Search

This paper explores the FDI attractiveness of the Greek economy. It focuses on key differences between FDI location motives of MNEs before and after the economic crisis triggered by the global financial crisis of 2007-2008. The findings are based on primary data collected from questionnaire surveys filled by top management personnel of MNEs operating in Greece. Policy orientations are discussed based on the differences between the motives of MNEs to locate their activities in Greece before and after the crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite that COPD remains one of the most common respiratory diseases worldwide, it can be managed effectively with certain treatments and, more importantly, be prevented by the early implementation of various measures. The pathology and pathophysiology of this disease continue to be studied, with new pharmacological and invasive therapies emerging. In this consensus paper, the Working Group of the Hellenic Thoracic Society aimed to consolidate the up-to-date information and new advances in the treatment of COPD. Local and international data on its prevalence are presented, with revised strategies on the diagnostic approach and the evaluation of risk assessment and disease severity classification. Emphasis is placed on the management and therapy of patients with COPD, covering both common principles, specialized modalities, and algorithms to distinguish between home care and the need for hospitalization. Although pharmacological treatment is commonly recognized in COPD, an integrative approach of pulmonary rehabilitation, physical activity, patient education, and self-assessment should be encountered for a comprehensive treatment, prevention of exacerbations, and increased quality of life in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transhumance is a traditional farming system present in Greece for many centuries including the seasonal migration of people and their livestock that follows predetermined area-specific practices. Purpose of this paper was to record the practices performed during movement to uplands and of the strategies applied during reproduction in order to reveal differences among the studied areas as well as to record the degree the system has evolved. Non-parametric statistical methods in a sample of 551 herders were applied to depict management practices while the regions were separated into four groups according to climate and geographical features. The results revealed differences among the studied areas revealing separation of males and females, uncontrolled mating for the majority of the herds, early weaning and adoption of strategies such as oestrus synchronization, reflecting the effort of the producers to correspond to the seasonal needs of the market for lambs/kids as well as to improve the performance of their animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overhead Transmission Lines (OTLs) are used to carry High Voltage (HV) between HV substations, usually constructed at long distances from each other, thus spanning across numerous different properties. Easements, a legal term for nonpossessory rights, are essential to the utilities in order to maintain a Right-Of-Way (ROW) for construction and maintenance purposes in a corridor of land underneath the lines, and also to enforce certain restrictions within that corridor, in order to ensure the safety of both the OTLs and the public. The exact details of ROW corridors' management vary between countries as the legislation and each utility's approach may differ. This paper focuses on 1220 easements/ROW cases regarding the isolated HV Transmission System of the Greek island of Crete from 1974 to 2019. The various related factors are discussed and a statistical analysis of the records is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the Troika’s advent played in the progress of the budgeting and the financial reporting systems reform at the Greek central government level.Design/methodology/approach The approach of an extreme country case study is adopted. The data used in the paper have been identified through document analysis performed on the relevant documents produced by the Troika, the Greek Ministry of Finance, and other relevant sources. The reform process is seen through the lens of the neo-institutional theory and the resource dependency theory.Findings Although both reforms targeted the introduction of best international practices – particularly useful in periods of financial distress and scarce resources – the advent of the Troika affected their progress and changed the priorities. As a result, the reform was redirected toward strengthening the cash budgeting system.Research limitations/implications The study is subject to the limitations of an extreme case study research.Practical implications This is a case where resource dependency changes political priorities and directions and affects the evolvement of state budget and accounting reforms under way.Originality/value The role of external fund providers in public sector financial management reform priority-setting, in the case of a developed Eurozone country, is analyzed. The study contributes to the research agenda on accounting practices in times of austerity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge, principles, and practices concerning the management of children with febrile seizures among pediatricians in Greece. A cross-sectional study was performed across Greece. Pediatricians completed an anonymous and voluntary 11-item questionnaire about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to the management of febrile seizures; the survey also collected demographic data. It was first administered in paper form in October 2017. This was followed by an online survey performed between June and August of 2018 and publicized by medical boards across Greece. Descriptive statistics and comparisons between groups were conducted