bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Block‐holder ownership, family control and post‐listing performance of French IPOs
Authors: Chahine Salim
Published: June 2007

Purpose

While advantageous, the role of family control is under‐explored in finance. Family ownership can help guarantee stability of business and long‐term planning. The purpose of this study is to examine whether block‐holder ownership differentially affects the long‐term performance of initial public offerings (IPOs), and verifies whether this effect differs between family and non‐family IPOs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 163 French IPOs from 1996 to 2000, this paper examines the links between family control and the first‐year market performance. It focuses on IPOs where both families and Venture Capitalists (VCs) are engaged to lock‐in their shareholdings for a period of one year following the IPO date, and are thus expected, at least in the case of families, to provide an effective monitoring during this period.

Findings

The main findings bring support to the entrenchment hypothesis and show a negative, but weak, relationship between block‐holder ownership and the first year market performance (p=10 per cent). Moreover, there is cubic relationship between family ownership and post‐listing market performance where the first‐year buy‐and‐hold first decreases, then increases, and finally reverts to decline.

Originality/value

While most of prior research focuses on the association between ownership and governance effects on firms’ performances in publicly‐owned firms, this study demonstrates links between family control and performance in issuing firms operating in France, where family‐controlled IPOs are a common model of corporate governance.
The Bombay Stock Exchange: seasonalities and investment opportunities
Authors: Ignatius Roger
Published: June 2007

Investigates whether the Bombay Stock Exchange behaves like an efficient market, or whether it displays a typical seasonal pattern. Takes mean daily returns between 1979 and 1990 to discover by regression that there is a December effect. Considers whether this is because of holidays, broker recommendations or window dressing by mutual fund managers. Notes a weekend effect like the New York Stock Exchange, and considers Bombay to be weak‐form efficient; but points out that banking and transport are nationalized in India but private in the USA. Explains that government regulation, which prevents foreign trading in Bombay or Indian trading on the New York Stock Exchange, has left the Bombay exchange autonomous, less affected by external factors and more by domestic conditions.
Multinationality: the financial accounting implications
Authors: Fekrat M. Ali
Published: June 2007

Summarizes the effects of globalization on financial markets, and the need for accounting practices to keep up with it. Criticizes the Financial Accounting Standards Board Exposure Draft “Accounting for derivatives and similar financial instruments and for hedging activities” for not including the impact of derivative transactions on the risk exposure of a company. Describes Financial Accounting Standards Board collaboration with foreign standard setters, starting with earnings per share and capital structure disclosure. Argues that published financial statements still show the conflict between equity‐holder based accounting and debt‐holder accounting, which has not yet been resolved, despite the EU’s fourth and seventh Directives. Asserts that US and international accounting standards differ in the interpretation by different companies. Predicts that standards will be forced on accountants by the market.
Do changes in the discount rate and Fed funds rate affect financial market returns?
Authors: Seiler Michael J. , Shyu Peter , Sharma J.L.
Published: June 2007

Reviews previous research on the announcement effects of changes in US Federal Reserve policies and presents a study of the impact of federal funds rate and discount rate changes since the current chairman took office (1988) on the treasury bills/bonds and stock markets. Uses event study methodology to show that there is no significant effect on cumulative excess returns for any of the three markets, although the treasury bill market displayed the greatest reaction; and that market reactions were similar for either type of rate change.
Dividends and market efficiency: a multi‐index arbitrage investment strategy
Authors: Kunkel Robert A. , Ehrhardt Michael C. , Kuhlemeyer Gregory A.
Published: June 2007

Outlines previous research on the relationship between dividend policy and stock returns; and uses a linear programme and multi‐index model to form an investment strategy to see whether dividend yields increase stock returns. Explains the methodology, tests it on 1965‐1989 US data and presents the results, which suggests that the multi‐index model is superior to the single index market model in terms of explanatory power and volatility; but provides conflicting conclusions on the relevance of dividends to stock returns. Suggests that the negative relationship between dividends and stock returns can be explained by Jensen’s (1986) free cash flow theory and the influence of transaction costs.
An investigation of the incidence of insider criminal activity in RTC resolved S & L’s
Authors: Izzo George , Seiler Michael J.
Published: June 2007

