bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Sewage Application in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Asadu C.L.A. , Ucheonye-Oliobi C. , Agada C.
Published: September 2010

This work investigated the impact of long-term application of sewage sludge/effluent on morphological and physical properties of a sandy Ultisol (Arenic Kandiustult) in Nsukka, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from the surface (0–20 cm) of a sewage-amended soil and from unamended control fields, after which two representative profile pits were also sited on the sewage-amended plot and two on the control fields. Soil samples were collected at specific intervals from these pits. Morphologically, both soils were deep and well drained, with no concretions or mottles. The colour variation ranged from dark reddish to brownish black for the first layer of the profile pits in the area amended with sewage sludge, to reddish brown and red in others. In unamended soils, the colour ranged from dark reddish brown in the top layer to reddish brown and red in others. Texture was generally sandy loam over sandy clay loam in amended soil, and sandy clay loam in unamended soil. The structure was generally weakly granular in the top layer, but moderately subangular in other subsurface layers. The entire area is on a gentle slope of <5%. Soil organic matter, bulk density, total porosity and aggregate stability were enhanced significantly (p <0.05) in the sewage-amended soil compared with the non-sewage-amended soil. Changes in the saturated hydraulic conductivity, field capacity and micro- and macro-porosities were not significant. The results indicate that application of sewage sludge and effluent has little impact on the morphology of these soils. However, it had a positive impact on the physical properties of the soils. But it should be used with caution because of its known negative effects on heavy metal accumulation in soils when used at high rates and for long periods.
Regional Transformation Processes through the Universities—Institutions—Industry Relationship
Authors: Cassia Lucio , Colombelli Alessandra , Paleari Stefano
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this paper is, first, to highlight the role of the relationships between universities, institutions and firms in different regional development processes working towards a knowledge economy, and, second, to draw some implications for local policy makers. Adopting the regional innovation system (RIS) approach, the authors analyse selected regions – Cambridge (UK), Baden-Württemberg (Germany), Göteborg, (Sweden), Singapore, Milwaukee (USA) and Pittsburgh (USA) – which in the last two decades have undergone a process of economic and industrial renewal. From their analysis of the regional transformation process, they classify three different regional development paths defined respectively as ‘RIS-into’, ‘RIS-from’ and ‘RIS-through’ processes. Some common features emerge. In the process of regional development cooperation among universities, institutions and firms is essential. In particular, local universities play a crucial role in providing highly-educated people, research and spin-off activities. Thus universities are able to foster knowledge spillovers and interact constructively with firms. These interactions are nurtured and promoted by local policy makers.
A New Technology Transfer Paradigm: How State Universities Can Collaborate with Industry in the USA
Authors: Renault Catherine S. , Cope Jeff , Dix Molly , Hersey Karen
Published: September 2010

In some US states, policy makers, pressed by local and regional industrial interests, are debating how to ‘reform’ technology transfer at public universities. ‘Reform’ in this context is generally understood to mean redirecting university technology transfer activities to increase the benefits of state-funded research to local industries. Progress towards this goal is often constrained by federally mandated laws applicable to technology transfer at universities (such as the Bayh–Dole Act) and by university policies that have been placed by state legislatures outside the purview of policy making state officials. Calls for change have also been countered by the view of many universities that the system is not broken. Suggested reforms range from the abolition of the Bayh–Dole Act, which gives universities the flexibility to transfer ownership of federally funded inventions to local industries, to structural or management changes in universities that will promote innovation and/or expedite the licensing of new ideas. This article proposes a new paradigm: instead of measuring the success of technology transfer by counting numbers of patents and licensing deals, the authors suggest measuring knowledge flows between state universities and their localities. This approach should produce a more accurate picture of the full impact of universities on their regions.
Research Note: Attribution, Substitution and Confusion in Wildlife and Natural Area Tourism Expenditure Research
Authors: Jones Tod , Wood David
Published: September 2010

This research note addresses the current confusion of terminology and practice among studies of the expenditure of tourists to natural areas and wildlife attractions. The authors suggest that the term ‘substitution’ should be used when estimating tourists' intention to substitute another destination for the study region, should the natural resource in the study region cease to exist. They also discuss the use of the term ‘attribution’ and how the concept of ‘attributable expenditure’ has been applied in natural area and wildlife tourism expenditure research.
Assessing the Impact of a Major Sporting Event: The Role of Environmental Accounting
Authors: Jones Calvin
Published: September 2010