with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. We recorded 457 responses. Pediatricians admitted to modifying their advice to the parents of children with febrile seizures by suggesting more "aggressive" fever management at low temperatures or systematically (63%), referral to a specialist after any episode of febrile seizures (63%), or hospitalization in a subsequent episode (67%), even though 72% admitted these practices were of no efficacy. Almost one in three pediatricians (28%) believed aggressive management of fever could delay the onset of febrile seizures; increasing age was associated with this perception. A minority (28%) would make parents aware of febrile seizures before a first episode regardless of family history; 38% would do so in the event of family history. Conclusions: Several pediatricians in Greece use outdated and ineffective practices for the management of febrile seizures, despite the availability of updated evidence-based guidelines. Further training of practitioners is needed to bridge this gap. What is Known: •Aggressive management of fever at low temperatures with antipyretics, referral to a neurologist, and hospitalization are not supported by evidence or recent guidelines on childhood febrile seizures. •Febrile seizures are especially disturbing to uninformed parents, who may be inclined to pursue aggressive but ineffective treatments as a result. What is New: •Pediatricians in Greece use non-evidence-based practices for the management of febrile seizures, even when they are aware that these practices are not effective. •Older age increases the likelihood that a pediatrician will pursue guideline non-compliant practices in Greece. At the same time, physicians with over 20 years of experience are more likely to inform parents in advance about febrile seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aesthetic forests belong to the protected areas. Tithorea's Aesthetic Forest is one of 19 in the country. It is located in central Greece and belongs to NATURA 2000 as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) - Code GR2450005, which is unknown to 73.3% of respondents. This paper presents the views of the local residents the Tithorea's Aesthetic Forest. The main problems recorded were garbage (96.7%) and destruction of existing infrastructure (86.7%). Upgrading the forest with new plantings, building ecotourism, environmental education and promotion the aesthetic forest are the main suggestions of the locals for the area. 93.3% believe that the local government should protect and promote the forest while 86.7% consider the aesthetic forest as a reference point for the wider area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimates the magnitude of the Balassa-Samuelson effect for Greece. We calculate the effect directly, using sectoral national accounts data, which permits estimation of total factor productivity (TFP) growth in the tradeables and nontradeables sectors. Our results suggest that it is difficult to produce one estimate of the BS effect. Any particular estimate is contingent on the definition of the tradeables sector and the assumptions made about labour shares. Moreover, there is also evidence that the effect has been declining through time as Greek standards of living have caught up on those in the rest of the world and as the non-tradeables sector within Greece catches up with the tradeables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to focus on the store ordering and replenishment practices which appear to be the major cause behind the problem of out-of-stock situations. A collaborative store replenishment practice, enabled by an internet-based platform is examined. By enabling information and knowledge sharing between retail store managers and suppliers'' salesmen, this practice leads to increased order accuracy and, as a result, to fewer out-of-stock situations. Design/methodology/approach - The research presented in this paper has been empirical in nature, involving a field experiment with a major retailer and several suppliers in Greece. Pre- and post-experiment measurements were conducted and the quantitative results were statistically analyzed in order to assess the impact of collaborative store ordering on shelf availability. The quantitative measurements were repeated over several years, offering a longitudinal view on the experiment. Qualitative findings from the field experiment are also discussed. Findings - The empirical results from the field experiment show a reduction in out-of-stock situations by more than 50 percent combined with no significant statistical variation in total observed inventory levels. Qualitative findings regarding the practical aspects of the process as well as organizational issues are also acquired. Originality/value - Low shelf availability and the respective sales loss is one of the major issues retailers and suppliers face today. This paper examines a new replenishment process, involving supplier-retailer collaboration supported by daily information sharing of POS data and other information over an internet platform, which leads to increased shelf availability by addressing one of its major causes. Thus, the empirical results presented in the paper have important implications for practitioners. In addition, the paper contributes from a methodological perspective to the academic community, by describing the way the field experiment was conducted and the quantitative results were analyzed as a means to evaluate a new business practice and Internet-based collaboration platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Greece has legislated health decentralization several times since the 1920s, but none had been implemented until 2001. Even so, the decentralized system was subsequently modified several times, curtailing the powers that were initially delegated to the health regions, while the whole process has been criticized as limited in scope. The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons that the decentralization process did not fulfil its initial aims.Design/methodology/approach Elite interviews were conducted with 37 of the 50 directors of health regions who served between 2001 and 2009. Interview transcripts were divided into four themes and analyzed using thematic analysis.Findings The participants agreed that health decentralization in Greece was only administrative rather than political and did not include fiscal decentralization. They described problematic and competitive relations with party officials and civil servants. They blamed their short tenure for the inability to fulfil their plans. Findings indicate that decentralization in Greece did not achieve its objectives because of the dominant mentality of centralized control, the lack of political support, the discontinuity in health policies and opposition from vested interests.Originality/value The value of the present study lies in the fact that it examines in depth the issue of health decentralization drawing on the experiences of the former directors of the Greek health regions, i.e. the persons who were called on to put into practice the process of regional decentralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One factor that researchers regularly cite as one of the most important contributors to organizational performance is leadership. However, despite the widespread speculation that leadership is important for organizational success, there has been relatively little research regarding the impact of leadership behaviours on organizational performance in governmental entities. More specifically, there is little research examining the impact of transformational leadership behaviours on organizational performance within governmental entities. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to examine the leader - manager debate in the field of Public Administration in Greece, in the light of the implementation of the New Public Management. It focuses on the strategic role that administrative leadership can play in the development of its economic activities through the effective management of its human capital, with the aim of creating a sustainable model of economic growth and social cohesion, for efficient, effective self-government, modern and flexible in a highly competitive and changing political, social, economic and technological environment. Through an illustrative bibliographic review we have conducted so far, there is a lack of studies about the impact of Greek public sector leadership, the existence of a best leadership style and whether the regional government can work effectively in terms of private sector management to be effective and rewarding in the local community. We base our study on Van Wart's (2003) literature review on public sector leadership. Does public sector leadership existing in its own right, or is it merely private leadership applied to the public domain? Is there any need for leadership development programs which focus on the difference between administrative leaders in the public sector and their counterparts in the business world? What is the best leadership style to use in a time of crisis? Therefore, the purpose is to make a bibliographic review of these issues by studying them in the case of Greece and summarizing definitions and characteristics of leadership, leadership styles, differences between management and leadership styles and to analyze the challenge of public sector leadership in a time of crisis, the impact of New Public Management in the public sector administration as well as the leader / manager debate in the Greek public administration context. Τhe debate about Greece is being developed in the modern dimensions of the governance and administration of the quality of the institutions that is in the modern results of good management and leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose |!|#8211; The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of hybrid knowledge management in workers|!|#39; productivity and tolerance of ambiguity. Design/methodology/approach |!|#8211; The research was conducted before and after the implementation of the Communication and Knowledge Motivator (CKM) model in Hellenic Railways Organization (2004 and 2008). Survey data were collected from 352 workers. In the first phase (2004), workers|!|#39; productivity, ambiguity tolerance and demographical characteristics were examined. In the second phase (2008), the same measurements were performed. Ordinary regressions (enter and stepwise) were used to explore the research hypotheses. Findings |!|#8211; The paper finds that workers|!|#39; productivity and tolerance of ambiguity is positively affected by the CKM model. Further, it confirms the significant influence of workers|!|#39; ambiguity tolerance in their productivity, before and after the implementation of the CKM model. Research limitations/implications |!|#8211; Workers|!|#39; productivity might be influenced by the Hawthorne effect or by other emotional/cognitive attitudes. There is no such earlier measurement in Greece to compare and appraise the research findings and overall, the CKM model. Further research needs to be conducted in the Greek public sector. Practical implications |!|#8211; The research findings suggest that the CKM model affects positively workers|!|#39; productivity and ambiguity tolerance. Additionally, they note that workers|!|#39; tolerance of ambiguity affects significantly their productivity. Originality/value |!|#8211; The originality of this study lies in the CKM model that may influence positively workers|!