bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colchones Eldorado: dreaming of innovating
Authors: Castaneda Delio I. , Manrique Luisa F.
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Innovation and creativity in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Latin America.

Study level/applicability

The case is recommended for creativity and innovation subjects, in undergraduate and MBA levels. The case is also suggested for subjects associated with the organizational dynamics on SMEs.

Case overview

Colchones Eldorado is a Colombian company dedicated to the bedding industry. The company was founded in 1957 by Gumercindo Gómez Caro, a creative man who in 1959 invented a machine to make springs, which allowed the company to grow steadily for several decades. On November 18, 2004, the founder's daughter, Martha Luz Gomez, was appointed as General Manager. On April 2011 it obtained a license from Sealy, the biggest mattress making company in the USA. The license implied a challenge - testing the company's innovative capacities to adapt Sealy mattresses to satisfy consumers in the Colombian market.

Expected learning outcomes

Students are shown the characteristics of the creative and innovation process in a Latin American SME, and the innovation challenges which are faced. From the reading and the case discussion, the students should be able to: analyse the manifestations of the creative process in an SME; identify examples of the innovation types of an SME; and discuss the organizational conditions to answer the creativity and innovation challenges in an SME.

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.
Beyond co-occurring disorders to behavioral health integration
Authors: Davidson Larry , C. Evans Arthur , Achara-Abrahams Ijeoma , White William
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Despite the high prevalence of co-occurring disorders and the need for systems of care to integrate mental health and addiction services, integration remains a challenge. The purpose of this paper is to address this challenge by focussing on shared processes of recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

– After reviewing commonalities between mental health and substance use recovery, integration of treatment with recovery supports under the rubric of a “recovery-oriented system of care” is described. Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services is then used as an example to illustrate strategies for achieving two forms of integration: mental health and addiction and treatment and recovery supports.

Findings

– Viewed through the lens of people with mental health and addiction challenges, the services and supports that promote recovery are very similar. One of the common themes that emerged was the need for these services to go beyond helping people manage their symptoms or achieve abstinence, to also helping them to rebuild their lives in their communities. In addition to co-location and increased collaboration, service providers must possess common values, a consistent approach, and a shared vision for the people they serve.

Practical implications

– Systems need to find innovative and effective ways to integrate recovery support services with treatment and other interventions, hopefully transforming existing services in the process.

Originality/value

– In the process of developing a truly integrated behavioral health system, a shared vision across all sectors of the system must shift away from the field's historical focus on illness and problems to a new focus on strengths and possibilities.
Determinants of occupational well‐being among executive women
Authors: Lucia‐Casademunt Ana María , Ariza‐Montes J. Antonio , Morales‐Gutiérrez† Alfonso Carlos
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Employee well‐being (WB) is a strategic reference of prime importance due to its impact on human capital, employee health and quality in working life, factors that are key to achieving successful organisations. The purpose of the current study is to assess the WB of female managers in the European workplace. The research analyses three dimensions (job satisfaction, comfort and enthusiasm) and the effect of job‐related factors on each one of these.

Design/methodology/approach

The Mental Health and Vitamin models (Warr, 1987) were taken as the starting‐point of the research. An alternative econometric method – an artificial neural network known as extreme learning machine was applied to a sample of 99 female managers collected from the 5th European Working Conditions Survey‐2010

Findings

The results obtained confirm that this methodology is valid to efficiently classify European female managers into those who feel satisfied with their jobs, calm and relaxed, and cheerful and in good spirits, and those who do not. Furthermore, the resulting model identifies the strongest factors important in determining the varied dimensions of occupational WB achieved.

Originality/value

Even today, despite the important contribution women managers make to the management of organisations, they have to face many challenges and overcome serious barriers in achieving and staying in positions of leaderships when compared to their male counterparts.
Store price promotion strategies: an empirical study from Chile
Authors: Manzur Enrique , Olavarrieta Sergio , Hidalgo‐Campos Pedro , Farías Pablo
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine two popular price promotion strategies – price matching guarantees (PMGs) and everyday low prices (EDLP) – and their effects on Chilean consumer behavior in terms of consumer perceptions of low prices, search behavior and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi experiment with three scenarios was conducted to test price promotion effects. Subjects were instructed to respond a questionnaire that included the dependent variables.

