bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Firm‐specific versus industry structure factors in explaining performance variation
Authors: Kamasak Rifat
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Considerable research efforts have been made to investigate the relative importance of firm‐specific vs industry structure factors in relation to performance variation among firms in the past. However, the vast majority of the research comes from the USA and very little is known about results outside of this domain. The aim of this study was to investigate industry and firm factors producing performance differences among Turkish firms. In order to explore the contributions of firm‐level factors and structural characteristics of industries, the study decomposes the relative impact of industry and firm effects on overall performance which includes the performance items such as sales turnover, market share and profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative, positivistic approach was adopted with respect to the methodological choice for this study. In order to measure the relative impact of industry and firm effects on performance, the questionnaire developed by Galbreath and Galvin was sent to the e‐mail addresses of the general managers or the other executives at the top level as a web‐link with a covering letter. Because unit of analysis is at the firm level, a single informant is used in the study and the questionnaire was mailed to only one executive from each firm. Having collected the data, the effects of firm‐level factors (resources and capabilities) and industry structure on performance variation were analyzed by hierarchical regression method.

Findings

A total of 259 firms from different industries were analyzed and the findings revealed that firm‐level resources had a greater effect in explaining performance variation than industry structure in the Turkish business context. The results of this study confirm that in the resource‐based view of the firm, the firms in Turkey “demonstrated a quite developed form of organizational learning” just like the other emerging economies (i.e. Taiwan, Brazil, Poland and South Korea). Within this framework, Turkish firms especially in automotive, textile, food, tourism and construction industries became important players in the global arena.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the strategic management literature, particularly, in terms of providing comparable data from an emerging country, which is significant in verifying resource‐based theory and generalizing results in a global context. The findings also suggest that the firms need to focus on their unique resources rather than try to control and manipulate structural forces in their industries since “the economies today might best be viewed as resource‐based economies”. It should be noted that, in this business era, the key challenge for the managers is the optimal deployment of existing strategic resources in order to make their organizations achieve sustainable competitive advantage and superior firm performance.
Robust watermarking in wavelet domain based on chaotic scrambling
Authors: Wang Yanling
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an imperceptible and robust watermarking algorithm with high embedding capacity for digital images based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT) domain.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the watermark image is scrambled using chaotic sequence and mapped to avoid the block effect after embedding watermark into the host image. Then, the scrambled watermark is inserted in LH2 and HL2 sub‐bands of the DWT of the host image to provide a good tradeoff between the transparency and the robustness of watermarks.

Findings

This paper presents experimental results and compares the results to other methods. It can be seen from the comparison that this method can obtain a better performance in many cases.

Originality/value

One of the main differences of this technique, compared to other wavelet watermarking techniques, is in the selection of the wavelet coefficients of the host image. When performing second level of the DWT, most methods in the current literature select the approximation sub‐band (LL2) to insert the watermark. The technique presented in this paper decomposes the image using DWT twice, and then obtains the significant coefficients (LH2 and HL2 sub‐bands) of the host image to insert the watermark.
Identifying variables that predict clients' propensity to end their checking accounts
Authors: Teixeira Reis Neto Mário , Carlos de Souza Jeislan , Queiroga Souki Gustavo
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This study aims to investigate which variables can predict clients closing their checking accounts in a commercial bank and to validate the model used in this research.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical basis of the study has contemplated satisfaction, loyalty, change mediators, switching costs and client retention. A total of 2,000 account holders plus 2,000 clients who closed their checking accounts were selected by simple probabilistic sample. The samples were probabilistic, without repetition, with an error margin of approximately 2.2 percent and trust interval of 95 percent with random drafting of the account holders' database from a large institution based in all Brazil. The variables were tested using the Binary Logistic Regression and the variables between the account holder and former account holder groups with indication of checking account closing request were compared.

Findings

Account holder's age, time of the account, investor/taker profile, internal relationship, long term assets contracts, risks in other banks, quantity of products, product canceling, average amount of entries and the existence of a joint client are the variables which better identify clients' propensity to end their relationship.

Practical implications

The obtained results make it possible to identify the clients' propensity to abandonment and contribute to directing future marketing actions.

