bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of retail pricing: a case study of fluid milk
Authors: Zhu Xinkai , Liu Xiaoou
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new model to empirically analyze retail pricing dynamics led by the competition between retailers, using fluid milk markets of three US metropolitan areas as a case study. The research is important for Chinese public policy makers to find the reasons of retail price fluctuations and provides policy makers with the direction and rationale to intervene in retailing markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper empirically applies dynamic oligopolistic competition model using Markov switching regression. The dataset used in this study includes 58 four‐week‐ending observations covering the period from March 1996 to July 2000 for three cities, Boston, Dallas, and Seattle.

Findings

The empirical results illustrate the Markov switching regression not only successfully identifies the Markov perfect equilibrium in each market, but decomposes the retail price series into the corresponding equilibrium regimes. The forecasting power of the model is surprising so it can serve as a price monitor of the government. Additionally, the model reveals the different consumer welfare implications given different price regimes. The welfare analysis shows that consumers are most likely to be worse off through price fluctuations, while they are not always better off through a sticky (stable) price series in a market.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation of the paper is the retail price data is four‐week ending. If a cycle evolves faster within four weeks, the model would overestimate the duration and underestimate the amplitude of cycles. So the study serves as an upper bound of the reality. The second limitation is the number of regimes. More than three regimes studied in a Markov switching regression may cause a series of empirical issues. However, if we integrate several regimes into one regime, we will lose rich information about the competitiveness of the markets.

Practical implications

This paper is the first work to apply the dynamic pricing analysis to food industry by using fluid milk market as a case study. This paper empirically identifies four retail pricing regimes in fluid milk price series and evaluates the characteristics of the regimes.

Social implications

This paper assesses the welfare implications of each pricing regime. The results show that the forecasting power of the model is strong in fluid milk retail market. Therefore, the study could serve as a price monitor to the public policymaker.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first study to apply dynamic oligopolistic competition model to food marketing research.
Specialty products, rural livelihoods and agricultural marketing reforms in China
Authors: Brown Colin , Waldron Scott , Longworth John
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply a market efficiency theoretical framework to analyse and postulate solutions to the challenges confronting China in engaging smallholders in higher value, specialty, agricultural product markets. A marketing experiment/trial to test these ideas is evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of fine‐wool marketing is used to illustrate issues associated with specialty product marketing. The market efficiency approach highlights the difficulties involved in relaying accurate product prices and values (exchange efficiency) while aligning the logistical requirements of higher value market segments with the small, dispersed and locationally remote smallholders (operational efficiency). The marketing experiment/trial was conducted in three fine‐wool‐growing counties in Western China in 2008.

Findings

The fine‐wool case study highlights that modernization of the marketing system is required not only so that smallholders can access the premium prices potentially available but also to improve international competitiveness.

Originality/value

Engaging smallholders in specialty agricultural product markets poses significant challenges for China. The market efficiency approach (exchange efficiency versus operational efficiency) provides a new perspective on these challenges and offers new insights about appropriate policy settings both at a macro‐ and micro‐level.
Balancing nutrition, luxury, and time constraints in food preparation choices
Authors: Tashiro Sanae , Lo Chu‐Ping
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how nutritional concerns, luxurious tastes, and the value of time affect time allocation decisions for food preparation.

Design/methodology/approach

A time allocation model is developed and tested with Tobit and Heckman's sample selection models using the 2003‐2007 American Time Use Survey data.

Findings

Individuals concerned more with nutrition or price than luxury devote more time to preparing food‐cooked‐at‐home. High family income and long hours worked increase time allocated to food‐away‐from‐home, indicating that a preference for luxury and the opportunity cost of time outweigh nutritional concerns. High education reduces time spent preparing food‐cooked‐at‐home, yet increases both participation in this activity and time spent obtaining food‐away‐from‐home, suggesting that a preference for luxury and the opportunity cost of time dominate nutritional preference. Time allocation decisions on food preparation vary greatly by race and ethnicity.