Government support for major sporting events is usually predicated on their assumed economic benefits. Yet there has been little parallel consideration of their potential environmental costs, at a time when the same governments are citing the importance of sustainable development. Environmental performance of major sporting events has hitherto been judged, if at all, on qualitative, activity and procedural criteria, rather than by attempting to estimate the overall impact of an event on measurable externalities. This paper examines the UK round of the 2004 World Rally Championship, using environmental accounting techniques to estimate its economic and environmental impacts on its host region.
Recreation Value of a New Long-Distance Walking Track
Authors: Cook Averil
Published: September 2010

A large recreation value may be expected for a long-distance walking track which allows for hiking and camping in a tropical rainforest environment. When such a resource is new, sufficient data are not available for a primary study. A practical way to obtain a value estimate is by employing benefit transfer procedures. Using a travel cost analysis for the Thorsborne Trail as the transfer source, a consumer surplus estimate for the new Cannabullen Track was estimated at about Aus$300 per person per year. This value may contribute to management decisions about further development of facilities along the track and about user fees.
The Role of Intermediaries in the Growth of a Lesser-Developed Region: Some Empirical Evidence from Calabria, Italy
Authors: Succurro Marianna
Published: September 2010

This paper provides empirical evidence regarding the impact of tour operators on the performance of accommodation enterprises in a southern Italian region. The region, in spite of its strategic geographical position and beautiful natural resources, is still characterized by limited tourist flows and production capacity with regard to its accommodation potential. A logistic regression is implemented on data collected through a direct survey. This survey made use of the results from questionnaires given to a sample of 255 accommodation providers. The study concludes by proposing policies that might be adopted by private firms, intermediaries and local government in order to improve competitiveness and enhance economic growth.
Determinants of Visitor Expenditures in Mountain Tourism
Authors: Fredman Peter
Published: September 2010

In this study, determinants of expenditures are estimated for downhill skiers, backpackers, snowmobilers and general visitors to the Swedish mountain region. The study is based on a national sample of mountain visitors. It is shown that duration of stay, household income, choice of activity, occupation, participation in an organized trip and choice of accommodation have an effect on expenditures at the destination, while gender, mode of travel, distance and ‘significance of activity’ are additional determinants of expenditures outside the destination. The study will contribute to our understanding of the economic values associated with the future development of mountain tourism, including values beyond primary expenditures.
Methods for Measuring the Effects of the EU Presidency on International Tourism
Authors: Smeral Egon , Wüuger Michael
Published: September 2010

This study uses time-series techniques and econometric approaches to quantify the effects that organizing an EU presidency has on the tourism exports of a country. The approach of explaining tourism revenues by a time-series intervention model filters out special effects (data discontinuations, exchange rates, events, media reports, etc) by outlier detection methods, maps influences from trends, the business cycle and seasonal effects in an ARIMA model and depicts the effect of an EU presidency by way of an intervention variable. Using econometric indicator approaches, a country's tourism exports are controlled for seasonal and special influences, habitual effects and demand trends by way of suitable indicators and a dummy variable is used to test whether the EU presidency makes a statistically significant contribution to the revenues from tourism.
Entrepreneurship in Coral Harbour, Nunavut
Authors: Mason Aldene Meis , Dana Leo Paul , Anderson Robert Brent
Published: September 2010

A remote community in Canada's Nunavut Territory, Coral Harbour is home mainly to indigenous Inuit. Entrepreneurship here is limited by the environment and location, and takes the form largely of self-employed subsistence fishing, hunting and trapping and related activities. A commercial caribou harvest was introduced, but numbers have since dwindled.
Livestock Trader Entrepreneurs among Urban Bedouin in the Negev Desert
Authors: Degen A. Allan , El-Meccawi Shaher
Published: September 2010

There are more than 150,000 Bedouin in the Negev Desert. Traditionally they were nomadic pastoralists relying on camels, sheep and goats for their livelihood; today about half the population lives in urban communities. Most urban Bedouin men have entered the wage labour market and have abandoned raising livestock. Nonetheless, of close to 1,300 registered flocks, about 15% are owned by urban households, and the Ministry of Agriculture estimates that the figure should be close to 50%. In Tel Sheva, a Bedouin town of 14,000 inhabitants, there are 17 registered flocks and about 15% of the households maintain sheep and/or goats. In addition, 111 livestock trader entrepreneurs are active, dealing mainly with sheep and, to a lesser extent, goats and cattle. Sheep and goats are bought mainly from Bedouin, while cattle are bought mainly from Jewish settlements. There are 16 large livestock traders, all men, who trade throughout the year; for seven of them, livestock trading is their main occupation. These traders generally do not attend weekly markets but do their transactions from home. Thirteen of these traders deal mainly with sheep and goats and can handle upwards of 200 head at a time, while three of them deal primarily with cattle, supplying them mainly for wedding celebrations. There are 75 small livestock traders, five of whom are women. These traders handle mainly small numbers of sheep and goats all year round and often buy and sell at the local markets. In addition, there are 20 opportunist traders, all men, who handle sheep periodically, in particular at Eid ul-Adha when most Muslim families sacrifice an animal. The future of most Bedouin would appear to lie in integration into the Israeli urban economy while attempting to maintain cultural traditions. The use of sheep and other livestock for traditional purposes will continue to play an important role.
The Contribution of Agricultural Extension Services to the Productivity and Socioeconomic Profile of Dairy Cattle Farmers
Authors: Michailidis Anastasios , Papadaki-Klavdianou Afroditi
Published: September 2010

