bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximate, amino acid, fatty acid and mineral composition of raw and cooked camel (Camelus dromedarius) meat
Authors: Kadim I.T. , Al‐Ani M.R. , Al‐Maqbaly R.S. , Mansour M.H. , Mahgoub O. , Johnson E.H.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to study the effects of cooking on proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and total, heme and non‐heme iron content of camel meat.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of ten longissimus thoracis muscles (500 grams) were collected between the tenth and twelfth ribs of the left side. Samples were randomly collected from two to three year old camel carcasses chilled (1‐3°C) for 48 hours then stored at −20°C. The first portion was kept fresh while the second one was placed in plastic bags and cooked by immersion in a water bath at 70°C for 90 minutes. Both samples were freeze‐dried, and then ground to a homogeneous mass to be used for chemical analyses.

Findings

Cooked samples had significantly (p<0.05) higher dry matter by 27.7 per cent, protein by 31.1 per cent and fat by 22.2 per cent, but lower ash content by 8.3 per cent than the raw ones. Cooking had no significant effect on amino acid and fatty acid composition of the meat. The components of camel meat most significantly affected by cooking were macro‐ and micro‐minerals, which ranged between 13.1 and 52.5 per cent, respectively. Cooking resulted in a significant decrease in total, heme and non‐heme iron contents by 4.3, 8.7 and 4.0 per cent, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The research is restricted to camel meat but it is an exploratory study. The issue of research outcome as only longissimus thoracic muscle is another limitation. Further investigation is needed to include different muscles, temperatures, durations and cooking methods.

Practical implications

Amino acids and fatty acids of camel meat are not affected by cooking, while heating accelerated total and heme iron oxidation suggest camel meat to be a rich source of heme iron.

Originality/value

The paper is original in its findings and useful for both researchers and academics in the field of meat science.
FT‐NIR spectroscopy: a rapid method for estimation of moisture content in bael pulp
Authors: Bag S.K. , Srivastav P.P. , Mishra H.N.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop FT‐NIR technique for determination of moisture content in bael pulp.

Design/methodology/approach

Calibration and validation sets were designed for the conception and evaluation of the method adequacy in the range of moisture content 70 to 95 per cent (wb). The prediction models based on partial least squares (PLS) regression, were developed in the near‐infrared region (4,000‐2,500cm‐1). Conventional criteria such as the R2, the root mean square errors of cross validation (RMSECV), root mean square errors of estimation (RMSEE) as well as the number of PLS factors were considered for the selection of three pre‐processing (vector normalization, minimum‐maximum normalization and multiplicative scatter correction) methods.

Findings

The best calibration model was developed with min‐max normalization (MMN) spectral pre‐processing (R2=99.3). The MMN pre‐processing method was found most suitable and the maximum coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.993 was obtained for the calibration model developed. The developed results indicated that FTNIR spectroscopy could be used for rapid detection of moisture content in bael pulp samples without any sample destruction.

Originality/value

The research in this paper is useful for the quick detection of moisture content of bael fruit pulp during processing.
Does fish origin matter to European consumers?
Authors: Vanhonacker Filiep , Altintzoglou Themistoklis , Luten Joop , Verbeke Wim
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This study aims to gain insights into the relevance and market potential of fish origin (farmed or wild) among consumers in Belgium, Norway and Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross‐sectional data were collected through a consumer survey (n=1,319), conducted in November‐December 2007 in three European countries: Belgium, Norway and Spain. The study describes personal and food characteristics, as well as consumer attitudes and knowledge related to fish origin. Further, these characteristics were analysed in terms of their impact on the choice of either farmed or wild fish, using bivariate analyses.

Findings

In general, European consumers have little knowledge or awareness regarding the origin of fish. This results in uncertainty in consumers' perception of farmed fish in particular. The study is in line with previous ones suggesting that perceptions of aquaculture and farmed fish are based more on emotions than on rational considerations. Still, the perception of farmed fish is positive in general. Consumers do not prioritise fish origin as an information cue, although variation is present between different consumer groups. Consumers of predominantly farmed versus wild fish did not have a very distinct profile, which corroborates with the only modest significance of fish origin as a product‐specific information cue during the fish purchase and consumption decision process.

