bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The professional basis of development work: suppose the person you are assisting to learn decides to leave the organization
Authors: Cunningham Ian
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to challenge some assumptions about development work. It raised moral and ethical dilemma facing learning and development professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article draws on personal experience and theory. It also uses an extract from Sainsbury’s case study.

Findings

– Learning and development professionals need to consider their role in relation to people with whom they work.

Practical implications

– The article provides practical advice based on real examples.

Social implications

– The article is clear about the social implications of one aspect of learning and development work, namely, where the activities of learning and development may cause a person to leave the organization.

Originality/value

– It appears to be a unique analysis of a real issue, namely, what should learning and development professionals do if a person wants to leave the organization as a result of their learning.
Social capital in disaster risk management; a case study of social capital mobilization following the 1934 Kathmandu Valley earthquake in Nepal
Authors: Bhakta Bhandari Roshan
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how social capital operated in the lives of 15 respondents from Lalitpur following the massive 1934 Kathmandu Valley earthquake. Based on experiences of the survivors, it attempts to understand how individuals and families utilized their social capital in the aftermath of the earthquake, and rebuild their lives and communities.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a qualitative study based on non-structured interviews and discussions with disaster victims on their own locality. Following Padgett's (2008) grounded theory approach, flexible method of data collection is adopted through interactions with respondents and following up on important cues or patterns as additional data emerged.

Findings

– Participants described a process through which they relied on bonding, bridging and linking social capital in different stages of earthquake response and recovery. Close ties or bonding social capital were important for immediate support, but bridging and linking social capital offered pathways to longer term survival and wider neighbourhood and community revitalization. This paper also discusses how social capital inclusion in pre-disaster communities might be helpful to strengthen their response capacity.

Research limitations/implications

– As the study participants were less than ten years old when the earthquake happened, they might have omitted or overlooked some important details about the event. The findings are based not only on participant's own memories, but they also shared stories told by their parents which were the indirect experiences.

Practical implications

– This study indicates the potential value and need for including bonding, bridging and linking social capital and traditional social networks in disaster planning. A key outcome related to disaster policy would be what institutional condition or combinations of different dimensions of social capital may serve the public for better disaster response and recovery.

Originality/value

– This study has paid attention to how social capital might be useful in disaster risk reduction both in post-disaster phase and in pre-disaster condition which may be rare in disaster studies. It also provides an insight into how community-based disaster management can take into account pre-existing social systems and traditional social networks to build local capacities.
Can education reduce Middle Eastern fatalistic attitude regarding earthquake disasters?
Authors: Baytiyeh Hoda , K. Naja Mohamad
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the unique and necessary role that Middle Eastern educational institutions must play to reduce the negative influence of fatalism regarding risk perception and disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on conceptual analysis and real situational cases to confirm the existing fatalistic attitudes in the Middle Eastern communities and shows how education can be used to reduce and limit the negative effects of such fatalism on earthquake risk mitigation.

Findings

– The paper calls for the integration of critical thinking along with disaster risk education throughout the schools’ system to reduce the dominating culture of fatalism and to facilitate the implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies in the Middle Eastern communities. In addition, the assistance of the religion instructors and clergy, in reducing fatalistic attitudes has positive implications.

Originality/value

– The paper represents an effort to accelerate the implementation of earthquake disaster risk reduction strategies in the Middle Eastern vulnerable communities. It uncovers the mask on one of the most critical social issues that has for long time hindered social progress in the Middle East region.
Multiple affective commitments: quitting intentions and job performance
Authors: Schoemmel Kristina , S. Jønsson Thomas
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interactions and the usefulness of distinguishing among employees’ affective commitments (ACs) to the job, to the department, and to the organization in relation to the effects of quitting intentions and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted a survey questionnaire in the Danish healthcare system (n=496).

Findings

– First, the authors demonstrates that AC to the job, to the department, and to the organization is factorially distinct. Second, the authors finds that AC to the department is related to intention to quit the department and the organization, whereas AC to the job and to the organization is not when considered as part of the analysis. The authors test for interactions between AC to the job, to the department, and to the organization in relation to quitting intentions, and find these results to be non-significant. Third, the authors finds that AC to the job is more strongly related to job performance than AC to the department and to the organization. Furthermore, AC to the department and to the organization moderates the relationship between AC to the job and job performance.

