bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipase treatment to improve hydrophilicity of polyester fabrics
Authors: Rim Kim Hye , Soon Song Wha
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the conditions of the treatment using commercial lipase to improve the hydrophilicity of the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

The lipase treatment conditions, such as the pH, temperature, treatment time, and concentration, are controlled by measuring the hydrolytic activity, moisture regain, and wettability of the treated fabrics. The effects of calcium ions on the moisture regain and wettability of the treated fabrics are also evaluated.

Findings

The lipase treatment conditions for PET fabrics are controlled at a pH of 7.5, a temperature of 30°C, a treatment time of 60 min, and a lipase concentration of 50 percent (owf). The moisture regain of the PET fabrics that are treated with lipase improved 3.3 times that of the untreated PET fabric. Calcium chloride did not affect the moisture regain of the treated fabrics but affected their wettability. The surface of the PET fabrics that are treated under optimum conditions and in the presence of calcium chloride showed many cracks and voids, unlike the surface of the untreated PET fabrics.

Research limitations/implications

The lipase treatment did not affect the handle of the PET fabrics in the present paper because the weight loss is very small.

Originality/value

In this paper, the control conditions for the improvement of the hydrophilicity of PET fabrics using the low‐cost commercial lipase are determined. The results of the study could further the environment‐friendly finishing of PET fabrics.
Geometric disposition of threads in single‐layer woven structures
Authors: Chepelyuk Elena , Choogin Valeriy , Cousens Jenny , Hann Michael
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the advantages of a new interpretation of the geometric disposition of threads within woven fabric structures, and to develop a method of determining the parameters of threads, with reference to each order of their disposition.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of the geometrical models proposed by Barker and Midgely, by Pierce and by Novikov, the substantiation of the advantages of a stricter model, offered by the authors, for determining the geometric disposition of threads within single layer woven fabric structures with the help of the tangent function is given. This model allows the substantial expansion of the actual bounds of the interval of the order of the geometric disposition of threads in woven fabric structures to 0.2‐9.8.

Findings

The tangent function can approximate the crimp height ratio of the warp threads within the woven fabric structure with accuracy within the limits of geometric disposition angle change from 1° to 89°.

Research limitations/implications

The work has applications in the industrial production of woven fabrics.

Practical implications

This research will allow the design of a woven fabric with practically any ratio of crimp height for the warp and weft threads to effectively achieve the required performance characteristics of the cloth.

Originality/value

This paper extends the knowledge of the geometrical characteristics of woven fabric structure, and proposes intelligent methods of determining the parameters of thread cross‐sections in accordance with the orders of the geometric disposition of threads in woven fabric structure.
Study on permanent housing production after 1999 earthquake in Kocaeli (Turkey)
Authors: Tas Murat , Tas Nilufer , Cosgun Nilay
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine production of permanent housing in Turkey after the 1999 Marmara earthquake in terms of planning, design, and construction, and to identify problems that were faced. Earthquake survivors face many problems that affect the return to normalcy, including disruptions in temporary and permanent housing. To improve the earthquake survivors' social‐psychological status, it is imperative to shorten the transition from temporary to permanent housing. For the transition to be as brief as possible, planning, design, and construction of permanent housing need to be carried out seamlessly.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is carried out among those who took part in the permanent housing production in Kocaeli, where, after the Marmara earthquake in 1999, permanent housing practices were dense.

Findings

As a result of the study, the most important problem in the production process is found to be the limited time allocated for design and construction, and the restrictions in construction materials and elements imposed by the administration. Serious losses in the disaster make the ground state the factor of greatest priority in choosing the settlement area.

Research limitations/implications

Kocaeli is chosen as the study area because after the earthquake, nearly 40 per cent of the permanent housing was constructed in Kocaeli. The study involves a multi‐dimensional inquiry in the context of site selection, area design, housing design, construction, and supervision criteria.

Originality/value

These data can serve as a resource for government/planners who develop policies for meeting post‐disaster reconstruction.
Oil spill incidents and pipeline vandalization in Nigeria
Authors: Aroh K.N. , Ubong I.U. , Eze C.L. , Harry I.M. , Umo‐Otong J.C. , Gobo A.E.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review oil spill incidents and pipeline vandalism in Nigeria between 1970 and 2006 and to examine the potential danger posed by such activities to public health.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted to achieve this objective is questionnaire administration on health impacts. Also secondary sources of information come from textbooks and journals. However, data from natural resources exploitation and hazards are collated and analyzed.

