Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strategic human resource management practices: effect on performance

Purpose - Strategic human resource management (SHRM) practices are used by large foreign multinational companies to improve their performance. The purpose of this paper is to establish the direct or indirect relationship between SHRM practices and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach - SHRM practices are conceptualized as independent variables measured through a bundle of distinct practices. Organizational performance as a dependent variable is measured using constructs of image, interpersonal relations, and product quality. The model is tested with data from 50 large foreign multinational companies operating in Kenya. Findings - Results of this paper show that the SHRM practices that best predict firm performance are training and development and compensation systems. The relationship between the use of SHRM practices and firm performance does not hold across the five bundles of what are considered as “high performance work practices”. This paper also assumes that the relationship between SHRM practices and firm performance is indirect through motivation. Research limitations/implications - Cross-sectional data from 50 large manufacturing companies in Kenya are used, and it would be interesting to test this model for more industries and countries. Practical implications - Results of this paper have shown that the SHRM practices that best predict firm performance are training and development and compensation systems. Originality/value - To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first large-scale empirical paper of the influence of SHRM practices on firm performance, using data from large foreign manufacturing companies operating in Kenya.
Measuring Liquidity in Emerging Markets

We propose a modified version of the Amihud illiquidity measure, AdjILLIQ, which performs well in different types of emerging markets. Our AdjILLIQ measure combines the virtues of the original Amihud ratio and the non-trading-frequency measure. It exhibits higher correlation with spread and price impact than other existing low-frequency liquidity measures in most of our sample markets. The improvement gained from using our AdjILLIQ measure is particularly significant in inactively-traded markets and low-turnover stocks. We find that the liquidity in emerging markets, as measured by AdjILLIQ, can be improved by better disclosure and less information asymmetry. Furthermore, the liquidity dry-up during market downturns can also be alleviated by better information environment.
Briefing‐debriefing: Using a reflexive organizational learning model from the military to enhance the performance of surgical teams

We adopt an action-research approach to examine the applicability of briefing-debriefing sessions—a team-based, reflexive learning model being used in the IsraelAir Force—to the surgical departments of a major, civilian tertiary center in Israel, and explore the potential impact of such a model on the incidence of preventable adverse events in these departments.Taking into account the similarities and differences between the two team contexts (i.e., surgical team and flight crew), we examine potential barriers to the implementation of such a briefing-debriefing technology in the surgical world, discuss the ways in which such barriers have been largely overcome in the particular case examined, and present the model currently being implemented by the surgical departments in our study.Additionally, based on a grounded theory approach, we generate propositions regarding the way in which briefing-debriefing frameworks might enhance the quality-related outcomes of hospital surgical teams.Wepay particular attention to those aspects of the team-based learning model—such as a focus on status-free transparency and systems-based analysis—intended to promote double- as opposed to simply single-loop learning. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discrete-Time Control of Production-Inventory Systems With Deteriorating Stock and Unreliable Supplies

This paper addresses the problem of establishing an efficient (fast yet robust) inventory management policy for production-inventory systems in which the stock deteriorates with time and the replenishment process is unreliable. The stock used to satisfy uncertain, variable demand is refilled using multiple supply options. Owing to information distortion, product defects, manufacturing faults, or improper transportation, the goods quantity obtained from the suppliers differs from the ordered one. The setting is modeled as an uncertain, time-varying discrete-time system with multiple time delays. A new compensation mechanism, which provides a smooth ordering pattern and ensures closed-loop stability for a delay spanning arbitrary number of review periods is proposed. The developed strategy outperforms the classical order-up-to policy in mitigating demand variations and prevents the bullwhip effect despite unpredictable distortions of the supply process.
Strategic Types and Performances of Small Firms in Korea

YOUNGBAE KIM IS AN ASSISTANT professor of management and policy in the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Taejon, South Korea and Youngrok Choi is a researcher in the nuclear policy division of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Taejon, Korea. This study attempts to identify the patterns of strategic behaviour of small firms in Korea in conjunction with their performance. Based on the data from 79 small firms across four industries, the results reveal that there appear to be four common strategic attributes cost efficiency, innovative differentiation, marketing differentiation, and asset parsimony and five strategic types of firms which have distinct combinations of these strategic attributes innovative, versatile, marginal, and reactive types. Each type of firm was also found to have different organisational characteristics and performance level. Finally, this study discusses the comparative management issue in the field of strategic management and offers some practical implications for managers of small firms.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