The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of agricultural extension services to the productivity and socioeconomic profile of dairy cattle farmers. In addition, the hypothesis that there were important differences among rural smallholder farming communities in relation to dairy cattle productivity and socioeconomic characteristics was tested. Using two-stage cluster sampling, 100 dairy farming households were recruited from several areas of a typical Greek region. The analysis confirmed the hypothesis that there were important differences among the selected areas, mainly in relation to the likelihood of obtaining training and to basic management practices.
Urban Agriculture and Urban Food Insecurity/Poverty in Nigeria
Authors: Enete Anselm A. , Achike Anthonia I.
Published: September 2010

Urban food insecurity and poverty are fast becoming major problems in the developing world. Urban agriculture has also been variously presented as one of the options for tackling this problem. But is urban agriculture sustainable, given that only the city poor are involved? This paper presents a comparison of output and use of purchased inputs between the rural and urban farmers in Ohafia, south-east Nigeria. Although farm sizes were larger in the rural than in the urban areas, this difference was not statistically significant, apparently because many farmers in the urban areas also purchased farmland in the rural areas. The uses of all the purchased inputs except hired labour were significantly higher in the urban than in the rural areas, indicating efforts by urban farmers to retain soil nutrients in the face of continuous cropping. The use of hired labour did not differ in the two locations, mainly because the aged are involved in agriculture everywhere. Output was however significantly lower in the urban than in the rural areas, apparently because farmers in the urban areas are poor and hence undercapitalized to use adequate amounts of purchased inputs to retain soil nutrients. This observation suggests that if urban agriculture is to act as one of the options for tackling urban food insecurity, the urban poor should be sufficiently empowered financially, not only to apply purchased inputs in the right quantities, but also to adopt innovations in their farming businesses.
The Influence of Business and Industry as Drivers for Change in UK Higher Education
Authors: McLernon Tim
Published: September 2010

The rationale underpinning UK higher education (HE) has changed significantly over the last 20 years. Government policy dictates that 50% of 18–30 year-olds should be in HE by the year 2010. Students enter HE almost solely for the exchange value of the qualification and the expectation of enhanced career prospects in business and industry. This paper argues that UK HE is not responding to the drivers for change demanded by the key stakeholders and as a result advances in business and industry are compromised by the inadequacies of graduates. The current HE system has evolved steadily into its current form, but in the last two decades there have been radical changes in the demands of stakeholders. These changes were identified by Sporn at the European level as: ‘three major challenges: expansion, diversification, and massification’. Higher education systems have not been sufficiently reactive to these step changes. The paper sets out a current view of HE based on evidence collected through participant observation and data from key stakeholders. It highlights deficiencies in HE which impact adversely on business and industry and have been created by inherited structures. Some of these proposed deficiencies have been identified as the funding of HE, the tension between research and teaching, the separation of vocational and non-vocational disciplines, the radical advances in ICT, the demands of key stakeholders and the inability to foster creativity and innovation in the curriculum. The author offers a discussion framework to initiate a discourse on how best HE can meet the needs of business and industry more effectively over the next twenty years.
Achieving Engineering Competencies in the Global Information Society through the Integration of On-Campus and Workplace Environments
Authors: Allan Malcolm , Chisholm Colin U.
Published: September 2010

Engineering organizations are increasingly under pressure to perform more efficiently with fewer people. To manage this, organizations need to understand what skills, knowledge and behaviours they need from engineers who have to practise in a global information society. Engineering educators, in collaboration with employers, therefore now need to think of how to place competencies for engineers in this new context. A model for preparing the educators and employers to face this challenge is proposed. This takes into account the change in mindset required to address the development of competencies for engineers when often the approach has to be context-driven to address global working. The model is based on developing a methodology by which a set of learning outcomes supported by aims and objectives may best be achieved. These learning outcomes are informed by the consideration of international frameworks and agreements which specify engineering professional competencies together with the corresponding graduate attributes. The core concept of the model is discussed and related to specific outcomes for educator and employer to facilitate and students to achieve. While consideration is given to what competencies are needed for tomorrow's engineering education, it is concluded that more relevant is the need to reconsider existing competencies in the context of engineers in global practice. This will require educators to be more responsive and prepared to support the development and evolution of competencies that are sustainable and robust in global sociological, political and economic systems. Central to the success of the model is the need to establish a learning equilibrium between on-campus and work-based experiential studies using globally-based industries.
Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Tourism Enterprises in Tyrol, Austria
Authors: Pikkemaat Birgit
Published: September 2010

