bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rites, right?
Authors: Mayrhofer Wolfgang , Iellatchitch Alexandre 
Published: March 2005

PurposeModern careers have become increasingly non‐predictable, characterized by many occupational changes and transitions. Given this background, this paper analyses the potential contributions of the anthropological concept of rites of passage in scientific as well as practical terms. It is argued that, while this concept is not a fully developed theory, it qualifies as a useful model for specific aspects of career transitions.Design/methodology/approachAfter a general introduction of the concept of rites of passage, the paper examines how it has already been applied to career research, and proposes some fresh developments in order to interpret the role of transitions in modern careers.FindingsAlthough the concept ofrites de passagehas mostly been applied to very traditional career paths, this paper argues for its validity for modern careers. In particular, the emphasis on a particularrite de passage, namely therite de marge, allows one to focus on the non‐stability of careers today and its consequences for individuals.Practical implicationsEven if the effects of their application are neither mechanical nor calculable, neverthelessrites de passagepresent interesting possibilities for management purposes.Originality/valueIntroducing the concept ofrites de passageshows that modern careers especially, because of their lack of stability, need transitional rites for occupational identity and the entering of new groups. To be aware of this is of great relevance for individuals and for career management.
The rites of passage of cross‐disciplinary concepts
Authors: Altman Yochanan , Holmes Len 
Published: March 2005

PurposeMayrhofer and Iellatchitch's discussion of rites of passage in the context of contemporary careers raises some concerns as to the usefulness of the concept as well as to its transferability across disciplines. This rejoinder maintains that, while the employment of rites of passage should be welcomed, its use in career discourse should be made with caution and reserve.Design/methodology/approachAsks searching questions in pursuit of the above.FindingsThat some controversial points are raised in Mayrhofer and Iellatchitch's article.Originality/valueThis presents the other side of the subject of the original article.
Sector‐specific regulation in European electronic communications – meant to disappear?
Authors: Berhin Daniel , Godart Frédéric , Jollès Maya , Nihoul Paul 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to question the disappearance of sector‐specific regulation in European electronic communications markets.Design/methodology/approachTo show that sector‐specific regulation will remain, five arguments are developed based on different disciplines: law, economics, political science and sociology.FindingsIt is found that sector‐specific regulation has already been in place for 15 years and there is no concrete indication that it will end soon. Competition law has intrinsic limitations, which, arguably, do not make it possible for authorities to resort only to that body of the law to ensure a smooth functioning of the electronic communications markets. The balance of power in the EU leads to sector‐specific regulation being maintained in the years ahead as the ideal way for European institutions to intervene in electronic communications markets. The electronic communications market requires regulation going beyond competition law in order to ensure the realization of non‐economic purposes. The implementation of sector‐specific regulation might contribute to concentrating the electronic communications markets.Practical implicationsContrary to the claims of the European institutions that sector‐specific regulation in the electronic communication markets will lose its relevance, this paper argues that it is likely to remain for the foreseeable future.Originality/valueThe paper shows that deregulating a sector is not an easy task and that ex anteregulation is a key legal instrument for the proper functioning of a market.
Regulatory responses to convergence: experiences from four countries
Authors: García‐Murillo Martha 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to identify the factors that have moved some regulators around the world to restructure their regulatory agencies towards an integrated information and communication technology (ICT) regulator.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the theory of transaction costs as an analytical framework to analyze the regulatory convergence efforts of the UK, India, Malaysia, and South Africa. It relies on case study methodology to elucidate the obstacles towards a converged policy framework.FindingsThe cases show that these countries moved towards a converged regulator and laws to eliminate obsolete rules that were hampering investment and slowing competition in the ICT sector. The governments also wanted to eliminate some redundancies and simplify the rules used in regulating ICTs. For some countries the ICT regulator maintains traditional industry distinctions but others moved towards an issues‐organizing framework. The challenges included training, consultations with affected parties, changes in the law, and coping with rules that were still valid.Practical implicationsGiven the rapid development of technology and the blurring boundaries of ICTs, regulators are advised to make changes to their regulatory bodies and adopt a more flexible regime of laws and regulators that are able to accommodate technological and industry changes.Originality/valueThe paper makes a unique contribution by linking the theories of collective action and transactions cost to explain why convergence of telecommunications regulation happens and the obstacles that regulatory agencies face in the process.
