bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, optimisation and application of a resonant DC link inverter for solar energy systems
Authors: Colak Ilhami , Demirtas Mehmet , Kabalci Ersan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine diminish switching losses in a solar energy conversion system in order to utilise the full efficiency of a solar panel.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, a boost converter and a resonant DC link (RDCL) inverter are controlled by a microcontroller. The maximum power point tracker (MPPT) algorithm implemented for boost converter supplies to track maximum power point of solar panel. The Class D full-bridge resonant inverter (RI) that is considered to be supplied by boost converter is modeled and zero voltage switching operation is performed by controlling the inverter with sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) control scheme. The control algorithm is managed with a feedback detecting the current of the boost converter and the zero voltage levels of capacitor voltage in the resonant circuit.

Findings

– There are several control techniques have been proposed to reduce switching losses and harmonic contents in conventional or RDCL inverters. Solar panels are used in low power applications among other renewable energy sources. By considering that the efficiency parameter of an actual solar panels is around 14∼17 per cent, the switching losses occurred in energy conversion systems causes the efficiency are reduced.

Originality/value

– The proposed approach has been decreased the switching power losses owing to resonant DC link inverter while the developed MPPT algorithm provides to generate maximum power. This paper introduces a novel soft switching technique in solar energy applications in order to maximise the possible efficiency.
Comparative analysis of the SRM as an alternative to the PM motor for automotive applications
Authors: Boynov K. , Paulides J.J.H. , Lomonova E.A.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present comparative analysis of several configurations of the switched reluctance motor (SRM) for an in-wheel drive for a heavy-duty automotive series hybrid system. The SRM motor is regarded as one of the primary candidates for possible replacement of the permanent magnet (PM) motor.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three SRMs of 10/8, 12/10 and 12/8 configurations have been analysed, where the last two motors had the stator lamination profile taken from the existing PM motor. The analysis is performed using magnetostatic FEM and transient modelling techniques.

Findings

– The maximum developed electromagnetic torque of the two analysed motors of 12/10 and 12/8 SRM configurations with the stator lamination profile taken from the existing PM motor is limited due to saturation of the stator yoke. Both motor configurations are capable to provide the specified power within the same outer dimensions due to extended speed in the field-weakening region and position independent starting torque. A redesigned stator results in substantial increase in torque developed by the machine and, consequently, ability to provide similar torque-speed performance as the existing PM motor, at cost of increased copper loss at the low-speed regime.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes several structures of SRMs for the in-wheel drive for a heavy-duty automotive series hybrid system converted from the present expensive PM machine, having the same power density. The “bottleneck” of the direct conversion of the PM machine into the SRM is highlighted.
A coupled analytical-numerical approach for optimal sizing of power inductors
Authors: Makni Zaatar , Demersseman Richard
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an optimal sizing methodology. It is applied to a foil-coil powder core power inductor used in new generation inverters designed for hybrid and full-electric vehicles. The methodology includes a preliminary analytical calculation and a numerical optimization aimed at minimizing the component size.

Design/methodology/approach

– Unlike bulk magnetic alloys or ferrites, the magnetic non-linearity of powder materials cannot be neglected in the analytical calculation. This non-linearity requires the use of an iterative calculation to search the set of parameters for which the target inductance value and the minimum volume are simultaneously reached. The numerical optimization process is based on 2D Finite Element (FE) analysis carried out with FEMM software tool and a simplex-type algorithm run in Scilab software. These two freewares are coupled using the scifemm.sci script which is included in the FEMM distribution.

Findings

– The association of analytical and FE approaches provides a relevant and quick sizing methodology. It was successfully applied to size a new power inductor.

Originality/value

– The strong non-linearity of the powder material is correctly taken into account in the analytical model thanks to an iterative calculation process. Thus, the preliminary analytical solution is quite relevant. Consequently, a local FE-based optimization is enough to find the optimal solution close by the analytical one. No global optimization is required. A local optimum is sufficient.
Robot‐guided image sensors for quality testing
Authors: Ahlers IPA , Schmidberger IFF
Published: November 2014

Automation is of vital importance for visual checking to lower costs and achieve an objective test.
Using the Principle of Postponement—Speculation to Analyse Channel Change
Authors: Lamb Charles W.
Published: November 2014

