bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferências do BPC nas necessidades humanas dos idosos em Canoinhas – SC
Authors: Milani Maria Luiza
Published: December 2016

O estudo trata do enfrentamento da extrema pobreza em Canoinhas/SC, mensurado pelas alteraçõesnas necessidades humanas básicas dos beneficiários do Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC),programa de transferência de renda constitucional, direcionado aos idosos extremamente pobres.O objetivo foi o de pesquisar as alterações nas necessidades humanas básicas dos beneficiáriosidosos do BPC de Canoinhas. A pesquisa teve a compilação de dados estatísticos e conceituais,obtidos na bibliografia e nos documentos institucionais (relatórios, pareceres técnicos, fichas deacompanhamento), obtidos junto aos CRAS, relativos à concessão e ao monitoramento do BPC.Também foi realizada pesquisa de campo, nas residências de 10% da população idosa beneficiária doBPC, com 26 idosos, para conhecer in loco a realidade em que eles estão inseridos e o que foi alteradono modo de vida de cada um após o BPC. Identificou-se que esse benefício vem contribuindo paraum estilo de vida mais saudável e, consequentemente, proporcionou melhoria na qualidade de vidadesses idosos.
The level of risk disclosure in listed banks: Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Maghzom Abdullah , Hussainey Khaled , Aly Doaa
Published: December 2016

This study contributes to the existing risk disclosure literature in emerging economies, in particular Saudi Arabia (SA), by examining the levels of risk disclosure in the annual reports of both Islamic and non-Islamic listed banks. This investigation uses a manual content analysis method to examine all Saudi listed banks from 2009 to 2013. This study also develops two holistic risk disclosure indices to measure the levels of risk disclosure in both Islamic and non-Islamic banks. The empirical analysis shows that Islamic banks report less risk information than non-Islamic banks. However, the analysis also reveals that both Islamic and non-Islamic banks report relatively the same amount of risk information regarding the banks’ universal items. Furthermore, the empirical analysis shows that Islamic banks report very low risk disclosure items. The study’s findings have practical implications. They inform the regulators about the current level of risk disclosure in all Saudi listed banks (Islamic and non-Islamic). For example, the findings show that Islamic banks report less risk information than their non-Islamic counterparts. The practical implications for managers from these findings are that in order to keep investors satisfied, banks with low levels of risk disclosure should enhance their reporting practices. This will help investors when making investment decisions. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, no prior research has previously been conducted on the levels of risk disclosure in Saudi Arabian listed banks. Therefore, this is the first study to examine the levels of risk disclosure in the context of Saudi Arabia.
Environmental management accounting: A conceptual model for the reporting of environmental costs
Authors: Nyide Celani John
Published: December 2016

The overall aim of this study was to identify factors that affect the use of EMA by the hotel sector in South Africa. The research was an exploratory study and qualitative in nature using a single case study with embedded units approach. ABC Hotel Management Group along its 3 hotels located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, met the selection criteria and thus formed part of this study. There were 10 participants in this case study. Additional documents were analysed which included financial statements, policy documents, the Group website, the hotels’ websites, Group Energy Profile Analysis (GEPA) programme, and Building Monitoring Systems (BMS). The results of this research established a number of factors that affect the use of EMA by the hotel sector in South Africa. The adoption of a prototype EMA model by the hotel sector is then suggested by the study.
Social media in the accommodation industry: A cluster analysis
Authors: Rabie Claudette
Published: December 2016

In today’s technologically driven and revolutionised era of digital communication, numerous people combine a complex collection of social media platforms and technology to connect them to the world and people around them. The online participation of consumers has forced companies to embrace social media marketing efforts. The continuous advancements in marketing mediums have a major influence on the success and growth of companies, particularly within the tourism and hospitality industry, as increasingly more travellers are using social media as a means of communicating and seeking information. The purpose of this research study was therefore to explore if users of social media as a promotional mix element could be clustered into different groups based on characteristics they possess. A web-based self-administered questionnaire was distributed to accommodation establishments located in the Western Cape province of South Africa and a total of 361 useable responses were received. A four-step cluster analysis was performed in order to identify similar groups of respondents in their use of social media as a promotional mix element. The findings presented four distinct users of social media in the accommodation industry based on six variables identified from the literature.
Corporate governance mechanisms and the performance of Malaysian listed firms
Authors: Abdullah Shamsul Nahar
Published: December 2016