Originality/value

The strength of the paper pertains to its international scope, and to the diversity of countries selected in terms of relevant variables. Also, the growing relevance of aquaculture as a fish production method and farmed fish as a food product makes results and findings of the study topical and of practical relevance.
Logistics outsourcing by Taiwanese and Dutch food processing industries
Authors: Hsiao Hsin‐I , Kemp Ron G.M. , van der Vorst Jack G.A.J. , Omta S.W.F. (Onno)
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate outsourcing of different types of logistics activities in Taiwanese food industry, and benchmark with practices in The Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach

The outsourcing of four levels of logistics activities is investigated: transportation (level 1), packaging (level 2), transportation management (level 3), and distribution network management (level 4). A structured questionnaire was designed and sent to logistics managers in The Netherlands and Taiwan to evaluate the most commonly outsourced activities and identify specific outsourcing firm's characteristics.

Findings

About 69 per cent of the companies, in both countries outsource level 1 activities, 16 per cent level 2, and 37 per cent level 3 activities. Only few companies (about 10 per cent) outsource the highest level of activities. In particular, The Netherlands has higher percentages for levels 1 and 3. This might be caused by the fact that most Taiwanese companies emphasise low cost whereas the Dutch companies focus on flexibility in order to deal with higher complexities. When intentions for the future are included, Taiwan is planning to outsource level 2 (40 per cent) and level 4 activities (36 per cent) much more than The Netherlands (respectively 13 and 17 per cent). When zooming in, it was found that outsourcing strategies of companies in the subsectors differ. For instance, the dairy sector outsources more frequently than the meat sector on the first three levels. This might be caused by the fact that meat companies emphasise food quality, whereas dairy companies emphasise flexibility and reliability.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigated only food processors. The paper suggests further research should include other types of food organisations.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable insights in outsourcing strategies of food processing companies in Taiwan and The Netherlands for advanced logistics service providers who are looking at the market potential of Taiwan.
The brave new world of open innovation
Authors: Sloane Paul
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of open innovation (OI).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at different forms of OI, including suggestive/participative, suggestive/invitational, directed/invitational and directed/participative.

Findings

The paper suggests that in choosing which approach to adopt it is important to first define your strategy and identify what you want to get out of OI. It also suggests that OI needs executive level commitment if it is to succeed, as this is generally the first and most important obstacle that companies face in trying to adopt it.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on the concept of OI in corporate strategy.
Interview with Loren C. Steffy
Authors: by Juliet Harrison Interview
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Loren C. Steffy, business columnist for the Houston Chronicle. Loren has been recognized by the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and the Associated Press Managing Editors, and has recently published Drowning in Oil: BP and the Reckless Pursuit of Profit.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.

Findings

Loren's recent publication: Drowning in Oil: BP and the Reckless Pursuit of Profit, provides an in‐depth examination of how a lack of corporate responsibility and government oversight led to the biggest offshore oil spill in US history, explaining that that the Deepwater Horizon disaster was only part of a larger pattern of cost‐cutting, image‐making, and winner‐take‐all corporate culture that compromised safety across BP's operations for years.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Social implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

There is a lesson for all companies in the case of the Deepwater Horizon disaster: vigilance matters. When companies have complex and potentially dangerous operations, they cannot afford to get complacent. Years of safe operations does not mean you are not moments away from disaster. Human error is always a factor, but companies need processes that account for it.
Young people's experiences of personal advisors and the Connexions service
Authors: Sheehy Kieron , Kumrai Rajni , Woodhead Martin
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to explore young people's experiences of having access to personal advisors (PAs), from Connexions, a support and guidance service.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, in two phases, with young people in a large new town. Thematic analysis highlighted significant issues and suggested factors that might differentiate between those in employment, education and training and those not in this position.

Findings

Young people's relationship with their Connexions PA emerged as a significant factor in mediating the extent to which they used the service as a “portal” to opportunities and resources. For some young people faced with complex and challenging circumstances, the relationship with their PA provided a uniquely stable and valued source of support.

Research limitations/implications

Although drawn from a small and focused sample, the results suggests that the large‐scale cuts to the service, currently underway, could have a significant impact on young people in difficult circumstances.