The world was shocked in early 2003 when a pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was imminent. The outbreak of this novel disease, caused by a novel coronavirus (the SARS-coronavirus), hit hardest in the Asian Pacific region, though eventually it spread to five continents. The speed of the spread of the SARS epidemic was unprecedented due to the highly efficient intercontinental transportation. An international collaborative effort through the World Health Organization (WHO) has helped to identify the aetiological agent about 1 month after the onset of the epidemic. The power of molecular biology and bioinformatics has enabled the complete decoding of the viral genome within weeks. Over 1000 publications on the phylogeny, epidemiology, genomics, laboratory diagnostics, antiviral, immunization, pathogenesis, clinical disease, and management accumulated within just 1 year. Although the exact animal reservoir of virus and how it evolved into a human pathogen are still obscure, accurate diagnosis and epidemiological control of the disease are now possible. This article reviews what is currently known about the virus and the disease.
Technology flows between sectors and their impact on large-scale firms

In this article we highlight the importance of technology flows between sectors and their impact on the labour productivity of large-scale corporations. Based on theoretical considerations, we explore technological spillovers between the sectors of an economy. Large-scale corporations usually focus on certain sectors but make use of a wide range of technological knowledge from other sectors. Thereby, technological knowledge built up in sectors by continuous R&D activities does not spill over without bounds but is directed by firms’ absorptive capacities. We use firms’ patent portfolio to empirically calculate the sector affiliation and therewith the firms’ absorptive capacities in order to estimate the impact of technology diffusion on labour productivity. Fortune 500 firms serve as data base.
The Impact of Corporate Governance Practices on Firms' Financial Performance: Evidence from Malaysian Companies

The impact on firm performance stemming from specific corporate practices and structures was analysed, based on data from seventy-seven Malaysian listed companies, over a four-year period from 1996 to 1999. Based on a combination of cross-sectional and time-series data, panel data regression techniques were used to analyse the performance of the firms, using both fixed effects and random effect models. Using return on equity as the dependent variable, it was established that the size of firm, the gearing ratio (i.e. scale of borrowing), and the proportion of shares held by institutional investors significantly influenced firm performance. The degree of impact on firm performance followed a quadratic fashion, with performance increasing with the size of the firm, up to an optimal size of RM8,839 million in turnover. Beyond that size, firm performance declined with increasing size. Borrowing had a negative effect on earnings, with a 1 per cent increase in borrowing having a 0.14 per cent decrease in the return on equity. Finally, the increased strength of institutional investors in a firm appeared to exert a positive influence on company earnings.
Factors influencing development of Down syndrome children in the first three years of life: Siriraj experience.

OBJECTIVE To analyze factors influencing development of Down syndrome children in the first three years of life. MATERIAL AND METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in 100 Down syndrome (DS) children attending at the Genetics clinic, Department of Pediatrics, Siriraj Hospital between January 2002 and December 2005. All individuals were three to six years of age. The data was collected from January to December 2006, including general information and factors on the child and their families. The child developmental quotient (DQ) was evaluated by Capute Scales Cognitive Adaptive Test/Clinical Linguistic & Auditory Milestones Scale (CAT/CLAMS) at three years of age. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistic and multiple linear regression with the significant level at p-value < 0. 05. RESULTS The mean development quotient (DQ) was 63.78 +/- 11.25 (range 32-91) with the majority being mild developmental delay. The child and family factors contributing to developmental quotient (DQ) outcome were birthplace, congenital heart disease, age at the first genetic counseling, regular follow-up in the Genetics clinic, age at the first early stimulation program/speech training program, parental education/occupation, and family income. Only family income and age at the first speech-training program were found to be independently associated with developmental quotient (DQ) at the age of three years (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of mental retardation. Various factors contribute to developmental quotient (DQ) outcome but the most important factors are family income and age at the first speech-training program. Therefore, Down syndrome children with the above factors should be followed-up and monitored closely for the optimal long-term outcome.
Changes in Internal Auditing During the Time of the Major U.S. Accounting Scandals

We examine changes in internal auditing during the time of the Enron and WorldCom disasters and the related legislative and media focus on internal control and corporate governance. Data gathered from 271 mid-sized US public companies reveal that internal audit budgets, staffing levels, meetings with the audit committee, and meeting length increased markedly during this time. Regression analyses provide some evidence of (a) larger budget increases among smaller companies, (b) larger budget and staff increases in companies with greater financial resources (i.e., stronger operating cash flows) or with greater liquidity risk (i.e., lower current ratios), and (c) industry differences in the change in internal auditing. We encourage additional research on recent changes in internal auditing, including research in other countries.
Towards urban food sovereignty: the trials and tribulations of community-based aquaponics enterprises in Milwaukee and Melbourne

