Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Giuseppe Galloppo Author-Name: Alessandro Rogora Title: WHAT HAS WORKED IN OPERATIONAL RISK? Abstract: Financial institutions have always been exposed to operational risk – the risk of loss, resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes and information systems, from misconduct by people or from unforeseen external events. Both banking supervision authorities and banking institutions have recently showed their interest in operational risk measurement and management techniques. This newfound prominence is reflected in the Basel II capital accord, including a formal capital charge against operational risk, based on a spectrum of three increasingly sophisticated measurement approaches. The objective of this paper is to increase the level of understanding of operational risk within the financial system, by presenting a review of the literature on the modelling techniques proposed for approach such risk in financial institutions. We perform a comprehensive evaluation of commonly used methods, with a view to compare the performance of different estimators and quantitative estimation methods, for implementation of operational risk measurement. We find that there is currently high variability in the quality and quantity of disclosure on operational risk so, as our conclusion, we try to offer instructive and tractable recommendations for a more effective operational risk measurement. Classification-JEL: G21 Keywords: operational risk management, Basel II Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 1-17 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-1.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:1-17 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Angela Coscarelli Author-Name: Domenica Federico Author-Name: Antonella Notte Title: WHICH SOCIAL CLASSES ARE MORE EXCLUDED FROM FINANCIAL SERVICES IN ITALY? Abstract: Previous researches have found that large numbers of households lack basic financial products. Specifically, the financial exclusion phenomenon has been the subject of increasing interest. The literature shows there are many families that do not have a current bank, a building society account, a home contents insurance, savings or access to consumer credit facilities. The aim of this study is to outline the financial exclusion of Italian households, highlighting which social classes are more excluded from social and financial services. Data published by the Bank of Italy concerning a survey on Italian household income and wealth in 2008 is utilized. The study uses a multi-disciplinary approach and analyzed using a multivariate statistical analysis. A multiple correspondence analysis is used to define the determinants of the financial exclusion. Next cluster analysis is used to categorize groups of individuals characterized by similar financial, economic and social analyzed variables. Classification-JEL: E21, G20, G21, C80 Keywords: Financial exclusion, Italian families characteristics, Multivariate Statistical Analysis. Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 19-26 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-2.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:19-26 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Önder Kaymaz Author-Name: Yasemin Zengin Karaibrahimoğlu Title: EARLY OBSERVATIONS ON THE QUALITY OF IFRS REPORTS: EVIDENCE FROM TURKEY Abstract: Integration of the world economies has mandated the global inception and recognition of IFRS not only for large companies but also for SMEs. We examine wide-ranging real-life IFRS practices experienced in the world while devoting a particular focus to Turkey. We show that although the countries seriously considering the practice of IFRS confronted some severe obstacles, the conduct of IFRS will return the businesses operating in those jurisdictions as significant cost savings. Classification-JEL: M41, M48. Keywords: IFRS, Financial reporting, Convergence, Harmonization, SMEs Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 27-40 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-3.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:27-40 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Chih-shun Hsu Title: CPA’S DUTIES TOWARD FRAUD DETECTION AND REPORTING: TAIWAN REGULATIONS Abstract: This paper aims to review CPAs’ responsibilities for fraud detection and reporting. It will first explore, through literature analysis and review of Taiwan regulation, the accounting professions’ changing stand toward CPAs’ responsibilities to detect and report fraud. In addition, Taiwan’s existing laws and profession promulgations on CPAs’ fraud-related responsibilities will be examined and discussed. Finally, the 2002 US Sarbanes-Oxley Act’s impact on Taiwan CPAs’ duties in fraud detection and Taiwan government’s responses to such duties by expectations gap will be examined. Classification-JEL: M42; M48 Keywords: Auditor’s responsibility, fraud detection, auditing regulations, audit profession, Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 41-54 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-4.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:41-54 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nehemiah Kiprutto Author-Name: Faith Wambui Kigio Author-Name: Geoffrey Koome Riungu Title: EVIDENCE ON THE ADOPTION OF E-TOURISM TECHNOLOGIES IN NAIROBI Abstract: The advent of the internet in the early 1990s revolutionized commerce by facilitating efficient communication and operations in numerous industries. The concept of e-tourism is revolutionizing the tourism industry operations across the globe, including Kenya, albeit a slow adoption owing to various challenges. The aim of this paper is to analyze the merits and demerits of embracing the internet in Kenya’s tourism industry by exposing some of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats presented by the adoption of e-tourism. Data was collected from executives in the travel and tourism industry in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, including both domestic and international tourists. Although there were several merits including flexibility and interactivity, adoption of e-tourism is confronted by various challenges including connectivity issues and redundancy of intermediaries. These changes have the potential to edge out many tourism businesses, which could increase unemployment in Kenya. It is therefore imperative for the government to support the country’s tourism industry particularly the small and medium enterprises in implementing e-tourism technologies. Classification-JEL: L83; L86 Keywords: Tourism organizations; E-Tourism; SWOT Analysis; Enterprises; Internet Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 55-66 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-5.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:55-66 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Prabha Ramseook-Munhurrun Author-Name: Vedmani Munhurrun Author-Name: Arkrasunsingh Panchoo Title: TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ADOPTION IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL: EVIDENCE FROM MAURITIUS Abstract: Total Quality Management (TQM) has emerged as a potential solution to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care provision and is becoming increasingly important for the successful operation of public hospitals. The aim of the study is to determine the extent to which TQM can be adopted in public hospitals in Mauritius. The objective of the study is to assess management and employees perceptions on the critical factors influencing effective TQM adoption in public hospitals. A questionnaire comprising of items on a 5-point Likert scale was used to capture the perceptions and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The findings showed that the TQM dimensions have a significant impact on the perception of management and employees. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was further employed to examine if the critical factors were perceived differently by management and employees. The results also revealed that management perceives TQM adoption as being relevant and effective, in the case of public hospitals. Classification-JEL: M31 Keywords: TQM adoption, Management, Employees, Public hospitals, ANOVA Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 67-77 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-6.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:67-77 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sangeeta Trott Title: THE INFLUENCE OF BRAND PERSONALITY EVIDENCE FROM INDIA Abstract: Nokia tops the list this year among India’s most trusted brands. The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of brand personality of NOKIA to perceived quality. Approximately 214 respondents from a well known management institute are selected for this purpose. Respondents are asked to rate five dimensions of brand personality (sincerity, excitement, competence, sophistication, ruggedness) on a five point rating scale. Similarly, they are asked to rate the four dimensions of perceived quality on a three point rating scale. This paper will help marketers frame proper marketing strategies for the same. Classification-JEL: M31 Keywords: trusted brands, perceived quality, dimensions, sophistication, ruggedness Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 79-83 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-7.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:79-83 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Annette Singleton Jackson Title: ADVERTISING TO ADOLESCENTS: AN EXAMINATION OF SKEPTICISM Abstract: Various studies have been done to further understand adolescent skepticism, its antecedents and consequences, and the affect of skepticism on the processing of advertising and persuasion attempts among adolescents. Given the substantial purchasing power and advertising dollars currently spent on this group, further understanding of this group is imperative. There appears to be a gap to bridge between marketing literature and developmental literature in dealing with this issue. This paper conceptualizes skepticism as a result of a developmental stage more than its current role as a dependent variable within the advertising and persuasion research context. A brief discussion of literature in the area of adolescents and advertising, and extant research on adolescent skepticism toward advertising is included. The conceptualization of the Skepticism-Dogmatic axis and its relation to advertising to adolescents is posited. Findings of previous studies are discussed with respect to findings of skepticism in adolescents. In light of previous findings and the obvious relevance of studying adolescents in terms of the characteristics of their developmental stages, this paper advances the idea that inclusion of developmental factors is should be an element of consideration in any future research which examines marketing to adolescents. Classification-JEL: M37 Keywords: Children, adolescents, skepticism, advertising, persuasion, epistemic development. Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 85-91 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-8.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:85-91 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Maria H. Sanchez Author-Name: Peter M. Sanchez Title: EVIDENCE ON THE CONTENT OF PHYSICIAN WEBSITES Abstract: We provide data regarding the current status and trends in physician website development. We surveyed over 200 family practices to determine whether or not they have a practice website. The results indicate that a majority of family practices do not have a website. We then conducted a detailed investigation of more than 60 physician websites to determine what kind of information, features and services are included in the websites. Our results indicate that there is a large gap between consumer preference for physician website capabilities and current websites. Classification-JEL: M31 Keywords: Physician website marketing, internet marketing, website development Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 93-100 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-9.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:93-100 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Kozeta Sevrani Author-Name: Klodiana Gorica Author-Name: Dorina Kripa Author-Name: Edlira Luci Author-Name: Erjon Zoto Title: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USE PATTERNS: EVIDENCE FROM ALBANIAN ENTREPRENEURS Abstract: This paper examines the level of IT usage by companies in the Albanian commercial centers. The paper provides an discussion of the relevant literature on the importance of adapting information technology (IT) by entrepreneurships in a given country. Specific application to some specific businesses are provided. The paper examines large firms because of their increasing presence in the economy, their vital role in rural development and their importance to the country's economic, social and general welfare. The paper identifies the main reasons for entrepreneurships use of IT. The paper identifies an important issue considering growth trends of the domestic market and relationships with other non-Albanian companies, that have already applied IT solutions. The paper identifies efficiency and effectiveness levels of Albanian companies and the impact of customer demands for service quality. Classification-JEL: M15; O32 Keywords: IT, entrepreneurship, marketing, commercial center Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 101-112 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-10.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:101-112 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Javed Ashraf Title: NEW EVIDENCE ON RATES OF RETURN TO EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN Abstract: Relatively few articles have examined the rates of return to education in Pakistan in recent years. This paper uses data from the 2001-02 Pakistan Integrated Household Survey to compute returns from different levels of education. Returns to education are found to be higher for females than for males at the lowest level of schooling. The results presented here support the findings of other researchers. In addition the result have significant policy implications for educators and policymakers. Classification-JEL: J24; J31 Keywords: Education, Returns, Pakistan Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 113-120 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Year: 2011 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v5n3-2011/GJBR-V5N3-2011-11.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:5:y:2011:i:3:p:113-120