Practical implications

The identity of the Connexions service creates issues of access for potential service users.

Originality/value

The research illustrates the positive impact that PAs can have in the complex and challenging situations which some young people encounter. It highlights the nature of the relationship developed with PA as a key issue in facilitating positive changes in the lives of young people. It also suggest that the categories of not in education, employment and training and education, employment and training are too simplistic as descriptors of the young peoples lives or the work undertaken with them by PAs.
Representing diversity on UK company web sites
Authors: Guerrier Yvonne , Wilson Cornelia
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the way in which diversity policies are represented to prospective employees on UK company web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis was conducted of the diversity pages and careers pages of the web sites of companies in theTimesTop 20 Big Employers (2009) andTimesTop 25 Big Employers (2010) lists; 28 web sites were studied. The analysis focused on the language that was used to describe diversity, the diversity strands that were represented and the images used.

Findings

The paper shows how most of these companies have sophisticated and comprehensive web sites that use the language of diversity and of the business case. Messages about diversity are embedded not just in the diversity pages but also reflected across the careers pages. Young women are used as the “face” of the company while older men are less visible. The message conveyed on many web sites is of the importance of shared values and acceptance of superficial differences.

Originality/value

The paper adds to research on discourses of diversity and the limitations of the business case, showing how diversity is valued, provided it can be accommodated within existing company culture.
The impact of gender culture on women's career trajectories: an Australian case study
Authors: North‐Samardzic Andrea , Taksa Lucy
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the influence of gender culture and gender subtext on the career trajectories of women. It examines the organization as an arena in which underlying cultural processes maintain gender distinctions and barriers, thereby limiting the efficacy of policies specifically designed to increase the number of women at senior levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the findings of a qualitative case study of the perceptions of women's career trajectories in an Australian financial services organization. by examining the gender subtexts of organizational documentation we analyse the impact of gender culture, specifically the gender structure of the organization, gender identities of women managers and gender symbolism in organizational texts.

Findings

The findings highlight the way an organization's gender culture legitimate continuing gender distinctions and impose pressure on women to comply with masculine behavioral norms, while accepting gender distinctions and arrangements that reproduce inequalities.

Research limitations/implications

The findings illustrate that despite the case study organization being awarded for “best practice” in gender equity, the masculine gender culture of the organization indicates that systemic change to support the advancement of women is still strongly needed. Given that this case study is used as an illustrative example, future research should be mindful of the uniqueness of this particular context.

Originality/value

These findings provide insights into the way the goals of equity legislation, policies and programs can be undermined by the distinct gender culture of an organization.
Gender pay gap and its perceptions
Authors: Khoreva Violetta
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to broaden the domain of the gender pay gap research by exploring individuals' perceptions of it. Examining the factors that have an impact on the way individuals perceive the gender pay gap helps answering the question of why it persists and how to overcome it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a conceptual model of the factors proposed to influence individuals' perceptions of the gender pay gap by adopting social comparison, equity, occupational socialization, relative deprivation, expectancy and social dominance theories as well gender socialization perspective.

Findings

According to the conceptual framework, such individual factors as pay expectations, gender role orientation, perceived pay fairness, gender, age, marital status and education facilitate the perceived gender pay gap. Furthermore, gender composition of employment sector and occupational status predict individuals' perceptions of the gender pay gap. Finally, welfare state regime and the degree of public awareness constitute the perceived gender pay gap.

Practical implications

Besides, the obvious suggestion of eliminating the gender pay gap, the paper suggests that more efforts should be made by media and governments to discuss the concept of the gender pay gap and make women aware of their rights and opportunities.

Originality/value

The main of this paper is that it draws together different theoretical perspectives into the model of the perceived gender pay gap.
Using data mining techniques for exploring learning object repositories
Authors: Segura Alejandra , Vidal‐Castro Christian , Menéndez‐Domínguez Víctor , Campos Pedro G. , Prieto Manuel
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to show the results obtained from the data mining techniques application to learning objects (LO) metadata.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review of the literature was carried out. The authors gathered and pre‐processed the data, and then analyzed the results of data mining techniques applied upon the LO metadata.

