bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Разработка инструментария исследования группового и микрогруппового конфликта в производственных группах
Authors: Sidorenkov Andrei V. , Shipit'ko Olesia Ju. , Ul'ianova Natal'ia Ju. , Sarychev Sergei V.
Published: December 2016

This study was supported by the Russian Humanitarian Science Foundation grant “Contradictions, conflicts and effectiveness of small groups in organizations and enterprises” (research project no. 16-36-00006) The paper analyses the existing methods and techniques (questionnaires, basically) for the study of conflict in small groups of employees. The authors provide the data on methods of studying conflicts and features of their application. A conceptual platform,containing understanding of the nature of conflict and model of its manifestation in small groups, formed the basis for the development of an inventory. The paper describes the developed inventory for the study of types of group and microgroup conflicts. The inventory consisted of two parts for studying the levels of group and microgroup conflicts, and also had two subscales for measuring two types of conflict (activity-oriented and subject-oriented) on each of these levels. The inventory contained eight items (four in each subscale). The members of the group evaluated items on a seven-point Likert-type scale. The study involved 18 small groups of employees (N = 200 employees) that represented the primary structural units in organizations. The examination involved three psychologists and 25 persons from groups of employees selected at random. The authors evaluated (a) construct, convergent, and discriminant validity, (b) reliability-consistency of the subscales of the inventory, and (c) the empirical distribution. The study proved the appropriatenessof distinguishing two subscales in the presented inventory. The inventory was valid and reliable for all the analyzed characteristics. The developed inventory can be readily used in practice, as well as in research work. The paper presents the main findings and suggests possible applications of the inventory for the study of typesof group and microgroup conflicts.
Психометрические грани антихрупкости: толерантность к неопределенности, жизнестойкость и рост
Authors: Vindeker Ol'ga S. , Klimenskikh Marina V.
Published: December 2016

This paper considers the issues, which are concerned with a new concept of antifragility. Quite recently, considerable attention has been paid to the concept of antifragility. Antifragility gains a special importance in studying psychological characteristics which enable to cope with stress, overcome life difficulties, and be tolerant of uncertainty (T. N. Kornilova, 2015; D. A. Leontiev, 2015). N. Taleb (2014)defines antifragility as an attribute of living systems, which manifests itself in the use of any stressors for the benefit of development. This study attempts to demonstrate a common factor of antifragility at the psychometric level when “measuring” several psychological characteristics such as hardiness, tolerance of ambiguity, psychologicalwellbeing, and coping strategies. The authors (a) offer a brief theoretical overview of the concepts considering humandevelopment as the result of overcoming (crises, difficulties), (b) distinguish the concepts of endurance and antifragility, and (c) consider antifragility as a generalized concept of various psychological phenomena related to “improving through challenges”.A small mixed-age sample of respondents demonstrated that antifragility was most closely associated with parameters of hardiness, tolerance of ambiguity, and psychological wellbeing. Antifragility was less associated with coping strategies. The respondents who scored high on antifragility (a) realized it at the level of selfappraisal,(b) had a pronounced risk-taking, sense of control and control over theenvironment, (c) emphasized the presence of life goals, (d) calmly perceived uncertain situations, (e) were able to see a positive side of uncertainty, and (f) were generally inclined to a positive reappraisal of difficulties. The factor analysis of the studied parameters clearly revealed a single factor. The basic load was distributed betweenthe parameters of dispositional antifragility, hardiness, personal growth, and tolerance of ambiguity. The authors draw conclusions about (a) the presence of a common factor of antifragility at the psychometric level and (b) the easiness of differentiationof the concepts of endurance and antifragility in respondents’ representations.
Geometry, Static, Vibration and Bucking Analysis and Applications to Thin Elliptic Paraboloid Shells
Authors: Krivoshapko S.N. , Gbaguidi-Aisse G.L.
Published: December 2016

A large number of references dealing with the geometry, static, vibration and buckling analysis of elliptic paraboloid shells exist in the literature. This review work attempts to organize and summarize the extensive published literature on the basic achievements in investigations of thin-walled structures in the form of elliptic paraboloids. Possibilities of elliptic paraboloids with reference to machine-building and construction designs and to the apparatuses used in theoretical physics are briefly considered. The geometric part of the review is extended due to consideration of optimization of surface’s sizes, researches of representation of a surface on the plane and introducing bibliographic material on fractal geometry. Several existent analytical and numeral methods of calculation of the examined shells on durability give a possibility to choose one of the methods for the solution of new two-dimensional or three-dimensional tasks. Geometrical researches, approximation and bending of elliptic paraboloid surfaces, research of the stress-strain state of shells by analytical and numerical methods, natural and forced vibration of a shell, forming and setting of surfaces, application of shells in the form of elliptic paraboloids are the main problems which are considered in this review.
O Lado Trágico e o Lado Belo da Vida / The Tragedy and the Beauty of Life
Authors: Pontin Luiz Francisco
Published: December 2016

