bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping corporate disclosure theories
Authors: von Alberti‐Alhtaybat Larissa , Hutaibat Khaled , Al‐Htaybat Khaldoon
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map corporate disclosure theories as a step towards filling a gap in the theoretical background for corporate disclosure research. The purpose of the map is to encompass a range of particular theories relating to corporate disclosure and to demonstrate the complex relationships between different notions of the financial disclosure phenomenon. This will help new researchers to understand how particular corporate disclosure theories are related, as well as help with teaching accounting theories at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Design/methodology/approach

A deductive and inductive approach to theory building was applied. The deductive approach suggests identifying the gap in the literature, the inductive approach then prescribes theory building in three stages: phenomenon observation, categorisation and relationship building. This approach serves to develop a theoretical map integrating the corporate disclosure theories.

Findings

The paper discusses theories that recognise actual features of financial markets – market failure, information asymmetry and adverse selection – to provide an explanation for the existence of corporate reporting regulations and managerial incentives, which control and determine the maximum level of corporate information under these conditions. It then integrates these theories in a map seeking to explain corporate disclosure levels, mandatory and voluntary, financial and narrative. A combination of theoretical supplements – codification theory, Dye's theory of mandatory and voluntary disclosure, and disclosure transformation theory – are proposed in this framework as theories to explain processes of change in mandatory and voluntary corporate disclosure in practice.

Originality/value

Another benefit mapping these theories is to provide useful insights into existing disclosure theories, which may help to explain why some empirical results have been inconsistent with the predictions of these theories. No similar attempts have been published in the accounting literature.
Are impairment indicators and losses associated in Thailand?
Authors: Peetathawatchai Pimpana , Acaranupong Kittima
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to first examine whether the amount of impairment losses recognized by Thai listed firms is associated with the economic indicators suggested in the relevant accounting standard. Second, the study investigates whether efficiency versus opportunism dominates accounting for impairment by Thai listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The multiple regression model is used to test whether impairment indicators and reporting incentives associate with impairment losses for a sample of 1,418 non‐financial listed Thai companies during 1999‐2004.

Findings

Impairment losses are associated with all three levels (macro, industry, and firm‐specific performance measures) of impairment indicators described in Thai Accounting Standard (TAS) No. 36 (which is in accordance with the IAS No. 36). The results also reveal that management opportunistically recognizes impairment losses to smooth earnings when earnings increase. Inconsistent with Francis et al. and Riedl, the association between impairment losses and economic factors is relatively greater than that between impairment losses and reporting incentives behaviors.

Originality/value

This is the first study that provides empirical evidence for the indicators of assets' impairment prescribed in TAS/IAS No. 36. The results support the pre‐condition indicators for measurement of impairment losses under TAS/IAS No. 36 in the emerging Thai capital market. Further, efficiency is documented to dominate opportunism as the principal of Thai firms' accounting policy with respect to asset impairment.
Earnings management and initial public offerings: a new perspective from Egypt
Authors: Kamel Hany
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the phenomenon of earnings management in the Egyptian initial public offerings (IPO) market where most of the IPOs were the privatisations of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 59 Egyptian IPOs, the extent of earnings management was computed using a modified cross‐sectional version of Jones’ model.

Findings

The initial results do not provide support for the hypothesis that Egyptian IPO firms tend to overstate their earnings before the IPO date. However, when the sample firms were classified under two groups based on the pre‐IPO discretionary accruals, the results illustrate that most privately‐owned companies were found among those which contemplate to aggressively manage earnings upwards in order to maximise the IPO proceeds, whereas privatised public enterprises were found with no systematic pattern of earnings manipulation. The results also demonstrate that pre‐offering discretionary accruals do not explain the post‐offering underperformance in earnings but predict a portion of the subsequent poor share returns performance.

Practical implications

The findings could be of assistance to all those involved in IPOs, such as the regulatory authorities and the primary and secondary market investors.