In 1967, Louis P. Bucklin proposed the principle of postponement‐speculation as a basis for predicting and explaining the existence of speculative inventories in the marketing channel: “The combined principle of postponement‐speculation may be stated as follows: A speculative inventory will appear at each point in the distribution channel whenever its costs are less than the net savings to both buyers and sellers from postponement.” In other words, for a middleman to intervene between a seller and a buyer, he must demonstrate his ability and willingness to perform certain marketing functions in such a way that savings result, or satisfactions are greater, for both of the original trading partners. Therefore, the economic justification for a middleman's existence is his superior efficiency in performing basic marketing tasks and functions.
The Consumption Based Capital Asset Pricing Model, Regime Shifts, And The Japanese Economy
Authors: Smoluk H.J. , Tylor Claggett E.
Published: November 2014

Like many industrial nations over the last four decades, the Japanese economy has undergone a number of regime shifts, making parameter estimations difficult. One of the most significant shifts occurred in inflation in the mid 1970s as OPEC suddenly raised oil prices. This abrupt change likely caused consumers' expectations of future inflation to deviate significantly from realized (ex‐post) inflation. Using a Markov chain model, inflation forecasts that take into consideration changing regimes are employed to derive a unique set of real stationary variables that are likely to better represent consumers' expectations and are an alternative to the standard approach of adjusting nominal variables with ex‐post inflation. We employ these real variables in the consumption‐based capital asset pricing model (CCAPM). Estimates of the representative investor's coefficient of relative risk aversion (CRRA) are derived within the framework typically used to examine the equity premium puzzle. Our tests confirm that the equity premium puzzle, if it exists in Japan, is not as significant as previously thought.
STRIKING GOLD THROUGH A DEEP‐LEVEL ORGANIZATIONAL INTERVENTION IN GHANA'S MINING INDUSTRY
Authors: Arthur Winfred , Doverspike Dennis , Kuthy James E.
Published: November 2014

This paper is a case study of the effects of an organizational intervention on the recovery of the Ashanti Goldfields Corporations Limited mining operations in Ghana, a country in West Africa. We examine the events leading up to the company's decline, the deep‐level intervention strategy that was applied, and the effects of that intervention. The design of the change initiative could best be classified as a system‐renewal intervention, in that comprehensive changes in the organization were sought through an eclectic combination of strategies that recognized the unique cultural milieu in which the company was operating. Major emphasis was placed upon the development and establishment among management of a new shared vision of performance, the introduction of managerial goal setting, the development of managerial teams, and an improvement in the basic standard of living for line employees.
RESTRUCTURING INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURES
Authors: Muralidharan Raman , Hamilton Robert D.
Published: November 2014

We present a model of the international joint venture (IJV) restructuring process and discuss, from a single partner firm's perspective, the steps involved in recognizing a need for restructuring and deciding to restructure. In addition, we examine the organizational processes involved in recognizing a need for restructuring and deciding to restructure, and develop propositions about factors that increase the likelihood that a partner firm will decide to restructure its IJV in response to a genuine need for restructuring. We also note the research implications of our work and its contributions to management practice.
AN EXPERIENTIAL APPROACH TO FACILITATE ANTICIPATORY SOCIALIZATION
Authors: Paulson Steven K. , Eugene Baker H.
Published: November 2014

Among university business students today there is much idealism and a strong belief in the rational model of business activity. For those who are headed for initial appointments in corporate structures there will be disillusionment. Whether entering a new organization as a first‐time employee, or entering a new position as an employee of long standing, individuals are likely to experience feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and surprise. This effect is commonly known as “entry shock.” In this paper we (1) review an experiential exercise designed for classroom use, (2) describe implications and use of the exercise in anticipatory socialization to help abate future business entry shock for students, (3) present the results of several such applications of the exercise, and (4) suggest procedures which may be used to facilitate the use of the exercise.
A CROSS‐CULTURAL EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE LINKAGE BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND MANAGERIAL EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Shipper Frank , Kincaid Joel , Rotondo Denise M. , Hoffman Richard C.
Published: November 2014