Practical implications

– The results may suggest that practitioners could profit from considering AC toward the department when preventing employees’ quitting intentions. Further, practitioners could benefit from enhancing AC to different targets, especially to the job, in order to increase employees’ job performance.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to an understanding of how ACs to multiple workplace targets are different and how they interact.
Production of efficient enzymes for flax retting by solid state fermentation withAspergillus niger
Authors: Yinghua Tian , Xiaolan Liu , Xiqun Zheng , Lu Wang
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the optimum culture condition of flax-retting enzyme, and applying the enzyme liquors to retting. In addition to research the structure of flax stem in enzyme retting using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Design/methodology/approach

– The influence of cultural parameters such as moisture level, temperature, incubation time and inoculum size were evaluated with respect to polygalacturonase and xylanase yield. The structure of flax stem was revealed by SEM.

Findings

– The flax was retted by dilute enzyme liquors (polygalacturonase/25 U/ml, xylanase/1 U/ml), and 24-h retting period was obtained. The SEM studies revealed the removal of a large amount of non-cellulosic gummy material of flax stem in enzyme retting.

Originality/value

– First, flax-retting enzyme containing higher-yield polygalacturonase, lower-yield xylanase and no cellulose was yielded by SSF. Second, the composition of enzyme could meet flax retting and no damage cellulosic fibre. Finally, only low-cost wheat bran, citrus peel powder and mineral salt were employed in substrate, which could reduce the overall cost of enzyme production and flax retting.
A revised FMEA application to the quality control management
Authors: Paciarotti Claudia , Mazzuto Giovanni , D’Ettorre Davide
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a cost-effective, time-saving and easy-to-use failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) system applied on the quality control of supplied products. The traditional FMEA has been modified and adapted to fit the quality control features and requirements. The paper introduces a new and revised FMEA approach, where the “failure concept” has been modified with “defect concept.”

Design/methodology/approach

– The typical FMEA parameters have been modified, and a non-linear scale has been introduced to better evaluate the FMEA parameters. In addition, two weight functions have been introduced in the risk priority number (RPN) calculus in order to consider different critical situations previously ignored and the RPN is assigned to several similar products in order to reduce the problem of complexity.

Findings

– A complete procedure is provided in order to assist managers in deciding on the critical suppliers, the creation of homogeneous families overcome the complexity of single product code approach, in RPN definition the relative importance of factors is evaluated.

Originality/value

– This different approach facilitates the quality control managers acting as a structured and “friendly” decision support system: the quality control manager can easily evaluate the critical situations and simulate different scenarios of corrective actions in order to choose the best one. This FMEA technique is a dynamic tool and the performed process is an iterative one. The method has been applied in a small medium enterprise producing hydro massage bathtub, shower, spas and that commercializes bathroom furniture. The firm application has been carried out involving a cross-functional and multidisciplinary team.
Multicomponent joint reliability importance of series-in-parallel and parallel-in-series systems
Authors: Jain Kanchan , Dewan Isha , Rani Monika
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Joint reliability importance (JRI) of components is the effect of a change of their reliability on the system reliability. The authors consider two coherent multi-component systems – a series-in-parallel (series subsystems arranged in parallel) and a parallel-in-series (parallel subsystems arranged in series) system. It is assumed that all the components in the subsystems are independent but not identically distributed. The subsystems do not have any component in common. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– For both the systems, the expressions for the JRI of two or more components are derived. The results are extended to include subsystems where some of the components are replicated.

Findings

– The findings are illustrated by considering bridge structure as a series-in-parallel system wherein some of the components are repeated in different subsystems. Numerical results have also been provided for a series-in-parallel system with unreplicated components. JRI for various combinations of components for both the illustrations are given through tables or figures.

