bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyridine and 3-methylpyridine solvates of the triple sulfa drug constitutent sulfamethazine
Authors: Patel Urmila H. , Purohit Ketankumar P.
Published: December 2016

Sulfonamides display a wide variety of pharmacological activities. Sulfamethazine [abbreviated as SMZ; systematic name 4-amino-N-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide], one of the constitutents of the triple sulfa drugs, has wide clinical use. Pharmaceutical solvates are crystalline solids of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) incorporating one or more solvent molecules in the crystal lattice, and these have received special attention, as the solvent molecule can impart characteristic physicochemical properties to APIs and solvates, therefore playing a significant role in drug development. The ability of SMZ to form solvates has been investigated. Both pyridine and 3-methylpyridine form solvates with SMZ in 1:1 molar ratios. The pyridine monosolvate, C12H14N4O2S·C5H5N, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pna21, with Z = 8 and two molecules per assymetric unit, whereas the 3-methylpyridine monosolvate, C12H14N4O2S·C6H7N, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121, with Z = 4. Crystal structure analysis reveals intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bonds between the molecules of SMZ and the pyridine solvent molecules. The solvent molecules in both structures play an active part in strong intermolecular interactions, thereby contributing significantly to the stability of both structures. Three-dimensional hydrogen-bonding networks exist in both structures involving at least one sulfonyl O atom and the amine N atom. In the pyridine solvate, there is a short π–π interaction [centroid–centroid distance = 3.926 (3) Å] involving the centroids of the pyridine rings of two solvent molecules and a weak intermolecular C—H...π interaction also contributes to the stability of the crystal packing.
C—I...N and C—I...π halogen bonding in the structures of 1-benzyliodoimidazole derivatives
Authors: Nwachukwu Chideraa I. , Bowling Nathan P. , Bosch Eric
Published: December 2016

Halogen bonding is a well-established and intensively studied intermolecular interaction that has also been used in the preparation of functional materials. While polyfluoroiodo- and polyfluorobromobenzenes have been widely used as aromatic halogen-bond donors, there have been very few studies of iodoimidazoles with regard to halogen bonding. We describe here the X-ray structures of three iodoimidazole derivatives, namely 1-benzyl-2-iodo-1H-imidazole, C10H9IN2, (1), 1-benzyl-4-iodo-1H-imidazole, C10H9IN2, (2), and 1-benzyl-2-iodo-1H-benzimidazole, C14H11IN2, (3), and the halogen bonds that dominate the intermolecular interactions in each of these three structures. The three-dimensional structure of (1) is dominated by a strong C—I...N halogen bond, with an N...I distance of 2.8765 (2) Å, that connects the molecules into one-dimensional zigzag ribbons of molecules. In contrast, the three-dimensional structures of (2) and (3) both feature C—I...π halogen-bonded dimers.
Crystal structure of (6E,20E)-3,24-difluoro-13,14,28,29-tetrahydro-5H,22H-tetrabenzo[e,j,p,u][1,4,12,15]tetraoxacyclodocosine-5,22-dione
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Hawaiz Farouq E. , Ayoob Mzgin M , Hosten Eric
Published: December 2016

The conformation of the title compound, C34H26F2O6, is cone-shaped, partially determined by intramolecular C—H...O short contacts. The benzene rings at the top of the cone are inclined to one another by 73.10 (7)°, while the benzene rings at the bottom of the cone are inclined to one another by 35.49 (8)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O and C—H...F hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. There are also C—H...π contacts present within the framework structure.
Analysis of electrical discontinuity problem in MLB using Ishikawa model
Authors: Jayaprasad G. , Dhanlakshmi P.P. , Hemachandran S.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study/paper is regarding analysis of electrical discontinuity in penultimate layer of a few batches of Multilayer Boards (MLB) fabricated and supplied by a vendor. The ever-increasing demand of miniaturization in launch vehicle and spacecraft electronics systems has led to the usage of multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs) for realizing high-performance electronics circuitry. Multilayer boards (MLBs) fabricated by qualified agencies based on the customer requirement are being used in the critical launch vehicle/spacecraft systems after evaluating the preliminary test results supplied by the vendor. However, a few batches of MLBs fabricated and supplied by a particular vendor (“A”) showed a discontinuity problem in a few PCB tracks connected by soldering pads. As these MLBs are part of Flight critical systems of both launch vehicle and spacecraft, a malfunction in the board may lead to fatal errors during fight or on-orbit, thereby jeopardizing the mission.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach was followed to have a thorough understanding of the problem, and major tests such as inspection, continuity measurement, microsection of the plated through hole (PTH) and Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis tests were conducted on identified test boards based on Ishikawa model. Emphasis was given for horizontal microsection, as it has got a clear edge in detecting defects at any point of PTH barrel to inner-layer copper interface.

