bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strap‐down stabilization for multi‐load optoelectronic imaging platform
Authors: Wang Yawei , Zhou Weihu , Han Xiaoquan , Wang Zhongyu , Ding Jinbin
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a strap‐down image stable strategy for multi‐load optoelectronic imaging platform hung below a tethered aerostat.

Design/methodology/approach

Four two dimension pods, each with a visible light camera, are fixed on the optoelectronic platform. A POS (Position and Orientation System) is used to acquire the attitude rate data of optoelectronic platform, while the data can be coupled to the pods' servo systems through corresponding coordinate rotation, then the motors of pods will adjust the line of sight to the opposite way to keep the stabilization of image exported by visible light camcorders. Simultaneously, two rate gyros are installed at the inner frame of each pod, which are used as a backup to avoid the failure of POS.

Findings

Using one attitude and position measurement system can realize the stabilization of multi optoelectronic pods, which is same as or even better than the ratio gyro stabilization.

Research limitations/implications

As the tethered aerostat is a flexible body, it is affected a lot by the wind speed and wind direction at the low height (<1,000 m), which leads to the motors of pods always adjust the line of sight to the mechanical limiting of pods.

Practical implications

Strap‐down stabilization technology has been successfully used in the tethered aerostat monitoring platform to surveillance Shanghai World EXPO site. Long time experiments verify the feasible and effective of the multi‐load stabilization technology. The impact on the image by the adjustment of servos is less than 10 percent of the whole view of sight.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a strap‐down stabilization technology for multi‐load tethered aerostat platform, which is more suitable to be applied in the platform of relatively minor attitude change, like the airborne multi‐load platform and multi‐load UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) platform.
Attitude motion of spacecraft during oblique solar panel deployment
Authors: Zhengfeng Bai , Yang Zhao
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the dynamics model of spacecraft during deployment of oblique solar panel using Auto Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical System (ADAMS) and to study the attitude motion of the spacecraft system during the oblique solar panel deployment.

Design/methodology/approach

For the case of an oblique solar panel on spacecraft, the dynamics virtual prototype model of deployment of oblique solar panels on spacecraft is established and the dynamics simulation is carried out using ADAMS. The effects of solar panel deployment on the attitude motion of spacecraft with different oblique angles are studied and the attitude motion regularities of spacecraft system are discussed. First, the effects on attitude motion of spacecraft are compared between the normal solar panel deployment and oblique solar panel deployment on a spacecraft. Then the attitude motion of spacecraft during the deployment of solar panel with different oblique angles on spacecraft is studied.

Findings

The effects of oblique angle of solar panel deployment on the attitude motion of spacecraft are significant in yaw axis. The bigger the oblique angle, the bigger the changes of yaw angle of spacecraft. However, the bigger the oblique angle, the smaller the changes of roll angle of spacecraft. The effects of oblique angle on pitch angle of spacecraft are slight.

Practical implications

Providing a practical method to study the attitude motion of spacecraft system during deployment of solar panel and improving the engineering application of spacecraft system, which put forward up spacecraft system to the practical engineering.

Originality/value

The paper is a useful reference for engineering design of a spacecraft attitude control system and ground text.
Gathering the fractionated electromagnetic satellites cluster by simulating fish school
Authors: Su Jianmin , Dong Yunfeng
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Fractionated satellite clusters need coming together and avoiding crashing with limited random initial relative motion conditions. It is not necessary to keep the invariable configuration. The purpose of this paper is to put forward a control law which simulates organism swarm motion.

Design/methodology/approach

The motion of satellites follows three rules: coming together, velocity homology and avoiding crash. According to the rules, three control forces should be applied to satellite individuals. The final control force is the sum of three control forces. Electromagnetic dipole strengths calculation is formulated as nonlinear optimization problem. Considering control strengths have to be got in real time, iterative steps of optimization algorithm are fixed.

Findings

A control law which simulates organism swarm motion is put forward. The simulation shows the organism swarm motion simulation control law can keep fractionated satellite cluster coming together and avoiding crash. When iterative steps of optimization algorithm is fixed, the error of solve nonlinear equations is acceptable.