Findings

It is evident that, out of the 1,000 reported oil spill incidents analyzed, some hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil are lost to the environment. Graphic pictures of typical oil spill through acts of vandalism in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria are analyzed and reviewed. The run‐off and sedimentation of this pollutant in fresh water systems severely degrade water quality, affect fish spawning and aquatic invertebrates' habitats, thus lowering food web productivity. Incidentally the spill‐over effect on humans who directly depend on fish and other aquatic food as an alternative protein supplement is quite inundating. The effects on humans include irritation, dermatitis, cancer, occurrence of abortion, organ failure and genetic disorder.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations encountered in this research work include logistics problems, poor response and uncooperative attitude from respondents, transportation difficulties and restricted access to impacted sites by law enforcement agents and funding. Therefore subsequent researchers in this area should be equipped adequately with both the necessary protective gadgets and increased funding to meet challenges of this nature.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the study is that oil spill incidents should be documented and reported early enough for prompt attention by the regulatory agencies in order to protect and enhance the quality of the environment.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is that oil spill and pipeline vandalization devastate the environment, pollute dependable potable water sources such as streams and rivers and should be seen as a serious threat and negation to the attainment of the United Nations Millennium development goals.
Pixel‐based airborne hyperspectral sensing technique for search‐and‐rescue of the missing RMAF NURI helicopter in Genting‐Sempah, Malaysia
Authors: Kamaruzaman Jusoff Hj.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and describe a pixel‐based airborne hyperspectral remote sensing system approach for searching for missing and lost RMAF aircraft, especially the NURI helicopter that crashed in Genting‐Sempah, Malaysia on Friday 13 July 2007, ten minutes after leaving the RMAF 10th Squadron based in Sg. Besi Camp, Selangor, Malaysia. It was reported found crashed with all six air force crew onboard killed, four days later on 17 July 2007 at 13.25 hours 5 km North‐west of Genting‐Sempah‐Karak‐Highway.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective is achieved by exploring the use of a very high 1 m2 spatial resolution (pixel‐based) airborne hyperspectral imaging system near real‐time data processing within two hours after landing. The UPM‐Aeroscan's AISA is a state‐of‐the‐art aircraft mounted commercial hyperspectral sensor operated for SAR development application by Forest Geospatial Information and Survey Lab (FGISL)/Aeroscan Precision (M) Sdn Bhd. in Block C3, UPM‐MTDC Tech Centre, Lebuh Silikon, Universiti Putra Malaysia. It is designed to provide a near real time, frequent, repetitive, accurate and reliable pushbroom instrument that acquires images in hundreds of registered, contiguous narrow spectral band passes such that for each element it is possible to derive a complete reflectance spectrum between the tree crowns, a damaged or slashed tree canopy and an anomaly especially metal like foreign object that penetrates into the tree crowns of a dense forest. Using an advanced Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) digital analysis and two archives spectral signatures of flying and “parked” NURI helicopters, in addition to ground supporting data from the civilian eye‐witnesses, spectral matching of images is applied to identify and map the missing helicopter.

Findings

Despite the bad weather hampering the search and air surveillance‐to‐ground verifications, the NURI helicopter was reported found crashed with all six air force crew onboard killed, four days later based on the GPS suspected locations analysed and mapped from the UPM‐APSB's AISA airborne hyperspectral sensor data. The GPS locations given by the image were, however, not accurate for ground verifications since an old military topographical map were used. The GPS locations from the airborne image was transferred on to a Google Earth image in the Operations Room but, for ground verifications, a different set of reference topographical maps were used. However, the suspected search target sites were not that far away from the actual sighted RMAF NURI helicopter wreckage.