Originality/value

– Chang and Jan (2006) and Gao et al. (2007) found the JRI of two components of series-in-parallel system when the components are identical and independently distributed. The authors derive the JRI of m=2 components for series-in-parallel and parallel-in-series systems when components are independent but need not be identically distributed. Expressions are obtained for the above-mentioned systems with replicated and unreplicated components in different subsystems. These results will be useful in analyzing the joint effect of reliability of several components on the system reliability. This will be of value to design engineers for designing systems that function more effectively and for a longer duration.
Improving integration of human resources into quality management system standards
Authors: A. Boys Kathryn , E. Wilcock Anne
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Little attention has been paid to how quality management systems (QMSs) are optimized by supportive employee behavior. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the literature on the inclusion of human factors in the ISO 9000 family of standards, identify deficiencies in the standard's current treatment of these issues, and offer recommendations on how human resources (HRs) can be better integrated into these business management standards.

Design/methodology/approach

– This concept paper presents a survey of both academic and practitioner literature on the topic of HR and its treatment in quality standards. The focus is restricted to consideration of human factors that are specifically identified in the ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9004:2009 standards.

Findings

– ISO 9001 and 9004 include some HR topics, but their treatment is insufficient to meet the demands of today's business environment. The recent addition to the ISO 9000 family,ISO 10018 – Quality Management – Guidelines on People Involvement and Competence(ISO, 2012b) will help to address the deficiency if adopted by the marketplace. To improve the usefulness of ISO 9000 standards, the breadth of human factors should be enhanced both extensively to include components of workplace culture and work design and intensively to require more rigorous treatment of the HR considerations already included in the standards.

Practical implications

– There is a need for more comprehensive consideration of human contributions to quality if organizations are to optimize the value they receive from their HR and their investment on the ISO 9001 QMS.

Originality/value

– The limited references linking HR and the ISO 9000 series of standards have focussed upon how human factors contribute (or not) to the successful use of the ISO 9000 standards. In contrast, this paper offers a comprehensive and integrative examination of how the ISO 9000 QMS standards could more comprehensively and effectively incorporate HR into a firm's practices.
Push-and-pull lean strategy evaluation for online graduate courses
Authors: W. Booker Bryan , Tucker Walter
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate if new ways of delivering higher education can contribute to economic revitalization by enhancing the economic competitiveness of the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

– Case study/conceptual paper.

Findings

– This study establishes suggested criteria by which push and pull elements can be utilized to streamline the much needed pedagogical process for mid-career professionals taking asynchronous online graduate classes.

Research limitations/implications

– This study had very small sample and focused on further education of mid-career professionals.

Originality/value

– The current economic crisis requires new approaches to efficiently improving human capital, and this study proposes one successful approach.
Professional preparation for service quality and organizational excellence
Authors: Ngee Goh Thong
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to examine some of the considerations in the preparation of professionals for service quality and organizational excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

– Effectiveness, rather than academic principles, is the basis of methodologies for quality excellence.

Findings

– The conventional approach to quality is rooted in manufacturing which has served its purpose, but is not necessarily effective in modern days.

Research limitations/implications

– The work is not based on empirical data, but on the rationale behind quality management.

Practical implications

– Reasoning of this paper would have important implications on the way education and training of future professionals are trained, especially those for quality of service.

Social implications

– The concept of “customer satisfaction” must be viewed in a different context vis-à-vis the new realities of globalization and importance of service industries.

Originality/value

– This is a subject that has not gained sufficient attention before, though the implications of education and training are far reaching.
Long-term prior return patterns in stock and sector returns in India
Authors: Sehgal Sanjay , Jain Sakshi
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze long-term prior return patterns in stock returns for India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology involves portfolio generation based on company characteristics and long-term prior return (24-60 months). The characteristic sorted portfolios are then regressed on risk factors using one factor (capital asset pricing model (CAPM)) and multi-factor model (Fama-French (FF) model and four factor model involving three FF factors and an additional sectoral momentum factor).