In the aftermath of the Asian Financial crisis in 1997/1998, the Malaysia Securities Commission (SC) issued the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance in 2000 (MCCG 2000). It was subsequently revised in 2007 following the Enron and Transmile debacles. In 2012, the SC issued the latest MCCG 2012 which introduced several new recommendations that are in line with developments in other parts of the world. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the structure of the board and its activities on firm performance post MCCG 2007. The study also aims to shed light on the effectiveness of the board of directors since the issuance of MCCG 2000 and of MCCG 2007. It also aims to reveal the preparedness of listed firms in Malaysia to embrace MCCG 2012. Using a population of non-finance listed firms for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 financial years, it was found that board independence, chief executive officer (CEO) duality, directors’ busyness, nomination committee independence, the establishment of a risk management committee (RMC) and board meetings are not associated with firm performance, i.e. Tobin’s q. However, the market appears to be in favour of a larger board size. As for return on assets (ROA), it is not associated with board independence, board size, directors’ busyness and nomination committee independence. On the other hand CEO duality and the establishment of a RMC improve ROA, while board meetings are detrimental to ROA. It can therefore be concluded that board independence is not associated with either Tobin’s q or ROA. Hence, any corporate governance reforms should not over-emphasize the representation of independent directors on the board, rather the focus might be shifted to board activities, such as board meetings and the establishment of a RMC. With regard to board size, since the market is in favour of a larger board size, firms should increase the board’s size to enable the appointment of women directors to the board. Finally, combining the CEO and board chairman roles should not be disallowed as the market views this favourably. Hence, the ‘one-hat approach’ does not appear to be applicable in the case of CEO duality.
“Materialistic” accountant interpretation in earnings management practices
Authors: Diamastuti Erlina , Malik Ahmad Dahlan , Rofelawaty Budi
Published: December 2016

The background of this study the phenomenon of earnings management practices often does companies that resulted in losses for the stakeholders and degrade the quality of financial reporting information. Therefore, this study aims to interpret the behavior of accountants in earnings management practices. The approach taken is hermeneutic interpretive. Hermeneutic approach undertaken by the authors based on the curiosity of the author of the views and understanding of accountants and businessmen related to earnings management practices. The views and comments of the accountant may be the interpretation which would have a meaning according to their worldview. As a result, earnings management commentary in the practice of accountants in the study found: 1) Accountants have always considered that the accounting figures are mirrored the progress of the company; 2) Profit Management don’ts home still in the corridor accounting policy rather than to meet the interests unilaterally; 3) The tendency of managers does materialistic behavior in earnings management practices.
Impact of big data on the retail industry
Authors: Seetharaman Arumugam , Niranjan Indu , Tandon Varun , Saravanan A. S.
Published: December 2016

With the recent emergence of Big Data with its Volume, Variety and Velocity (3V’s), data analysis has emerged as a crucial area of study for both practitioners and researchers, reflecting the magnitude and impact of data-related problems to be resolved in business organizations, including the retail industry. This study has methodically identified and analysed four factors, namely, data source, data analysis tools, financial and economic outcomes and data security and data privacy, to gauge their influence on the impact of Big Data in the retail industry. This research analyses the impact of big data analysis on retail firms that use data and business analytics to make decisions, termed a data-driven decision-making (DDD) approach. The new finding is arrived that financial and economic outcome showed a strong support and have direct relationship with data analysis tools of retail industry. Data for the study were collected using a survey of various business practices and investments in information technology by retail organizations. The data analysis showed that retail organizations which use DDD have higher output and productivity. Using SMART PLS data analysis methods with solid support of review from ISI Journals, the relationship between DDD and performance is also evident in aspects of organization such as the utilization of inventory, customer engagement and market value in the retail industry.
The appointment process for independent directors in Malaysian listed companies
Authors: Abdullah Shamsul Nahar , Zainal Abidin Nor Hafizah , Abu Bakar Intan Suryani , Rahman Anis Ur
Published: December 2016

This study examines the appointment process for independent directors in public listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia. To this end, open-ended interviews were conducted with chairmen of nomination committees of PLCs in Malaysia in order to understand the appointment process. The results revealed that nominations may come from various sources, including from the firm’s board members, CEO or owners. It was also found that the nominees are those within the personal network of the board members, CEO or owners. The main reason given was to shorten the appointment process and also because they knew the candidates personally. In terms of the selection criteria, the personal qualities of a candidate were found to be very important. In particular, the board puts emphasis on experience, expertise, professional qualifications, and reputation to identify a candidate who can commit to their tasks. However, the board does not consider race, religion, and gender as important selection criteria. Our findings reveal that it is the board that makes the final decision on the appointment or reappointment of independent directors. Based on our findings, we conclude that nominations for independent directorships mainly come from inside the firms and those nominated are within their networks. In other words, the independent directors are known or connected either to the board members, CEO or major shareholders. Hence, it would be very difficult for independent directors to perform a monitoring role as prescribed in agency theory. Rather, the independent directors are appointed to the board primarily to play a service role, consistent with resource dependency theory. The fact that firms prefer professionals with experience indicates that candidates for independent directorships are appointed because of their expertise and their service role.
An evaluation of the role of leadership on employees’ job satisfaction
Authors: Ledimo Ophillia
Published: December 2016

