationsThe design, development and implementation of a Six Sigma maintenance model shown in this paper provides a simple yet highly effective approach to achieving significant improvements in a company's product quality cost and delivery measures. The model combines contemporary business management techniques with total productive maintenance strategies and offers practicing maintenance managers and engineers a strategic framework for increasing productive efficiency and output.Originality/valueThe proposed SSM model contributes to the existing knowledge base on maintenance systems and subsequently disseminates this information in order to provide impetus, guidance and support towards increasing the development companies in an attempt to move the UK manufacturing sector towards world class manufacturing performance.
A maintenance prioritisation approach to maximise return on investment subject to time and budget constraints
Authors: Tam Allen S.B. , Price John W.H. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeAsset maintenance activities need to be prioritised as budget and planned outage time is often limited for all maintenance work to be carried out. The purpose of this paper is to develop a technique for prioritising maintenance work that maximises the return on investment under the constraints of budget and time.Design/methodology/approachThree indices are proposed to be used as indicators for prioritising maintenance. These indices are termed: maintenance investment index (MII), time index (TI) and budgetary index (BI). These indices permit prioritisation of asset maintenance based on the required emphasis on return on maintenance investment, time and budget respectively.FindingsIt is found that approaches to prioritising maintenance which integrate the critical dimensions in the decision making process are lacking in the literature. There is a need for such an approach to assist decision makers to ensure enterprise's objectives and targets are maximised with given budget and planned shutdown time.Practical implicationsThe proposed techniques will assist engineers and mangers to develop their maintenance plan according to the enterprise needs and constraints and allowing management to make a better informed decision in maintenance.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new technique for ranking maintenance that maximises return on investment.
Industrial service innovation through improved contractual relationship
Authors: Singh Panesar Sukhvir , Markeset Tore 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to discuss various contractual issues that could encourage industrial service innovations with special reference to improving operation and maintenance process effectiveness of complex and advanced production facilities in the capital‐intensive industries.Design/methodology/approachA case study was performed to study the influence of contractual relationships on industrial service innovations. The study focused on contractual relationships between service companies that sell operation and maintenance services to production facility operators in the Norwegian oil and gas industry.FindingsThe case study shows that service innovations are desired in most of the operation and maintenance contracts, but existing contractual relationships most often do not support innovations. Moreover, contract duration, contract type and control mechanisms can influence cooperation and collaboration during contract execution.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on a case study with participants from the Norwegian oil and gas industry. The study is limited to knowledge and technology based services required to support operation and maintenance of advanced, complex and integrated production facilities. However, we believe that the study is of value for other capital‐intensive industries such as mining, energy, paper and pulp, chemical, etc.Originality/valueThe development of contracts that support industrial service innovations and create an environment for cooperation and collaboration could be of value to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operation and maintenance processes in the capital‐intensive industries. Studies focusing on improving contractual relationships and service innovations for operation and maintenance services are scant.