Outlines previous research on reasons for the many failures of US thrifts and loans during the 1980s, and suggests that crime played a larger part than is generally supposed. Explains the regulatory system set up to deal with failed thrift institutions and analyses all disposals made by the Resolution Trust Corporation between 1989 and 1995, including its referrals for criminal investigation. Shows for each year and in total the proportions disposed of by insured deposit transfers, pay‐outs and purchase and assumption contracts; the value of assets/liabilities involved; and the cost of resolution to the taxpayer. Goes on to show that the failed thrifts affected by criminal activity (almost half!) accounted for almost 80 per cent of total resolution costs and were more likely to be larger institutions. Contrasts these results with previous research, recognizes the limitations of the study and calls for further investigation.
Selecting optimal executive compensation scheme under uncertainty and the role of the covariance factors
Authors: Kim Sangphill , Alahassane Diallo Lowell , Klein Lawrence
Published: June 2007

Outlines previous research on compensation schemes in situations of uncertainty and explores the effects of three different plans on managers’ output decisions. Discusses the role of flat salary, profit share, actual shares and share options in increasing goal congruity between the manager and the company, develops a mathematical model and applies it to three compensation schemes. Presents the results, which suggest that a basic profit sharing structure is best when the covariance factor between product price and firm valuation is negative; and the inclusion of stock options is best when the factor is positive.
Relative performance evaluation in CEO pay contracts: evidence from the commercial banking industry
Authors: Crawford Anthony J.
Published: June 2007

Reviews previous research on the effects of CEO compensation structure, outlines the criteria for relative performance evaluation (RPE) and notes the paucity of empirical evidence to support it. Reports a study of the use of RPE for US bank CEO compensation 1976‐1988; and its relationship to shareholder, market and industry returns. Explains the methodology and presents the results, which suggest that CEO pay is positively linked to firm performance, but negatively linked to market/industry performance; and that performance is positively linked to CEO option wealth. Adds that both the pay/performance link and the use of RPE increased after bank deregulation in the early 1980s. Considers consistency with other research and concludes that the reduction in compensation risk offered by RPE should reduce compensation cost and thus provide a good reason for the banking industry to increase its use.
Macroeconomic effects of euro implementation
Authors: Soper John C.
Published: June 2007

Considers the macroeconomic effects of European monetary union and the launch of the euro, suggesting that it offers major advantages to European traders, investors and consumers by reducing transaction costs, currency risks and information costs. Recognizes some problems, e.g. transition costs, increased competition in financial services; and the uncertainty surrounding the powers of the European Central Bank (ECB) and effects on national economic policies. Discusses the pros and cons of remaining outside the euro zone; and the likelihood that governments will push the ECB into accelerating monetary growth in order to reduce unemployment.
The European Central Bank: powers, policies and problems
Authors: Baker James C.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the formation, structure and powers of the European Central Bank, which has the objective of maintaining price stability. Discusses its implementation of monetary policy and considers both actual and potential problems in terms of its independence, leadership, interest rate management, co‐ordination with national fiscal authorities, transparency of operations and cross‐border settlement systems. Criticizes its limited powers for prudential supervision of banks in the EMU and suggests that it needs wider objectives, more authority and greater independence from national influences.
An empirical investigation of conservatism in book value measurement
Authors: Bauman Mark P.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the role of the conservatism inherent in generally accepted accounting principles in Ohlson’s (1995) and Feltham and Ohlson’s (1995) valuation models and compares it with other research findings. Identifies potential sources of conservatism (e.g. expensing advertising costs, providing for deferred tax etc.), develops a mathematical model and applies it to 1980‐1994 US data to examine their relative importance. Finds that intensity of R&D and age of fixed assets are the most significant and goes on to compare the effectiveness of the Feltham/Ohlson conservatism parameter in capturing this information. Shows that their linear information models seems to capture different aspects of the relationship between book and market values and calls for further research.
The role of interest groups in products liability law
Authors: Gedde David S. , Brahmasrene Tantatape
Published: June 2007

Describes the impact of recent changes in US tort law and identifies four interest groups concerned: manufacturers, insurance companies, consumers and lawyers. Discusses their relative strengths, motivations and influence on judicial decisions, citing relevant liability cases for product‐related injuries due to manufacturing defects, design defects and inadequate warnings. Develops a logistic regression model to relate state adoption of strict liability standards to the relative strength of interest groups and applies it to US data. Suggests that the strength of manufacturers and, more particularly, lawyers is significant; and that liberal states are more likely to adopt strict liability for design defects. Calls for further research on the role of the legal profession in legal change.
Comparative analysis of the contractual role of bills of lading under Greek, United States and English law
Authors: Zekos Georgios I.
Published: June 2007