Originality/value

The results of this study confirm that the time allocation decisions regarding food preparation are largely affected by an individual's luxury preference, nutritional consciousness, and the value of time, all of which are influenced by education. The findings from this study indicate factors that influence consumers' time allocation decisions regarding food choice and their current food preparation behavior, and thus provide useful insights to nutritionists, dietitians, health practitioners, and policy makers for finding better ways to improve nutritional education, food choices and dietary habits that promote healthier diets and eating habits.
Agriculture and the Wealth of Nations: 2010 CAER‐IFPRI annual conference summary
Authors: Guo Pei , Liu Xiangqi , Ma Ling
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the China Agricultural Economic Review (CAER)'s second annual conference, which was organized by the CAER editorial office and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

Design/methodology/approach

The conference theme was “Agriculture and the Wealth of Nations”, aiming to explore the importance of agriculture as well as the relationship and interaction between agriculture and the whole economy. The attendees from 14 countries discussed the related issues, and a number of distinguished scholars and policy makers were also invited to present at the conference. This summary presents the topics covered at the conference and highlights discussion points.

Findings

Action items were identified which could be appropriately organized into the following sections: agricultural trade and rural labor issues; rural governance and public policy; climate change and food security; rural land and rural finance issues.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates how the academic platform established by the CAER‐IFPRI conference, enables scholars from varied cultures and fields to get together to share their researches and ideas.
ADR for a built environment interdiscipline: curriculum and practical applications
Authors: Howieson Jill
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper's central purpose is to demonstrate that facilitative alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes can assist in the development of a built environment interdiscipline, and that a built environment interdiscipline should include an ADR course in its curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a brief summary of two empirical studies conducted at the University of Western Australia Law School which investigated the relationship between the teaching of ADR and student engagement.

Findings

The research findings show that teaching ADR in an interactive and experiential manner can increase the students' sense of belonging to the school in which it is taught, and simultaneously can contribute to the students acquiring constructive conflict resolution skills.

Research limitations/implications

The quantitative data derives from only one school in a university and subsequently, there was a lack of a control group. Yet, the sample size was sufficient for a reasonable analysis of the data and provides a base from which further studies in this field can occur.

Practical implications

The paper provides ideas on how to structure an ADR course within a built environment curriculum and to present ADR material in a manner that enhances student learning and engagement. In addition, the paper provides evidence of how ADR processes offer a mechanism for facilitating engagement with a common axiomatic for the built environment field and also provide a link to that axiomatic.

Originality/value

The paper provides an original analysis of the role of ADR in the built environment curriculum and strengthens the analysis by providing original research on the links between ADR education and student engagement.
A GIS‐based climate change adaptation strategy tool
Authors: Li Liu De , Timbal Bertrand , Mo Jianhua , Fairweather Helen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a geographic information system (GIS)‐based risk assessment tool for visualising climate change impacts in agricultural industries and evaluating eventual adaptation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A climate change adaptation strategy tool (CCAST) with built‐in GIS capability has been developed for agricultural industries. Development of the GIS functionality within CCAST includes the implementation of map projection, boundary allocation, interpolation and a graphical display of spatial data. In total, 20 climatic and crop indices are computed alongside basic climate variables (rainfall and temperature) from downscaled global climate models at 1,062 sites across the state of New South Wales (NSW) located in eastern Australia.

Findings

A case study in Australia is used to demonstrate use of this tool. This shows selecting suitable genotypes of wheat is a key adaptation strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change on wheat cropping. It shows that spring wheat genotypes will become predominate, while the winter genotypes will only be viable in clearly defined areas where sufficient days of cool temperature exist for completion of vernalisation in a future warmer climate.

Originality/value

CCAST integrates knowledge relevant to climate impact management in a stand‐alone environment. It benefits from statistical analysis and GIS functionalities and provides many user‐friendly GIS features to make it suitable for practitioners on the ground.
Do perceptions of climate change influence precautionary measures?
Authors: Kreibich Heidi
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The need to adapt to the effects of climate change requires the sharing of responsibility between the authorities and the public. It has been shown before that private building precautionary measures are able to significantly mitigate flood losses. The purpose of this paper is to investigate which factors are motivating people to undertake mitigation measures, with a particular focus on the perceptions of climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 605 households in Dresden have been interviewed and their answers statistically analysed.

Findings

Correlation and principal component analysis show a slight influence of the perception about consequences of climate change on the motivation to undertake flood emergency measures. However, other socio‐economic factors such as the ownership of the residential building and the size of the household are much more important.