Findings

It is possible to extract new knowledge based on learning objects stored in repositories. For example it is possible to identify distinctive features and group learning objects according to them. Semantic relationships can also be found among the attributes that describe learning objects.

Research limitations/implications

In the first section, four test repositories are included for case study. In the second section, the analysis is focused on the most complete repository from the pedagogical point of view.

Originality/value

Many publications report results of analysis on repositories mainly focused on the number, evolution and growth of the learning objects. But, there is a shortage of research using data mining techniques oriented to extract new semantic knowledge based on learning objects metadata.
A water conservation digital library using ontologies
Authors: Ziemba Lukasz , Cornejo Camilo , Beck Howard W.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The paper's aims is to present research that evaluates a technology that assists in organizing and retrieving knowledge stored in a variety of forms (books, papers, models, decision support systems, databases) through a real world application.

Design/methodology/approach

Ontology has been used to manage the Water Conservation Digital Library in Florida, USA, which holds a dynamic collection of various types of digital resources in the domain of urban water conservation. The ontology based back‐end powers a fully operational web interface, available at: http://library.conservefloridawater.org Findings – The system has demonstrated numerous benefits of the ontology application, including easier and more precise finding of resources, information sharing and reuse, and has proved to effectively facilitate information management.

Research limitations/implications

A large and dynamic number of concepts makes it difficult to keep the ontology consistent and to accurately manually catalog resources. To address these issues, ongoing research focuses on the area of information extraction with the aid of natural language processing techniques.

Originality/value

The paper presents a real‐world‐verified application of ontology to a digital library. It may be of potential interest for anyone who needs to effectively manage a collection of digital resources.
Cloud computing
Authors: Thomas P.Y.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the educational potential of “cloud computing” (CC), and how it could be exploited in enhancing engagement among educational researchers and educators to better understand and improve their practice, in increasing the quality of their students' learning outcomes, and, thus, in advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) in a higher education context.

Design/methodology/approach

Adoption of the ideals of SoTL is considered an important approach for salvaging the higher education landscape around the world that is currently in a state of flux and evolution as a result of rapid advances in information and communications technology, and the subsequent changing needs of the digital natives. The study is based on ideas conceptualised from reading several editorials and articles on server virtualisation technology and cloud computing in several journals, with theeSchool Newsas the most important one. The paper identifies two cloud computing tools, their salient features and describes how cloud computing can be used to achieve the ideals of SoTL.

Findings

The study reports that the cloud as a ubiquitous computing tool and a powerful platform can enable educators to practise the ideals of SoTL. Two of the most useful free “cloud computing” applications are the Google Apps for Education which is a free online suite of tools that includes Gmail for e‐mail and Google Docs for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, and Microsoft's cloud service (Live@edu) including the SkyDrive. Using the cloud approach, everybody can work on the same document at the same time to make corrections as well as improve it dynamically in a collaborative manner.

Practical implications

Cloud computing has a significant place in higher education in that the appropriate use of cloud computing tools can enhance engagement among students, educators, and researchers in a cost effective manner. There are security concerns but they do not overshadow the benefits.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into the possibility of using cloud computing delivery for originating a new instructional paradigm that makes a shift possible from the traditional practice of teaching as a private affair to a peer‐reviewed transparent process, and makes it known how student learning can be improved generally, not only in one's own classroom but also beyond it.
The use of metadata and preservation methods for continuous access to digital data
Authors: Groenewald Ria , Breytenbach Amelia
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the awareness about digital preservation and what must be done towards preserving valuable original digital material. The paper also aims to discuss the use of metadata principles and the implementation of tools for the preservation of documents stored on personal computers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data loss prevention starts with the creation of a digital object. However, methods to minimize the loss of digital data are often ignored, the use of metadata structures embedded in digital objects from the outset thereof are recommended as a starting point towards good preservation principles. The need to create awareness on the issue of digital preservation was promoted by the authors at various occasions during 2008, as the number of incidents of data loss and costs involved continue to be of concern to all involved. Whether the loss occurs by a malicious attempt, or an inadvertent mistake, it can be diminishing either personally or to the institute/company where it occurs. Data were collected through a digital questionnaire and literature studies were done on several strategies, policies and best practices. Personal visits to libraries actively working on digital preservation and curation formed a basis for conducting the study. The implementation of tools that can be used to preserve and retrieve digital content by individuals was also investigated.