Compares and contrasts the contractual role of bills of lading in the context of Greek, US and English law. Discusses the legal status and contractual roles of these lading bills in the context of the legislative provisions and associated case law in each of the three countries. Concludes that the role of these bills is unsettled and there is no uniform perception. Recommends measures involving amendments to English legislation, to consolidate the regulation of international trade.
An overview of State of California court decisions in employment discrimination cases
Authors: Tillman Kannaer , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Introduces the basic framework of California State employment discrimination laws together with related recent court decisions affecting Californian businesses. Concentrates on the Higher court decisions because of their final nature and long lasting impact on the business community and the work environment. Reviews only recent cases from Internet sources. Provides some conclusions for businesses to help with compliance.
New developments in forensic psychology
Authors: David Suzanne , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Briefly introduces the concept of forensic psychology, looking at areas such as stalking behaviour, self‐mutilation, and execution competency. Suggests that the forensic psychiatrist needs to remain up to date with recent sexual harassment legislation, the use of neuropsychological testing and the assessment of child abuse. Covers other subjects including hate crime on the Internet, and psychological autopsy. Concludes that to uphold the high principles required by law and to withstand scrutiny by defence lawyers, forensic psychology has defined standards by which to judge a persion and studies continue to develop these measures.
Californian minimum wage and overtime
Authors: Soetanto Henry , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act including areas such as minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping and child labor standards. States what is not covered before providing details of the California minimum wage and overtime standards as a comparison. Discusses the effect of this legislation and proposed future amendments and the attached concerns.
New developments concerning the occupational safety and health act: preventing and managing cumulative trauma disorders
Authors: Sandell Rudi , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Defines cumulative trauma disorders before going on to discuss the causes of these disorders. Considers the employer liability for the problem and proposed occupational safety and health proposals. Suggests techniques for prevention. Looks at handling claims and current practices for preventing and reacting to the disorder with case examples. Concludes that the volume of litigation will lead to implementation of further legislation in the future.
How to conduct arbitration effectively
Authors: Neale Bennett A. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Questions what causes disputes. Discusses what happens during arbitration and covers the background of alternative dispute resolution. Looks at who uses arbitration and the extension of the work to encompass more public sector grievances. Lists some reasons for the success of arbitration, citing that it has much to offer in the resolution of disputes as it can be more expeditious and less costly than court action and can do things not achievable in court.
On settling labour and social disputes in Slovenia
Authors: Koncar Polonca
Published: June 2007

Outlines the present system of labour and social disputes settlement in Slovenia. Looks at the construction of the courts, precedural aspects and the areas which they govern. Provides some suggestions for improvement and change. Considers alternative methods of dispute settlement and the impact of the European convention on Human Rights.
Concluding thoughts on judges and social law national issues and a comparative approach
Authors: Auvergnon Philippe
Published: June 2007

Outlines the present system of labour and social disputes settlement in Slovenia. Looks at the construction of the courts, precedural aspects and the areas which they govern. Provides some suggestions for improvement and change. Considers alternative methods of dispute settlement and the impact of the European convention on Human Rights.
Termination at will vs. termination for just cause: where are we today?
Authors: Newton Donald E. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Compares the doctrine of termination at will with the doctrine of termination for just cause. Looks at recent law to justify the current position. Suggests that employers need to create written policies to protect themselves and train line management in their consistent and fair use. Provides some brief case law examples. Considers the pitfalls from use of advertisements, employment applications, offer letter, word of mouth and employee manuals. Looks also at the subject of general releases.
New developments concerning ERISA
Authors: Carter Michael S. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Briefly outlines the history and background of the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act (ERISA) and the key bodies involved. Provides details of the Savings are Vital to Everyone’s Act including the purpose and the choices for individuals. Discusses the healthcare issues and potential conflicts between federal and state responsibilities. Concludes that ERISA is too vague and open to dispute and needs to be refined over the coming decades.
The accuracy of eyewitness testimony
Authors: Buckley Andrea , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Cites an example of eyewitness testimony which led to a wrongful conviction. Asks how accurate is such testimony? Considers the optimum environment for witnesses to remember events, the effect to witness of the use of disguises and weapons by suspects and the accuracy of memory over time. Discusses line‐ups and photo arrays, the race of the individuals involved and the ability to perform in court. Concludes that eyewitness must be subject to close scrutiny and not automatically accepted as truthful or accurate.
How companies can downsize legally
Authors: Grimshaw Jeff A. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Defines downsizing before outlining the legal responsibilities for employers. Covers the role of top management and the human resource department. Looks at the requirement of the National Labour Relations Act, the Labour Management Relations Act and the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act before covering the involvement of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in any case. Gives the basic requirement of the Employment Retirement Income Security Act and the use of an assessment table to attempt to cover employers within such a degal minefield. Provides an overview of the action required from managers and supervisors and maintains that the best protection from any claim is good preparation.
The need for training to avoid lawsuits
Authors: Koesnadi Gunawan , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Cites that the best strategy to resolve litigation is prevention. Gives evidence of the cost to businesses of such action and attempts to show how litigation is fuelled. Looks at the need for training covering areas such as the employee handbook, wrongful termination, sexual harassment, free speech and the hiring process. Suggests that arbitration should always be considered before litigation and argues that it is necessary to create a culture where discriminatory practices cannot survive.
New developments concerning negligent hiring
Authors: Bao Nguyen Thanh , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Briefly describes negligent hiring before looking at the behavioural traits of employees which cause such liability to be alleged. Provides examples of negligent hiring and outlines the historical development of the subject. Profiles the work of Medtox which supports the drive for a drug‐free workplace. Suggests that this company has a consistent and unexcelled service for drug analysis.
Effective employment screening practices
Authors: Choi Soon , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the traditional approaches for screening employees including the resume, telephone interview, job application, testing, interviewing. Looks at the development of videoconferencing as a new technique. Discusses the use of technology in this area including the Internet. Suggests that the people element is still critical and technology is only a tool. Provides some brief comments on the development of a videoconference interview training programme. Concludes videoconferencing can provide significant saving and be highly effective if backed by good training, marketing and administration.
Constitutional Regulation of Supreme Audit Institutions in Central Europe in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Nikodem Andras
Published: June 2007