Practical implications

In order to improve the uptake of flood mitigation and climate change adaptation measures, public awareness raising campaigns and schemes utilizing financial and non‐financial incentives should be undertaken. Such campaigns should particularly focus on specific social‐groups, like tenants or singles. Awareness raising campaigns focusing on the causes and consequences of climate change are expected to have little effect on peoples' motivation to act.

Originality/value

This study has discovered very weak links between perceptions of climate change and the motivation of households to undertake precautionary measures, which is important for the design of awareness raising campaigns.
Market orientation, service quality and organizational performance in service organizations in Malaysia
Authors: Ramayah T. , Samat Nusrah , Lo May‐Chiun
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the relationship between market orientation, service quality, and their impact towards organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 175 sets of structured questionnaires were distributed to managers of 175 service organizations in the northern region of Malaysia, and only 57.71 percent of it, which is 101, was returned.

Findings

The results show that market orientation has a significant effect on organizational performance and service quality. Also, service quality has a significant effect on organizational performance. Interestingly, this study found that service quality partially mediates the relationship between market orientation and organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

In order to be more generalized to the service industry, a wider sample with multiple responses from different individuals and management levels can be used for any future study. The same study can also be done by including other mediating or even moderating variables.

Practical implications

There is still a shortage of research studying the impact of service quality as a mediator on the relationship between market orientation and organizational performance. Thus, this study contributes a significant knowledge to the service industry.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature by bridging the gap and showing the importance of market orientation in service organizations. It also provides some theoretical contributions to the development of market orientation in relation to service quality and organizational performance.
Core constructs of corporate social responsibility: a path analysis
Authors: Hung Chen Chih , Wongsurawat Winai
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the causal relationships among four components in corporate social responsibility (CSR) domain. This study posits that CSR is mainly influenced by: accountability, responsibility, transparency, and competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A path analysis is employed to determine the relationships, while confirmatory factor analysis is applied to assess the construct validity of the model. The data presented in this study were collected from Taiwanese companies in the year 2009 using questionnaires. A total of 170 companies were analyzed.

Findings

The results show that both accountability and transparency provide statistically significant contributions to the prediction of competitiveness, which in turn has a significant effect on responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

First, the paper encompasses four core factors influencing the measurement of CSR. Second, the sample size used to analyze the diversity of concepts may appear small and therefore the result may not be considered precise since the total number of companies in Taiwan is over one million. Large sample size may lead to different results and therefore needs to be further explored. Third, while the proposed model was only tested in Taiwan, a country with 97.8 percent SMEs, the outcome of the research may only be applicable to Taiwan rather than to other countries with different national systems of business‐society relations. Finally, this study only investigated the relationships among core components of CSR.

Practical implications

While developing business strategies, companies taking accountability and transparency as priority will strengthen their competitiveness and in turn generate responsibility and lead to CSR, a way to reach corporate sustainability.

Social implications

The results provide business leaders with practical advice that implementing CSR is not only the smart and right thing to do from a business perspective, but also the right thing to do from a society perspective.

Originality/value

Applying for international standards could be a feasible and optimal way to show commitments to CSR implementation.
Flips, flops and foreclosures: anatomy of a real estate bubble
Authors: Depken Craig A. , Hollans Harris , Swidler Steve
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the anatomy of a real estate bubble. In the process, the paper identifies three phases of the market's evolution: flips, flops and foreclosures. An examination of the Las Vegas real estate market illustrates the three phases.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines transaction data from the metropolitan Las Vegas area (Clark County) from 1994 to 2009. The first part of the analysis identifies the three phases of the bubble and is descriptive in nature. This is followed by more formal tests of Granger causality.

Findings

In the early part of the sample, a large percentage of transactions are speculative or “flips” causing prices to rapidly increase. Eventually, flipping loses its profitability and over the last three years, there is an increasing number of foreclosures leading to falling prices. The descriptive analysis of the Las Vegas market is augmented with causality tests which show that prices were the driving force behind all three phases in the market's evolution.

Research limitations/implications

Future research might focus on underlying structural inter‐temporal relationships to augment the Granger causality tests.

Practical implications

Analysis shows that price is the driving force behind a bubble and that loan modification programs alone will not solve the current housing crisis.

