bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The image of training and development consultancy in South Africa
Authors: Botha F. E. , Owens J. H.
Published: August 2019

The objective of this research was to establish the current image of training and development consultancy in South Africa in relation to the ideal as perceived by their clients. In view of the critical shortage of high-level manpower it was considered important to establish whether this service sector is effectively assisting organizations in developing their management to the required skill levels. Based on a survey of the literature on previous image studies, the research methodology combined the measurement of image by using a structured questionnaire with unstructured, subjective comment to arrive at a conclusion. The Repertory Grid technique was used to generate constructs for the semantic differential scale used in the questionnaire. This questionnaire was administered to training/personnel officials of a sample of manufacturing companies in the PWV area The responses to the questionnaire were analysed by means of basic descriptive statistics, factor analysis and t tests. Certain image dimensions were highlighted, and the results showed that numerous discrepancies existed between the image of training and development consultants and the perceived ideal. It was concluded that in order to effectively assist in alleviating the shortage of high-level manpower, training and development consultants should strive towards improving their analysis of problems, the correct identification of training needs and the customization of the training programmes to match specific South African corporate and cultural needs.
The incremental information content of AC 201 inflation-adjusted data
Authors: Du Plessis D. P. , Archer A. A. , Affleck-Graves J. F.
Published: August 2019

In this article an attempt is made to examine the extent to which inflation-adjusted income figures (derived from AC 201 data) contain information not included in the historic figures currently reported. The usefulness (or information content) criterion is examined from the aggregate market perspective through an empirical examination structured to determine which set of figures best represents the information impounded in share prices. The research design incorporates a two-stage regression approach which permits a determination of the incremental explanatory power of collinear variables. The results obtained suggest that there are information content differences between inflation-adjusted and historic data as measured through the association with share returns. Only for those companies affected to a lesser extent by the effects of inflation could no discernable difference in information content be detected. Bar this exception, the results appear to support the hypothesis that inflation-adjusted data contain information that is on aggregate not reflected in the financial reports currently produced. However, the contention that historic income also possesses information beyond that provided by inflation-adjusted income is not supported by the results. The research findings have important implications for reporting policy in SA regarding the future of inflation accounting requirements and seem to suggest that the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants should seriously consider making a form of inflation accounting mandatory.
The radical rationalization of management thought: Its causes and consequences
Authors: Human P.
Published: August 2019

Radical rationalization refers to the phenomenon where means are seen as ends-in-themselves. Translated to the practice of management this would mean that the exercise of techniques is absolutized to the extent that ends (goals) are lost from sight. In this article we enquire into the causes as well as the consequences of this phenomenon. It is argued that the nature of science as well as the nature of the bureaucratic organization can be seen as causal factors to the 'iron cage' of radical rationalization. Some of those familiar 'iron cages' such as strategic planning, industrial relations, behaviour modelling and the personal computer are discussed.
Strategic planning and remuneration
Authors: Andrews G. S.
Published: August 2019

Management thought, practice and process have changed dramatically over the recent past and we need new ways to think about how business performs and how to measure the managers who run our business operations. With rapidly changing markets, technologies, customers, suppliers and consumers, more and more emphasis is being placed on thinking strategically and on how to position the business for the future. Unfortunately many firms are still grappling with the concept of strategy and do not fully understand the concept of strategic management. As a result, many managers are being encouraged by the reward and compensation system to act in their own interests and not in the company's interests. Poorly designed measurement and compensation systems tend to reward short-term thinking and do not recognize the value of strategic compensation systems. Managers must be made partners in a firm's success by linking compensation to the strategic variables of success.
Promotion mix practices of market leaders: A cross-sector analysis
Authors: Abratt R. , Chorn N. , Van Der Westhuizen B. I.C.
Published: August 2019

Models which describe promotions practice in various situations have tended to be widely accepted without much attempt at empirical validation. Many approaches rely on the popular dichotomy which separates 'consumer' and 'industrial' marketing. It is argued that this separation is not entirely justified as far as the promotional activities of advertising and selling are concerned, and that the traditional models do not adequately describe promotions strategy in South African companies. The objective of this article is to review some of these approaches and to compare them with current findings of leading South African companies. A study of 25 leading companies across five sectors was undertaken. The purpose was to evaluate their promotions mix practices, and specifically to compare levels of expenditure on advertising and personal selling. The results are somewhat surprising, showing that personal selling expenditure is greater than advertising in all five the sectors studied.
The information content of dividends on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange: An empirical analysis
Authors: Ooms L. L. , Archer A. A. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: August 2019