Originality/value

With a few exceptions, most of the literature on earnings management has been based on the US data. Therefore, it is hoped that undertaking a research in a country such as Egypt, where the shareholding structures of most Egyptian IPO companies were concentrated in the hands of the state before going public, may reveal a different perception of earnings management and help determine whether this setting would lead to a higher or lower propensity for earnings management.
Corporate governance and disclosure practices of Ghanaian listed companies
Authors: Aboagye‐Otchere Francis , Bedi Ibrahim , Ossei Kwakye Teddy
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to further increase the understanding of disclosure practices and the interrelationship between corporate governance (CG) and corporate disclosure (CD) of firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows the trinary procedure of Aksu and Kosedag and uses Standard & Poor's T&D items in the construction disclosure index. Audit committee (AC) characteristics are the governance attributes. The study used a random effect panel regression analysis to establish the relationship between CD and CG of 20 listed companies covering a period from 2003‐2007.

Findings

The results indicate that although there has been improvement of disclosure practices over the years, the level of disclosure in Ghana is moderate/fair. The study also documents a significant positive relationship between the presence of accounting/finance expert(s) on the ACs and CD practices.

Originality/value

In spite of numerous researches on companies on the GSE, this paper is the first in the country that considers the impact of CG characteristics on disclosure practices.
Relative value‐relevance of accounting measures based on Chinese Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Chamisa Eddie , Mangena Musa , Ye Guanlan
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative value relevance of accounting measures based on Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in relation to both A‐share and B‐share markets during three distinct phases (1994‐1997, 1998‐2000 and 2001‐2004) over which CAS were progressively harmonized with IFRS.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data for 86 Chinese listed companies which issued both A‐ and B‐shares, the authors employ the price model to test for the association between CAS‐based and IFRS‐based accounting information, and A‐share and B‐share prices. The J‐test was employed to determine the relative value relevance of the information based on the two sets of accounting standards.

Findings

Overall, the authors find that for both the A‐share and B‐share markets, both CAS‐based and IFRS‐based accounting information are value relevant, but IFRS‐based information is more value relevant than the CAS‐based information. However, the magnitude of the differences between the explanatory powers of the CAS‐ and IFRS‐based accounting information narrowed significantly in the 2001‐2004 period in both the A‐share and B‐share markets. The results are robust to the deflator used and the stock exchange on which the companies are listed.

Practical implications

The results have implications for China and other transitional economies attempting to integrate IFRS with a uniform accounting system.

Originality/value

The paper provides the first comprehensive empirical evidence as to whether or not the progressive harmonization of CAS with IFRS improved the value relevance of CAS‐based accounting in China and contributes to the debate on the (ir)relevance of IFRS in emerging and transitional economies.
Marketing social marketing
Authors: Wood Matthew
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the state of social marketing in the light of the Second World Social Marketing Conference. The paper refers to keynote speeches and presentations to illustrate the contradictions and confusion in contemporary social marketing thought which may be hindering the acceptance and adoption of social marketing principles.

Design/methodology/approach

Arguments are based on the author's participation in, and reflections on, the conference itself.

Findings

It is suggested that the name “social marketing” itself may be confusing to policy makers and practitioners, particularly with the massive growth in social media. The increased involvement of profit‐making organisations is also questioned along with the usefulness of commercial marketing theory. The paper argues that in the light of current trends and obvious confusion a repositioning is required to focus social marketing theory and practice around a mission to provide better non‐profit services for social/public good.

Practical implications

This paper should help social marketers to focus their thinking and activities. This in turn will help policy makers, public service providers and professionals improve their services to the community.

Social implications

It is hoped that these ideas will help social marketing to flourish and to be better understood by policy makers, practitioners and society at large. The overall aim of social marketing is to help people and improve society – the paper argues that social marketing must refocus on its public service role to fulfil its societal function.

Originality/value

The paper contains original ideas and a unique perspective on social marketing which should stimulate debate and help social marketing grow in a socially useful way.
Social marketing at a critical turning point
Authors: Beall Tom , Wayman Jennifer , D'Agostino Heidi , Liang Angie , Perellis Cara
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into what social marketers see as trends, issues, and opportunities emerging within social marketing globally.

Design/methodology/approach

A global online survey was conducted among social marketing professionals who were invitees and pre‐registrants attending the Second World Non‐Profit and Social Marketing Conference. The 15‐minute survey was fielded from March 15‐30, 2011.

Findings

Respondents agree that social marketing is at a critical turning point in driving personal behavior and social change around the world. Many success stories lay the foundation for social marketing, but much remains to be done to realize its promise, including better marketing of its proven capabilities. Social marketers see the immediate future as ripe with opportunities for broadening the focus and applications of social marketing and realizing the promise of a growing and dynamic social marketing movement. Emerging developments also are expected to include the expanded importance of digital and social media, community and audience engagement, and public/private partnerships and corporate participation.

