bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy multi‐criteria risk‐benefit analysis of business process outsourcing (BPO)
Authors: Perçin Selçuk 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to present the employment of the new hierarchical fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach to evaluate the most suitable business process outsourcing (BPO) decision.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the importance of selection criteria for evaluation of BPO. It then describes briefly the fuzzy hierarchical TOPSIS methodology. There then follows a discussion of the application of the fuzzy hierarchical TOPSIS with some sensitivity analysis to the BPO evaluation problem. Finally, some concluding remarks and perspectives are offered.FindingsUse of the hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS methodology offers a number of benefits. It is a more systematic method than the other fuzzy multi‐criteria decision‐making (FMCDM) methods and it is more capable of capturing a human's appraisal of ambiguity when complex multi‐criteria decision‐making problems are considered. The hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS is superior to the other FMCDM methods, such as fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and classical fuzzy TOPSIS methods, since the hierarchical structure without making pairwise comparisons among criteria, sub‐criteria, and alternatives is considered. Hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS is an excellent tool to handle qualitative assessments about BPO evaluation problems, and its calculations are faster than FAHP. Also, hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS makes it possible to take into account the hierarchical structure in the evaluation model. However, there are drawbacks. The classical fuzzy TOPSIS is a highly complex methodology and requires more numerical calculations in assessing the ranking order of the alternatives than the hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS methodology and hence it increases the effort, thus limiting its applicability to real world problems.Originality/valueThe proposed model will be very useful to managers in the manufacturing sector, as this method makes decision making easier, systematic, efficient and effective.
Comparison of sub‐Saharan Africa's e‐government status with developed and transitional nations
Authors: Mutula Stephen M. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the e‐government status of sub‐Saharan African countries with developed and transitional countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an analysis of eRepublic.org web directory and desk research. Besides, analyses of global e‐government, digital opportunity and information society indices are used.FindingsWide disparities in e‐government exist within regional trading blocs in sub‐Saharan Africa with Southern Africa far ahead of east and west Africa regions. Compared with other continents, sub‐Saharan Africa lags far behind Europe, North America and Asia in e‐government. Several barriers including infrastructure, policy, legal and skill factors are identified as limiting the opportunity for sub‐Saharan Africa to move government services online.Research limitations/implicationsProviding an accurate comparative picture of e‐government of sub‐Saharan Africa with developed and transitional economies is difficult because most e‐government studies hardly cover Africa. Besides, there is a general lack of reliable data about e‐government status in Africa as most government web sites are undeveloped.Practical implicationsAfrica must invest more in infrastructure and enhance a legislative and policy framework to effectively compete with developed and transitional nations not only in e‐government, but also in international economy.Originality/valuee‐Government comparative assessment of sub‐Saharan Africa with developed and transitional economies is based on several indices, thus providing a more informative picture of e‐government status in Africa. Africa can learn from the experiences and best practices of developed and transitional countries in e‐government development.
Information security management objectives and practices: a parsimonious framework
Authors: Ma Qingxiong , Johnston Allen C. , Pearson J. Michael 
Published: August 2008

PurposeAs part of their continuing efforts to establish effective information security management (ISM) practices, information security researchers and practitioners have proposed and developed many different information security standards and guidelines. Building on these previous efforts, the purpose of this study is to put forth a framework for ISM.Design/methodology/approachThis framework is derived from the development of an a priori set of objectives and practices as suggested by literature, standards, and reports found in academia and practice; the refinement of these objectives and practices based on survey data obtained from 354 certified information security professionals; and the examination of interrelationships between the objectives and practices.FindingsThe empirical analysis suggests: four factors (information integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and availability) serve as critical information security objectives; most of the security areas and items covered under ISO 17799 are valid with one new area – “external” or “inter‐organizational information security”; and for moderately information‐sensitive organizations, “confidentiality” has the highest correlation with ISM practices; for highly information‐sensitive organizations, “confidentiality”, “accountability”, and “integrity” are the major ISM objectives. The most important contributor to information security objectives is “access control”.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the domain of information security research by developing a parsimonious set of security objectives and practices grounded in the findings of previous works in academia and practical literature.Practical implicationsThese findings provide insights for business managers and information security professionals attempting to implement ISM programs within their respective organizational settings.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills a need in the information security community for a parsimonious set of objectives and practices based on the many guidelines and standards available in both academia and practice.