Originality/value

The value and contribution of this research are the successful application of operating a pixel‐based airborne hyperspectral sensor to locate missing military helicopters in SAR. It is expected that the UPM‐APSB's AISA airborne hyperspectral sensor can be of further use in future SAR for missing civilian helicopters or commercial aircraft.
Burn survivors' perceptions regarding relevant sexual education strategies
Authors: Parrott Yolan , Esmail Shaniff
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the unique issues childhood burn survivors experience in relation to sex education and sexual development.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a phenomenological approach, participants described their lived experiences with regards to sex education and the sexuality issues they encountered as child burn survivors. One‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews and a focus group were used to gather data, which were analyzed using a constant comparison method.

Findings

Results provide educators with better insight into the experiences of burn survivors as well as strategies for approaching sex education. Findings centered around five areas: exposure, sex education content, timing of sex education, characteristics of the educator and most appropriate methods of delivery.

Research limitations/implications

Sexuality is a value‐laden topic that has the potential to increase apprehension and decrease willingness to discuss. As a result, the sample may not be wholly representative across age groups, concerns or social attitudes regarding sexuality present within this population. Additional limitations are also noted. Future studies, which utilize a mixed method approach with a larger sample of both adolescent and adult burn survivors, would increase the value and generalizability of the findings.

Originality/value

Research findings confirm that persons living with childhood burn injuries experience similar feelings and concerns regarding their sexuality as their able‐bodied peers which contradict social views. However, mainstream sex education falls short of addressing their unique needs and as such this study's findings provide strategies to allow for appropriate knowledge acquisition to ease the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Development of health promoting leadership – experiences of a training programme
Authors: Eriksson Andrea , Axelsson Runo , Bihari Axelsson Susanna
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the experiences of an intervention programme for development of health promoting leadership in Gothenburg in Sweden. The more specific purpose is to identify critical aspects of such a programme as part of the development of a health promoting workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

A programme supporting managers in health promoting leadership was studied. The study was performed as a holistic case study design. In total, 17 semi‐structured interviews were conducted, supplemented with data from a leadership survey. The material was coded according to the principles of content analysis, resulting in the three main categories: comprehensiveness, integration and participation.

Findings

The results show the importance of regarding the development of health promoting leadership as a contribution to the building of organisational capacity for health promoting workplaces. This requires a comprehensive approach, including both individual and structural aspects, as well as an integration of programme ideas into the practice of management. Moreover, a wide participation in the planning and design of the programme is desirable. The concrete outcomes of this programme were action plans for workplace health promotion developed during the programme. For the participating managers a positive part of the programme was also the possibilities for reflecting and sharing experiences.

Originality/value

This study contributes knowledge and experiences that can be applied in the development of health promoting leadership. There is, however, a need for clearer health promoting goals and sub‐goals in order to assess the health outcomes of such a leadership programme.
The association of attendance at religious services and involvement in church/religious activities and youth assets, by gender, with youth's engagement in sexual intercourse
Authors: Mueller Trisha , Bensyl Diana , Vesely Sara K. , Oman Roy F. , Aspy Cheryl B.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Previous research has shown that religion plays a role in the lives of many youths. This paper aims to extend previous research and examine attendance at religious services and involvement in religious/church activities as separate items to determine if one aspect was more strongly associated with never having had sexual intercourse among youth in the USA. It also aims to consider the effect of other youth assets, and analyze all by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross‐sectional data were examined to assess youth assets and risk behaviors. Multivariate regression was used to determine whether the assets or religion questions were significant in the presence of the other assets/religion questions. The eight assets examined, in addition to church attendance and involvement in religious groups were adult role models, peer role models, family communication, involvement in sports and groups, community involvement, aspirations for the future, responsible choices, and good health – diet and exercise.

Findings

Involvement in church/religious activities, but not attendance at religious services, was associated with never having had sexual intercourse among males and females. Analysis also determined that several of the other youth assets were protective of sexual intercourse among males and among females.

Research limitations/implications

Findings from this study may be limited by the validity of the self‐reported measures. The data were cross‐sectional, making it impossible to draw inferences about the causal directions of the relationships found in this study. Future research should focus on developing interventions to strengthen youth assets.

Practical implications

Developing gender and culturally specific interventions to promote youth assets may reduce the number of young people engaging in sex.