Practical implications

Findings underscore the success of social marketing and its growing importance globally. They point to the need to continue to evolve the science and art of social marketing, reflecting strong standards of practice while encouraging creativity and innovation; broaden its applications; better evaluate, package, and marketing proven benefits; and organize and strengthen professional organizations, training and development opportunities, and integration with and within related disciplines and fields such as environmental studies and public administration.

Originality/value

The survey is believed to be a unique, current assessment of social marketers across the globe, including varied professional backgrounds.
Transformative social marketing: co‐creating the social marketing discipline and brand
Authors: Lefebvre R. Craig
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the field of social marketing. The field needs to evaluate what works, and more importantly for it to prosper and remain relevant, it must discover and incorporate concepts and techniques from other disciplines that are aligned around core ideas of people‐centered and socially oriented.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews new insights and understandings from modern social marketing practice, social innovation, design thinking and service design, social media, transformative consumer research, marketing theory and advertising practice and develops a model for transforming social marketing thought, research and practice.

Findings

A three dimensional model is presented that includes: scope – co‐creation, conversations, communities and markets; design – honoring people, radiating value, engaging service and enhancing experiences; value space – dignity, hope, love and trust.

Originality/value

The presentation weaves together a set of ideas from different disciplines that together strengthen the social marketing approach and provide a broader set of outcomes and perspectives that can be incorporated into work in this field.
Social marketing at the right place and right time with new media
Authors: Bernhardt Jay M. , Mays Darren , Hall Amanda K.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek to discuss how the new media revolution can improve social marketing by bringing the “place” (one of four P's from the marketing mix) closer to the consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes current new media trends related to social media and mobile communication technologies and discusses the implications of these technologies for social marketing by exploring examples of their use in commercial marketing, social change, and public health.

Findings

The rapid growth of online social networks and near ubiquity of mobile phones in much of the world offers social marketers enormous potential for engaging consumers in radically new ways. The nature of these new communication platforms differs from traditional media in important ways that can make them more effective for marketing, most notably the potential for deeper consumer engagement, multi‐directional information exchange, and location‐based tracking and messaging.

Practical implications

The trends described in this paper are rapidly and fundamentally changing how commercial marketers, brand managers, and consumer relationship managers engage with the current and prospective consumers. Social Marketing should learn from these changes and leverage these new media to engage large numbers of consumers more deeply and closer to the “right place and right time” than they ever could before.

Originality/value

This paper explores a topic that has been introduced at the Global Non‐Profit and Social Marketing Conference in Dublin, Ireland in April 2011. The discussion should encourage social marketers to reconsider the role of “place” and explore how new media can bring place closer to consumers.
Critical social marketing: investigating alcohol marketing in the developing world
Authors: Farrell Tom , Gordon Ross
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern regarding alcohol consumption and related harms in developing nations. Concomitantly a growing evidence base suggests that alcohol marketing influences drinking behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to explore how critical social marketing can help assess the nature of alcohol marketing, and the effectiveness of its regulation, in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 14 alcohol marketing campaigns from India, Malawi, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are assessed against the regulatory codes governing alcohol marketing in the UK.

Findings

The study found that alcohol marketing often contravened the UK regulatory codes. Critical social marketing offers a framework for research and analysis to assess the nature and impact of alcohol marketing, and to address alcohol related harms in developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory study is limited to a small convenience sample. Future research to systematically audit alcohol marketing, and consumer studies to assess its impact on drinking behaviours in developing nations would be welcomed.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that initiatives to monitor and effectively regulate alcohol marketing in developing nations should be explored by policymakers. The competitive analysis and insight generated by studies of this nature can aid development agencies in the design and implementation of alcohol social marketing interventions. The global alcohol industry and marketers should also be encouraged to act more socially responsible.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into how the critical social marketing framework can be applied in practice, to inform social marketing activity in the upstream and downstream environment.
Tailoring performance management systems: a sports merchandiser's case
Authors: Carenys Jordi , Sales Xavier
Published: June 2012

Purpose

As sport gradually becomes a full‐scale business, a debate about the applicability and appropriateness of measures of performance has emerged. The purpose of this research is to analyse how the special features of sport businesses influence the performance management system of a sports merchandiser.