This paper deals with innovation and its determinants in small and medium-sized hotel enterprises in alpine tourism. After analysing the alpine tourism market and the characteristics of small and medium-sized enterprises with regard to innovation, the author describes an empirical study to investigate further the determinants of innovation in small and medium-sized hotel enterprises in Austria. The results reveal that the size and categorization of hotels as well as cooperation and knowledge networks positively influence innovation activities.
The Role of Relationships in the Internationalization Process in Hungarian and Czech Knowledge-Based Ventures
Authors: Bishop Kate
Published: September 2010

This paper examines the internationalization process in three knowledge-based ventures in the biotechnology and IT sectors in the Czech Republic and Hungary. The findings from the case studies illustrate the motivations and outcomes of internationalization, along with some of the challenges faced by knowledge-based ventures when embarking on an internationalization strategy within the specific environment of a post-transition economy. Furthermore, the importance of relationships in both the internationalization process and the entrepreneurial process in general is discussed.
Beyond Necessity-Driven Versus Opportunity-Driven Entrepreneurship
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: September 2010

To evaluate critically the conventional view that entrepreneurs are either necessity-driven or opportunity-driven, empirical data are reported from England, Ukraine and Russia on the motives of a specific group of entrepreneurs – those operating wholly or partially in the informal economy. The paper finds that, for the vast majority, both necessity and opportunity drivers are involved in their decision to start up enterprises, along with a clear shift from necessity-oriented to opportunity-oriented motivations as their ventures become more established. The paper concludes with a discussion of the public policy implications of these findings.
Academic Rigour, Managerial Relevance and Triangulation of Research Methods
Authors: Hui Loi Teck , Fatt Quek Kia
Published: September 2010

Developing high-quality human capital and advancing existing knowledge stocks are crucial for the competitive advantage of a nation. The authors argue that offering postgraduate programmes that give great emphasis to academic rigour, managerial relevance and the triangulation of research methods is vital if these ends are to be achieved. They present theoretical arguments about what constitutes academic rigour and managerial relevance and about the nature and roles of qualitative and quantitative research. They also identify and discuss institutional and operational aspects of postgraduate programmes that are needed to fulfil the expectations of the various participants. Close partnership and shared commitments among participants are crucial for the generation of fruitful outcomes in such a postgraduate undertaking. In conclusion, the paper highlights the direction of future research.
Implementing the Team Approach in Higher Education
Authors: Lara Tracy M. , Hughey Aaron W.
Published: September 2010

Many companies have implemented the team approach as a way to empower their employees in an effort to enhance productivity, quality and overall profitability. While application of the concept to higher education administration has been limited, colleges and universities could benefit from the team approach if implemented appropriately and conscientiously. The authors discuss some of the issues and concerns that are relevant to implementing the team approach in an academic environment. Suggestions for implementing teams in higher education are provided, including the difference between the team approach and traditional administration, the importance of a preliminary needs assessment, the development of an implementation plan, the critical role of leadership, dealing with issues of assessment and accountability, and the concept of team efficacy.
Comparing Recreation Benefits from On-Site versus Household Surveys in Count Data Travel Cost Demand Models with Overdispersion
Authors: Martínez-Espiñeira Roberto , Loomis John B. , Amoako-Tuffour Joe , Hilbe Joseph M.
Published: September 2010

On-site surveys of tourists often lead to overestimates of annual tourism because tourists who are frequent repeat visitors are more likely to be sampled. This unrepresentative sample leads to statistical problems known as ‘truncation’ and ‘endogenous stratification’ in widely used travel cost demand models. Further, wide variation in the number of on-site visits among tourists can lead to overdispersion in the dependent variable of count data travel cost models. The authors present the first real-world data correction for all three problems and compare the corrected estimates with the ideal household survey. Correcting for truncation and endogenous stratification in a count data specification allowing for overdispersion (negative binomial specification) lowers the demand and benefit estimate to a mean value not significantly different from the household estimate. If tourism researchers wish to develop visitor use estimates from on-site surveys consistent with household level surveys, the authors' improved demand estimators would allow them to do so with some confidence in the results.
Determinants of Firm Survival in the Austrian Accommodation Sector
Authors: Kaniovski Serguei , Peneder Michael , Smeral Egon
Published: September 2010