No último 29 de novembro, fomos acordados por uma tragédia na Colômbia com todos que estavam a bordo do voo LaMia 2933: jogadores e dirigentes da Chapecoense, repórteres, cinegrafistas e a própria tripulação. Alguns se salvaram, mas a maioria perdeu suas vidas. As primeiras análises indicam que houve falta de combustível no avião. No entanto, apontar os culpados neste momento pouco importa. Se foi ironia do destino, também pouco importa. A realidade é que vidas se foram e, com elas, alegrias que o time da Chapecoense poderia dar aos seus torcedores e ao povo brasileiro. Quantas famílias choram a perda de seus entes queridos, pais, filhos, irmãos, esposas e amigos? O Brasil está de luto.Mas há incrivelmente lados belos nesta tragédia. Times de futebol do exterior têm se solidarizado com o ocorrido. Times brasileiros igualmente fazem sua parte. Clubes ofereceram alguns de seus jogadores à Chapecoense para que ela possa continuar jogando e, assim, consiga reerguer o time que tanto orgulho dava à cidade de Chapecó. A vida tem de continuar!Algo extremamente notável tem sido a manifestação do povo colombiano. Em 30 de novembro, atletas do time que iria jogar contra a Chapecoense, juntamente com parte da população de Medelín, foram ao campo no horário da partida prestar homenagens às vítimas. Foi a mais bela demonstração de carinho e solidariedade ao povo brasileiro. A Colômbia deu uma lição de generosidade, mostrando que nestas horas não há rivalidades, desavenças, ou times adversários: há um só time, o time da humanidade.Postos estes extremos, diga-se a tragédia e o belo, os questionamentos que vêm à tona são os seguintes: por que agimos assim, com grandeza na alma, somente nas horas mais amargas da vida? Por que não agimos com benevolência no cotidiano? Por que perdemos tempo com mesquinharias no dia a dia? Por que somos tão agressivos no trânsito, intolerantes e maldosos? O que nos desperta tanta raiva e ódio? Por que não somos amáveis e gentis todos os dias? O que provoca mudanças repentinas e ríspidas em nosso comportamento?Tais questionamentos parecem como enigmas ainda não desvendados. Talvez a psicologia, a sociologia, a filosofia, e/ou a medicina expliquem isso futuramente. Talvez a ciência um dia consiga melhor compreender e antecipar a complexidade do gênero humano. Por ora, gostaria de sugerir que façamos uma reflexão sobre qual sentido temos dados a nossas vidas. Que olhemos nosso interior e tudo que nos cerca, com intuito de nos certificarmos das escolhas que temos feito a cada momento. Tragédias vão continuar existindo; porém, não podemos desistir do milagre da vida!
If Only We Knew What We Know: Factors for Mobilizing Citizen Participation in Community-based Emergency Preparedness
Authors: Wu Wei-Ning , Chang Kaiju , Tso Yi-En
Published: December 2016

Emergency management typically consists of four phases: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Citizen participation is recognized as key to these four phases, and local governments are responsible for promoting authentic citizen participation in all phases. Many studies have asserted the importance of citizen participation in improving the capabilities of community-based emergency response and recovery, yet studies on citizen activities and participation in the pre-disaster process are relatively limited. In practice, increasing citizen preparedness for disasters has presented a challenge to local emergency management agencies. In Taiwan, the approaches employed by local emergency management agencies for mobilizing citizens to participate in emergency management activities are often considered in isolation from their other administrative duties. To fill this gap, this study examines factors for mobilizing citizens in disaster exercises from the perspective of local fire branch heads. Using survey data collected from Southern Taiwan in 2013, we found that the capacity of local fire branches to provide emergency communications and information delivery, as well as pre-disaster risk assessment and alert systems, is critical for enhancing citizen participation in the local emergency preparedness process.
Juan XXIII y el inicio del Concilio Vaticano II.
Authors: Hubert Robinet André Marie
Published: December 2016