Design/methodology/approach

The research work examines a case study of a sports retailer that manages the merchandising and image rights of a major European football club. It was conducted using Otley's performance management framework.

Findings

It was found that organization objectives were clearly known by all managers at all levels, despite not articulated in explicit statements, but conveyed in less formal ways. The main finding is to explain how a performance management system can be structured to effectively respond to the sports setting in which the company operates: constant meetings, shared values, information exchange and fast response to events substituted planning and forecasting.

Research limitations/implications

The nature of the case study research method limits the generalizability of findings. Research in performance measures must have a holistic approach.

Practical implications

Managers can use this comprehensive framework to analyse the consistency of their performance measurement systems and to identify opportunities for improvement. Also, understanding how this organization was successful in communicating objectives and values can be of help.

Originality/value

The paper analyses a performance management system within the special features of sport‐related businesses.
Sport sponsorship decision making in a global market
Authors: Lee Seungbum , Ross Stephen D.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the decision making factors of sport sponsorship in the global market context using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Design/methodology/approach

To facilitate AHP hierarchy construction, three criteria level factors and a total of 13 sub‐criteria level factors were identified though literature review, expert panel review and pilot test. A total of 410 email accounts from global corporate sponsors were contacted three times to request on‐line survey participation.

Findings

AHP local weights showed that sport team factors were far more important decision making factors than the country factors and environment factors. AHP global weights showed that media exposure opportunity was the most influential factor followed by sponsorship fit, team image and fan base strength.

Originality/value

This study, the first to utilize AHP in sport sponsorship literature, examined sport sponsorship in the global market context by contacting corporate sponsors.
Scandal+football=a better share price
Authors: Mazanov Jason , Lo Tenero Gabriele , Connor James , Sharpe Keiran
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of scandal on investor valuation of sport by examining changes in share prices of three football clubs involved in the 2006 Italian “Calciopoli” scandal.

Design/methodology/approach

Share price variation and volatility across 2006 is analysed for Juventus (the centre of the scandal), Lazio (also involved) and Roma (uninvolved) over different (qualitatively defined) phases of the scandal. Movements in share price are compared to three benchmark indices – FTSE MIB, DJ Stoxx Europe 600, and DJ Stoxx Europe Football – indexed from 2 Jan 2006. Unadjusted analysis of share price movement matched with events to inform the likely causes of variation.

Findings

Despite speculation and high volatility, the share price of all three clubs increased by 30 per cent in 2006, outperforming benchmark indices (15 per cent). This suggests the Calciopoli scandal increased the perceived value of the clubs.

Research limitations/implications

Generalisation of these findings requires more sophisticated statistical and econometric analysis of the Calciopoli scandal, and application of the method to other instances of scandals in sport.

Practical implications

Intuitively, scandals in sport have a negative impact. This paper suggests that scandal could have a positive impact on a club's share price and therefore the overall financial value of sport.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of literature on the economic consequences of scandals in sport. This paper contributes to the development of that literature and investigates some economic consequences of a particular scandal in Italian football.
Content analysis of sport ticket sales job announcements
Authors: Pierce David , Petersen Jeffrey , Clavio Galen , Meadows Bradley
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of job announcements relating to sport ticket sales and service positions in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis methodology was utilized to examine 733 sport sales job announcements from two subscription‐based sport job websites posted over a six month time period.

Findings

Sport sales jobs were geographically clustered with over half of the positions within only eight states, led by California (12.7 percent), New York (9.3 percent), Texas (7.2 percent), and Florida (7.2 percent). The majority of organizations posting jobs were specific teams or integrated sport/entertainment companies owning specific teams (76 percent), followed by media firms (11 percent), outsourced sales firms (6 percent), and sporting goods companies (6 percent). Of the 12 major job types, inside sales positions were the most common (32.3 percent) followed by sponsorship sales (13 percent) and media advertising (12 percent). Logistic regression revealed that directors and non‐entry level hires were more likely to supervise other salespeople and utilize consultative sales techniques, while a strong work ethic and cold calling was sought from entry‐level personnel.

Practical implications

Sport sales hiring managers and sport management academicians can utilize survey results in preparing education and training programs for entry‐level sport salespeople, including the use of experiential learning and sport sales combined.