Originality/value

The paper extends previous research and examines attendance at religious services and involvement in religious/church activities as separate items to determine if one aspect was more strongly associated with never having had sexual intercourse.
Consumers' responses to brand websites: an interdisciplinary review
Authors: Voorveld Hilde A.M. , Neijens Peter C. , Smit Edith G.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The aims of this paper are to provide an integrated literature review of factors influencing consumers' responses to brand websites; to describe the state of research in the past ten years; and to give an overview of the theories used in brand website studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a vote‐counting procedure, 736 findings from 50 empirical studies are synthesized. In a vote‐counting analysis the number of positive and negative significant relations between the same two variables is compared to the number of non‐significant relationships.

Findings

The analysis reveals which person‐related factors (e.g. involvement or flow) and website‐related factors (e.g. usability or interactivity) influence responses to websites and brands. To explain such responses many studies integrate new theoretical concepts (e.g. interactivity or telepresence) into traditional theories. Furthermore, the review shows that the current state of research is limited by the use of forced exposure, student samples and the measurement of affective responses.

Practical implications

The present study investigates an increasingly popular approach to promote brands at the internet: the use of brand websites. The study gives insight into factors influencing the effectiveness of these websites. Marketers can use this knowledge to improve the effectiveness of their websites.

Originality/value

The paper provides a valuable contribution to the literature on brand websites. The paper can form the basis for future research on this topic.
Organizational stress, psychological strain, and work outcomes in six national contexts
Authors: Bhagat Rabi S. , Krishnan Balaji , Nelson Terry A. , Moustafa Leonard Karen , Ford David L. , Billing Tejinder K.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating roles of two distinct styles of coping and decision latitude on the relationship between three facets of role stress and psychological strain in six national contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of the research is to examine the relative predictive efficacies of three theory specific moderators in six countries which differ on the cultural dimension of individualism‐collectivism. The data are analyzed using moderated regression analysis.

Findings

The results show that problem‐focused coping is a better moderator in the individualistic countries and that emotion‐focused coping is a better moderator in the collectivistic contexts. None of the three moderators moderate the relationships in Germany and South Africa – the two countries which had scores in the mid‐range of the individualism‐collectivism continuum. Findings are discussed for their significance into the interplay of cultural variations and coping with work stress in predicting psychological strain or distress on the job.

Practical implications

Practical implications for managing human resources in various subsidiaries of multinational and global organizations are discussed.

Originality/value

This paper confirms existing theories and expands the authors’ understanding of role stress and psychological strain in different cultural contexts.
Work‐family conflict in East vs Western countries
Authors: Hassan Zaiton , Dollard Maureen F. , Winefield Anthony H.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of both directions of work‐family conflict (WFC), work interference with family (WIF) and family interference with work (FIW) in an Eastern culture. Findings are compared with those of 14 other Western studies and the relationships among WIF, FIW and job, family, community and life satisfaction are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted in Malaysia, a country with Islam as the official religion. Data are obtained from 506 employees in three public and three private sector organizations. Questionnaires are distributed via human resource managers.

Findings

Results show that similar to Western studies, WIF scores are higher than FIW scores. Malaysians are significantly lower on WIF than Westerners. Nevertheless, Malaysians score significantly higher on FIW than all Western samples. Within the Malaysian sample, FIW also has a stronger negative relationship with all facets of satisfaction and WIF has a positive relationship with family satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Cross‐sectional data are presented which could result in common method bias.

Practical implications

Organizations can assist in minimizing WIF and FIW by providing family‐friendly policies and parenting related programmes. The importance of family in an individual's life in Eastern cultures is different than in Western cultures. Therefore multi‐national companies operating in Eastern settings would be well‐advised to take cultural aspects such as collectivism into consideration.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into Eastern experiences of WIF and FIW compared with Western experiences. The study expands previous studies by measuring both directions of WFC and employing a heterogeneous sample (e.g. not just female, those married, those with children).
Influences on perceived career success: findings from US graduate business degree alumni
Authors: Cocchiara Faye K. , Kwesiga Eileen , Bell Myrtle P. , Baruch Yehuda
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of US MBA and specialist master's degree alumni to determine the influence that their degree program experiences had on subsequent perceptions of career success.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 318 alumni MBA and specialist master's degree recipients from a large university in the southwestern USA; more than half of them were male. The university provided independent demographic data used to match respondents' surveys.

