bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An expanded model of variety‐seeking behaviour in food product choices
Authors: Meixner Oliver , Knoll Viktoria
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to introduce and evaluate an expanded model approximating variety‐seeking behaviour (VSB), which is defined as the phenomenon that consumers switch between brands because of the utility gained from the switch itself.

Design/methodology/approach

As a theoretical basis, two existing approaches, the switch (S) and the successive switch (SS) models, were examined and adjusted. The integration of both approaches led to the expanded “switch of brands” (SB) model. SB was tested empirically using panel data for a highly developed food market (the Austrian food market for three product categories, i.e. fruit juice, fruit yoghurt, and chocolate, with data for 2007 and 2008).

Findings

The integration of S and SS into the expanded SB model succeeded. Based on an annual comparison, the reliability of the SB model was tested. Since the results can be reproduced, it can be determined that the SB model is reliable. To test the explanatory power, a variable assessing brand loyalty (“brand purchase frequency”) was introduced. Correlation analyses showed that the expanded variety‐seeking model is more appropriate for approximating VSB than either S or SS.

Research limitations/implications

The SB model is still very basic, integrating only three variables. Other influencing variables have to be considered to further improve the significance of the SB model.

Practical implications

The expanded VSB model can be applied in all product categories and markets where panel data are available. It helps to analyse panel data in view of consumers' variety seeking and brand switching behavior.

Originality/value

The expanded variety‐seeking model (SB) is easy to implement and gives valid information on VSB. It can be used for marketing decisions, especially in connection to brand management.
Adaptation and international students' perceptions of on‐campus foodservice
Authors: Ruetzler Tanya , Taylor Jim , Hertzman Jean
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether length of time spent in the USA impacts perceptions of international students studying in US schools regarding the service and food quality of on‐campus foodservice operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers surveyed international students at one Southeastern and one Southwestern university in the USA regarding their perceptions of university foodservice, divided into six factors, i.e. service and sanitation, food dislikes, selection and taste, drinks, value, and crowding. A two‐way MANOVA test was performed using SPSS Version 17.0 to identify any significant differences between the six factors, time in the USA, and universities.

Findings

MANOVA testing indicated that there was a significant difference between length of time in the USA and the ratings of the service and sanitation factor. The group that had been in the USA for less than six months rated the service and sanitation factor higher than the group who had been in the USA for over a year.

Research limitation/implications

Campus administrators and food service operators need to consider that the interaction and socialization provided by the on‐campus dining experience may be an important step of the adaption process for international students.

Originality/value

The study applies theoretical concepts regarding service quality and adaptation that have not been used previously to study international students and their on‐campus foodservice preferences.
Consumer preferences versus commercial differentiation: a Spanish case study
Authors: Bernabéu Rodolfo , Tendero Antonio , Olmeda Miguel
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This study measures the degree of influence that attributes such as price, organic production, origin and commercial type have on Spanish consumers when purchasing lamb meat, while also analysing various lamb meat differentiation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consisted of a survey of 421 Castilla‐La Mancha (Spain) lamb meat consumers during the month of January 2009. The preferences of these consumers were determined through several multivariate techniques.

Findings

The results obtained by means of conjoint analysis techniques show that an additional potential differentiation strategy is to offer the market conventionally produced suckling lamb and organic “ternasco” lamb. Thus, potential commercial cannibalism would be simultaneously prevented between two types of meat belonging to one and the same PGI Manchego Lamb.

Originality/value

The excessive commercial differentiation that can arise in food for basic consumption in general and particularly within the Manchego Lamb PGI. Whether it be from the inclusion of another commercial type (suckling lamb meat) together with the traditional type (“ternasco” lamb meat) and the additional possibility of the organic certification, it can make way for a certain commercial “cannibalism” among PGI lamb meats.
Rationale of institutional repository categories and IR development challenges in India
Authors: Balaji Babu Preedip , Santosh Kumar Kadari , Shewale Nilesh A. , Singh Abhinav K.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to find out the rationale for institutional repository (IR) categories, and the challenges in sustainable development of open scholarship to facilitate scholarly communication.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a critical study method adopted to find out the categories of IR and various developmental challenges with the aid of related literature.

Findings

IR categories and their nomenclature are found to be overlapping when used by repository registries and librarians alike. As the digital objects in the repositories are expanding, with a requirement to store new entities as diverse as linked data and web archives, IR categorization becomes difficult to determine. Even though the growth of IRs in India is phenomenal, concerted research and development efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and repository solutions in multilingual settings are slow.