The authors attempt to make a contribution to the research into the validity of the efficient market hypothesis on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange by investigating the market's reaction to dividend announcements. Evidence is presented that the efficient market hypothesis is not invalidated as traders on dividend information are not able to generate returns which are significantly different from the return generated by the market portfolio. It seems that the market is not sophisticated enough to distinguish between good and bad news as both portfolios yield either positive or negative abnormal returns. In quite a few cases investors holding a bad news portfolio were better off than holders of a good news portfolio. These facts suggest that the market is probably not reacting to dividend information but to the underlying earnings information which is simultaneously released. These results were obtained by applying the conventional techniques for announcement studies and it is obvious that this methodology should be refined and improved and further adapted to local practices in order to be able to give conclusive answers.
Finansiële beoordeling van landboukoöperasies
Authors: Hamman W. D. , Lambrechts I. J. , Mostert F. J.
Published: August 2019

This article covers a financial evaluation of 31 representative agricultural co-operatives. Although the ratio of the members' interest to the total assets remained reasonably constant during the study period, the share capital and reserves decreased relatively to the total assets. According to the financial evaluation, it is clear that there is a high gearing ratio, because about 75% of the total capital structure consists of loan capital. Although the asset structure showed no substantial change, the composition of current assets (which represented about 75% of the total assets) changed significantly. The debtors increased considerably whilst a decrease in the inventory cancelled this increase. Therefore it is apparent that the co-operatives fulfil the functions of financial institutions to a large extent. Looking at the liquidity position, the current assets increased relatively to the current liabilities, while a defensive financing policy was applied because the fixed assets, investments and intangible assets were financed by long-term capital. An analysis of the turnover ratios showed that the amounts of the total assets, debtors and current assets increased more rapidly than the sales volume, which may be the result of a more liberal credit policy towards members, the drought in certain parts of the country as well as an over-capitalization of the co-operatives. Although the average profitability was rather low, it must be seen against the background of a service rendered instead of a striving towards a profit. According to available information, it appears that the ability to meet their interest obligations deteriorated seriously since 1982.
The role of the pharmacist and pharmacy assistant as opinion leaders in the decision to purchase health and beauty aid products
Authors: Suttner R. S.M. , Staude G. E. , Viljoen J.
Published: August 2019

The authors investigate opinion leadership at the retail pharmacy level with regard to the purchase of health and beauty aid products. The characteristics of opinion leaders are identified and both pharmacists and pharmacy assistants are assessed in terms of these characteristics. The proposition that both the pharmacist and the pharmacy assistant qualify as opinion leaders is confirmed using a sample of 251 white, female consumers of health and beauty aid products. The implications of this finding for both pharmacy retailers and the manufacturers/marketers of health and beauty aid products are discussed.
The use of prescribed services marketing strategies by South African advertising agencies
Authors: Coman K. R.
Published: August 2019

Traditionally, marketing has been characterized by a lack of discrimination between tangible products and intangible services. Many marketing theorists presently subscribe to the view that the parameters of service exchanges are so different as to render conventional, product-based marketing paradigms invalid: However, definitive services marketing normatives remain limited in both range and scope. The author investigates specific services marketing strategies that have been prescribed in the services marketing literature. These strategies are assessed in terms of their actual usage amongst a sample of 44 advertising agencies. The research findings revealed that: (i) five marketing/managerial strategies were in common use - service quality, creativity, client-bonding, planning strategically, and operating efficiently; (11) advertising agencies freedom to adopt broader portfolios of services marketing strategies was constrained by their openness to client demands, and their emphasis upon having agency personnel serve as tangible service proxies. The implications of these findings and future research avenues in services marketing are discussed.
Evaluation of microcomputer utilization in small- and medium-sized businesses
Authors: Havenga J. J.D. , Bruwer P. J.S.
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the result of an empirical study on the use of microcomputers by small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa. A number of countries were included in the survey. The purpose of this study was to establish, through the use of 51 variables in the project, what major problems small and medium-sized businesses experience in the use of microcomputers in a developing region such as southern Africa. Special emphasis was placed on the main reasons for purchasing microcomputers, types of software used, as well as training and experience in handling this equipment in the management of a small business. Major findings included a greater computer literacy amongst users, with a strong tendency towards computer application for more sophisticated purposes such as decision making means of support.
Capital budgeting under uncertainty: An empirical study
Authors: Parry H. M.A. , Firer C.
Published: August 2019