Findings

Digital objects should be archived with metadata about the object and the creation thereof. Metadata need not necessarily be structured and controlled when used by individuals or small groups for preservation of self owned data. The metadata content, however, should describe the object, the method of creation and technologies used in the creation. All changes to the document should be captured in the preservation metadata. Future access to digital content does not only depend on one preservation method but on a sequence of strategies and methods applied to the digital content.

Originality/value

The paper provides a broad overview of certain aspects that must be considered when implementing digital preservation strategies. The value of metadata needs to be widely accepted and implemented and the use thereof promoted to creators of personal digital objects.
DRIVER: building a sustainable infrastructure for global repositories
Authors: Peters Dale , Lossau Norbert
Published: April 2011

Purpose

DRIVER embodies a bold vision – that of worldwide networks of scientific data repositories. This paper seeks to examine the aims of the European Union funded project, to explore the development of a distributed infrastructure that enables enhanced interoperability of data, resulting in a global knowledge infrastructure supporting the scholarly communication of the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary objective of DRIVER was to establish a flexible, robust, and scalable infrastructure for all European and world‐wide digital repositories, managing scientific information in an open access model increasingly demanded by researchers, funding organisations and other stakeholders. Adopting a result‐driven approach, activities focused on the expansion of the content base with high quality research outputs, including textual research papers, data sets and other scholarly publications.

Findings

The release of the D‐NET v1.0 open source software proved a successful basis for a distributed service‐oriented architecture, enabling enhanced interoperability of data and service‐providers, and offering wide‐ranging functionality including search; recommendation; collection building, and personal profiling as innovative tools for repository managers. In addition, it was found that in building a robust network of voluntary content providers, known as the DRIVER Confederation, the infrastructure came to support a durable organisational structure, now formally constituted as the Confederation of Open Access Repositories (COAR). The international repository organisation enables further collaboration between research communities in a co‐ordinated network comprising a growing number of institutional repositories, national federations and research institutions and data aggregators.

Practical implications

The development of COAR is the extension of the EU‐based infrastructure to global research communities in China, India, Africa and Latin America, deploying a vigorous awareness and advocacy programme. Evolving from the DRIVER Confederation, COAR aims to provide an ongoing support service for repository managers, in a dynamic set of guidelines aimed at data interoperability, and to provide the strategic support required to implement new forms of scholarly communication. These issues are addressed in terms of technical infrastructure developments but will focus on strategic issues of policy development, improved services and additional functionality offered to the scholarly community.

Originality/value

This paper outlines DRIVER's unique response to the changing global information environment. Concepts of strategic international collaboration are pursued in COAR, based on the scientific and technical collaboration achieved in DRIVER. The paper addresses significant repository development goals that currently challenge repository managers, librarians, scholars and funders and that indicate the future of Open Access publication – in the ultimate goal of a global and interactive representation of human knowledge.
Improving operational and business performance in the petroleum industry through quality management
Authors: Mellat Parast Mahour , Adams Stephanie G. , Jones Erick C.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the effects of quality management practices on operational and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A reliable and valid survey instrument was used for data gathering from managers in the petroleum industry. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of quality management practices on operational and business performance.

Findings

The results indicate that top management support, employee training, and employee involvement are significant variables explaining the variability of operational performance. Furthermore, a multiple regression analysis on business performance indicated the significance of top management support on business performance. The study also shows that customer orientation is not a significant predictor of business performance in the petroleum industry. In addition, focus on practices associated with human resource management (employee training and employee involvement) is critical in improving operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

Managers in the oil and gas industry need to emphasize practices associated with human resource management. Future studies should replicate this study with a larger sample size.

