bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of Innovation Policies
Authors: Tuncel Cem Okan , Gürsel Volkan
Published: March 2016

Over the past 50 years, low-income countries have increased their national incomes by shifting their production from the agricultural sector in which the efficiency of labor and capital is low to the manufacturing sector in which efficiency is higher. However, underemployment in the rural regions has decreased in parallel to the attainment of the middle-income level by these countries, wages have increased, and the level of international competitiveness has decreased. The countries which could not increase the level of productivity through innovation could not succeed in passing from the middle-income to the high-income level. Therefore, these countries have fallen into the middle-income trap because of their failure to compete with the developed countries regarding innovative products, which require a high level of skill, and with the low-income countries where the labor cost is low regarding labor-intensive products. The purpose of this study is to discuss the policy alternatives required to be followed by developing countries and to expose the inadequacy of the neoclassic approach on which the industrialization strategy is based in the light of the experiences of the countries that have discarded the middle-income trap. The eastern Asian countries that have managed to exceed this middle-income trap have based that achievement on effective industrial and technological policies. For that reason, an examination of the experience of especially Asian countries is very important from the point of view of the countries that intend to get rid of the middle-income trap.
Fair Share of Supply Chain Responsibility for Low Carbon Manufacturing
Authors: Wong Yu Mei
Published: March 2016

Large amounts of carbon emissions and pollution are generated during the manufacturing process for consumer goods. Low carbon manufacturing has been increasingly enquired or requested by stakeholders. However, international trade blurs the responsibility for carbon emissions reduction and raises the questions of responsibility allocation among producers and consumers. Scholars have been examining the nexus of producer versus consumer responsibility among supply chains. Recently, there have been discussions on the share of producer and consumer responsibility. Both producer and consumer responsibility approaches have intrinsic shortcomings and are ineffective in curbing the rise of carbon emissions in supply chains. Shared responsibility based on the equity principle attempts to address these issues. This chapter relates a case study of carbon impact on China's export and economy with scenarios which show that the benefits of carbon reduction by producers can trickle down along the supply chain and motivate the sharing responsibility under certain circumstances. The share of producer and consumer responsibility for low carbon manufacturing can be enabled when embodied carbon emissions in goods and services are priced and such accurate information is available. A mechanism engaging the global participation is recommended. The author calls for further research on the system pricing embodied carbon emission, the universal standard to calculate the embodied carbon emissions and to disclose the information, and the way to secure global cooperation and participation.
Supply Chain System and Barriers of Exporting
Authors: Sraha Gloria
Published: March 2016

This research applies interviews to investigate export barriers pertaining in the supply chain system of the agricultural industry of Ghana, as a representative country of Sub Saharan Africa. Evidence is provided from an unexplored area which is likely to bring new insights into export barrier literature primarily focused on lower emerging economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study identified four main export barriers; which are logistics, functional, marketing and financial barriers. The study concluded that management of firms have to be proactive in disassembling export barriers to enable a commanding role in pursuit for strong economic and industrial development in African and beyond.
Doing It Different
Authors: Shaikh Owais Hassan , Nahmias Yifat
Published: March 2016

This chapter highlights the current developments in the area of intellectual property having direct consequence for the prospects of Africa's knowledge society. Even though African countries, especially the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have not yet faced pressure from the EU, US, and EFTA for higher intellectual property standards, the situation may change soon with the imminent deadline for conclusion of Economic Partnership Agreements in 2014, the lapse of Africa Growth and Opportunities Act in 2015, and the expiry of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020. African countries will be well advised to decouple trade and intellectual property issues by promoting interregional trade or trade with other developing countries that do not demand TRIPS-Plus protection. They must also negotiate intellectual property within the ambit of the WTO.
Ontology Development and the Role of Knowledge in E-Government Project Management
Authors: Ngwenya Bongani
Published: March 2016

The literature suggests that the elaboration of ontology contributes to the standardization and classification of concepts and terminologies, and it has been happening in some sectors, such as software engineering, e-Government services implementation, and project management. In the area of e-Government, knowledge plays a critical role in the development of e-Government transformation project management ontology, which aims at adopting and customizing the existing project management approaches according to the specific challenges encountered in the e-Government environment. It is in this context that this chapter presents an ontological representation of the concepts of e-Government project management in one of the developing countries in southern Africa. The chapter further intends to collaborate in the excellence and productivity of the management of the e-Government project process. This will also enable the interoperability and knowledge reuse between all factors and stakeholders related with the implementation of such types of projects as a lesson for developing countries. The data was collected by use of an interview protocol or schedule, and the researcher interviewed relevant employees of the two ministries, the Ministry of Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Communication. The data was then analyzed qualitatively to draw a model that the Zimbabwean government is adopting.
Culture, Tradition and Technology
Authors: Chisita Collence Takaingenhamo , Abdullahi Ismail
Published: March 2016