In this study, the authors use a parametric duration analysis to determine the survival rate of firms in the Austrian accommodation sector. Factors that contribute positively to the survival rate of entrants in the accommodation sector include larger initial size, a large share of young firms and fast market growth. High sunk costs and the location of businesses in major tourist destinations with a distinctive winter and summer season and a relative high average bed utilization rate further improve the odds of survival. The authors find an inverted U-shape hazard function supporting the liability of newness hypothesis. The hazard rate is lower than in the production of other market services but higher than in manufacturing.
Taxing Cruise Tourism: Alaska's Head Tax on Cruise Ship Passengers
Authors: Mak James
Published: September 2010

In 2006, Alaskans voted to pass an initiative, Ballot Measure 2, which, among several provisions, levied a head tax on every visiting cruise ship passenger per voyage. Money collected from the head tax was to be appropriated by the legislature to municipalities to defray their cost of providing public services to cruise tourism. This paper develops a simple model which treats the cruise ship passenger tax as a lump-sum tax and analyses how this tourist tax might influence consumer behaviour and the likely effects on the tourist industry, state and local governments and the residents of Alaska. The analytical framework can be adapted easily for use in other destinations where lawmakers contemplate the merits of levying head taxes on tourists.
Valuing Growth Strategy Management by Hotel Chains Based on the Real Options Approach
Authors: Cunill Onofre Martorell , Forteza Carles Mulet , Miralles Micaela Rosselló
Published: September 2010

This paper proposes a method for valuing growth strategies by hotel chains, especially when the investment project involves a high degree of uncertainty. To do this, first the opportunity risks that are inherent in this type of investment project have to be defined and the shadow options ascertained. The second step is to describe the strategies available to hotel chains and the combinations of real options they have implemented. The third step is to propose an investment strategy valuation method that will enable the selection of a strategy that maximizes the value of the company. The most important contribution of this paper is that it highlights the problem that failure to recognize the real options inherent in hotel investment strategies where uncertainty is involved will lead to undervaluation, while the recognition of options that are not key factors (over-recognition) can be misleading. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing only options that are key to the investment project.
Determinants of Agricultural Credit Demand and Supply among Small-Scale Farmers in Nigeria
Authors: Oluwasola O. , Alimi T.
Published: September 2010

This paper analyses the factors determining the demand for and supply of agricultural credit (loans) among small-scale farmers in south-western Nigeria. Empirical data were obtained from 270 farmers who used credit. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and statistical models. Analysis revealed that farmers who used credit were younger (average: 47 years old), and that cultivated farm sizes (average: 3.8 ha) were larger than the national average. The statistical models showed that the interest rate, farm expenditure, the amount borrowed from alternative sources, farm size and savings were the main determinants of credit demand, while interest rates charged, the level of savings of respondents, the amount of loan demanded and the proportion of previous loans repaid were the major determinants of credit supply. In order to improve the agricultural sector, formal lending institutions should target younger farmers, including women, use group and social assets as collateral rather than physical assets, charge commercial interest rates, mobilize savings through their rural outposts and give medium-term rather than short-term loans.
Funding International Agricultural Research and the Need to be Noticed
Authors: Orr Stuart , Sumberg James , Erenstein Olaf , Oswald Andreas
Published: September 2010

Creating interest and excitement around new research findings has become an important part of the research funding cycle. NERICA (New Rice for Africa) is a rice type developed by the Africa Rice Center (WARDA). Since the emergence of NERICA varieties at the turn of the millennium, claims about their characteristics and potential have been made by WARDA and repeated by many of WARDA's funders, other development organizations and the media. This has led to large-scale support for these varieties, international accolades and continued funding. In this paper, the authors review the evidence that is in the public domain in relation to claims in three specific areas: yield potential, weed competitiveness and impacts in Guinea. It is concluded that the main claims about NERICA are not well supported, and that this has implications not only for WARDA but for the funding of agricultural research more broadly.
Food Crops Production Research in Senegal
Authors: Ahuja S.L. , Singh D.N. , Singh S.P.
Published: September 2010

The Government of India seconded experts in various disciplines under its Agricultural Development Project (ADP) to study research activities in agricultural production in Senegal. This paper deals with the part of their report related to food crops. Proposals for modifications to food research programmes included the breeding of suitable region-specific crop varieties and the introduction of Indian varieties of food crops into the country. Emphasis was also given to the strengthening of seed-production programmes.
Smallholder Access to the Export Market
Authors: Mithöfer Dagmar , Nang'ole Eddah , Asfaw Solomon
Published: September 2010