Findings

Systematic testing and evaluation on specimen revealed the presence of unwanted material at the bonding area of inner-layer copper and PTH copper due to inadequate fabrication process. The un-cleaned epoxy materials present at the bonding area creates a weak bond between barrel and inner-layer copper. Electrical strength of the MLB is the strength of this link. This weaker interconnection leads to electrical discontinuity of inner-layer tracks.

Originality/value

MLBs are part of Flight critical systems of both Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft; a malfunction in the board may lead to fatal errors during fight or on-orbit, thereby jeopardizing the mission. Case study of an original failure observed in MLBs helped to achieve normal functioning of systems and avoided failures at later stage of mission.
Himalaya: head-to-heel herbal healthcare
Authors: Srinivasan R.
Published: December 2016

Subject area

Competitive strategy.

Study level/applicability

Post-Graduate (MBA/Doctoral) level courses.

Case overview

This paper aims to examine the evolution of Himalaya Drug Company (hereinafter referred to as Himalaya), an Ayurveda-based pharmaceutical-wellness company. Over the eight decades of its history, Himalaya has built a reputation for Ayurveda-based formulations that conform to allopathic standards and are accepted globally. In the recent years, Himalaya dramatically strengthened its competitive position of “scientific Ayurvedic products” through its entry into fast-moving consumer goods (or consumer-packaged goods), categories of wellness products as well as over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs. This case describes the focused differentiation strategy of Himalaya and sets out the challenges it faced/would face in sustaining its focused differentiation strategy, as it enters into highly penetrated categories such as toothpastes and soaps (that were traditionally dominated by broad differentiators and broad cost leaders).

Expected learning outcomes

The outcomes are as follows: to exemplify the logic of focused differentiation, where a competitor commands a higher willingness to pay than its average competitors, by narrowing its target segments; to illustrate how the firm’s entire set of activities are tailored to meet the specific needs of a set of carefully chosen products, narrow customer segments, of defined geographic markets; to highlight how a combination of tradeoffs and fit helps protect the firm’s competitive position from its potential imitators; and to demonstrate the limits of a focused strategy, specifically relating to growth, and how a company such as Himalaya can overcome such limits.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
The quantized transformation in Deng’s grey relational grade
Authors: Wen Kunli
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Until now, many different varieties of grey relational grade methods had been proposed, and there are also many relevant publications, which include ordinal grey relational grade and cardinal grey relational grade. However, the most original and important formula is Deng’s grey relational grade. After careful study it was found that although it is an ordinal form of grey relational grade, a rational mathematics model can be used to transfer it from ordinal into cardinal. It not only can enhance the essential of Deng’s grey relational grade, but also can let Deng’s grey relational grade be used more widely. The paper aims to discuss these issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses fuzzy set theory to get the rational value of distinguish coefficient in Deng’s grey relational grade, then uses grey entropy method to decide the rational weighting for the analysis sequences in Deng’s grey relational grade.

Findings

Through the mathematics derivation, it indeed can transfer the Deng’s grey relational grade from ordinal form into cardinal form.

Practical implications

The paper has deeply enhanced the essential of Deng’s grey relational grade, and made Deng’s grey relational grade more available and more usable in grey system theory.

Originality/value

The paper has transferred the Deng’s grey relational grade from ordinal into cardinal, it can let Deng’s grey relational grade be used in a wider area.
Adjusting the errors of the GM(1, 2) grey model in the financial data series using an adaptive fuzzy controller
Authors: Bolos Marcel , Bradea Ioana , Delcea Camelia
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the adjustment of the GM(1, 2) errors for financial data series that measures changes in the public sector financial indicators, taking into account that the errors in grey models remain a key problem in reconstructing the original data series.