The telecommunications sector shows signs of revival
Authors: Curwen Peter 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis article is the fifth in a series that analyses the constantly changing structure of the TMT sector. It covers the period 28 March 2003 to 25 March 2004.Design/methodology/approachThe article is designed so as to contain at its core the creation of a series of databases in tabular form that can be used to analyse structural trends over a period of many years.FindingsPrior to March 2002, the TMT sector spent two years in the doldrums, and the overall trend continued to be broadly negative during the ensuing year, partly driven by the implosions at the likes of WorldCom. However, there are signs that the worst is now over with most indicators turning positive during the year to March 2004.Originality/valueEmpirical research based on current data is very scarce in the public domain. This series of articles makes a major contribution to the analysis of how and why the structure of the TMT sector is evolving.
Enterprise information systems: technology first or process first?
Authors: Arif Mohammed , Kulonda Dennis , Jones Jim , Proctor Michael 
Published: March 2005

PurposeEnterprise resource planning (ERP), a technological approach for enterprise information systems, has many recorded case examples of lengthy and expensive implementations reported in literature. This research has uncovered an alternative process‐driven and document‐based approach that may offer a simpler and more flexible solution compared with technology‐driven ERP. This paper investigates the differences and similarities of the two approaches, and also answers a related question: Is the enterprise system implementation an information systems effort performed to support the business processes, or is it a process re‐engineering effort required to implement the pre‐packaged software system?Design/methodology/approachTo investigate the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches to an enterprise information system, this research developed a unified modeling language (UML) process model of a manufactured housing company and used it as a basis for a conceptual level UML model for both an ERP‐ and a document‐based system.FindingsIn a designed experiment with UML‐fluent analysts, the process‐driven document solution to an enterprise information system was shown to be smaller, less complex and more flexible than an ERP solution at the conceptual design level.Practical implicationsSoftware specifications for the resulting document‐based system included only standard COTS software packages easily usable in companies of any size. Further, the potential for prototype as‐you‐go development offers opportunities for continuous refinement of the system in contrast with the episodic implementation of packaged ERP systems.Originality/valueThis alternative system highlights the desirability, for both academicians and practitioners, of concentrating on processes and then implementing the most suitable technology, rather than allowing the technology to impose constraints on processes.
Developing and evaluating a methodology for business process improvement
Authors: Adesola Sola , Baines Tim 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThere appears to be an ever‐insatiable demand from markets for organisations to improve their products and services. To meet this, there is a need to provide business process improvement (BPI) methodologies that are holistic, structured and procedural. Therefore, this paper describes research that has formed and tested a generic and practical methodology termed model‐based and integrated process improvement (MIPI) to support the implementation of BPI; and to validate its effectiveness in organisations. This methodology has been created as an aid for practitioners within organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe research objectives were achieved by: reviewing and analysing current methodologies, and selecting a few frameworks against key performance indicators. Using a refined Delphi approach and semi‐structured interview with the “experts” in the field. Intervention, case study and process research approach to evaluating a methodology.FindingsThe BPI methodology was successfully formed and applied by the researcher and directly by the companies involved against the criteria of feasibility, usability and usefulness.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has demonstrated a new knowledge on how to systematically assess a BPI methodology in practice.Practical implicationsModel‐based and integrated process improvement methodology (MIPI) methodology offers the practitioner (experienced and novice) a set of step‐by‐step aids necessary to make informed, consistent and efficient changes to business processes.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research work is the creation of a holistic workbook‐based methodology with relevant tools and techniques. It extends the capabilities of existing methodologies.