Multinationals increasingly require a cadre of skilled managers to effectively run their global operations. This exploratory study examines the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and managerial effectiveness among three cultures. EI is conceptualized and measured as self‐other agreement concerning the use of managerial skills using data gathered under a 360‐degree feedback process. Three hypotheses relating to managerial self‐awareness of both interactive and controlling skills are examined using data from 3,785 managers of a multinational firm located in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Malaysia. The two sets of managerial skills examined were found to be stable across the three national samples. The hypotheses were tested using polynomial regressions, and contour plots were developed to aid interpretation. Support was found for positive relationships between effectiveness and EI (self‐awareness). This relationship was supported for interactive skills in the US and UK samples and for controlling skills in the Malaysian and UK samples. Self‐awareness of different managerial skills varied by culture. It appears that in low power distance (PD) cultures such as the United States and United Kingdom, self‐awareness of interactive skills may be crucial relative to effectiveness whereas in high PD cultures, such as Malaysia self‐awareness of controlling skills may be crucial relative to effectiveness. These findings are discussed along with the implications for future research.
Tracking venture strategy
Authors: Ellis Darryl J. , Pekar Peter P.
Published: November 2014

In some companies planners review proposed decisions as well as administering long‐ and short‐range strategy formulations. A case in point is the following example, in which a diversified, multidivision corporation allows planners direct influence on senior management decisions. Here the planning function acts as an internal consulting group. One project in which planners become involved is a proposed manufacturing and marketing expansion by one of the company's consumer products divisions.
The myth of stability
Authors: R.J.A.
Published: November 2014

Our planning systems are predicated upon a variety of myths. One of the most cherished is the myth of stability: “Business as usual” is a very comforting notion. Organizations everywhere enjoy the feeling of safety that develops when change is slow. Planners are usually directed to the task of preserving the existing “stable system” and maintaining the status quo. The alternatives — deliberately modifying the system or allowing it to evolve — are not often contemplated.
The increasing significance of the convention business to the economy of resorts
Authors: Stansfield Charles A.
Published: November 2014

The conventions, conferences, assemblies, meetings and transient trade shows of voluntary membership organizations may be grouped together under the general heading of “conventions”. Conventions have been growing in number and size throughout the world as the necessity of the interchange of information and specialized knowledge increases. In the professional, academic, and business fields, the mutual benefits obtained through personal contacts, the main reason for holding conventions, foster expanding attendance. Continuing improvements in the ease and efficiency of communications and transportation have been instrumental in facilitating more national and international conventions. It is as though the growing usage of electronic means of communications have stimulated rather than replaced face‐to‐face exchanges of ideas and of data.
Le comportement d'achat des associations dans le choix d'un site de congrès
Authors: Fortin M. Paul‐A. , Brent Ritchie M.J.R.
Published: November 2014

En mars 1974, le Conseil de planification et de développement du Québec soumettait un avis intitulé: «Vers une industrie touristique au Québec : éléments d'une stratégie de développement». Le rapport soumettait un certain nombre de recommandations au sujet des orientations que devrait prendre le développement futur du tourisme au Québec, s'il voulait promouvoir et favoriser également les intérêts sociaux et les intérêts économiques des résidents de la province. Ces recommandations contenaient aussi un certain nombre de propositions précises sur le plan d'action souhaitable, en vue d'augmenter l'efficacité des secteurs public et privé dans le développement du tourisme. Finalement, le rapport énumérait un certain nombre de secteurs stratégiques qui, de l'avis des experts, comportaient de grands avantages dans le développement du tourisme, mais au sujet desquels très peu d'information était disponible pour seconder les planificateurs et les administrateurs intéressés par le sujet.
Marketing im Fremdenverkehr
Authors: Crettaz Ulrich
Published: November 2014

Die Problematik der systematischen Anwendung des Marketing im Fremdenverkehr — Gezielte Weiterbildung auf der Stufe der Unternehmens‐ und Betriebsführung als möglicher Lösungsansatz
Tourism: Lodging and foodservice
Authors: Kreck Lothar A.
Published: November 2014

The concern for the tourists' wellbeing requires a host country to put special efforts into the development and maintenance of acceptable lodging and foodservice facilities, this is to say acceptable to the tourist. There is no doubt that investments in lodging and foodservice have to have priorities in tourism development. While there is probably no need to underline the importance of lodging facilities, only one writer so far has seen a similar need to underline the importance of foodservice in tourism.
The tourist product as a limiting factor in tourism growth
Authors: Vukonić Boris , Pirjevec Boris
Published: November 2014

Why one decides to take a tourist trip, why one chooses a certain destination, why one prefers a certain mode of transport, why …, these questions are at the very centre of tourism theoretics. If one answers these questions as a potential tourism consumer, consciously excluding all the influences wrought in various ways and by various media by individual suppliers of facilities, it can be determined that the basic impetus lies in the need of the human being—the tourism need — and in efforts to satisfy that need. Speaking in the terminology of economics: the tourist need foregoes of tourism use; it conditions and stimulates it.
Cost‐benefit analysis of congress tourism
Authors: Tideman Maurice C.
Published: November 2014

