bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E‐science and information services: a missing link in the context of digital libraries
Authors: Osswald Achim 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse whether, and how far, library and information services (LIS) are involved in e‐Science and grid computing projects funded by authorities in the European Union and Germany. It explains and emphasises the relevance of LIS‐based information services and expertise in e‐Science activities.Design/methodology/approachProjects were analysed to determine the extent to which institutions or persons with LIS expertise were involved and information services provided.FindingsVery few of the e‐Science projects made use of LIS‐based services. This omission could reduce the quality of e‐Science‐related research in the long term and LIS experts could lose their role and expertise in serving scientists. Further research is needed to verify this. Additionally research is needed to determine whether e‐Science projects in other countries are also lacking LIS services.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was undertaken during the preliminary phase of the projects.Practical implicationsFunding should emphasise the inclusion and provision of LIS services.Originality/valueThe findings show a lack of LIS services in e‐Science projects, which could otherwise enhance the projects' development and the distribution of their results.
Analysis and overview of industrial solid waste management in Kuwait
Authors: Alhumoud Jasem M. , Al‐Kandari Fatima A. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the amount of different kinds of solid wastes produced, segregated, collected, stored, transported and disposed off by the different industries/business in Kuwait.Design/methodology/approachAvailable industry information along with the use of monitoring data from a waste management system were used to analyze the generation, type and composition of industrial waste. Industrial activities were classified as follows: crude oil and chemical products industry; food and beverage industry, textiles and leather industry, wood industry, paper and printing industry, non‐metallic mineral products; metal industry and other industries. The wastes generated were classified according to their composition.FindingsKuwait has more than 5,000 industries and as a result more than 47,169 tons of industrial wastes are produced every year in Kuwait. It was observed that paper and cardboard, plastic, wood, and metals were the most common types of waste, mainly generated from packaging (45 percent of the total volume), as well as material used in containers and for wrapping products.Practical implicationsIn the management of these industrial solid wastes, it was observed in most cases they were disposed of by dumping, and very rarely did businesses resort to reuse, recycling or valorization.Originality/valueThe paper systematically assesses the obstacles in the existing industrial solid waste management system in the different industries and businesses in Kuwait. In addition, it examines the legislation set by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in Kuwait. Subsequently, recommendations and improvements are suggested.
Improving environmental performance through integrated management systems (IMS) in the UK
Authors: Griffith Alan , Bhutto Khalid 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to report on a government funded doctorate research project examining the developments in and applications of integrated management systems (IMS) applied to the environment, quality, and safety of construction projects in the UK. The research focused on how the integration of standards‐based management systems used by major contractors operating within the construction sector could contribute to improvements in the environmental performance of their corporate organisation and their projects.Design/methodology/approachThe research project utilised a triangulated approach collating qualitative and quantitative data acquired by multiple collection methods of a questionnaire survey, structured and semi‐structured interviews and case studies. Qualitative approach involved the development of theory from data, or grounded theory, and evaluation of data, or analytic induction, whilst quantitative approach used data‐sampling methods and database coding and analysis.FindingsThe findings show that a number of prominent UK principal contracting organisations have introduced effective integrated standards‐based systems for managing a construction project's environment, quality, and safety. Notwithstanding these exemplars, industry‐based problems are manifest and include: lack of management systems awareness; passive environmental standpoints; litigious project‐participant relationships; and cost‐driven, rather than environmentally empathic, cultures. Survey data have identified where and why current problems exist whilst detailed interviews and case studies have identified effective methods of integrating management systems, together with the critical success factors and potential benefits.Originality/valueThe research examines environmental performance within the project environments of the construction industry. The findings add to the current body of knowledge and will be of value to contractors seeking to address environmental aspects of their business through effective management approach. Furthermore, the research has wider value through its experiences and transferable‐applications to other industry sectors.
