The relationship between revenue diversification and bank performance

A B S T R A C T
This paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating the impact of revenue diversification on bank performance through a broad array of financial reforms, including credit controls, interest rate controls, entry barriers, banking supervision, privatization, and financial account restrictions. This analysis is the first to investigate whether financial structures (bank- or market-based systems) change the effect of diversification on individual bank performance. We use a panel dataset sample from 29 Asia- Pacific countries covering the period between 1995 and 2009, for a total of 2372 banks. Unlike the results of previous studies based on data from the U.S. and Europe, this study confirms the hypothesis of the portfolio diversification effect for the Asia-Pacific banking industry. For bank-based groups, bank performance can be improved through diversification, supporting the ‘‘bank-based view’’ hypothesis. 

Corporate governance and investment-cash flow sensitivity: Evidence from emerging markets

Abstract 

Controlling for country-level governance, we investigate how firms' corporate governance influences financing constraints. Using firm-level corporate governance rankings across 14 emerging markets, we find that better corporate governance lowers the dependence of emerging market firms on internally generated cash flows, and reduces financing constraints that would otherwise distort efficient allocation of investment and destroy firm value. Additionally and more importantly, firm-level corporate governancematters more significantly in countries with weaker country-level governance. This suggests substitutability between firm-specific and country-level governance in determining a firm's investment sensitivity to internal cash flows.

The relationship of operational innovation and financial performance—A critical perspective

Abstract
Operations management designs, schedules, and controls organizational processes to increase productivity by using methods such as Just-in-Time (JIT)/Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Management (TQM) or Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Following implementation, managers generally want to determine the impact of such operational innovations on firm performance. Past studies analyzed financial ratios to prove the usefulness of the operational methods; however, findings are mixed. While some reported positive relationships between operational innovations and financial performance, others found no or inconsistent relationships. Motivated to uncover explanations for said inconsistencies, this paper takes a critical look at the appropriateness of the profitability ratios Return on Asset (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Basic Earning Power (BEP) in determining the impact of a given operations strategy on firm performance. Focusing on JIT/Lean Manufacturing, the relationship between these ratios and inventory management ratios is analyzed. Fixed-effect regression shows that no consistent relationship between ROA, ROE, BEP and inventory management ratios exists. This result may be explained, as the profitability of a firm is affected by at least two factors: results from its operations, and how these are financed (e.g. usage of cheap debt, which enhances profitability). This paper suggests that the impact of an individual operations strategy is difficult to isolate from other firm activities, such as its financial management. Hence, profitability ratios such as ROA, ROE and BEP that aggregate all of a firm's activities may not be suitable metrics to determine the effect of JIT/Lean Manufacturing methods on financial firm performance.

Factors influencing Internet shopping value and customer repurchase intention

Abstract
This research empirically examines the effect of various Internet shopping site qualities on the utilitarian and hedonic values of Internet shopping. The influence of the perceived level of Internet shopping value on customer satisfaction and repurchase intention is also investigated. We perform structural equation analysis with a sample of 293 observations consisting of two different income groups (workforce and student). Our results show that while system and service qualities are critical factors affecting utilitarian shopping value, information and service qualities are the factors most closely associated with hedonic shopping value. These findings suggest that service quality plays a significant role in increasing both utilitarian and hedonic shopping values. Our results also show that the impact of quality factors on Internet shopping values and subsequent repurchase intention differs across the two income groups.

Factors affecting the adoption of Internet banking in Tunisia: An integration theory of acceptance model and theory of planned behavior

Abstract
This paper examines empirically the factors that affect the adoption of Internet banking by Tunisian bank customers. As base model, we use the technology acceptance model (TAM) and theory of planned behavior (TPB). The model employs security and privacy, self efficacy, government support, and technology support, in addition to perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, social norm, perceived behavior control and intention to use Internet banking. Structural equation modeling is employed to examine the inter-correlations among the proposed constructs. A survey involving a total of 284 respondents is conducted and confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the measurement efficacies. Theoretically, this study confirms the applicability of the TAM model and TPB in predicting Internet banking adoption by Tunisian bank customers. The results allow banks' decision makers to develop strategies that can encourage the adoption of Internet banking. Banks should improve the security and privacy to protect consumers' personal and financial information, which will increase the trust of users. Government should also play a role to support bank industry by having a clear and solid law on this will ensure that customers are more confident for using Internet banking, ensuring a better Internet infrastructure and helps them to encourage users to use Internet banking. Lastly, Tunisian Banks should focus on those clients who already have a home PC, access Internet and more educated and younger since they are the most likely to adopt Internet banking.