Discussing a congress theme of “Interrelation between Benefits and Costs of Tourism Resources” does not mean it is only possible to speak about the consequences of tourism in general. The subject can also be concentrated on a special kind of tourism, a special marketsegment. Such a market‐segmentation could be achieved by dividing tourist flows into nationalities, starting with domestic and foreign tourists. It is also possible to make a segmentation in the reason of tourism: pleasure or business. These latter two segments can be divided again: tourism for pleasure into:
The economic impact of travel and tourism in a mountain area: The case of Vorarlberg (Austria)
Authors: Smeral Egon
Published: November 2014

Vorarlberg is one of the nine federal states of Austria. In terms of size, it is the smallest state in the country. Approximately 80 % of its area is mountainous with the greater part belonging to the “Hochgebirge” (high‐mountains). For the most part, tourism in the high‐mountain areas is dominated by ski tourism, while the lower valleys have a twin season supply.
Strukturwandel des westdeutschen Hotelmarkts — Neue Strategien der Hotelketten
Authors: Bleile Georg , Heilbronn
Published: November 2014

In der zweiten Hälfte der 70er Jahre setzte ein grundlegender Wandel der Marktsituation im Inlandstourismus ein: Der Umbruch der Marktsituation vom Verkäufer— oder Anbietermarkt zum nachfragebeherrschten Käufermarkt. Dieser Umbruch der Marktsituation im Inlandstourismus löste einen nachhaltigen Anpas‐sungsprozess im westdeutschen Hotelgewerbe aus. Während bis in die 70er Jahre hinein der Ausbau der Hotelkapazitäten im Inland der Zunahme der Nachfrage vorauseilte — mit dem Ergebnis, dass der Auslastungsgrad der Bettenkapazität Ende der 70er Jahre einen absoluten Tiefstand von 33 v.H. erreichte —, ging die Zahl der Beherbergungsbetriebe in den 80er Jahren erstmals deutlich zurück.
The Government as marketer of innovation
Authors: Na Lim Jay
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The Government's role in industrial innovation has always been conventionally viewed as a regulator rather than a marketer of industrial progress. By breaking out of the box, this study positioned the Government as a marketer of innovation and construction enterprises as “consumers” of innovation products. The marketing mix concept of 4Ps is applied in this study to tailor marketing strategies for Governments, who aim to stimulate a higher level of innovation performance in the construction industry. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey of 97 construction enterprises in Germany is conducted to examine the innovation performance, strategies and resource utilisation of construction firms.

Findings

– The findings indicate that there is no one-size-fits-all national marketing strategy in promoting construction innovation. The Government is required to classify marketing strategies according to firm sizes and enterprises’ needs in relation to their national innovation environment to maximise their innovation potential.

Practical implications

– To illustrate this, marketing strategies according to firm sizes for the Government to stimulate higher innovation performance of German construction enterprises are proposed.

Social implications

– The main recommendation is for the Government to intensify inter-firm co-operation by employing national institutions as the key promoter in establishing and operating industry-led focus groups and world-class research centres.

Originality/value

– Acknowledging the role of Government as more than an enabler of construction innovation is required in today's knowledge economy. This study proposes that it may be time for Governments to review their conventional role and adopt a more proactive stance in promoting innovation in the manner that counts to construction enterprises.
Information feedback and bidders’ competitiveness in construction bidding
Authors: Lan Oo Bee , Yean Yng Ling Florence , Soo Alexander
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Contractors rely on effective pricing methods in order to translate potential business into reality for long-term survival of their firms. This involves effective utilization of bidding feedback information toward winning jobs with high profit potential. The purpose of this paper is to experimentally investigate student (inexperienced) bidders’ competitiveness under full and partial information feedback conditions when the number of competing bidders is large (n=12).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper adopted an experimental research design. The design used between-subjects variation and involved information feedback as the treatment variable with 120 students who enrolled in a cost-estimating course participated in the experiment.

Findings

– The result shows that the variations in bids over time for both levels of information feedback are statistically significant. It is found that bidders with full bidding feedback information are more competitive than those with partial bidding feedback information. The bid-spread analysis and the identified effect of these two information feedback conditions on awarded contract sum, provide some further evidence that full information feedback condition would lead to lower average bids in construction bidding.