Adopting interdisciplinary comparative perspective, this paper seeks to study the variety exhibited by the post‐socialist democratic regimes of Central Europe (CE) in the constitutional status of supreme audit institutions (SAI). More specifically, the focus of this work is the degree of independence that SAI enjoy vis‐à‐vis the branches of government, as it is embodied in the constitutional provisions of selected countries of the region.
Which social responsibility for the enterprise?
Authors: Weiss Manfred
Published: June 2007

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a key issue in the global context. The idea is to
reshape the focus of companies’ activities by taking account of employees’ and society’s interests.
This fashionable label plays a big role in the context of codes of conduct for multinational enterprises as well as for recent strategies EU policies. Long before the invention of the label CSR it has been generally accepted in Germany that
enterprises are not supposed to primarily increase the “share holder value” but rather the “stakeholders’ value”, thereby including the employees’ interests. And it even has been assumed that enterprises do have an important function in promoting the well being of the society as a whole: the
bigger the company the bigger the duties in this respect. This view is backed by the Constitution and
inline with the constitutional doctrine as well as with the interpretation given by the Federal Constitutional Court.
Mondialisation, constitution européenne droit social/droits sociaux
Authors: Anastasi Alessandro
Published: June 2007

1. En guise d’introduction.‐ 2. Droit du tra vail, droit social et (des)ordre international.‐ 3. Droit du tra vail, droit social, légalité et droits sociaux.‐ 4. Droit du travail, droit social, légalité et correction des inégalités.‐ 5. Quelques mots á propos du rôle du Droit dutravail.‐ 6. Réflexions (supplémentaires) sur le droit du tra vail: les domaines possibles de spéculation théorique et de re cher che appliquée.‐ 7. En matière des orientations générales du droit du travail á l’époque contemporaine. ‐ 8. Le défi de la mondialisation.‐ 9. èour un modèle économique et so cial européen.‐ 10. A propos de Constitution européenne et ..... alentours.‐ 11. Le traitement juridique de la ques tion économique et sociale en Eu rope.‐ 12. Le mythe de la li bre concurrence.‐ 13. Quelques conclusions, pas conclusives.‐
Towards a New Understanding of Education in the Globalizing World: Life long Learning
Authors: Boyadjieva Pepka , Petkova Kristina
Published: June 2007

More than three decades ago, Robert Hutchins published his visionary book, The Learning Society. “In the 21st century,” wrote Hutchins, “education can at last be come what it is in itself... The learning society will not only offer opportunities for developing every one’s education through all stages of one’s life but will also succeed to transform its values in such a way that learning, self‐regulation, humane behaviour will be come its goals and all in stitutions will be oriented towards them” (Hutchins, 1968: 134). If, in the year of publication, these ideas were accepted as scientific foresight, today, they describe the reality in the advanced western democratic societies. The concept of continuing education is defined as “one of the key ideas of the 21st century” and the very education throughout life, as “a key to the 21st century” (Delore, 1997: 20, 97). Today, education ceases to be viewed only as preparation for life, as its so‐to‐say foyer with clearly outlined boundaries. It is turning into a permanent companion of the individual, not only a part of one’s life but also a specific form, a way of life.
Political Strategic Direction for the Codification of the International Legal Peremptory Norm of “Self‐Determination”
Authors: DeDominicis Benedict E.
Published: June 2007