Originality/value

With the rapid growth of IRs worldwide, the categories with which these are classified is examined. As a contentious player in scholarly communication process, the challenges of IRs' development are underlined. The prospects and deployment of IRs requires funding and an appropriately skilled workforce, along with government support. This is viewed from global and Indian perspectives.
Second career librarians: teachers transitioning to librarianship
Authors: Lambert Claudett , Newman Nadine
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Second career librarians have emerged from many professions over the years. They have made significant contributions to librarianship as they transfer their years of expertise, knowledge and skills from their former careers into the field. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors which motivate teachers to leave the teaching profession and make the entrance into librarianship. The findings will be used to justify whether the switch is just a means of acquiring advance education or is a conscious desire to change their career. This research will discover common themes in their experiences and perceptions and draw reasonable conclusions about them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a qualitative analysis of data gleaned from in‐depth interviews with teachers who completed the Master in Library and Information Studies degree between 1996 and 2008 at the Department of Library and Information Studies, University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and responses were recorded to facilitate transcription in an effort to detect similar themes in their experiences.

Findings

Findings of this research substantiate existing empirical evidence which highlights better opportunities as a major career motivation for second career librarians.

Originality/value

The paper builds on the literature in second career librarians and offers essential information which should impact library education and library administrators' recruitment policies. The findings of this research are therefore expected to be of value to educators and practitioners in the field of library and information science.
Assimilating total building performance mandates with Chinese geomancy principles and scenarios
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Xiaopeng Deng , Li Ting Quek
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The ancient principles of Chinese geomancy appear to share the same goal as total building performance (TBP) in delivering an optimal environment for occupants that promotes their well‐being. This research aims to evaluate the relevance and applicability of Chinese geomancy principles and scenarios with respect to the six TBP mandates.

Design/methodology/approach

The Chinese geomancy concepts vary from considerations relating to openings and colours to surrounding amenities and building height. The assimilated principles and scenarios in both domains are tested through a survey questionnaire of 32 building professionals in Singapore.

Findings

The t‐test statistics indicate that 25 of the 26 Chinese geomancy principles and 12 of the 20 Chinese geomancy scenarios are significantly applicable for the TBP mandates at the 95 per cent confidence interval. This supports the hypothesis that there are common denominators between Chinese geomancy and TBP.

Practical implications

The research examines Chinese geomancy's Form Theory, Yin and Yang Theory, the Classical Compass School and the Black Sect School with respect to the six building performance mandates in terms of the psychological, physiological, sociological and economic aspects. Chinese geomancy principles and scenarios are assimilated in the context of the TBP mandates with the support of evidence from existing literature.

Originality/value

This research provides a back to the basics, macro perspective of the relevance and applicability of Chinese geomancy principles and scenarios with respect to TBP and reveals possible limitations in actual application. However, it also observes that specific scenarios of Chinese geomancy concerning openings, key occupancy locations, building height, trees and roads are not applicable for all contexts. Further research should be carried out to identify the reasons for the inapplicability of certain scenarios, which are caused by different climatic and cultural context of applications, failure to account for technological advancement, and the evolution of Chinese geomancy since time immemorial.
Shaping mega‐event flagships: a case study of Expo Center of Expo 2010 Shanghai, China
Authors: Deng Ying
Published: October 2012

Purpose

A mega‐event flagship (MEF) refers to a purpose‐built building flagship for a global mega‐event and a popular instrument to catalyze urban renewal in the host city. Despite their lasting popularity and volatile outcomes, such highly controversial developments have received little analysis. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap in the research.

Design/methodology/approach

To bridge the Triple‐C Gap identified, a case study method was adopted in the form of participant observation, due to the author's special role as a key project coordinator of Expo 2010. To provide a good reference for comparable developments, it takes three steps to study the Expo Center (EC) – one of the four MEFs of Expo 2010. First, planning rationales are explained to form a holistic understanding of the Big 4 as an integrated whole. Then, a pilot questionnaire survey is reported to identify pressing issues on a broader scale. Finally, the early stages of the EC are investigated in six dimensions.

Findings

The study concludes with significant lessons in shaping the early stage of a MEF, as well as correcting a misunderstanding of such a development being an end in itself.

Research limitations/implications

Certain constraints in participant observation have been minimized since the author maintained a relatively independent role as a process facilitator, which is different from the traditional role of a design manager or a project manager.