|#39; productivity and ambiguity tolerance. The study was carried out in Greece where few relevant studies have been conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pensions played a key role in the Greek fiscal crisis of 2010. This paper analyses a specific failure of pension system governance: the possibility of manipulating the vague boundary between social policy and occupational pensions. The vagueness of the boundary arises from the dual nature of pensions — as instruments of social and corporate policy. Where first pillar pension provision is segmented, this boundary can be fudged, giving rise to the possibility of appropriating public subsidies for occupational pensions. Though the implications of this for equity were understood long ago, change was finally imposed by the obligation to account for pension promises under International Accounting Standards. The indirect effect of this was to force the demarcation of an upward boundary to social policy responsibility. This paper, after setting up the analytical issue, outlines its manifestation in Greece, and examines the solution given in 2005—6. This methodology has acquired wider significance by being employed by the European Commission as an instrument in the analysis of issues of state aid. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between perceived employee training effectiveness and job satisfaction, motivation and commitment. Design/methodology/approach - The study examined the responses of 134 employees and lower managers, of five large Greek organizations, after they had completed a training program. The questions asked contained information about the employee attitudes towards the training received, as well as their attitudes towards their employers. Findings - The results of the study provide support to the hypotheses proposed, indicating that there is a significant correlation between the employee perceived training effectiveness and their commitment, job satisfaction and motivation. Additionally, high correlations were found between the latter three variables. Research limitations/implications - The study is limited to examining employee feelings, not taking into account their personal characteristics, which may be important. Practical implications - The implications of the findings of this study for managers and especially for Human Resource professionals are quite significant, given their roles in funding, designing and delivering training interventions. Not only does it appear to be important, offering training programs to one's employees but, the training program content must be perceived as effective and of value to those participating in it. This will have a positive effect, according to the findings of this study, on key employee attitudes, which appear to be related to a greater or a lesser extent, in the pertinent literature, to organizational performance outcomes including, productivity, turnover and absenteeism Originality/value - The study is ground-breaking, given that there are no prior studies examining the relationship between the variables considered in the present one. Keywords Workplace training, Employee attitudes, Motivation (psychology), Job satisfaction, Greece Paper type Research paper [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By enabling easier and real-time information sharing among supply chain partners, Internet applications foster and support new forms of collaborative supply chain management (SCM) practices within the foodservice sector. Advances in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies extend such collaborative SCM practices by increasingly integrating and synchronizing demand and supply chains. The objective of this paper is to investigate and analyze how RFID technologies can seamlessly tie customer interactions with the food supply chain and revolutionize the accuracy, efficiency, personalization-interaction, and security of foodservice marketing, production, and distribution simultaneously. To achieve this, the paper discusses the RFID implementation issues, practices, and benefits within the foodservice sector. The food industry's perspectives on the adoption and benefits of RFID developments ate reported by discussing the results of a reality-check study conducted in the Greek foodservice sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of an assessment made as a part of the research project, Applied Multi-Risk Mapping of Natural Hazards for Impact Assessment (ARMONIA). The aim was to identify which aspects in the so-called disaster management cycle are covered by spatial planning in planning practice in the European Union's member states of Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK. In contrast to the initial hypothesis, the analysis of planning practice has shown that the role of spatial planning in risk assessment and management in many ways has been overestimated. The results have shown that spatial planning is only one of many actors in risk management and that it is, in general, not involved in risk assessment. Further, multi-risk assessment approaches are not used in planning practice, risk indicators are hardly used and vulnerability indicators are not at all used. The paper will interpret these surprising results and will answer the question of the role of spatial planning in natural risk assessment and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a research study into the career experiences and perspectives of a sample of women managers in the telecommunications industry in Greece. The study was conducted from a social constructionist perspective, seeking to explore how social and cultural factors affect the managers’ perceptions. Tensions are explored between the research participants’ relative satisfaction with their career progress and their limited representation at the senior management levels. The strength of cultural expectations on Hellenic women to marry is noted. (The authors are the primary researcher and her research supervisor, respectively.