Originality/value

The model is relevant on the theoretical point of view because it can measure the importance of each independent variable and provides elements to compare all of them in the same base (meta‐analysis). It deals with 14 independent variables and had a good adjustment once was capable to classify correctly 89.8 percent of the account holders and 87.2 percent of the former account holders. The K‐S value was 79 percent with p<0.005 and value of ROC curve was 0.947. Models like this are unknown.
Too much of a good thing: curvilinear effects in the evaluation of services and the mediating role of trust
Authors: Vlachos Pavlos A. , Vrechopoulos Adam P. , Pramatari K.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The satisfaction‐trust paradigm has been recently criticized regarding its ability to deliver positive consumer behavioral outcomes. This study aims to argue that – amongst others – a reason for this unpleasant situation may be the failure of service managers to account for non‐linearities in the satisfaction‐trust paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach

The setting for this study was the supermarket retail channel. A total of 942 respondents were “intercepted” in supermarket stores, employing a face‐to‐face personal interviewing method. For the detection of curvilinear effects the study employed the two‐step single indicant method of Ping.

Findings

It is posited that consumer trust is an important intervening variable through which non‐linear service evaluation effects translate into word‐of‐mouth. Findings imply that investing resources in satisfaction programs do not do a good job in building positive word‐of‐mouth from a point on. Economic value evaluations and trust judgments seem to be both necessary and sufficient conditions for building consumer relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, the work extends the relationship marketing research stream suggesting that curvilinear mechanisms are likely present in the well accepted satisfaction‐trust paradigm. Limitations of the study relate to the generalization of the findings in other sectors besides grocery retailing and its cross‐sectional nature.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that relationship marketing managers would be ill‐advised in their investment decisions should they use a linear‐only terms trust model.

Originality/value

This article extends the trust literature in that it investigates whether consumer trust suffers from diminishing returns. Service providers who strive to build long‐term relationships with their customers may not do a good job if they continue to invest in trust determinants that present diminishing returns to scale.
Analysis on inter‐provincial disparities of China's rural education and convergence rate
Authors: Xie Tongwei
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This article aims to analyze inter‐provincial disparities of rural education and the convergence rate, and to discuss the effects of compulsory education reform after 2001.

Design/methodology/approach

The article estimates the rural average education years and education Gini coefficients of China's 31 provinces (municipalities) beside Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan from 2001 to 2008, and applies the method of “economic convergence”.

Findings

The results show that after the reform of rural compulsory education, inter‐provincial rural education disparities and educational equality have been significantly improved and trend to convergence; nevertheless the convergence rate on inter‐provincial disparities of education equality declines. The defects of the education input system – “county as principle” – has been a factor that restricts the coordinated development of rural education.

Practical limitations

This paper suggests that it is necessary for China's provincial and central government to afford the expense of compulsory education. China's present investment system would also worsen inter‐provincial inequities of education.

Social implications

Education equality is one of the basic social priorities. In China education equality has been improved; however it could be better if China's provincial and central government afforded the expenses of compulsory education.

Originality/value

This paper applies the method of “economic convergence” to analyze China's rural education disparities among its regions.
Microstructural evolution of the intermetallic compounds in the high density solder interconnects with reduced stand‐off heights
Authors: Wang Bo , Wu Fengshun , Wu Yiping , Mo Liping , Xia Weisheng
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the microstructural evolution rules of the intermetallic compound (IMC) layers in high‐density solder interconnects with reduced stand‐off heights (SOH).

Design/methodology/approach

Cu/Sn/Cu solder joints with 100, 50, 20 and 10 μm SOH were prepared by the same reflow process and isothermally aged at 150°C. The IMC microstructural evolution was observed using scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The whole IMC layer (Cu3Sn + Cu6Sn5) grew faster in the solder joints with lower SOH because of the thinner IMC layer before aging. Also, the IMC proportion increased more rapidly in solder joints with the lower SOH. In all solder joints with different SOH, the growth rates of the Cu3Sn (ϵ) layers were similar, and slowed down with increasing aging time. The Cu6Sn5(η) was consumed by the Cu3Sn (ϵ) growth at the beginning of the aging stage; while it turned to thickening after a period of aging. Finally, the Cu6Sn5thickness was similar in all the solder joints. It is inferred that the thickness ratio of Cu3Sn to Cu6Sn5would maintain a dynamic balance in the subsequent aging. Based on the diffusion flux ratio of Cu to Sn at the ϵ/η interface, a model has been established to explain the microstructural evolution of IMC layers in high‐density solder interconnects with reduced SOH. In the model, interfacial reactions are mainly supposed to occur at the ϵ/η interface.