Originality/value

As the first study to empirically examine the nature of sport sales positions, it provides academicians and future sport management and sales employees with the elements of sport‐related sales most prized within the sport industry.
Short‐line railroad management system for bridge prioritization
Authors: Guyer Robert C. , Laman Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Limited funding to maintain and preserve short‐line railroad (SLRR) bridge infrastructure requires that important priority decisions be made on an annual basis. The compartmentalized, dispersed, and diverse nature of many SLRR owners and operators is such that there is a need for a coordinated and centralized effort to evaluate the state‐wide system as a whole, to ensure the most effective overall resource allocation and also identify assets that either outperform predictions or consume disproportionate levels of resources for maintenance and operation, allowing for review of design and construction practices. The purpose of this paper is to examine the state of the art for railroad bridge population management and resource allocation decisions and to develop a state‐wide SLRR bridge prioritization methodology, to be used as a tool by a state agency to assist in allocating limited public funding for bridge maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review examining the state of the art of railroad bridge population management and resource allocation decisions was conducted, which provided the foundation for the development of a bridge prioritization algorithm. A state‐wide survey was conducted to develop a bridge database. A detailed evaluation of a statistically significant sample of bridges was conducted, to determine the structural and maintenance needs and preservation status of sub‐populations. The research team developed methodologies, applicable to the entire population, to develop a ranking of bridge preservation candidates.

Findings

A risk‐based prioritization algorithm is proposed to assign a relative risk score to each bridge in the population. The algorithm provides a management tool for making more effective maintenance and preservation decisions. Additionally, the bridge database allows managers to examine sub‐populations according to structural parameters to evaluate performance.

Originality/value

The revisable, modular framework of the prioritization algorithm provides a simple, effective and versatile tool for asset management and evaluation. The present proposal of this new prioritization methodology for SLRR bridges is a valuable tool for agencies faced with making rational decisions with limited information. Such a methodology does not currently exist in the literature and is of significant interest to short‐line owners/operators and state transportation agencies.
Energy performance and public private partnership
Authors: Bougrain Frédéric
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of public‐private partnership (PPP) and the ability of private consortia and public authorities to together develop solutions that reduce building energy consumptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the performance of PPP projects based on criteria such as respect for timely delivery and costs, innovation, service quality and life cycle costing; then a case study focusing on energy saving performance contract (ESPC) is expounded.

Findings

The research indicates that PPP performs well on issues such as respect of timetable and contracted prices but does not establish that PPP promotes innovation, quality of service delivery and life cycle costing. It also appears that energy issues are gradually integrated in contracts in progress under the influence of thermal regulations. Among PPP projects, ESPC focuses on energy savings measures. Their success mainly requires that public authorities have a good knowledge of the status, occupation level and energy consumptions of their buildings. Information disclosure in the contract also reduces uncertainty and creates trust among partners.

Practical implications

The research should raise the awareness of public authorities on imperatives to have a good knowledge of the status, occupation level and energy consumptions of their buildings.

Originality/value

Most PPPs have been evaluated at the design and construction stages. Evaluations of PPPs in operation are less frequent. Examining the first ESPC in operation in France is an original contribution that opens doors for further empirical investigations in this field.
Ghana's public procurement reform and the continuous use of the traditional procurement system
Authors: Ren Z. , Kwaw P. , Yang F.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of the traditional procurement approach (TPA) under Ghana's procurement reform and explore if other possible procurement strategies could help to improve value for money in the Ghanaian public sectors. The fundamental questions to be addressed are: “Is the procurement reform addressing the deficiencies in the public sector procurement?”; “Are clients and professionals satisfied with the present procurement system?”; “What are the possible alternatives?”; and “What procurement selection criteria should be adopted?”.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the above questions, an extensive literature review was conducted which provides the background to public procurement reform and reveals the status of the TPA in the public sector. Based on the outcomes of the literature review, three rounds of questionnaire surveys and face‐to‐face discussions were undertaken. The targeted population was carefully selected from different sectors of the industry and regions of the country.

Findings

The results of the study reveal the deficiencies in contractors’ performance arising from the use of TPA with a focus on time, budget, buildability and relationships among participants. It also ranks the criteria for procurement selection and suggests the D & B method as the most favourable alternative procurement strategy. Suggestions were made in the area of tendering processes, collaborative working, contractors’ competence, government's work efficiency, and whole‐life performance criteria.