Originality/value

The study contributes to theory validation and development in quality management by investigating the effects of quality management practices on operational and business performance. The paper adds to the body of knowledge in quality management in the international context, specifically in the Middle East. In addition, it advances the literature on the practice of quality management in process industries, such as the petroleum industry.
Client‐specific litigation risk and audit quality differentiation
Authors: Sun Jerry , Liu Guoping
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether client‐specific litigation risk affects the audit quality differentiation between Big N and non‐Big N auditors. Specifically, the authors examine whether higher quality audits of Big N auditors relative to non‐Big auditors is more pronounced for clients with high litigation risk than for clients with low litigation risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop the hypothesis based on auditors' potential monetary and reputational losses, collect the data of US listed companies from the Compustat and CRSP databases, and conduct regression analyses.

Findings

The authors find that the higher effectiveness of Big N auditors over non‐Big N auditors in constraining earning management is greater for high litigation risk clients than for low litigation risk clients, suggesting that clients' high litigation risk can force big auditors to perform more effectively.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing novel evidence on the effect of client‐specific litigation risk on the audit quality differentiation between Big N and non‐Big N auditors. The authors' findings complement the extant research on the relationship between the audit quality differentiation and country‐level litigation risk.
The riskiness of audit firm continuing clients' portfolio
Authors: Khalil Samer
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test whether firms audited by the same Big 4 audit firm (Big 4 continuing clients) are more/less likely to report material weaknesses (systemic material weaknesses) in internal controls over a financial reporting than those audited by the same Non‐Big 4 audit firm (Non‐Big 4 continuing clients) over the period 2005‐2008. It also investigates whether the number of material weaknesses and that of systemic material weaknesses varies among the two groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic regression and count regression analysis for panel data tests the hypotheses using all firms that had SOX 404 filings and that were audited by the same auditor over the period 2005‐2008 (1,668 firms; 6,672 firm‐year observations).

Findings

Findings document that Big 4 continuing clients are less likely to report material weaknesses and systemic material weaknesses than Non‐Big 4 continuing clients, especially during the first two years of investigation. Results also demonstrate that the number of material weaknesses and that of systemic material weaknesses reported by Big 4 continuing clients is significantly lower than that reported by Non‐Big 4 continuing clients, primarily for the years 2005 and 2006.

Originality/value

Findings support the risk avoidance perspective where large audit firms avoid riskier clients due to potential litigation costs and/or due to potential sanctions by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Results also suggest that smaller audit firms did not extensively test the quality of internal controls prior to the year 2004. They highlight that the enactment of SOX 404 and the establishment of the PCAOB heightened audit firms focus on internal controls and raised their sensitivity to audit risk arising from weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting.
The greying church: the impact of life expectancy on religiosity
Authors: Papyrakis Elissaios , Selvaretnam Geethanjali
Published: April 2011

Purpose

In recent years, there has been an expanding literature on the socio‐economic determinants of religiosity. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this stream of the literature by studying the impact of life expectancy on religiosity through a theoretical decision‐making framework, and by separately examining the decision of young and old individuals with respect to religious participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses religiosity through a cost‐benefit framework, where decisions at each point in time depend on expected social and spiritual benefits attached to religious adherence (both contemporaneously, as well as in the afterlife), the probability of entering heaven in the afterlife, as well as the costs of formal religion in terms of time allocated to religious activities. It provides the theoretical underpinnings for the negative correlation between life expectancy and religious attendance previously observed in empirical analysis.

Findings

The analysis reveals how increases in life expectancy encourage postponement of religious involvement, particularly in religion doctrines that do not necessarily link salvation (or afterlife benefits more broadly) to the timing of religiosity. This demonstrates that religious establishments should anticipate to attract older members, particularly in countries which have high life expectancy or expect significant increases in life expectancy, although current socio‐economic benefits can counterbalance the negative impact of life expectancy on religiosity and hence encourage religious involvement.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on the economics of religion by exploring the mediating role of life expectancy in explaining cross‐country differences in religious expression, a channel that has so far received little attention in the literature. Its innovation lies in distinguishing decision making over different time intervals and evaluating the role of benefits and costs through the life cycle and in the afterlife.
Commercialization and changes in capital structure in microfinance institutions
Authors: Hoque Monzurul , Chishty Muhammad , Halloway Rashid
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of commercialization on capital structure, mission and performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Robust estimation techniques ranging from simple OLS to fixed and random effects, Tobit and two‐stage least‐squares regression were applied using panel data for six‐year period 2003‐2008.