The practices of and attitudes towards risk analysis in South African industrial companies is studied. Major findings are that few companies use the sophisticated methods of risk analysis recommended in the financial literature; there is a wider use of quantitative techniques by the more capital intensive companies; there is general dissatisfaction with the application of these techniques in industry; companies perceive a need for more use of quantitative risk-analysis techniques to aid decision-making. It is hoped that a greater understanding of the current practices of risk-analysis techniques and the attitudes of decision-makers will assist in the selection of appropriate capital budgeting methodologies to improve investment decisions made under uncertainty.Die praktyk van, en die houding teenoor risiko-analise in Suid-Afrikaanse nywerheidsmaatskappye word bestudeer. Die belangrikste bevindinge is dat min maatskappye gebruik maak van die verfynde metodes van risikoanalise soos in finansiele literatuur bespreek; dat daar 'n groter toepassing is van kwantitatiewe tegnieke deur die meer kapitaalintensiewe ondernemings; dat daar algemene ontevredenheid oor die toepassing van die tegnieke heers; maatskappye besef die behoefte om in 'n groter mate gebruik te maak van die kwantatiewe risikometodes vir besluitneming. Daar word vertrou dat groter begrip van die lopende praktyk van risikoanalise en die houding van besluitnemers sal bydrae tot beter keuses van geskikte kapitaalbegrotingsmetodes om beleggingsbesluite te neem in onsekere omstandighede.
The performance of secondary share recommendations published in the news media and the effects on the efficiency of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Authors: Bhana Narendra
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study is to determine if the buy and sell recommendations published in newspapers are able to outperform the market. The empirical evidence supports the hypothesis that buy and sell recommendations released to a small group of investors is not immediately and fully reflected in the share price. Instead, it appears that subsequent publication of these recommendations in newspapers has a significant impact on the market price. The findings of this investigation are not at variance with the notion of an efficient market. The publication of analysts' recommendations in newspapers makes the market more efficient by passing on new information to a large group of investors.
Varying market conditions on the New York Stock Exchange and their effects on non-USA markets
Authors: Bradfield D. J.
Published: August 2019

The effects of various market conditions of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on non-USA markets are investigated in this article. On the basis of an empirical investigation, evidence is presented which suggests that the influence of the NYSE on non-USA markets differs during different market conditions of the NYSE. For example, it was found that during declining market conditions on the NYSE the influence was greater on non-USA markets than during rising market conditions on the NYSE. A model designed to yield detailed risk statistics of individual non-USA securities was also implemented to investigate the impact of various market conditions of the NYSE.
The relative influence of service quality dimensions on perceptions of service quality in the banking industry
Authors: Boshoff Christo , Mels Gerhard , Nel Deon
Published: August 2019

Quality is an extremely difficult concept to define, describe and measure. Consequently, few academics and authors have attempted to model it and research findings on its influence on key business variables such as profitability and market share are confusing and inconclusive. These problems are compounded in the service sector where the use of objective measures of quality is almost impossible. In this study the pioneering work of Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry on service quality is used as framework to investigate the relative influence of service quality dimensions on overall perceptions of service quality in the banking industry. The empirical results show that empathy, assurance and reliability are the service quality dimensions which exert the most influence on consumers' evaluations of overall service quality.
An investigation into the normality of the distributions of financial ratios of listed South African industrial companies
Authors: Jordaan A. C. , Smit E. V.D.M. , Hamman W. D.
Published: August 2019

In this article we examine some of the inter-temporal and cross-sectional distributional properties of a selected number of financial ratios of South African industrial companies and we evaluate the effect of a simple procedure of outlier rejection. The normality assumption is rejected consistently in the case of the industry analysis and frequently in the sectoral and yearly analyses.
Challenges for the South African tourism industry to the year 2010 based upon a Delphi market research project
Authors: Bloom Jonathan Z. , Leibold Marius
Published: August 2019

The South African tourism industry is expected to develop substantially over the next fifteen years, due to anticipated high tourism market growth rates. However, tourism demand is subject to a host of uncontrollable factors, which are difficult to measure and project. Despite this fact, the tourism industry of a country, including both private sector and public sector operators, needs scientifically accepted projection bases to make investment and other strategic decisions. In this article we aim to convey the results and recommendations of an empirical study based on the Delphi research model, and to indicate the implications thereof for future national tourism strategies of South Africa. The approach, methodology and techniques used in the research are relevant to researchers internationally, and the recommendations are useful for national tourism policy and strategy formulation in any geographical context.
The relevance of certain design elements on the association between accounting and market-based measures of risk on the JSE
Authors: Loxton E. D. , Hamman W. D. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: August 2019