Originality/value

A timely reminder to rethink the commitment to MEFs, this explorative study offers new insights into MEF research and will be of cross‐boundary value to a wide spectrum of people and agencies.
Investigating key components of the facilities management of residential care and attention homes
Authors: Leung Mei‐Yung , Yu Jingyu , Yu Shiwang
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The proportion of the population aged 65 and over is rapidly rising and is expected to reach 24.3 per cent by 2031, up from 12 per cent in 2006. As a result, the Hong Kong government is facing challenges in meeting the growing demand for residential care homes. To provide a clear picture for construction professionals engaged in the future design and operation of such homes, it is first necessary to understand the opinions of end‐users in existing facilities. The paper aims to identify key facilities management (FM) components in three particular areas of residential care homes.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to collect data from end‐users, a questionnaire survey of 119 end‐users (both elderly residents and staff) based on post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) was used to evaluate the FM performance of the homes and establish the relationships between the comfort levels of FM components and the satisfaction of elderly residents.

Findings

The findings in the questionnaire survey indicated that all 16 key FM components were significantly related to the satisfaction with the home, while space planning, temperature, ventilation, privacy, finishes, and staff were the factors predicting satisfaction with different areas.

Practical implications

The paper makes a number of practical recommendations to government and construction professionals for improving the residential care environment, including a wide corridor with short distance and a low‐speed air‐conditioning machines in the common areas. In the bedroom, designers are recommended to install some partitions in terms of privacy and consider the microclimate carefully. In the bathroom, the use of lifting devices, louver doors, sufficient ventilation and a stable hot water supply are beneficial for the elderly's satisfaction.

Originality/value

Post‐occupancy evaluation is a commonly used tool to evaluate FM performance based on the end‐user's perspective. The study innovatively investigates the impact of different FM components on elders' satisfaction degree by application of POE.
On establishing cost‐effective condition‐based maintenance
Authors: Al‐Najjar Basim
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the steps required for establishing and running cost‐effective condition‐based maintenance (CBM) exemplified for vibration‐based maintenance (VBM) and compared with real implementations in case companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on published knowledge and experience within condition monitoring (CM) and CBM, and three case studies.

Findings

The study has shown that all three case companies are in a big need for systematic procedures for doing right things right, in the right time cost‐effectively (establishing and running a cost‐effective CBM).

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on development of cost‐effective CBM exemplified for VBM. Also, the case companies belong to three branches: paper and pulp mills, energy producer and engineering manufacturing. The case companies have different levels in applying CBM/VBM, experience and knowledge in CM and CBM.

Practical implications

Systematic procedures for establishing CBM/VBM policy are developed, motivated and discussed in a way which enables the user to establish and run CBM/VBM policy cost‐effectively.

Originality/value

The steps of establishment of CBM/VBM provide a unique model for companies to establish and run cost‐effective maintenance its originality.
Aircraft maintenance planning and scheduling: an integrated framework
Authors: Samaranayake Premaratne , Kiridena Senevi
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how certain limitations of the current approaches to planning and scheduling of aircraft heavy maintenance can be addressed using a single integrated framework supported by unified data structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The “unitary structuring technique”, originally developed within the context of manufacturing planning and control, is further enhanced for aircraft heavy maintenance applications, taking into account the uncertainty associated with condition‐based maintenance. The proposed framework delivers the advanced functionalities required for simultaneous and dynamic forward planning of maintenance operations, as well as finite loading of resources, towards optimising the overall maintenance performance.

Findings

Execution of maintenance operations under uncertainty involves materials changes, rectification and re‐assembly. It is shown that re‐scheduling of materials (spare‐parts), resources and operations can be taken care of by simultaneous and dynamic forward planning of materials and operations with finite loading of resources, using the integrated framework.

Research limitations/implications

As part of adopting the proposed framework in practice, it needs to be guided by an overall methodology appropriate for application‐specific contexts.

Practical implications

The potential direct benefits of adopting the proposed framework include on‐time project completion, reduced inventory levels of spare‐parts and reduced overtime costs.