In both developed and developing countries culture, tradition and technology are key issues that affect the dialogue relating to how the three elements can be integrated in socio-economic development programs. This chapter examines the extent to culture and technology has an influence in the integration of technology in socio-economic development in Africa. It also inquires about the extent to which technology influences culture and traditions in developed countries. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the degree to which culture and traditions are receptive to the integration of technology within the socio-economic fabric of the society. The chapter concludes that school libraries should develop a curriculum that is relevant to the information needs of the community, especially those in rural areas. It is imperative to engage communities in developing programs that help to elevate communities without compromising on fundamental and internationally recognized standards. If local conditions are taken into cognizance programs to integrate culture, tradition and technology will be successful.
Empirical Study of Barriers to Electronic Commerce Uptake by SMEs in Developing Economies
Authors: Agwu Edwin M. , Murray Peter J.
Published: March 2016

Electronic commerce (E-commerce) is a technological innovation that enables small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to compete on the same level with their larger counterparts. And it has the potential to improve efficiency and productivity in many areas and, therefore, has received significant attention in many countries of the world. A thorough analysis of the impact of the internet and e-commerce across firms, industries and economies is necessary to separate hype from reality. However, several researchers have called for the investigation of the association between the perceptions of e-commerce and the barriers to its adoption in developing countries. It is however on record that SMEs the world over are faced with significant challenges that compromise their ability to function and to contribute optimally to the respective economies where they operate. This study was conducted in three states of Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja and Enugu states) with the use of interviews to gather relevant data; the aim of which was to understand the challenges which serve as barriers to E-Commerce adoption by small and medium scale enterprises in the Nigerian context. Findings indicates that small and medium scale online present is at best unknown. The most common e-Commerce applications used by most SMEs include but not limited to the use of e-mails for communication purposes and a simple website for basic product information – information contained are usually outdated as most of these websites are hardly updated. Findings revealed, among others, that lack of and total absence of a regulatory framework on e-Commerce security, as well as technical skills, and basic infrastructures are some of the barriers to electronic commerce adoption. The findings however, provide a constructive insight to financial practitioners, governments as well as other stakeholders on the need to give e-commerce a place in all aspects of e-commerce activities.
The Level of E-Government Implementation
Authors: Makoza Frank
Published: March 2016

This chapter presents an analysis for level of e-government implementation in the context of a developing country. The purpose of the study is to understand the level of e-government implementation in Malawi focusing on examining websites for government ministries and departments. Quantitative and partly qualitative data is used to analyse seven websites for government ministries and departments. The results are compared with indicators for e-government implementation from international development agencies. The findings confirm that the level of e-government implementation is in the early stages of presence and interaction. In addition, the results show slow growth in e-government implementation because of limited integration of public services. The study provides insights that may be useful in improving the implementation of e-government.
A Case Study on Cross-Cultural Differences
Authors: Boga Semra , Efeoğlu I. Efe
Published: March 2016

Following the globalization trend in the world, Turkey and Belgium have become good business partners in the international arena. Belgium, with its geographically and politically critical location and high Turkish population has been a very attractive European country for Turkish investors. However, there are still Turkish companies leaving Belgium possibly due to adaptation problems to business culture in Belgium. In this chapter, cultural differences between Belgium and Turkey are investigated using qualitative research method with a single company case study. The results of the study indicate that differences between Turkish and Belgian cultures are mainly due to language, communication and relationship building styles, different level of individualism, and future orientation.
Reverse Innovation and the Bottom of the Pyramid Proposition
Authors: Radojević Nebojša , Peerally Jahan Ara
Published: March 2016

Analysing cases from India, this chapter reveals flaws in recent claims that reverse innovation can resolve some of the world's most urgent social problems. Reverse innovation implies the diffusion of innovations from developing to developed countries, and is therefore, per se, irrelevant for the social needs of the former. If understood more broadly, as a strategic approach, reverse innovation may reduce some dimensions of inequality. However, as an instrument of poverty reduction, reverse innovation equals the known and compelling but doubtful proposition that developed country multinational enterprises may induce large-scale prosperity simply by doing business with the world's poorest. In this chapter, the authors assess the social impact of reverse innovations and contrast previous wholesale claims on those impacts with an in-depth analysis. The authors' analysis reveals that these social impacts are not as significant as currently believed. The chapter concludes by suggesting future research avenues on the bottom of the pyramid, which will be of key relevance to academics and managers alike.
The Roles of International Entrepreneurship and Organizational Innovation in SMEs
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: March 2016