Originality/value

The control law is robust and easy to realize. When electromagnetic satellite cluster need not keep fixed configuration, it is a choice of control law of relative motion.
Effect of the macro‐pore structure on the anodic polarization behavior of porous titanium
Authors: Li Boqiong , Li Zhiqiang , Lu Xing
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Porous titanium is used in many bioimplant and electrode applications because of its interconnected pore structure and good corrosion resistance. The purpose of this paper is to study the anodic polarization behavior of porous titanium in different electrolytes and clarify the influences of the porosity and macro‐pore size on the corrosion resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

The porous titanium with 10‐70% porosities and average macro‐pore sizes in the range of 100‐500 μm was prepared by the powder metallurgy method using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a space holder. Electrochemical corrosion tests were performed on porous titanium as well as solid titanium (with the same irregular and isolated micro‐pore structures as that on the interconnected spheroidal macro‐pore walls of porous titanium) in the 0.1 M H2SO4, 1 M NaOH and 0.9% NaCl (37 °C) solutions.

Findings

It was found that porous titanium exhibited an active‐passive transition behavior in the 1 M NaOH and 0.1 M H2SO4 solutions. In contrast, a self‐passivation transition behavior was observed in the 0.9% NaCl solution (37 °C).

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that both the porosity and macro‐pore size of porous titanium play an important role in determining the corrosion rate, rather than the corrosion potential.
Gemini surfactants: a new class of corrosion inhibitors for brass in 3N HNO3 solution
Authors: Sharma Hariom K.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of some corrosion inhibition studies of brass in 3N HNO3 by gemini surfactants.

Design/methodology/approach

Gemini surfactants namely: N‐trimethyl butane‐diyl‐1,2‐ethane‐bis‐ammonium bromide (BEAB), N‐hexane‐diyl‐1,2‐ethane‐bis‐ammonium bromide (HEAB), N‐dodecane‐diyl‐1,2‐ethane‐bis‐ammonium bromide (DDEAB) and N‐hexadecane‐diyl‐1,2‐ethane‐bis‐ammonium bromide (HDEAB) were synthesized in the laboratory and their influence has been investigated for controlling the dissolution of brass in 3N HNO3. Weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance have been employed for the study. Weight loss experiments were performed as per standard method (ASTM, 1987). Potentiodynamic polarization studies were carried out using EG&G PARC potentiostat/galvanostat (model 173), universal programmer (model 175) and X‐Y recorder (model RE 0089) and impedance measurements were carried out with an EG&G PAR (model 5301 A) lock‐in‐amplifier, using an IBM computer.

Findings

The inhibition efficiency for all the gemini surfactants increases with increase in concentrations. The maximum inhibition efficiency of each inhibitor was achieved at 250 ppm concentration. The inhibition efficiency of all the inhibitors decreases on increasing the temperature from 30 to 50°C. The results of potentiodynamic polarization studies revealed that all the compounds were mixed type inhibitors and inhibit the corrosion of brass by blocking the active sites of the metal. The adsorption of the compounds on brass surface in 3N HNO3 has been found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

Originality/value

The paper provides information regarding corrosion inhibition of brass in 3N HNO3, the mechanism of the inhibition on the basis of molecular structures of the inhibitors, activation energy and free energy of adsorption.
Anti corrosive electroless Ni‐P films for mild steel materials
Authors: Venkatarangaiah Venkatesha Thimmappa , Ranganatha Sudhakar
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the electroless Ni‐P coatings in two aggressive media 3.5 wt.% NaCl and Synthetic industrial waste water. Also to study the effect of Phosphorous content in the electroless Ni‐P deposits on its surface nature, morphology and corrosion resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion behavior of electroless Ni‐P coatings generated on mild steel coupons from an acidic and an alkaline baths and their anti‐corrosion performance of was compared systematically in 3.5 wt.% of NaCl solution and also in synthetic industrial waste water. Microstructure and surface composition of coatings were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The Ni‐P coated mild steel specimens were subjected to corrosion and the rate of corrosion was studied by chemical and electrochemical methods. The linear sweep voltammetry, Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were employed to obtain corrosion data.

Findings

The electroless Ni‐P coatings with higher P content possess homogeneous, uniform and amorphous surface nature and exhibited higher corrosion resistance in the aggressive corrosive media chosen.

