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1 – 10 of over 3000
Article
Publication date: 1 April 2004

Noel D. Uri and Paul R. Zimmerman

In 1999 the Federal Communications Commission adopted an order granting complete deregulation of the rates for special access service for specific metropolitan statistical areas…

Abstract

In 1999 the Federal Communications Commission adopted an order granting complete deregulation of the rates for special access service for specific metropolitan statistical areas based on an objective showing that there was potential competition in that market. This was done in an environment where the local exchange carriers (LECs) subject to price caps were earning a rate of return in excess of 22 percent, with the rate of return on an upward trend. By 2002, the average rate of return across all price cap LECs topped 35 percent. The question that is investigated in this paper is whether the price cap LECs have market power in supplying special access service and whether they have taken advantage of this. The data clearly show that this is the case. Given the prevailing situation, there is a clear need to revisit the pricing flexibility order. First, the product market for special access service needs to be more carefully examined. Second, the metrics used to define the potential for competition need to be revamped.

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1998

Daniel P. Murphy

Crimes are committed for personal reasons or for profit. In any crime for a profit scenario the state has an interest in removing the profit from the criminal. Drug offences…

Abstract

Crimes are committed for personal reasons or for profit. In any crime for a profit scenario the state has an interest in removing the profit from the criminal. Drug offences, other than simple possession, are the paradigm. People use drugs for a variety of reasons but, at least in the illicit drug trade, individuals sell drugs in order to make money. Traditionally, this was a cash‐based enterprise and, frequently, a misplaced investigative opportunity. A state can attack the criminal profit in order to attack the enterprise. When an illicit criminal activity is undertaken for cash prosecutors and investigators must look at this as an opportunity.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1993

Edward J. O'Boyle

Addresses customer service and work habits in post‐CommunistPoland, based on seven weeks of observation in 1991. Has two purposes:to warn Westerners about problems in starting or…

Abstract

Addresses customer service and work habits in post‐Communist Poland, based on seven weeks of observation in 1991. Has two purposes: to warn Westerners about problems in starting or taking control of a Polish business or becoming partners with Polish interests in an established business; and to prod Poland into tearing out the roots of this problem – homo sovieticus – which are deeply embedded in the Polish economic order. Homo sovieticus is a human whose spirit has been systematically destroyed by a system designed by and for Stalin and erected in his name and memory. Customer service in Poland has been influenced by two factors: the shortages of the former command economy and the role of state enterprises as industrial welfare agencies. As to work habits, there is no solidarity among those who labour in the same workplace nor is there any teamwork in the workplace or the marketplace.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1994

John Lynch

The subject of videoconferencing is raised periodically within manyorganizations – especially those with a geographically‐spreadorganization (head office and a number of divisions…

506

Abstract

The subject of videoconferencing is raised periodically within many organizations – especially those with a geographically‐spread organization (head office and a number of divisions or branches). Many of these organizations investigate videoconferencing at regular intervals. Each time the subject is raised (after a director has seen a demonstration at a conference or read about it in Technology Guardian or the Financial Times!), the approach is normally to examine currently available technology and provide costings for a videoconferencing project. Generally, these costings have been high enough to discourage further interest – but those responsible for such analyses have always known that there would come a time when the costs of the technology would come down to a level at which videoconferencing would become affordable. Are we there yet?

Details

Work Study, vol. 43 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2000

Mitsuru Kodama

For the last few years, the videoconferencing system market represented by multimedia technology has enjoyed strong growth in Japan. Behind the recent upturn in this market was…

1013

Abstract

For the last few years, the videoconferencing system market represented by multimedia technology has enjoyed strong growth in Japan. Behind the recent upturn in this market was the strategic alliance of NTT, Japan’s largest telecommunications carrier, and PictureTel of the USA, followed by the birth of business communities centered around or outside NTT, thus intensively creating and boosting a new market referred to as video communication. This article reviews the challenges that faced NTT, one of the big businesses in Japan, followed by PictureTel and other players within and outside NTT, all of which were lined up to create various strategic business communities. The article gives careful consideration to the measures taken by these players who achieved success in such a way as to alter employee consciousness, vitalize organizational morale, entrench the new NTT “Phoenix” brand (videoconferencing system) in the Japanese market and create an emergent video network market.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2012

Merridee Bujaki and Bruce McConomy

This paper seeks to analyze the use of metaphor in the 1997‐2006 letters to shareholders (LTS) of Nortel Networks Corporation (Nortel). It aims to assess the prevalence of…

1149

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyze the use of metaphor in the 1997‐2006 letters to shareholders (LTS) of Nortel Networks Corporation (Nortel). It aims to assess the prevalence of metaphor and changes in the use of metaphor as turnover in corporate leadership took place and as Nortel's financial fortunes changed.