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Labour flexibility is a central theme of management's rhetoric in Greece. At the same time the securing of greater flexibility has been identified by policy makers as a central component of industrial relations reform. In spite of this endowing of flexibility with major significance there is a marked absence of empirical data indicating the growth of flexibility at the Greek workplace. This paper entails an examination of the extent to which private companies in Greece have adopted crucial aspects of flexibility such as decentralized bargaining, pay, working time and employee participation. Our research analyzed management data from a survey of 22 manufacturing establishments and compares them with relevant European data. Main findings indicate a considerable gap between rhetoric and flexibility implementation in actual practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between elementary and secondary teachers’ background characteristics and constructs of self-efficacy, using the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale – TSES, during a difficult economic period for Greece and other European countries. Design/methodology/approach – Equation modeling techniques were used to examine the construct validity of Greek version of TSES and second to examine teachers’ self-efficacy profile in primary and secondary schools during a difficult economic period for Greece and other European countries. Findings – The findings of the study, using the equation modeling techniques, revealed that a multidimensional first-order three-factor model fits well to the data using multiple-group analysis, the results of the study indicate that background characteristics, such as teachers’ gender, teaching experience, educational level (elementary and secondary level) and age affect their self-efficacy factors (efficacy in student engagement, efficacy in instructional strategies and efficacy in classroom management). Research limitations/implications – The data of the specific analysis is based on centralized education systems during a difficult economic period. For improvement, future research using longitudinal approaches may give further important factors across different academic years and across the same individuals. Further research is also required in order to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and students’ achievement. Originality/value – The originality and value of the current manuscript highlights the confirmation and the interpretation of latent factors measuring elementary and secondary school teachers’ self-efficacy (TSES) based on a centralized educational system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is very limited research linking the collaborations of Greek SMEs and their innovation output. This paper uses the exploitation/exploration framework and links it to the knowledge flows towards SMEs coming through their collaborations. It explores three types of knowledge, namely managerial, technological and marketrelated. It finds that the exchange of management knowledge has a positive and significant effect on exploratory innovation only, the exchange of technical/technological knowledge has a negative and significant effect on exploitative and exploratory innovation output, and the exchange of market knowledge does not have an effect on any type of innovation output. Also, partnering with same nationality firms has a negative effect on exploratory innovation and particularly for exploitative innovation the existence of a collaboration manager has a negative effect. Most of these findings are corroborated by interviews with 10 managers of Greek SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of use of quality management systems (QMS) and quality tools/techniques in ISO 9001:2008 certified Greek companies. It also considers the differences between the extent of use of QMS, tools/techniques, the importance of critical success factors (CSFs) for the implementation of a QMS, and other demographic characteristics like size and years of certification. A research project was carried out in 146 Greek companies from all business sectors using the questionnaire technique. The selected companies have been implementing a QMS in accordance with the ISO 9001:2008 standard. Correspondence analysis, a method from the multidimensional statistics field, was mainly used. The findings showed that the use of standards and tools/techniques was low (compared with companies from other countries). On the contrary, the importance the quality assurance managers attributed to CSF was high enough in most of the items-elements. Differences were evident between all the above variables and certain demographics, like years of certification, size, and the implementation of more than one QMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reviews the existing conditions and challenges for water resources management in Greece. Water demand in Greece has increased tremendously over the past 30 years with irrigation rising up to 85% of the total usage. The growing demand for irrigation and drinking water supply has resulted in an intense and frequently unreasonable exploitation of water resources. It must be stressed that the non-uniform water availability distribution is much different from the demand distribution. This often results in significant water deficits particularly in the summer. On the other hand, complex and fragmented topographical relief results in small scale river basins and numerous water bodies that demand monitoring and protection from point and diffuse sources of pollution. Moreover, nearly all available technologies need to be examined with regard to the water resources management of numerous Greek islands with high touristic presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Water Policy introduced the necessity to apply new methodological approaches for the sustainable management of water resources. In the present paper the Driving-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework was developed as a methodological tool for the case study of Kalamas River basin (NW Greece). According to the DPSIR approach, it was revealed that the main driving forces, leading to