Originality/value

This paper provides corrosion behavior of electroless Ni‐P coatings in 3.5 wt.% NaCl and synthetic industrial waste water, and establishes the importance of phosphorous content on nature and properties of the coatings.
Pork quality and the role of marketing contracts: a case study of the US pork industry
Authors: Martinez Steve W.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an assessment of the growth in marketing contracts in the US pork industry as an efficient means to control pork quality and reduce transaction costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Information collected from pork quality and safety summits sponsored by the National Pork Producers Council in cooperation with the National Pork Board, published surveys of large packers related to contract use, and 15 contracts submitted by producers to the Iowa Attorney General's Office from 1996 to 2001 were examined. The theoretical framework used combines branches of the industrial organization literature.

Findings

The paper provides information documenting the growing importance of addressing pork quality problems in the 1990s and how marketing contracts between packers and producers can help address these problems. Recognizes their role in reducing transaction costs associated with carcass pricing programs, reducing pork quality measuring costs, providing quality control, and reducing costs of adapting to quality uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

The list of contracts examined is a small collection of contracts voluntarily submitted by producers, and pertains to a specific geographic section of the USA. Thus, they may not be representative of the entire industry.

Practical implications

The paper provides background information on quality issues faced by the US pork industry and a framework for better understanding the potential role of marketing contracts in addressing these issues.

Originality/value

This paper provides rather unique institutional background information on important changes occurring in the US pork industry in the 1990s and the role of the growth in marketing contracts in addressing related pork quality issues over time. Given the proprietary nature of specific contract terms, a small sample of long‐term marketing contracts is analyzed to better understand contract design.
The mandatory EU logo for organic food: consumer perceptions
Authors: Janssen Meike , Hamm Ulrich
Published: March 2012

Purpose

In July 2010, a mandatory European Union (EU) logo for organic food was introduced to strengthen the organic sector by making the identification of organic products easier for consumers. The present study aims to analyse how consumers in five EU countries view a mandatory EU logo for organic food and to give recommendations for agrarian decision makers and market actors in the organic sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive picture of consumer views. Focus group discussions were conducted with consumers in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy and the UK. A subsequent survey with 2,042 participants was carried out to quantify consumer views on key issues and analyse country differences. Finally, the results of the qualitative and quantitative study were brought together.

Findings

While the introduction of a mandatory EU logo for organic food was generally welcomed in all countries, trust in the underlying production standards and the inspection system was not very pronounced (except in Italy). The authors conclude that the introduction of the new EU logo should be supported by communication campaigns to make clear what the new logo stands for and remove unfounded consumer concerns regarding the downscaling of standards and the trustworthiness of the inspection system.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, no previous studies exist on consumer views on a mandatory EU logo for organic food. The recommendations drawn from their findings can help to reach the objectives connected with the introduction of the mandatory EU logo.
Consumption of muscadine grape by‐products: an exploration among Southern US consumers
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel , O'Neill Martin A.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Consumption of muscadine grapes and their by‐products (e.g. skins, seeds, wine and juice) is often discussed in terms of their alleged health‐ related properties (e.g. high content of resveratrol, phenolics and antioxidants). Almost no information, however, is available from an academic perspective on consumers' association with this food, including their knowledge, actual consumption of muscadines or by‐products they associate with muscadine grapes. This study seeks to add to the limited existing knowledge on muscadine grapes and their by‐products exploring these areas.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of consumers from a Southern US town, where muscadine grapes are native, was chosen. A total of 189 participated completing a questionnaire.

Findings

Overall, respondents indicated familiarity with muscadine grapes and by‐products (e.g. wine, jams, juice), but predominantly the more mature respondents related much more to those by‐products than the younger consumer groups. Concerning muscadine wines, while 56.6 per cent of respondents were familiar with this product, and 45.5 per cent considered their consumption experience satisfying to very satisfying, 67.7 per cent either never buy them or seldom do so, suggesting very limited attachment with muscadine grapes.

Research limitations/implications

Choosing one single geographic location (a Southern US town) and the number of participants are two limitations of this study.

Practical implications

Given the importance of muscadine grapes and their by‐products for the Southern region, particularly culturally, traditionally and for consumers in general in terms of beneficial health‐related properties, an argument is made concerning the need to promote this ancient food. The role of the hospitality and tourism sector, government, agricultural and consumer groups is therefore suggested in promoting, marketing and other forms conducive to raising the profile of muscadine by‐products.