The construct leadership is an engrossing shared phenomenon that takes place in all organisations regardless of its business focus, financial performance, geography, philosophy or nationality. As a construct, leadership can be complex and equally diverse in organisations. Therefore the distinction between leaders and non-leaders creates controversial debates on the theory and practice of leadership in organisations. In this debate, employees as followers are seldom afforded the opportunity to evaluate the impact of leadership on their job satisfaction; especially in the twenty first century world of work. It is the aim of this study to evaluate the role of leadership on employees’ job satisfaction; using a sample of n= 80 participants who are employees of a debt collection division. Data was collected using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). Descriptive and inferential analysis results indicate that there are significant relationships between transformational, transactional and laissez-faire leadership with job satisfaction dimensions. This study indicates that to improve employees’ job satisfaction it is essential that the current leadership in the organisation reflects an ideal or preferred leadership approach for its employees. Practical implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations for future research are explained.
The Governance model in the italian public entities after more than a quarter of a century since the reform
Authors: Grandis F.G. , Mattei Giorgia
Published: December 2016

To identify the governance model “traditionally” used in Italy, is important to analyse the different types of organizational models, identifiable in the Public sector when considering, simultaneously, two different variables: 1.the distribution of power between politicians and managers; 2. the nature of the manager’s employment contracts. In Italy, by the reform, the “traditional” period ended to make way for a “modern” governance model which invaded the organizational aspect of public Administrations. Now, more than 25 years since the principle of distinction was introduced, it is time to understand if the innovations are really applied.
Non-financial corporations in Lebanon: Who governs? “The governance myopia”
Authors: El Hajj Mireille Chidiac , Moussa Richard Abou , Akiki Maha , Sassine Anthony
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this paper is to study governance practices in non-financial enterprises in Lebanon, and it is the first time that such enterprises are studied in the Lebanese context. Only three non-financial institutions are listed in the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE), which constitute the whole population of this research. Built on Principles, Governance is based on transparency and on accurate, relevant, and timely information in order to support the Board members’ decision-making (OECD, 2015). Balanced between Jensen and Meckling’s (1976) agency theory and Donaldson and Davis’ (1991) Stewardship theory, the results of our Qualitative study showed that the main problems faced by the enterprises are not in the quality of information but rather in its selection and filtering, which opens doors to “Governance Myopia”. Face-to-face interviews showed that the primary conflict in our case is between the non-financial enterprises and the BSE, since the BSE is controlled by the enterprises and is not controlling them. The main reason of such practices come from the fear of the BSE of losing a potential position in the MENA Exchange Market, doubled with the fear of losing potential investors. All these reasons weigh heavily on the Administrators of the BSE in Lebanon, forcing them to choose the “Laisser passer” way. Referring to the soft Law when dealing with the companies, the BSE is playing the double role of a marketer and a controller, thus not willing to impose restrictions. A need for “harder laws”, for “Privatization” of the BSE, and a call to the Capital Market Authority (CMA) to put more restrictions on Corporations should be observed.
Benchmarking CEO compensation: Developing a model for different business strategies
Authors: Oberholzer Merwe
Published: December 2016

Porter’s generic business strategies of cost leadership and differentiation were adjusted to make them applicable to CEO compensation strategies. The cost leadership strategy equates to a firm that attempts to signal that their CEO is not over paid, not reaping off much of the profits, but is compensated according to best practices. The differentiation strategy relates to a firm that believes it is important to signal that their CEO is above average and therefore should earn an above average compensation. The purpose of the study was to develop a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with two stages. The first provides a best practice frontier to benchmark segments of CEO compensation against determiners thereof, including firm-, CEO- and governance characteristics. Firms with different strategies will then position themselves differently to the best practice frontier. Irrespective of the strategy chosen at the first stage, the second stage estimates how efficient firms are to convert the above-mentioned determiners into multiple performance measures. The contribution of the study is that employing such a model may change the philosophy of how firms look at CEO compensation, for example firms whose CEOs are at the bottom half are not necessarily below average or underpaid, but signal that their CEOs are compensated according to best practices.
A rasch analysis of a measure of stakeholders inputs for the South African occupational learning context
Authors: Tshilongamulenzhe Maelekanyo Christopher
Published: December 2016