pressures, were the agriculture, the livestock and the numerous point-pollution sources located at the catchment area. Elevated nutrients concentrations (NO-N:0.1-2.6 mg/L, NH-N:0.01-1.29 mg/L, SRP: 0.03-5.76 mg/L) along with high chlorophyll-a values (0.54-6.14 mg/m) highlight river eutrophication. Response actions include elimination of diffuse pollution as well as reduction of the organic load through the optimization of the existed treatment plants. Since several parts of Kalamas River are designated as protected areas, specific measures for protecting biodiversity should be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Libraries in Greece are mostly financed by public sources, with private funding covering only a very small proportion of their budget. The deteriorating, slowly growing economic environment in Greece places additional pressure on the already understaffed and underfinanced public libraries. This paper aims at demonstrating that the tough economic conditions may provide a setting for innovation and quality enhancement which may lead in turn to a corresponding growth in the library sector. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative analysis is conducted in order to identify the potential of a novel management response model as a pathway for library survival within the fierce economic crisis. Findings – Specific suggestions are made for the management of public libraries, future policies and trends in the lines of learning/education/training services; social/economic development services; electronic government and citizen participation in public affairs services; cultural identity and social cohesion services; and social inclusion services. Practical/implications – It is ascertained that public libraries in Greece may have an opportunity for change and innovation as a result of the current economic situation. Furthermore, it is believed that active involvement, quality, innovation and self-finance can serve as important tools for the development of public libraries and their positive contribution and productive role into the Greek socioeconomic environment. Originality/value – This is the only available work providing an overall management approach for public libraries within a current economic crisis such as the one in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quality is the foremost objective of healthcare organisms and it is frequently the subject of intense discourse because of not only the citizens-patients' requirements but health administrations and professionals' goals and aims as well. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to show the significance of quality system ISO 13485:2003 and modern tendencies round this in the international reality and in our country. Method: An online, systematic peer-reviewed search in Medline, Pubmed and the Cochrane Database with meta-analysis of the search results was conducted. The retrieved studies were then screened to meet certain inclusion criteria, i.e. relevance, significant meanings in correspondence with this paper's objectives and of interest to an international health-professional readership. Results: The present study constitutes a theoretical approach of quality in healthcare environment, as well as a presentation and description of the ways and processes for quality measurement and quality of health care services improvement. Initially, quality is conceptually determined as a general idea, but mainly focusing on health sector and the providing services. Acute importance is given on quality measurement methods and tools, as well as on the administrative processes that can be applied to continuously improve and ensure an adequate level of quality. An important part of this study is the delineation of quality system of ISO 13485:2003, as this is internationally and domestically applied in the field of Biomedical Engineering. Conclusion: Given the need for implementation of the prevalent European and National legislation, in order to ensure the safe distribution of medical equipment and the prevention of possible adverse incidents, the present study was realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to understand the effects of institutions on the practice of human resource management (HRM) in Greece. Hence, it evaluates how alternative approaches to institutions conceptualize contexts such as Greece, and the relevance of such approaches in the light of empirical evidence. The latter would suggest that, in common with other Mediterranean economies, Greece has been undergoing a long evolution, marked by reforms both towards greater liberalization and greater coordination. However, the ultimate direction remains unclear, and embedded ways of doing things - above all, a strongly paternalist tradition - persist. Again, as with other Mediterranean economies, the Greek economy is an essentially dualistic one, divided between larger organizations (both within the state and private sectors) and the SME sector: the relative importance of the latter has increased in recent years. Empirical research evidence would underscore the importance of conceptualizing institutions as subject to both continuity, and uneven, contested, yet constant change, and the extent to which internal diversity persists within national institutional frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how Management Control Systems (MCS) enhance the performance of shipping companies. Based on data collected from semi-structured interviews, MCS are distinguished in three categories according to the purposes they fulfill: 'Basic MCS' are implemented in order to set standards and support basic operations of the business, 'Cost MCS' collect information about cost minimization while 'External Information MCS' focus on compliance with the requirement of the cargo owners. Furthermore, evidence collected through a survey instrument addressed to shipping companies located in Greece suggests that the choice of