Originality/value

The study focuses on a food (muscadines) and environment (the Southern US region) that despite their cultural importance continue to be under‐researched – even ignored – by much of the contemporary consumer behaviour, hospitality and other literature.
Volunteer management: an exploratory case study within the British Red Cross
Authors: Waikayi Loise , Fearon Colm , Morris Lynn , McLaughlin Heather
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Increasingly, post credit crunch, organisations are seeking to develop new ways of attracting, recruiting and retaining staff in the UK high street for less or even no financial reward. The aim of this paper is to investigate volunteerism and volunteer management, based on an exploratory case study of two British Red Cross (BRC) shops. It also aims to examine the reasons why people volunteer and why they keep doing so in the context of BRC, as a charitable organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case was used to gain an insight into how BRC recruit and retain volunteer staff. This was achieved by interviewing volunteers and the shop management personnel. An overview of BRC structures, strategic direction and views on volunteerism is also developed as part of the case study.

Findings

Exploratory findings from the research show that people decide to volunteer mainly for a variety of reasons such as social interaction, to carry out work that is valued in the local community and for self‐satisfaction. Volunteer satisfaction is derived from helping BRC to help others and also being part of The Red Cross. Volunteer retention is attributed to a proactive management style in terms of creating a favourable work environment. The shop manager's leadership skills are crucial in establishing a friendly and positive attitude towards volunteers. In addition, youth volunteers are attracted in order to gain work experience and learn new skills.

Research limitations/implications

The study is exploratory, based on preliminary interview findings from 17 informants in two BRC shops. However, the insight gained helps in understanding the reasons why volunteerism is successful within the BRC.

Practical implications

The paper can help policy makers reflect and decide on useful tactics and strategy for developing and improving volunteer management within the retail sector.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of literature in relation to retailing and volunteerism and this study contributes to the literature by identifying reasons why this charity has been so successful in attracting and retaining volunteers.
Origins of green innovations: the differences between proactive and reactive green innovations
Authors: Chen Yu‐Shan , Chang Ching‐Hsun , Wu Feng‐Shang
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the origins of the two types of green innovations: proactive and reactive green innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to satisfy the essence of the triangulation in methodology, this study applies a hybrid research method which includes both qualitative and quantitative research to discuss the origins of green innovations based on the two following stages. First, the study uses inductive logic from the perspectives of case study research and grounded theory to build the research framework and selects AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), the worldwide top three manufacturer in the TFT‐LCD industry, as the research object. Second, the study utilizes a questionnaire survey method to test the research framework proposed in the first stage.

Findings

This study divides green innovations into two types: proactive and reactive green innovations, because their origins are different. The results show that both of the internal origins – environmental leadership, environmental culture, and environmental capability and the external origins – the environmental regulations and the environmentalism of investors and clients – can generate reactive green innovation. However, only the internal origins can facilitate proactive green innovation. This study suggests that companies should invest their resources in cultivating the internal origins rather than the external origins.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into what origins cause proactive and reactive green innovations by means of hybrid research method – qualitative and quantitative research – in Taiwan. This study builds up a theory about the origins of the two types of green innovations.
Starting technologically innovative ventures: reasons, human capital, and gender
Authors: BarNir Anat
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Given the importance of technology in competitive advantage, this paper seeks to better understand the factors associated with entrepreneurs' decision to incorporate innovative technologies in new ventures. It aims to explore three questions: “Are the reasons given for starting technologically innovative new ventures (TINVs) different from those given for starting ventures based on traditional technologies?”; “What is the role of human capital in the TINV startup decision?”; and “Do gender differences exist in the reasons and human capital associated with starting a TINV?”.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics II (PSED II), which is a national database of individuals in various stages of starting a business. The overall sample consisted of 950 individuals. Non‐parametric methods and logistic regressions were used to test hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that men start the TINV for self‐realization reasons, and that wealth seeking and employment reasons are negatively associated with the technology startup decision among women, but not among men. Human capital positively predicts the decision to start TINV, but gender differences exist as well: specific human capital (industry and occupational background) positively predicts the technology startup decision among men, whereas general human capital (education and employment breadth) positively predicts the decision among women.

Practical implications

Better understanding of the factors that motivate and encourage entrepreneurs to utilize innovative technologies is useful for policymakers, practitioners, and educators. This understanding can help when allocating resources for the purpose of encouraging innovation and when trying to train entrepreneurs to enhance competitiveness of new ventures.