Originality/value

The findings provide electronic packaging reliability engineers with an insight into IMC microstructural evolution in high‐density solder interconnects with reduced SOH.
Systematic mechanical design approach for a flexible printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) rework cell: part I – generic mechanical design procedure
Authors: Geren Necdet , Sarıgül Çağdaş , Bayramoğlu Melih
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The generic design environment for a flexible printed‐circuit board assemblies (PCBA) remanufacturing cell contains four interrelated complex design domains. Mechanical design domains are really complex and the use of well‐proven mechanical product design methodologies does not help the designer. Hence, this paper aims to develop a generic systematic design methodology for a flexible PCBA remanufacturing cell.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates the use of conventional mechanical product design techniques for the design of a flexible PCBA rework (remanufacturing) cell. It indicates problems and the weaknesses when conventional product design techniques are used for the development of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). It then provides a new systematic mechanical design methodology for designing a flexible PCBA rework (remanufacturing) cell. The design methodology is intended to be generic in order to apply successfully to any FMS design.

Findings

Conventional product design methodology cannot be used directly for the design of a flexible PCBA remanufacturing cell. Hence, two design methodologies were developed: the generic FMS mechanical design methodology and a specific FMS design methodology for a PCBA rework cell. The first one was developed based on the tasks of the conventional product design process integrated with new design tools. The generic design methodology was then extended to obtain the second methodology for a PCBA rework cell design. Both of the methodologies were applied to a flexible PCBA rework cell design problem. Both design methodologies eliminated unusable design solutions at the early design stages of the conceptual design process and made the design process easier.

Practical implications

The generic and specific design methodologies provide a better design environment, even for less specialized FMS designers.

Originality/value

The design methodologies may help for the commercialization of a flexible PCBA remanufacturing cell that may be used for SM rework and assembly.
Developing quality in female high‐technology entrepreneurs' networks
Authors: Hampton Alison , McGowan Pauric , Cooper Sarah
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Despite recognition of the value of networking, there has been little research into the networks of female entrepreneurial practitioners, particularly in the science, engineering and technology (SET) sectors, viewed traditionally as male‐dominated. This paper aims to provide greater insights into the dynamics and quality of female entrepreneurial networks.

Design/methodology/approach

Insights were derived through a qualitative, in‐depth, interview‐based study of 18 female entrepreneurs operating SET‐based ventures in Northern Ireland. The use of Nvivo as the data analysis tool imposed a discipline and structure which facilitated the extraction of core insights.

Findings

Aspects investigated include network type and composition; nature and frequency of engagement; and changes in network composition and networking activities through the business lifecycle. The results focus on implications of the findings for issues of quality in networks and their impact on the value of female networks.

Practical implications

An understanding of these issues offers opportunities to shape government interventions to assist female entrepreneurs embarking on a venturing pathway in SET‐based ventures, or those already operating in business, to be more effective in building, utilising and enhancing the quality of their networking activities.

Originality/value

In exploring networking and issues of quality for female entrepreneurs operating in SET‐based sectors, traditionally viewed as male‐dominated, the paper considers an under‐researched area of the female entrepreneurship literature.
Challenges in developing sustainable hydropower in Lao PDR
Authors: Jusi Sari
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse social and environmental sustainability considerations developed in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and to identify problems and challenges related to sustainable hydropower planning and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is leaning on empirical analysis based on analysing primary and secondary data and information; official government documents and relevant literature, a series of workshops of the Future Resource and Economy Policies in Laos till 2020 Project (FREPLA2020), and interviews with government officials and experts.

Findings

To achieve its socio‐economic objectives, Lao PDR needs to manage its hydropower development to ensure environmental and social sustainability through developing of the legal, institutional and regulatory environment and strengthening of the institutional capacity of the sector, improving knowledge and data management, and developing institutional coordination across the government agencies.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the Lao government assesses strategically the hydropower development options, prepares capacity building plans, develops risk assessment and management, and learns from past hydropower developments.

Social implications

The paper recommends using hydropower development generated revenues to poverty reduction activities and to strengthen participatory approaches.

Originality/value

The paper can act as a discussion awakener, to help and give some guidance to decision makers and actors in the hydropower sector to integrate sustainable development considerations into hydropower development and planning.
Emerging evaluation processes in consortium‐based outsourced system development
Authors: Nurmi Antti , Hallikainen Petri , Rossi Matti
Published: September 2011

Purpose

In large system development efforts organizational and managerial issues are often more challenging than technical ones. One of the key concerns of managers is the control and evaluation of the overall development effort. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the evaluation of system development process in a setting where there are multiple stakeholders in multiple organizations that develop a common information system (IS). The case is a consortium of universities that has developed a common student registrar system over a period of more than ten years.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a social process model to analyze the episodes and encounters in the system development and evaluation process. The research approach can be characterized as action case.