Findings

– After controlling for short-term momentum (up to 12 months) as documented by Sehgal and Jain (2011), the authors observe that weak reversals emerge for the sample stocks. The risk model CAPM fails to account for these long-run prior return patterns. FF three-factor model is able to explain long-term prior return patterns in stock returns with the exception of 36-12-12 strategy. The value factor plays an important role while the size factor does not explain cross-section of average returns. Momentum patterns exist in long-term sector returns, which are stronger for long-term portfolio formation periods. Further, the authors construct sector factor and observe that prior returns patterns in stock returns are partially absorbed by this factor.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings are relevant for investment analysts and portfolio managers who are continuously tracking global markets, including India, in pursuit of extra normal returns.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the asset pricing and behavioral literature from emerging markets.
Innovation capability for SME success: perspectives of financial and operational performance
Authors: Saunila Minna
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The relationship between overall innovation and innovation capability, and performance has been a topic of several earlier studies. However, the effects of the aspects of innovation capability on performance of a firm have stayed unfamiliar. The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between organizational innovation capability and firm performance. The study contributes to the current understanding by presenting the important aspects of organizational innovation capability that affect firm performance. The effects are studied to both financial and operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach of this study is quantitative. The data used to test the hypotheses were gathered from Finnish small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a web-based questionnaire. The sample covered 2,400 SMEs employing 11-249 persons and having a revenue of two to 50 Meuro. The sample was randomly selected.

Findings

– The findings showed that three aspects of innovation capability, namely ideation and organizing structures, participatory leadership culture, and know-how development, has some effect on different aspects of firm performance. Surprisingly, the aspects of innovation capability were found to be more influential to the financial performance than operational performance.

Practical implications

– The paper contains suggestions for improving performance through developing innovation capability. The paper aims to support practice in two ways. First, organizations can identify aspects of innovation capability that affect operational and financial performance. In that way, organizations can benefit the results by applying these aspects in their everyday operations. Second, the results of the paper may help professionals to begin to understand that leveraging innovation capability may improve an organization's performance.

Originality/value

– Previous research has often either concentrated on innovation capability as a one dimension without studying the relationship aspect by aspect or studying only the effects of one aspect of innovation capability. The results of the study take one step further by investigating the relationship of multiple aspects of innovation capability and firm performance.
The method in their madness: chaos, communication, and the D.C. snipers
Authors: Suzanne Horsley J.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explicate chaos theory metaphorically from a social science perspective to expand upon a relatively new theoretical framework for crisis communication in the public sector. Using the 2002 Washington, DC, area sniper shootings as a case study, the author unravel chaos theory in terms of a public safety crisis that required crisis communication by government officials.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author analysed front-page coverage inThe Washington PostandThe New York Timesas well as CNN coverage during the three weeks of the sniper shootings, 2 October through 25 October. In total, 56 (69 per cent) of the newspaper stories were published inThe Washington Post, and 78 news segments were used from CNN archives. Each story was reviewed for evidence of chaotic elements and crisis communication responses using a code sheet, and the resulting thematic analysis created a composite description of the case.

Findings

– This case exhibited the main characteristics of a chaotic system, including fractals, error of scale, bifurcation points, self-organisation, feedback, and strange attractors. The results describe how each element of chaos influenced the crisis communication efforts.

Originality/value

– To date, there is no known research on law enforcement's efforts in crisis communication during the DC sniper shootings. There is also limited research in chaos theory and crisis response. This research may aid in communication efforts during future public safety crises and disasters.
Market efficiency and the basis in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme
Authors: Gregoriou Andros , Healy Jerome , Savvides Nicola
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the validity of the cost of carry model by examining the time series properties of the deviation between future and spot prices in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) over the time period 2005-2012. The paper utilizes a non-linear mean reverting adjustment mechanism, and discovers that although deviations of future from spot prices can exhibit a region of non-stationary behaviour, overall they are stationary indicating market efficiency in the trading of carbon permits.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology involves non-linear mean reverting unit root tests.

Findings

– The findings provide insights into the functioning of the EU-ETS market. They suggest that it is informationally efficient and does not permit arbitrage between spots and futures.

Originality/value

– The authors are the first study to examine efficiency in the EU-ETS by investigating the validity of the cost of carry model. The authors are also the only study to look at efficiency in both Phase I and Phase II of the scheme.
Software piracy, inequality and the poor: evidence from Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Poverty and inequality undoubtedly remain substantial challenges to economic and human developments amid growing emphasis on intellectual property rights (IPRs) (with recent advances in information and communication technology (ICTs)) and good governance. In the first empirical study on the incidence of piracy on inequality in Africa, the purpose of this paper is to examine how a plethora of factors (IPRs laws, education and ICTs and government quality) are instrumental in the piracy-inequality nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two-stage least squares estimation approaches are applied in which piracy is instrumented with IPRs regimes (treaties), education and ICTs and government quality dynamics.