Process‐variance models in information security awareness research
Authors: Tsohou Aggeliki , Kokolakis Spyros , Karyda Maria , Kiountouzis Evangelos 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the way information systems (IS) security researchers approach information security awareness and examine whether these approaches are consistent with the organization theory and IS approaches for the study of organizational processes.Design/methodology/approachOpen coding analysis was performed on selected publications (articles, surveys, standards, and reports). The chosen publications were classified and the classification results are presented, based on a proposed typology.FindingsThe proposed typology allows us to identify different types of research models followed by security researchers and practitioners, and to infer a set of practical implications, for the benefit of those interested in empirically studying information security awareness.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper represents a pilot survey, performed in a selected number of publications.Practical implicationsThe paper helps researchers and practitioners to distinguish the research models that can be adopted for the study of information security awareness organizational process, by identifying the key dimensions along which they differ.Originality/valueThe proposed typology provides a guide to identify the range of options available to researchers and practitioners when they design their work regarding the security awareness topic. Moreover, it can facilitate the communication between scholars in the field of security awareness.
Efficient anonymous secure auction schema (ASAS) without fully trustworthy auctioneer
Authors: Asgharzadeh Sekhavat Yoones , Fathian Mohammad 
Published: August 2008

PurposeIn traditional commerce, an auction is known as a mechanism of determining the value of a commodity that does not have a fixed price. Auctions are exciting and an increasing number of transactions are performed through e‐auctions. But most current auctions cannot address all the important security requirements. Usually, auction systems force bidders and sellers to trust the auctioneer and, on the other hand, do not provide anonymity for bidders and sellers. This paper aims to solve these problems by presenting an efficient anonymous secure auction schema (ASAS) without a fully trustworthy auctioneer.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes security properties and the complexity of previous works in auction security and then proposes a new ASAS that is more secure and efficient than previous works. Finally, security properties and the complexity of the new schema and previous works are compared with one another.FindingsThe proposed auction protocol does not force bidders and sellers to trust the auctioneer. In addition, it provides anonymity for both of them. Owing to these newly added features and high degree of security of ASAS, it is suggested that its use in high‐value auctions should require tighter security.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a new schema for electronic auctions that is secure and efficient and, in addition, does not force bidders and sellers to trust the auctioneer.
An agent‐based privacy‐enhancing model
Authors: Lee Hsu‐Hui , Stamp Mark 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a privacy‐enhancing model, which is designed to help web users protect their private information. The model employs a collection of software agents. Privacy‐related decisions are made based on Platform for Privacy Preferences Project (P3P) information collected by the agents.Design/methodology/approachBased on P3P information collected and user preferences, the software agents play a role in the decision‐making process. This paper presents the design of the agent‐based privacy‐enhancing model and considers the benefits and utility of such an approach.FindingsIt is argued that the approach is feasible and it provides an effective solution to the usability limitations associated with P3P.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses primarily on usability issues related to P3P. Consequently, some of the ancillary security‐related issues that arise are not covered in detail. Also the paper does not cover the development of an appropriate ontology in significant detail.Practical implicationsBased on this analysis and extensive testing of the prototype, it is believed that the privacy‐enhancing model presented provides a sound basis for privacy protection on the web. While the emphasis here is on resolving the usability problems associated with P3P, a few straightforward enhancements to the implementation would make it a genuinely practical tool.Originality/valueThe usability of the P3P framework is generally considered its weak point. The paper provides a practical solution to this usability problem. One is not aware of any comparable work.