Assessing the learning experience in a business process re‐engineering (BPR) course at the University of Bahrain
Authors: Al‐Shammari Minwir 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe main purpose of the study was to assess students' perceptions of cognitive, affective, and interactive benefits in a business process re‐engineering (BPR) course using five adopted teaching tools: role‐playing, case studies, group assignments, electronic collaboration, and invited lecture.Design/methodology/approachA list of 18 closed‐ended questions and one open‐ended question was distributed to a sample of 46 undergraduate students at the University of Bahrain's College of Business Administration who participated in the study.FindingsDescriptive statistics (mean scores) revealed that role‐playing was the most useful technique in the improvement of students' cognitive, affective, and interactive skills, followed by group assignments, case method, invited lecture, and electronic collaboration respectively (except for the improvement of cognitive skills where the invited lecture prevailed over the case method). ANOVA results revealed that there were no significant differences in perceptions of cognitive benefits between most teaching tools. The only significant variations detected were between the web‐based tool on the one side and the rest of tools on the other. Significant differences were also found in perceptions of affective and interactive benefits for almost all teaching tools.Originality/valueThe best practices resulting from the adopted teaching process are expected to form a blueprint for benchmarking design of a BPR course or a course in other business subject areas.
Building an enterprise process view using cognitive mapping
Authors: McCormack Kevin , Rauseo Nancy 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis article offers an approach to building a high‐level business process view of the enterprise, based on cognitive mapping techniques and the principles of modularity.Design/methodology/approachA case study illustrates how these maps can be used in action learning and executive leadership development programs as a means of aligning enterprise leadership by implementing a cross‐functional process view from the top down.FindingsThis enterprise map shows both the customers' and the business's processes and their interrelationships, which helps align business strategy to process strategy, design and ownership.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors suggest that future case analysis research be conducted in other private sector industries using the same model.Practical implicationsBuilding the business process view is a critical first step in business process orientation, an organizational philosophy closely linked to “systems thinking”. It can link business strategy and customer needs to all the aspects of process design and management in a very powerful and visual way. This is the foundation for the success of corporations tomorrow by providing a clear view of the interrelationships inside and outside the company and by establishing a common language for change management.Originality/valueThis paper offers a unique approach for using cognitive mapping techniques and the principles of modularity to help align business strategy to process strategy, design and ownership.
Improving processes in a small health‐care network
Authors: Snyder Kimberlee D. , Paulson Patrick , McGrath Patrick 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis paper focuses on the process mapping of two medical clinics and the events presently under‐way to design, implement, and maintain an integrated information system with two other health‐care entities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is part of a larger research project which will be a four‐year study documenting the development, implementation, and measurement of an unprecedented effort to launch a comprehensive, community‐based e‐health initiative in a small community with limited resources.FindingsThe medical professionals will find, as they continue to grow with the system and supply the database with pertinent information about each individual patient, that they will truly benefit in unthinkable ways.Originality/valueThis paper documents the events presently under way at two independent clinics.
Enhancing reinsurance efficiency using index‐based instruments
Authors: Zeng Lixin 
Published: March 2005

PurposeDemonstrates the feasibility of, and introduces a practical approach to enhancing, reinsurance efficiency using index‐based instruments.Design/methodology/approachFirst reviews the general mathematical framework of reinsurance optimization. Next, illustrates how index‐based instruments can potentially enhance reinsurance efficiency through a simple yet self‐contained example. The simplicity allows the analytical examination of the cost and benefits of an index‐based contract. Finally, introduces a real‐world model that optimizes index‐based reinsurance instruments using the genetic algorithm.FindingsIdentifies the key factors that determine the efficiency of index‐based reinsurance contracts and demonstrates that, in the property catastrophe reinsurance market, the combined effect of these factors frequently allows the construction of an index‐based hedging program that is more efficient than a traditional excess‐of‐loss reinsurance contract. A robust optimization model based on the genetic algorithm is introduced and shown to be effective in optimizing index‐based reinsurance contracts.Research limitations/implicationsMost financial optimization procedures are subject to parameter risk, which can adversely affect the robustness of their solutions. The reinsurance optimization approach presented in this paper is not completely immune from this problem. It remains a challenging problem for actuarial researchers and practitioners.Practical implicationsThe concept and method proposed in this paper can be applied to designing real‐world reinsurance programs.Originality/valueThis paper makes two contributions to the risk finance literature: a systematic approach for evaluating the costs and benefits of index‐based reinsurance instruments, and an innovative and practical model for optimizing reinsurance efficiency.