Design/methodology/approach

Adjusting the errors in grey models must follow some rules that most often cannot be determined based on the chaotic trends they register in reconstructing data series. In order to ensure the adjustment of these errors, for improving the robustness of GM(1, 2), was constructed an adaptive fuzzy controller which is based on two input variables and one output variable. The input variables in the adaptive fuzzy controller are: the absolute error

ε

i

0

(
k
)

[
%

]

of GM(1, 2), and the distance between two values

x

i

0

(
k
)

[
%

]

, while the output variable is the error adjustment

A

ε

i

0

(
k
)

[
%

]

determined with the help of the above-mentioned input variables.

Findings

The adaptive fuzzy controller has the advantage that sets the values for error adjustments by the intensity (size) of the errors, in this way being possible to determine the value adjustments for each element of the reconstructed financial data series.

Originality/value

To ensure a robust process of planning the financial resources, the available financial data are used for long periods of time, in order to notice the trend of the financial indicators that need to be planned. In this context, the financial data series could be reconstituted using grey models that are based on sequences of financial data that best describe the status of the analyzed indicators and the status of the relevant factors of influence. In this context, the present study proposes the construction of a fuzzy adaptive controller that with the help of the output variable will ensure the error’s adjustment in the reconstituted data series with GM(1, 2).
“Building beyond Brexit: what now?”
Authors: Hackett Paul
Published: December 2016

Purpose

A policy insiders view on the implications of Brexit for housing and welfare in England and Scotland. Why did voters choose to reject the Eu and what happens next as the government prepares for Brexit with no clear route map and growing uncertainty. Will the housing market shrink and what changes lie ahead for housing professionals. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The author provides their viewpoint on Brexit and what is next for Britain.

Findings

This viewpoint discusses the potential effects of Brexit on the economy, housing, local authorities
and so on.

Originality/value

This paper contains the viewpoint of the author.
LAs are from Mars, HAs are from Venus
Authors: Exford Keith
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put forth a practical guide for improving communications and getting what you want from relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an opinion piece based on a speech given by the author at the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference.

Findings

Forming partnerships between local authorities and housing associations is vital in tackling the problem of un-affordable housing.

Originality/value

This article is based on a speech given by the author and offers the viewpoint of said author.
Creational narratives for new housing communities: evidence synthesis
Authors: Meads Geoffrey David , Lees Amanda , Tapson Kit
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a rapid evidence synthesis commissioned by the Diocese of Winchester with a remit to provide an empirical basis for church contributions to large housing community developments. It sought to respond to three questions concerning new community developments. These related to risks and causes of failure; learning from past corporate and intermediate tier interventions at diocesan and equivalent levels by religious denominations; and the transferable learning available from developments described in community health and liveability literatures.

Design/methodology/approach

The review took a purposive approach to sampling evidence from within academic literature, policy and “think tank” outputs and theological texts. The search was instigated with the use of keywords (including New Settlements, Urban Redevelopment, Diocese, Faith and Community), principally within the SCOPUS, NIHR, PUBMED and Google Scholar databases. A pragmatic snowballing approach to relevant references was then employed.

Findings

Segregation and separation were identified as the main risk for new settlements. Connectivity is required between and across neighbours, ensuring communal access to services, transport and recreation. Communal places where people can come together for conversation and social interaction are identified as contributing significantly to healthy communities. Churches have a particular positive contribution to make here, through a focus on inclusion, hospitality and common values, rather than single faith-based, evangelical approaches.

Practical implications

The initial effect of the study has been to increase confidence in and awareness of the diocesan contribution. In the longer term the three areas of practice highlighted for enhanced faith-based contributions are those of public communications, community integration and civic leadership. An evidence-based approach appears to be especially significant in facilitating the latter.

Originality/value

The importance of “creational narratives” in defining and making explicit the values underpinning new housing communities is identified as a singular source of shared motivation for planning and faith agencies.
Smoking cessation in smoke-free prisons: a grounded theory study
Authors: Djachenko Ashleigh , St John Winsome , Mitchell Creina
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Prisoners are vulnerable to tobacco addiction and have a smoking prevalence significantly higher than that of the general community. The context of this study was the implementation of a “smoke-free prisons” policy, which imposed forced smoking cessation onto the Queensland, Australian prison population. The study asked the question: “What are the psychosocial processes in which male prisoners engage during smoking cessation in a smoke-free environment?”

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 prisoners in South-east Queensland smoke-free correctional centres. Grounded theory methodology was applied to construct a theory of the processes of smoking cessation.