Findings

The authors found that in the early stages of system development the evaluation was emergent or even non‐existent. As the system was developed further and issues, such as delays and missing features, arose, there was a need for better control of the process. Thus, the evaluation process evolved through a series of critical encounters into a more proactive one.

Research limitations/implications

The authors studied only one case so broad generalizations directly from the case cannot be made. However, the results could hold true for similar settings. The authors believe that the results are interesting to both researchers and practitioners since in outsourcing relationships the consortium kind of arrangement is becoming more common.

Originality/value

The authors analyze the evolution of IS evaluation processes in a setting with multiple client and vendor organizations and reveal the complexities of system evaluation in such settings. Moreover, they introduce three new concepts: reactive, transitional and proactive evaluation processes. These concepts can help researchers and practitioners to better understand the nature of the IS evaluation processes and to possibly choose an evaluation approach that has a better “fit” with the development situation at hand.
Business Process Blueprinting – an enhanced view on process performance
Authors: Gersch Martin , Hewing Michael , Schöler Bernd
Published: September 2011

Purpose

In contemporary times process‐oriented approaches in information management are elementary in meeting business challenges. However, most methods for business process management (BPM) focus on improved performance from only the company's perspective. They neglect the growing importance of value co‐creation between company and customer that typically results from a service‐dominant logic. Modern BPM methods need to focus on the internal performance of processes whilst including the customer's perspective. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

By combining the market‐oriented approach, service blueprinting, with the syntax of business process modeling, the authors introduce a method that visualizes and analyzes processes simultaneously from the company's and customer's point of view. Within this integrated approach, information management and marketing are linked. A used case illustrates implementation and benefits of this method.

Findings

This paper addresses the gap between marketing and information management sciences. “Business Process Blueprinting” (BP2) provides a conceptual foundation for a further integration of these two scopes of interest.

Research limitations/implications

The integrated view on processes supports an enhanced understanding of process performance. In its current stage, the method reflects a basic combined approach – further development is needed. Well‐established models and tools from controlling and marketing as well as from other fields can be integrated to open this analysis for service elements.

Practical implications

Applying BP2 to practical process analysis promotes a better understanding of the customer's process perception. This potentially leads to a more efficient and effective process design.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the missing method for the integration of the effectiveness‐driven perspective into business process modeling.
Automatic identification of structural process weaknesses in flow chart diagrams
Authors: Winkelmann Axel , Weiß Burkhard
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Financial institutions have been engaged in numerous business process reengineering (BPR) projects to make their organizations more efficient. However, the success of BPR projects in banks varies significantly and it remains a challenge to systematically discover weaknesses in business process landscapes. Based on the flow chart notation language this paper seeks to argue for the definition of weakness patterns in order to automatically identify potential process weaknesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed weakness patterns in the flow chart notation language based on design science principles. To systematically derive process weaknesses that can be formalized, they analyzed each element of the flow chart notation as it was used in a real‐life case. They furthermore tested the identified patterns in reality in order to evaluate their validity.

Findings

The authors identified various potential weakness patterns that helped in automatically identifying weaknesses in process models. To some extent these findings are generalizable and transferable to other process modeling languages.

Research limitations/implications

The pattern‐based approach depends upon how well structural weakness patterns are defined and formalized. Identified problems remain “potential” weaknesses until a manual analysis reveals that the identified potential weaknesses are actually real weaknesses or not, e.g. due to law regulations.

Practical implications

Using weakness patterns allows for automatically identifying potential process weaknesses in existing flow chart models. This way, this research helps in improving the so far manual analysis of process model landscapes.

Originality/value

The approach is a new way of looking for process weaknesses through process weakness patterns.
Adult safeguarding boards in North West England: the power of positive linking
Authors: Flynn Margaret , Williams Shirley
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Adult Safeguarding Boards are the means by which local authorities in England and Wales seek to work collaboratively to protect adults at risk of abuse. The last two years have heralded the emergence of the role of Independent Chairs. This paper seeks to outline the experience of Adult Safeguarding Boards from around North West England.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review of the seven Independent Chairs and 15 employed chairs (typically Directors of Adult Social Services) in North West England endorsed the importance of having a virtual network to work on a shared portfolio of interests.