Originality/value

The study highlights some of the factors associated with the decision to start firms that are technologically innovative. Given that incorporating technology in new venture is often considered a key factor in sustainability and long term competitive advantage, the study provides possible explanations for potential sources of competitive advantage. Implications for the role of motives and human capital in the startup decision and in the decision to incorporate technology are discussed, with specific reference for male and female owned business.
Quality management framework for public management decision making
Authors: Yu Billy T.W. , To W.M. , Lee Peter K.C.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the practice of quality management framework as a strategic tool for public management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts with a basic process‐based model; it then enhances the model with the quality management principles for continuous improvement. With identification of concerned factors from the literature, it examines their usefulness in the quality management system.

Findings

An empirical analysis on the framework identifies eight factors: factual approach to decision making, use of quality tools, customer focus, leadership, involvement of people, process approach, mutually beneficial supplier partnership and internal results. The framework shows that leadership and customer focus are much more important than previously anticipated for successful implementation of quality management system.

Research limitations/implications

Managers in public organizations must realize that all high performance organizations, whether private or public, are by principle customer‐driven. In addition, it is imperative for them to enhance their leadership as it is essential for effective quality improvement.

Originality/value

While the effect of adopting a quality management system on organizational performance has been well documented, the underlying mechanism about how the system works has yet to be empirically identified. This paper contributes to the literature by addressing such a gap and presenting a causal model for quality management principles.
An applied organizational rewards distribution system
Authors: Datta Pratim
Published: March 2012

Purpose

How can managers optimally distribute rewards among individuals in a job group? While the management literature on compensation has established the need for equitable reimbursements for individuals holding similar positions in a function or group, an objective grounding of rewards allocation has certainly escaped scrutiny. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an optimization model based on a financial rubric, the portfolio approach allows organizations to envision human capital assets as a set (i.e. a team, group, function), rather than independent contractors. The portfolio can be organized and managed for meeting various organizational objectives (e.g. optimizing returns and instrumental benefits, assessing resource allocations).

Findings

This research introduces an innovative portfolio management scheme for employee rewards distribution. Akin to investing in capital assets, organizations invest considerable resources in their human capital. In doing so, organizations, over time, create a portfolio of human capital assets. The findings reduce large variances in rewards distribution yet serving employee and management considerations.

Practical implications

The research has tremendous implications for managers who can mitigate serious equitable rewards distribution issues by creating a process that exemplifies rewards distribution using four different rewards allocation scenarios based on varying managerial prerogatives.

Originality/value

This research is a unique model that addresses a pressing human resource issue by solution based on a usable and feasible optimization mechanism from financial portfolio theory.
Transformational leadership and job‐related learning
Authors: Loon Mark , Mee Lim Yet , Heang Lee Teck , Lian Tam Cai
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine specifically the impacts of transformational leadership on job‐related learning at the individual level.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted. The survey questionnaire contained measurements of job‐related learning (JRL) and the five dimensions of transformational leadership: idealized influence attributed (IIA), idealized influence behavior (IIB), individualized consideration (CON), inspirational motivation (INSPIRE), intellectual stimulation (INTSTIM). Data were collected from 400 individuals of various organizations on a voluntary and anonymous basis.

Findings

The research results showed that the dimensions of IIB and CON were two significant predictors to job‐related learning.

Research limitations/implications

All of the data collected in the present study are gathered from a single source through a common method (i.e. a Likert‐scale questionnaire). Also, the use of a cross‐sectional design in the present study restricts inferences being drawn regarding the causal relationships between transformational leadership and job‐related learning.

Practical implications

It seems that leaders are able to enhance job‐related learning among the employees when they recognize the growth needs of their followers and provide them with personal guidance and goal‐directed development. The findings imply that if a high learning orientation in an organisation is desired, transformational leadership would be the type of leadership needed in the organization.