Since the disintegration of Cold War international systemic bipolarity in 1989, the international community has witnessed the entrance of at least 30 new states, proclaiming their formal sovereignty by obtaining membership in the United Nations. As with the previous wave of UN membership enlargement following decolonization three decades earlier, this most recent burst of accessions reflected inter alia the power of nationalism to change the domestic and international political status quo. In some cases, horrendous violence at times approaching genocidal levels has accompanied these changes. Of ten boundaries among these new states remain under intense dispute. This persistence and intensification of movements for national self‐determination require that the prerequisites for a successful international strategy for peacefully regulating this type of change include accommodation of sovereign self‐determination for “aspiring” nations.
The effect of the European collective agreement? In the context of the European Social Dialogue
Authors: Carby‐Hall Jo
Published: June 2007

Outlines social dialogue by providing a definition and background to its introduction and covers its progress to date. Critically examines the social dialogue resulting in the European collective agreement, the instrument for implementing directives. Concludes with the Collective agreement’s place in formulating European Law. Suggests the integration of the Maastricht Treaty into the body of the Treaty of Amsterdam forms a basis for solid advances in social policy.
Order and scale of market entry, firm resources, and performance
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pinto Javier , Gutiérrez‐Cillán Jesús , Rodríguez‐Escudero Ana I.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether order and scale of market entry influence a new product's market and financial performance, and how marketing and R&D resources strengthen or weaken these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a mail survey, data were collected on a sample of 136 product launches by Spanish manufacturing firms. A moderated hierarchical regression analysis enabled the assessment of the relevance of order and scale as well as their interactions with marketing and R&D resources to explain a product's competitive position. Moreover, a mediation analysis allowed us to determine whether market entry strategy (indirectly) affects financial performance.

Findings

The analyses show that pioneering firms and those entering the market with a full‐scale launch achieve advantages in terms of competitive position, and that this variable mediates the relationship of order and scale with profitability. The empirical results also reveal that such advantages are conditioned by the availability of marketing and R&D resources.

Practical implications

The decisions regarding order and scale of market entry are contingent. Managers involved in the planning of a new product launch should be knowledgeable about their firm's resources and capabilities before determining when and how to enter the market.

Originality/value

Many papers study the effects of order‐of‐entry on market share, but other dimensions of a new product launch strategy, such as scale, have largely been ignored. The research examines the effects of both variables on competitive position and profitability. This is also one of the first studies that explores the moderating effect exerted by resources and capabilities in the launch strategy‐performance relationship.
A stability theory for model systems
Authors: Villacampa Y. , Verdú F. , Pérez A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a theoretical study of the stability of the mathematical models defined in a class of systems. Furthermore, it will be supposed that the models have been obtained from experimental data and by means of the application of a methodology. The studies carried out in this paper are, on one hand, the theoretical framework for an analysis of the sensitivity and stability of a type of systems; on the other hand, they supplement the studies carried out by the authors, in which, using a computational program, the sensitivity of the mathematical models is analyzed with respect to a type of perturbation.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, a class of systems is considered that are denominated quantifiable systems, in which model systems are defined that are determined by a set and a family of relationships. An initial study of the sensitivity of the mathematical models to perturbations in the experimental data lead to a concept of sensitive and stable models that forms the basis of the theory of stability developed in this paper. Furthermore, this permits a definition of the stability function for the set of the perturbations and, consequently, a determination of stable models according to the defined theoretical structure.

Findings

An analysis of the sensitivity and stability of mathematical models in quantifiable systems from a systems theory perspective will be fundamental for the determination of mathematical model stability in environmental systems.

Originality/value

The studies carried out in this paper supposes an advance in the study and modeling of a type of systems that the authors have denominated as quantifiable systems, applicable to the study of environmental systems and supplementing the numeric studies carried out by the authors.
Covering properties in intuitionistic fuzzy topological spaces
Authors: Gallego Lupiáñez Francisco
Published: June 2007

Purpose

D.Çoker constructed the fundamental theory of intuitionistic fuzzy topological spaces. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new concept of compactness and a definition of paracompactness for intuitionistic fuzzy topological spaces, and obtain several preservation properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Two new covering properties in intuitionistic fuzzy topological spaces are defined and studied.

Findings

Relations on these new properties and covering properties on fuzzy topology in the Chang's sense are obtained.

Research/limitations/implications

Clearly, this paper is devoted to intuitionistic fuzzy topological spaces.