Social implications

Government entities might expand neighborhood stabilization programs to affect both demand and supply of homes. Moreover, it might be prudent to include information related to flipping on multiple listing service agreements. Additionally, local governments should be consistent in their record keeping.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to examine the housing bubble using an extensive set of transaction data.
Recession and housing wealth
Authors: Searle Beverley
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the changing role of housing wealth from an investment vehicle to a welfare resource. It also considers the implications of economic prosperity and decline in the UK on homeowners, intentions of equity withdrawal, and the consequences of managing household budgets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a quantitative longitudinal analysis of national data and panel survey, including random effects logistic regression model.

Findings

Housing wealth is increasingly being used as a financial safety net across the life course. Homeowners are equally likely to have engaged in equity‐borrowing episodes during periods of economic prosperity as they are during periods of decline; particularly, lone parents with non‐dependent children and unemployed people. Housing tends to be used as a last resort once other forms of credit have been exhausted.

Research limitations/implications

There are data constraints; equity withdrawal can only be calculated from 1994 and the latest wave of data available is 2008. The research is not therefore able to consider the full extent of the consequences of the current recession, however, it does provide an indication of the problems that may emerge.

Social implications

Social implications arise from the concentration of resources into housing wealth; homeowners may suffer through having increased debt and there are implications for financial and sustainable welfare policy where home ownership is positioned as a nation's welfare resource.

Originality/value

The paper draws upon the author's recent work (in collaboration with others) which offers insights into the motivations for equity borrowing. This paper offers an original contribution through presenting empirical evidence on the effect of economic prosperity and economic decline on household behaviour, and adds new insights in respect of the implications for households who rely on housing wealth in the context of the current recession.
A framework to analyse the efficiency and governance of zakat institutions
Authors: Wahab Norazlina Abd. , Rahim Abdul Rahman Abdul
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present a conceptual model on the efficiency and governance of zakat institutions that are responsible in collecting, managing and distributing zakat in Malaysia. Zakat is an Islamic religious “tax” charged on the rich and well‐to‐do members of the community for distribution to the poor and the needy as well as other beneficiaries based on certain established criteria according to the Qur'an. The main aim of zakat is to protect the socio‐economic welfare of the poor and the needy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews and synthesises the relevant literature on efficiency, governance and zakat. The paper then developed and proposed a conceptual model to study the efficiency and governance of zakat institutions.

Findings

The paper identifies the appropriate methods to evaluate efficiency and governance of zakat institutions. Such evaluations are crucial for the Islamic financial system to function effectively in order to achieve the noble objectives of socio‐economic justice through proper distribution of wealth.

Originality/value

This paper presents a conceptual model of efficiency and governance of zakat institutions which would be useful for further empirical research in this area. The findings are not only relevant and applicable to Malaysia but also to other Muslim countries.
An empirical investigation of the audit expectations gap in Iran
Authors: Pourheydari Omid , Abousaiedi Mina
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper investigates whether an audit expectation gap exists among independent auditors and users of financial statements in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey instrument to identify the audit expectation gap in Iran. The research method is similar to that adopted by Schelluch, Best et al., Fadzly and Ahmad and Dixon et al.

Findings

Audit expectation gaps are found to exist in the areas of auditor responsibility for fraud detection, soundness of the internal controls, and preparation of financial statements. Results indicate no significant difference between users and independent auditors regarding the reliability and utility of audited financial statements. The insignificant results in terms of audit function could be attributed to the culture of trust between auditors and stakeholders in Iran.

Research limitations/implications

Despite normal precautionary steps to increase the response rate, non‐response bias may affect the findings. Another limitation of the study is the different economic and cultural conditions of Iran compared to other countries. Therefore, caution should be used in generalizing the findings to other countries.

Practical implications

The findings will help to reduce the expectation gaps through improvement in auditor‐user communication in the audit reports as well as educating users on the nature and functions of audits.

Originality/value

The paper extends previous studies on audit expectation gap in a different economic and cultural context, i.e. Iran.
Network structure and knowledge transfer in cluster evolution
Authors: Taplin Ian M.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of interactions amongst specialists in an embryonic and emerging network.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was qualitative research utilising ethnographic methods of interview of key actors.