Originality/value

Existing approaches to aircraft maintenance planning and scheduling are limited in their capacity to deal with contingencies arising out of inspections carried out during the execution phase of large maintenance projects. The proposed integrated approach is, capable of handling uncertainty associated with condition‐based maintenance, due to the added functionalities referred to above.
Benchmarking the use of tools and techniques in the Six Sigma programme based on a survey conducted in a developing country
Authors: Augusto Cauchick Miguel Paulo , Satolo Eduardo , Marcos Andrietta João , Araújo Calarge Felipe
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Six Sigma program is an approach currently adopted by many companies, which involves a highly disciplined and guided process, in which applications of many different tools and techniques aim at generating a cycle of continuous improvement. In this sense, a survey‐based research was conducted in a developing country from which the aim of this paper is to identify and analyse the tools and techniques used in the stages of the DMAIC.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents parts of the results of a descriptive survey conducted by a postal questionnaire answered by more than 60 Six Sigma users. Specific results of tools and techniques applied in Six Sigma are compared with those prescribed in the literature.

Findings

The results confirm the use of Six Sigma tools and techniques suggested by the literature. It also points out that Six Sigma needs to be supported by measurable and reliable data, and thus that the use of tools and techniques is indispensable to the use of the DMAIC.

Research limitations/implications

This is not a probabilistic survey and, therefore, the generalisation is not feasible.

Practical implications

The paper may assist either academic and practitioners when teaching, researching and applying tools and techniques in Six Sigma.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few published studies that report tools and techniques applied in Six Sigma programme in developing countries.
Improving the service quality of ocean container carriers: an Indian case study
Authors: Kannan Vanumamalai , Bose S.K. , Kannan N.G.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assist ocean container carriers in their service quality improvement strategies to ensure breakthrough performance in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of seven container carriers have been involved in this study. To explore the list of service criteria, reviews of transportation literature, customer satisfaction survey questionnaires of container carriers, SERVQUAL battery, telephonic interviews and focus groups were conducted. For data collection, a shipper satisfaction questionnaire was administered. After data collection, a mean score analysis using SPSS 15 was taken up to assess the present service performance levels of the select container carriers. Then a performance gap analysis was carried out using the gap analysis formula found in the benchmarking literature.

Findings

Out of the 48 service criteria which decide the service quality of ocean container carriers, Maersk is the top performer in respect of 23 criteria, both Hanjin and MSC are top in eight criteria each, Evergreen is top in five criteria, APL is top in four criteria and CMA CGM is top in two criteria. Hapag has not scored top in any of the criteria. The gap analysis shows that APL needs to improve 44 areas in which it has shown negative gaps, CMA CGM needs to improve 47 criteria, Evergreen 45 criteria, Hanjin 47 criteria, Hapag 48 criteria, Maersk 40 criteria and MSC 43 criteria to become excellent.

Practical implications

This paper has enabled container carriers to understand the list of criteria that decide their service quality in the Indian container carrier industry. It has also informed them of their present service performance levels, and their areas of strengths and weakness. This will help them in efficient resource allocation. Understanding the areas and sizes of negative gaps, they can take appropriate steps to close them and become excellent.

Originality/value

This is the first service quality improvement study undertaken in the Indian container carrier industry and it has opened up enormous scope for future research.
Twenty‐first century benchmarking: searching for the next generation
Authors: Pham Evans Mai T. , Tisak Daniel J. , Williamson Douglas F.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this descriptive research article is to investigate current benchmarking practices (2001 to 2010) so as to determine new approaches which may transcend the traditional benchmarking model developed by Watson.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous generations of benchmarking have been developed and utilized in the last century. Watson's generational benchmarking model predicted that global benchmarking would encompass future benchmarking. Watson's Strategic Benchmarking: Reloaded with Six Sigma links Six Sigma strategies with strategic planning and benchmarking.

Findings

Most articles and dissertations reviewed indicate usage of existing benchmarking practices. The research also uncovered complementary approaches, including the Boyd Cycle, which underscores flexibility and speed, Six Sigma tools to implement significant business change decisions, the insights of Hoshin Kanri's philosophy of management, which fosters communication such that everyone in an organization is working toward a common goal, and “rapidmarking” of business improvements.

Practical implications

These approaches, while complementary, do not represent a “new generation” of benchmarking.

Originality/value

The value of this article comes from making the connection between the very beginnings of benchmarking techniques and the latest techniques in use today.
Assessing earnings management flexibility
Authors: Lam Choy Hiu
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new measure of earnings management flexibility based on the limits of the allowable set of accruals, prior discretionary accruals used, and the reversal rate of these accruals.

Design/methodology/approach

Quarterly financial data from Compustat for the period 1990‐2009 were used to construct the flexibility measure. Then the author examined how well this measure captures flexibility by investigating its effect on a firm's probability of meeting analysts' forecasts.