From learning organization to practically wise organization
Authors: Rowley Jennifer , Gibbs Paul 
Published: August 2008

PurposeAlthough the notion of wisdom confronts the economic rationale of business organizations, this paper aims to argue that organizations are coming under increasing pressure not only to learn, change and adapt, but also to take actions that are ethically acceptable and respond to the expectations of multiple stakeholders, or in other words to act wisely. Accordingly this article seeks to progress the debate on the relationship between organizational learning, learning organizations and wisdom, in pursuit of a new version of the model of the learning organization, the practically wise organization.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the literature on the learning organization and organizational learning is reviewed with a view to the identification of useful models and concepts. The paucity of reference to wisdom in that literature is noted. The following sections develop the theme of practical wisdom and, the essence of the practically wise organization, respectively. Finally a model for the practically wise organization that is both a virtuous and a learning organization is proposed.FindingsThe paper finds that a practically wise organization is a learning organization whose learning architecture is based on the principles of practical wisdom. Such an organization manages the processes associated with the seven pillars of wisdom: understanding dynamic complexity; developing personal wisdom competency; deliberating towards ethical models; refreshing shared sustainable vision; group wisdom dynamics; deliberated praxis; and embodied learning.Originality/valueThe article is a first step towards extending the theory and practice associated with the learning organization and organizational learning to embrace the multi‐stakeholder, ethically and morally informed perspectives embedded in the notion of practical wisdom.
Rational choice or leap of faith? The creation and defence of a management orthodoxy
Authors: Oliver Nick 
Published: August 2008

PurposeIn the 1980s and 1990s enthusiasm for Japanese or “lean” manufacturing methods swept through Western industry. At the time, commentators argued that these methods represented a new paradigm of manufacturing, a radical break with traditional methods. The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of conversion from one paradigm to another, drawing on Kuhn's ideas on the structure of scientific revolutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a critical‐incident approach to illustrate the conversion to, and defence of, a particular view of the world. Two incidents are used. The first is a one‐day seminar by a leading proponent in the field, in which the author acted as a participant observer. The second is the response of the UK engineering community to the publication of a report questioning the financial benefits of Japanese or lean manufacturing methods.FindingsAlthough the introduction of new management methods is typically justified on rational grounds, this paper argues that, in common with the scientific paradigm shifts identified by Kuhn, enthusiasm for lean methods is based on non‐rational criteria as well as on their apparently superior efficiency. The language used to discussion of lean ideas in the two critical incidents is reminiscent of that used in religious conversions, and the responses to criticism of the methods are analogous to responses to blasphemy in a religious context.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on analysis of conversion to, and defence of, lean ideas, but it carries implications for many other types of organisational change as well. The findings draw attention to how non‐rational criteria can shape the direction of major programmes of change, and hence the direction and strategies of organisations.Practical implicationsThe paper carries implications for the process by which change can be engendered and managed. It identifies the processes by which conversion to new ideas can occur, identifying critical conditions on the part of the purveyors of the ideas (expertness, trustworthiness and personal dynamism) as well as features of the ideas themselves, such as the availability of local demonstrations of applicability, their aesthetic appeal and their ability to predict events and/or solve problems previously considered to be intractable.Originality/valueThe paper represents a novel perspective on processes of organisational change, by likening the process of change to that of scientific revolutions and demonstrating the non‐rational aspects of the change process.
Embodied “inter‐learning” – an integral phenomenology of learning in and by organizations
Authors: Kupers Wendelin 
Published: August 2008

PurposeBased on showing the significance of embodied and relational learning, this paper aims for contributing to a more comprehensive and integral approach to learning in and of organizations and its underlying dynamics.Design/methodology/approachMethodologically, advanced phenomenology and an integral framework are used for generating a more comprehensive analysis and relational understanding of learning in organizations.FindingsLearning in and by organizations is an ongoing embodied, responsive and relational practice. As such it is covering internal and external as well as individual and collective dimensions entangled within an interdependent nexus and developmental context and integral cycle. Based on these findings perspectives on an “inter‐learning” are presented.Research limitations/implicationsSome theoretical and methodological implications are discussed as well as avenues for future research outlined.Practical implicationsSome practical implications and specific measurements for different domains of learning are outlined briefly.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to a needed non‐reductionist, integral and relational understanding of learning in and by organizations. Following a process‐oriented turn, the article provides innovative perspectives on embodied learning as an inter‐relational process, including interior and exterior as well as individual and collective dimensions within an intertwined nexus.