This chapter reveals the roles of international entrepreneurship and organizational innovation in SMEs, thus describing the concepts of international entrepreneurship and organizational innovation; the importance of entrepreneurial marketing in SMEs; the significance of internationalization in SMEs; the significance of Information Technology (IT) in SMEs; and the significance of international entrepreneurship and organizational innovation in market performance. The implementation of international entrepreneurship and organizational innovation is essential for SMEs that seek to serve suppliers and customers, increase market performance, reinforce competitiveness, and achieve stable success in SMEs. Therefore, it is necessary for SMEs to examine their international entrepreneurship and organizational innovation applications, establish a strategic plan, and immediately respond to the international entrepreneurship and organizational innovation needs of customers in SMEs. Applying the international entrepreneurship and organizational innovation in SMEs will greatly improve market performance and gain sustainable competitive advantage in modern business.
Taxpayers' Attitudes towards Tax Evasion in Latin American Countries
Authors: Basılgan Müslüm , Christiansen Bryan
Published: March 2016

The weight of the state in economic and social life is very important even if it might differ from country to country. The state provides particular public services and needs to the various funding sources to provide these services. Taxes constitute the largest share of financial sources needed by the state to operate effectively. However, taxes are often not welcomed by taxpayers, creating the unwanted behavior of tax evasion. The purpose of this chapter is to reveal the tax structures of Latin American countries and to examine tax morale as an important determinant in shaping the attitudes of taxpayers in Latin America. This chapter shows the most important component of tax revenues in Latin American countries constitutes consumption taxes instead of income taxes, in contrast to developed regions such as those in OECD countries. It shows the tax structure in Latin American countries reflects the typical tax structure in developing countries. It is also observed that average tax morale is higher in South American countries, such as Venezuela, Paraguay, and Argentina, than in other areas, although it has a changing property over time. Moreover, the chapter shows tax morale is associated with financial indicators (satisfaction with income, the present economic situation, income distribution, and the functioning of the market economy), policy indicators (satisfaction with democracy, confidence with government), and demographic indicators (age, education).
Institutional Reform and Export Competitiveness of Central and Eastern European Economies
Authors: Chadee Doren , Kouznetsov Alex , Roxas Banjo
Published: March 2016

Following their political and economic independence in 1989, a group of ten Central and Eastern European countries (CEEs) embarked on major institutional reforms to modernise their economies in order to become an integral part of the global economy. This chapter provides an overview of the main institutional reforms undertaken in the CEEs and their effects on export competitiveness. The chapter focuses on selected meso and macro institutional reforms, namely price liberalisation, competition policy, trade and foreign exchange, privatisation, and corporate governance. The results show that institutional reforms in the CEEs were rapid and generally successful. All CEEs became members of the European Union (EU) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Institutional reforms contributed significantly to improved efficiency and growth in the export sector. The results also suggest that further reforms are needed to improve competition policy and corporate governance, both of which are still below the standards found in Western industrialised countries.
Multinational Corporations and Social Responsibility
Authors: Calderón Barbara Coca , Naef Josef , Tokarski Kim Oliver
Published: March 2016

Non-governmental organisations often accuse multinational corporations of exploiting the various legal environments in different countries to their advantage in order to avoid the assumption of responsibility for human rights violations or environmental disasters. This empirical study shows that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can, by employing various instruments, increase the likelihood of multinational corporations accepting social and environmental responsibility for their actions. These instruments, ranging from dialogue to scandalisation, are intended to influence corporate behaviour and their use depends on the pressure the NGO wishes to exert on a particular company. All instruments need careful research and the gathering of evidence, including witness statements. To gain public attention the information must be well prepared for the media, resonate in the corporation's domestic market, stimulate concern and be up-to-date. The most promising activities are those that emphasise that economic success could be compromised to the key decision makers within the company.
Indigenous Management and Bottom of Pyramid Countries
Authors: Berger Ron
Published: March 2016

Recent research on indigenous management has created the potential for more diverse, and innovative international business research (Holtbrugge, Narayanan and Wang, 2011). In this conceptual chapter, I extend the existing literature on indigenous management, with an integration into, bottom of pyramid country research such as India (Prahalad and Hart, 2004; London and Hart, 2004; Berger, 2014). In the 21st century, eighty percent of the world's population is still considered developing, i.e. having a per capita income of less than U.S. $1,000 dollars per year. Most of these are emerging. This chapter focuses on the importance of national institutions and their potential lessons for, bottom of pyramid countries. I argue that national institutions play a key role in indigenous management research, through their positive impact on the, development of bottom of pyramid countries.
Climate Change, Human Health and Some Economic Issues
Authors: Chatterjee Tonmoy , Dinda Soumyananda
Published: March 2016

