Keith Pond

A case study of the development of WebPA: An online peer-moderated marking tool

Peer moderation of group work in higher education is rapidly advancing through the use of technological developments and is increasingly being informed by pedagogical research. The highly successful WebPA online assessment system has gone through a number of development phases over its 15-year history and has now evolved into a relatively mature and flexible tool for facilitating group work. This paper presents a case study of the approaches that have been used in the systems development from the technical perspective, and describes how the scope of the project has massively expanded and that the development has been continually backed by a sound and wide-ranging pedagogy. The benefits of using the online system are shown to be underpinned throughout by examples of good practice in the supervision of academic group work. A critical evaluation of the tool and surrounding pedagogical practices highlight future areas for technical expansion.

Learning Expectations and Learning Process Design

European MBA programmes use a variety of learning processes. The distance learning model meets a desire to develop continuous and flexible learning environments alongside full-time work. Embedded in the six elements of the Henley distance learning MBA – workbook, groupware, workshops, WWW, telephone links and business simulation – are the cognitive and experiential schools of learning styles. This article examines the learning style expectations of 133 Henley distance learning MBA students and notes high congruence between their learning expectations and the process design used.

An Expert System Solution to Mortgage Arrears Problems

This article draws on research into the current level of provision of arrears and debt counselling in building societies, banks and finance houses and concludes that, whilst interest in a consistent and systematic approach to arrears counselling is very positive, progress towards any practical application of Information Technology in the arrears counselling process is slow. In response to this shortfall the article presents a novel approach to arrears counselling through an expert system named Personal Insolvency Strategy Counselling Expert System (PISCES). Work on PISCES at Loughborough University Banking Centre has shown that much of the expertise and knowledge of the experienced arrears counsellor can be captured within a computer-based system. An evaluation of PISCES by interested parties has confirmed that the expert system approach to arrears counselling is valid and that the PISCES system, in particular shows promise.

The survival potential of companies placed into administrative receivership

Outlines the UK law on insovency and asks whether the financial ratios banks use to assess credit worthiness can discriminate between the companies placed in administrative receivership (AR) by their lending banks which can or cannot be rescued. Applies both linear discriminant analysis and logistic regression to samples of UK companies placed into AR in 1998, explains the methodology and shows broadly similar results from the two methods; and a predictive accuracy of 85‐90 per cent for the rescued companies and 55‐60 per cent for the failures. Analyses the key ratios for survival in more detail, looking at debtor turnover, the gearing ratio and the current ratio. Recogises the limitations of the study but sees it as a promising approach to predicting survivability.

Creditor strategy in individual insolvency

Explains the option of individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) when formal insolvency proceedings are taken against a UK individual, noting their rapid growth since they were introduced by the Insolvency Act 1986. Applies games theory (the prisoner’s dilemma) to previously published research data (Pond 1988) on the choices made by debtors and creditors for IVAs in order to analyse and discuss their srrategies. Shows that creditors can do better by assessing the risk of IVA failure, using it to discount the projected dividend and comparing the result with the returns from bankruptcy. Considers the implications for policy makers and others involved.

Administration of recoveries in individual insolvency: case studies of two UK banks

Against a background of greater competition, market saturation and falling margins over the past decade UK banks have sought greater efficiencies in credit and risk assessment procedures, especially with personal lending products. In the same way they have attempted to reduce costs associated with the monitoring and collection of bad debts. Failure to monitor debt recoveries adequately, however, can lead to further pressure on profits. This paper uses a case study approach to outline key strategies adopted by two major banks in respect of formal insolvency, the ‘tip’ of a considerable debt recovery ‘iceberg’. The paper illustrates the reactions and changing administrative practices of banks, as unsecured creditors, and draws on empirical research that has charted the effect of the Insolvency Act 1986 as regards individual debtors. The collection of bad debts presents banks with risks, heightened by adverse selection and moral hazard problems greater than those applicable to credit risk assessment. However, while the ‘downside risk’ equates with the debt write-off plus transaction costs the ‘upside potential’ has elements of both tangible and intangible benefit. The paper goes on to review specific centralization and outsourcing policies against the critical risks in insolvency. It also suggests that the bargaining power of major creditors, including banks, is increased through these activities, to the possible detriment of smaller creditors and of debtors.

SME lending decisions – the case of UK and German banks: An international comparison

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to test and extend a conceptual model of risk assessment in bank lending to SMEs using five German and five UK bank case studies. Derived from research in Germany and the UK, the model postulates that factors in the external, operating and internal environments of individual banks can influence credit-risk assessment decisions. Design/methodology/approach - The empirical data for this paper was collected during face-to-face interviews with five UK lending bankers in June 2006 and five German bankers in February 2007. The timing is important, as these were unaffected by credit-crunch considerations. The sample banks were similar in size and operating in the retail environment in their respective countries. The interviewees comprised lending officers and managers in loan departments. All interviews were conducted using a questionnaire format designed to elicit a commentary on the loan process in a reasonably unstructured way. Findings - Notable differences emerged from these findings compared to the scene painted by existing research. The findings argue that changes in the law and banking regulations have reshaped both German and UK banking institutions. German bank employees are facing ever-increasing pressure as their employers strive to become efficient, streamlined banks with a high orientation towards their shareholders in a highly competitive market. This has a consequence for the emphasis placed on local and community factors. These findings further argue that German banks have moved their value orientations towards the British banking model to simulate the high returns achieved by British banks. German banking culture and state values are deeply embedded into the societal structure (Llewellyn, 2002; Lane and Quack, 2001). The deregulation of German banks has manifested in an adjustment of institutional behaviour, steering towards a shareholder orientation. However, even whilst German banks readjust their strategies, they continue to struggle to “shake off” their original roots and a cultural identity of stakeholder orientation. Originality/value - This study provides a historical context for the recent developments in public sector reporting and accountability in the financial banking sector in both the United Kingdom and Germany. The paper provided an insight into the determination and interpretation of European regulations.

Banks and Insolvent Corporate Customers: Experience of the Rescue Culture

The relationship between a banker and a customer has its foundations in well-established UK case law (Roberts, 2003), reinforced, since 1997, by a statement of principles for business customers (British Bankers Association, 1997, updated in 2001 and 2002). All major British Banking Groups have accepted the principles.

Cheque Truncation - A Legal and Practical Perspective

As clearing bankers seek ever more cost-effective methods of funds transmission the wider introduction of cheque truncation is under detailed consideration. Certain legal barriers prevent inter-bank cheque truncation at present, however, and representation must be made to the Banking Law Review Committee so that changes in legislation can be made. The Committee will find that truncation itself poses other legal and practical problems which must be overcome by the banks and by the legislators. In due course Parliament will need to balance possible statutory control of the hitherto private clearing system against an erosion of the traditional protection afforded to bank customers.