Findings

Cooperative activities in the early phase of market growth facilitated information pooling crucial to the sector's growth; following industry legitimacy, there is less incentive or need for such pooling as information becomes codified. Governance structure change as a consequence of such an evolution in organizational form.

Originality/value

The paper examines how tacit knowledge sharing is crucial to industry growth through informal networks, then how such knowledge is less valuable once industry legitimacy has been established. Cooperation thus becomes increasingly replaced by competition between organization and the key actors therein.
Spiritual expression at work: exploring the active voice of workplace spirituality
Authors: Tombaugh Jay R. , Mayfield Clifton , Durand Roger
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to provide preliminary evidence for a new conceptualization and measure of workplace spirituality labeled spiritual expression at work (SEW). While the extant literature focuses on the fulfillment of workers' spiritual needs, spiritual expression refers to the impact of personal spirituality on the everyday thoughts, behaviors and interactions of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot study (n=92) included item generation and an exploratory factor analysis of the five‐item SEW scale (SEWS). The primary validation study (n=348) consisted of: performing a confirmatory factor analysis of the SEWS; comparing the SEWS with other spirituality measures, including two measures of personal spirituality and two measures of values‐based workplace spirituality; psychometrically assessing the convergent, discriminant and predictive validity of the SEWS; and examining the correlations and regression results between the SEWS and the comparison measures.

Findings

The SEWS showed acceptable psychometric properties across both samples, and the results support the convergent, discriminate and predictive validities of the SEW construct.

Research limitations/implications

This study is subject to the typical limitations of cross‐sectional research. However, meaningful results were obtained across two samples.

Practical implications

These results suggest workers may express their spirituality regardless of their perceptions of the spiritual nature of the organization. In doing so, personal spirituality may impact important personal and organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

This study moves beyond existing research by showing a new way to assess workplace spirituality.
Internet banking and performance
Authors: Callaway Stephen K.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical study demonstrating the impact of internet banking, specifically the traffic rank and reach of the web site, on bank performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study measures the impact of web site rank, percent of total internet users, and number of external links, using data from Alexa.com on bank performance, measured by deposits per branch, net income, return on assets, noninterest income to earning assets, and noninterest expense to earning assets, using data reported from the FDIC.

Findings

Results show some support for the importance of web site traffic rank and reach. Specifically, the percent of total internet users and the number of external links were related to both domestic deposits and total global deposits per branch. Moreover, traffic rank and reach were related to net income and noninterest income to earning assets.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that it did not examine web site quality or e‐service quality directly.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that greater web site traffic is associated with a greater ability to find new, alternative sources of revenue beyond traditional loans, but that spending more on developing the web site does not necessarily mean the ability to spend less on traditional branch overhead. As such, this paper has value for bank managers and researchers alike.
An analysis of Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and Repo 105 transactions
Authors: Hines Charles , Kreuze Jerry , Langsam Sheldon
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, with particular focus on its use of Repo 105 transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of the Lehman's bankruptcy report produced in part by Anton R. Valukas was used as a basis to explain how Lehman maintained acceptable leverage ratios through the use of Repo 105 transactions to paint a better picture of its financial position than actually existed.

Findings

The study concludes that Lehman's accounting method choice disguised its real problems, perhaps long enough for bankruptcy to become the only option.

Practical implications

Lehman's bankruptcy becomes part of a growing history of business failures where accounting principles have become the focus. The failure of Lehman reminds us that financial reporting must remain transparent, allowing users to make informed decisions with confidence.

Originality/value

This bankruptcy provides a painful reminder that financial reporting must allow users to differentiate among investment alternatives, based on the relative, factual financial position of the investment. The credibility of our reporting model is at stake.
Firm versus industry financing structures in Nigeria
Authors: Ebeh Ezeoha Abel
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether industry‐specific factors play a more significant role in the financing decisions of firms than firm‐specific characteristics; and to determine the degree of uniformity that exists between a firm's capital structure and industry financing patterns in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The described study makes use of fixed effects panel regression techniques. The dataset, which covers the period 1990‐2006, comes from a sample of 71 non‐financial firms quoted in the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Findings

The study finds support for both the pecking order theory and the trade‐off theory of capital structure in Nigeria. Firms/industries that are more profitable have less proportion of debt, and those that have a higher level of asset tangibility use more long‐term finances. Empirically, the study reveals that the set of factors that explain firm‐specific determinants of capital structure do not statistically and significantly explain the way industries follow finance.