This chapter attempts to correlate different economic issues like inequality, poverty, green infrastructure and international trade with human health in the context of climate change. In this short survey not only we have tried to capture most of the relevant articles in the corresponding category, but also we have shouted for some of the major research gaps in the form of future research agenda. Interestingly from our short survey we have found that importance of developing as well as less developed economies have been neglected in the context of climate change.
Currency Crisis in Developing Countries
Authors: Boachie Christopher
Published: March 2016

Currency crises have been the subject of an extensive economic literature, both theoretically and empirically. The purpose of this chapter is to examine and investigate the causes of currency and associated crises, evaluates the accuracy of empirical models in predicting crises, and review works on measuring the consequences of crises on the real economy. It is a cross sectional survey study and used of secondary data on the causes of currency and associated crises, and challenges in avoiding these crises. The study reveals that reduce output, financial liberalization, capital and current accounts, the real economy and macroeconomic conditions are some of the indicators of currency crisis. A key cost of currency crisis is forgone output. EWS models estimate probabilities of crises to occur. The implications are that currency crisis negatively affects the economy needs to be predicted and managed appropriately.
Towards an Interactive E-Government System in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Conteh Charles , Smith Greg
Published: March 2016

Governments worldwide, including those in Africa, are embracing the promises and prospects of electronic service delivery (or e-government). In particular, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are moving towards adopting system-wide Integrated Communication Technology (ICT) and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems to support Electronic Government (EG) services. There are reasons to believe that Africa stands at the threshold of a new experience in this century, but there are also considerable challenges ahead. This chapter examines some of the prospects and challenges of the continent's adoption of Electronic Government. The discussion focuses on the rationale and characteristics of e-government in Africa, as well as its strengths and weaknesses, with particular reference to two countries in the region – Ghana and Kenya. The chapter concludes with a synopsis of some of the key issues as well as salient lessons to highlight the broader future challenges and prospects of e-government in Africa.
Skilled Human Resources in the Health Sectors and Impacts of New Health Technologies on Health Workforce in Developing Economies
Authors: Driouchi Ahmed
Published: March 2016

This chapter focuses on the importance of human health resources in relation to current and future trends in health. It is based on a syntheses of reports, publications, and economic development processes related to the increasing needs for skilled human resources in health systems that are under both high demand and also under the requirements of new health technologies. A special emphasis is placed on developing countries where a series of constraints could lead to limits in providing access to health care and a shortage of skilled labor. The human resources related risks at both levels of developed and developing economies are also discussed even though emergent and developed countries have generated new instruments to limit the negative effects of these constraints. Finally, if the expansion of access to new health technologies could be achieved within the world global health system framework, requirements of increasingly needed human resources and skills are shown.
Examining the Influence of Information Technology on Modern Health Care
Authors: Chen Edward T.
Published: March 2016

Health care costs continue to rise at a level that far exceeds the rate of inflation. IT will be necessary in the computation and organization of complex algorithms presented in bundled payments and other initiatives. Currently in health care, a patient's medical history is not easily accessible by physicians and other medical personnel. IT can play the pivotal role in rectifying this problem in tracking the record in a universally designed environment. Advanced databases are needed to integrate facilities within health care systems. This chapter is to explore the current framework of Information Technology in the U.S. health care industry and to examine the topic covering the following areas: (a) IT's influence on the Affordable Care Act, (b) the emergence of the Electronic Health Record (EHR), also known as the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), and (c) the integration of databases across health care organizations through advanced systems like Epic.
Geographic Information System Applications in Public Health
Authors: Yasobant Sandul , Vora Kranti Suresh , Upadhyay Ashish
Published: March 2016