Practical implications

– The implication of the findings for construction clients is that they should provide as much bidding feedback information as possible so that the bid prices will be competitive.

Originality/value

– Given the ambiguity inherent in field data, this paper provides strong justification of using experimental research design in advancing the understanding of construction pricing under different information feedback conditions. In addition, it demonstrated the suitability of using student subjects in similar experiments in the context of construction bidding.
Anandam's woodstove technology
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Financial management, marketing management and entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for undergraduate students.

Case overview

The case is based on the ingenuity of the chief protagonist of the case study, Anandam. Anandam had conceived a novel idea of using coconut shells and other biomass material as the fuel for running a woodstove. The case study has its settings in Kerala (India). A tentative business plan is being proposed through the case study, where the market analysis has been done, underscoring the product positioning, market segmentation, pricing and other relevant parameters. Further, the case also lays emphasis on the support provided by a local non-governmental organization, as an initial hand-holding measure.

Expected learning outcomes

The case study has been written for the purpose of students' appreciating the nuances of new technology/product launch in the market, given the existing competitors. This would help in understanding the 4 Ps better, and, raising a good platform for discussion in the classroom. A financial analysis aspect is also given, which would help students to draw an inter-disciplinary perspective vis-à-vis the case. The case may be extrapolated to other start-up ventures by entrepreneurs.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Grundfos LIFELINK: solving the base of the pyramid tangle?
Authors: Andersen Poul Houman
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Development of business models, base of the pyramid (BoP) markets.

Study level/applicability

This study can be used at Bachelor as well as on Master's level courses to reflect activities and practices within corporate sustainability, base of the pyramid and international expansion of MNEs.

Case overview

This is a case study of Grundfos LIFELINK's development process, relating to the successful development of a business model for serving base of the pyramid (BoP) markets for potable water. Grundfos LIFELINK is a turnkey water solution that encompasses a solar-driven pump facility, a GPS-based monitoring system, and charges based on digital payments of water credits. Together, they represent the business model of Grundfos LIFELINK. At the same time the modules represent a business architecture that can be mixed and matched to match the skills and ensure the adaptive involvement of local partners in BoP markets. Since its cautious start in 2009, Grundfos has successfully expanded its operations to 30 villages in Kenya and LIFELINK systems will operate in 70 villages in Kenya within the next two years.

Expected learning outcomes

In an international business/international management context, especially the first and the last part of the case could be used as a showcase of the current transformation efforts multinational companies (MNCs) in the developed world are pursuing. Pressured by the cost advantages of Dragon multinationals from Asia, India and Brazil, MNCs search for new ways to provide value and at the same time utilize their existing knowledge. The Grundfos LIFELINK case shows some of the important consequences and challenges that multinational organizations are facing, once such business models needs to be integrated in the current MNC activities.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Fiat: a good product with a wrong strategy
Authors: Mullick N.H. , Tripathi Gaurav
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Marketing, distribution channels and servicing, product portfolios.

Study level/applicability

This case is suitable for students of business schools specialising in marketing. It is appropriate for students of marketing management and marketing strategy, distribution management and other related subjects.

Case overview

The case focuses on the debacle of Fiat in India after its recent joint venture pertaining to dealership and servicing ended. The future is unclear and is the topic for debate.

Expected learning outcomes

The case will help students to understand the reasons for the failure of Fiat in India and to be able to connect the case with the marketing concepts, especially those pertaining to distribution channels.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Autonomous leadership and a centralised school system
Authors: Brauckmann Stefan , Schwarz Alexandra
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Although policy makers strengthen the necessity of “deregulation”, discussions about deregulation vs regulation in Europe still seem to be characterized by a lack of sophistication and require a more differentiated picture of specific forms of deregulation. As a consequence, the analysis of new educational governance approaches should consider the local actor's interpretation of new roles and new responsibilities. Relating actions and reactions of school leaders to their formal environment should lead to more contextual patterns of responsiveness. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors investigate, based on a survey among Cypriot school leaders, whether school autonomy needs deregulation, or regulation towards autonomy, respectively. At the time of research the school system of Cyprus could be characterized as a “centralized” system and hence represented a suitable field of study. Using a factor model followed by a cluster analysis the paper explores the school leaders’ profiles of operative and perceived autonomy in different fields of governance issues and identify different types of leadership.