Findings

The constructed theory was named Engaging with Quitting. In this model, prisoners proceed through a cycle of evaluations, adjustments and reflections on their reality as related to the smoke-free prison. The study gives first-hand accounts of the prisoners’ use (and abuse) of nicotine replacement therapy. Three personality typologies emerged from the data: The Angry Smoker, the Shifting Opportunist and the Optimistic Quitter.

Research limitations/implications

This qualitative study makes no claim of generalisability and cannot be taken to represent all prisoners. Females, youths and culturally diverse prisoners were not represented in the sample.

Practical implications

Smoking cessation in prisons must be recognised as an ongoing process, rather than a discrete event. A coordinated approach between custodial and health authorities is required to minimise maladaptive coping strategies.

Originality/value

This study provides a descriptive account of the processes prisoners undertake during involuntary smoking cessation and has described the manner in which prisoners manufacture home-made tobacco from nicotine patches. The study has produced an original theory named Engaging with Quitting.
Leadership in context
Authors: Alazmi Terki N.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the contextual dimensions that form leadership behaviour amongst Kuwait’s private sector leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a constructionist approach within which 40 leaders from Kuwaiti private sector organisations were interviewed, in the banking, investment, real estate and services sectors, this paper focuses on two main areas of study: to critically examine the literature and identify the most contextual dimensions found to have significant influence on leadership behaviour and to verify first-hand how the identified dimensions are affecting leaders’ behaviour in the specified context.

Findings

The research finds that although the content of leadership may not change significantly, the context of leadership is important and is able to alter the quality and behaviour of leaders.

Originality/value

Empirically based knowledge about leadership in context is limited, as few studies to date have examined the importance of the contextual dimensions in explaining leadership behaviour.
Vulnerability and profitability of MENA banking system: Islamic versus commercial banks
Authors: Khasawneh Ahmad Y.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to compare Islamic and commercial banks in the region of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in terms of profitability and stability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combines both the descriptive and analytical approaches. It considers panel data sets and adopts panel data econometric techniques.

Findings

The determinants of banks profitability and stability are different according to bank’s type. The results show that Islamic banks are more profitable than commercial banks, while on the other hand, commercial banks are more stable than Islamic banks. It is also concluded that banks profitability and stability are determined through some bank’s characteristics variables and macroeconomic variables in addition to the financial crises. MENA commercial and Islamic banking was affected by the financial crises in terms of profitability and stability. Additionally, larger banks are more stable than smaller banks, and off-balance sheet activities increase banks’ vulnerability for both commercial and Islamic MENA banks.

Research limitations/implications

The most prominent limitation is the lack of data, as we had to exclude some variables because of missing observations. As a result, the authors could not use data envelopment approach and stochastic frontier approach to evaluate banks efficiency in MENA countries rather than the financial ratios.

Practical implications

Commercial banks need to enhance their capitalization to improve their profitability. Additionally, Islamic banks need to improve the risk assessment and adopt some of the available risk management tools. Moreover, the banking system should take advantage of relatively higher Islamic banks profitability and use the unexploited profit opportunities through spreading into those countries with limited availability, such as the North African countries.

Originality/value

This study address both banks profitability and stability in an emerging region that includes banks of different types (Islamic and commercial) which are located in different counties that allows accounting for operational and institutional differences.
Have you experienced fun in the workplace?
Authors: Chan Simon C.H. , Mak Wai-ming
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between workplace fun, trust-in-management, employee satisfaction and whether the level of fun experienced at work moderates the effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 240 frontline staff in a large-scale retail store in Hong Kong.

Findings

The results show that trust-in-management mediates the relationship between workplace fun and employee job satisfaction. Additionally, employees who experience a high level of fun in the workplace have a greater effect on workplace fun, trust-in-management and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that it collects data from a self-reported single source in a cross-sectional survey design.

Practical implications

Because workplace fun helps organizations promote employee trust and job satisfaction, organizations should provide more enjoyable activities for employees to participate in.

Originality/value

This study provides a new insight into the effects of workplace fun on employees’ trust-in-management and job satisfaction.
The causes, impact and prevention of employee fraud
Authors: Omar Mastura , Nawawi Anuar , Puteh Salin Ahmad Saiful Azlin
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causes and impact of employee fraud, focusing on one particular industry, namely, the automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

One company was selected as a case for the study. Qualitative data analysis was used for the study, with two techniques for data collection. First was the content or document analysis on various reports, such as employee fraud reports and records of disciplinary action, and second was a series of interviews with employees from different levels and various departments of the company.