Corporate social and environmental reporting: a survey of disclosure practices in Egypt
Authors: Rizk Riham , Dixon Robert , Woodhead Anne 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to survey the corporate social and environmental reporting (CSR) practices of Egyptian corporate entities. It aims at contributing to the body of knowledge on the CSR disclosure phenomenon in developing/transitional economies.Design/methodology/approachA 34‐item disclosure index covering environmental, energy, human resources, customer and community involvement issues was used to rank corporations.FindingsA review of a random sample of 60 annual reports for the 2002 financial year revealed significant differences in reporting practices among the members of the nine industry segments surveyed. Findings of this research also lend support to the significance of ownership structure on the reporting decision.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on the annual report disclosures of corporations in the industrial sector. Hence, the conclusions arrived at should not be generalised to the non‐industrial sector. A longitudinal study based on a reasonably large sample, which includes the non‐industrial sector, is needed to highlight trends in CSR reporting practices in Egypt. In‐depth case study‐type research would also facilitate understanding of not only what, but also why and how companies are making social and environmental disclosures in Egypt.Originality/valueReviews of disclosure practices in different parts of the world are always welcome and are arguably somewhat limited in developing countries.
The abandoned mandatory OFR: a lost opportunity for SER?
Authors: Solomon Jill Frances , Rhianon Pel Edgley Carla 
Published: August 2008

PurposeAn important outcome of the UK Company Law Review (CLR) involved draft regulations for a mandatory operating and financial review (OFR). The unprecedented abandonment of this mandatory OFR in November 2005 threw debate about the genuine motivations underlying the CLR into disarray. This paper seeks to reinterpret the abandonment of a mandatory OFR using interview research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a series of 24 interviews with companies from the FTSE100 between May and August 2004, prior to the abandonment.FindingsThe interviews showed that the OFR was perceived as an appropriate vehicle for social and environmental reporting (SER). The interviewees considered that a mandatory OFR would provide a means of forcing SER into the mainstream and making it mandatory at a basic level. The interviews revealed that processes for the identification of material SER differ widely between organisations, ranging from embryonic to highly structured. Further, interviewees believed that directors had the final veto on inclusion of information. Despite directors' inclination to hide behind materiality as a means of avoiding SER, interviewees did not view the proposed mandatory OFR as “greenwash” but as a vehicle that would increase stakeholder confidence, as processes underlying the proposed OFR would be audited.Practical implicationsThe research implies that abandoning the mandatory OFR represented a lost opportunity for SER.Originality/valueThe paper provides new evidence on the processes of materiality decision making in the SER area as well as strong endorsement of the mandatory OFR, contrary to the government turn‐around.
Environmental information: special reference to greenhouse gas emissions in Spain
Authors: Gallego Álvarez Isabel 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the situation in Spain after the Kyoto Protocol with respect to greenhouse gas emissions and the national allocation plan published in 2005, which assigns CO2 tonnes to approximately 1,920 Spanish firms for the 2005‐2007 period.Design/methodology/approachThe author analysed the international norms related to the Kyoto Protocol and the situation in Spain.FindingsFrom the conclusions of the study it can be derived that, although in recent years notable progress has been made, there is still a series of issues that can only be resolved, in the author's opinion, with practical application on the part of firms over time. These issues, both on an international level and in Spain, are: how to reflect the greenhouse gas emissions allowance in accounting; what information firms should include about greenhouse gas emissions in their annual reports; environmental reports and web sites; and what the economic impact of the Kyoto Protocol will be on the world economy, considering that some countries have already ratified it, while others have not.Research limitations/implicationsThis work should also be extended to more countries and not just be limited to Spanish companies. There is still much to be done to cover the possible gaps in this topic.Originality/valueIt is believed that the issues posed by the different sets of regulations are developing little by little, as seen in the fact that different countries are passing their respective national allocation plans, which specify the individual allocation of greenhouse gas emission allowances of different industries.