Findings

– The authors find that the autonomy school leaders experience is not necessarily related to a “defined” degree of autonomy which is prescribed by educational law and driven by concepts of new public management. Their “perceived” autonomy is also due to factors which can be located at a rather individual level.

Originality/value

– The findings provide insight into principals’ motives to adopt certain styles of leading schools, quite independently from new measures of educational governance. The authors conclude that greater emphasis on systematic support programmes may prepare school principals for gains of autonomy as well as for potential sources of conflict.
Leadership for school success: lessons from effective principals
Authors: Garza, Jr Encarnacion , Drysdale Lawrie , Gurr David , Jacobson Stephen , Merchant Betty
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine four case studies from the International Successful School Principalship Project to explore and highlight how the role of the principal is critically important to sustaining school success. Implications for improving the preparation of aspiring and practicing school leaders are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected using multiple sources, including documents and interviews with a variety of people including the principal, other school leaders, teachers, school council/board members, parents and students. Each case study was analyzed to understand how the principal and other leadership contributed to school success.

Findings

– There were several core dimensions of the principals’ leadership that led to sustained school success. Principals clearly articulated views on education and helped their schools set appropriate directions. They were all concerned with the professional development of teachers to build capacity and teacher leadership. All principals were instructional leaders who influenced teaching and learning and were committed to making a difference. They exhibited other qualities such as resilience and their motivation to sustain their efforts over time. Another important dimension was building community. These principals reached out to their communities. They clearly understood that they could not succeed in isolation.

Originality/value

– The notion of sustainability in education remains ambiguous and this paper provides some empirical evidence of how successful school principals maintain school success over an extended period. Importantly, it considers how aspirant and practicing principals can be developed and supported in their efforts to lead and sustain successful schools.
Labour market flexibility and spatial mobility
Authors: Eamets Raul , Jaakson Krista
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Recent economic recession has highlighted the role of labour market flexibility as a key factor of competitiveness of a country. Despite the fact that labour mobility can essentially be seen as part of labour market flexibility, there is notable research gap concerning spatial mobility and other facets of labour market flexibility. The purpose of this special issue is to fill these gaps.

Design/methodology/approach –

The papers in the special issue represent various quantitative methods and databases, whereas mainly micro data (workplace, labour force or immigrant surveys, job search portal, etc.) is used. However, the type of labour market flexibility addressed is both micro- and macro-level.

Findings

– It is demonstrated that labour occupational mobility is determined by the business cycle, numerical flexibility, occupational categories, and sector. Spatial mobility may have counterintuitive effects on individual occupational mobility depending on gender and it is related to various flexibilities in the workplace. It is also suggested that different types of flexibilities on a firm level are interdependent of each other.

Originality/value

– The special issue adds to the labour market related knowledge by integrating labour market flexibility and mobility. Individually, both phenomena have been studied before, but not much research is devoted to their inter-linkages. The special issue also contributes by examining labour market flexibility and spatial mobility in the context of different countries, economic cycles, and institutional settings.
A thematic analysis of how prisoners overcome suicidality
Authors: Reading Lucy , Bowen Erica
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions, beliefs and abilities that support adult male prisoners in overcoming suicidality.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight male life sentenced prisoners in a Category B prison. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and interpret how prisoners have overcome suicidality.

Findings

– Five overarching themes were identified; sense of self, presence of meaning, connectedness, shift of perspective and re-establishing control. The themes were closely interconnected and revealed novel insights into the variables that supported prisoners to overcome suicidality.

Research limitations/implications

– The themes were drawn from a specific prisoner population, which may not be representative of the wider prison population. Additionally, the sole focus on suicidality may be an oversimplification of self-destructive behaviours and could have affected the factors identified.

Practical implications

– The results highlight the need to refine suicide prevention strategies in prisons; in the assessment of suicide risk, the improvement of supportive regimes and the development of psychological interventions.

Originality/value

– This research is the first to qualitatively examine the factors involved in overcoming suicide in adult male prisoners. The research is of value to researchers and practitioners alike, as it extends previous research in prison populations and suggests avenues for the development of suicide prevention strategies.
Cooking in prison – from crook to cook
Authors: Kjaer Minke Linda
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the principle and practice of self-catering system in a Danish prison. Self-catering is a reflection of the Danish correctional principle of normalisation between prison and community life. Unlike some other jurisdiction, issues of control in meal preparation are subordinate to prisoners’ right to choose and prepare their own food.