Vegetable export production is a major source of income and contributes to the alleviation of poverty in Kenya. However, emerging production standards pose a challenge to continued smallholder involvement. This paper assesses the number of smallholders in export vegetable production in Kenya, their link to the export market and their EurepGAP certification status. In the latter half of 2005, about 11,100 smallholders produced export vegetables in nine districts of Kenya involving about 350 certified smallholders. French beans were the major crop; more smallholders were linked to the export market by middlemen and flexible arrangements than by an export company. In addition to other factors, the export sector can serve as a role model for the domestic sector with respect to production standards.
Education for Soil and Water Conservation on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Li Jianmin , Inanaga Shinobu , Liang Luohui , Eneji A. Egrinya , An Ping , Hao Fanghua
Published: September 2010

Severe soil erosion and its attendant negative impact on the ecosystem and rural livelihoods constitute the most critical ecological and social issue on the Loess Plateau in China. Environmental education is one of the most important measures for soil and water conservation. Recently, significant progress has been made in the social, basic and scientific aspects of environmental education in China. However, the authors' observations show that farmers and herdsmen on the Loess Plateau have little access to environmental education, and especially to appropriate learning materials on soil and water conservation. It is therefore recommended that (a) funding for education on soil and water conservation should be increased, (b) an association of farmers or herdsmen should be established to focus on soil and water conservation, (c) locally appropriate learning materials should be developed, and (d) education on soil and water conservation should be integrated with poverty reduction programmes.
Why NERICA is a Successful Innovation for African Farmers
Authors: Wopereis M.C.S. , Diagne A. , Rodenburg J. , Sié M. , Somado E.A.
Published: September 2010

This paper responds to‘Funding international agricultural research and the need to be noticed: a case study of NERICA rice’ by Stuart Orr, James Sumberg, Olaf Erenstein and Andreas Oswald, published in this issue of Outlook on Agriculture.
Incidence and Severity of Striga spp. in the Coastal Savanna Zone of Ghana
Authors: Aflakpui Godwin K.S. , Bolfrey-Arku Grace E.-K. , Anchirinah V.M. , Manu-Aduening J.A. , Adu-Tutu K.O.
Published: September 2010

A survey was conducted in the coastal savanna zone of Ghana to determine the incidence and severity of Striga. The aim was to use the results to sensitize stakeholders in agricultural research and development to the current status of the problem so as to help them address it. Of the respondents to the survey, 67.1% had seen Striga before, whilst 32.9% had not. Of the farmers who had seen Striga before, 2.5% indicated that they had known or seen Striga as far back as 1966. However, between 1970 and 1989, 21% of the farmers had seen Striga, whilst between 1989 and the time of the survey in 2001, 40.7% had seen Striga, indicating that its incidence had increased with time. Maize is the single most important crop attacked by Striga in the area: 65.8% of the respondents recognized it in maize, with 5.3% each for cowpeas and millet. Infestation in crops such as sorghum, bambarra groundnut, soybean and rice were indicated by about 3% of the respondents for each crop. Twelve respondents, representing 14.8% of the sample, said they knew of crop varieties that were not attacked by Striga. Of these 12, one (8.3%) mentioned sugar cane, one pepper and one cowpea; four (33.3%) said cassava; two (16.6%) mentioned okra, and the same percentage mentioned aubergines. About 18.5% of the respondents said they had seen Striga attack other weeds as well as crops. Of these, 66.7% specified grass, 20% speargrass, and Andropogon, Cyperus and Sporobulus each received 6.7% of mentions. Of those farmers who had Striga in their fields, 82.4% adopted one of two forms of control. Of the farmers who controlled Striga, 53% did it through mechanical weeding and 47% through hand pulling.
Enhancing Chinese Agribusiness Supply Chains with Internet Technologies
Authors: Duan Yanqing , Bentley Yongmei , Fu Zetian , Zografos Konstantinos , Bemeleit Boris
Published: September 2010

This paper reports research findings from a project funded by the European Commission. The research used case studies and surveys to identify gaps between Europe and China in the level of Internet adoption in fresh-produce supply chains. The project reveals barriers to Internet adoption in China in this industry, and employs a transnational knowledge transfer approach to reduce these barriers. In a wider context, the paper analyses the features involved in this knowledge transfer from a knowledge management perspective. Specifically, it outlines the main activities, key actors and the transfer stages involved. The insights gained help further our understanding of knowledge transfer in transnational contexts. The implications of these findings for academia, managers and policy makers are summarized.
The Effects of Geography and Age on Women's Attitudes towards Entrepreneurship
Authors: Gupta Vishal K. , York Anne S.
Published: September 2010