Evaluate corporate social responsibility disclosure at Annual Report Companies in multifarious group of industry members of Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), Indonesia
Authors: Mirfazli Edwin 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to draw disclosure of corporate social responsibility from annual reports of companies which went public on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX). The objective of this research is to show the pattern of the companies in practicing social disclosure. The pattern includes category and item, focus, amount and difference per category including high and low profile companies in multifarious group members of JSX.Design/methodology/approachCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was identified, evaluated and measured, along with the effect on the company and communication to stockholders, as it was seen how much the disclosure about social responsibility accounting was present in the annual report.FindingsIts use of coding processes in the annual report, with use of content analysis, was specifically for indexing a “yes” or “no” approach. There are 16 members of JSX for Multifarious Group of Industry including High‐Profile and Low‐Profile companies. The research results show the significant difference between High‐Profile and Low‐Profile for disclosure about corporate social responsibility in annual reports.Originality/valueThe paper suggests that the behavior of a company disregarding its social responsibility will harm that company.
Corporate governance in Turkey: reform and convergence
Authors: Poroy Arsoy Aylin , Crowther David 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of convergence of regulations and of practice regarding corporate governance between a developing country (Turkey) and a developed country (the UK).Design/methodology/approachThe development of the codes is described and compared and then research is conducted into the top 100 companies on the stock exchanges of each country.FindingsIt is shown that, although the codes, and their iterative development, are similar, the degree of compliance is dissimilar.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings suggest that further research in other countries is also needed to see if the explanations are robust.Originality/valueMuch research has been undertaken into corporate governance and national differences but the paper is different in that it makes a comparison between countries and also between regulation and practice to show that these diverge.
Do expert ratings or economic models explain champagne prices?
Authors: Bentzen Jan , Smith Valdemar 
Published: August 2008

PurposeChampagne is bought with low frequency and many consumers most likely do not have or seek full information on the quality of champagne. Some consumers may rely on the reputation of particular brands, e.g. “Les Grandes Marques”, some consumers choose to gain information from sensory ratings of champagne. The aim of this paper is to analyse the champagne prices on the Scandinavian markets by applying a hedonic price function in a comparative framework with minimal models using sensory ratings.Design/methodology/approachConsumers optimize the quality–price relationship when buying champagne by seeking only the necessary market information. Within a search model framework, they choose between costless information from sensory ratings and using time for seeking information on the quality attributes of the champagnes. The model is tested on data for the Scandinavian markets in an econometric skeleton.FindingsThe retail prices of the champagnes on the Scandinavian markets can be fairly well explained by a hedonic price function. However, the ratings by the wine experts, especially Robert Parker, do just as well in terms of explaining the retail prices of champagnes.Practical implicationsAssuming that sensory ratings by wine experts reflect the true quality of champagne, which is supported by the results in this paper, it hardly pays for normal consumers to use resources on seeking detailed information on champagne quality. Thus, sensory rating is an efficient guide to optimize the quality–price relationship.Originality/valueChampagne prices are normally analysed using experimental techniques. In our paper, champagne prices are analysed using a search model and tested on market data. Furthermore, the issue on expert ratings vs quality attributes as the optimal price predictor is expanded to the champagne market too.
Accounting for social taste: application to the demand for wine
Authors: Terrien Christophe , Steichen Daniel 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to put forward the hypothesis that the demand for wine can be partly explained by social phenomena.Design/methodology/approachA general framework considers social phenomena. A literature review in the domain of wine shows that these aspects may constitute an interesting line of study in order to explain the demand for wine. This paper proposes an original model taking into account phenomena of imitation or phenomena of opposition between different social groups, in order to explain changes in the demand for wine. The paper shows the existence or the absence of stable equilibriumsFindingsThe proposed model is applied here to three different products conveying a strong social dimension (in the domain of Wine) but it could surely be applied to other goods (luxury goods, fashion, cars, etc). Amplifying this work will consist in characterizing the conditions for the existence of stable points in the model according to the social and idiosyncratic parameters of the system.Originality/valueThis original approach of the demand for wine has important managerial implications. The paper suggests, in fact, a price strategy based on the rate of buyers observed in different social groups.