The inaugural homily of the Council vatican II (Gaudet Mater Ecclesia - GME) was a very prepared speech. John XXIII put into it wholeheartedly. The moment was historic. In this paper, we study the speech to highlight the main ideas. These same ideas are important for understanding the way the Council: work, purpose, diffculties. The Pope wanted a pastoral Council, open to all, without condemnation.
In the second part, through texts of the Popes and the Council is looking to see how the Pope’s ideas were received. They focus on in the universal and the pastoral of the Council. Thus, it is proved that the Council was really a new Pentecost that allowed an aggiornamento of the Church.
Mortalidad en pacientes menores de edad con diagnóstico de dengue y su relación con el uso de Dipirona
Authors: Gutierrez Lesmes Oscar Alexander , Plata Casas Laura Inés , Montaño Contreras Sandra Carolina
Published: December 2016

Introducción: El dengue es una de las diez causas de hospitalización más frecuentes en los servicios de urgencias de pediatría, en la atención sintomática se utiliza la Dipirona como antipirético, la guía clínica de manejo del dengue de la Organización Panamericana de  la Salud (OPS) evidencia restricciones para su uso en pacientes con dengue y según la Guía de Atención Clínica Integral del paciente con dengue, no se debe administrar en pacientes pediátricos. Objetivo: Determinar la relación de la Dipirona con casos de mortalidad en menores de 16 años con dengue en el Meta. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles basado en la mortalidad por dengue en menores de edad reportados al Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Pública del departamento del Meta,  años 2008 a 2011. Resultados: La razón de las ventajas (OR) evidencia que la mortalidad por dengue es 17,6 veces mayor en menores de edad que recibieron Dipirona con un intervalo de confianza de 95% entre 3,7-84,5 y un valor de P de 0,0002. Conclusión: El grupo de casos que recibió Dipirona en su tratamiento presentó una mayor mortalidad, la revisión de literatura no evidencia resultados sobre la relación de la Dipirona y mortalidad en niños con dengue, se debe seguir estudiando el fenómeno para contar con mayor evidencia científica.Abstract Introduction: Dengue is one of the ten most frequent causes of hospitalization in the emergency department of pediatrics where Dipyrone is used as an antipyretic in the symptomatic care. The clinical management guide for dengue of the Panamerican Health Organization (PHO) evidences restrictions for its use in patients with dengue, and according to the Integral Clinical Care Guide for patients with dengue, it should not be administered in pediatric patients. Objective: To determine the relationship between the uses of Dipyrone with the cases of mortality in children under 16 who suffered from dengue in Meta. Materials and methods: A case-control study was conducted based on mortality from dengue in minors reported to the Surveillance System in Public Health in the department of Meta, from 2008 to 2011. Results: The odds ratio (OR) shows that dengue mortality is 17.6 times greater in children Dipyrone treated with a confidence interval of 95% between 3.7 to 84.5 and a P value of 0.0002. Conclusion:  The case group who received Dipyrone in their treatment had a higher mortality. There is no evidence or results in the literature review about the relationship of Dipyrone and mortality in children with dengue. This phenomenon should continue to be studied to have greater scientific evidence.
Disfunción olfatoria pos-trauma encéfalocraneano y su impacto en la calidad de vida: revisión de tema
Authors: Cantillo Mackenzie Germán , Sánchez Acosta Daniela , Suárez Escudero Juan Camilo
Published: December 2016

Se revisó desde una perspectiva biológica y clínica el compromiso del olfato por déficit neurológico pos traumatismo encéfalo craneano (TEC), para concientizar a la comunidad científica sobre la importancia de la relación de este déficit y su impacto en la vida diaria.

Se hizo una revisión narrativa de tema sobre las bases biológicas, fisiológicas y clínicas, y el impacto en la vida diaria del olfato. Se revisó la literatura sobre el estado del arte actual.

El sistema olfativo es una parte esencial de la fisiología humana y juega un papel crítico en la salud y el comportamiento, por ello su alteración conlleva a la afectación en la calidad de vida de los pacientes, que implica consecuencias físicas y/o psicológicas. Las opciones de rehabilitación del olfato son escazas o nulas, y existe poca literatura a nivel clínico, derivado del subdiagnóstico; además, la complejidad biológica para la evaluación, diagnóstico y rehabilitación del olfato posterior a lesión neurológica y/o otorrinolaringológica dificulta las estrategias de manejo. Los procesos de rehabilitación neurológica del olfato son un tema de potencial desarrollo que requiere del trabajo conjunto entre las neurociencias básicas y clínicas.
Corporate governance practices of the insurance industry in South Africa
Authors: Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: December 2016