Practical implications

This study evaluates the TPA performance after Ghana's procurement reform in 2003 and provides guidelines to the industry and government for further procurement reform aimed at improving value for money.

Originality/value

This research provides a systematic study on the public procurement reform and the TPA adopted in Ghana's public sector. The essential problems associated with the TPA in the industry are identified and analyzed, the procurement selection criteria are examined and an alternative procurement approach is postulated.
Factors influencing the equity share of build‐operate‐transfer projects
Authors: De Marco Alberto , Mangano Giulio , Zou Xin‐Yu
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the fundamental factors influencing the equity share in build‐operate‐transfer (BOT) investments in relation to the project risk profile.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships between risk factors and equity participation into the capital structure of a BOT contract are examined using regression analysis of a dataset of toll road projects.

Findings

Results suggest that the inflation rate, the size of the investment, the construction period, the solidity of the vehicle company, and the organizational structure of the project are significant variables of the equity portion of financing.

Practical implications

The analysis may support project promoters by providing better understanding of the factors that might facilitate high debt leverages and by providing lending institutions with valuable information to integrate the method of determining the appropriate debt resources to be injected into a BOT project.

Originality/value

The paper contributes towards growing the body of knowledge regarding the way public‐private partnership initiatives are carried over and helps refine the capital structures of BOT projects.
Satisfaction assessment in construction projects: a conceptual framework
Authors: Nzekwe‐Excel Chinny
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a system that would facilitate collaboration of different participants or groups in construction project teams, so as to improve productivity and success as well as minimize dissatisfaction in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to explore the satisfaction relationship between participants of the construction project team and the importance associated with the team's satisfaction attributes, this study develops a framework that logically integrates the different clients and participants, and captures the importance associated with satisfying every participant represented in the project team.

Findings

The framework specifically provides a platform for evaluating satisfaction by carefully considering a number of vital issues: clients/project participants that make up a given construction project, attributes of satisfaction, level of importance given to the attributes, and pre‐ and post‐assessment of participants, in relation to how much they meet the defined satisfaction attributes.

Originality/value

The framework provides a sound and systematic foundation for developing and linking the concepts of satisfaction, satisfaction attributes and satisfaction assessment, with an aim of determining the extent by which the team members meet one another's satisfaction attributes when being assessed.
The Essen Climate Evaluation Schema measure of social climate in a secure service for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Quinn Marian , Thomas Cathy , Chester Verity
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to explore the psychometric properties of the EssenCES measure (patient report) of social climate in a secure service for people with intellectual disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Patients (37 men, 14 women, Mean age=33.24 years, SD=11.29, age range: 18‐71 years) residing in a secure intellectual disabilities service completed the EssenCES as part of routine clinical practice.

Findings

Reliability analysis revealed acceptable reliability for all three subscales (α=0.76‐0.88). In order to consider one aspect of the construct validity of this measure, a predicted group difference regarding the impact of security level on ratings of social climate was investigated. Analysis revealed that social climate ratings were more positive on low secure wards than medium secure wards as measured by the combined EssenCES subscales F(3, 31)=4.71, p=0.008; Λ=0.69; η2=0.31, and the Experienced Safety subscale, F(1, 33)=7.41, p=0.01.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should consider the link between social climate and treatment outcome within forensic secure intellectual disability services.

Originality/value

Results provide preliminary evidence to suggest that the EssenCES subscales (patient report) are reliable in this previously unconsidered population. However the validity of the measure is still unclear and requires further investigation.
The cultural context of care‐giving: qualitative accounts from South Asian parents who care for a child with intellectual disabilities in the UK
Authors: Heer Kuljit , Larkin Michael , Burchess Ivan , Rose John
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This study aims to explore the cultural context of care‐giving amongst South Asian communities caring for a child with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of the United Kingdom's Children's Intellectual Disability Services, the study set out to develop a culturally sensitive account of Sikh and Muslim parents' experiences of caring for a child with intellectual disabilities. Focus groups were conducted with parents from Sikh and Muslim support groups who were all accessing intellectual disability services for their children. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, a qualitative technique.