Findings

– The main finding suggests that, software piracy is good for the poor as it has a positive income-redistributive effect; consistent with economic and cultural considerations from recent literature. ICTs and education (dissemination of knowledge) are instrumental in this positive redistributive effect, while good governance mitigates inequality beyond the piracy channel.

Practical implications

– As a policy implication, in the adoption IPRs, sampled countries should take account of the role less stringent IPRs regimes play on income-redistribution through software piracy. Collateral benefits include among others, the cheap dissemination of knowledge through ICTs which African countries badly need in their quest to become “knowledge economies.” A caveat, however, is that, too much piracy may decrease incentives to innovate. Hence, the need to adopt tighter IPRs regimes in tandem with increasing income-equality.

Originality/value

– It is the first empirical assessment of the incidence of piracy on inequality in Africa: a continent with stubbornly high poverty and inequality rates.
Managing knowledge in IT projects: a framework for enterprise system implementation
Authors: Lech Przemyslaw
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge management (KM) perspective of information technology (IT) projects based on enterprise system (ES) implementations. The study determined what knowledge is needed in each of the project phases (what for, from what sources), how this knowledge is transformed during the project (what knowledge activities are performed concerning this knowledge) and what knowledge-related artifacts are created. A KM framework for ES projects is formulated based upon the results.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research has a qualitative exploratory design based on multiple data sources: documentation, semi-structured interviews and participant observation. A coding procedure was applied with the use of a pre-defined list of codes, as derived from KM literature regarding knowledge types, actors, project phases and activities. Open coding was used to determine the role of each type of knowledge in the implementation process.

Findings

– The study examined the significance of the particular types of knowledge of each project actor across the project phases, and identified the specific knowledge activities that need to be performed for a successful outcome. In contrast to existing literature, this study also demonstrates that project management knowledge consists of two components: generic and product-related. Meta-knowledge, i.e. knowledge about other people’s knowledge was also identified as critical in the initial phases of the project. Solution knowledge was identified as the primary knowledge product. It is the result of the integration of company and product knowledge and is embedded into the system.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitation of this study is that it concentrated on a specific type of the IT project, namely ES implementation. The results cannot be directly extrapolated to other IT projects.

Practical implications

– The results of the study may aid in effective staffing for ES implementations and in identifying the necessary knowledge sources. They may also enable the development of relevant KM procedures for a project.

Originality/value

– No comprehensive project KM framework for ES has been found in the existing KM literature, and this study fills this gap in the research.
The life and times of a senior scholar
Authors: Moore Karl
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to interview a senior scholar to get their perspectives on the field, it’s history and future.

Design/methodology/approach

– A semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted.

Findings

– The interview reflects the changes in business schools over the interviewee’s decades of experience.

Research limitations/implications

– It is one person’s personal views, albeit, a person with very considerable success in the field of business studies.

Originality/value

– The interviewee offers a very unique perspective.
Rent review 2014
Authors: Dowden Malcolm
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this legal update is to examine the recent case law relating to rent review in England and Wales. The paper argues that as rent terms have reduced in length, and as market conditions have tended to produce nil-uplifts, there have been relatively few review cases before the court. Cases that reach court tend to fall into two broad categories: contractual interpretation and challenges to third-party determination.

Design/methodology/approach

– Review and analysis of case law in England and Wales.

Findings

– There are no special rules for interpreting rent review clauses. The court's approach to contractual interpretation follows House of Lords and Supreme Court rulings culminating in Rainy Sky SA v Kookmin Bank (2011). There are also very limited circumstances in which the court will set aside an arbitrator's award, informed by a policy that favours upholding arbitration awards as a quick and cost-effective way to settle rent review disputes.

Practical implications

– Rent review clauses must be interpreted in accordance with the normal rules of contractual interpretation. The court is unlikely to be swayed by submissions asserting the “general purpose” of rent review.

Originality/value

– This is an original analysis of case law.
Loss reserve variability and loss reserve errors
Authors: Nii Boi Quaye Enoch , Andoh Charles , Q.Q. Aboagye Anthony
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to assess the level and variability of Ghanaian property and liability insurer’s reserve estimates to examine its sources and ascertain if reserve errors are random or not (i.e. manipulated or not).