The insurance sector plays a critical role in any economy by its very mechanism of risk transfer and savings mobilisation. It thus performs a critical role in intermediation by fostering the liquidity of the financial markets. This in turn ensures that capital is transferred from surplus units to deficient units of the economy who are in need of funds for the undertaking of capital projects and thereby spurring productivity. In the aftermath of the 2007 to 2009 financial crisis the insurance industry image was tainted. As such, the observance of good corporate governance tenets has now more than ever before become quintessential and also a prescription by regulators. The purpose of this paper is to explore the corporate governance practices (both internal control as well as regulatory measures) that are prevalent in the South African Insurance industry. This paper utilised qualitative research methods and lend itself to document analysis of company reports that the insurance companies submit, as well as the Acts and industry codes that governs the insurance industry in South Africa. The Atlas.ti software was used to analyse the documents. We find evidence that insurers are at various stages of embedding good corporate governance practices. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, the insurance companies by and large have strengthened their internal control systems. They have also complied with regulatory directives and are grappling with the implementation of Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) as well as Solvency Assessment Measurement (SAM) which are market conduct and prudential regulations respectively. Further they also subscribe to the King I, King II and King III frameworks of corporate governance. However we wish to caution against “over regulating” this sector as this could stifle innovation
Do corporate governance practices differ across different market capitalization of the firms: Some empirical findings from India?
Authors: Khanna Uday , Madan Pankaj
Published: December 2016

Worldwide considerable amount of research on corporate governance focuses on ownership structure and board characteristics of companies and linking these to their performance but fewer studies have been found on the linkage between market capitalization of the firms and the quality of corporate governance practices. This study is an attempt to showcase the linkage between market capitalization and quality of corporate governance practices of the firm. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of firms with different market capitalization on the quality of corporate governance in Indian companies. As India is one of such countries where corporate governance systems are in the evolutionary stage, the findings could also be useful for other newly liberalized and globalizing economies.
The underbelly of trade unionism in Africa: A comparative analysis of two national trade union federations.
Authors: Kappo-Abidemi Christiana O. , Allen-Ile Charles , Iwu Chux Gervase
Published: December 2016

Since the evolution of organised labour, workers the world-over have depended upon and trusted their trade union federations to defend and advance their social, political and economic interests. These and other worker-related issues have been the focus of successful trade unionism before the emergence of globalization, privatization, outsourcing, contracting and labour-related phenomena associated with diminishing power of organised labour. These factors have been used as indices to determine the growth and effectiveness of trade union federations globally. This article, however, examines ways by which selected trade union federations in Africa have been able to tackle factors militating against their effectiveness. The article draws on perspectives from two biggest federations in Africa- Congress of South Africa Trade Unions (COSATU) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). These two countries are often referred to as ‘African powerhouses’. COSATU is by far, the largest of the three union federations in South Africa. The NLC on the other hand, is the only recognized trade union federation in Nigeria. The aim of this paper is to shed ‘new’ light on the performance of trade union federations in Africa by comparatively analysing how they are perceived by their general membership in relation to their effectiveness in securing or promoting governance and the resultant effect on their members and non-members alike are examined and compared with respect to their effectiveness in both countries. The paper is based on research that utilised quantitative and primary data collected through survey questionnaires administered to members of selected trade unions that are affiliated to these two trade union federations. Results emerging from empirical analyses indicate that COSATU and NLC activities go far beyond traditional workers representation
Business intelligence as an essential cooperate management tool for the logistics industry
Authors: Onunka Chiemela , Nnadozie Remigius C.
Published: December 2016

Present and historic cooperate data provide the platform for deep interrogation of business processes with the aim of producing effective and timeous reports for management decisions. This study explores the abstract link between the successes and failures of strategic decision-making process and business intelligence as integral factors making significant impact on planned corporate destinations particularly in the logistics industry. The study advocates efficient business intelligence and strategic reporting systems for enhanced cooperate decision support.
A two step clustering algorithm as applied to crime data of South Africa
Authors: Moroke Ntebogang Dinah
Published: December 2016

This study applied a TwoStep cluster analysis on the 29 serious crimes reported at 1119 police stations across South Africa for the 2009/2010 financial year. Due to this high number of variables and observations, it becomes difficult to apply some statistical methods without firstly using others as precursors. Classical methods have also been found to be inefficient as they do not have the ability to handle large datasets and mixture of variables. The AIC and BIC automatically identified the three clusters of crimes. The findings may guide authorities when developing interventions tailored to better meet the needs of individual cluster of crimes. Existing plans may also be enhanced to the advantage of residents. More emphasise may be placed on crimes that pose a serious threat. The SAPS may use these findings when reporting on national crime statistics. For future studies, discriminant analysis can be applied to check the clusters’ validity
Earnings management and income tax evidence from Greece
Authors: Kapoutsou Eftychia , Tzovas Christos , Chalevas Constantinos
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study is to examine the question of earnings management and, specifically, how this relates to taxation. In order to determine whether there is a correlation between earnings management and taxation, we investigate the discretionary accruals aspect of total accruals, i.e. the portion of profits which can be affected by management accounting choices, as calculated by the Jones (1991) model and the modified Jones model (Dechow et. al, 1995). Furthermore, we examine to what degree a correlation may exist between discretionary accruals and tax income (consisting of current and deferred tax). Our empirical findings demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between the levels of discretionary accruals and of total, current and deferred tax. This suggests that tax in general may be employed as a means to facilitate earnings management. The findings of this study suggest that IFRS provisions regarding taxation provide firms with a scope to get involved in earning management practices
The sectional title industry in South Africa: Perspectives of managing agents
Authors: Steenkamp Leandi , Lubbe Dave
Published: December 2016