Geographic information systems or geographic information science is a combination of computer-mapping capabilities with additional database management/data analysis tools. GIS is widely used in various sectors such as environmental science, urban planning, agricultural applications etc. Public health is another focus area, where GIS has been used for research and practice areas such as epidemic surveillance and monitoring, among others. The journey of use of GIS in public health spans more than a century and GIS application in public health has evolved from the simple maps to the higher level geostatistical analysis and interactive WebGIS in recent times. GIS is an analytical tool which differs from conventional computer-assisted mapping and any statistical analysis programs in its ability to analyze complex data and visual presentation of spatial data. Specialized GIS techniques such as network analysis, location-allocation models, site selection, transportation models, and geostatistical analysis are well established and used in many developed and developing nations. Unfortunately owing to the high cost of licensed software and specialized skills for advanced data analysis, use of these techniques is limited mainly for the research and by few experts. GIS is proved to be useful for various public health practices and research purposes including epidemiological surveys/investigation, implementation research, program/policy decision making and dissemination of information. The advantage of using GIS is that maps provide an added dimension to data analysis, which helps in visualizing the complex patterns and relationships of public health issues, thus many unanswered questions in public health, can be understood well through use of GIS techniques. Use of GIS in public health is an application area still in its infancy. Wider use of GIS for public health practice such as program planning, implementation and monitoring in addition to building evidence base for the policy making will help reduce inequities in health and provide universal healthcare. Overall, GIS is a helpful and efficient tool especially for public health professionals working in low resource settings. In the future with inclusion of advanced GIS technology like WebGIS can help reach the goal of optimal health care services globally.
Towards European Modern Societies with Health Systems That Are Able to Add More Years to Life, But Also to Add More Life to Years
Authors: Lorena Androutsou , Foulvia Androutsou
Published: March 2016

The political context in Europe is changing including health. Among the priorities in seeking to influence the future of healthcare is a renewed attachment to health for all, health in all policies and a better coordination between social and health policy. Health issues are by definition international, and Europe has a duty to extend solidarity to the wider world population, in strategy and in delivery. Ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare constitutes a key challenge for health systems throughout Europe. The chapter will emphasise the importance of European public health policies. The chapter will offer a real opportunity to address public health areas and values such as right to access to healthcare into the detailed mechanisms of European policy. The chapter will form a tool for health leaders, to enrich their knowledge in the public health spectrum from a European perspective, to support, promote and improve healthcare access at a national level.
Rational, Emotional, and Neural Foundations of Economic Preferences
Authors: Chandan Harish C.
Published: March 2016

Classical economics assumes human economic decision making is completely rational and dominated by self-interest. Behavior economics emerged to account for the fact that human economic preferences are often influenced by emotional and psychological factors leading to inconsistent, intransitive, and irrational decisions that fail to maximize utility and minimize cost and transcend only self-interest. Both rationality and emotions are seated in the human brain in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, respectively. The brain imaging methods of neuroscience help in understanding the interplay between economic behavior and neural mechanisms. The human economic decision making behavior involves computational and neurobiological processes and is related to the psychological processes. Classical Economics, Psychology, and Neuroscience converge in Neuroeconomics to better understand and predict human economic decision-making. Neuromarketing is an emerging field that uses neuroscience techniques to understand economic preferences of consumers.
Human Resource Development as a Knowledge Management System
Authors: Hughes Claretha , Gosney Matthew W.
Published: March 2016

The crux of the challenge in bridging the scholar-practitioner gap in Human Resource Development is in creating effective mechanisms for the transfer of knowledge between scholars and practitioners. Emerging literature on the topic of knowledge management, and of knowledge management systems, provide a compelling point of view in which to consider the scholar-practitioner gap in HRD. In the chapter, knowledge management systems, as a functional outcropping of systems theory, are considered along with the use of logic models to develop and evaluate organization and program effectiveness. Preliminary research results conducted by Hughes and Wang (2015) gives further support to the notion that considering HRD as a knowledge management system may provide a framework for bridging the scholar-practitioner gap.
Beyond the Horizon of Supply Chain Security Performance Measurement
Authors: Vitteková Martina , Vittek Peter , Stejskal Ondřej , Stojić Slobodan , Pezl Tomáš
Published: March 2016

This chapter introduces a methodology on how to define a complex Security Index (SI) that brings the ability to measure the strength and the efficiency of the business entity´s security system. It describes how to provide an approach to the security performance measurement. In order to get SI it is necessary to develop a systematization of Security Index Determination Model (SIDM). SI describes Supply Chain Security Management (SCSM) performance. SCSM implements, facilitates and maintains Security barriers, which are formed by a confluence of properly chosen and efficiently implemented security measures. The presented methodology is based on the General Model developed by Gutiérrez and Hintsa that was expanded according to research needs. The expansion was based on adding the specified barriers for each of the Sub-categories stated in the previously mentioned General Model. For this purpose different security initiatives such as AEO, C-TPAT and TAPA were analysed. SIDM is based on Objectivized Methodology for Technical Systems Conditions Assessment developed by Lansky.
Contribution of IT-Based Logistics Solutions to Sustainable Logistics Management
Authors: Hausladen Iris , Haas Alexander
Published: March 2016