Findings

The results show that this flexibility measure better captures the firm‐specific flexibility than that of Barton and Simko which captures mainly the difference in flexibility across industries. Further, the positive effect of their measure on a firm's probability of meeting/beating analysts' forecasts is not observed in the extended sample period.

Practical implications

The flexibility measure proposed here can assist investors, analysts, or researchers to compare earnings management flexibility across firms in the same industry, which is useful in evaluating the quality of a firm's financial reports, stock picking or credit granting decisions.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the earnings management literature by incorporating both the variation in flexibility used and that in flexibility limits. Second, evidence in this paper suggests that while financial benefits motivate managers to undertake earnings management, flexibility determines the extent of earnings management they can undertake. Third, this study points out that the unreversed discretionary accruals impose a constraint on the level of discretionary accruals a manager can incur in the current period, and hence have an indirect influence on current reported earnings.
The effect of the type and number of internal control weaknesses and their remediation on audit fees
Authors: Keane Matthew J. , Elder Randal J. , Albring Susan M.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The implementation of compliance procedures associated with the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 came at a great cost to most publicly‐traded firms, largely due to the internal control disclosures required by Section 404 of the Act. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the inquiry on internal control effectiveness by examining the impact of the type (same or different) and number of internal control weaknesses on audit fees. The paper also examines whether firms that remediate continue to incur higher audit fees compared to firms that never disclosed a weakness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors evaluate the impact of internal control weaknesses and their remediation on audit fees using ordinary least squares regression for 9,122 firm year observations (3,096 unique firms) over the time period 2004‐2007.

Findings

The authors find: an incremental impact on audit fees of additional material weakness disclosures; firms that report the same material weakness pay higher fees than firms reporting a different material weakness in consecutive years; and audit fees remain high one, two, and three years following remediation compared to a firm that never disclosed an internal control weakness.

Originality/value

In contrast with prior studies, the sample includes firms that remediated weaknesses, firms that failed to remediate weaknesses, and firms that did not have prior weaknesses. The results suggest that the failure to remediate has greater risk implications than new weaknesses and that material weaknesses are associated with higher audit fees several years after remediation.
Enabling performance measurement in a small professional service firm
Authors: Groen Bianca A.C. , van de Belt Mirthe , Wilderom Celeste P.M.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show why developing an enabling performance measurement system (PMS) can be useful to small professional service firms (PSFs) and how small PSFs can develop such an enabling PMS.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a process‐consultation type of action research design; they developed an enabling PMS in close cooperation with the employees of a small PSF. The effects of this intervention were assessed by means of document analysis, participant observation, and individual/group interviews.

Findings

The enabling PMS development process helped the firm deal with three challenges common to small PSFs: it increased employees’ understanding about how to apply the firm's strategy; it led to greater knowledge exchange among employees; and it enabled them to create new knowledge.

Research implications/limitations

The research results suggest the type of intervention used for developing an enabling PMS – that has already been shown to be effective in large firms – may also be useful for small PSFs. Similarities and differences with the intervention in large firms are discussed.

Practical implications

Small PSFs may benefit from the approach described herein: to develop a PMS in a participatory manner. It is especially useful if interested in better alignment of operations with strategy and/or to better explicate tacit and create new firm‐relevant knowledge.

Originality/value

This is the first paper about developing an enabling PMS in a small PSF.
Strategy deployment systems within the UK healthcare sector: a case study
Authors: Zhang Shulian , Bamford David , Moxham Claire , Dehe Benjamin
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine an organisation‐wide restructuring exercise by investigating the effectiveness of strategy development and deployment processes in a National Health Service (NHS) Community Health Services (CHS) organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an embedded single‐case study approach to gather and analyse rich data in order to understand how an organisation can develop and deploy its strategy, and to appreciate the key tools, techniques and issues related to this process. A range of data collection methods, including archival records, interviews, observations and questionnaires, was employed to permit triangulation of the results.

Findings

The research led to an understanding of how the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and the Closed‐Loop Management System (CLMS) can be adapted to support the local CHS. In total, 17 key areas for success are presented and used to assess the current capability within the case study organisation.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ investigation examined the potential for improved strategic development and deployment through the adaptation of the BSC and a CLMS within a NHS CHS organisation.

Practical implications

A six‐step conceptual model is presented which can be used to guide organisations. The model permits the assessment of capability in order to highlight current strengths and weaknesses.