Community-based urban aquaponics enterprises represent a new model for how to blend local agency with scientific innovation to deliver food sovereignty (FS) in cities, re-engaging and giving urban communities more control over their food production and distribution. Little is known, however, about the factors and outcomes that determine the success or failure of these enterprises. This paper explores stakeholder experiences of building community-based urban aquaponics enterprises to understand the internal and external factors that impact on their success or failure. We draw upon existing FS, social enterprise and aquaponics literature, to identify factors in the related area of community-based urban agriculture. For exploring these factors, we use a comparative case study methodology for two cases in Milwaukee and Melbourne, conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, exploring their relative contexts, objectives and structure. Based on these findings, we highlight the challenges and suggest relevant indicators for establishing an urban aquaponics enterprise.
Parental Preference, Heterogeneity, and Human Capital Inequality

In this article, I provide an empirical account of the human capital investment behavior of parents in the face of endowment differences among siblings. The data set used contains a three‐wave panel of 4,030 individuals. The article presents a rare case in which endowments are measured explicitly. Health endowments are estimated from dynamic health production functions, while educational endowments are obtained from test scores. The simple score of the standard Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrix (CPM) test is used to measure educational endowments. I use estimation procedures that combine an instrumental variables method with panel data estimators to control for endogeneity and heterogeneity. The results suggest that parents compensate for initial differences in health but reinforce initial educational differences among siblings. Hence, an educational subsidy aimed at reducing inequality may end up reinforcing the inequality that might exist in the absence of such subsidy. When parents invest more educational human capital in the able children, an educational subsidy aimed at reducing inequality may end up reinforcing the inequality that might exist in the absence of such subsidy. The same cannot be said about health.
Oppressive governments, dependence on the USA, and anti-American terrorism

We study the nexus between US economic and military aid, human rights conditions, and the emergence of anti-American transnational terrorism in aid-receiving countries. Using data from 126 countries for the period 1984–2008, we show that a combination of local repression and military or economic dependence on the USA results in more anti-American terrorism. This relationship only breaks down at high levels of dependence. There is no evidence that the USA is made any safer by providing foreign assistance, even if this assistance is substantial or is channeled to highly oppressive regimes which might be less restricted in terms of their instruments of fighting terrorism. Our findings also hold true when we account for the potential endogeneity of US aid and human rights conditions to anti-American terrorism.
Is It Worthwhile to Attempt Hearing Preservation in Larger Acoustic Neuromas?

Objective To determine the hearing outcome in patients undergoing surgery via the retrosigmoid approach for acoustic neuromas with a substantial component in the cerebellopontine angle. Study Design Retrospective case review. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients The medical records of all patients undergoing acoustic neuroma removal via the retrosigmoid approach at a tertiary referral center were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-four patients with both cerebellopontine angle component ≥15 mm and preoperative audiometry of class A or B (American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery) were identified. Main Outcome Measures Postoperative average pure tone threshold and word recognition scores, categorized according to the classification of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, were used to assess hearing outcome. Results Overall, only 6.3% (4 of 63) retained good hearing (class A or B) postoperatively. Hearing preservation rate in the smallest (15- to 19-mm) group was 17.6% (3 of 17), which was better than that for the larger groups. No successful hearing preservation was achieved in tumors with ≥25 mm cerebellopontine angle component (0 of 23). Conclusions Surgeon and patient alike would always choose a hearing preservation technique if there was no potential for increased morbidity in making the attempt. When compared with the non–hearing preservation translabyrinthine approach, the retrosigmoid approach had a higher incidence of persistent headache. In addition, efforts to conserve the auditory nerve prolong operating time, increase the incidence of postoperative vestibular dysfunction, and carry a slightly higher risk of tumor recurrence. Nevertheless, even though the probability of success is disappointingly small, when excellent hearing is present we favor offering the option of a hearing conservation attempt when the patient has been well informed of the pros and cons of the endeavor. Factors weighing against undertaking this effort include larger cerebellopontine angle component (≥25 mm), deep involvement of the fundus, wide erosion of the porus, and marginal residual hearing.
Suggested treatment protocol for improving patency of femoral-infrapopliteal cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts.