Findings

The review highlighted concerns regarding the independence of Independent Chairs, the challenges to partnership working created by the turnover of managers, the governance of Adult safeguarding Boards, and their performance and practice.

Originality/value

The paper confirms that diversity is the dominant characteristic of Adult Safeguarding Boards in North West England.
Software engineering infrastructure in a large virtual campus
Authors: Cristóbal Jesús , Merino Jorge , Navarro Antonio , Peralta Miguel , Roldán Yolanda , María Silveira Rosa
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The design, construction and deployment of a large virtual campus are a complex issue. Present virtual campuses are made of several software applications that complement e‐learning platforms. In order to develop and maintain such virtual campuses, a complex software engineering infrastructure is needed. This paper aims to analyse the software engineering infrastructure in the virtual campus deployed at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Design/methodology/approach

The software engineering infrastructure is analysed from three perspectives: process model; programming language and computer‐aided software engineering tools and design patterns and architecture.

Findings

Software engineering infrastructure is a key issue in virtual campuses.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is to make our experience available to a wider audience so that organisations interested in the deployment of a large virtual campus can take advantage of our work.
The implications of trust in relationships in managing construction projects
Authors: Lau Ellen , Rowlinson Steve
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine trust relationships in managing construction projects to determine the trust situations, the psychological perception of trust relationship, and the underlying value of trust. Association is made to project management, project team and strategy implementation for managing construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is adopted to collect qualitative data from ten projects. The collected data are analysed with content analysis and discussed with a flow model and interactive model approach.

Findings

Using the real‐life evidence, the findings revealed a diversified meaning of trust, which subsequently confirm the multi‐faceted nature of trust with qualitative data analysis.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is necessary for multi‐party working as this working style dominates the construction industry and greatly affects the overall project performance, and the effect of such is particularly obvious when managing differences among people. For a better understanding of trust, the moral and social dimensions of trust need to be studied separately.

Practical implications

The study offers a direction for implementation of relational contracting in project management, project teamwork and strategy implementation. Implications in practice include: project management – time, cost and quality are greatly affected by people implementation and therefore a balance of control and trust is required; project team – trust needs to be cultivated with rules and norms in a multi‐party working team because trust is not self‐generated; and strategy implementation – both interpersonal and inter‐firm trust have to be considered, particularly at the middle management level.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to both practitioners and academics/researchers in the management development of construction projects by providing a different perspective from the human side.
Innovation in China: a patentometric perspective (1985‐2009)
Authors: Luan Chunjuan , Zhang Tienan
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help people understand innovation and related policies in China over the past 25 years by using and analyzing patent data retrieved from State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) of the People's Republic of China, at: http://www.sipo.gov. cn/sipo2008/tjxx/. Innovation in China attracts attention all over the world. The patent is considered as the fountain of innovation and is widely applied to measure innovation of a country or a region.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed the trends of both patent filings and patent grants/registrations during 1985‐2009 and explored the ratio change between them by using data statistical method. Based on the statistically analysis, patent law and related policies were further analyzed. The paper also gives some suggestions on Chinese innovation policy.

Findings

The paper drew the following conclusions: both total patent filings and total patent grants/registration in SIPO appear to have an increase of exponential trends, especially during the years of 2005‐2009; patent filings and patent grants/registration in SIPO also appear to have an increase of exponential trends, but the gap between patent filings and patent grants/registration seems to be widening in recent years; the two revisions of Chinese patent law in the years 1992 and 2000 have had some positive impacts on patent filings and patent grants/registration to some degree; the ratios of patent filings to total patent filings and patent grants/registration to total patent grants/registration in SIPO during the years of 1985‐2009 are comparatively lower by 31.60 percent and 16.37 percent; and Japan and USA are the two leading countries in terms of non‐resident patent grants/registration in SIPO.

Research limitations/implications

This study is still macroscopic, more detailed analysis should be done in future studies.

Practical implications

This study takes an overall view of innovation in China in the past 25 years by analyzing patent data and related law and policies. It proposes related institutions perfection, which will enhance innovation development in China.