This article is the second in a series of three on the sectional title industry in South Africa. (The first article dealt with perspectives of accounting and auditing practitioners and the third article in the series will address the perspectives of chairmen or bodies corporate.) The aim of this article was to provide an overview of practical problems experienced by managing agents in the sectional title industry in South Africa by way of interviewing a sample of key role players in the industry. The empirical results revealed various practical challenges and uncertainties in the industry. Various problems and concerns were addressed and practical recommendations were made that can be of assistance to owners, trustees, managing agents, accountants and auditing professionals. The findings can also be used as a valuable basis for further research
Promoter ownership and working capital management efficiency of indian manufacturing firms
Authors: Gill Amarjit , Obradovich John D. , Mand Harvinder S.
Published: December 2016

Poor cash flow leads to insolvency of the firm. One of the most important factors that lead to poor cash flow is the inefficiency of working capital management. This study investigates relationships between promoter ownership and working capital management efficiency of Indian manufacturing firms. A sample of 151 manufacturing firms was selected from Top 500 Companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for a period of five years (from 2010-2014). Results indicate that changes in promoter ownership play a role in changing working capital management efficiency of Indian manufacturing firms by reducing their cash conversion cycle and by improving cash conversion efficiency. This study contributes to the literature on the factors that cause changes in working capital management efficiency. The findings may be useful for financial managers, operations managers, investors, financial management consultants, and other stakeholders
Exploring budgetary slack: The influence of organizational commitment and job-related tension
Authors: Yuen Desmond C. , Law Philip K. , Tayes Mike
Published: December 2016

The variables of organizational commitment and job-related tension have been given much individual attention in studies of organizational behaviour, but little consideration has been given to the joint effect of both on budgetary behaviour. This paper reports a study of the effects of organizational commitment and job-related tension on the propensity of managers to create budgetary slack under conditions of high and low levels of budgetary participation. The results indicate that, in a situation of high budgetary participation, highly committed managers who report low job-related tension are associated with a reduced propensity to create budgetary slack, whereas lower committed managers with higher job-related tension are associated with a greater propensity to create slack. Additionally, the study finds that organizational commitment and job-related tension, in the low-participation situation, have no effect on propensity to create budgetary slack. The implications of the results for design of control systems and personnel management are considered
Does effective monitoring by the board of directors affect the relationship between global diversification and financial leverage?
Authors: Salama Feras M. , Zoubi Taisier A.
Published: December 2016

Research investigating the relationship between global diversification and financial leverage has produced mixed results. Some studies found that global diversification improves the firm’s debt capacity and, as a result, increases its degree of financial leverage. Other studies found that global diversification increases firm risk and, as a result, decreases its debt capacity and the degree of financial leverage. In this study, we suggest that monitoring by the board of directors and related committees moderates the relationship between global diversification and the degree of financial leverage. Specifically, in firms with vigilant (passive) monitoring, the relationship between global diversification and the degree of financial leverage is positive (negative). Using a sample of 6,188 firm-year observations over the period 2002 through 2006, we find support for the hypothesis.
Improved algorithm for cleaning high frequency data: An analysis of foreign currency
Authors: Jayawardena Nirodha I. , West Jason , Todorova Neda , Li Bin
Published: December 2016

High-frequency data are notorious for their noise and asynchrony, which may bias or contaminate the empirical analysis of prices and returns. In this study, we develop a novel data filtering approach that simultaneously addresses volatility clustering and irregular spacing, which are inherent characteristics of high-frequency data. Using high frequency currency data collected at five-minute intervals, we find the presence of vast microstructure noise coupled with random volatility clusters, and observe an extremely non-Gaussian distribution of returns. To process non-Gaussian high-frequency data for time series modelling, we propose two efficient and robust standardisation methods that cater for volatility clusters, which clean the data and achieve near-normal distributions. We show that the filtering process efficiently cleans high-frequency data for use in empirical settings while retaining the underlying distributional properties
On the possible tools for the prevention of non-performing loans. A case study of an Italian bank
Authors: Bruno Elena , Iacoviello Giuseppina , Lazzini Arianna
Published: December 2016

