scholarly journals The bridging role of regional headquarters. Multinational companies in the Asia-Pacific region

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Amann ◽  
Jacques Jaussaud ◽  
Johannes Schaaper
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Multinational Companies ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regional Headquarters ◽  
And Control ◽  
Coordination And Control

Purpose Large multinational companies (MNCs) are strongly formalized, often standardized and complex with multiple hierarchical levels. Over the past few decades, MNCs have strengthened their coordination and control systems by creating regional headquarters (RHQs). This study aims to investigate how MNCs rearticulate control dimensions at RHQs, to coordinate and exert control over subsidiaries in the Asia-Pacific region. Design/methodology/approach Based on a survey of 86 French MNCs in the Asia-Pacific region, this study applies a structural equation model to determine RHQs’ roles in the field of regional decision-making, coordination and control. Findings Large MNCs, with a significant presence in Asia, transfer coordination and control to RHQs, in a way that leads us to propose the use of the expression “regio-centralization.” RHQs become socialization hubs, where most regional decisions are taken and where international managers meet. MNCs mobilize at the same time expatriates, short-term assignees and local managers who intensively interact at RHQs. Thus, informal control at RHQs increases, partly substituting formal control by HQs. Smaller MNCs, without RHQs, on the contrary, base their control and coordination on the formalization of HQs-subsidiary relations, especially through strong reporting, in combination with centralized decision-making at HQs. Research limitations/implications This study is based on MNCs from one specific country, France, and focuses only on the dynamic Asia-Pacific host region. Coordination and control in less dynamic regions may reveal different results. Originality/value This study leads to a better understanding of how large MNCs reorganize dispersed activities in the Asia-Pacific region by creating RHQs, where important control and coordination functions are relocated.

scholarly journals Graduate work-readiness challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and the role of HRM

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prikshat Verma ◽  
Alan Nankervis ◽  
Soegeng Priyono ◽  
Noorziah Mohd Salleh ◽  
Julia Connell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Work Readiness ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Production ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
National Economic

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on graduate work-readiness challenges in three Asia Pacific economies (Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia), and the roles of three main stakeholders (government, employers and industry) in the process. The intention of the paper is to design a stakeholder-oriented HRM model to address the identified graduate work-readiness challenges. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative triangulation method comprising interviews and focus groups was used with participant samples for each country – Australia (19), Indonesia (19) and Malaysia (15). Stakeholder-oriented HRM theory underpins the conceptual framework for the paper. Findings All three countries are currently experiencing difficulties attracting graduates with the required portfolio of qualifications, skills and personal capabilities. The reported effects include: constraints on national economic growth, future production structures, and long-term socio-economic development. Based on a review of the work-readiness and stakeholder-oriented HRM theory literature, it is posited that graduate work-readiness challenges can be effectively addressed by HR professionals in partnership with other key stakeholders. Research limitations/implications The study sought the input of only three stakeholder groups for ascertaining graduate work readiness challenges, there is a strong case to include other groups including students/parents and secondary schools. Social implications Bridging the graduate skills gap between government, employers and educational institutions is an important area in which HR professionals can contribute by reducing the mismatch between demand and supply through influencing and balancing the interests and goals of key stakeholders. Originality/value This study makes a contribution to the extant literature as it explores the role of HR professionals in relation to a multiple stakeholder strategy to address these challenges in the less-explored Asia Pacific region.

Household food providers’ attitudes to the regulation of food marketing and government promotion of healthy foods in five countries in the Asia Pacific region

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 1236-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Worsley ◽  
Wei Chun Wang ◽  
Rani Sarmugam ◽  
Quynh Pham ◽  
Judhiastuty Februhartanty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Values ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Food Marketing ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Household Food