Findings

Results show that EDLP and PMG strategies increase perceptions of low prices and affect purchase intentions. These effects are significantly higher for stores offering EDLP than PMG. However, when consumers are exposed to two or more price promotion strategies (rather than one) they reduce their purchase intentions for a specific store and increase their search intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This is an initial study exploring the effects of price promotion strategies on consumers. Future research could test the hypotheses advanced in the study across different samples and contexts (supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, and other retailers) and might privilege external validity, using experiments mimicking decisions with real consequences.

Practical implications

Retailers and marketers in Latin America – particularly those companies stressing price or value as their differential advantage – should consider the use of price promotions when designing marketing strategies. On the other hand, retailers should be aware that an intensive use of these of promotions could lead to increases in consumer search behavior.

Originality/value

While findings from the USA suggest that price promotion strategies can be effective in several contexts, there has been a limited number of studies addressing whether such strategies are effective in other countries, particularly in Latin America and emerging nations.
A comparative study on urban and rural households preferences of fresh mutton meat consumption (a case study in eastern region of Turkey-Heckman Model)
Authors: Sahin Ahmet , Yıldırım İbrahim , Deniz Ahmet
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to perform a comparative assessment of the urban and rural households’ preferences of fresh mutton meat consumption in Hakkari, Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample size consisted of 95 rural and 95 urban households. The data were collected from November 2007 until May 2008 intermittently. Probity and Heckman Models were used in the study.

Findings

– Price elasticity of mutton meat demand was calculated as –0.242, which reveals the mutton meat is a compulsory good in the research area. Income elasticity of mutton meat was found as 0.39, which shows relatively satisfactory amount of mutton meat is consumed. However, there existed great differences in terms of mutton meat consumption per capita among the income groups.

Originality/value

– The findings in the study may contribute to the mutton meat producers and marketers in the region when planning their production and marketing strategies.
Updating staff involvement with development
Authors: A. Crumpton Michael
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to reinforce that library staff can be critical to development activities.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a discussion of issues involving personal giving and a case study example.

Findings

– Several factors are discussed related to staff behaviors about giving.

Originality/value

– This is the author’s own experiences and research, the author was involved in the case study.
Infusing new into the library
Authors: Steele Kirstin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the article is to review possible new technologies which might enhance a Center for Digital Learning, Teaching and Scholarship at the library.

Design/methodology/approach

– Opinion piece.

Findings

– There are several cutting edge but increasingly affordable technologies which could attract students to the library and raise the library’s profile.

Research limitations/implications

– It would be interesting to design a study of library use and determine if the addition of unusual technologies had any effects.

Practical implications

– Given the affordability of some devices, there is little risk involved in proceeding with establishment and furnishing of a Center for Digital Learning, Teaching and Scholarship at the library.

Originality/value

– A literature search for drones and libraries retrieved no scholarly articles, but did bring back one or two news pieces about circulating drones at the University of South Florida.
The mediational effect of regulatory focus on the relationships between mindfulness and job satisfaction and turnover intentions
Authors: C. Andrews Martha , Michele Kacmar K. , Kacmar Charles
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mindfulness as a predictor of the two components of regulatory focus theory (RFT): promotion and prevention focus. It further examines promotion focus and prevention focus as mediators of the mindfulness-job satisfaction and mindfulness-turnover intentions relationships. Finally, job satisfaction is also examined as a mediator of the mindfulness-turnover intentions relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– The model was tested using data collected via a snowball approach. Online surveys were distributed to undergraduate students enrolled in a business course. Students were then given the opportunity to earn extra credit by sending the survey to potential respondents. The relationships were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Support was found for four of the six hypotheses. Prevention focus did not negatively mediate the relationship between mindfulness and job satisfaction as well as the relationship between mindfulness and turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

– One limitations of this research is the placement of mindfulness as an antecedent to promotion and prevention focus. Another plausible alternative is to consider mindfulness as a consequence. An additional limitation is the use of a snowball sampling technique. Future research should examine these findings using employees of a single organization.