This work analyzes the contribution of an Information Systems (IS) to the implementation of credit monitoring as a new integrated process to prevent non-performing loans in a small bank. The study focuses on the process of active monitoring of the entire credit portfolio, aimed at guiding the best migration between risk classes. This is understood as a set of integrated activities, in which the quality of information becomes a major determinant of the outcome. Such tools support risk management in the decision-making process and aiding performance evaluation. The purpose of this work is to highlight the possibility of an IS to support this new integrated process of credit monitoring, providing increasingly reliable data, availability on demand and real-time information
Type of industry as a pay benchmarking trend, challenge and constraint in executive remuneration
Authors: Maloa Frans
Published: December 2016

This article takes up the question of executive remuneration with particular focus on the type of industry as a pay benchmarking criterion used in deciding on executive remuneration in the context of South African state-own enterprises (SOEs). Data was analysed qualitatively by means of case study and thematic analysis. The research findings revealed concerns about inability to benchmark and match similar types of organisations according to the nature of business and the type of industry. The recommendation was that the skills set of an executive should be considered as the best benchmarking technique for executives across companies of similar size and complexity in South African SOEs.
Expectations or macroeconomic innovations: What drives the stakeholders’ decisions? Evidence from the euro area
Authors: Shah Syed S. Ali , Zwick Hélène Syed
Published: December 2016

This study brings new evidence supporting the existence of the linkage between equity market and macroeconomic variables in the Euro area. Using the monthly data from January 1999 to September 2014 we show empirical relationship between stock returns and interest rate in the 19 countries using the euro. The results confirm that in Euro Area stock markets, the stockowners decisions are significantly influenced by the macroeconomic expectations, particularly the long run interest rate
Board diversity, external governance, ownership structure and performance in Ethiopian microfinance institutions
Authors: Wale Letenah Ejigu
Published: December 2016

This research investigated the effect of governance dimensions such as board diversity, external governance and ownership structures on the sustainability and outreach performance of Ethiopian MFIs. A panel data of 13 MFIs for 6 years (2003-2008) is used for the study. No study of such type is conducted in the past for the Ethiopian environment. The result indicates that more women on board of directors help in depth of outreach whereas board members with a financial skill and local businessmen reduce depth of outreach. Regulation has an opposite effect in that it reduces sustainability without curtailing depth of outreach. Rating of MFIs activity by rating agencies is found to have a good effect of increasing sustainability and at the same time cater for more women borrowers. On ownership structure it is found that MFIs dominantly owned by individual investors lends less to women and more profitable indicating the commercial orientation of their operation
Leadership and corporate governance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa: Public perceptions
Authors: Lekhanya Lawrence Mpele
Published: December 2016

The main, underlying constraint to the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is a lack of corporate governance (CG) structure (Mahmood 2014). In considering the UK- Department for Business Innovation and Skills report (2012), this constraint is described as one of the fundamental problems holding back the growth of SMEs. The report states it is this lack of leadership and management capability that should be present, to drive performance and enable them to succeed. However, statistics support the indispensable role that SMEs perform in a country’s economy and when the significance of this sector is taken into account, the role that CG and its practices play within SMEs has to be clearly understood (Le Roux, 2010). Due to SMEs survival and growth being dependant on their good business leadership and corporate governance, the ability to lead, manage, and take full advantage of the resources available have, in recent years, been highlighted on global public platforms and the media. It has further been acknowledged, through prior research studies on SMEs that, for a business to be successful, the critical role of leadership and good CG has to be fully understood. The purpose of this paper is to report on South African public perceptions of leadership and corporate governance of SMEs. The study aimed to analyse and evaluate these perceptions towards SME owner/managers and their consequences, on the survival and growth of SMEs. A mixed method approach allowed for qualitative and quantitative techniques in collecting data from individual participants, with primary data collected from nine provinces of South Africa, and 180 participants as the sample. The research instrument consisted of closed-ended, questionnaires made up of 5-point Likert scale responses and 20 questionnaires were distributed to each province. Delivery of the questionnaires was done through email to individual respondents, with follow–up via telephone calls. The research findings indicate that most respondents believed that the growth and survival of SMEs is, due to the lack of business leadership and poor CG. In addition, respondents agreed that SME owners/managers are just average entrepreneurs, as they do not have leadership qualities or skills and that CG does not exist in many SMEs, particularly in South Africa. The paper’s benefit will be to the owners/managers of SMEs, as well as, policy makers and financial agencies for SMEs. It is recommended that further research, with a larger sample size, be drawn from various townships
Capital structure: Empirical evidences of public and non-public firms in Brazil
Authors: Sakai de Macedo Gabriel Hideo , Sampaio Joelson Oliveira , Flores Eduardo , Aprigio Pedro Luiz
Published: December 2016