Design/methodology/approach

– It uses information on insurer claim reserve provisions, claims outstanding, claims incurred and claims paid for the period of 2000-2010. Categorizing the sources of variation as endogenous and exogenous, the authors use the panel correlated standard error regression model to determine sources and magnitude of industry reserve error.

Findings

– The study finds that size, age, lag of loss reserve error, inflation rate and real gross domestic product are significant in determining the degree of reserve error variation. Type of ownership (domestic or foreign) is, however, not a significant source of variation. Further, the authors found that industry reserve errors are random (not manipulated) across firms, suggesting that sampled insurers act independently on reserve error decision making and are not influenced by industry trends and competition.

Research limitations/implications

– The main research study limitation is the difficulty involved in obtaining annual statements from insurance companies in Ghana. Reluctance of companies to make statements available impeded on the smooth flow of the study during data collection.

Practical implications

– Policy-wise, this suggest that regulatory bodies can uniquely set reserve error levels for existing firms with little influence on competition. Further, the Ghanaian insurance regulator does not to focus on the type of ownership (foreign or local) when setting regulatory standards. However, size of the company and age (length of operation) should be considered.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first empirical study to examine the loss reserve error and loss reserve variability of Ghanaian property and liability insurance companies.
Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process for the selection of wastewater reuse targets
Authors: Chen Shan-Mei , Wu Yu-Ming , Yang Lei
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the principles on how to reuse the reclaimed wastewater in urban areas and furthermore, to determine appropriate reuse targets and optimize the selection of reuse targets on wastewater.

Design/methodology/approach

– Use Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to suggest the assessment criteria and subject weights of wastewater reuse. Candidate reclaimed wastewater reuse targets in this study includes “agriculture irrigation,” “industrial use,” “environmental use,” “urban use,” “groundwater recharge,” “life-use water,” and “infusion reservoir.”

Findings

– The analysis results of the pairwise comparison of the water targets under different assessment criteria level show that in all water targets, agriculture irrigation is more important than industrial use under the “public acceptance” at first. Then, the order results were used to suggest the future wastewater reuse targets under different assessment criteria levels and conducted an acceptance survey on the people of the urban areas.

Originality/value

– The results of this study can be a useful information for the system analysis of wastewater reclamation and reuse.
Semi-parametric identification of determinants of health expenditures – evidence from inpatients in China
Authors: Zeng Juying
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of average health expenditures for inpatients in China with national data for period 2002-2010 and regional data during 2005-2010.

Design/methodology/approach

– The semi-parametric framework is established to identify the determinants of health expenditures with local-constant least squares (LCLS) and local-linear least squares (LLLS) techniques. The LCLS technique aims to identify correlative determinants among all considered variables, and LLLS technique aims to further distinguish linear decisive and nonlinear control variables among all correlative determinants.

Findings

– First, root mean square error tends to decrease with irrelative variables smoothed out in regression model, validating the modelling reasonability of the semi-parametric approach. Second, the determinants of average health expenditures for inpatients exhibit considerable variation among regions despite the fact that governmental health expenditure, GDP per-capita, and urbanization do impact average health expenditures for inpatients to a certain extent. Third, both linear decisive and nonlinear control variables vary greatly with national, provincial, and regional data.

Practical implications

– First, the illiteracy rate should be further reduced nationally. Second, urbanization development and the average treatment number of inpatients for each physician per day should be strictly controlled in region A and C, respectively, in order to control average health expenditure for inpatients.

Originality/value

– First, the semi-parametric framework with LCLS and LLLS techniques allows for data structure-oriented model in regions rather than a uniform and definite model for underlying structure. Second, the research undertakes for the first time a comprehensive data analysis of the determinants of average health expenditures for inpatients with national and regional data in China.
Exploring the causes, symptoms and health consequences of joint and inverse states of work engagement and burnout
Authors: Moodie Scott , Dolan Simon , Burke Roland
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is to explore the relationship between the positive and negative psychological states of work (i.e. engagement and burnout, respectively) and their effects on an individual’s mental and physical health. This study analyzes their separate and joint manifestations. In total, 2,094 nurses were segmented into quadrants that represent a 50/50 median split on both engagement and burnout. The four resulting quadrants were then examined in a series of analyses including logistic regression and ANOVA.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a cross-sectional study based on a very large survey (> 2,000 people) in Spain. Data were collected from nurses in collaboration with the official nurses corporations in half a dozen provinces in Spain. Data were analyzed in stages which included zero-item correlations and ANOVA to determine their independence and suitability for predicting states of engagement and burnout. This was followed by a series of binary logistic regression analyses.