In this article the association between accounting and market-based measures of risk on the JSE and the dependence of the association on a number of design elements are examined. The results obtained show that in the South African context a significant positive relationship exists between market beta and a variety of earnings and cash flow-based accounting betas. No evidence is found to validate the supposed superiority of cash flow-based betas over earnings-based betas. Furthermore, the results indicate that this relationship is sensitive to a number of experimental design considerations. The significance between market and accounting betas was improved when the sample size was increased, when longer time horizons were used and when the sample was restricted to companies in the same sector. The book value of equity was shown to be a better deflator than the market value.
Implementing business ethics in large British organisations
Authors: Abratt Russell , Higgs Nicola
Published: August 2019

Much attention has been paid to ethics in the realm of business where i't is believed that a company should focus not only on the development of ethical business policies, but the implementation thereof as well. While ethical behaviour in business has been accepted, the implementation of ethical policies is proving to be difficult. In this article we firstly review the business ethics implementation literature with a particular focus on codes of conduct. We then present results from a study of British companies, commenting on methods of fostering ethical behaviour, the use of formal codes of ethics, management's involvement in implementation, and the effectiveness of codes of business practice. The results show that large British organisations are becoming more ethically aware, but still have some way to go in implementing ethical policies.
Reducing bias in shopping mall-intercept surveys: The time-based systematic sampling method
Authors: Bruwer Johan De W. , Haydam Norbert E. , Lin Binshan
Published: August 2019

Marketing practitioners nowadays often have to base important management decisions on information obtained in research surveys conducted in shopping malls. The shopping mall-intercept survey is a very popular method used by research agencies to gather information of almost all kinds. While the advantages of shopping mall-intercept interviewing are considerable, their adoption without recognition of their shortcomings is not prudent. Selection error, resulting in time sampling bias, occurs in shopping mall-intercept surveys as a result of significant differences between the characteristics of persons visiting a shopping mall at different time segments during a month period. In this empirical study, the authors explain the problem of time-based selection error in mall-intercept data, the failure of common research practices to correct it, and develop a specific time-bias reduction technique.
Perceptions of affirmative action: An empirical study
Authors: Amos Trevor , Scott Richard , William J. , Scott Judith
Published: August 2019

Private and public South African employers have instituted affirmative action policies meant to provide employment opportunities to Black South Africans. A body of literature suggests that because of affirmative action policies Black hopes have been raised while Whites view such policies as having a negative impact on their opportunities. However, no extant literature details an empirical investigation of these suggestions. Therefore, this study focusses on the affirmative action perceptions held by 350 South African university commerce students.
A note on the timing of dividend receipts in share returns
Authors: Van Rensburg Paul , Slaney Kevin , Hardy Phillipe
Published: August 2019

Researchers in financial economics conventionally include dividend receipts as returns received on their date of payment. This article argues that this procedure misrepresents the economic timing of shareholder returns. A theoretical discussion of the ex-dividend effect and an empirical investigation of this phenomenon on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange are used to motivate the contention that researchers would be more correct to incorporate dividend receipts in share returns on their 'ex dividend' rather than payment dates. This argument has particular relevance for those financial researchers employing monthly share price data. A failure to make this adjustment generally results in four out of twelve observations of share returns being characterized by measurement errors (the payment date generally being in the month following the ex-dividend date).
Managing service quality by managing the service customer
Authors: Govender Krishna K.
Published: August 2019

The need to manage service quality is becoming more urgent as links between service quality and business performance is becoming apparent. By breaking away from the traditional focus on the service employee, this article sheds light on strategies to manage service quality by managing the service customer. A survey was conducted among a sample of commercial bank customers to determine the effects of two types of socialization strategies on their perception of service quality. It was ascertained that by means of formal and informal socialization tactics, service firm managers could influence their customers' perception of the overall service quality as well as the employee service quality. Empirical evidence also supports the view that an organizational climate which supports service has a positive impact on the customers' perception of the employee service quality. The implications of these findings for service organization managers are discussed, and the opportunities for future research are also identified.
Can research be project managed?
Authors: Brown Chris J.
Published: August 2019