Findings

This study found that the most popular type of fraud is misappropriation of assets, including theft of cash and inventories. No significant differences were seen in terms of fraudster position, as they can come from both the lower and the executive level. However, majority of the fraudsters come from the operational and sales department. This study also found that majority of the fraudsters in the case study were male, new employees and young adults. Their motivations to commit fraud include lack of understanding about fraud behavior, opportunity to commit fraud and lifestyle and financial pressure.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide further confirmation of the Fraud Triangle Theory and Fraud Diamond Theory on the causes of the fraud. They are also consistent with much prior research and surveys conducted by global professional firms on fraud and its related causes and implications. This study, however, was conducted on only one company with several series of interviews and three years of document analysis. Future research should collect and analyze data from a higher number of companies with more respondents for interviews and longer period for document analysis to get more accurate results.

Practical implications

This study provides some recommendations for fraud prevention in the future based on real fraud cases and those that involved managing cases up to and including disciplinary decision. These include closed supervision, fraud awareness training, clearer job descriptions, cultivation of a pleasant working environment and improved security control.

Social implications

This study found that some of the causes of fraud include social factors like lifestyle and financial pressure due to low income. Policy adjustments, such as an effort to push people beyond the poverty line with higher minimum wages, need to be made to prevent low-income workers from seeing their company as another source of illegal income.

Originality/value

This study is original, as it focuses on a company that operates in the automotive industry, which is rare in fraud literature, particularly in developing markets. In addition, the company is new, so analysis can be conducted on how the company evolved and learned from the fraud analysis for prevention in the future. Furthermore, this study used two techniques of data collection, so that verification of the findings may be made for better reliability.
Libor benchmark: practice, crime and reforms
Authors: Yeoh Peter
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace how and why the market-designed Libor benchmark turned bad, thereby necessitating a regulatory response.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relies on primary and secondary data in the public domain and complemented by a single-case study.

Findings

The study demonstrates how and why Libor benchmark rigging led to reforms in the UK and elsewhere.

Research limitations/implications

The study relying mainly on the secondary data analysis needs to be enhanced by further empirical-based studies.

Practical implications

Insights generated by the study suggest why it might not be worthwhile for market participants to game the system.

Social implications

Libor benchmark affects the financial system widely with varying significance to the wider public. With better regulatory oversight, its negative impact is expected to be mitigated considerably.

Originality/value

The seriousness with which the enforcement agency and judiciary now treat financial crime weakens the earlier public perception that white-collar crime is enforced differently.
Assessing the omission of records from a data set using Benford’s law
Authors: Carreira Pedro , Gomes da Silva Carlos
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology to estimate the number of records that were omitted from a data set, and to assess its effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure to estimate the number of records that were omitted from a data set is based on Benford’s law. Empirical experiments are performed to illustrate the application of the procedure. In detail, two simulated Benford-conforming data sets are distorted and the procedure is then used to recover the original patterns of the data sets.

Findings

The effectiveness of the procedure seems to increase with the degree of conformity of the original data set with Benford’s law.

Practical implications

This work can be useful in auditing and economic crime detection, namely in identifying tax evasion.

Originality/value

This work is the first to propose Benford’s law as a tool to detect data evasion.
Using Beneish model to detect corporate financial statement fraud in Greece
Authors: Repousis Spyridon
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate empirically the eight-variables Beneish M-model to identify occurrence of financial statement fraud or tendency to engage in earning manipulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A data set of 25,468 companies (Société Anonyme and Limited Liability Companies) in Greece was analyzed during two-year period of 2011-2012. Financial statements of banks are excluded.

Findings

The results showed that 8,486 companies or 33 per cent of the whole sample has a greater than −2.2 score, which is a signal that companies are likely to be manipulators. Also, for manipulators, results usingF-distribution showed that days sales in receivable index (DSRI), asset quality index (AQI), depreciation index, selling, general and administrative expenses index (SGAI), total accruals to total assets index and leverage index (LVGI) are significant at 99 per cent confidence level in its effect on Beneish M-score. Also, there is a significant relationship between earning management, as expressed by Beneish M-score and each one of variables, DSRI, AQI, gross margin index, sales growth index, SGAI and LVGI. Most of all, DSRI explains 95.92 per cent of the variation in Beneish M-score in statistical terms.