Findings

– The findings suggested that engagement and burnout were generally inversely related (67 per cent of the sample) which is the conventional wisdom in this regard, but 33 per cent of the sample manifested concurrently at either extreme. Burnout was chiefly driven by work demands, as both quadrants of low burnout had lower demands and both quadrants of high burnout had higher demands. Engagement was primarily driven by resources and affinity. Social support acted independently (perhaps as a moderator) by aligning with states of burnout. Worker health was primarily driven by burnout, wherein both states of low burnout exhibited better health and both states of high burnout exhibited poorer health.

Originality/value

– Much of the current research on this topic considers engagement and burnout to be linear dimensions and focuses on building structural models of the precise relationships between variables. That approach is to be encouraged, but there is also a need to jointly deconstruct dimensions and relationships in a tactile manner that can inform future structural models. The secondary benefit of this approach is that these findings can be submitted directly to managers to provide an easily understood approach for assessments and interventions.
How accounting and accountants may contribute in sustainability?
Authors: Özsözgün Çalişkan Arzu
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The main purpose of this paper is to illustrate the role of accounting and accounting professionals in sustainability by conducting an in-depth literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a review-based article that does not contain empirical research. A comprehensive literature research was conducted by using online databases of selected scientific publishers and using keywords such as accounting, accounting professionals, sustainability, sustainability reporting and sustainability accounting. In addition to that, web pages of the accounting regulatory bodies and four big audit companies were also investigated.

Findings

– Based upon the literature survey, it can be said that there is a lack of defining the relationship between the sustainability concept and accounting and also potential solutions to overcome the problems which create challenges for accounting and accounting professionals.

Research limitations/implications

– The only limitation of the study can be explained as it being a literature survey.

Practical implications

– It is expected that the results of the paper will appear in several applications among accounting professionals, the firm that they work in, the association of professional accountants, education institutions and all the stakeholders of accounting, especially in countries with the relatively early stage of sustainability practices. The paper may give insight into aforementioned stakeholders of accounting in reformation of accounting toward sustainability.

Originality/value

– The main contribution of this paper is to fulfill the gap in the accounting and sustainability literature by suggesting “certified sustainability accountant” credential that is equipped with core knowledge of environmental engineering as a specialized profession to handle the technical accounting problems that are related to sustainability.
Commentary on “Occupational identity of staff and attitudes towards institutional closure”
Authors: Turnpenny Agnes
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reflect on Vesala et al.'s (2014) findings on the occupational identity of staff and attitudes towards institutional closure.

Design/methodology/approach

– This commentary reviews some of the research around staffing, organisational hygiene and service management in countries that have already implemented deinstitutionalisation, and draws out some key considerations for countries and organisations that are planning the transition from institutions to community-based care.

Findings

– There is increasing evidence around approaches that are more likely to lead to positive service user and staff outcomes. Particularly person-centred active support and practice leadership have emerged as effective approaches in facilitating organisational change and high-quality services.

Originality/value

– Some of the experiences and practices in post-deinstitutionalisation countries around active support and practice leadership can provide valuable considerations for planning institutional closure programmes in countries currently implementing deinstitutionalisation.
How psychiatric in-patient care for people with learning disabilities is transforming after Winterbourne View
Authors: Glover Gyles , Brown Ian , Hatton Chris
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Two censuses, from 2010 and 2013, respectively, shed light on the trend in use of in-patient psychiatric care for people with learning disability or autism following the BBC documentary exposing abuse of patients at Winterbourne View. The purpose of this paper is to consider the implications of the detailed trends for future care for this group.

Design/methodology/approach

– Published data from a recent (September 2013) census are compared with the re-analysis of a census undertaken by the Care Quality Commission in March 2010.

Findings

– An overall 35 per cent reduction in numbers of in-patients is made up of larger falls in groups generally easier to discharge (older, female, in general as opposed to secure units). There is also substantial variation around the country.