Originality/value

– This research theoretically and empirically links RFT and mindfulness. This study also adds to the limited research empirically linking RFT and turnover intentions, both directly and indirectly via job satisfaction. Finally, this research extends previous research that established the positive relationship between mindfulness and job satisfaction by examining the mindfulness-job satisfaction-turnover intentions relationship.
Air gap MMF based prediction of eddy current loss in the PMs of concentrated winding brushless machines
Authors: Masmoudi Asma , Masmoudi Ahmed
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to an analytical approach-based prediction of the eddy current loss in the PMs of a concentrated winding machine equipped with 12 slots in the stator and ten poles in the rotor.

Design/methodology/approach

– The investigation of the PM eddy current loss has been carried out using an analytical model and a 2D time-stepped transient finite element analysis (FEA).

Findings

– It has been found, in the case of the treated machine, that just the subharmonic of rank 1 and the harmonic of rank 7 have significant contributions to the eddy current loss in the PMs.

Research limitations/implications

– A shift between the results yielded by the developed analytical model and those computed by FEA has been noticed. This limitation is mainly due to the slotting effect which has been omitted in the analytical model.

Practical implications

– Fractional slot PM machines are currently given an increasing attention in automotive applications. The prediction of their iron loss in an attempt to rethink their design represents a crucial efficiency benefit.

Originality/value

– The analytical prediction of the eddy current loss in each PM then in all PMs and their validation by FEA represent the major contribution of this work.
Vibration signature analysis for monitoring rotor broken bar in double squirrel cage induction motors based on wavelet analysis
Authors: Miceli Rosario , Gritli Yasser , Di Tommaso Antonino , Filippetti Fiorenzo , Rossi Claudio
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a diagnosis technique, for rotor broken bar in double cage induction motor, based on advanced use of wavelet transform analysis. The proposed technique is experimentally validated.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed approach is based on a combined use of frequency sliding and wavelet transform analysis, to isolate the contribution of the rotor fault components issued from vibration signals in a single frequency band.

Findings

– The proposed technique is reliable for tracking the rotor fault components over time-frequency domain. The quantitative analysis results based on this technique are the proof of its robustness.

Research limitations/implications

– The validity of the proposed diagnosis approach is not limited to the analysis under steady-state operating conditions, but also for time-varying conditions where rotor fault components are spread in a wide frequency range.

Practical implications

– The developed approach is best suited for automotive or high power traction systems, in which safe-operating and availability are mandatory.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a diagnosis technique for rotor broken bar in double cage induction motor base on advanced use of wavelet transform which allows the extraction of the most relevant rotor fault component issued from axial vibration signal and clamping it in a single frequency bandwidth, avoiding confusions with other components and false interpretations.
Dual current control strategy to fulfill LVRT requirements in WECS
Authors: Díaz Matías , Cárdenas-Dobson Roberto
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a control strategy to fulfill low-voltage ride through (LVRT) requirements in wind energy conversion system (WECS).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper considers an active front-end converter of a grid connected WECS working under grid fault conditions. Two strategies based on symmetrical components are studied and proposed: the first one considers control only for positive sequence control (PSC); the second one considered a dual controller for positive and negative sequence controller (PNSC). The performance of each strategy is studied on LVRT requirements fulfillment.

Findings

– This paper shows presents a control strategy based on symmetrical component to keep the operation of grid-connected WECS under unsymmetrical grid fault conditions.

Research limitations/implications

– This work is being applied to a 2 kVA laboratory prototype. The lab prototype emulates a grid connected WECS.