This study examines the role of geography and age on men's and women's attitudes towards entrepreneurship. The authors use data collected through a telephone survey of a large-scale sample of adult residents of Nebraska, a state in the Midwestern USA. Data reveal that in Nebraska the number of younger men and women intending to start their own businesses is increasing. It was also found that rural women favoured more entrepreneurial education and believed more strongly in the importance of contributing economically to their communities than did rural men. The findings highlight the need for providing additional entrepreneurial training and assistance targeted at women, which in turn may lead to their playing a greater role in economic development.
Measuring the Environmental Sustainability of a Major Sporting Event: A Case Study of the FA Cup Final
Authors: Collins Andrea , Flynn Andrew
Published: September 2010

Policymakers are increasingly interested in the wider consequences of major sporting events, including their environmental impacts. Indeed, London 2012 included as part of its winning Olympic bid a commitment to measure and take steps to minimize the environmental impacts of the forthcoming Games. This paper demonstrates how the ‘Ecological Footprint’ has been used to measure the environmental sustainability of the UK's Football Association (FA) Cup Final. This approach provides valuable insights into the global environmental impacts generated by visitor consumption patterns. The paper also demonstrates how this tool can support policymakers and event organizers in staging sustainable events through the development and assessment of policy scenarios.
Estimation of the Economic Impacts of Yachting in Greece via the Tourism Satellite Account
Authors: Diakomihalis Mihail N. , Lagos Dimitris G.
Published: September 2010

This paper examines the impacts of yachting on the Greek economy. The contribution of yachting to major macroeconomic values and its impact on the Greek economy in 2004 are evaluated with the use of the tourism satellite account (TSA). The method has been applied by several countries to estimate the economic impacts of the traditionally designated tourism-related industries, as well as of all industries participating in the tourist economy, but not for the economic effects of special interest tourism (such as yachting). To date, there has been no application of this method in Greece either for the total tourism industry or for a specific tourism ‘sector’. The adaptation of TSA tables, maintaining harmonization with OECD directives and definitions which are approved and accepted internationally, is a precondition of the research. To achieve the research aims, both the theoretical and empirical aspects of yachting in Greece were investigated. Data from public sources have been included in the TSA tables. Since these tables require information with economic value, which is not found in the data recorded by many public services, primary research was conducted to collect this necessary information. The paper concludes by presenting the impacts of yachting on the major macroeconomic values of the Greek economy, such as tourist consumption, gross domestic product, balance of invisible resources, national income, employment, investments and public revenues (taxes).
A Comparison of Three Economic Impact Models for Applied Hospitality and Tourism Research
Authors: Bonn Mark A. , Harrington Julie
Published: September 2010

This study examines the differences between three economic impact models: the capacity utilization model (CUM), Regional Economic Models, Inc (REMI) and the impact analysis for planning (IMPLAN) model with a view to providing insights into their applicability for hospitality and tourism educators and researchers. Four databases have been used to compare the results concerning total output, income and employment. The results were most dissimilar for the ‘income’ variable. The difference in income lies in the fact that the three models estimated income in three different ways. The CUM estimated ‘payroll’, REMI estimated ‘disposable personal income’ and IMPLAN estimated ‘value added’. Due to the different income measurements, REMI's income estimates were the highest, while the CUM's were the lowest. This study does not strive to recommend one economic impact model over another; however, it does examine the behaviour of the respective models concerning various data sets and describes the underlying characteristics of the models.
The TALC Hypothesis and Economic Growth Theory
Authors: Lozano Javier , Gómez Carlos M. , Rey-Maquieira Javier
Published: September 2010

The authors build a bridge between traditional analysis of the evolution of tourism destinations and economic growth theory. With this aim, they develop an environmental growth model for an economy specializing in tourism and derive the pattern of tourism development with numerical calculations. The results do not contradict the pattern of evolution implied in the tourism area life cycle hypothesis, with environmental deterioration and public goods congestion being the main reasons for the stagnation of the tourism destination. The authors also show the importance of the quality of private tourism services in the evolution of a tourism destination.
Commodity Taxation in the Presence of Tourists
Authors: Gooroochurn Nishaal , Sinclair Thea
Published: September 2010

This paper investigates the welfare effect of commodity taxation on the presence of tourists. Higher demand from tourists increases tax revenue, and hence welfare, but on the other hand, the reduction in their consumer surplus is not accounted for in domestic welfare. Hence, the presence of tourists causes a lower deadweight cost of taxation. Two main scenarios are investigated. In the first, the authors raise the tax rate on commodities with a tourism demand component. It is found that the welfare level can increase if tourism demand is high enough and/or tourism demand is more inelastic than domestic demand. In the second scenario, tourism demand is increased for commodities which are already taxed and it is found that welfare always increases. Both scenarios are investigated under the fixed and the variable producer price assumption and, in the latter case, a high price elasticity of supply tends to generate positive welfare change.
Demand-Driven Sustainable Tourism? A Choice Modelling Analysis
Authors: Brau Rinaldo
Published: September 2010