Due to increasing pressures on their available resources, research institutions are generally speaking in dire need of the more efficient goal achievement apparently afforded by the project management process, if applied appropriately. This article reports on an investigation in a large research organization in South Africa, to determine how closer conformance can be achieved of research projects with the typical characteristics of 'conventional' projects so as to enhance the application of project management techniques to research work. Firstly an overview of 'conventional' project management theory is given to establish a point of departure. Thereafter a number of factors that were identified in the study. which generally inhibits project management application in functionally structured organizations, are discussed. This is followed by a discussion of certain peculiarities of research work that may cause the failure of a proper project management approach. By comparing the above with the determinants of successful project management, five groundrules are then formulated for applying project management to research environments. These groundrules are the necessary prerequisites for the framework for a generalized approach to the application of project management to research environments, which is presented in conclusion.
TQM: The paradox of empowerment and conformance in the service sector
Authors: Hipkin I. B.
Published: August 2019

TQM is an appealing intervention directed at establishing improved customer service, cultural transformation, empowerment and continuous improvement, involving everyone in the organisation in an integrated effort towards enhanced performance at every level. Its appeal lies in its ability to encompass a quality programme, leading to excellence through participation. The diversity of activities done under the name of TQM is so wide that several authors have questioned whether it has an identifiable conceptual core. This presents an opportunity to managers to introduce a programme which they call 'TQM', with its attendant eminence, in order to implement changes. A paradox arises when employees are encouraged to bring forward their own solutions (empowerment), yet they are constrained by company policies, procedures, or management edicts (conformance). This study describes the implementation of TQM in a South African insurance company that wished to improve quality through empowerment. A questionnaire was administered to all members of a department involved with the TQM exercise. Wide differences in perceptions between managers, supervisors and officers were discovered. The diversity of opinions is discussed as a paradox between empowerment espoused by management and the emphasis on conformance experienced by officers.
Determinants of organisational commitment amongst knowledge workers
Authors: Kinnear Lisa , Sutherland Margaret
Published: August 2019

The knowledge economy and the knowledge worker are a phenomena of the twentieth century. While knowledge-based organisations are reliant on the knowledge of individuals for their success, they can no longer rely on the loyalty of these highly skilled and marketable employees. The main purpose of this study was to gain insight into what determines commitment to an organisation amongst knowledge workers. The data was collected by means of a survey of 104 knowledge workers from the financial services, information technology and science and technology sectors. The data was subjected to inferential and multivariate statistical analysis. The main findings of this research was that knowledge workers reject traditional retention systems in favour of individualism, independence and personal achievement. These findings are integrated into a model which highlights how knowledge workers' needs can be met through retention strategies which focus on freedom to act independently; financial reward and recognition; developmental opportunities; and access to leading edge technology.
The knowledge economy: Fact or faction
Authors: Asmal Kader , Kahn Michael
Published: August 2019

The phrase 'knowledge economy' has acquired currency as powerful as the adjective 'modern' once had. This paper explores the meaning of knowledge-based economy from the perspective of the South and traces the rise of the information sciences and the interplay between information technology and the present globalisation. Particular consideration is given to who is included and who is excluded in this new world order. Being involved in education, the authors are concerned to examine the track record of computer-based applications to education and the prospects for these to achieve the much elusive productivity gains in this field. The paper concludes with an outline of possible directions for the local information technology industry in relations to education.
A conceptual framework for the management of knowledge in a knowledge-based enterprise
Authors: Botha Daniel F.
Published: August 2019

Knowledge is at present recognised as a company's most valuable asset and strategic resource in the creation of a competitive advantage. The ability and capacity to manage this recently accentuated intangible asset is fast becoming the most emphasised and critical executive skill for the management of a knowledge-based enterprise. The action-oriented and changing characteristics of knowledge place it in the context of innovation, analysis, synthesis, creativity and value judgement. This study explores the possibility to describe a company knowledge profile that will sufficiently reflect the company's capacity and capability to act in the new knowledge economy. The application of the knowledge profile and certain specific knowledge processors to a knowledge processing activity to obtain a knowledge yield is examined. It is derived that the knowledge yield will not only comprise of new products and services but also of newly created knowledge. This assumption is tested against Nonaka et al.'s model for a knowledge-creating company. It is suggested that the newly created knowledge will, in turn, enhance the company's knowledge profile. The knowledge yield will subsequently reflect on the company's performance and market value. It is argued that certain elements, constructs and concepts on knowledge management could be presented as an integrative whole by a generic conceptual framework. Considerations to be taken into account when contemplating the implementation of knowledge management as a process is discussed.
Market timing using derivatives on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange during bear periods
Authors: Dumont De Chassart Marc , Firer Colin , Grantham Wendy , Hill Simon , Pryce Mark , Rudden Ian
Published: August 2019