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand middle class household food providers’ attitudes to the regulation of food marketing and the promotion of healthy food practices. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional, online questionnaire survey was administered to 3,925 urban respondents in Indonesia, Melbourne, Shanghai, Singapore and Vietnam. Cross-tabulation, confirmatory factor analyses and multiple regression analyses were employed. Findings Most respondents supported government communications to promote healthy eating and to a lesser extent, regulatory measures to control unhealthy food marketing. Personal values and country of residence were more strongly associated with the respondents’ views than demographic variables. Overall, strongest support for nutrition promotion and for stricter regulation of food marketing was seen in Shanghai, Indonesia and Vietnam. Broadly, two groups were identified across the region: those who held equality-nature or tradition-security-conformity personal values, who disapproved of food marketing but supported government health promotion campaigns, and, those with stronger hedonist values who held opposite views. Research limitations/implications First, a wider range of personal values could be included in future studies to better represent Asian values. Second, changes in population views could be assessed in future longitudinal studies. Finally, future studies should include dietary assessments and the views of people from a variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Practical implications These findings suggest that health policy makers and communicators need to frame their communications to match the world views of household food providers in their countries. Originality/value The study provides confirmation of attitude-values theories within five different countries in the Asia Pacific region and demonstrates the importance of personal values and country of residence in influencing food providers’ views.

scholarly journals Hong Kong maritime arbitration under the Arbitration Ordinance 2011

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-375
Author(s):  
Sik Kwan Tai ◽  
Bing Chan
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Legal Cases ◽  
Content Type

Purpose In 2011, the new Arbitration Ordinance took effect in Hong Kong. This paper aims to discuss the new features on maritime arbitration. Design/methodology/approach The relevant provisions of the Arbitration Ordinance 2011 and the legal cases are examined. Findings Hong Kong is a first class maritime arbitration centre in the Asia Pacific Region. Originality/value This paper is one of the very few general reviews of the maritime arbitration under the Arbitration Ordinance 2011.

Japan is likely to win Australian submarine tender

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Challenges ◽  
Defence Policy ◽  
Military Activity ◽  
Policy Engagement

Significance The Soryu class is currently under consideration by Canberra as a replacement to the RAN's aging fleet of Collins-class submarines, in light of intensifying security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Impacts New submarines will significantly increase Australia's ability to monitor and deter military activity along its northern approaches. Beijing will see the procurement as further evidence of potential encirclement, spurring on its own submarine programme. Canberra will be seen as a critical partner for Tokyo's expanding foreign and defence policy engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

scholarly journals New product introduction and supplier integration in sales and operations planning

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 861-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shao Hung Goh ◽  
Stephen Eldridge
Keyword(s):  
New Product ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
New Product Introduction ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Percent Reduction ◽  
Product Introduction ◽  
Operations Planning ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation and performance benefits of sales and operations planning (S & OP) within organizations in Asia Pacific. Design/methodology/approach – A case study method was used, with two companies selected. The first company had recently commenced S & OP and applied it to facilitate new product introduction, while the second had integrated its supplier into an existing S & OP program. Supply chain performance data were collected and analyzed in the context of an S & OP maturity framework. Findings – Both cases show significant improvements in supply chain performance. In one case, the implementation of a common form of S & OP resulted in a 67 percent reduction in order lead time for newly introduced products. The second case demonstrated a 30 percent reduction in inventory levels and a 52 percent improvement in forecast accuracy through more advanced S & OP processes. Research limitations/implications – This paper studies just two companies and is not intended to be representative of outcomes at all companies implementing S & OP. Further studies are required for a more generalized picture of S & OP implementations in the Asia Pacific region to emerge. Practical implications – The findings illustrate the potential quantitative benefits of adopting S & OP and the circumstances under which these benefits may be achieved. The results are also supportive of the notion of a maturity model for S & OP implementations. Originality/value – This paper strengthens the link between practitioner and academic literature by providing empirical evidence of the benefits of S & OP. Furthermore, the findings are derived from the Asia Pacific region for which there have been few academic studies on S & OP to date.