MCS is contingent upon the strategy pursued by the shipping companies. Moreover, this paper tests whether shipping companies with an optimal fit between their strategies and their MCS experience superior business performance and a higher perceived usefulness of MCS. Results reinforce the notion that the performance of the shipping companies is contingent on the use of those control systems which are consistent with their strategies and a number of control variables such as experience of the person implemented the MCS, the size, and age of company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three R.E.MO.S. (Remote Environmental MOnitoring System) telemetric networks have been installed in the catchment area of River Nestos, by research team PERSEAS. The first network has been installed in Nestos Delta. This network consists of two Remote Stations (R.S.): [•] The first one is called R.S. “Nestos” and is settled in Nestos Delta in Chrysoupoli and [•] the second one is called R.S “Agiasma” and is settled in the homonymous Lagoon. This paper deals with R.S. “Agiasma”, which operates in Agiasma Lagoon, an area of great environmental importance in the west part of River Nestos Delta. The gradients of the water quality and quantity monitored parameters are very important for the ecological preservation of the lagoon. Moreover, this case can be an excellent example of how the real-time monitoring data can work as an alarm system to prevent environmental hazards. The scientific issues this paper is focused on are: [1.] The three years systematic daily electronic monitoring data (1/1/2000–31/12/2002). The monitored parameters are Water level—H (cm), Salinity—Sal (‰), Redox Potential—RP (mV), Dissolved Oxygen—DO (mg/l), Water Temperature—T w (oC) and Air Temperature—T a (oC). [2.] The assessment of water quality and quantity parameters and the aquatic environment of Agiasma lagoon. [3.] The detection of trends, using the non-parametric Spearman''s criterion. This trend analysis proved the existence of trends for the parameters H, Sal and RP. [4.] The necessity of real-time monitoring, which can prevent and confront possible natural hazards and disasters and work as an alarm system for the local authorities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose - The majority of research pertaining to internal marketing (IM) is conceptual and still remains so even at present. The lack of widely accepted definitions of the IM concept and a relevant valid measure has lead to increased attempts by academia to investigate the relative concepts and measures. The purpose of this paper is to examine a synthesis of IM and investigates its effect on business performance in a retail context. Design/methodology/approach - The context of this paper is within supermarket chains in Greece with nation wide coverage. A survey is designed and implemented using the branch managers. Findings - SEM analysis indicates five dimensions of the IM construct: formal interaction, reward systems, feedback, internal procedures and policies and internal customer orientation (ICO). Retailers seem' to adopt in an embryonic stage a concept of TM. TM indeed has a positive effect on business performance. Research limitations/implications - Single key infonnant, single context of the paper are considerations when examining research limitations. Practical implications - The embryonic stage of adopting and implementing TM within supermarket chains illustrates a certain manner of managing the internal customer; centralisation of procedures and tactics. Even if the concept of TM is partially exploited, the respective organisational behaviours clearly have a positive impact on both financial and non-financial aspects of retail performance, thus revealing their importance. Originality/value - This paper contributes to the rare empirical investigation of the TM notion in the firm and provides evidence on both its synthesis and its impact on business performance. The authors synthesize the concepts of internal market and ICOs providing a new approach to IM. Construct and research propositions have been axiomatic and in an only conceptual context until recently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to explore the role that boards can play in the contribution of organizational performance and to empirically examine the relationship between the chairman, key board composition variables and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – The data presented are drawn from a sample of 27 chairmen of Greek corporations listed in the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE). The authors examine hypothesized links between the demographic characteristics of the chairmen of the board, board composition variables, and organizational performance. Findings – The authors found a positive relationship between age and competitive positioning which indicates that, the older the chairperson, the better the competitive positioning. Amazingly, the relationship between age and overall firm performance was found to be negative, indicating that even if the chairperson is older and more experienced the possibly efficient performance of the firm does not depend on that. Research limitations/implications – The authors managed to collect data from 27 questionnaires; given the small size of the sample, the authors cannot generalize the findings. Practical implications – The research indicates that understanding the variables that influence top management team and firm performance enhances value creation to investors and shareholders. Originality/value – The choice of the sample was based on a fundamental principle of corporate governance board leadership structure: the chairman of the board is a different entity from the chief executive officer (CEO). This is one of very few studies concerning corporate governance in Greece focusing on the perception of Greek chairpersons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]