Practical implications

The main applications are in the mathematical field.

Originality/value

The paper shows original results on fuzzy topology.
A simulation study of a new family of test statistics for the Behrens‐Fisher problem
Authors: Angel Pardo Julio , del Carmen Pardo María
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To provide a new family of test statistics to solve the Behrens‐Fisher problem and to compare it with the classic test statistics through a different simulation studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A general procedure for testing composite hypothesis to k samples of different size problems on the basis of the Renyi's divergence is used to develop a new parametric family of test statistics that contains as a particular case the classical likelihood ratio test. The scope of the paper is to find out if some member of the new family of test statistics it is preferable to the classical ones.

Findings

Some members of the new parametric family of test statistics behave remarkably well in comparison to the classic ones, as the different computational studies reveal.

Originality/value

This paper offers a new way to solve the Behrens‐Fisher problem that it is preferable in some cases to the known procedures.
Contemporary systems and cybernetics
Authors: Rudall B.H.
Published: June 2007

Gives reports and surveys of selected current research and developments in systems and cybernetics including: Information society, Innovations, Human resources, Information technology reports, Cybernetics and automation, New technological initiatives, Bioinformatics.
Contemporary systems and cybernetics
Authors: Ruddall B.H.
Published: June 2007

Gives reports and surveys of selected current research and developments in systems and cybernetics. They include: Scientific research and warfare; Cybernetics and psychology; Combating computer rage; Communication systems; Cybernetics and automation; Management cybernetics – human resources development; Innovative systems.
Anticorrosion pigment based on calcium titanate with a perovskite structure
Authors: Kalendová A. , Veselý D. , Kalenda P.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To synthesise calcium titanate with a perovskite structure as an anticorrosion pigment for metal protecting paints.

Design/methodology/approach

Calcium titanate was synthesised from titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate at high temperature. The pigment obtained was characterised by means of X‐ray diffraction, particle size distribution measurement and scanning electron microscopy. The pigment obtained was further characterised with regard to the parameters required for paint formulation; its specific mass was determined by oil consumption and critical pigment volume concentration. The synthesised calcium titanate was used to prepare epoxy coatings with varying contents of the anticorrosion pigment. The coating was tested for physical‐mechanical properties and in corrosive atmospheres. The results were compared with titanium dioxide that served as a starting material for calcium titanate preparation.

Findings

Calcium titanate was prepared from materials that do not add any impurities to the anticorrosion properties of the pigment. It was identified that calcium titanate of perovskite structure is a highly efficient anticorrosion pigment for paints.

Practical implications

Calcium titanate can be utilised for the preparation of anticorrosion paints to protect metal bases from corrosion.

Originality/value

The method of synthesising calcium titanate as an anticorrosion pigment is new. The literature has not yet described the use of calcium titanate as a pigment with inhibitive properties in paints. From an ecologic standpoint, the application of a new anticorrosion pigment for paints presents a highly positive trend.
Is there a strategy behind buying advertising time and space?
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to note the advertising business overspending on advertising messages that is often done with minimal consideration to the impact or effects of many consumer exposures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper notes textbooks statement of advertising budget spending as the money needed to attain pragmatic communications goals and compares this to the ongoing business reality of media planning that mostly devolves into maximization of audience exposures to mass media vehicles carrying the brand or company name.

Findings

The pragmatic business need is for more questioning the value of media spending, not as return on investment, but how it contributes to overall communications concerns. The media planners dilemma is the uncertainty of the effects of every additional audience exposure, thus (and too often) they take the easy route and simply resolve to purchase as many target audience impressions as possible for as low a price as can be negotiated.

Originality/value

This paper asks an important question that many people in the advertising business try to avoid: “Why is so much money being spent?”. While it is difficult to track the impact of every single vehicle placement, the media planners should at least try to question what is the real strategy behind efforts to maximize target audience exposures to vehicles carrying the company logo.
The state of wireless laptop lending programs
Authors: Holden Hugh , Lei Hsieh Ma
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to learn, by way of a survey, what librarians at US colleges and universities were doing and the issues they were encountering as they considered, developed, or maintained wireless laptop computer lending programs (WLLP).

Design/methodology/approach

PHPSurveyor was used to construct a web‐based survey of librarians subscribed to any of 19 library‐related listservs. An invitation to participate in the survey was posted to each listserv on the same day.

Findings

Student usage of WLLPs ranged from extremely heavy to very light. Difficulties with library WLLPs were variously characterized as minor to stifling. Nevertheless, patterns emerged in the statistics as well as the additional comments given by many librarians. For example, librarians are much more ambivalent than the “experts” on the supposed cost savings generated by “going wireless”.