Practical implications

Results are important for banking system, because financial statements information influence credit decisions of banks. Debt agreements include terms based upon accounting numbers. Also, using Beneish Model, it is a cheap and easy way for examiners of possible fraudulent activity.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there is a great lack of research in Greece, using Beneish model. There is only one more study using the Beneish model, examining only a few companies listed in Athens Stock Exchange during 1999-2000. Findings have also important implications not only for banks but also for users of Greek financial statement accounts, especially to investors, auditors, regulators, to taxation and other state authorities.
Causes, effects and deterrence of insurance fraud: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Akomea-Frimpong Isaac , Andoh Charles , Ofosu-Hene Eric Dei
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the extent of effects of insurance fraud on the financial performance of insurance companies in Ghana. It also examines the causes and stringent measures that can be used to fight against insurance fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary and secondary data obtained from 39 insurers in Ghana are used in this paper. A multiple regression model is used to determine the relationship between financial performance and insurance fraud variables.

Findings

The results from the model indicate that statistically insurance fraud has a significant negative effect on the annual return on assets (financial performance) of insurers in Ghana. Also, weak internal controls, poor remuneration of employees, falsified documents, deliberate acts of policyholders to profit from the insurance contract and inadequate training for independent brokers are found to be the major causes of insurance fraud in Ghana. To deter insurance fraud, effective internal fraud policy, rigorous assessment of insurance policies and claims, adequate training for independent brokers on insurance fraud and modern information technology tools are paramount in fighting this menace in Ghana.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are to have substantial impact on the techniques insurance companies will develop to fight insurance fraud and the policies that will be developed by governments and national insurance regulatory bodies to fight this menace.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is the determination of the key variables that constitute insurance fraud and their impacts on the annual financial performance of insurance companies in Ghana.
The problem of “white noise”: examining current prevention approaches to online fraud
Authors: Cross Cassandra , Kelly Michael
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current prevention messages that exist surrounding the prevention of online fraud. In particular, it focuses on the amount and level of detail that is promoted for each type of potential fraudulent approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple data sources are used to establish the main premise of this paper. This includes the publication entitledThe Little Black Book of Scams, qualitative data from victims who have experienced online fraud, and materials collected through a police investigation into online fraud.

Findings

Results of this analysis indicate that current prevention messages are characterised by a large degree of detail about the various ways that (online) fraud can be perpetrated. This is argued to be ineffective, based on the experiences of victims who were unable to apply their previous knowledge about fraud to their experiences. Additionally, the categorisation of fraudulent approaches is highlighted as unimportant to offenders, who are focused on obtaining money by whatever means (or approach) possible.

Practical implications

This paper provides the impetus to evaluate the effectiveness of current prevention messages. It points to a simplification of existing prevention messages to focus more importantly on the transfer of money and the protection of personal information.

Originality/value

This paper argues that current prevention messages are characterised by too much “white noise”, in that they focus on an overwhelming amount of detail. This is argued to obscure what should be a straightforward message which could have a greater impact than current messages.
Interaction among funding liquidity, liquidity creation and stock liquidity of banks
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Sun Gang
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between three different kinds of bank liquidity: funding liquidity; liquidity creation; and stock liquidity.

Design/methodology/approach

It used the data from listed banks of BRICS countries spanning the period 2007-2014. Simultaneous equations model and three-stage least square estimation were used for analysis.

Findings

First of all, increase in liquidity creation is linked to decline in funding liquidity, but variation in funding liquidity does not describe changes in liquidity creation. Second, higher stock illiquidity is associated with greater liquidity creation, but liquidity creation does not determine variation in stock liquidity. Lastly, there is no direct relationship between funding liquidity and stock liquidity; however, stock liquidity indirectly affects funding liquidity through liquidity creation.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the fact that capital is not the only determinant of liquidity creation, rather stock liquidity is an equally important determinant in the case of listed banks of BRICS countries. This fact has been highlighted by the recent financial crisis. Furthermore, funding liquidity depends on liquidity creation which depends on stock liquidity. However, the stock liquidity of banks neither depends on liquidity creation nor funding liquidity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first one to provide the empirical evidence for the relationship between three different kinds of bank liquidity.
Basel disclosure by private and public sector banks in India: assessment and implications
Authors: Samanta Prodyot , Dugal Mohinder
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to assess the nature and characteristics of regulatory risk management reporting by private and public sector banks in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 38 banks, a content analysis of their Basel II disclosure reports for the year 2012-2013 is examined.