Leadership development in the Asia-Pacific region. Building capacity in the Indonesia defence environment

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 506-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Darby
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Provision ◽  
Defence Sector ◽  
Anglo American ◽  
Education And Development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide further discussion on the role of educational support adding value by sustaining the function of capacity building in emerging countries and states in transition and development. The Asia-Pacific region is noted for being in a continuous and rapid state of change dramatically affecting both private and public institutions. One such institution involves the provision of education with specific emphasis on leadership development in the defence sector; and the on-going education and development of military personnel, civil servants and civilians from different professions, in the wider Indonesian society. This exploratory research paper highlights one bi-lateral educational initiative that has acted as a catalyst for change which was developed in partnership between the Indonesian and British governments and Cranfield University in the UK. The findings highlight a challenge to dominant western perspectives on educational provision in general and leadership development in particular; and focused on the potential for a schism between content and process issues in the provision in particular of leadership development that is not contextually situated and can be dominated by Anglo-American perspectives. Key factors including capacity building, knowledge management, the learning process and the influence of culture were identified as fundamental and integral for a more appropriate design of leadership development programmes in defence and security, within the Asia Pacific region. Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study approach, it utilises one educational institution involved in the provision of education with specific emphasis on leadership development in the defence sector; and the on-going education and development of military personnel, civil servants and civilians from different professions. Findings – The findings highlight a challenge to dominant western perspectives on educational provision in general and leadership development in particular; and focused on the potential for a schism between content and process issues in the provision of education and leadership development that is not contextually situated and can be dominated by Anglo-American perspectives. Practical implications – It is a potential guide in helping practitioners in identifying, designing and implementing leadership development courses to manage the complexity of the processes of change in an international context. Originality/value – Given the dearth of research on defence and security the study was prescient. This paper contributes much needed further discussion about the role leadership development interventions play in supporting capacity building in states in transition and development.

Dynamic linkages among developed, emerging and frontier capital markets of Asia-Pacific region

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Mary Thomas ◽  
Smita Kashiramka ◽  
Surendra S. Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Unit Root ◽  
Unit Root Test ◽  
Cointegration Analysis ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Thin Body ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Global Investors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long-run equilibrium relationship between developed, emerging and frontier markets of the Asia-Pacific region during January 2000 to June 2016. Design/methodology/approach Zivot and Andrews’ unit root test is used to examine the existence of unit root in index series in the presence of a structural break. Gregory and Hansen’s test of cointegration is employed to examine the stable long-run relationship between the indices under study. Findings The results suggest that the emerging markets of China and Thailand and the frontier markets of Sri Lanka and Pakistan are fairly segmented from most of the markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, these markets provide good diversification opportunities to global investors. Bidirectional cointegration analysis indicates that emerging and frontier markets influence developed markets. Hence, it can be inferred that the de facto position that only bigger markets influence small markets no longer holds true in the current environment. Practical implications The findings of this study will provide valuable inputs to global investors for creating an optimal investment portfolio. Originality/value This study does a comprehensive examination of market integration in the Asia-Pacific region. It also contributes to the thin body of work done on frontier markets. Unlike past studies, this paper analyzes the bidirectional cointegration relationship to examine if the notion that only bigger markets influence smaller markets holds true or not. Finally, this study employs advanced techniques of unit root test and cointegration test that consider structural breaks in the models.

Quality of financial reporting in the Asia-Pacific region

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qaiser Rafique Yasser ◽  
Abdullah Al Mamun ◽  
Irfan Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Financial Reporting Quality ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The main purpose of this paper is to examine the causes and interrelations between ownership composition and financial reporting quality of firms in the Asia-Pacific region. Design/methodology/approach The study uses panel data for 420 firms for the period 2011-2013 (three years) from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Pakistan. Findings Overall, the authors find that ownership concentration is positively associated with the financial reporting quality. However, institutional ownership and foreign ownership are positively associated with financial disclosure in developing countries. Further, the result indicates that institutional and public ownership is positively associated with financial reporting in developed countries. Among the control variables, the authors find that larger firms are negatively correlated with financial reporting quality in Asia-Pacific. Originality/value These results highlight the highly individualized effects of blockholders and the need for research to further understand the mechanisms through which shareholders impact financial reporting quality.

Prospects for India to end-2021

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trade Relations ◽  
The Government ◽  
Second Wave

Subject Prospects H2 2021: India Significance As India’s second wave of COVID-19 infections subsides, the government and businesses are looking with cautious optimism to the immediate future. However, only about 4% of the population has been fully vaccinated against the disease. While exports of domestically made jabs remain on hold, Delhi is attempting to strengthen trade relations with partners in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

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