This study assesses the psychometric properties of the Stakeholders Inputs (SI) scale which is designed for the South African occupational learning context. A quantitative, non-experimental cross-sectional survey design was used and data were collected from a sample of 652 respondents. Data were analysed using SPSS and Winsteps software. The findings reveal that the SI scale is a psychometrically robust instrument suitable for application in the South African occupational learning context. The measure shows a good person and item separation indices and no evidence of item misfit. All items contribute to a single trait measurement.
A psychometric assessment of the LPME scale for the South African skills development context.
Authors: Tshilongamulenzhe Maelekanyo Christopher
Published: December 2016

A thorough examination of psychometric properties of measurement scales is necessary to ensure that these scales comply with the existing scientific conventions. This article assesses the psychometric properties of the Learning Programme Management and Evaluation (LPME) scale. A quantitative, non-experimental cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected from a sample of 652 respondents comprising skills development practitioners and learners/apprentices. Data were analyzed using Winsteps, SPSS and AMOS computer software. The findings show that the LPME scale meets the psychometric expectations and complies with the established scientific conventions in terms of validity, reliability, fit and unidimensionality.
Reforming the health sector in South Africa – Post 1994
Authors: Brauns Melody , Stanton Anne
Published: December 2016

This article reviews the efforts of the South African government in recognising development challenges of the post-apartheid era and assesses the approaches employed to bring about economic growth and to address inherited inequalities.
Exploring the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction in postal financial services
Authors: Msosa Steven Kayambazinthu , Govender Jeevarathnam Parthasarathy
Published: December 2016

Service quality and customer satisfaction are related and are important factors for the success of service providers be it in the public or the private sector. This study aims to examine the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction in the Malawian public postal service, specifically its banking division. A cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study was undertaken and data was collected from 400 customers using the SERVPERF model. A non-probability sampling approach was adopted and respondents were selected using convenience sampling. Reliability of the study was tested using Cronbach alpha. Correlation tests were conducted using Spearman’s rho. The results show that all the five service quality dimensions, viz. tangibles, reliability, empathy, assurance and responsiveness, are significantly and positively correlated. There was also a significant correlation between the service quality dimensions and overall service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
Risk intelligence: How lessons from folktales/fables contribute to the implementation of risk management in banks
Authors: Mashingaidze Sivave
Published: December 2016

The objective of this article is to outline credit risk in banks and how fables/folktales can provide with life lessons to implement risk management systems that should act as a stop-gate measure. Banking institutions need to show how proactively managing risk becomes a cornerstone to explore opportunities, rather than simply avoiding dynamites. Risk Intelligence gives companies the confidence to harness risk to explore new opportunities. Lessons were provided from folktales/fables from the animal kingdom. The article adopted a literature review methodology and the results were that, for a business to be successful the medicine does not lie in the policies but the therapy lies in the spirit of oneness in the banks from top management down to the shop floor employee in the branch. By working together the banks can afford to curb credit risks
Foreign capital flows, exports and growth in Zambia
Authors: Tsaurai Kunofiwa
Published: December 2016

This study investigates the causality between FDI net inflows, exports and GDP using Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) approach. The words foreign capital flows and FDI are used interchangeably in this study. The findings from the VECM estimation technique is six fold: (1) the study revealed a long run causality relationship running from exports and GDP towards FDI, (2) the study showed a non–significant long run causality relationship running from FDI and exports towards GDP and (3) the existence of a weak long run causality relationship running from FDI and GDP towards exports in Zambia.
The study also found out that no short run causality relationship that runs from FDI and exports towards GDP, short run causality running from FDI and GDP towards exports does not exist and there is no short run causality relationship running from exports and GDP towards FDI. Contrary to the theory which says that FDI brings along with it a whole lot of advantages (FDI technological diffusion and spill over effects), the current study found that the impact of FDI in Zambia is not significant in the long run. This is possibly because certain host country locational characteristics that ensures that Zambia can benefit from FDI inflows are not in place or they might be in place but still not yet reached a certain minimum threshold levels. This might be an interesting area for further research. On the backdrop of the findings of this study, the author recommends that the Zambian authorities should formulate and implement export promotion strategies and economic growth enhancement initiatives in order to be able to attract more FDI.
Sell side recommendations during booms and busts
Authors: Kretzmann Christian W. , Maaz Christoph M. , Pucker Oliver
Published: December 2016