Originality/value

Research on innovation in China via patentometrics has not been found thus far using all patent data during the period of 1985‐2009 in SIPO.
Innovation in virtual networks: evidence from the Chinese online game industry
Authors: Hu Yimei , Jull Sørensen Olav
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and highlight the particular innovation characteristics and modes of the Chinese online game industry from a networking perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is qualitative. Both primary and secondary data are used, which is collected through desk research on related documents and long‐term participative observation and personal experiences. This paper begins with an overview of the online game industry's innovation process and types; then constructs a framework that contains four innovation modes with different networks to guide the analysis and organization on the empirical findings; finally, the paper proposes some implications for companies and government.

Findings

This paper is an attempt to open the black box of the innovation of the Chinese online game industry. Born as an incomplete and virtual product, the innovation modes evolve from closed to a combination of open and networking ones. Producer‐driven Innovation Network Mode shows that game companies can get innovation resources through its focal network. Producer‐user Interaction Mode shows that players' have tremendous innovation potential. Open Collaborative Network Mode shows that power is distributed and the roles of actors are blurred.

Originality/value

This paper offers an analysis of the Chinese online game industry from the innovation side and partly fills the research gap. Also, this paper emphasized the users' innovation ability and a hybrid of different innovation modes, which can be seen as a successful theory test of user innovation, innovation networks, and open innovation theories in the Chinese context.
Development of social, environmental, and economic indicators for a small/medium enterprise
Authors: Clarke‐Sather Abigail R. , Hutchins Margot J. , Zhang Qiong , Gershenson John K. , Sutherland John W.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

A growing number of companies are measuring the sustainability performance of their businesses. Some companies are using pre‐existing sustainability indicator systems to assess their performance. Other companies are looking beyond measurement of impacts to create their own system of indicators to measure sustainability. Formulating relevant indicators of sustainability performance is a difficult task for any organization, but especially for small/medium enterprises (SMEs) that often lack financial, knowledge, and labor resources. The purpose of this paper is to consider two different sustainability assessment approaches undertaken by a single case study company, a start‐up SME.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a method for an SME, Ecologic Designs, Inc., a self‐identified green business that reclaims materials to make bags and accessories, to create its own sustainability indicators without outside expert help. This research chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the SME in measuring its sustainability performance using a pre‐existing system and then using the developed method.

Findings

The SME's managers applied the developed method to create, select, and weight sustainability indicators to help answer a strategic planning decision – where to locate operations and facilities in an expanding supply chain.

Originality/value

The paper describes the struggles and triumphs of a start‐up SME in measuring its sustainability performance using a pre‐existing system and then using the developed method.
Regime switching behavior of the nominal exchange rate in Uganda
Authors: Hisali Eria
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine regime switching behaviour of the nominal exchange rate in Uganda to shed light on the necessity (as well as efficacy) of the participation of the central bank market.

Design/methodology/approach

The homogenous two‐state Markov chain methodology was employed to investigate the possibility of regime changes in the nominal exchange rate. The maximum likelihood parameter estimates were obtained using the Broyden‐Fletcher‐Goldfarb‐Shanno iteration algorithm.

Findings

The results validate the expectation of the two distinct state spaces characterized as sharp and disruptive but short‐lived depreciations as well as small appreciations occurring through a long period. The central bank intervention actions are shown to be largely successful in mitigating the disruptive effects of the sharp depreciations.

Practical implications

The paper lends empirical support to the intervention actions of the Bank of Uganda. In face of the numerous disruptions to the short‐term exchange rate process, failure to intervene may cause rational panic and given the nature of investor behavior, this may quickly spread and even cause further disruptions. It is important for the central bank to send signals that these disruptions are temporary.

Originality/value

The homogenous Markov chain specification employed in this study makes it possible to avoid the pitfalls that may arise by attempting to specify a structural model for the exchange rate. In addition, inference about the different possible state spaces is made on the basis of all available information.
The impact of the 2004 bank capital announcement on the Nigerian stock market
Authors: Ayodeji Olowe Rufus
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of the introduction of the 2004 bank capital requirements on the quoted stock prices on the Nigerian stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using monthly data over the period January 1986 to December 2006, residual analysis methodology was used to investigate stock price reaction to the 2004 bank capital requirements on the Nigerian stock market.