This study seek to contribute to the literature through research focused on companies listed and not listed on the stock exchange. A survey was used to identify the capital structure of Brazilian companies and relate the results to the Brazilian credit market. The results indicate that most of the investigated companies prefer not to issue convertible debt, as well as the share of firms issuing common shares was small. It was found that firms do not have preference between long-term and short-term debt. Finally, it was also noted that private companies have great concern about the volatility of earnings and cash flow. The differential of this research was to analyze the practices adopted by both public companies and privately held
Managerial ownership and firm performance on selected JSE listed firms
Authors: Zondi Sandisiwe , Sibanda Mabutho
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates if there is a relationship between managerial ownership and firm performance in selected firms listed on the JSE, and if so, what that relationship is. The study conducts regression analyses over a sample of 23 retail sector firms, observing data stretching from 2010 to 2013. The results are found to be robust. The results suggest that the hypothesis that a positive relationship exists between managerial ownership and performance be rejected as a negative relationship is found. Instead, the results of a two-stage least squares (2SLS) analysis find that managerial ownership does not impact firm performance in any direction. Overall the results of the study do not support the agency theory, as aligning the interests of managers and shareholders does not improve firm performance, at least within the retail sector
Employee assistance programmes (EAPS) and quality of work life in a public sector organization: Biographical influences
Authors: Bophela N R , Govender Patsy
Published: December 2016

This study aims to determine biographical influences on facets of employee assistance programmes (EAPs) and the quality of work life of employees in a public sector organization. Employee perceptions were conducted via questionnaire distribution and the data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A sample 85 employees was drawn using the stratified random sampling. Significant differences surfaced with the length of service and with the three components of the study, that is, the programme on stress-related problems, the programme on personal issues and, mentoring programmes. Also, a significant difference emerged for the programme for substance abuse and the highest educational level. The literature review and the results highlight a compelling need for quality of work life and for spearheading EAPs programmes effectively in organizations
Dynamics of audit lag − board of directors and audit committees’ effect
Authors: Nehme Rabih , Assaker Guy , Khalife Rita
Published: December 2016

Audit procedures are considered to be an external governance mechanism tool used by shareholders from an agency theory perspective. The empirical model is constructed to assess the theoretical and statistical relationship between audit lag and corporate governance characteristics over a period of four years (for FTSE 350 companies excluding financial institutions between 2007 and 2010). This paper studies the effect of corporate governance mechanisms, board of directors and audit committee, on audit report lag. The importance of this research comes from the few studies conducted regarding the relationship between corporate governance and audit report lag. It is crucial to understand the determinants of audit lag in order to minimize it as much as possible and accordingly generate timely information.
A holistic risk management framework to address the global noise-induced hearing loss pandemic
Authors: van Schalkwyk Riaan Dirkse , Steenkamp Rigard J.
Published: December 2016

The paper presents a holistic risk management framework based on the core corporate governance principles and best-practice technology for addressing the global NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) pandemic. While some await the announcement of a pharmaceutical drug therapy for hearing loss treatment and prevention, the challenges of noise control continue. Although preventable, the scenario remains tragic in terms of the statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO). NIHL is among the most critical global health risks in terms of productivity, compensation statistics and noise-related deaths every year. Prevention of hearing loss remains the biggest challenge regardless of the availability of modern technology and best practice hearing conservation programmes (HCPs). An explorative research methodology was used to indicate a framework combining best practice with a diligent (bold) corporate and holistic approach to the NIHL problem. In essence, the paper therefore provides a thorough background to the global NIHL pandemic and presents a holistic risk management framework to address the problem
The link between CEO incentive structures, managerial power, and firm risk in the financial services industry: A comprehensive analysis of US banking and insurance firms
Authors: Benzing Johannes , Börner Christoph J.
Published: December 2016

This paper aims to comprehensive insights regarding the link between CEO characteristics and investors´ risk in the financial services industry. The paper examines the relation among CEO incentive structures, CEO duality, and several measures of stockholders´ risk for samples of US banks and insurance firms. Our results provide empirical evidence that certain CEO characteristics are significantly related to equity investors´ risk: A CEO’s pay sensitivity to annual base salary and yearly bonus payment is negatively related to firm risk. The value of a CEO’s unvested options und unvested stock is also negatively related to firm risk. CEO duality appears to be negatively related to firm risk for banks but positively related to risk for insurance firms. Our findings have implications for shareholders who are provided by an empirical framework that takes into account CEO characteristics as non-traded human resource risk factor
Critical success factors of unit trusts investments. A case study approach
Authors: Tsaurai Kunofiwa
Published: December 2016