Originality/value

– This paper validate the PNSC strategy to LVRT requirements fulfillment by experimental results obtained for a 2 kVA laboratory prototype. PNSC strategy allows constant active power delivery through grid-voltage dips. In addition, the proposed strategy is able to grid-voltage support by injection of reactive power. Additional features are incorporated to PNSC: sequence separation method using delay signal cancellation and grid frequency identification using phase locked loop.
Influence of rotor design on performance of PM machines for heavy-duty traction applications
Authors: Jacob Jubin , J.H. Paulides Johannes , Lomonova Elena
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the performance and efficiency of two different permanent magnet (PM) machine rotor configurations under magnetic core saturation conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Since the accuracy of conventional analytical methods is limited under saturation conditions, a finite element model of the machine is built; which is used to predict the various losses over its operating range such as eddy current, hysteresis, copper and magnet losses. Using this model, the efficiency map of the machine is derived which is used to investigate its efficiency corresponding to a heavy vehicle drive cycle. The performance of two different rotor designs are studied and the efficiency of each design is compared under the considered drive cycle.

Findings

– It has also been proved that the performance advantage due to reluctance torque in the v-shaped interior PM (IPM) machine is offset by its core steel saturation at higher current/torque levels. The magnitude of iron losses in the IPM is higher than that in the surface PM (SPM) machine, however, the magnet loss in the SPM is higher than in the IPM.

Originality/value

– An investigation of the performance of the IPM design in comparison with the SPM∼design under magnetic saturation conditions is not known to the authors. Hence, in this paper, it will be determined if the assumed performance advantage of the IPM over the SPM still holds true under these conditions.
An approach to the sizing of electric motors devoted to aerospace propulsion systems
Authors: Bouzidi Ikhlas , Bianchi Nicola , Masmoudi Ahmed
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to deal with the design and optimization of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) devoted to aeronautic applications.

Design/methodology/approach

– A design approach as well as a performance investigation, based on two-dimensional finite element analysis of selected electromagnetic and thermal features, are applied to chosen PM synchronous machine topologies which differ by their number of phases.

Findings

– It has been found that the initial set of geometrical parameters does not fulfill the torque/weight compromise required by a aeronautic applications since it leads to an average temperature rise higher than the authorized limit (class H: 155 K). Therefore, the sizing has been rethought in an attempt to meet the constraints of the considered application.

Research limitations/implications

– Several continuations of the developed works shall be treated in the future, such as: (i) the prototyping of the designed machines, (ii) extending the optimization procedure to the whole drive including the motor and the associated static converter, and (iii) the synthesis and implementation of a dedicated control strategy with a suitable emulation of the load.

Practical implications

– The studied machines could be integrated in aerospace propulsion systems.

Originality/value

– The paper develops a design procedure of PMSM dedicated to aerospace applications where the compromise between torque/weight/temperature represents a crucial design challenge.
What's in a picture? — film digitisers provide the answer
Authors: Hills Roger , Joyce‐Loebl
Published: November 2014

Film digitisers and writers allow quantitative information to be extracted from photographic material. One such digitiser is in Joyce Loebl's Scandig range.
Capital punishment from County Hall
Authors: Fowler Gerry
Published: November 2014

The actions of the Inner London Education Authority may seem of no interest to those who do not live or teach within its area. Some of its recent decisions should however concern everyone in Further Education; even when they have no direct impact outside London they illustrate problems, and dangers, which should worry us all.
False starts and misconceptions about tourism development: Eight considerations from the southernmost part of Africa
Authors: Ferrario Franco F.
Published: November 2014

‐ One of the consequences of the present long period of economic depression, which has been felt with particular severity by most Third World countries, has been a necessary critical reassessement of many development strategies. Especially in Africa, the balance sheet between efforts and results has not been very encouraging. The massive industrialization programmes and the large projects of the last three decades have neither helped to achieve a more competitive production nor have introduced widespread prosperity, as hoped. Gradually the accent is now shifting toward new “soft options”, one of which is tourism. We remember that only 15–20 years ago many African governments or international development agencies were still considering tourism as a marginal economic activity, to be left to poor nations without much prospects for industrialization. Since then much has changed and ‐ especially in the present post‐industrial economies ‐ tourism and the whole gamut of other leisure industries have become one of the most dynamic fields of expansion, even in the developing world.
Recreational land use patterns within an American seaside resort
Authors: Stansfield Charles A.
Published: November 2014