This chapter deals with the development of a model to assess the contribution of IT-based logistics solutions to sustainable logistics management. After introducing and explaining the pertinent concepts logistics management, IT-based logistics solutions and sustainability, certain conflict areas between IT and sustainability are discussed to gather relevant insights for the development of the assessment model. The balanced scorecard approach and the concept of maturity models are the main additions to determine the assessment model. The assessment model is embraced by a procedure model which includes guiding principles and success factors to look at before the assessment is executed and methods for navigating within the maturity model, managerial implications and aspects concerning the strategic alignment as subsequent discussion points. The chapter concludes with an outlook into further research and practical application as well as a conclusion.
Efficiency and Travel Agencies
Authors: Dragan Dejan , Kramberger Tomaž , Topolšek Darja
Published: March 2016

The chapter deals with Bayesian structural equation modeling (SEM) for the case of travel agencies. The focus of research is the investigation of possible impacts of external integration with transport suppliers on the efficiency of travel agencies. In order to calculate the efficiency, the data envelopment analysis was used. For the construction of the measurement part of the model, the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, while its structural part was developed by the means of SEM procedure. When conducting the CFA and SEM procedures, the Bayesian estimation method was employed. Its performance was also compared with the maximum likelihood method and the fit indices of both methods were inspected. The results show that the derived model fits well to the real data. The study confirms certain positive effects of the external integration on the efficiency. This finding could represent an important guideline for the managers of the travel agencies.
Selecting the Optimum Collateral in Shipping Finance
Authors: Gavalas Dimitris , Syriopoulos Theodore
Published: March 2016

Banks select convenient loan collateral assets to secure the uninterrupted service of a loan facility. In the adverse case of a borrower in default, collateral assets provide critical last resort coverage for bank loan recovery. Nevertheless, collaterals may provide least protection when they are most needed. Recessionary economic cycle phases, unstable capital markets, liquidity constraints and financial crises amplify abrupt downward collateral value shifts. This, in turn, can result to outstanding loans being exposed to diminishing collateral values, substantially increasing the bank's asset-liability mismatch. This study proposes an integrated and flexible framework to support a preferential collateral asset selection process for lending banks. Two multi-criteria decision making methods are critically compared and evaluated, in order to gain insight into the identification, evaluation and ranking process of important quantitative and qualitative collateral selection criteria. Bank shipping finance is undertaken as an empirical case study.
Transport Optimization and Estimation of Reduced CO2 Emissions
Authors: Dragan Dejan , Kramberger Tomaž , Prah Klemen
Published: March 2016

The chapter deals with the road transport optimization and estimation of reduced CO2 emissions. To reduce the latter, several approaches were adopted, like alternative technologies, sustainable community changes, and changes in driving behavior. Another possible approach is to reduce the vehicle miles of traveled (VMT) by the means of transport optimization. In this chapter, the heuristic optimization approach for VMT reduction is firstly presented and tested for the case of School Bus Routing Problem. Afterwards, main focus is dedicated to the models for estimation of reduced CO2 emissions. Herein, MEET emission model is integrated into the Monte Carlo based scenario playing algorithm, which calculates the total CO2 emissions in the dependence of the randomly independently changing average speeds of the vehicles of the driving fleet. This algorithm is applied to the optimized situation, and the calculated results are compared with the unoptimized case. Results show that the applied optimization concept can significantly reduce the CO2 emissions compared to unoptimized conditions.
Regulatory Reforms in Indian Financial Market
Authors: Kashyap Amit Kumar , Jaswani Urvashi , Bhandari Anchit
Published: March 2016

In India, Financial sector reforms are at the centre stage of the economic liberalization that was initiated in mid 1991. financial institutions and regulatory structures have been developing gradually & in this process SEBI, the capital market regulator & insurance watchdog IRDA has played a very significant role. On the other hand reserve Bank of Indian has built a strong regulatory environment which can be considered as backbone of Indian financial Industry. This chapter has discussed about the regulatory reforms initiated from 1990s till date in the evolution of Indian financial industry & harmonization of Indian laws to make it a investor friendly state for International Investors & safe platform for stock market trading for householders.
Financial Market Reforms in Nepal and Its Presence in South Asia
Authors: Gautam Bishnu Prasad
Published: March 2016

Financial market is the backbone of the economy, hence is crucial for the economic growth and development of any country. The financial sector also entails the seeds of financial crisis that can spill over across the rest of economy. Though the interaction between various economic sectors is crucial, it requires timely assessment of risks and redressed. This chapter attempts to capture the sequencing and implementation of financial market reforms in Nepal and briefly examine its consequences. The evidence confirms that reforms do not only mean the institutional and policy reforms but also manifests in terms of increase in the number of financial institutions, expansion in the outreach of financial services and products in terms of quality and quantity as well as improvement in the soundness of macroeconomic indicators. Finally, it argues for the continuation of reforms and consolidation in the financial markets to make the system resilient in changing contexts.
Designs of Mixed Method Research
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: March 2016