The objective of the study was to investigate the gains from market timing strategies using derivatives during a period when the return on the market was below that of the risk-free asset (a so-called bear period). It was found that perfect timers appear to do better under bullish rather than bearish markets. However, in a bear period, substantially lower predictive accuracies were needed to beat a buy and hold strategy when timing strategies using call options and holding cash (bull timing) were used compared to the strategy of holding the market and buying puts (bear timing) ahead of anticipated poor periods. Finally both the strategies of holding cash and buying a call in every period (market speculation) as well as of holding the market and buying a put in every period (portfolio insurance) out-performed a buy and hold strategy.
Consequences of (un)regulated party funding in South Africa between 1994 and 2017
Authors: Maphunye Kealeboga J. , Motubatse Kgobalale N.
Published: August 2019

Globally, the topic of political party funding evokes strongly defended positions, partly because of the nasty dynamics that usually arise whenever money and politics cross paths. The primary issue in contention is whether to institute mandatory disclosure legislation, legally compelling parties to reveal their sources of funding, and the likely consequences of such disclosure. Alternatively, a laissez-faire approach may be adopted to party funding, and to determine which parties to exclude from state or public funding. In South Africa, these issues routinely raise public outcry and result in emotive debates pertaining to the expenditure of public finance and accountability. Thus, this article explores contemporary issues on political party funding in South Africa, focusing on recognised parties and examining their sources of funding. This article examines recent media reports on allegations of a lack of accountability on the part of political parties, particularly their apparent reluctance to disclose their sources of funding. It seeks to contribute to the debate on party funding in South Africa, through the use of a qualitative research method using content analysis. The authors contend that officially recognised parties should be audited by a Supreme Audit Institution (the Auditor General South Africa, locally) prior to tabling their annual reports in Parliament. The article concludes that such audit responsibility should not be given to private audit firms in order to avoid possible conflicts of interest, as some audit firms and individual employees may also be funders of some of the political parties.
Re-interventions and re-admissions in a 13-year series following use of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy
Authors: Slater Michelle , Midya Sumit , Booth Michael
Published: August 2019

Background:

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSTC) without cystic duct ligation is an alternative to conversion to open surgery in a difficult cholecystectomy, thus avoiding a potentially hazardous dissection in Calot's triangle. The long-term outcomes of this procedure are not well reported. The aim of this study is to assess the rates of re-presentation, re-admissions, endoscopic interventions and completion cholecystectomy in patients who have undergone LSTC.

Methods:

Details of all patients undergoing cholecystectomy over a 13-year period (2003–2015) were entered on a prospective database. Further information on subsequent hospital attendances, biliary imaging, endoscopic interventions and re-operations following the index LSTC was collected retrospectively from hospital database.

Results:

Overall, 2313 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Eighty-five patients (3.7%) underwent LSTC and the rest had standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A controlled bile leak was observed in 16 (19%) patients post-operatively, of which 3 resolved spontaneously. The remaining 13 were managed with an early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and biliary stent. Twenty-seven patients (32%), who underwent LSTC, were re-investigated for the upper abdominal symptoms. The time range for re-investigation was 21 days–124 months. Eight patients underwent ERCP post-discharge, for suspected bile duct stones on radiological imaging. Two patients required open completion cholecystectomy for symptomatic stones in the gallbladder remnant.

Conclusion:

LSTC is a feasible and safe alternative to open surgery with acceptable long-term consequences and re-interventions.
Vieillissement d’une mousse à base de tensioactif dans un sol sableux-argileux modèle
Authors: Selmi Moez , Kacem Mariem , Jamai Mehrez , Dubujet Philippe
Published: August 2019

Lubricants are used in the excavation procedure by earth pressure tunneling machines (EPBs). They help to fluidize the soil structure and thus prevent the clay from sticking to the cutting head. Excavated soil is classified as waste and stored in the disposal area. Reuse of this type of soil depends on their state after excavation and their evolution over time. To identify and understand the physical and mechanical evolution of excavated soil, a first step is to analyze physical evolution of foam on the soil. The foaming agents are characterized by aging which results in a physical modification of the foam. The aim of this study is to analyze the aging of CLB F5TM surfactant based liquid foam mixed with clayey sandy soil. The evolution of the volume of the foam over time shows a rapid degradation of the bubbles that constitute it. The physical degradation of the foam in the soil takes more time compared to the foam in the open cell thanks to the protection of bubbles by porous media. A column drainage test was performed to identify the evolution of the foam in the mixture through its effect on interstitial pressure. These tests show that the presence of the foam in the mixture promotes the drainage phenomenon compared to the case of unconditioned soil.