Findings

Three master themes emerged from the analysis which were: Making sense of the disability; Feeling let down by services and Looking to the future. These themes reinforce findings from previous research particularly in relation to difficulties when making sense of the disabilities and difficult interactions with services.

Practical implications

The study makes recommendations for service delivery to ethnic minority groups including being aware of intra‐group variations in the interpretations and responses of South Asian parents.

Originality/value

Ultimately, the study makes recommendations for developing culturally sensitive support and interventions for ethnic minority groups which is important given the increase in multi‐ethnic populations in the UK.
Recovery and intellectual disabilities: a review
Authors: Handley Emily , Southwell Olivia , Steel Julie
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Given the increased prevalence of mental health problems amongst people with intellectual disabilities, it seems pertinent to consider how the recovery approach could potentially benefit practice within mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities. This paper seeks to explore the similarities between recovery principles and existing approaches in services for people with intellectual disabilities; it also aims to reflect on the potential barriers to the explicit uptake of the “recovery” approach in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The presence and implementation of “recovery” approaches within mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities are reviewed. This is achieved through an examination of existing practices that could be described as recovery oriented, along with reflections on how these relate to the recovery approach. Questions are raised regarding whether practices can be regarded as “recovery oriented”, without first consulting service users.

Findings

Further consideration is needed about the extent to which mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities are recovery oriented and how recovery would be defined amongst people with intellectual disabilities.

Research limitations/implications

It is suggested that further research using qualitative methodology is conducted, to enable the voice of service users to be heard.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to explore the relevance of the recovery approach to people with intellectual disabilities. Given the increasing emphasis on recovery approaches within mainstream services, it seems vital to give consideration to the potential for its meaningful application to people with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems.
Challenging behaviour and associated risk factors: an overview (part I)
Authors: Koritsas Stella , Iacono Teresa
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This article is the first in a two‐part series exploring challenging behaviour, its prevalence, risk factors and causes. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of prevalence studies and explore the various risk factors that have been associated with challenging behaviour. The authors also seek to explore methodological differences across studies that may contribute to the prevalence variations reported in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The article summarises the findings from frequently cited prevalence studies as well as more recent studies.

Findings

The prevalence of challenging behaviour reported in the literature has varied due to methodological differences across studies. Despite this, the best estimate is believed to be from 15 to 17.5 per cent. A range of factors have been associated with challenging behaviour and include gender, age, severity of disability and residential setting.

Originality/value

This article appears to represent the most current overview of research in this area.
Behavioural fever boosts the inflammatory response in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Gräns A. , Rosengren M. , Niklasson L. , Axelsson M.
Published: July 2012

Behavioural fever, manifested as an increased preferred temperature, was shown in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss following an injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Simulated behavioural fever, through a 2·5° C water temperature rise following bacterial lipopolysaccharide injection, enhanced the expression of the cytokine interleukin‐1β, in comparison with an untreated group held at the initial temperature. The present findings show that an important mediator in the immune response can be boosted through behavioural fever in fishes.
The effects of survey design and circulation pattern on the perceived abundance of herring larvae: a case study for Norwegian spring spawning herring (Clupea harengus)
Authors: STENEVIK ERLING K. , NASH RICHARD D.M. , VIKEBØ FRODE , FOSSUM PETTER , BAKKEPLASS KJELL
Published: July 2012

A larval survey is used in the annual assessment as an index of the spawning stock size of Norwegian spring spawning herring (Clupea harengus). To test how inter‐annual fluctuations in circulation pattern, survey design and execution of the survey affected the larval abundance estimate we conducted simulated surveys using a model framework with idealized assumptions to model larval drift and sampled larvae using several realistic survey scenarios. The results suggest that inter‐annual variations in circulation pattern alone can have a profound effect on the perception of larvae abundance and that the direction of the survey (north to south versus south to north) can have a significant effect on the estimated abundance, particularly if hatching occurs over a short period of time. Additionally, disruptions to a continuous survey schedule also have an effect and, as such, sampling strategies in case of disruption to the survey are proposed.
A qualitative exploration of stakeholder perspectives on a school‐based multi‐component health promotion nutrition programme
Authors: Middleton G. , Keegan R. , Henderson H.
Published: July 2012

How to cite this article
 Middleton G., Keegan R. & Henderson H. (2012) A qualitative exploration of stakeholder perspectives on a school‐based multi‐component health promotion nutrition programme. J Hum Nutr Diet.