Mixed methods research is becoming an increasingly popular approach in the discipline fields of sociology, psychology, education and health sciences. Calls for the integration of quantitative and qualitative research methods have been advanced in these fields. A key feature of mixed methods research is its methodological pluralism, which frequently results in research which provides broader perspectives than those offered by mono-method designs. The central premise of mixed methods is that the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches in combination provides a better understanding of research problems and complex phenomena than either approach alone. The purpose of this chapter is to review designs of mixed methods research. The study surveys the common designs of mixed methods research and examine the main characteristics of each in terms of purposes, strengths, and issues, and posits suggestions on the application of these designs.
Examining Online Communication
Authors: Hughes Michael G. , Griffith Jennifer A. , Byrne Cristina , Nei Darin S. , Beechly Lauren Harkrider , Zeni Thomas A. , Shipman Amanda , Connelly Shane , Mumford Michael D.
Published: March 2016

Methods of individual communication continue to expand through online media. Given the dynamic nature of online communications, traditional methods for studying communications may not suffice. A hybridized content analytic approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods offers a unique methodological tool to researchers who seek to better understand computer-mediated communications and the psychological characteristics of those who communicate online by evaluating qualitative information using quantitative methods. This means of measurement allows researchers to statistically evaluate whether investigated phenomena are occurring in combination with the richness that qualitative assessment provides. As with any approach to computer-mediated communication, various ethical considerations must be borne in mind, and, thus, are discussed in concert with this hybridized approach to content analysis.
Ideas and Implementation of an Internet-Based System of Qualification for Teachers in a Federally Structured Education System
Authors: Koch Michael
Published: March 2016

Making an internet-based system of qualification available for teachers at general education schools within a federally organised education system poses a variety of challenges. Based on findings of pedagogical professional research, further and advanced teacher training needs to impart specialist scientific competencies and (simultaneously connected with these competencies) subject-didactic ones as well as providing support for curricular implementation on the one hand. On the other hand, there needs to be a broad portfolio of modules leading to specialist and didactic qualifications which can take heterogeneous curricular requirements into account. On the basis of pedagogical as well as systematic requirements, the article formulates the essential cornerstones of such a qualification-based online training system, using the example of the Economic (General) Education. Subsequent attention turns to a specific project with whose help more than 2500 teachers in eleven German federal states have gained qualifications since 2002. The focus is centred, in this regard, on the question of how the aforementioned objectives were pursued, aided by determining and developing numerous variant and invariant learning objects as well as linking them via a specific metadata system. This is followed by the presentation of further existing needs in research and development.
Characteristic Modification of Catalysts by Use of a Chloride Source
Authors: Meng Xiang , Suzuki Hiroaki , Sasaki Kenta , Tatsuoka Hirokazu
Published: March 2016

Structural control and morphological modification of a series of Si-based nanostructures were studied from the viewpoint of modifying the catalyst’s characteristics. The catalyst was modified from a liquid to a solid during its growth. The growth evolution of the faceted Si nanowires occurred via a vapor–liquid–solid mechanism followed by a silicide vapor–solid–solid mechanism. The shapes of the catalysts defined the shapes of the nanowires during the vapor–solid–solid growth. The catalyst was further modified by the deposition of MnCl2. Only irregularly shaped Si particles or MnCl2 particles were observed on top of the Si nanowires. The characteristic modification of catalysts by liquid-phase crystal nucleation and deposition of liquid-phase droplets was discussed. In addition, the synthesis of a CrSi2 nanowire bundle by the formation of dense nanoparticles was studied.
The Effect of Adsorbed Molecules on Electronic Structure and Magnetic Properties of Nanographites
Authors: Ziatdinov Albert M. , Kainara Vladimir V. , Saenko Nikita S.
Published: March 2016