Our study documents that the information content and the information processing of stock recommendations differ fundamentally between expansions and recessions. The initial market reaction to all recommendations is stronger in recessions, but “Buy” recommendations do not have long-term investment value. We find that in recessions sell side analysts are too optimistic about the stocks they recommend to buy, while investors initially overreact to these recommended stocks. In expansions, no such contradicting pattern exists. We also document that analysts favor “glamour” over “value” stocks irrespective of the state of the economy.
The art of alternative risk transfer methods of insurance
Authors: Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: December 2016

The very basis of insurance is risk assumption. Hence it is the business of insurance to give risk protection. The notion that all ‘risk is risk’ and hence should be treated as such, has become the driving force on the risk landscape. Insurance companies have no room to be selective, as there are competitive threats posed by other financial players who are waiting on the wings to invade the market segment. There has been an emergence of new risks, such as cyber, terrorism as well as liability risks. The insurance cycles have made traditional insurance cover expensive. In this article we sought to interrogate whether Alternative Risk Transfer techniques represent a cost effective way of balancing insurability and the bottom line by analysing global trends. On the basis of the research findings it can be concluded that indeed the ART solutions are a must buy for both corporates and insurance companies, as they result in the organisation using them achieving financial efficiency. The present study also demonstrates that there is a paradigm shift in insurance from that of indemnity to that of value enhancement. Lastly the study reveals that ART solutions are here to stay and are not a fad. Insurance companies cannot afford the luxury of missing any further opportunities, such as happened with Y2K, which proved to be a free lunch
Carbon Risk Analysis Of The South African Banks’ Lending To The JSE100 CDP Companies
Authors: Bimha Alfred
Published: December 2016

There is a pertinent concern over the continued lending to companies that are still pursuing projects that increase the amount of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. South Africa has most of its energy generation being done through coal thermal powered turbines. More so there are a number of new power stations being built in South Africa that are coal powered. Coal on the other hand is deemed as having the highest amount of carbon that contributes to the greenhouse effect which in turn affects the climate leading to climate change consequences. There is also a growing concern on the uptake of renewable energy initiatives by companies that are deemed carbon intensive. Banks are being castigated for not using their economic transformation role to champion the agenda of combating climate change caused by carbon emissions. In this study, the extent of lending in the short and long term to carbon intensive companies by South African banks is examined. Using a sample of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange top 100 companies that participate in Carbon Disclosure Project, an analysis is done through four carbon metrics –carbon intensity, carbon dependency, carbon exposure, carbon risk. The analysis used public information from the banks’ websites, South African Reserve Bank reports and other public databases that contain sustainability information of the JSE100 companies. The analysis was done by comparing the carbon metrics of the recognized seven (7) sectorial industry catergories (SIC) on the JSE, mainly Energy & Materials, Industrials, Consumer Staples, Consumer Discretionary, Financials, IT & Telecoms and Health Care. The major finding of the research is that there is a high carbon risk in short term loans compared to long term loans across the JSE100 companies that are analysed. More so, the Energy & Materials sector seem to have the highest carbon risk compared to the other sectors.
Financial modelling and corporate governance: A feminist perspective using an optimization approach
Authors: Adhariani Desi
Published: December 2016

This study is aimed at projecting the financial condition of the company using the feminist ethics of care integrated in corporate governance principles. The research question to be answered is: How the financial condition of the company in the future is affected if the feminist ethics of care is applied in its corporate governance practices? The research question is answered using the quantitative optimisation method to develop the financial planning model for the period 2012-2016. BHP Billiton which is one of the world’s largest resources company is selected to be the sample of this case study. The projection of the financial condition for the five-year period 2012-2016 showed that BHP Billiton, Ltd. can achieve an overall positive economic value retained in the projected period even though negative results exist for 2015 and 2016. Sensitivity analysis was performed by providing two examples of alternatives or scenarios to show the impact on the projected financial condition. It can be concluded that the Company’s financial condition will be stable in the future. The use of the ethics of care simultaneously as a lens to support corporate governance practices and as guidance in financial projection has not been conducted in previous studies. This study therefore, offers an original contribution to the literature of corporate governance, business ethics and financial planning
A recurrence formula for the q-beta integral and its applications
Authors: Ge Ji-Ke , Zhu Jun-Ming , Luo Qiu-Ming
Published: December 2016

In this paper we derive a recurrence formula for the q-beta integral using the
q-Chu-Vandermonde formula and show some special cases and applications.
Some applications of Mittag-Leffler function in the unit disk
Authors: Attiya Adel
Published: December 2016