Findings

The results show that the introduction of the 2004 bank capital requirements has a positive impact on quoted securities on the Nigerian stock market. This is reflected in positive abnormal returns from the Nigerian stock market when trading is based on the information from the 2004 bank capital requirements. The results are unaffected by the choice of model. This lends support for the work of Olowe that the Nigerian stock market is inefficient in the semi‐strong form.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence on the stock price reaction to the introduction of the 2004 bank capital requirements on the Nigerian stock market. The result will have implications for the semi‐strong form efficiency of the Nigerian stock market.
Ultimate ownership, institutions and listed companies' debt financing
Authors: Honghai Yu , Longbing Xu , Baizhu Chen
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the capital structure of firms when controlling shareholders decide on the level of debt financing in an environment with poor legal protection.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically this paper uses a dynamic model to analyze how the controlling shareholder expropriates the firm's benefit through debt financing. Empirically this paper uses a sample of Chinese publicly listed firms from 2004 to 2007, through the method of OLS and panel data, to verify the theoretical predictions.

Findings

Theoretically this paper finds that firms with controlling shareholders will take excess debt financing in an environment of controlled interest rate and poor legal protection to minority shareholders. Government intervention exacerbates while controlling shareholder's cash flow rights constrains excess debt financing. The empirical results conclude that the improvement of the legal environment, limiting government intervention, and raising controlling shareholder's cash flow rights will effectively reduce excess debt level, as well as long‐term debt ratio.

Originality/value

First, this paper provides a theoretical model to explain the mechanism of how the ownership structure, legal environment and government intervention interact to impact debt financing. This result also provides a theory to explain the “paradox” in a transitional economy that better legal protection lowers debt level and long‐term debt ratio. Second, this paper provides further evidence on controlling shareholder's expropriation to minority shareholder through debt financing.
Studying on the monetary transmission mechanism in China in the presence of structural changes
Authors: Fan Yang , Jianzhou Teng
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to study the monetary transmission mechanism of China from January 1996 to December 2009 under endogenous structural breaks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study constructs a benchmark VAR model and then adds the proxy variables for four channels of monetary policy transmission as endogenous or exogenous variables in the model to study the transmission mechanism in China. Considering a number of reforms carried out in the economic and financial field in the past two decades and the possibility of structural changes in the monetary transmission mechanism, the methodology proposed by Qu and Perron is employed to allow for endogenous structural changes in the model.

Findings

By conducting a comparative analysis, conclusions can be drawn from this paper that bank lending is always the dominating channel for monetary policy to influence economy in China and the roles of the interest rate channel and the exchange rate channel have been improved in recent years. However, the role of the asset price channel in monetary policy transmission has weakened since late 2001.

Originality/value

This paper combines the quasi‐maximum likelihood procedure proposed by Qu and Perron in 2007 with a benchmark VAR model, thus providing a new approach to study monetary transmission mechanism and the conclusions can be more sensible.
A longitudinal study of substance use and violent victimization in adulthood among a cohort of urban African Americans
Authors: Doherty Elaine Eggleston , Robertson Judith A. , Green Kerry M. , Fothergill Kate E. , Ensminger Margaret E.
Published: September 2011

Aims  This paper examines the effects of experiencing violent victimization in young adulthood on pathways of substance use from adolescence to mid‐adulthood.

Design  Data come from four assessments of an African American community cohort followed longitudinally from age 6 to 42 years.

Setting  The cohort lived in the urban, disadvantaged Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago in 1966.

Participants  All first graders from the public and parochial schools were asked to participate (n = 1242).

Measurement  Dependent variables—alcohol, marijuana and cocaine use—came from self‐reports at age 42. Young adult violent victimization was reported at age 32, as were acts of violence, substance use, social integration and socio‐economic resources. First grade risk factors came from mothers' and teachers' reports; adolescent substance use was self‐reported.

Findings  Structural equation models indicate a pathway from adolescent substance use to young adult violent victimization for females and those who did not grow up in extreme poverty (betas ranging from 0.15 to 0.20, P < 0.05). In turn, experiencing violent victimization in young adulthood increased alcohol, marijuana and cocaine use, yet results varied by gender and early poverty status (betas ranging from 0.12 to 0.15, P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Violent victimization appears to play an important role in perpetuating substance use among the African American population. However, within‐group variations are evident, identifying those who are not raised in extreme poverty as the most negatively affected by violence.
Anaphylaxis in Turkish children: a multi‐centre, retrospective, case study
Authors: Orhan F. , Canitez Y. , Bakirtas A. , Yilmaz O. , Boz A. B. , Can D. , Kuyucu S. , Harmanci K. , Tahan F. , Reisli I. , Karakas T. , Baki A. , Cokugras H. , Cakir M. , Yuksel H.
Published: September 2011

Background

Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially lethal systemic reaction affecting more than one organ or system.