Findings

Evidence was found that men and women graduates perceived their post‐graduate degree success differently, with women graduates reporting less salary gain but higher hierarchical levels and job satisfaction compared to men. Social capital and perceived discrimination indirectly affected the reported career success of graduates on hierarchical level salary gain.

Research limitations/implications

Use of self‐report data, for all model variables, puts the findings at risk for common‐method bias. Additionally, while discrimination measure had acceptable reliability for this sample, it has not been widely validated.

Practical implications

The findings that women viewed their graduate program as less effective for advancing their careers than men despite earning higher grades suggests that business schools emphasize improving graduate student experiences as well as managerial competencies. Organizations' leaders should make their diversity management practices readily apparent as women and minority MBA graduates are likely to view such practices as important during their job search.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge of factors that influence career success.
Leadership attributes valence in self‐concept and occupational self‐efficacy
Authors: Schyns Birgit , Sczesny Sabine
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between leadership‐relevant attributes and occupational self‐efficacy in management students. It is assumed that leadership‐relevant attributes are related to high self‐efficacy beliefs.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study management students from three different countries, namely Germany, Australia, and India, described to what degree they possess task‐ and person‐oriented leadership attributes and indicate their occupational self‐efficacy for their future profession. Data were analysed using regression analyses.

Findings

As expected, leadership‐relevant attributes were related to occupational self‐efficacy. Some support was found for the assumption that ratings of the importance of relevant attributes moderates the relationship between reported leadership‐relevant attributes and occupational self‐efficacy but only for task‐oriented attributes.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was small so that comparisons between subgroups were not possible. All data were self‐reported.

Practical implications

The results are relevant for career counselling. Looking at self‐description of individuals in terms of attributes relevant to their future job rather than working directly on their occupational self‐efficacy could be emphasised.

Originality/value

The study provides initial hints at the relationship between self‐description and occupational self‐efficacy in connection with future managers.
Learning to lead – self managed learning and how academics resist understanding the process
Authors: Cunningham Ian
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Here are some learning benefits that senior leaders indicated that they had gained from a Self Managed Learning program: greater wisdom; more courage to act on what was really needed; more focus on values and a greater concern for moral purpose in their work; communicating better around real visions for the organization.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Social implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
3D internet and enterprise: emergence of virtual worlds and serious games in the workplace
Authors: Levin Mervyn
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the transformative impact that 3D technologies rooted in entertainment, e.g. games and virtual worlds, are beginning to have on the business environment for the development of enterprise applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing draws on wide, firsthand experience of the policy, research and commercial implications of new digital technologies.

Findings

The paper finds that these technologies and the resulting applications have significant potential to increase learning and development, realize productivity gains and boost Return on Investment (ROI) across a wide range of enterprise functions.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights, including case study references on how the widespread adoption of 3D internet technologies by consumers is poised to shape the workplace. Some of the technical, cultural and regulatory challenges are also addressed.

Originality/value

The paper encourages decision makers in organizations to consider how these new technologies can be applied to deliver value. This includes stimulating innovation, personal development, effective meetings, new channels for customer engagement and recruitment.
Risk‐return optimization with different risk‐aggregation strategies
Authors: Uryasev Stan , Theiler Ursula A. , Serraino Gaia
Published: February 2010

Purpose

New methods of integrated risk modeling play an important role in determining the efficiency of bank portfolio management. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a systematic approach for risk strategies formulation based on risk‐return optimized portfolios, which applies different methodologies of risk measurement in the context of actual regulatory requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Optimization problems to illustrate different levels of integrated bank portfolio management has been set up. It constrains economic capital allocation using different risk aggregation methodologies. Novel methods of financial engineering to relate actual bank capital regulations to recently developed methods of risk measurement value‐at‐risk (VaR) and conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR) deviation are applied. Optimization problems with the portfolio safeguard package by American Optimal Decision (web site: www.AOrDA.com) are run.

Findings

This paper finds evidence that risk aggregation in Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) should be based on risk‐adjusted aggregation approaches, resulting in an efficient use of economic capital. By using different values of confidence level α in VaR and CVaR, deviation, it is possible to obtain optimal portfolios with similar properties. Before deciding to insert constraints on VaR or CVaR, one should analyze properties of the dataset on which computation are based, with particular focus on the model for the tails of the distribution, as none of them is “better” than the other.