Research limitations/implications

– There are some uncertainties about the comparability of the two censuses and the question of how complete enumeration was of people with learning disabilities in general mental illness beds.

Originality/value

– The paper raise the question of whether the beds that are reducing fastest may be those most likely to be of value to a high quality and sustainable service in the long term.
Brick by brick: building up our knowledge base on the abuse of adults with learning disabilities
Authors: McCarthy Michelle
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to draw readers’ attention to the myriad ways to find out about abuse towards people with learning disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– Whilst acknowledging the continued importance of research studies specifically focused on the topic of abuse, this commentary reviews information about abuse of adults with learning disabilities from other sources, e.g., through service audits, studies on sexual and personal relationships.

Findings

– Having many sources of information about abuse against people with learning disabilities is a good thing, but there are some problems associated with this. First, some forms of abuse appear to be easier to find out about than others, and second, the difficult question of how the information can be used to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.

Originality/value

– This commentary encourages readers to take a broad view of abuse of people with learning disabilities and to use all the knowledge available to support individuals, whilst at the same time demanding social changes.
Longitudinal analysis of VP7 gene of group A human rotavirus G2P[4] strains circulating in the pre‐vaccine era in Sapporo, Japan from 1991 to 2011
Authors: Tatsumi Masatoshi , Nagaoka Yoshinobu , Tsugawa Takeshi , Yoto Yuko , Hori Tsukasa , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: July 2014

Sequence analysis of the VP7 gene in 23 group A human rotavirus G2P[4] strains obtained during 1991–2011, that is, the pre‐vaccine era, in Sapporo, Japan showed considerable genetic diversity, mainly in variable regions. Recent G2P[4] epidemic strains were located in sublineage IVa with a distinctive substitution of D96N. This study provides background data on the genetic variability of G2P[4] rotavirus‐VP7 gene prior to the widespread use of rotavirus vaccines in Japan.
Long‐term effects of seeding after wildfire on vegetation in Great Basin shrubland ecosystems
Authors: Knutson Kevin C. , Pyke David A. , Wirth Troy A. , Arkle Robert S. , Pilliod David S. , Brooks Matthew L. , Chambers Jeanne C. , Grace James B.
Published: July 2014

Invasive annual grasses alter fire regimes in shrubland ecosystems of the western USA, threatening ecosystem function and fragmenting habitats necessary for shrub‐obligate species such as greater sage‐grouse. Post‐fire stabilization and rehabilitation treatments have been administered to stabilize soils, reduce invasive species spread and restore or establish sustainable ecosystems in which native species are well represented. Long‐term effectiveness of these treatments has rarely been evaluated.

We studied vegetation at 88 sites where aerial or drill seeding was implemented following fires between 1990 and 2003 in Great Basin (USA) shrublands. We examined sites on loamy soils that burned only once since 1970 to eliminate confounding effects of recurrent fire and to assess soils most conducive to establishment of seeded species. We evaluated whether seeding provided greater cover of perennial seeded species than burned–unseeded and unburned–unseeded sites, while also accounting for environmental variation.

Post‐fire seeding of native perennial grasses generally did not increase cover relative to burned–unseeded areas. Native perennial grass cover did, however, increase after drill seeding when competitive non‐natives were not included in mixes. Seeding non‐native perennial grasses and the shrub Bassia prostrata resulted in more vegetative cover in aerial and drill seeding, with non‐native perennial grass cover increasing with annual precipitation. Seeding native shrubs, particularly Artemisia tridentata, did not increase shrub cover or density in burned areas. Cover of undesirable, non‐native annual grasses was lower in drill seeded relative to unseeded areas, but only at higher elevations.

Synthesis and applications. Management objectives are more likely to be met in high‐elevation or precipitation locations where establishment of perennial grasses occurred. On lower and drier sites, management objectives are unlikely to be met with seeding alone. Intensive restoration methods such as invasive plant control and/or repeated sowings after establishment failures due to weather may be required in subsequent years. Managers might consider using native‐only seed mixtures when establishment of native perennial grasses is the goal. Post‐fire rehabilitation provides a land treatment example where long‐term monitoring can inform adaptive management decisions to meet future objectives, particularly in arid landscapes where recovery is slow.