Practical implications

The study affirms the need for firms to invest reasonable resources in setting up capital structure policies, rather than herd along industry patterns.

Originality/value

Though studies on industry herding and financial leverage are not new, the paper gives interesting insights into the nature of the relationship in an atmosphere of shortage of capital supply and poor corporate performance.
Social capital and earnings distribution among female micro‐entrepreneurs in rural Nigeria
Authors: Oluranti Ogunrinola I.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role that social capital plays in the determination and distribution of business earnings of female entrepreneurs in selected rural communities of Ogun State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical foundation of social capital and its relationship to informal finance was used in a modified Mincer's model to examine the distribution of earnings among a sample of members of informal self‐help groups. The study relied on a set of secondary data collected from a survey of 275 female micro‐entrepreneurs in five rural communities in Ogun State, Nigeria. The analysis of data was done with the use of SPSS computer software while the ordinary least squares regression technique was used in the models' estimation.

Findings

The findings show that though human capital variables contribute to earnings in the usual Mincer's parlance, social capital as well as neighbourhood effect variables appear much more important determinants.

Originality/value

The study quantified and applied five social capital variables in the estimated earnings function and three of these variables were found to be statistically significant in their effects on earnings distribution among the study sample. The study concluded by advocating a multi‐disciplinary approach to the study of enterprise development as well as a coordinated approach by the government to promote self‐help organisations among women in the rural areas.
Integrating corporate responsibility and sustainable development
Authors: Hahn Rüdiger
Published: May 2011

Purpose

For many years, the content and applicability of various forms of corporate responsibility (CR) for issues in the domain of sustainable development have been discussed within business and society. At times, both concepts are somehow connected to each other but so far they have not been put into a truly holistic and mutual perspective. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a normative concept integrating both aspects into holistic management thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an interdisciplinary ethical reasoning for CR and sustainable development will be given based on the fundamental work of Kant, Rawls, Margalit and others. Based on these lines of thought, both concepts will be integrated into an advanced two‐stage approach of responsibilities to overcome possible shortcomings of an isolated analysis (and application) of either of the two.

Findings

The paper provides an initial normative ethical reasoning why CR and sustainable development should be integrated into holistic management thinking. It discusses CRs for an enabling framework of sustainable development on grounds of a two‐stage approach of integrative responsibilities.

Social implications

The paper will encourage thought leaders in business and society to integrate the goals of sustainable development into management thinking.

Originality/value

Instead of mutually advancing each other, sustainable development and CR so far have not been put into a truly holistic perspective, which potentially limits the significance of both concepts. The paper fills this gap and seeks to overcome these limitations. It offers an inclusive approach to management thinking which combines the micro perspective of businesses with the macro perspective of society.
Systemic thinking from a scientific and spiritual perspective
Authors: Allevato Eugene , Marques Joan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance awareness and foment the concept of “eco‐citizenship” within today's students in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review on environmental issues and spiritual thinking, student reports, discussion.

Findings

The paper's three main findings are: the need to develop educational methodologies that allow students to become advocates of a new society and way of thinking is insufficiently addressed so far; exposing students to such learning triggers a factual mindset change; and faculty and student engagement on matters of spirituality and environmental issues is becoming pivotal in a period where natural resource limitations in conjunction with overpopulation are stressing ecological systems to a threshold where it cannot be sustainable any further.

Research limitations/implications

Further implementation of similar courses, and monitoring of students' long‐term behavioral changes are suggested to verify if such courses trigger a domino effect in terms of the emergence of the “eco‐citizen”.