Originality/value

As a suitably skilled workforce is required for the successful implementation of any management system, the research expanded the scope of the study by including an assessment of the organisation's readiness for adapting formal strategy deployment systems.
Collaboration in supply chain
Authors: Kumar Gopal , Nath Banerjee Ravindra
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to frame collaboration in supply chain as a hierarchical reflective construct.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from industries in India to test the hierarchical and structural model. Partial least squares method is used to test the model.

Findings

Results show that collaboration is a third‐order, reflective construct. The paper's findings also arrange collaborative activities in terms of its importance for collaboration.

Practical implications

Collaboration is a multi‐facet activity and is a meta‐concept, and therefore this paper improves our understanding on the subject. The performance of supply chain collaboration depends on the execution of various activities, and this paper points out how the various activities are related to the collaboration, the execution of which will drive collaborative ventures towards success.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence for collaboration as a hierarchical reflective construct. The model is tested by data collected from Industries in India.
Two‐sided supplier‐manufacturer selection in BTO supply chain
Authors: Joshi Kedar , Singh K.N. , Kumar Sushil
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a newly developed integrated multi‐criteria decision method (MCDM) with two‐sided preferences or selection scenario in build‐to‐order supply chains so as to explore the future applications like supplier parks.

Design/methodology/approach

The current state of the consolidation scenario of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers is presented and build‐to‐order imperativeness in the case of a supplier park is highlighted. These motivations guided the need for development of a new technique in two‐sided selection scenario. The MCDM technique, like analytical network process (ANP), is integrated with a mutual compatibility index. A hypothetical example is presented to demonstrate the proposed methodology.

Findings

The newly developed integrated methodology helps the decision maker to incorporate both sided preferences in the final supplier‐manufacturer selection.

Originality/value

This paper allows the reader to understand the build‐to‐order supply chain and supplier park situation. The emerging trends in the automobile sector in India are also highlighted. This new integrated technique certainly adds value to the decision maker in today's competitive world.
Linkages between Thai stock and foreign exchange markets under the floating regime
Authors: Jiranyakul Komain
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to directly examine the relationship between bilateral exchange rate and stock market index in a bivariate framework during the period of the floating exchange rate regime in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The monthly data used in this study are the stock market index or stock prices from the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and the nominal bilateral exchange rate in terms of baht per US dollar from the Bank of Thailand. The period covers July 1997 to June 2010 with 156 observations. This is the period that the country switched from fixed to floating exchange rate regime. The stock market return is calculated by the percentage change of stock market index (or stock prices) while the exchange rate return is the percentage change of the nominal bilateral exchange rate. Three estimation methods are used to capture the interaction between stock and foreign exchange markets: bounds testing for cointegration, non‐causality test, and the two‐step approach with a bivariate GARCH model and Granger causality test.

Findings

The results of the present study show that bounds testing for cointegration does not detect the long‐run relationship between stock prices and exchange rate. In addition, the non‐causality test fails the diagnostic test for multivariate normality in the residuals of the estimated VAR model. However, the two‐step approach adequately detects the linkages between the stock and foreign exchange markets. It is found that there exists positive unidirectional causality running from stock market return to exchange rate return. The exchange rate risk causes stock return to fall as expected. Moreover, there are bidirectional causal relations between stock market risk and exchange rate risk, but in different directions.

Research limitations/implications

Since a rising trend in the risk in the foreign exchange market causes stock return to fall, both domestic and foreign investors should be aware of the risk or uncertainty in the foreign exchange market because it can cause their portfolio return to fall. For policymakers, reducing exchange rate risk cannot be done without the associated costs from a rising risk in the stock market.

Originality/value

This study provides an evidence of volatility (or risk) spillovers in stock and foreign exchange markets. In addition, the risk in foreign exchange market that adversely affects return in the stock market is an expected phenomenon under the floating exchange rate regime.
The 2011 Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis
Authors: Asongu Simplice A.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Natural disasters may inflict significant damage upon international financial markets. The purpose of this study is to investigate if any contagion effect occurred in the immediate aftermath of the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 33 international stock indices and exchange rates, this paper uses heteroscedasticity biases based on correlation coefficients to examine if any contagion occurred across financial markets after the March 11, 2011 Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. The sample period is partitioned into two sections: the 12‐month pre‐earthquake period (March 11, 2010 to March 10, 2011) and the 2‐month post‐earthquake period (March 11, 2011 to May 10, 2011). While the stability period is defined as the pre‐earthquake period, the turbulent (turmoil) period is defined as the post‐earthquake period. In a bid to ensure robustness of the findings, the turmoil period is further partitioned into two equal sections: the 1‐month (short‐term) post‐earthquake period (March 11, 2011 to April 10, 2011), and the 2‐month (medium‐term) post‐earthquake (March 11, 2011 to May 10, 2011).