Knowledge management formal and informal mentoring
Authors: Karkoulian Silva , Halawi Leila A. , McCarthy Richard V. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeAs businesses continue to forge ahead in the twenty‐first century, knowledge management (KM) has materialized as a significant differentiator. The process of creating new knowledge, sharing, and preserving such knowledge, is crucial for achieving competitive advantage. To gain maximum benefit from new knowledge, it must be efficiently integrated into the organization within a continuous knowledge life cycle. In this respect, mentoring is becoming ever more effective as a means to facilitate knowledge creation and sharing and build intellectual capital. This study aims to examine how both formal and informal mentoring enhances KM in the Lebanese banking sector.Design/methodology/approachProfessionals in the Lebanese banking sector were surveyed to measure their perception of the impact of mentoring on their willingness to share information within the organization on both a formal and informal basis. A Pearson correlation was conducted to test the hypotheses.FindingsResults suggest that informal mentoring is highly correlated with KM; whereby the more employees practice mentoring willingly the more knowledge will be shared, preserved, and used within the organization. However, there was little support for formal mentoring.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that management should be highly supportive of informal mentoring as a means to capture and retain organizational knowledge. They should design and reward informal mentoring processes within the organization.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the existing mentoring literature by empirically testing the relationship between mentoring and KM.
Family SMEs in Ireland as learning organizations
Authors: Birdthistle Naomi 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether small and medium‐sized family businesses in Ireland have the potential to be classified as learning organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology adopted for this study is that of multiple‐case studies. In this research, personal interviews were selected as the data collection method. On the basis of Eisenhardt's premise that a study of between four and ten cases is suitable for qualitative studies, a total of six owner‐managers of family small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) were interviewed.FindingsThe findings of the case studies support the argument that family businesses have the potential to be learning organizations. However, the extent to which these family businesses are potentially learning organizations depends on the size of the family business and the structure imposed on the business. Micro family businesses struggle to be classified as learning organizations due to the lack of a learning orientation. These businesses lack systems for the monitoring of information and lack the ability to be reactive to market changes. Small family businesses have the potential to be classified as learning organizations. This is due to the fact that small family businesses have learning at the core of their business and systems in place to deal with a learning orientation. Medium‐sized family businesses also have the potential to be learning organizations, although they need to ensure that systems are in place to allow learning to occur.Originality/valueThis paper presents original findings in a highly relevant, but under‐researched field – the family SME as a learning organization.
Earnings management and the market performance of stock dividend issuing firms
Authors: Koerniadi Hardjo , Tourani‐Rad Alireza 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the literature on earnings management by examining whether stock dividends provide management with an incentive to manipulate earnings.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a refined accrual model that controls the performance effects in estimating the part of accruals subject to managerial discretion.FindingsStock dividend issuing firms increase accruals substantially in the issue year followed by poor earnings and stock price performance in the subsequent year. More importantly, discretionary accruals of stock dividend issuing firms are negatively correlated with the declines in both future earnings and abnormal stock returns.Originality/valueThis paper examines the hypothesis that stock dividend firms engage in earnings management.
Do analysts mislead investors?
Authors: Lo May H. , Xu Le (Emily) 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine whether financial analysts mislead investors in recognizing the differential persistence of the three cash flow components of earnings, defined by Dechow et al., in forecasting annual earnings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses Mishkin's econometric approach to compare the persistence of the cash flow components within and across the historical, analysts' and investors' weightings.FindingsIt is found that financial analysts' weightings of the cash flow components are more closely aligned with the historical relations than are investors' weightings, both in direction and in magnitude. The degree of analysts' mis‐weighting is economically small and much lower than the degree of investors' mis‐weighting. Moreover, the extent of both investors' and analysts' mis‐weightings of the cash components is generally smaller for firms with greater levels of analyst following, a proxy for the quality of the information environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that financial analysts' bias in weighting the cash components of earnings is at best a partial explanation for investors' bias.Practical implicationsThis study is important to academics and the investment community that relies upon financial analysts as information intermediaries, because the ability of analysts to incorporate value‐relevant information in their published expectations may impact securities prices.Originality/valueThe study is the first to document the weightings of the cash components of earnings by financial analysts. In addition, this paper provides evidence that financial analysts, as information intermediaries, are less biased than investors in processing not only the accrual but also the cash components of earnings.