In this paper we introduce an operator associated with generalized
Mittag-Leffler function in the unit disk U = {z : |z| < 1}. By using this
operator and the virtue of differential subordination, we obtain interesting
results. Some applications of our results are also obtained.
Some symmetric identities for the higher-order q-Euler polynomials related to symmetry group S3 arising from p-adic q-fermionic integrals on Zp
Authors: Kim Dae , Kim Taekyun
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this paper is to give some new symmetric identities for the
higher-order q-Euler polynomials of the first kind related to symmetry group
S3 arising from p-adic q-fermionic integrals on Zp.
Half lightlike submanifolds of a semi-Riemannian manifold of quasi-constant curvature
Authors: Jin Dae , Lee Jae
Published: December 2016

We study the geometry of half lightlike submanifolds (M,g,S(TM), S(TM?)) of
a semi-Riemannian manifold (M~,g~) of quasi-constant curvature subject to
the following conditions; (1) the curvature vector field ? of M~ is tangent
to M, (2) the screen distribution S(TM) of M is either totally geodesic or
totally umbilical in M, and (3) the co-screen distribution S(TM?) of M is a
conformal Killing distribution.
Some identities and recurrence relations on the two variables Bernoulli, Euler and Genocchi polynomials
Authors: Kurt Veli , Kurt Burak
Published: December 2016

Mahmudov in ([16], [17], [18]) introduced and investigated some q-extensions
of the q-Bernoulli polynomials B(?)n,q (x,y) of order ?, the q-Euler
polynomials ?(?)n,q (x,y) of order ? and the q-Genocchi polynomials
G(?)n,q (x,y) of order ?. In this article, we give some identities for
the q-Bernoulli polynomials, q-Euler polynomials and q-Genocchi polynomials
and the recurrence relation between these polynomials. We give a different
form of the analogue of the Srivastava-Pint?r addition theorem.
A study of approximate normal distribution derived from combinatoric convolution sums of divisor functions
Authors: Kim Daeyeoul , Lee Kwangchul , Seo Gyeong-Sig
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we consider the relations between Bernoulli polynomials,
Legendre polynomials and combinatoric convolution sums of divisor functions.
In addition, we give examples of approximate normal distribution derived
from combinatoric convolution sums of divisor functions.
Inverse mapping theory on split quaternions in Clifford analysis
Authors: Kim Ji , Shon Kwang
Published: December 2016

We give a split regular function that has a split Cauchy-Riemann system in
split quaternions and research properties of split regular mappings with
values in S. Also, we investigate properties of an inverse mapping theory
with values in split quaternions.
Duality of Herz-Morrey spaces of variable exponent
Authors: Mizuta Yoshihiro
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we discuss the duality between the inner and outer Herz-Morrey
spaces of variable exponent.
Special lightlike hypersurfaces of indefinite Kaehler manifolds
Authors: Jin Dae
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we define three types of lightlike hypersurfaces of an
indefinite Kaehler manifold, which are called Hopf, recurrent and Lie
recurrent lightlike hypersurfaces. After that we provide several new results
on such three type lightlike hypersurfaces of an indefinite Kaehler manifold
or an indefinite almost complex space form.
Age-Dependent Control of Energy Homeostasis by Brown Adipose Tissue in Progeny Subjected to Maternal Diet–Induced Fetal Programming
Authors: Dumortier Olivier , Roger Estelle , Pisani Didier F. , Casamento Virginie , Gautier Nadine , Lebrun Patricia , Johnston Hereroa , Lopez Pascal , Amri Ez-Zoubir , Jousse Céline , Fafournoux Pierre , Prentki Marc , Hinault Charlotte , Van Obberghen Emmanuel
Published: December 2016

Epidemiological and animal studies show that deleterious maternal environments predispose aging offspring to metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes. Young progenies in a rat model of maternal low-protein (LP) diet are normoglycemic despite collapsed insulin secretion. However, without further worsening of the insulin secretion defect, glucose homeostasis deteriorates in aging LP descendants. Here we report that normoglycemic and insulinopenic 3-month-old LP progeny shows increased body temperature and energy dissipation in association with enhanced brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity. In addition, it is protected against a cold challenge and high-fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity with associated insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Surgical BAT ablation in 3-month-old LP offspring normalizes body temperature and causes postprandial hyperglycemia. At 10 months, BAT activity declines in LP progeny with the appearance of reduced protection to HFD-induced obesity; at 18 months, LP progeny displays a BAT activity comparable to control offspring and insulin resistance and hyperglycemia occur. Together our findings identify BAT as a decisive physiological determinant of the onset of metabolic dysregulation in offspring predisposed to altered β-cell function and hyperglycemia and place it as a critical regulator of fetal programming of adult metabolic disease.
Exploring Success Factors in the Children's Market
Authors: Haryanto Jony Oktavian , Moutinho Luiz
Published: December 2016