Originality/value

The present study does provide some evidence that some dimensions of transformational leadership are more influential on job‐related learning than the others.
Antecedent and consequence factors of CEO turnover in Indonesia
Authors: Lindrianasari  , Hartono Jogiyanto
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the usefulness of accounting and market information when considering the issue of CEO turnovers in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples used in this research were corporations identified to have undergone (routinely or non‐routinely) top management turnovers (which in this case were President Directors). This study used samples from all corporations that experienced CEO turnover during the period of 1998‐2006 and determined the accounting variables that were thought to explain the turnovers. Corporations that did not experience CEO turnovers throughout the observed period were used as the control group. The final samples for both data sources were decided after considering data availability and confounding effects within the period of observation and were tested by using the LOGIT (separately) model, due to the fact that the dependent variables used were binary variables: 1 for turnover and 0 for no‐turnover.

Findings

The overall results indicated that decreasing accounting and market performance within a company, in an average period of three years, encouraged CEO turnovers.

Research limitations/implications

This paper did not take into account the wider reasons for turnovers, such as CEOs hitting pension age (retirement), death, or forced or voluntary turnovers, all of which in previous research were areas that showed considerable influence. In future research, it would be important to consider those characteristics, along with the personalities of the CEOs who left the firms and those who were brought in.

Practical implications

Owners of firms have to be careful when making decisions to turnover CEOs because the action can generate significant reactions from the market. This market reaction, of course, is the factor that influences the prosperity of the company.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that when accounting and market performance is good, the probability that the presiding CEO will not be fired is higher, and vice versa.
Conducting research interviews
Authors: Rowley Jennifer
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw on experience in supervising new researchers and the advice of other writers, to offer novice researchers, such as those engaged in study for a thesis, a pragmatic introduction to conducting research interviews.

Design/methodology/approach

After a brief introduction, the paper is organized into three main sections: designing and planning interviews, conducting interviews, and making sense of interview data. Within these sections, 11 questions often asked by novice researchers are posed and answered.

Findings

Novice interviewers need to conduct some research interviews in order to start to develop their skills in the craft of interviewing. This paper is designed to give novice interviewers the advice and support that they need before starting on this journey.

Originality/value

Other research methods texts offer advice on research interviews, but their advice is not tailored specifically to new researchers engaged in research for a thesis. They tend to offer options, but provide limited guidance on making crucial decisions in interview planning, design, conduct, and data analysis.
Disability and low income persistence in Italian households
Authors: Parodi Giuliana , Sciulli Dario
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of the probability of low income for households with disabled members in Italy, over the period 2004‐2007, with special focus on the role of persistence.

Design/methodology/approach

Households with disabled members are compared with those without disabled members, and those with disabled members temporary limited. Alternative definitions of disability are considered. The probability of low income is estimated adopting dynamic probit models accounting for unobserved heterogeneity, state dependence and endogenous initial conditions.

Findings

Evidence is found of significant true state dependence for households with disabled members. However, true state dependence does not significantly differ from that of other households. The probability of low income for households with disabled members is also determined by some structural variables, such as employment of disabled individuals, living in the South, household's partner employment and household size.

Practical implications

In the short run, money transfer is effective to lift households with disabled members from low income and to prevent the risk of low income in the future. Structural policies are possibly relevant in reducing the long‐term risk of low income. These include interventions to favour employment of disabled members and development of caring services for disabled members to free family members for outside work.

Originality/value

Not much is known about how disability affects the conditions of households with disabled members. The paper contributes to this literature with a novel analysis of low income persistence, providing some policy suggestions.
Talking about the Pigou paradox
Authors: Ernesto Caroleo Floro , Pastore Francesco
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to point to the inefficiency of the Italian educational system as a key factor of persistent differences between the distribution of incomes (skewed) and that of talents (normal), stated in the Pigou paradox. In fact, against the intention assigned to it by the Italian constitution, the educational system is designed in such a way to reinforce, rather than weaken, the current unequal distribution of incomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors study the socio‐educational background of AlmaLaurea graduates by way of correlation and regression analysis. The AlmaLaurea databank is the most important source of statistical information of its type in the country. The authors, consider several indicators of performance, such as the probability of getting a degree, the final grade achieved and the length of studies.

Findings

Parents’ educational level appears to be the main determinant of the grade achieved at secondary high school and at the university. The effect of family background on children's success at the university is not direct, but through the high school track. In fact, although any secondary high school gives access to the university, nonetheless lyceums provide students with far higher quality of education than technical and professional schools. Parental background affects also the length of studies, which suggests that the indirect cost of tertiary education is much higher for those with a poorer educational background and limited means.