Originality/value

This was the first time that such an educational approach was employed, where students not only critically investigated the course material in respect to environmental science and spirituality but also became facilitators to their own community, assisting in the development of good citizenship and enhancement of responsibility. It is clear to the authors that community interaction is very important in the curriculum design as the working ground to bring real world experience to the classroom as well as for the development of environmental and spiritual awareness. Based on the students' community activities and personal comments, in regard to the course focus and its effectiveness in changing their attitudes towards a more sustainable way of living, it was demonstrated that the course was successful.
CSR strategy in multinational firms: focus on human resources, suppliers and community
Authors: De Chiara Alessandra , Russo Spena Tiziana
Published: May 2011

Purpose

According to recent developments in the literature, the spread of corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles would inevitably have a significant impact on foreign activities of multinational corporations (MNCs). Two forces seem to have influenced multinational firms' behavior: social maturity from international society and cultural evolution of political thought in several developed countries (DCs). The literature has already pointed out the importance of the multinational firm's function as a moral agent, identifying different components of respect for a sustainability management system. Based on these assumptions, the purpose of this paper is to frame MNCs' behavior within CSR, stressing the importance of a different approach to the management of local resources and stakeholders. The paper will argue for a shift of perspective concerning workers, suppliers and community, from resources to be exploited to partners and co‐creators of MNC values.

Design/methodology/approach

In the research design, the authors use the case method, choosing a multiple case studies research composed of five firms, with three criteria: international firms with an international supply chain, firms with a formalized CSR management and organization process and the accessibility of firm data.

Findings

In this paper, CSR emerges as the comparative advantage concept that forms the basis of the international distribution of multinational activities, calling for a new theoretical viewpoint that necessitates a rethinking of MNCs' strategies.

Originality/value

MNCs are opening toward responsible and sustainable business strategies. Workers, suppliers and communities represent the true challenge ahead, and the management of relationships with these actors is the starting point for an internationalization in a more integrated ethical and economic view.
An examination of corporate social responsibility and financial performance
Authors: Oeyono Juanita , Samy Martin , Bampton Roberta
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The increasing demand of stakeholders' interests in social performance has put pressure on corporations to undertake social responsibility reporting in their operations in order to satisfy the demands and to gain public support. Some organisations have already responded, either by publishing a separate report regarding their social activities, or by providing such information in their annual report or on their web site. However, in some developing countries such as Indonesia, there is little or no regulation and with no expectation to follow international standards, corporations in these countries tend not to provide corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. As there is a lack of regulatory controls in reporting CSR activities in most developing countries, the question of what the “carrot” is for the corporations is the crux of this research. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether Indonesian corporations are aware of CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

This research aims to investigate the level of CSR conducted by the top 50 corporations in Indonesia based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, as well as to investigate the relationship between CSR and profitability. The profitability variables chosen are earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) and earnings per share (EPS). The GRI guidelines have been chosen for this study to be used as a basis to measure corporations' social responsibility activities. The dataset was based on the years 2003‐2007, and the data collected in 2008.

Findings

This study showed that Indonesian corporations are already aware of the increasing demands and provide CSR information to stakeholders in the emerging economy. The CSR reporting measured as per the GRI indicated that five out of 45 corporations (11 per cent) completed a maximum of six GRI indicators, ten corporations (22 per cent) fulfilled five indicators and 16 corporations (36 per cent) complied with four indicators. The analyses revealed that there is a positive relationship between CSR and profitability, although it is weak (18 per cent for EBITDA and 16 per cent for EPS). Therefore, it can be argued that reporting social responsibility activities is beneficial for corporations in emerging economies such as Indonesia.

Originality/value

From the literature, the authors have concluded that there is no research evidence of a study that analyses the depth or level of CSR reporting among Indonesian corporations, hence there is a contribution to new knowledge as the analysis reveals new findings in relation to a developing country. Although there are studies measuring the relationship between CSR reporting and financial performance such as EPS, this study further explores the correlation by introducing a new variable, i.e. EBITDA.
The evolution and development of arts marketing research
Authors: Fillis Ian
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a longitudinal review of arts marketing research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks back at the origins of arts marketing research, identifying the initial areas of interest and traces its development as a recognised research domain.

Findings

Arts marketing research has evolved from being an application of marketing using long‐held principles into a discipline where critical and creative approaches are now being used to generate more meaningful and actionable arts marketing theory.

Research limitations/implications

Although arts marketing research has developed in terms of rigour, depth and reach, there is still much unexplored potential to be realised.

Practical implications

The paper shows that effective arts marketing consists of a balance of addressing artistic needs and customer expectations. The marketing involved must acknowledge the merits of artistic philosophy, while also addressing the commercial realities of today's arts world.