The potential of the child segment offers an immense opportunity for marketers to explore. In the ever more dynamic and ever changing children's market, the identification and ability to optimise the factors that can preserve product dominance are key to product longevity. This paper attempts to identify those factors that can influence the success of products in the children's market. We focus on identifying the antecedents of brand relationship and brand loyalty for the children's market. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the body of knowledge, and build understanding between the factors and their interrelations so that, in the end, product longevity in the children's market is finally achieved.
The Economic Worth of Product Placement in Prime-time Television Shows
Authors: Begy Genevieve , Talwar Vishal
Published: December 2016

Product placement is fiercely being courted by firms as a consequence of the declining credibility of traditional broadcast advertising and the ‘30-second spot’. Very little research analysing its economic worth exists outside of the realm of film, however. This paper responds by applying a consistent measure of placement effectiveness to television through use of event analyses. It finds a mean cumulative abnormal return of 0. 79% in a sample of 264 placements from the 2011-12 prime-time season, confirming that product placement in television is positively and significantly associated with movement in firms' stock prices. Placement in a season premiere has significantly higher mean returns than in a non-pivotal episode, irrespective of whether the firm places the product in both episodes. A cross-sectional analysis of placement, episode and show factors suggests that the duration of placement and one-hour show length are positively associated with stock price movement. Placement in a show's debut season is adversely associated to worth.
A New Measure of Consideration Set Size
Authors: Stocchi Lara , Banelis Melissa , Wright Malcolm
Published: December 2016

This research proposes a new method for computing consideration set size as the sum of the associative penetrations (or the ‘mental’ repertoire). This multi-cued non-attitudinal measure represents the chances of retrieving brands from memory, or the average number of salient brands. It is consistent with developments in memory theory and conceptually similar to a behavioural measure, i.e. purchase repertoire size. As such, it offers a stronger conceptual framework and a more robust empirical basis for comparisons between the cognitive and behavioural dimensions of consumer choice. This measure and the underlying theoretical approach is validated through empirical analysis across multiple categories, which includes: (i) appraisal of the extent to which the ‘mental’ repertoire is larger yet correlated with the behavioural (or purchase) repertoire; (ii) appraisal of the extent to which this relationship reveals the expected usage effect in brand image data; and (iii) a clarification of whether the interplay between retrieval propensities and purchase propensities in determining repertoire size is borne out by observation. The new approach enables individual brand-level diagnostic benchmarks to be specified. It also provides insights for marketing practice, including a framework by which marketing strategies may affect retrieval and purchase propensities differently.
The Benefits of Quantifying Qualitative Brand Data
Authors: Rahman Kaleel , Areni Charles S.
Published: December 2016

Researchers suggest quantification of qualitative data as an innovative approach to knowledge creation. Brand associations, a form of qualitative data, are common in measuring customer-based brand equity. The branding literature suggests that not all brand associations are equal. The strength, uniqueness and valence of brand associations need to be considered when assessing brand associations (Keller 1993). Although Keller's work is cited by many, no study has devised a method to quantify and integrate these three dimensions into a single index. This study provides an approach to address all three dimensions simultaneously. The approach first determines uniqueness of brand associations by coding associations into several mutually exclusive meaning categories. Then the serial order of free-association elicitation is used to assess association strength. The serial order, combined with a measure of valence, creates a quantification of open-ended brand associations called a ‘weighted valence index’ (WVI). In conclusion, the paper discusses the reliability and validity of the proposed measure.
Quantitative and Qualitative Research: Perceptual Foundations
Authors: Barnham Chris
Published: December 2016

The way in which quantitative research and qualitative research are conventionally contrasted with each other runs along familiar lines – the former is seen as offering 'hard', 'factual' data, while the latter is depicted as softer, as providing deeper insight, but at the expense of being necessarily more 'interpretivist' and 'subjective' in its approach. Seldom is it recognised that this way of distinguishing the two methodologies is, in fact, rooted in our quantitatively determined beliefs about human experience. This paper aims to uncover these assumptions and to identify how they are rooted in our underlying preconceptions about the perceptual process itself. It outlines a new platform upon which the distinction between quantitative and qualitative research can be established and which links the latter with semiotics.
A Respondent-friendly Method of Ranking Long Lists
Authors: Heyman James , Sailors John
Published: December 2016