Practical implications

The results of this survey are useful to libraries planning their own WLLPs, providing insights into what to expect and what to account for, including (and beyond) equipment costs.

Originality/value

By comparing what was found by the two most relevant earlier studies with these new findings, this study provides a more current picture of WLLPs in academic libraries.
Factors Affecting the Development of Information Infrastructure in Africa
Authors: Rexwhite Enakrire T. , Onyenania O. George
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper sets to elicit the factors affecting the development of information infrastructure in africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A Descriptive method was employed in looking at the various infrastructure that we have, based on the usefullness in accomplishing a task.

Findings

The findings revealed that there are some factors militating against the development/functionality of information infrastructure in the African context, but this research proves to a large extent that these inadequacies of information infrastructure in Africa are gradually being met. This leads to economic development and nation building in every area of our endeavours because infrastructure has the potential to improve and develop economic, social academic, moral and environmental background in our contemporary society. This is because information and communication infrastructure requires widespread technological resources for its operation.

Originality/value

This research and its findings will assist Africans and other nations on the needs of Africans' information infrastructureand how best to care for their information infrastructure in areas of improving on their software/infrastructure production and maintenance.
Illuminating the core of Singapore school leadership preparation
Authors: Hean Lim Lee
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine distinctive features that have surfaced in school leadership development programmes for more than two decades in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on information gathered from existing literature and the author's involvement in the programmes.

Findings

The Diploma in Educational Adminstration (DEA) programme and the Leaders in Education Programme (LEP), offered by the National Institute of Education of the Nanyang Technological University, primarily adopted the mentoring model and innovation model respectively. Irrespective of the models, evidence is provided to illuminate the co‐creation approach as well as synergy with the schools and Ministry of Education that permeate both programmes.

Practical implications

Instead of discarding the past as obsolete, it is suggested that programme developers take cognizance of local distinctive features in leadership preparatory programmes and capitalize their strengths, in their attempts to generate the next wave of seascape change.

Originality/value

Provides pertinent aspects of experience over a period of more than two decades of school leadership preparation in Singapore that could be of useful reference to practitioners and researchers in the field.
Reviewing and improving a clinical effectiveness department's quality assurance model
Authors: Hayes Sally
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to reflect on and share learning during reviewing and improving one primary care trust's clinical effectiveness department quality assurance model. It is recognized that the existing model focused on quality guideline production whilst implementation was almost unaddressed further than dissemination.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the current strategy was conducted to identify the main issues followed by in‐depth consideration and application of a new QA model.

Findings

The case study reveals weaknesses in the existing QA model and potential improvements when a new QA model such as the European Foundation for Quality Management is applied – ensuring an outcome‐based QA method.

Originality/value

This article will be valuable to individuals interested in proposing, developing, ratifying and disseminating clinical guidelines with the intention of improving clinical outcomes.
Motivating Nigerian doctors for improved health care delivery
Authors: Olu Ogunrin Florence , Ogunrin Olubunmi , Akerele Adebayo
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of need dissatisfaction and need importance in the two groups of orthodox medical doctors in Nigeria, relating these motivational variables to quality in‐patient care.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on Maslow's theory, and the question format in Heller and Porter's study; 33 government‐employed doctors, and 29 private practitioners were surveyed. The “t‐test” and Mann‐Whitney test were employed in statistical analysis.

Findings

The paper finds that the two groups differed significantly in perceptions of need dissatisfaction with respect to 13 of 26 need items; and in the importance attached to “opportunity to belong to social groups” and pay. When absolute values are considered, the overall picture suggests that the two groups are most dissatisfied with pay, physiological, security, self‐actualization, and transcendence needs.

Practical implications

If doctors as a microcosm of Nigerian workers are to replace poor work habits with quality concepts, their needs for better pay must be satisfied to enable them to meet their physiological needs, and better facilities provided in hospitals to support skill utilization. An economy functions as a system. Doctors consume and render services. If they do not have to procure personal power‐generating sets, self‐protection, and other services that ought to be accessed as public utilities, they will be more emotionally engaged with their tasks.

Originality/value

The main contribution in this paper lies in the evaluation of the motivational needs of Nigerian doctors, healthcare being fundamental to life, and the emphasis on centrality of employee motivation in any planned service improvement efforts.
Processes and outcomes for acute myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Luthi Jean‐Christophe , McClellan William M. , Dana Flanders W. , Pitts Stephen R. , Burnand Bernard
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether process quality indicators for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) one associated with outcome indicators (hospital mortality and early readmission).