Findings

The authors' results are generally robust and indicate that leverage decreases the relative level of outreach to the very poor. This is expected as increases in cost of capital leads to higher cost of borrowing, higher default rate and increased risk. Increased use of commercial debt and equity financing lowers productivity for client‐maximizing MFIs through lower conversion of savers to borrowers or the yield rate.

Research limitations/implications

Analysis was done with six years of data as some of the disclosures by MFIs were missing. As comprehensive disclosures become available, a similar study can be performed to see whether degrees of freedom affected the result. However, the research results support the expected outcome and the expectations of leading practitioners.

Practical implications

The study suggests that MFIs can adopt a non‐commercial approach to financing as an alternative to commercialization. Such models are available in practice.

Social implications

Findings suggest that mission drift experienced by MFIs due to commercialization is a wrong turn for the industry.

Originality/value

The paper describes the first study of its kind in the microfinance sector that used comprehensive estimation techniques with traditional and new performance variables.
The behavior of green exchange‐traded funds
Authors: Sabbaghi Omid
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate green exchange‐traded funds (ETFs) and propose a market‐wide proxy for green returns and a green volatility factor.

Design/methodology/approach

Identifying a unique sample of green funds, this paper investigates the time‐series behavior of returns for these investment vehicles and their associated conditional volatility dynamics via GARCH methodology. In this study, green ETFs are defined as index funds replicating market indices that invest in stocks exhibiting positive environmental, social, and governance characteristics.

Findings

Cumulative market‐wide green returns are found to be positive from inception year 2005 through 2008. Estimating a t‐GARCH (1,1) specification, the author finds strong evidence in favor of volatility persistence for the 15 green ETFs identified in this study. Additionally, the results suggest that a 1 percent volatility‐based value‐at‐risk forecast ranges from $24,150 through $26,000 on a daily basis. Finally, the empirical evidence provides support for weak‐form market efficiency when examining the green universe of stocks.

Research limitations/implications

Green ETFs are relatively recent financial instruments and exhibit important implications for volatility timing strategies and the cross‐section of green stock returns.

Practical implications

Knowledge of green price behavior is important in constructing optimal hedging and risk management strategies.

Social implications

Green ETFs provide a natural channel for sustainable investing.

Originality/value

Green ETFs exhibit the advantage of including many companies that have undertaken positive measures towards the global environment in their respective business models. This paper provides the first investigation of green ETFs.
How important is global industry shock in explaining the relative performance of global industries?
Authors: Tai Chu‐Sheng , Iqbal Zahid
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of exchange rate and global industry shocks on the relative performance of global industries.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to SUR approach, we also use GARCH approach to control for heteroskedasticity.

Findings

Using industry data from Japan and the USA, the authors find that although both exchange rate and global industry shocks are statistically significant in explaining the performance of these industries relative to their domestic markets, economically the global industry shock plays the major role in determining this performance.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' findings are only based on two countries, the USA and Japan, so future researchers can use the authors' empirical models to test if their results hold using data from other countries.

Practical implications

Investors should focus more on the performance of global industries instead of exchange rate changes when creating their portfolios.

Originality/value

Our empirical results may explain the poor performance of the regression models in Griffin and Stulz ten years ago where they fail to control for the global industry shock.
Earnings per share versus cash flow per share as predictor of dividends per share
Authors: Consler John , Lepak Greg M. , Havranek Susan F.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the relative power of operating cash flow and earnings in the prediction of dividends.

Design/methodology/approach

A linear mixed effects model is used in terms of selected model fit criteria.

Findings

Based on the selected model fit criteria, cash flow per share is shown to produce a better fit than earnings per share, but it cannot be said how much better.

Research limitations/implications

Quarterly CRSP and Compustat data from 2000 to 2006 for 1,902 dividend‐paying firms are analyzed. Future work would need a different methodology to determine how much better cash flow is as a predictor of dividends.

Practical implications

Both earnings per share and cash flow per share are found to be reasonable dividend predictors.

Social implications

Additional insight is provided on modeling factors that contribute to a firm's decision to engage or disengage in a dividend payment policy.