The results of investigation of changes in electronic structure and magnetic properties of multilayer graphene nanoclusters (nanographites) occurring during their interaction with adsorbed chlorine molecules are presented. The found reversible decrease in the density of states of current carriers D(EF) at the Fermi energy EF can be explained by the spin-splitting of edge π-electron states in nanographites induced by the enhancement of electron-electron interactions due to increase of the D(EF) at partial transfer of the electron density from nanographites to chlorine adatoms. The revealed irreversible decrease in the concentration of localized spins indicates that the electron spins of 3p-orbitals of chlorine and unpaired (dundling) σ-orbitals of edge carbon atoms are coupled also at this interaction, i.e. the edge covalent compound of nanographite with chlorine forms. Character of changes in the spin-relaxation rate of π-electrons depending on the amount of adsorbed chlorine molecules and on temperature in chlorinated samples are also consistent with the above model of nanographite-chlorine interaction.
The Structure and Magnetic Properties of Bronze, Stainless still and Alloy Layers Formed by Direct Laser Welding on Nonmagnetic Substrates
Authors: Galkin Nikolay G. , Kulchin Yuri N. , Subbotin Evgenii P. , Yatsko Dmitrii S. , Galkin Konstantin Nickolaevich , Chernev Igor M. , Chusovitin Evgeniy Anatolievich
Published: March 2016

Investigations of crystal structure, microstructure and composition of laser welded coatings of bronze, IN625, PGSR-4 and stainless steel alloys on non-magnetic substrates have shown that from the raw alloy powders (wire) the additional crystalline phases are extracted with new compositions and sizes of units of microns, which randomly distributed in the coating volume. Due to formation of additional phases with increased electron concentration magnetic hysteresis loops have appeared at 4 K and 300 K for all welded coatings. Bronze and stainless steel coatings have demonstrated soft ferromagnetic properties with two type of magnetic domains with small magnetization that resulted in small value of saturation magnetization (Ms = 60-146 emu/cm3 at 300 K and Ms = 107-241 emu/cm3 at 4 K) and low values of coercive force (40 – 90 Oe) at 300 K and (50-170 Oe) at 4 K. En existence of one type of ferromagnetic domains with middle Curie temperatures (230-270 K) in laser welded IN625 and PGSR-4 coatings has determined soft ferromagnetic nature of magnetism at low temperature (Ms =274 – 398 emu/cm3) and transition in paramagnetic conditions at 300 K due to main contribution only paramagnetic grains with different composition.
Experimental Study and Simulation of the Structure-Phase Transitions in Deposited Ge Layers during Pulsed Laser Annealing
Authors: Novikov Herman A. , Bayazitov Rustem M. , Batalov Rafael M. , Faizrakhmanov Ildar A. , Ivlev Gennadii D. , Prokop'ev Stanislav L.
Published: March 2016

Ion-beam deposition of amorphous Ge layers on different substrates (silicon and quartz) has been performed. Deposited amorphous Ge layers were subjected to pulsed laser annealing (λ = 0.69 μm, τ = 80 ns). Simultaneously the optical probing of the Ge surface was carried out. The computer simulation of heating processes and phase transitions was performed taking into account the temperature dependences of film and substrates’ parameters and phase transition energies. The results of the dynamics of heating, melting, crystallization and plasma formation processes are well described by simulation data. It is shown that the threshold values for radiation power density and phase transition rates are determined mainly by thermophysical parameters of the substrates and thermal contact between Ge melt and substrate.
Nanostructured Metal Substrates Fabrication for Surface Enhanced Fluorescence Using the Nanosecond Speckle-Modulated Laser Pulses
Authors: Gurbatov Stanislav O. , Kuchmizhak Aleksandr A. , Kulchin Yuriy N. , Vitrik Oleg B.
Published: March 2016

Nanosecond speckle-modulated laser pulses were applied to fabricate nanotextured metal substrates for surface enhanced fluorescence (SEF) applications. The speckle-modulated patterns obtained by passing the laser nanosecond pulse through the simplest diffusive object were found suitable for fast large-scale texturing of metal films with micron-sized structures - nanojets, nanobumps and submicron through holes, previous reported only for single-shot nanoablation with tightly focused beams. The optimal regime for pattering the mm-scale areas of Au films with nanojets with an averaged recording density of 105 nanojets per square millimeter were determined and realized. The fabricated nanotextured Au substrates demonstrate spatially uniform SEF signal from the Rhodamine 6G organic dye with averaged 5-fold enhancement factor being compared with unmodified Au surface.
Multilayer Graphene Nanoclusters: Structure, Electronic and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Saenko Nikita S. , Ziatdinov Albert M.
Published: March 2016

The data on atomic and electronic structure and some magnetic properties of graphite domains in activated carbon fibers (ACF) are presented. It has been established that graphite domains have nanometer sizes in all three dimensions, and consist of about three turbostratically stacked nanographenes. Such multilayer nanographene clusters (nanographites) are structural blocks of ACF and they are separated from each other by the micropores and/or sp3-amorphous carbon phase. From the data of magnetic methods of investigations, it follows that the density of states at the Fermi energy in nanographites is significantly larger than the value of that parameter in macroscopic graphite, which testifies the existence of edge π-electron states in them.