Research limitations/implications

This study should further be extended by an inclusion of simulation‐based scenarios and copula approaches for integrated risk measurements.

Originality/value

The suggested optimization models support a systematic generation of risk‐return efficient target portfolios under the ICAAP. However, issues of practical implementation in risk aggregation and capital allocation still remain unsolved and require heuristic implementations.
The determinants of terrorist shocks' cross‐market transmission
Authors: Drakos Konstantinos
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of the cross‐market transmission mechanism for terrorist shocks, focusing on two major terrorist events and 68 national stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper generates daily abnormal returns from a three‐factor world asset‐pricing model. Abnormal returns are then regressed on proxies of three transmission mechanisms; a world integration channel, a bilateral integration channel, and a liquidity channel.

Findings

The findings indicate that terrorism shocks are diffused cross‐nationally in a non‐uniform manner. This paper finds empirical support for all three channels when considered separately. The bilateral integration channel contains the highest explanatory power since it is found that a third country's trade linkages with the “ground‐zero” country explain about 24 percent of the stock market reaction. A country's share in the world trade, a proxy for the world integration channel, is able to explain about 12 percent of abnormal‐return variation, while the liquidity channel exhibits the lowest predictive power, with the value of stock trading explaining about 6 percent. A hybrid model, where proxies for all channels are included, shows that only the bilateral trade linkages with the “ground‐zero” country are significant determinants of the stock market reaction.

Practical implications

Provides evidence useful for portfolio management and authorities' assessment of terrorist shocks' impact on capital markets.

Originality/value

It is the first study that investigates the determinants of cross‐market transmission of terrorist shocks.
On a class of renewal queueing and risk processes
Authors: Thampi K.K. , Jacob M.J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how queueing theory has been applied to derive results for a Sparre Andersen risk process for which the claim inter‐arrival distribution is hyper Erlang.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper exploits the duality results between the queueing theory and risk processes to derive explicit expressions for the ultimate ruin probability and moments of time to ruin in this renewal risk model.

Findings

This paper derives explicit expressions for the Laplace transforms of the idle/waiting time distribution inGI/HEr(ki,λi)/1 and its dual HEr(ki,λi)/G/1. As a consequence, an expression for the ultimate ruin probability is obtained in this model. The relationship between the time of ruin and busy period inM/G/1 queuing system is used to derive the expected time of ruin.

Originality/value

The study of renewal risk process is mostly concentrated on Erlang distributed inter‐claim times. But the Erlang distributions are not dense in the space of all probability distributions and therefore, the paper cannot approximate an arbitrary distribution function by an Erlang one. To overcome this difficulty, the paper uses the hyper Erlang distributions, which can be used to approximate the distribution of any non‐negative random variable.
Determinants for materialism among adolescents in Singapore
Authors: La Ferle Carrie , Chan Kara
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of marketing communication factors (specifically advertising viewing and responses to marketing promotions) as well as social influence factors (specifically influences from peers and media celebrities) on adolescents' endorsement of materialistic values in Singapore. As the Asian culture is said to be collective when compared with the Western culture, it is expected that social relations, both personal and celebrity‐mediated, play an important role in the establishment of consumption values.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 190 high school students’ aged 13 to 18 was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Constructs were measured using established scales.

Findings

The paper finds imitation of media celebrities and perceived peer influence were positive predictors of materialistic consumption values while marketing communication factors were not significant predictors.

Research limitations/implications

The data in the paper came from a convenience sample of one high school and may not be representative of adolescents in Singapore.