This article illustrates a respondent-friendly approach to preference elicitation over large choice sets, which overcomes limitations of rating, full-list ranking, conjoint and choice-based approaches. This approach, HLm, requires respondents to identify the top and bottom m items from an overall list. Across respondents, the number of times an item appears in participants' L (low) list is subtracted from the number of times it appears in participants' H (high) list. These net scores are then used to order the total list. We illustrate the approach in three experiments, demonstrating that it compares favourably to familiar methods, while being much less demanding on survey participants. Experiment 1 had participants alphabetise words, suggesting the HLm method is easier than full ranking but less accurate if m does not increase with increases in list length. The objective of experiment 2 was to order US states by population. In this domain, where knowledge was imperfect, HLm outperformed full ranking. Experiment 3 involved eliciting respondents' personal tastes for fruit. HLm resulted in a final ranking that correlated highly with MaxDiff scaling. We argue that HLm is a viable method for obtaining aggregate order of preferences across large numbers of alternatives.
Exploring Reidentification Risk: Is Anonymisation a Promise we can Keep?
Authors: Nunan Daniel , Di Domenico MariaLaura
Published: December 2016

The anonymisation of personal data has multiple purposes within research: as a marker of ethical practice, a means of reducing regulation and as a safeguard for protecting respondent privacy. However, the growing capabilities of technology to gather and analyse data have raised concerns over the potential reidentification of anonymised datasets. This has sparked a wide-ranging debate among both academic researchers and policy makers as to whether anonymisation can continue to be relied upon. This debate has the potential to create important implications for market research. This paper analyses the key arguments both for and against anonymisation as an effective tool given the changing technological environment. We consider the future position of anonymisation and question whether anonymisation can retain its key role given the potential impact on both respondent trust and the nature of self-regulation within market research.
A Demonstration of Structural Choice Modelling in a Market Research Context
Authors: Bowe Jasha , Lee Richard , Lockshin Larry , Rungie Cam
Published: December 2016

Grounded in random utility theory, discrete choice experiments (DCE) have proven to be effective in uncovering consumers' choice preferences and switching patterns for repeated choice. Despite this efficacy, a key shortcoming of a DCE is that it does not allow simultaneous comparisons across separate experiments, such as for different product categories, even if both experiments use the same respondents. While wider modelling in a single DCE can use interaction terms as a workaround method to compare across experiments, comparing partworth estimates of separate DCEs is problematic. This study illustrates the use of structural choice modelling (SCM), a recent development that incorporates latent variables and structural equations into the analyses of DCEs and more generally into choice processes. SCM makes it possible to evaluate the consistencies (i.e. heterogeneity) of preferences for attributes common across multiple DCEs when applied to the same respondents, thereby overcoming the stated DCEs' weakness.
Exploring Luxury Value Perceptions in China
Authors: Sun Gong , D'Alessandro Steven , Johnson Lester W.
Published: December 2016

Taking the case of China, this paper examines the relationship between different luxury value dimensions, and explores how these affect consumers' purchase intentions. China is now the second largest luxury market in the world. Most previous studies of luxury consumption have tested only the direct influences of luxury value perceptions on purchasing behaviour. For this paper, sample data were gathered through surveys administered to 409 Chinese nationals living in China. The model is empirically tested using structural equation modelling. The current research incorporates both personal- and social-oriented perceived values, and draws a holistic picture of consumers' decision-making processes in luxury consumption. The results suggest that perceived social value and perceived emotional value both directly influence luxury purchase intention. Perceived unique value exerts an indirect impact on luxury purchase intention Perceived quality value has both a direct and indirect effect on luxury purchase intention. We also account for cultural differences rather than simply replicating previous studies in China. We consider local culture in order to understand what consumers actually value from luxury products, and we discuss the implications of indigenisation for future international marketing research.
Binary Choice vs Ratings Scales
Authors: Harvey Chris
Published: December 2016

This paper argues for the adoption of binary choice over ratings scales, from the knowledge that the majority of human decision making takes place in what Kahneman (2011) and others have described as ‘system 1’. Negative issues associated with the use of ratings scales in surveys have been widely reported (e.g. Revilla 2015), with the binary choice response option having been proposed as a better method due to its elimination of a number of biases. Given that we regularly classify concepts, objects, organisations or other people in binary format using system 1, the binary choice response option would seem to provide a method not only less biased than ratings scales but, critically, more realistic.