Originality/value

Only a very small number of assessments of the state of arts marketing knowledge have been carried out. The paper develops both a longitudinal analysis of the origins and growth of this knowledge and provides suggestions for future research.
Mapping the arts marketing literature
Authors: O'Reilly Daragh
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to visually map the arts marketing journal literature.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive title and abstract search was carried out to identify literature on the relationship between art and the market. Papers were then classified by topic. Visual maps were drawn showing topic coverage in relevant areas.

Findings

The literature dealing with the relationship between art and the market is found to be extensive and multi‐disciplinary. The search found just over 1,500 papers.

Research limitations/implications

This was a mapping exercise rather than an analysis of the issues. Many different disciplines have a stake in understanding the art‐market relationship. Arts marketing scholars can benefit from engaging with research in this area, which is outside the marketing academy.

Practical implications

The maps provide a visual guide to the work, which has already been done across a wide range of disciplines and journals. They enable academic and professional readers to see where knowledge and insights may already exist and where work remains to be done.

Originality/value

Given the recent growth in arts marketing research, the paper provides a timely map of the territory.
Prognostic role of CD10+ myeloid cells in association with tumor budding at the invasion front of colorectal cancer
Authors: Khanh Do Trong , Mekata Eiji , Mukaisho Ken‐ichi , Sugihara Hiroyuki , Shimizu Tomoharu , Shiomi Hisanori , Murata Satoshi , Naka Shigeyuki , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Endo Yoshihiro , Tani Tohru
Published: May 2011

The expression of CD10 in tumor cells has been reported to correlate with liver metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, fibroblasts and immune cells positive for CD10 at the tumor invasion front have not been comprehensively studied. We classified CD10 expression patterns into three types of cells, tumor cells (tCD10), stromal myofibroblasts (sCD10), and immune cells (iCD10), and investigated their correlation with the expression of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β1) protein and tumor budding grade. Several cell surface markers were stained to detect the phenotype of iCD10+ cells, including CD3, CD20, CD11b, CD14, CD15, and CD163. Specimens and follow‐up data of 206 CRC patients were examined. In multivariate analysis, iCD10 could be an independent prognostic factor for both recurrence‐free survival and overall survival in stage I–III CRC (hazard ratio, 2.522 [1.299–4.896], P = 0.006; 2.890 [1.357–6.157], P = 0.006, respectively). The expression of sCD10 and iCD10 was strongly correlated with TGF‐β1 expression in tumor cells and tumor budding grade. The phenotype of iCD10+ cells was CD11b+ and CD15+ granulocytes. The infiltration of sCD10+ fibroblasts and iCD10+ granulocytes at the tumor invasion front might interact with TGF‐β1 protein expression and enhance tumor budding grade. The expression level of iCD10 at the tumor invasion front represented an independent prognostic biomarker in stage I–III CRC and could be integrated into a new staging system. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1724–1733)
Profiling the expression of interleukin (IL)‐28 and IL‐28 receptor α in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Lin Shih‐Chang , Kuo Chia‐Chen , Tsao Jeng‐Ting , Lin Li‐Jing
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (1): 61–69

Background  Interleukin (IL)‐28 is an interferon‐λ‐family member involved in immunity against viral infection and tumour. We here determined the expression profiles of IL‐28 and IL‐28 receptor α (IL‐28RA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to evaluate the possibility that IL‐28 is linked to the pathogenesis of SLE.

Materials and methods  The serum IL‐28 protein levels were determined by ELISA, and the IL‐28 and IL‐28RA transcript levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and peripheral blood T cells were determined by RT‐PCR. The levels in patients with SLE with the active disease activity were statistically compared with those in normal controls.

Results  IL‐28 protein in sera and IL‐28 transcripts in PBMCs and unactivated T cells were detectable only in some individuals, and IL‐28 transcripts in T cells were induced by cell activation with anti‐CD2, anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 antibodies. However, compared with normal controls, patients with SLE more frequently had detectable IL‐28 protein in serum and had the higher IL‐28 transcript levels in activated CD4+ T cells, but not activated CD8+ T cells. Two IL‐28RA transcripts isoforms were detected in PBMCs and T cells, and their levels in patients with SLE were comparable with those in normal controls.

Conclusions  The expression of IL‐28, a T‐cell autocrine factor, is dysregulated in patients with SLE, supporting the possibility that IL‐28 may contribute to some of the SLE pathogenesis.