Practical implications

Increasing the average educational level was one of the promises of the “3+2” university reform implemented in 2001. This objective has been achieved only in part, due to the continuing high indirect cost of tertiary education, which particularly affects individuals with limited means. More coordination in the interpretation and implementation of the aims of the reform would have prevented the main actors of the reform from failing it. School tracking should be reformed so as to allow more consideration for low school grades in the choice of parents and provide more on‐the‐job training to students in the professional/technical schools.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an interpretation of the Pigou paradox in Italy, based on the inefficiency of the university system, due to the peculiar school tracking and the ensuing high indirect cost of education. On this, the paper provides new circumstantial evidence based on the AlmaLaurea database almost ten years after the “3+2” reform.
Has the Bologna reform enhanced the employability of graduates? Early evidence from Slovenia
Authors: Farčnik Daša , Domadenik Polona
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the school‐to‐work transition of graduates in different fields of study, as well as to study programmes in three subsequent generations of graduates in the 2007 to 2009 period. The paper focuses on graduates from the new Bologna‐harmonised programmes and investigates their early career outcomes by comparing them to those of graduates from pre‐harmonised programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply a probit regression to calculate differences in the probability of employment for different fields of study and propensity score matching to investigate the effect of different study programmes in each field of education on early career outcomes, such as being employed within the first three months of graduation and the first nine months of graduation.

Findings

The authors find that graduating from a particular field of study affects the probability of employment in all three years. In general, regardless of the field, the authors observe decreasing probabilities of employment in 2008 and 2009. Using propensity score matching, the authors estimate the effect of the new Bologna‐harmonised programmes on the probability of employment and find a statistically significant negative effect compared to counterparts who finished pre‐Bologna programmes. The findings are robust to the use of different matching criteria.

Practical implications

In the institutional framework of a tuition‐free system in higher education and collective bargaining in the labour market, performance indicators such as employability can provide relevant information regarding student choice and a proxy measure for the quality of higher education in each participating university. In addition, this provides a rare insight into the employability of graduates from Bologna‐harmonised programmes, as well as for a post‐transition country such as Slovenia.

Originality/value

By covering entire populations of full‐time graduates in 2007, 2008 and 2009 who entered the labour market for the first time after graduation, the authors calculate the probability of employment within the first three and nine months of graduation. This allows the authors to infer about the effect of the new Bologna‐harmonised programmes as well as the impact of the recent financial crisis. The paper offers rare evidence of the school‐to‐work transition in a post‐transition and tuition‐free country.
Youth unemployment rate and impact of financial crises
Authors: Tanveer Choudhry Misbah , Marelli Enrico , Signorelli Marcello
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of financial crises on the youth unemployment rate (YUR). The authors consider different types of financial crises (systemic banking crises, non‐systemic banking crises, currency crises and debt crises) and different groups of countries, according to their income level.

Design/methodology/approach

After a review of the existing (theoretical and empirical) literature on the determinants of the YUR in general and at the occurrence of economic crises, the authors present empirical estimations on the impact of past financial crises on young workers. The relationship between financial crises and YUR is investigated by employing fixed effects panel estimation on a large panel of countries (about 70) around the world for the period 1980‐2005. The “persistence” over time of the impact is also investigated. Finally the Arellano‐Bond dynamic panel is estimated, confirming the significance of the results.

Findings

According to the authors’ empirical estimates, two key results are relevant: financial crises have an impact on the YUR that goes beyond the impact resulting from GDP changes; and the effect on the YUR is greater than the effect on overall unemployment. The inclusion of many control variables – including in particular GDP growth – does not change the sign and significance of the key explanatory variable. The results suggest that financial crises affect the YUR for five years after the onset of the crises; however, the most adverse effects are found in the second and third year after the financial crisis.

Research limitations/implications

Although fully aware of the peculiarities of the last crisis, the authors believe that the econometric results facilitate a better understanding of the impact of the 2007‐2008 financial crisis on the youth labour market.

Practical implications

The main policy implication is that effective active labour market policies and better school‐to‐work transition institutions are particularly needed to reduce the risk of persistence and structural (long‐term) unemployment, since young people have been worst affected by the last crisis.