Practical implications

The paper found that in fact advertising regulation may not impact adolescent levels of materialism to the degree previously assumed. Visual literacy courses may be a better strategy of reducing the level of materialism through discouraging the desire to imitate media celebrities. In turn, this training and heightened awareness could potentially help to diminish some of the negative peer influences in relation to materialism. Media educators should help young consumers to reflect on how their purchase decisions can be influenced by their social relations, including both personal interaction and celebrity‐media communications, while simultaneously providing them with the tools to critically assess the images they view.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights about the complex patterns of how consumption values develop in an Asian society. It is also a pioneer work on the study of the influence of media celebrities on materialistic value orientations.
How to implement a knowledge management program in hospital‐in‐the‐home units
Authors: Cegarra‐Navarro Juan‐Gabriel , Cepeda‐Carrión Gabriel
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The Spanish health care system has undergone important changes, particularly in the development of new homecare services. In practice, however, results have been mixed. Some homecare services have been successful, but implementation failures are common and the intended patients are frequently reluctant to use home care services. A possible explanation for efficiency and effectiveness gaps of services provided by hospital‐in‐the‐home units may relate to the advantages and disadvantages of the knowledge processes that these units highlight as a result of their different structural properties. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for hospital‐in‐the‐home units developed to guide learning within the context of homecare services.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected from the hospital‐in‐the‐home unit at a Spanish regional hospital, this work examines how the existence of some practices is linked to knowledge transfer and how this component is linked to patient service.

Findings

This paper reports a knowledge management program that is customised and based on four frameworks – i.e. technical infrastructure; people to facilitate and drive the process; a system that supports and rewards sharing; and the team leader.

Research limitations/implications

Conducting this type of single case study (an interview‐based case study approach) is to be understood foremost as a prelude to further quantitative studies including common measures for patients, clinicians, staff, managers and board members.

Originality/value

In an applied sense, the model provides homecare practitioners with identifiable factors that enable the four frameworks and address the relevant issues by changing strategies at both the individual and organisational levels. Without a knowledge management program, practitioners may lose the ability to see the market signals stemming from healthcare members, and they may decide to go solely by their own ways of doing and interpreting things.
An exploration of policy options to assist district health authorities in attending to the health needs of African Canadians: a case study
Authors: Maddalena Victor
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the governing boards responsible for health care in Nova Scotia to determine the extent to which they facilitate and/or impede efforts to attend to the health needs of African Canadians.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method was employed. Qualitative interview and documentary data were interpreted by means of a hybrid of methods including discourse analysis, thematic analysis, reflexive ethnography and ethnography.

Findings

Key findings from this study suggest that the complex mandate of DHAs, a lack of processes to assess need and limited data (including a lack of research) to support decision‐making contribute to a limited understanding of the health needs of African Canadians among DHA board members and executive management. Policy options include improving access to, and development of, culturally competent health services, conducting research and improving access to data to facilitate decision‐making, and educating board members and executive management about black culture. DHAs need to explore new and innovative ways to engage and include the black community in decision‐making.

Practical implications

Continued public and political emphasis on the maintenance of the acute care system, limited resources devoted to “population health” and internal and external constraints that serve to limit the capacity for health boards to make independent decisions pose significant challenges for DHAs as they seek to fulfill their legislated mandate to improve the health of their catchment population. Policy options are presented to address issues such as research and information management, education and awareness, representation and building meaningful opportunities for inclusion.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of literature examining the roles and responsibilities of governing boards in attending to the health needs of minority populations.
Computer‐assisted instruction and student attitudes towards learning mathematics
Authors: Aliasgari Majid , Riahinia Nosrat , Mojdehavar Fariba
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the effects of computer‐assisted instruction (CAI) on the attitude of students studying mathematics.

Design/methodology/approach

CAI in mathematics, as an alternative to traditional instruction (TI), is investigated using a sample of students in Iran. The sample consists of second grade female students of maths/science in two high schools of Hashtgerd. The study is carried out over four weeks in May 2008. The effects of the independent variable (CAI) are studied in one high school while in a second high school in the region, a control group is used to measure the effects of TI.

Findings

The findings reveal that CAI increases the learning level of students and improves their attitudes toward mathematics compared with TI.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the study is limited to a sample of students from two high schools in Iran. Thus, the results are indicative rather than conclusive. More work needs to be carried out involving a larger sample not confined to the Iranian setting to produce more conclusive findings.

Practical implications

New technologies and software featuring CAI should be implemented and used in the teaching process, especially for those courses which contain abstract concepts like mathematics. For example, simulated software could help teachers utilize simulated objects, concepts, and problem solving paths in a virtual environment.

Originality/value

The study adds to the literature on the utility of CAI and is original in that it is one of the few carried out in an Iranian setting.
The effects of Islamic law on business practices
Authors: Cerimagic Sabina
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give professionals working in Islamic countries a better understanding of the legal system in those countries. As a rule, multinational companies are more equipped in dealing with problems when governed by Western legal philosophies and jurisprudence. However, when certain issues fall on the jurisdiction of an Islamic country they have to address it by using the Islamic laws (Shariahlaws) maintained in theQur'an.