Background:  Food for Fitness is an on‐going multi‐component health promotion programme, delivered in primary and secondary schools by community nutrition assistants. The programme uses nutritional interventions aimed at promoting healthier eating practices for children. This service evaluation investigated the receipt and delivery of the programme, as perceived by local stakeholders who had experienced and administered the service.

Methods:  Semi‐structured interviews and focus groups were carried out with three key stakeholder groups: health professionals (n = 9), school teachers (n = 10) and senior health officials (n = 3). Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and received thematic analysis with deductive and inductive processes.

Results:  Stakeholders reported that the programme contributed to the development of food education and healthy‐eating practices of children in the local area. Stakeholders considered that the main concern was the limited capacity and size of the service. They described problems with long‐term sustainability in supporting schools with maintaining nutritional interventions, highlighting issues regarding contact, planning and organisation of several interventions.

Conclusions:  The findings of the service evaluation inform service management, organisation and ground‐level delivery. The use of stakeholder opinion provided contextualised information on the factors that impact on the implementation of the programme. The richness of the qualitative results can guide future planning and provision for similar health promotion nutrition programmes delivered in the school environment.
Progressive dopamine and hypocretin deficiencies in Parkinson’s disease: is there an impact on sleep and wakefulness?
Authors: WIENECKE MIRIAM , WERTH ESTHER , PORYAZOVA ROSITSA , BAUMANN‐VOGEL HEIDE , BASSETTI CLAUDIO L. , WELLER MICHAEL , WALDVOGEL DANIEL , STORCH ALEXANDER , BAUMANN CHRISTIAN R.
Published: July 2012

Sleep–wake disturbances are frequent in patients with Parkinson’s disease, but prospective controlled electrophysiological studies of sleep in those patients are surprisingly sparse, and the pathophysiology of sleep–wake disturbances in Parkinson’s disease remains largely elusive. In particular, the impact of impaired dopaminergic and hypocretin (orexin) signalling on sleep and wakefulness in Parkinson’s disease is still unknown. We performed a prospective, controlled electrophysiological study in patients with early and advanced Parkinson’s disease, e.g. in subjects with presumably different levels of dopamine and hypocretin cell loss. We compared sleep laboratory tests and cerebrospinal fluid levels with hypocretin‐deficient patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy, and with matched controls. Nocturnal sleep efficiency was most decreased in advanced Parkinson patients, and still lower in early Parkinson patients than in narcolepsy subjects. Excessive daytime sleepiness was most severe in narcolepsy patients. In Parkinson patients, objective sleepiness correlated with decrease of cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin levels, and repeated hypocretin measurements in two Parkinson patients revealed a decrease of levels over years. This suggests that dopamine and hypocretin deficiency differentially affect sleep and wakefulness in Parkinson’s disease. Poorer sleep quality is linked to dopamine deficiency and other disease‐related factors. Despite hypocretin cell loss in Parkinson’s disease being only partial, disturbed hypocretin signalling is likely to contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson patients.
Survey of flea infestation in cats in Spain
Authors: GRACIA M. J. , CALVETE C. , ESTRADA R. , CASTILLO J. A. , PERIBÁÑEZ M. A. , LUCIENTES J.
Published: July 2012

Fleas are a common cause of feline skin disorders as well as vectors of zoonotic diseases. This study evaluated the flea species infesting domestic cats in Spain and assessed factors influencing their distribution. Fleas from 217 cats from 57 localities in Spain were identified and associations between abundance, and host‐dependent, host habitat and environmental factors were examined. Variations in infracommunity and component community structure were also explored. Three species were present, of which Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) was the most abundant (98.4%), followed by Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis) (1.1%) and Pulex irritans (L.) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (0.5%). Overall abundance and abundances of both C. felis and C. canis were higher on farms than in apartments, but overall flea abundance and abundances of both C. felis and C. canis were lower in rural than urban environments. Overall abundance and C. felis abundance were lower during the warmest months, and mean annual rainfall was positively correlated with overall, C. felis and C. canis abundances. No relationship between the number of species per cat and any host, habitat or physiographical variable was found. Species richness was not correlated with mean annual temperature or rainfall. Flea abundance was mainly associated with host habitat and environmental factors.