Design/methodology/approach

Metaphors in the LTS are part of a corporation's voluntary disclosures, which in turn may be used for impression management purposes. The paper uses discourse analysis, in particular quantitative and qualitative content analysis, of the LTS to identify key metaphors and to evaluate changes in the prevalence of these metaphors across corporate leaders and during phases of growth and decline.

Findings

Several key metaphors are identified in Nortel's letters to shareholders, including science, journey, vision, construction and theatre. Evidence is also found that demonstrates changes in the prevalence of metaphors across various chief executive officers, and changes in the meaning of metaphors in periods of growth and decline.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper is to highlight the use of metaphor in the voluntary disclosures (i.e. letters to shareholders) of a major North American corporation during a turbulent decade. The preferences of four very different CEOs are reflected in their choice of metaphor, supporting arguments that metaphor is used in voluntary disclosures as a means of impression management, particularly in relation to trends in corporate financial performance.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 25 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1993

Robert Struble

Chronic unemployment is a flaw in modern capitalism that calls forreform. Unlike expansionary demand‐management programmes, public workswill be non‐inflationary if they put back…

Abstract

Chronic unemployment is a flaw in modern capitalism that calls for reform. Unlike expansionary demand‐management programmes, public works will be non‐inflationary if they put back into the economy in government spending no more than the dollar value taken from the economy in taxes. The spending should be labour intensive while all associated taxing should target sectors and products that are capital intensive. This economic approach is not expansionary/ inflationary but structural: the reforms would shift production in a labour‐using as opposed to a labour‐saving direction, so that it would take more hours of work to produce the same GNP. The pool of workers who are under‐employed and unemployed would supply the required extra hours. First, examines the problems associated with fiscal and monetary approaches to unemployment. Then details the proposed reforms, looks at technical aspects, diagrams and macro‐economic implications, and considers the probable effects on the US balance of trade. The final section considers the critics′ view that an automation tax would be a neo‐Luddite attack on technological progress.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 20 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2001

Here are eight more people solidly behind the eight ball and their plans for setting up winning shots.

Abstract

Here are eight more people solidly behind the eight ball and their plans for setting up winning shots.

Details

Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 22 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0275-6668

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1994

Evert Gummesson

Based on a research project with the purpose of defining the essence andscope of relationship marketing (RM). The marketing mix theory, whichconstitutes the prevailing approach to…

29332

Abstract

Based on a research project with the purpose of defining the essence and scope of relationship marketing (RM). The marketing mix theory, which constitutes the prevailing approach to marketing, is made operational through the definition of the 4Ps and extensions of these. The core is a presentation of 30 relationships, the 30Rs, as a way of making the RM philosophy more operational and generally applicable. The 30Rs provide a basis for companies to work out their own specific relationship portfolio as part of their marketing planning process.

Details

International Journal of Service Industry Management, vol. 5 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-4233

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2006

Yen‐Chun Jim Wu and Wei‐Ping Cheng

This paper compares the characteristics of reverse logistics in the publishing industry among China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

5337

Abstract

Purpose

This paper compares the characteristics of reverse logistics in the publishing industry among China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple‐case approach in combination with EIQ (entry of order, items, and quantity) analysis is selected to allow analytical generalization of the findings.

Findings

The research findings show that the reverse logistics of Chinese publications is still in early stage and is not mature enough to be interconnected in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The reverse logistics cost in these areas is unlikely to be significantly reduced in the near future.

Practical implications

Instead of making effort to process returned goods, logistics firms or publishers may consider discarding the returned goods directly. The loss on material cost is far less than the manpower spent on processing. Also, publishers can sort returned goods in off‐peak season to save cost on reverse logistics.

Originality/value

This research provides the first empirical study by applying EIQ analysis to understand the challenges of reverse logistics in the publishing industry in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, which has been rarely discussed in the past.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 36 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

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