Des lubrifiants à base de tensioactif sont utilisés dans la procédure d’excavation par les tunneliers à pressions de terre (EPB). Ils permettent de fluidifier la structure du sol et d’éviter ainsi le collage de l’argile sur la tête de coupe. Les sols excavés sont généralement classés comme déchets et stockés en zones de dépôt. Une réutilisation de ce type de sol dépend de leur état après l’excavation et leurs évolutions au cours du temps. Les agents moussants se caractérisent par un vieillissement qui se traduit par une évolution de l’état physique de la mousse. Le but de cette étude est d’analyser le vieillissement d’un mousse liquide à base de tensio-actif CLB F5TM mélangée avec un sol sableux argileux. Des essais de suivi de l’évolution du volume de la mousse au cours du temps montrent une dégradation rapide des bulles qui le constituent. La dégradation physique de la mousse dans le sol prend plus de temps comparée à la mousse à l’air libre grâce à la protection des bulles dans le milieu poreux. Un essai de drainage sur colonne a été effectué afin d’identifier l’évolution de la mousse dans le mélange à travers son effet sur la pression interstitielle. Ces essais montrent que la présence de la mousse dans le sol favorise le phénomène de drainage comparé au drainage sur sol propre.
Constitutional Aspects of Local Taxes in the Slovak Republic and in the Czech Republic
Authors: Romanova Anna , Radvan Michal , Schweigl Johan
Published: August 2019

The main aim of the paper is to analyze the constitutional backgrounds of the local taxes´ legal regulation, assessment, and collection in the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic. The paper starts with the general constitutional regulation of taxes and continues with the critical analyses of local taxes´ regulation and application in both countries. It follows the legal power of legal norms, starting with the international aspects – the European Charter of Local Self-Government, continuing with the constitutional issues and finishing with the statutory regulation of local taxes. The first part of the hypothesis that even if the constitutional regulation in these countries is very different and gives different opportunities for the local taxes adoptions both in national Parliaments and in local councils, the practice in both countries is very similar, was (with a small difference in the actual use of given possibilities to adjust the real property tax revenues by the municipalities, which speaks in favour of the Slovak ones compared to the Czech) confirmed. However, the second part of the hypothesis that in both countries local self-government units do have adequate powers to impose and collect local taxes was rejected. In the conclusion, the comparison between the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic is made and possible changes de lege ferenda are presented.
Understanding Political Entrepreneurship in Local Government Administration – a Contextual Framework
Authors: Olausson Albin , Svensson Petra
Published: August 2019

It has been argued that political entrepreneurship is playing an increased role for public organizations and play a vital role in local government organizations. Political entrepreneurship has previously been studied from the motivations and actions of the individual entrepreneur. We argue that in order to understand why political entrepreneurship occurs in local public administration, these aspects are not enough. Instead, we need to consider entrepreneurship as situated, and analyse contextual conditions which form institutional demands for political entrepreneurship. A tentative framework is presented, which distinguish conditions coming from reformed organizational setting and conditions coming from new policy challenges. Finally, we conclude that the character of the conditions and thus the institutional demands directs political entrepreneurship towards either value-generative or collaborative entrepreneurship.
Classification of Patient Complaints and Developing Patient Complaints Indicators
Authors: Kenda Anka Mohorič
Published: August 2019

Based on actual patient complaints, we have assessed the suitability of measurable elementary criteria for the selected patient complaint indicator aggregate. These indicators enable, as evidenced by the study, the monitoring and reporting of recorded patient rights violations. The data acquired from processed patient rights violations were obtained through a quantitative study via an electronic complaint form, which constitutes an integral part of the prototype interactive software solution. This solution was used for submitting and monitoring of patients’ complaints on violation of their rights. Based on the data acquired from anonymised cases (71 complaints) and study findings, it was established that the recorded requests for the processing of patient rights violations occur as a result of: (1) inadequate attitude of healthcare professionals (n = 38.03%), (2) inadequate actions by healthcare professionals (n = 57.75%), and (3) later consequences of violations (n = 4.22%). The proposed set of patient complaint indicators can lead to a significant contribution to national patient rights protection policies, to improvement of healthcare quality indicators, and to implementation of measures for better healthcare quality.
Local Authorities and the Burden of Safeguarding Human Rights
Authors: Vilela Noemia Rute Peres de Bessa , Caramelo Gomes José
Published: August 2019