Findings

Findings reveal that, while no sampled foreign exchange markets suffered from contagion, stock markets of Taiwan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and South Africa witnessed a contagion effect.

Practical implications

The results have two paramount implications. First, the paper has confirmed existing consensus that in the face of natural crises that could take an international scale, emerging markets are contagiously affected for the most part. Second, the empirical evidence also suggests that international financial market transmissions not only occur during financial crisis; natural disaster effects should not be undermined.

Originality/value

This paper has shown that the correlation structure of international financial markets are also affected by high profile natural disasters.
General grey numbers and their operations
Authors: Liu Sifeng , Fang Zhigeng , Yang Yingjie , Forrest Jeffrey
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance new rules about operations of grey numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first puts forward the definitions of basic element of grey number and general grey number. The operation axiom, operation rules of general grey numbers and a new algebraic system for general grey numbers are built based on the “kernel” and the degree of greyness of grey numbers.

Findings

Up to now, the operation of general grey numbers has been transformed to operation of real numbers; thus, the difficult problem for set up operation of general grey numbers has been solved to a certain degree.

Practical implications

The method exposed in the paper can be used to integrate information from a different source. The operation of general grey numbers could be extended to the case of grey algebraic equation, grey differential equation and grey matrix which includes general grey numbers. The operation system of general grey numbers also opened a new passageway for research on grey input‐output and grey programming, etc.

Originality/value

The new conception of a basic element of grey number and general grey number was given for the first time in this paper. The novel operation rules of general grey numbers were also constructed.
The analysis of the overall strength of the world's 2012 110‐meter hurdles of track and field – and the prediction of Liu Xiang's 2012 competitive level
Authors: Jiajin Liu , Zijian Sun
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research comprehensively into the development pattern of the world's 110‐meter hurdles of the coming two years. It aims to provide a detailed reference to the preparation of the 2012 London Olympics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the GM (2, 1) model, GM (1, 1) model, GM (1, 1) residual fixing model, and the method of recursive compensation by grey numbers of identical dimensions.

Findings

In 2012, the strongest athletes of 110‐meter hurdles are predicted to be: USA athlete Oliver, USA athlete Ash and Cuba athlete Robles. Liu Xiang has the possibility of winning the medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

Practical implications

Because every athlete is an individual that grows up gradually, there are two characteristics in his information: continuity and incompleteness. We can use the grey system methods.

Originality/value

The paper successfully applies the grey prediction to the case study in the field of competitive sports.
Commercial bank credit risk management based on grey incidence analysis
Authors: Jin Jiajia , Yu Ziwen , Mi Chuanmin
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This paper attempts to analysis the credit risk at the angle of industrial and macroeconomic factor using grey incidence analysis method.

Design/methodology/approach

Credit asset quality problem is one of the obstacles limiting the further development of commercial banks; the research on credit risk becomes an important part of the implementation of a commercial bank's risk management. Different industries may have different effects on the credit risk of commercial bank. This paper proposes finding out the different incidences between industries and credit risk, as well as macroeconomics. Incidence identification method is established to investigate whether the industry and macroeconomic factor could affect an impaired loan ratio of a bank using the grey incidence analysis method.

Findings

The results indicate that the impaired loan ratio differs with diverse industry's influence and the macroeconomics also affect it. From the angle of the industry, the result can also determine the risk deviation scope in the grey risk control process which offers new content and ideas within the grey risk control.