Betting on country alphas to hedge against Asian crisis risk
Authors: Miller Stephen 
Published: March 2005

PurposeCountry alpha swaps are proposed to facilitate emerging market risk‐sharing, even during global financial crises. Country alphas measure risk‐adjusted performance by subtracting the product of average world index returns and the country's beta, measuring its contribution to global systematic risk, from average country index returns. It has been proposed that emerging market country betas rose during the Asian crisis, and that country beta call options pay out for large increases in risk. Swaps on the difference between country and world index returns have also been proposed. Country alpha swaps combine elements of Merton's and Miller's proposals.Design/methodology/approachDaily, rolling, synchronous country alphas are estimated from the subset of assets available to all investors in 13 emerging markets between 1995 and 2003, using Scholes and Williams' method.FindingsCountry alphas become increasingly negative during the Asian crisis, and typically rise thereafter, eventually becoming positive. Short swap positions compensate investors when alphas are negative, especially during the Asian crisis, while long positions compensate hedging suppliers when alphas are positive.Research limitationsAlthough inspired by academic research, real world tests will ultimately verify the merits of this idea.Originality/valueCountry alpha swaps compensate hedging demanders (suppliers) whenever a country's alpha is negative (positive). Risk sharing might increase and global financial crisis risk in the future might be hedged.
Theory of portfolio and risk based on incremental entropy
Authors: Ou Jianshe 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo develop a new theory of portfolio and risk based on incremental entropy and Markowitz's theory.Design/methodology/approachReplacing arithmetic, the mean return adopted by M.H. Markowitz, with geometric mean return as a criterion for assessing a portfolio, one gets incremental entropy: one of the generalized entropies. It indicates that the incremental speed of capital is a more objective and testable criterion.FindingsThe difference between the new theory based on incremental entropy and Markowitz's theory is that the new theory emphasizes that there is an objectively optimal portfolio for given probability of returns.Originality/valueThis paper provides some formulas for optimizing portfolio allocations. Based on the new portfolio theory, this paper also presents a new measure of information value, analyzes the differences and similarities between this measure and K.J. Arrow's measure of information value, and discusses how to optimize forecasts with the new measure.
Developing and implementing a stochastic decision‐support model within an organizational context
Authors: Høyland Kjetil , Ranberg Erik , Wallace Stein W. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeDiscusses why it is necessary to align a mathematical model with the organization in order to achieve the desired results. The structure of a model's input must fit with the structure of data collection in the firm, and the output must be consistent with the decision structure. Otherwise, data collection will not be properly taken care of and the results of a model will not find their way to where decisions are made. Five years passed from the cooperation first started with the university until the model came on‐line.Design/methodology/approachParts 1 and 2 of this series of papers discussed the stochastic programming model itself and the relationship between the model and the organization. The results are now reported.FindingsReports on both organizational and financial results.Practical implicationsShows that, although a lot of work is needed to implement a complicated stochastic programming model within an organization, it can be done and can lead to good results. However, it takes time to adjust an organization to a new way of thinking, as a model like this can never work unless supported by upper management as well as those who use the model daily.Originality/valueThe main value is to demonstrate in rather large detail how a somewhat complicated model can be developed and used in an organization, which, originally, was not well aligned with the ideas of the modellers.
Determinant factors of leverage
Authors: García Padrón Yaiza , María Cáceres Apolinario Rosa , Maroto Santana Octavio , Concepción Verona Martel María , Jordán Sales Lourdes 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo contrast the different factors that can determine the level of debt of firms by means of panel data methodology.Design/methodology/approachThe variables used in the study are: size, generated resources, level of warrants, debt cost, growth opportunities, and reputation. Six hypotheses are considered.FindingsThe results obtained suggest that the stated variables, other than reputation, can be considered to be explanatory variables of firm debt level. Using within‐groups estimation and generalized least squares, the results suggest that the behavior of the sample throughout the study period is consistent with the fixed effects approach, in which the specific characteristics of each firm remain constant throughout time. Moreover, with respect to the six considered hypotheses, the analysis shows the influence of all stated variables except reputation on the leverage.Originality/valueAdds to the body of research that has focused on the analysis of the financial decisions of the firm, with the level of debt appearing as a relevant factor in explaining the relationship between investment and financing decisions.