Design/methodology/approach

– Findings are derived from 13 months of ethnographic fieldwork in a Danish maximum security prison for men, including in-depth interviews with 68 prisoners.

Findings

– Overall findings showed that thinking about meals and their preparation is time consuming for prisoners who tend to be positive about the system making connections with their ability to exercise responsibility for making healthily choices. The research concludes that prisoners’ possibility for developing cooking competences during incarceration could support prisoners change in social identity from crook to cook.

Originality/value

– Food is a fundamental need and the ability to choose what to eat and to prepare one's own food should be a right for all people, including prisoners. This research shows that Danish prisoners are very pleased about the system of self-catering. Most prisoners are concerned about preparing their own meals according to their taste and cultural diversity. If the prison offers the opportunity to train as a chef during imprisonment it could support the prisoner's change in social identity from crook to cook on the outside.
Measuring the welfare of sub-groups subject to premature mortality
Authors: Doessel D.P. , F. Williams Ruth
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an exposition of the concepts relevant to measuring the economic effect of premature mortality and the conception of how the social loss from premature mortality can be incorporated into social welfare measurement. None of the conventional welfare measures currently pick up this welfare signal.

Design/methodology/approach

– Various concepts are examined in the conventional and “new” literatures of welfare measurement. Six Venn diagrams show how various concepts “fit together”.

Findings

– This paper outlines a framework for measuring the economic effect of premature mortality in a conceptually appropriate way. Thus the paper shows how the welfare loss associated with premature mortality can be incorporated into social welfare measurement.

Research limitations/implications

– Accurate premature mortality measurement is difficult but this data problem hardly limits this exercise. Sensitivity analyses can alleviate this measurement problem.

Practical implications

– The main practical implication is that empirical applications are feasible. Time series data can be analysed from this conceptual framework to determine whether the problem of the social loss from premature mortality is improving through time, or worsening.

Social implications

– Knowing the size of the welfare impact of premature mortality is useful not only on policy fronts concerning premature mortality prevention.

Originality/value

– “New welfare measurement” has not yet been applied to the notion of the social loss from premature mortality.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: No 87
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to review the current LIS literature for document supply and related topics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on the scanning of about 150 journals, reports and websites, blogs etc.

Findings

– Of great interest this quarter are two studies on journal half-lives which impact on the embargo length debate. Also a study that shows a decline in the free accessibility of journal articles. More on patron-driven acquisition and Big Deals.

Originality/value

– This is the only regular review of the literature that focuses on document supply and related issues.
Benefits of international portfolio diversification
Authors: Jamaledin Mohseni Zonouzi S. , Mansourfar Gholamreza , Bagherzadeh Azar Fateme
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate opportunities of the short- and long-run international portfolio diversification (IPD) benefits by investing in the Middle Eastern oil-producing countries. Over the past decades, IPD has been the integral feature of global capital markets. Several potential benefits like increasing returns and/or reducing risk have made investors to internationalize their portfolios. Solnik’s theory (1974) approved that gains can be achieved through IPD if returns in the different markets are not perfectly correlated. This may attribute to low correlations of equity returns among different economies. In this regards, there would be a large potential of diversification benefits for investors that diversify into new emerging group of economies such as equity markets of the main oil-producing countries. These markets are often segmented and they may ensure a superior return rate for a given risk level.

Design/methodology/approach

– In most of the previous studies, Pearson’s correlation test is used to analyze the short-run relationship of market prices. However, recent empirical studies indicate that correlations between equity returns vary over the time. To examine the time-varying conditional correlation, this paper used the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) model to investigate opportunities of the short-run IPD benefits. In addition, for the long-run linkage analysis, the autoregressive distributed lag (ADRL) approach introduced by Pesaranet al.(2001) is applied.