Originality/value

There are many studies on the characteristics and causes of youth unemployment; considerable research has also been carried out into the labour market impact of financial crises. This paper brings the two strands of literature together, by econometrically investigating the impact of financial crises on YUR.
Self‐employment of rural‐to‐urban migrants in China
Authors: Giulietti Corrado , Ning Guangjie , Zimmermann Klaus F.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of self‐employment among rural to urban migrants in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a sample of migrant household heads from the 2008 Rural‐Urban Migration in China and Indonesia (RUMiCI) survey. An estimate of the wage differential between self‐employed and employed workers is obtained by means of an endogenous switching model and used to estimate the employment choice. The procedure is extended to account for migration selectivity bias, for alternative statuses before migration, and for different post‐migration employment histories.

Findings

Self‐employed migrants are positively selected with respect to their unobserved characteristics; their wages are substantially higher than what they would have obtained had they chosen paid work. Furthermore, even after accounting for the substantial heterogeneity across cities, industries, occupations, and after correcting for the migration selectivity bias, the wage differential is found to be an important determinant of self‐employment.

Research limitations/implications

The finding that market imperfections do not constrain the self‐employment choice of migrants does not imply that reforms designed to eliminate institutional barriers are undesirable. Policy should target the reduction of gaps between urban residents and migrants (such as the household registration system – hukou), so that migrants can access new business opportunities which are currently a prerogative of urban residents.

Originality/value

The paper analyses the determinants of self‐employment using a recent survey based on a sample of rural‐to‐urban migrants in China. The key findings indicate that migrants who choose self‐employment are positively selected in terms of their unobservable characteristics. Moreover, the wage differential has a strong positive effect on the probability of choosing self‐employment. In the transition to a market economy, which is taking place in China, the identification of the determinants of self‐employment is crucial.
Young people, the disabled, and immigrant workers
Authors: Parodi Giuliana , Pastore Francesco
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue on “Disadvantaged workers in the labour market” and to draw some policy implications that are common to the studies included in the special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces several econometric methodologies adopted in the special issue. Such methodologies represent an excellent overview of the typical approaches developed by applied economists to address the issue under discussion. They include: dynamic probit models allowing for unobserved heterogeneity and endogenous initial conditions; propensity score matching; the non parametric Ñopo decomposition to take into account sample selection bias; endogenous switching models to estimate employment choice; and fixed effects models and Arellano and Bond dynamic panel estimator.

Findings

The articles in the special issue highlight several common factors that make the disadvantage at the labor market emerge. The first factor is the recent financial crisis which especially affects young people. Differences in common support – generally due to segregation in low pay jobs – are also important. Several factors favor persistence of the disadvantage, namely the inefficiency of the educational system and the lack of financial support to the weakest groups.

Practical implications

The paper adopts the EU definition of “disadvantaged workers”, namely workers who find it hard to enter the labor market without assistance. The authors show the relevance of the analysis produced in this special issue to design specific policies fine‐tuned to the needs of disadvantaged workers. In addition, institutional reforms, and/or interventions on structural variables are also in order.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a number of articles proposing innovations in the interpretation and application of a wide range of theoretical approaches and econometric methodologies.
Embracing new media in Fiji: the way forward for social network marketing and communication strategies
Authors: Khan Anas , Khan Riad
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to outlines the power of social networking that companies in Fiji could use as the twenty‐first century media tool to facilitate marketing activities and reach out to customers more than ever before.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of the paper is generally conceptual, linking social networking to organizations, marketing activities and communications.

Findings

Social networking sites such as face book has become an essential modern media channel to position firms and its brands in the market and facilitate marketing activities and communication strategies. Social media networks with its unsurpassed reach and coverage capabilities have become one of the most powerful sources of socialized media to connect people.

Originality/value

The paper presents the arguments in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Interview with Marshall Goldsmith
Authors: by Juliet Harrison Interview
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with the million‐selling author, Marshall Goldsmith.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an interview with Marshall Goldsmith, who is author and editor of 31 books, including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, MOJO, and the WSJ number one business book and winner of the Harold Longman Award for Business Book of the Year, What Got You Here Won't Get You There. His books have been translated into 28 languages, and have become bestsellers in eight countries.

Findings

In the interview, Marshall discusses his innovative approach to executive coaching; the impact of social media for leaders and chief executive officers; and his current research on employee engagement.

Originality/value

The paper highlights that the key figure in executive coaching, upon whom the success of the coaching hinges, is the client themselves.