Findings

The assessment shows that while the majority of the disclosure across banks focuses on credit risk and capital adequacy ratios, the total quantity of disclosure varies significantly across banks. Of the three broad risk categories (market, credit and operational), operational risk disclosure is the least, with minimal to no disclosure on several key aspects of operational risk, suggesting that operational risk issues are likely to emerge as an area of concern among Indian banks. Further, for the sector as a whole, the authors observe that asset size and net income are positively correlated with the quantity of regulatory disclosure and negatively correlated with the variation of this disclosure, suggesting a possible precautionary behavior on the part of larger and more profitable banks toward excessive scrutiny by the regulators and a regulatory regime in which no institution is too big to fail.

Originality/value

As an exploratory research article to address the characteristics of regulatory disclosure of private and public sector banks in India, it is informative, particularly for those working in the area of banking regulation and compliance. Areas for further research are suggested.
Determinants of being acquired in Indian manufacturing sector: a panel data analysis
Authors: Irfan Mohd , Saha Sarani , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the firms’ determinants of being acquired in Indian manufacturing sector. There is evidence of relationship between likelihood of being acquired and several firm specific characteristics such as age, size, research and development (R&D), advertising intensity, productivity, leverage, profitability, intangible assets and financial constraints. However, little is known about the association between these characteristics and likelihood of acquisition in Indian manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is a panel of 2,189 Indian manufacturing firms spanning almost 10 years (1998-2007). Random effects logistic (REL) regression model is adopted to control the firm specific unobserved heterogeneity in the sample. This is an essential requirement for providing accurate and effective determinants of being acquired.

Findings

Empirical results reveal that the determinants of being acquired in Indian manufacturing sector are age, size, R&D intensity, advertising intensity, productivity and leverage. The findings indicate that increase in firms’ age, size, R&D intensity and advertising intensity increases the likelihood of being acquired. However, increase in productivity and leverage decreases the likelihood of being acquired.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of this study may be useful for potential targets to arrive at more thoughtful assessment of their attractiveness and, accordingly, promote their acquisition as a more efficient mode of exit.

Originality/value

The paper contributes some empirical evidence on the determinants of being acquired in Indian manufacturing sector by using panel data and REL regression model.
An exploration of online brand community (OBC) engagement and customer’s intention to purchase
Authors: Tiruwa Anurag , Yadav Rajan , Suri P.K.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of online brand communities on customers’ attitude, who engage with such communities, and their further influence on purchase intention (PI).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was developed by reviewing literature and then validating it in the context of customers, engaged with Facebook brand pages. The framework empirically examined the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence and attachment with brand (AWB) on attitude towards brand and PI; alongside the influence of AWB on PI, from 206 responses gathered from an online survey administered to Facebook users. The framework was validated by using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the proposed framework was found to have a good fit, and seven of eight relationships hypothesized were found to be significant. The study establishes that the online brand communities have an impact on the customers’ attitude, which in turn has an influence on customers’ intention to purchase.

Originality/value

This study is first of its kind to analyse the engagement on Facebook online brand communities and the influence they have on the customers’ attitude towards a brand which further develops the PI of the customer. The paper suggests and supports the adoption and usage of online brand communities as a part marketing and communication strategy.
Does the WTO government procurement agreement influence steel imports?
Authors: Liebman Benjamin
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Government procurement policies containing domestic content requirements have faced increasing attention, as more traditional forms of trade discrimination have declined in recent decades. The most important effort to reduce discriminatory government procurement policies is the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), in which a subset of WTO countries has agreed to provide increased access to imports from fellow signatory countries. This paper focuses on the Buy American policy, which mandates domestic content for all US Federal government purchase above the micro-purchase level. The author tests whether steel imports from GPA and US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners, both of which receive preferential access to US federal procurements, increase as the value of federal construction contracts rise.

Design/methodology/approach

The author tracks federal construction contracts and seeks to determine whether there is a link between these contracts and construction grade steel imports from GPA and US FTA members. The author uses two-stage least squares to regress the import quantity of steel from GPA and US FTA countries on the value of US federal construction contracts. Imported and domestic steel prices as well as macroeconomic variables such as industrial production and non-residential construction are controlled for. A panel data set is used that includes three different construction-grade steel products and covers years 2004-2013.