Contradictions of traditions and change in German winemaking: an exploratory study
Authors: Harrington Robert J. , Ottenbacher Michael C. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis exploratory study aims to investigate the national adoption of international wine industry trends in Germany. Specifically, the paper consider this adoption as perceived by luxury German wine producers in three wine regions. This study addresses two main questions: what impact do regional German traditions have on techniques used by small wine producers in the super‐premium + segment? Are these traditions balanced with the adoption of New World techniques and trends in viticulture and viniculture?Design/methodology/approachDue to the complex nature of the research questions and to provide rich, meaningful descriptions, this study adopted a qualitative method. The researchers did semi‐structured interviews with five highly respected German winemakers in the Rheingau, Württemberg and Baden regions.FindingsThis study shows that German wine producers are heavily influenced by Old World philosophy and traditions as well as New World concepts and technology. Successful wine producers appear to create a balance between the gastronomic identity of the region with advantages of new technologies, business models and trends. Research limitations/implications – The study has been conducted in only three wine regions in Germany. In addition, this study employed the case study approach. Future research could use large sample proposition testing to investigate if the findings from this study can be statistically confirmed and are applicable to other countries.Practical implicationsGerman wine producers can learn much from New World business models. In particular, revised organizational forms that allow wine producers increased access to travel and promotion of products can assist in increasing demand for quality products as well as on‐going learning through interaction with others in the industry.Originality/valueGerman wine is an important subject for academic study, however, it is under‐researched. This exploratory study provides several implications for small to medium‐sized wine producers in Germany.
Influence of urban design master plans on property sub‐markets: two case studies in Brisbane
Authors: Kozlowski M. , Huston S. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the impact of urban design master plan projects in the Australian context of Brisbane. It first reviewed the general ramifications of urban design projects on property markets. The local impacts of two major projects were then analysed and compared. A limited statistical analysis was conducted to investigate whether local price growth could be attributed to the projects or resulted from generally buoyant market conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopted a largely descriptive approach. It first reviewed the theoretical outcomes urban design projects should deliver. It then looked at the specific details of two distinct urban design projects in Brisbane and descriptively assessed their impact on adjacent local housing markets. It then compared relative aggregated location price growth to isolate discernable project price effects. Finally, the paper anecdotally selected some master designed properties and considered whether their prices were excessive compared to average location rents.FindingsThe paper found conflicting evidence to support the view that urban design projects significantly lifted aggregated location prices. On the one hand, aggregated project location price growth was relatively muted. Other generic demand factors and local differences in housing stock quality swamped project effects. On the other hand, at the individual property level, there was some anecdotal evidence to suggest premiums were paid for urban designed homes. The paper indirectly suggests, then, that any price impacts of urban design projects are subject to rapid distance decay.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper conducted only a limited historical review of revitalisation and urban design. A systematic individual, project‐adjacent, property price analysis was not conducted. Rather, the aggregated dwelling price analysis and anecdotal rental review suggested, albeit inconclusively, that the effects of urban design are spatially restricted to the immediate vicinity of projects.Practical implicationsInvestors should note likely price impact of planned infrastructure projects is spatially restricted to the immediate environs of the project.Originality/valueThe paper combines an overview of urban design and property market analysis.
A consumer‐oriented technique for planned residential developments
Authors: Majamaa Wisa , Kuronen Matti , Heywood Chris , Kostiainen Juha 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the identification and engagement of future inhabitants in planning processes for residential developments using a new “4Ps” participation method, where the 4Ps denote public, private and people are in partnership. This form of participation gives new information, related to consumers' residential choice, unlike those environments produced by using other participation methods.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study is based on innovation theory where end‐users are primary stakeholders in the innovation process, and even innovators themselves. A case study of a new participation method based on a two‐phase internet questionnaire is used to research practical solutions in integrating end‐users into urban planning process.FindingsThis paper demonstrates that the widely used theory of communicative action in planning and its aim of increasing citizens' activity in planning and development processes can be developed to the stage that it also includes future inhabitants as stakeholders. Thus urban planning processes become innovative and customer‐oriented through their openness, end‐user orientation and interpretative nature.Originality/valueThe case study findings indicate that the new participation method described here gives flexibility and benefits to all stakeholders and is a method to create consumer‐desirable neighbourhoods. Engaging future inhabitants in planning processes opens previously unseen potential for including consumerist possibilities for cities and developers. This paper illustrates that this new 4Ps participation method makes comprehensive participatory planning and development possible through giving an opportunity to include consumers' opinions and needs into an alternative to traditional communicative planning.