Findings

– It is found that, the market returns of the sampled countries are not definitely correlated in the short- and long-term. So, international portfolio investors may get the short- and long-term diversification benefits by diversifying their portfolios among the Middle Eastern equity markets, namely, Iran, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Originality/value

– This paper departs from earlier studies by focusing on the dynamic characteristics of correlation. Two main issues are pursued in this paper. First, instead of modeling the correlation by methods like Pearson correlation coefficient that consider the constant-correlation assumption, this paper directly uses the DCC model. Second, to empirically estimate the long-run relationship among stock markets in the Middle Eastern oil-producing countries, the ARDL approach is utilized. The ARDL approach is more robust and performs well for small sample sizes than other co-integration techniques.
How do business-level strategies affect multiple market servicing modes in the foreign country?
Authors: Li Nicolas , Dimitratos Pavlos
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– There is considerable literature on the firm's market servicing mode (MSM) when it enters the foreign country. However, scant research has been conducted to examine how business-level strategies (BLSs) affect internationalised firms to choose a multiple rather than single post-entry MSM. The purpose of this paper is to test the effect of three BLSs on firms’ selection of multiple MSMs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey responses of 165 internationalised Greek small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were collected capturing the types of BLSs they used during 2008-2010 and their number of MSMs in a particular foreign country in 2011. The data were analysed using logistic regression.

Findings

– The findings suggest that firms that implement collaborative and differentiation strategies are more likely to use multiple rather than single MSMs. Firms that implement penetration pricing strategies are more likely to use single MSMs, although this effect is marginally significant. Overall, the validity of the strategic choice model regarding the choice of multiple MSMs is confirmed.

Originality/value

– Despite its importance, the effect of BLSs influencing MSMs has not seemingly been investigated, especially in the context of internationalised SMEs as opposed to large multinational enterprises; and, for post-entry as opposed to initial modes. The findings underline the BLS significance on internationalised SME adoption of multiple vs single MSMs in the host country.
Exporters moving toward emerging markets: a resource-based approach
Authors: Bortoluzzi Guido , Chiarvesio Maria , Di Maria Eleonora , Tabacco Raffaella
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand whether and how specific capabilities at the firm level can sustain firms during the process of international expansion in emerging markets (EMs).

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative study was carried out, and the authors analyzed data from a sample of 271 manufacturing firms. A logistic regression was used to check for differences in the endowment of resources and capabilities of firms solely focussing on advanced markets (AMs) or extending their international scope to EMs as well.

Findings

– Firms that expanded their business in EMs showed a significantly higher endowment of international experience and marketing capabilities compared with firms that focussed only on AMs. The authors found that the size of the firm is irrelevant: even small firms can reach EMs by leveraging an appropriate set of capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is cross-sectional and cannot provide a longitudinal view of the process of capability development. Future research will be needed to detail the process of capability development during the international expansion of firms into EMs.

Practical implications

– Regardless of size, firms that plan to enter EMs should develop specific capabilities, especially marketing capabilities, to increase the likelihood of success. Already internationalized firms have a considerable advantage due to the knowledge they have accumulated in other markets.

Originality/value

– This paper advances understanding of the process of the international expansion of firms in EMs from a resource-based perspective.
Lobbying and litigation in telecommunications markets – reapplying Porter’s five forces
Authors: Sutherland Ewan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider extending the Porter “five forces” model for business strategy to encompass nonmarket actions in the telecommunications sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Porter five forces model is reviewed in terms of a heavily regulated sector, examining each force in turn, with examples of the use by market players of lobbying and litigation to affect market outcomes.

Findings

– The “five forces” model is a useful tool in analysing advocacy, lobbying and litigation by players in a heavily regulated market.

Practical implications

– The extension opens the way to research in a number of areas to examine issues of structure and strategy, effectiveness in coupling market and nonmarket strategies.

Originality/value

– Business strategy is infrequently analysed in the telecommunications sector and only rarely considers lobbying and litigation. This article provides a framework for such analyses and opens up new areas of research.
Wilful neglect and health care
Authors: Mandelstam Michael
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the criminal offence of wilful neglect in the context of hospital health care in England.

Design/methodology/approach

– Summarise the evidence of neglectful care in hospitals and analyse the ingredients and application of the offence of wilful neglect.

Findings

– Neglect is ongoing and systemic in the hospitals and the offence of wilful neglect seems to be ineffective as either a punitive or deterrent measure.

Practical implications

– There is a mismatch between the extent of systemic, reckless neglect in the hospitals and the application of the criminal offence of wilful neglect. The answer, if any, might be: widening of the offence to anybody who is wilfully neglected (not just those mentally disordered or mentally incapacitated people), a new offence of corporate neglect, the holding of reckless leaders to account, and a reinvigorated Care Quality Commission and Health and Safety Executive.

Originality/value

– The author is unaware that such a review of this area of law, applied to health care, has been undertaken.