This paper studies the preferences of tourists visiting Sardinia (Italy), using a choice modelling approach. The focus is on the evaluation of specific ‘demand-enhancing effects’ which, according to economic theory, provide a basis for implementing sustainable tourism policies. Multinomial logit estimates reveal that strong negative effects result from the congestion of tourist attractions and the transformation of coastal environments, though tourists clearly gain utility from the other components of a tourism destination. The extent of the effects related to environmental preservation seems to support planning tourism development policies that will not have strong irreversible effects on coastal areas.
Inside the Turris Eburnea: Entrepreneurial Scientists Emerging from Academic Hierarchies
Authors: Peruta Maria Rosaria Della
Published: September 2010

Why do inventors and top scientists from leading universities exploit their research results differently from others? Why do apparently similar laboratory experiences make ‘academic entrepreneurs’ achieve different entrepreneurial goals? Does the academic experience have an influence on the willingness to spin off? Or is that willingness simply driven by the possession of a particular scientific formula? The principal aim of this study is to answer these questions by examining the conditions under which academic scientists can commercialize their knowledge through an entrepreneurial development of their scientific results in the form of spin-off firms.
Scientific Formulas and Cognitive Economics, beyond in Vitro Entrepreneurship
Authors: Maggioni V. , Del Giudice M.
Published: September 2010

Cognitive economics is the fruit of intense ‘trans-epistemic’ communication involving heterogeneous disciplinary areas: its most tangible application can be found in the dialogues between science and enterprise and in the relationship between cognition and entrepreneurship. The hypothesis of classical economics is that the academic inventor or corporate scientist operates under conditions of substantial rationality during the process of knowledge transfer from research to enterprise. The reality, however, is that their actions owe much to spontaneity and unpredictability, deriving from their personal knowledge set and from the opportunities for dynamic learning and for relationships with other individuals offered by laboratory life. The cognitive matrix of academic spin-offs is therefore complex and, if there is to be effective connection with people and innovative organizations capable of enhancing their prospects of success, the old vision that is confined to one-dimensional aspects of the entrepreneurial phenomenon must be rejected. There is thus a need for an integrated study which simultaneously takes into account the particular context, the business model and the individual mechanisms of sharing and transferring knowledge.
The Role of Universities in Supporting Local Agroindustry
Authors: Tavoletti Ernesto
Published: September 2010

This paper analyses the role of universities in supporting local agroindustry using the case of the Piceno agroindustrial district in Italy. Emerging countries' comparative advantages, made stronger by increased international trade and the rediscovery of local traditions and typicality, do not signify that there will be a less knowledge-intensive agroindustry in the future. On the contrary, only those SMEs with consolidated competitive advantages, based on knowledge embodied in highly-qualified employees, will be able to exploit the new comparative advantages made available by delocalization and take full advantage of the economic potential of typicality. Peripheral universities play a first-mover role in training and creating dynamic linkages with local governments and local agroindustry.
Knowledge-Driven Creative Destruction, or Leveraging Knowledge for Competitive Advantage
Authors: Carayannis Elias G.
Published: September 2010

In today's globalizing and hypercompetitive marketplace, knowledge and learning are the only capabilities that can provide sustained competitive advantage. ‘Knowledge’ is the content of learning, and a firm gains competitive superiority either by knowing something that its competitors do not know or by having a certain type of knowledge that cannot easily be replicated. ‘Learning’ is the process of gaining new knowledge, so that the firm is constantly accumulating and assimilating knowledge and this becomes the basis for creating and improving organizational routines. Learning is the also the basis of what strategists are calling firms' ‘dynamic capabilities’ (Tushman and Rosenkopf, 1992), which enable them to build new competences in an evolutionary cycle to maintain an edge in an ever-changing industrial environment. This paper explores conceptually and attempts to validate empirically the nature and dynamics of strategic knowledge arbitrage and serendipity (SKARSE) as real options drivers (RODs). The author reviews and assesses how, why and when SKARSE serve as high value adding RODs and identifies critical success and failure factors in designing and implementing real options that leverage SKARSE. He also examines the lessons learned from actual mergers and acquisitions. Finally, he addresses the operation of SKARSE in the context of a complex evolutionary ecosystem shaped by the dynamics of co-opetition, co-evolution and co-specialization.