Originality/value

The study described in this paper continues work on predicting dividends per share. Results show cash flow per share is a better predictor than earnings per share. Investors and analysts predict dividends as part of their stock valuation work. This study suggests focusing attention on using cash flow per share as the predictor of dividends.
The “clinalyst”
Authors: Iedema Rick , Carroll Katherine
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present evidence for regarding reflexive practice as the crux of patient safety in tertiary hospitals. Reflexive practice buttresses safety because it is the precondition for flexible systematization – that is, the process that involves frontline clinicians in designing, redesigning and flexibly enacting care processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an account of a collaborative video‐ethnographic project with a multi‐disciplinary team in an acute spinal unit. Video‐ethnography was combined with video‐reflexivity to provide practitioners with the opportunity to become involved in data interpretation and solution generation.

Findings

The study reveals that an outsider analysts/catalyst (or clinalyst) is critical to engaging frontline practitioners in reflexivity. The clinalyst is able to elicit insights and perspectives that assist practitioners in revisiting and revising their processes and practices, principally because video‐based reflexivity connects “what we do” directly to “who we are”.

Practical implications

Because complexity will be an indelible part of health care work, health care organizations should invest in developing “reflexive space” where learning about complexity becomes possible. Instead of continuing to invest in research efforts seeking to derive and test staff compliance with guidelines and protocols, and training centred on simulation, these organization must begin to engage with the lived complexity of clinical work in order to skill up incoming clinicians.

Originality/value

Enhancing clinical practitioners' capability to confront complexity in their practices is currently not a standard component of clinical training or work‐based learning. Video‐reflexive ethnography in tertiary health care is unique in involving clinicians in “making sense” of and deriving solutions from lived complexity.
Images of changing practice through reflective action research
Authors: Marshall Judi
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review action research approaches to changing practice through reflection, identifying themes, issues and questions relevant to a broader community of research practitioners. It invites additional layering in concept, enactment and account.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework for considering interwoven dimensions of action research as first‐, second‐ and third‐person inquiry is presented. The paper then works through stories to explore the complementarities of action research with other genres of research, addressing developments of practice through reflection. Questions of general relevance are identified.

Findings

Action research is a richly diverse range of approaches having much in common with a broader community who seek to develop embodied practice and practical knowing, work in collaboration, respect multiple ways of knowing, and influence change in social systems. Frames, approaches, practices and questions from action research can be applied more generally. The paper articulates a profusion of questions. These include inviting attention to researchers' reflective practices, to different ways of exploring issues of power, and to questioning (organizational) contexts in which interventions are set.

Practical implications

Practices of inquiry and intervention for social and organizational change are explored. Attention is drawn to issues of power and how they might affect action with a participatory intent. Ways of developing understandings and enactments are offered.

Originality/value

This paper offers a companion language and set of practices from which to view other genres of research/intervention interested in developing practice through reflection.
Enabling supply chain segmentation through demand profiling
Authors: Godsell Janet , Diefenbach Thomas , Clemmow Chris , Towill Denis , Christopher Martin
Published: April 2011

Purpose

Whilst there are a plethora of theoretical ideas regarding a segmented approach to supply chain strategy, there is paucity of empirical data. This paper aims to present the results of a field‐based case study in a fast moving consumer goods company (FMCGCo) that sought to identify the most relevant basis for supply chain segmentation.

Design/methodology/approach

Research carried out on a single instrumental case, FMCGCo. A four‐stage research design was employed to develop and test an approach to developing a segmented supply chain strategy for FMCGCo supply chain Western Europe.

Findings

The study identified demand profiling at an item level (using volume and variability classifiers) as the primary driver of supply chain strategy. It also developed a novel profiling tool. This not only segmented demand but identified through the introduction of the concept of filters a method for turning the results of the demand profiling analysis into a segmented supply chain strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The results presented are based on a single instrumental case. It is the approach that is transferable to other supply chain contexts not the specific solution per se.

Practical implications

The paper presents a practical and pragmatic approach for companies to develop a segmented supply chain strategy based on demand profiling.

Originality/value

The introduction of a new tool as a practical and relatively quick means of developing a segmented supply chain strategy, that considers both market and product characteristics.