Practical implications

Under the guidance of the principle of “differential treatment, differential control”, this research will help to strengthen the implementation of differentiated credit policy, focus on guiding and promoting the optimization of credit structure, so as to maintain a reasonable size of credit facilities and build a steady currency credit system.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in finding the top five influent industries compared with others by using one of the newest developed theories: grey systems theory.
Urease gene of Trichophyton rubrum var. raubitschekii
Authors: HIRUMA Midori , KANO Rui , SUGITA Takashi , MOCHIZUKI Takashi , HASEGAWA Atsuhiko , HIRUMA Masataro
Published: October 2012

The recent description (in GenBank) of a urease‐encoding gene from Trichophyton rubrum provides an opportunity to compare this species to the highly similar T. rubrum var. raubitschekii. Therefore, the corresponding genomic DNA was recovered from T. rubrum var. raubitschekii, and the sequence and expression were compared for this urease gene in urease‐positive and ‐negative isolates of T. rubrum and T. rubrum var. raubitschekii. The sequence (2371 bp) of the T. rubrum var. raubitschekii urease gene revealed the presence of three exons. Except for a three‐amino acid insertion, the predicted proteins were identical, but demonstrated protein identity of approximately 70% compared to an Arthroderma gypseum homolog. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the presence of a corresponding transcript in both urease‐positive T. rubrum var. raubitschekii isolates examined; the same analysis did not detect this transcript in urease‐negative isolates of T. rubrum.
Medical Care Price Indexes for Patients with Employer‐Provided Insurance: Nationally Representative Estimates from MarketScan Data
Authors: Dunn Abe , Liebman Eli , Pack Sarah , Shapiro Adam Hale
Published: October 2012

Objective

Commonly observed shifts in the utilization of medical care services to treat diseases may pose problems for official price indexes at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that do not account for service shifts. We examine how these shifts may lead to different price estimates than those observed in official price statistics at the BLS.

Data Sources

We use a convenience sample of enrollees with employer‐provided insurance from the MarketScan database for the years 2003 to 2007. Population weights that consider the age, sex, and geographic distribution of enrollees are assigned to construct representative estimates.

Study Design

We compare two types of price indexes: (1) a Service Price Index (SPI) that is similar to the BLS index, which holds services fixed and measures the prices of the underlying treatments; (2) a Medical Care Expenditure Index (MCE) that measures the cost of treating diseases and allows for utilization shifts.

Principal Findings

Over the entire period of study the CAGR of the SPI grows 0.7 percentage points faster than the preferred MCE index.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the health component of inflation may be overstated by 0.7 percentage points per year, and real GDP growth may be understated by a similar amount. However, more work may be necessary to precisely replicate the indexes of the BLS to obtain a more accurate measure of these price differences.
Expression, localization and clinical application of exogenous Smith proteins D1 in gene transfected HEp‐2 cells
Authors: Wang Su‐li , Wang Fang‐fang , Chen Shun‐le , Shen Nan , Xue Feng , Ye Ping , Bao Chun‐de , Gu Yue‐ying , Yu Chong‐zhao , Wilson Alisa , Wallace Daniel J. , Weisman Michael H. , Lu Liang‐jing
Published: October 2012

Aim

To establish an improved substrate for an indirect immunofluorescence test (IIF) to detect anti‐Sm antibody.

Methods

Full‐length Smith protein D1(Sm‐D1) complementary DNA was obtained from human larynx carcinoma cell line HEp‐2 by reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and cloned into the mammalian expression vector pEGFP‐C1. The recombinant plasmid pEGFP‐Sm‐D1 was transfected into HEp‐2 cells. The expression, localization and antigenicity of fusion proteins of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in transfected cells were confirmed by means of immunoblotting (IBT), confocal fluorescence microscopy and IIF analysis. Transfected HEp‐2 cells were analyzed with reference serum and compared with untransfected HEp‐2 cells by IIF.

Results

Stable expression of the Sm‐D1‐GFP was maintained for more than ten generations. This Sm‐D1‐GFP showed the antigenicity of Sm‐D1 with a characteristic phenotype in IIF.Six of 12 serum specimens from systemic lupus erythematosus contained both 29/28 and 13.5 kDa proteins and showed characteristic immunofluorescent patterns. The same phenomenon appeared in 3/6 serum samples which contained 29/28 kDa proteins only. Sera from 10 healthy donors did not react with HEp‐Sm‐D1 or HEp‐2 at 1:80 attenuant degrees. No alteration in expression, localization and morphology was observed when HEp‐Sm‐D1 or HEp‐2 interacted with the reference sera which could react with Ro/SSA, La/SSB, β2GP1, centromere, histone, and Scl‐70 antibodies in routine IIF tests.

Conclusion

As a new kind of substrate of IIF, HEp‐Sm‐D1 can be used to detect anti‐Sm antibodies. Transfected HEp‐2 cells keep the immunofluorescent property of HEp‐2 cells in immunofluorescence anti‐nuclear antibody (IFANA) test and could potentially be used as substrate for routine IFANA detection.