The role of Local Self-Government is essential for the promotion and protection of Human Rights. In the EU, regardless of all States being bind to the same sources of law in such matter, the intervention of the local authorities dependents on the functions to those attributed by the National Constitution.  The engagement with of Human Rights of the local authorities may be looked as an obligation, based on legal reasoning that links the local authorities to the broader State to act. Although the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights rests with the State, the promotion of a human rights culture within local public services plays a vital role in promoting respect for and the realization of human rights in the society.
Behavior of Nannopterum brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) (Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae) in an urban park in the municipality of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State
Authors: Carvalho Dayana Nascimento , Oliveira Liliane Martins de , Júnior Oswaldo Marçal
Published: August 2019

A modificação das paisagens pela ação antrópica, principalmente devido o processo de urbanização exercem forte pressão sobre as aves. Parques públicos e outras áreas verdes oferecem condições favoráveis para a permanência de aves nas cidades ao longo do ano. A espécie Nannopterum brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789), biguá, é uma das aves aquáticas piscívoras mais frequentes e abundantes em parques urbanos, rios e reservas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o repertório comportamental de Nannopterum brasilianus, avaliando possíveis mudanças comportamentais nas estações seca e chuvosa, em uma área urbana de Uberlândia (MG). O estudo foi conduzido no Parque Municipal do Sabiá, no período de dezembro de 2013 a novembro de 2014, totalizando 184 h de observação. Utilizou-se o método de amostragem de ponto fixo, em quatro lagoas do Parque. As observações foram realizadas no período da manhã, sendo utilizadas as técnicas animal focal e observação de todos os registros (ad libitum). Ao todo, foram obtidos 164 registros da espécie. O repertório comportamental incluiu 15 atos comportamentais, com destaque para repouso-poleiro e preening. Os comportamentos mostraram variações entre as estações do ano (χ² = 62,05; df = 14; p < 0,001), sendo vôo-grupo e repouso-margem mais exibidos na estação chuvosa.
2011 Triennial Surveillance Review - External Commentary - Surveillance by the International Monetary Fund
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

Commentary prepared by Martin Wolf, Associate Editor & Chief Economics Commentator, Financial Times, London:

"With countries naturally reluctant to cede any control over their own monetary and fiscal policies, it is likely that the IMF will have as instruments only the powers of analysis, persuasion, and, in Keynes" own favourite words, "ruthless truth-telling". That phrase does not conjure up many memories of any of the many international meetings I have attended. But unless the IMF has the self-confidence to play that role, its deliberations and statements will carry little weight. The Fund requires an independent, respected and clear voice." Mervyn King, 2006.
2011 Triennial Surveillance Review - External Study - An Evaluation of IMF Surveillance of the Euro Area
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

External Study prepared by Jean Pisani-Ferry, André Sapir, and Guntram B. Wolff:

This report provides an independent evaluation of recent IMF surveillance in the euro area (EA). It focuses on the euro area as a whole and on four countries severely hit by the recent economic and financial crisis, namely Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.
Review of Facilities for Low-Income Countries - Supplement 1
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This supplement aims to assess the economic impact of the Fund’s support through its facilities for low-income countries (LICs). It relies on two complementary econometric analyses: the first investigates the longer-term impact of Fund engagement—primarily through successive medium-term programs under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and its predecessors (and more recently the Policy Support Instrument (PSI))—on economic growth and a range of other indicators and socio-economic outcomes; the second focuses on the role of IMF shock-related financing—through augmentations of ECF arrangements and short-term and emergency financing instruments—on short-term macroeconomic performance. The empirical results shed some light on two channels through which different Fund facilities may have helped LICs respond to the global financial crisis—(i) by supporting a gradual buildup of macroeconomic buffers in the decades prior to the crisis and (ii) by providing liquidity support at the height of the crisis. The combination of strong pre-crisis buffers and crisis financing allowed LICs to pursue counter-cyclical policy responses that preserved spending and facilitated a rapid recovery.