Objective

We aimed to describe the demographic characteristics, clinical features, causes, settings, and administered therapy in Turkish children.

Methods

This retrospective, case note study included all children referred to the outpatient clinics of the Pediatric Allergy Departments of the participating study centres from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2009 for investigation of anaphylaxis or who were seen by us at the moment of the reaction during the same period and who met the clinical criteria of anaphylaxis.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐four cases of anaphylaxis were reported in 137 children (88 boys, P = 0.0001). The mean ± SD age at the referral was 7.7 ± 4.2 years (range: 4 months–17 years). Ninety‐eight episodes (43.8%) occurred at home. The symptoms were cutaneous in 222 (99.1%) episodes, respiratory in 217 (96.9%), neuro‐psychiatric in 118 (52.7%), cardiovascular in 92 (41.1%), and gastrointestinal in 88 (39.3%). Biphasic reaction was reported in seven episodes (3.1%, 95% CI: 1.5–6.3). Death occurred in one case (0.4%, 95% CI: 0.08–2.4). Treatment was available in 158 episodes (70.5%). Of them, 148 (93.7%) received antihistamines, 132 (83.5%) corticosteroids, 51 (32.3%) epinephrine, and 17 (10.8%) beta‐2‐mimetics. The causative agents were foods in 86 (38.4%) episodes, hymenoptera venom in 84 (37.5%), drugs and medications in 47 (21.0%), and latex in 5 (2.2%). In two episodes (0.9%), the causative agent was unidentified. Allergy to the trigger was known prior to anaphylaxis in 116 (51.8%) episodes. An epinephrine auto‐injector had been prescribed for 70 children (51.1%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Anaphylaxis was seen significantly more in boys. Most of the reactions occurred at home. Foods were the most frequent cause. Epinephrine, the first‐line treatment of anaphylaxis, was administered in only a third of the children.
Patch testing: what allergists should know
Authors: White J. M. L.
Published: September 2011

Patch testing is a standardized, in vivo diagnostic test for type IV hypersensitivity reactions, resulting in allergic contact dermatitis, which clinically resembles eczema. Common allergens include fragrance chemicals, hair dyes, metals, rubber accelerators and preservatives. Known allergens at particular concentrations in optimal vehicles are tested on the upper back under occlusion for 2 days. Readings according to international criteria are usually performed on days 2 and 4. Irritant reactions can closely resemble allergic ones, and further tests may be necessary to discriminate. Interpretation of the relevance of the reactions can also be difficult, perhaps requiring repeated open application testing, work‐site visits etc. Monitoring of trends in patch test positivity can be effective in primary prevention of type IV allergy.
Estimating probabilities of active brucellosis infection in Yellowstone bison through quantitative serology and tissue culture
Authors: Treanor John J. , Geremia Chris , Crowley Philip H. , Cox John J. , White Patrick J. , Wallen Rick L. , Blanton Douglas W.
Published: September 2011

1. Disease management along the boundaries of wildlife reserves is a growing conservation problem worldwide, as infected wildlife can migrate outside protected areas and pose a threat to livestock and human health. The bison Bison bison population in Yellowstone National Park has long been infected with Brucella abortus, but culling of Yellowstone bison to prevent transmission to cattle has been ineffective at reducing brucellosis infection. This management strategy is negatively affecting long‐term bison conservation because of difficulties in diagnosing actively infected animals.

2. We integrated age‐specific serology and B. abortus culture results from slaughtered Yellowstone bison to estimate probabilities of active brucellosis infection using a Bayesian framework. Infection probabilities were associated with age in young bison (0–5 years old) and with elevated antibody levels in older bison (>5 years old). Our results indicate that Yellowstone bison acquire B. abortus infection early in life but typically recover as they grow older.

3. A tool was developed to allow bison management to better reflect the probability that particular animals are infective, with the aim of conserving Yellowstone bison while reducing the risk of brucellosis transmission to cattle. Combining selective removal of infectious bison with additional management practices, such as vaccination, has the potential to advance an effective brucellosis reduction programme.

4. Synthesis and applications. We conclude that active B. abortus infection in Yellowstone bison is age dependent, which allows true infection probabilities to be estimated based on age and quantitative diagnostic tests. These findings have important application to disease management worldwide where accurate diagnostic tests for wildlife are unavailable. Estimation of true infection probabilities can replace culling practices that conflict with wildlife conservation. The ability to identify infective individuals can improve management practices that support conservation, particularly when human health is at risk or endangered wildlife species are involved.