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients discharged from three Swiss university hospitals with a primary or secondary International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD‐10) AMI code in 1999. A total of 1,129 patients' records were abstructed. Demographic characteristics and risk factors at admission were recorded. The main ECG and laboratory findings were further abstracted as well as hospital and discharge management and treatment. The main outcome measure was process quality indicators derived from evidence‐based guidelines, and hospital mortality and early readmissions.

Findings

After exclusions, 577 patients with AMI were eligible for this study. The mean (SD) age was 68.2 (13.9). In the assessment of quality indicators patients with potential contra‐indications were excluded. Among cohorts of “ideal candidates” for specific interventions, aspirin was not prescribed within 24 hours after admission in 33 (6.2 percent) patients. Among those, 17 (51.5 percent) died (p<0.0001). The adjusted OR for no aspirin after admission was 3.61 (95 percent CI 1.11‐11.77) for hospital mortality. Further, 78 (19.5 percent) patients did not receive β‐blockers at discharge. Among them nine (11.5 percent) were readmitted (p=0.133). The adjusted OR for no β‐blockers at discharge was 2.15 (95 percent CI 0.86‐5.41) for readmissions. Among patients with AMI, not prescribing aspirin within 24 hours after admission was associated with hospital mortality. However, process indicators derived from evidence‐based guidelines were not related to early readmission in this study.

Originality/value

The paper stresses the importance of clinicians confronting their decisions with recommendations of evidence‐based guidelines for the management and treatment of AMI patients.
SMT Stencil Cleaning – A Decision that Could Affect
Production
Authors: Clouthier R.S.
Published: June 2007

SMT stencil cleaning has traditionally been thought of as a
‘maintenance’ procedure with little or no impact on production. Today, CFC and VOC
cleaning processes are being replaced because of environmental concerns, and fine‐pitch and
ultra fine‐pitch assemblies are commonplace. These changes in cleaning processes and
product specifications have shed new light on the importance of properly cleaning SMT screens and
stencils in order to prevent damage to the stencil and potential production‐related problems.This paper takes an unbiased look at the different stencil cleaning processes available
through the eyes of an SMT stencil manufacturer. The paper outlines the advantages and disadvantages
of using ‘jet spray’ washersvs ‘ultrasonic’ washers, aqueous
and semi‐aqueous vssolvent cleaning agents, and the effects of hot wash solutions
and hot drying air vsambient wash solutions and drying techniques.Specific criteria evaluated include: cleaning effectiveness of the process;
potential adverse effects of the process on the integrity of the stencil; production
down‐time and other potential production‐related problems; potential health
hazards to users; environmental impact of the process, and waste stream management.Magnified photography is used to demonstrate the relative effectiveness of
various cleaning technologies. Third party references of other industry experts, along with the
author's own experiences, are cited to support the information provided.
Mass Soldering
Authors: Becker G.
Published: June 2007

This issue of the journal features the first part of a two‐part series
which comprises Chapter 15 from Volume 1 of a recently published book ‘A
Comprehensive Guide to the Manufacture of Printed Board Assemblies’*edited by
W. MacLeod Ross. Volume 1, containing 800 pages, and Volume 2, scheduled to be
published in the Spring of 1997 and estimated to contain around 900 pages, will, as far as the
publishers are aware, be the most comprehensive book ever published on the subject of printed boards
and printed board assemblies.
Mass Soldering
Authors: Becker G.
Published: June 2007

This issue of the
journal features the final part of a two‐part series which comprises Chapter 15 from
Volume 1 of a recently published book ‘A Comprehensive Guide to the Manufacture of
Printed Board Assemblies’* edited by W.MacLeod Ross.Volume 1, containing 800 pages, and Volume 2, scheduled to be published in the
Spring of 1997 and estimated to contain around 900 pages, will, as far as the publishers are
aware, be the most comprehensive book ever published on the subject of printed board
assemblies.
Not just money: quality of working life as employment strategy
Authors: van de Looij Frank , Benders Jos
Published: June 2007

Scarcities of qualified personnel are a substantial problem in
securing an adequate workforce. At the same time, increasing wages to
secure an adequate workforce is not always possible or sufficiently
effective, and other ways of retaining and recruiting personnel have to
be found. Investigates the importance of various job characteristics for
retaining and recruiting employees and presents the results from a
survey among employees of a Dutch hospital experiencing a tight labour
market. Job characteristics other than wages, such as labour relations
and work content, were found to play a major role in individuals′
choices to resign or stay. Discusses consequences for employment
strategies in other organizations.