PURPOSE Cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts are used for femoral-infrapopliteal bypass graft purposes when adequate autogenous vein is unavailable. Anticoagulation, immunosuppression therapy, or both have been suggested means for improving allograft patency. Immunosuppression has significant cost and morbidity and has produced variable results. Our successful treatment of luminal surface hypercoagulability associated with certain endovascular procedures prompted the use of an anticoagulation protocol prospectively to improve graft patency and limb salvage for patients receiving femoral-infrapopliteal cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts. METHODS Between September 1995 and October 1999, 24 patients (15 men and nine women) were enrolled in a prospective clinical trial for salvage of 26 severely ischemic lower limbs with femoral-infrapopliteal cryopreserved saphenous vein allograft bypass grafts. All patients were treated with a protocol (aspirin, low-dose heparin, low molecular weight dextran 40, dipyridamole, and warfarin), and no immunosuppressive agents were used. The cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts were matched to patients by ABO and Rh compatibility. Indications for revascularization were ischemic rest pain (n = 8), nonhealing ulcer (n = 13), or focal gangrene (n = 5), and no usable autogenous vein was available. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 35 months (mean, 19 months). We studied the location and type of outflow anastomosis, specific outflow vessel, morbidity, death, secondary procedures (digital/transmetatarsal amputation), and complications related to the treatment protocol. Life table analyses of primary graft patency and limb salvage were compared with other current reported data. RESULTS Primary graft patency with Kaplan-Meier life table analysis was 96% at 6 months, 87% at 12 months, and 82% at 18 and 24 months. There were no reoperations for acute graft occlusion. One graft underwent late segmental aneurysmal degeneration and rupture. There were no procedure-related deaths or bleeding complications. During late follow-up, anticoagulation was discontinued in three patients (12%) because of gastrointestinal bleeding. Limb salvage was 88% at 6 months and 80% at 12, 18, and 24 months. Patients returned to ambulatory status that was limited only by their other comorbidities. CONCLUSION Femoral-infrapopliteal bypass graft for limb salvage with a cryopreserved saphenous vein allograft can be an acceptable alternative when autogenous vein is not available. Our treatment protocol substantially improved allograft patency and limb salvage when compared with current published data.
An Examination of the Impact of Career-Oriented Mentoring on Work Commitment Attitudes and Career Satisfaction Among Professional and Managerial Employees1

SUMMARY Data obtained from 164 proteges in managerial and professional positions in public and private sector organizations in Singapore were used to examine the impact of career-oriented mentoring on three work commitment attitudes (career, organization and job) and career satisfaction. Factor analysis of the 15-item career-oriented mentoring scale (Ragins and McFarlin, 1990) revealed a five-factor solution – coach, sponsor, protection, challenging assignments and exposure. These career-oriented mentoring roles were differentially related to job involvement, organizational commitment and career satisfaction, and explained modest amounts of the variance in these outcome variables. T-test results indicated that mentored respondents (N = 164) reported significantly higher levels of the outcome variables than non-mentored respondents (N = 225). Limitations of the study, directions for further research and implications of the findings are discussed.
How Frequent Financial Reporting Can Cause Managerial Short-Termism: An Analysis of the Costs and Benefits of Increasing Reporting Frequency

We develop a cost-benefit tradeoff that provides new insights into the frequency with which firms should be required to report the results of their operations to the capital market. The benefit to increasing the frequency of financial reporting is that it causes market prices to better deter investments in negative net present value projects. The cost of increased frequency is that it increases the probability of inducing managerial short-termism. We analyze the tradeoff between these costs and benefits and develop conditions under which greater reporting frequency is desirable and conditions under which it is not.
Impact Factor in Institute for Scientific Information (ISI): Quality and Quantity of Scientific Publications

The article investigates the Impact Factor in Journals and its consequences for scientific considerations. The Impact Factor is a value for Journals listed in the Science Citation Index, which shows the average degree of acquaintance in the scientific community. There is an annual increase in Impact Factor in SCI, in which the annual rate is rising as high as the Impact Factor. The Impact Factor is also determined to a considerable degree based on the availability of the cited sources. Impact factors of Journals and prices for their relations depend only on a weak statistics from each other. Subscription of a Journal depends strongly on the citations. The IF rises with the number of copies of magazines if these already exhibit a higher IF.