Design/methodology/approach

The source of material for this paper is literature review based on texts and references sourced in the business environment. The literature used is Islamic literature in the Bosnian and English languages.

Findings

The findings are that Islamic laws compel companies to be wary of interest, uncertainty or risk. This means that companies that rely on compelling interest on the consumer are prohibited in operating in Islamic states. The law is there to protect the welfare of all the parties involved. The strict nature of these laws often seeks to provide justice and fairness to both parties. Thus, for organisations and international companies who intend to deal with companies based in Islamic countries and adhere toShariahlaw should always be mindful of the fairness of their offers and the fairness of the outcomes of these agreements.

Research limitations/implications

Islamic laws tend to adhere strictly on the principles and values intimated in theQur'anandHadith. This paper summaries the core of Islamic business laws. However, this research is limited to theory alone. For this reason, future research perhaps could look at case studies and see if what works in theory indeed does work in practice too. The review has been limited to Bosnian and English language texts. In addition, this paper has some limited literature review on such a complicated and sensitive topic.

Originality/value

This paper will provide important business factors that will essentially assist international businesses in their understanding of the legal standards in this region.
Perceptions of the accountant held by business students and business professionals in an emerging country
Authors: Hammami Helmi , Hossain Mohammed
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how business students and business professionals in Qatar perceive the accountancy profession.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper designs a survey based on Osgood semantic differential theory of attitude assessment (30 bipolar pairs). The survey is administrated to 400 respondents. Factor analysis reduces variables to five and analysis of variance is employed to study the main differences between groups.

Findings

Findings show that professionals and students, taken together, report a fairly positive image of the accountancy profession. However, students' perceptions are more positive compared to professionals. Among students, other demographics affect how students view the accountancy profession.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited. Larger samples would confirm or otherwise the findings of this study. Future research could enlarge the scope by including other actors such as educators. Also, exploring other Arab countries would contribute to building knowledge of the subject matter.

Practical implications

The study has implications for the accounting profession regulatory bodies who would certainly benefit from knowledge of the general perception of the profession. Such knowledge could give rise to specific initiatives aimed as enhancing aspects of the profession that are perceived less than positively.

Originality/value

This paper builds on research commencing in the early 1970s concerning perceptions of the accountant and the accounting profession in general. So far, most of the studies have been conducted in developed countries. This study makes a moderate contribution by being one of the few that focuses the research on a new emerging country, namely Qatar.
It is good to be green
Authors: Brown Douglas
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss how the influence of consumer and investor opinions for green corporate accountability and the creation of new government regulations in favor of protecting the environment have pushed green issues onto the boardroom agenda and onto outsourcing vendors' growing plate of priorities.

Design/methodology/approach

The data presented and the opinions discussed in this paper are based on the on‐going research behind The Black Book of Outsourcing, by Douglas Brown and Scott Wilson.

Findings

The paper presents a wealth of data that clearly highlight how environmental issues and the ability to display an environmental‐friendly culture are becoming vital to all outsourcing stakeholders. Also, using the data analysis, it delivers a 13 steps process to develop a green outsourcing initiative.

Originality/value

This paper discusses one of the latest trends in outsourcing, and it does so by providing numerous relevant data. As such, it contributes to setting a relevant research agenda. At the same time, it provides an in‐depth analysis of various industry first‐movers, and based on that it delivers a process that can be used by practitioners to develop green outsourcing offerings.
Management perspectives of high technology strategic alliance outcomes
Authors: Powers Thomas L. , Wilson Rachel C.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify the benefits seen by management in high technology strategic alliances using a means‐end framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews with firm executives were conducted and a survey was then administered. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses derived from the qualitative stage of the research.

Findings

The results indicate that managers perceive that social, operational, and financial alliance attributes contribute to new product opportunities and increased profitability, which in turn enhances both shareholder value and the opportunity to create societal value.

Originality/value

In addition to the specific findings related to strategic alliances, the study represents an initial use of a means‐end framework to gather both firm‐level qualitative and quantitative data from executives.