This study mainly focused on investigating the critical success factors of unit trusts using a case study approach. Countries that were part of the case study analysis include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, United Kingdom and Singapore. Very few studies have so far focused on the critical success factors of unit trusts. Although some empirical studies have revealed the conditions under which unit trusts can be said to be viable, it appears the literature on the critical success factors on unit trusts is very scant. Lambrechts (1999), Woodlin (2003) and Nicoll (2005) are some of the few empirical researchers who explained unit trusts viability or success. However, the absence of focus on critical success factors of unit trusts among previous empirical studies prompted this study. This study revealed the following as critical success factors of unit trusts. These include unit trusts public education, better disclosure standards, government support, effective unit trusts products distribution channels, deregulation of unit trusts industry, stringent and prudent unit trusts regulation, deregulation of service charges and management fees, absence of trustee monopoly, relaxed exchange control regulations, unit trusts differentiation strategy, fund management specialization, financial sector liberalization, improved unit trusts regulation and favourable tax incentives. The study recommends that authorities should ensure these critical success factors are in place and well implemented to ensure the viability of unit trusts in their countries
Financial reporting quality in large energy & mining companies: A Canadian case
Authors: Nulla Yusuf Mohammed
Published: December 2016

This paper primarily examines the effect of the mandatory IFRS adoption in Canada by the Canadian energy companies. It is a comparative study between the Canadian GAAP and IFRS from 2008 to 2012. Since this research is an empirical study, the quantitative research method is applied. The research question for this research study is: Does IFRS adoption in the Canadian energy and mining companies improve accounting quality?. This research finds that earnings quality has increased due to the lower volatility between earnings and market price; enhance predictability in the cash flows and financial forecasting (cash related); and stronger influence of earnings to shareholder value. However, it also finds that earnings quality has reduced due to lower persistency and predictability; and less accruals and timeliness loss of recognition (increase in income smoothing).
Do nonaudit service fees associate with accrual earnings management during the IPO?
Authors: Alhadab Mohammad Muflih
Published: December 2016

The objectives of this paper it to examine the association between nonaudit service fees and accrual earnings management that take place during the IPO year. While nonaudit service fees and accrual earnings management has been examined in a number of settings, to date, there has been no work that analyses this association for IPO firm. The findings of this paper find evidence for clients of low quality audit firms that nonaudit service fees are positively associated with accrual earnings management during the IPO year, suggesting that nonaudit service fees compromise auditor independence.
The relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance: Evidence from a developing country
Authors: Hossain Moazzem , Chowdhury Md Maruf Hossan , Evans Robert , Lema Aklema Choudhury
Published: December 2016

We investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance (CFP) in a developing country context using annual report data from a sample of 131 firms over a 5 year period (2008-2012). Legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory underpin the study. We find a positive and significant relationship between CSR and CFP when using accounting measures of return on assets and equity, but an insignificant relationship when using the market based Tobin’s Q. The moderating effect of organisational governance on measures of workplace and environmental reporting is found to be important in a less developed economy
Effects of ethical practices on corporate governance in developing countries: evidence from Lebanon and Egypt
Authors: El-Kassar Abdul-Nasser , Messarra Leila Canaan , Elgammal Walid
Published: December 2016

Companies in some developing countries, such as those in the Middle East and North Africa region, do not place high importance on ethical behavior and practices within the organization. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of ethical behavior and practices within small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries on promoting good corporate governance. Data collected in Lebanon and Egypt provided evidence that ethics impact all major corporate governance categories. A deeper analysis of the relationships enabled the profiling of SMEs with lower levels of corporate governance relative to Ownership Structure. The findings created a path for useful recommendations to enhance corporate governance, in particular the Ownership Structure category, through adopting expedient ethical practices.
Challenges facing SMMEs during their first two years of operation in South Africa
Authors: Ngcobo Sandiso , Sukdeo S.
Published: December 2016

Unemployment is a serious problem that is facing South Africa (SA) and many countries across the globe. As a result, Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) have been identified as some of the suitable entities for job creation in SA. However, not many of the SMMEs experience success to the point that they can significantly contribute to the alleviation of unemployment. The objective of this paper is therefore to investigate possible challenges that SMMEs experience. The findings generally point to a need for awareness campaigns as some of the concerns raised by the participants are not legitimate. Even though the investigation was conducted in SA in the province of KwaZulu-Natal the findings are considered relevant for the rest of the country and many other parts of the world experiencing similar challenges