Findings

The results indicate that increased federal construction contracts increase imports of construction-grade steel from GPA and FTA partners. This effect is relatively small, however, which may be due to the fact that federal construction is a small share of overall US construction. In general, the results suggest that the primary determinant of US import sourcing behavior is the business cycle as well as the price of steel. Nevertheless, the findings indicate that the preferences provided by the GPA and FTAs do have some impact on where US construction firms source their steel.

Originality/value

Previous research has studied the effect of the WTO’s GPA on foreign access to federal construction and other service contracts. This is the first study, however, to investigate whether these contracts impact the import sourcing behavior of the steel that is used in construction. Furthermore, while previous research measures the impact of GPA membership on the overall trade of goods and services, this paper is the first to link a particular industry with the inputs that are restricted by local content requirements such as the Buy American policy but freed up under the GPA. In general, previous research on the GPA has tried to capture the broad effect of GPA membership on trade, while this study focuses on the relationship between the GPA, federal procurement in a particular industry (construction) and import behavior of a key input, construction grade steel.
An unintended consequence of exaggerated maximum-discount tensile price claims
Authors: Lee Jung Eun , Stoel Leslie
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Retailers are known to present tensile price claims (TPCs) stating high discounts to entice shoppers. Prior research on TPCs suggests that high TPC discounts increase purchase intentions. However, the current study proposes, first, that the TPC discount shifts expected price discount (EPD) and, second, that the gap between the actual price discount and the EPD influence perceptions of the discount deal. Support for these propositions would suggest that high TPC discounts will only be effective when they closely match the actual price discount. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of exaggerated maximum-discount TPCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were used. Study 1 investigated the effect of exposure to a TPC on EPD. Study 2 examined discount discrepancy as a mediator of the relationship between a TPC and consumer perceptions (i.e. perceived savings and price fairness) and purchase intentions. PROCESS and ANOVA were used for the analysis.

Findings

This research showed that exposure to a TPC influenced consumers’ EPDs. As TPC discount increased, EPD increased and the discount discrepancy (i.e. actual price discount minus EPD) decreased (and, in some cases, became negative). The discount discrepancy influenced consumer perceptions of savings and fairness, as well as purchase intentions. Consequently, when the actual price discount encountered was not as large as the advertised TPC discount, the results showed a negative, indirect influence of exaggerated maximum-discount TPCs on consumers’ discount perceptions, mediated by the discount discrepancy.

Originality/value

Previous TPC studies found that the size of the TPC discount positively influences consumers’ discount perceptions, implying that larger discounts are more effective. However, this approach does not take into consideration the notion that larger TPC discounts increase consumer expectations about the size of discount and these expectations are used as a frame to evaluate a discount deal. The findings of the current research show a negative, indirect influence of exaggerated TPC discount on consumer perceptions and purchase intentions through discount discrepancy. Therefore, this study provides a new perspective to explain the influence of TPC discount size on consumer perceptions.
Quantity consumer goods pricing: has yesterday’s surcharge become today’s discount?
Authors: Dunphy Steve
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This study aims to extend by way of replication an earlier study, “Blind man’s bluff: The ethics of quantity surcharges” (Gupta and Rominger, 1996) by testing several hypotheses regarding changes in the surcharging phenomenon that may have occurred over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The original study was constructed from data collected 20 years ago. This study went beyond a mere replication. A key difference between this study and the original study was in the method of data collection. In the earlier study, students were used to collect data. In this study, the author personally and carefully recorded the prices of the same 60 items that were noted in the original study. These new prices were then compared with the original ones. Several matched paired t-tests were administered to analyze the mean differences between the two sets of data.

Findings

The tests showed a highly significant difference in today’s pricing structure in comparison to the quantity surcharging phenomenon from the prior study. It was found that both the quantity of the items surcharged and the magnitude of the surcharges decreased in comparison to the surcharging reported in the original study.

Research limitations/implications

Reasons are given regarding what changed and why and suggestions are given for future research in the areas of private or in-store branding, the proliferation of “big box” stores and the changes in the frequency and magnitude of surcharging that may be occurring over time.

Originality/value

This study indicates that the quantity surcharging phenomenon has lessened. In fact, in mature markets which include big box discounters, the quantity surcharging phenomenon of 20 years ago may have given way to today’s quantity discount.