Urban areas whose dominant economic activities are those of providing an array of recreational services to tourists normally reflect this specialization in their land use patterns. Although precise statistical definition of the relative importance of recreational functions within an urban economy has certain inherent difficulties, some towns are so obviously dependent on tourism that they are universally recognized as resorts. In these towns, a characteristic urban morphology is apparent. Their unique physical qualities, so readily observed in the basic urban structure of resorts, may provide students of the science of tourism with insight into their function. Function and form, in tourism as in other urban activities, are, necessarily, closely interwined. ‘The landscape of a town, or if the word is accepted, the “townscape”, is worthy of far more geographical research than it now receives.’ The objective of this paper is the description of this interrelationship as observed in a representative American seaside resort, together with a brief historical interpretation of urban development in this resort.
Using a case study approach to identify critical success factors for alliance contracting
Authors: Jefferies Marcus , John Brewer Graham , Gajendran Thayaparan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– There has been a significant increase in the use of relationship contracting in the global construction industry, with strategies such as Partnering, Alliancing and Public-Private Partnerships all used. These approaches were introduced to the Australian construction industry in the 1990s in an attempt to overcome the adversarial nature of traditional contracting methods. The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that influence the successful implementation of Project Alliancing by means of a case study approach focusing on the procurement of a large water treatment plant. The research findings identify critical success factors (CSFs) both from literature and the case study project.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research traces the origins of Alliancing and identifies CSFs by reviewing literature and analysing a current case study project. The paper first identifies CSFs on a global scale by establishing a theoretical framework of CSFs and then compares this to the case study project. A case study of an Australian Alliance project is investigated whereby a semi-structured interview process, involving senior managers from the six partners from the Alliance, was used in conjunction with a review of project documentation. The findings of the case study project are compared to the literature and any new CSFs are identified.

Findings

– Alliancing helps to establish and manage the relationships between all parties, remove barriers and encourage maximum contribution to achieve success. Alliancing provides a project delivery method that promotes open communication, equality and a systematic problem resolution process. Team culture focusing on an “open book/no blame” approach is vital to the success of an Alliance. Five CSFs were identified as specifically influencing the success of the case study project: the use of an integrated Alliance office; the staging of project and stretch targets; establishing project specific key performance indicators; facilitating on-going workshops; and the integration of a web-based management programme.

Originality/value

– The research findings assist both public and private sectors by identifying factors that are critical for success in Alliancing. Five additional factors were identified as specifically influencing the success of the case study project. Since this research was conducted, Australia has seen a further increase in relationship contracting where the likes of Alliancing is often used as the default approach for certain Public Sector projects. Ongoing research into Alliancing is vital to ensure the development of sustainable procurement models, successful operational viability, fair risk distribution and value for money.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC): the transformation of a government-linked firm in Dubai
Authors: Eyring Alison Romney , Lim Angeline , Danish Tania
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Strategy, organisation change, leadership.

Study level/applicability

MBA Level/Managing Change and Leadership courses.

Case overview

This case follows the journey of Malcolm Wall Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), in his transformation of the organisation from a slow, unfocused organisation to one that is operationally efficient with a positive culture. The case ends by pushing students to think beyond the structural and cultural changes that took place, to the next level of change that must happen for DMCC to ensure sustainable growth.

Expected learning outcomes

Understand issues that are related to change management in an organisation and being aware of the potential ways to manage it; recognize the role of leadership in driving and managing change; recognize that the issues discussed are not limited to the case of DMCC, but are applicable to all other organisations who seek sustainable growth in the long run.

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.
Kulim Land Office Malaysia: success with effective leadership style
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Awais , Battour Mohamed Mohamed , Sundram Veera Pandiyan Kaliani
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Leadership.

Study level/applicability

This case study is useful for graduate and post-graduate students.

Case overview

Kulim Land Office is the department responsible for the management of the affairs of the land in this area and it focuses on harmony, progress and prosperity management so that they are conducted in an orderly manner, and in accordance with the requirements of regulations and existing laws. Kulim Land Office is a public organization which is managed by the Land Administrator and two assistants of the Land Administrator. There are about 60 staff and they are being led by the Land Administrator Tuan Haji Md. Shuhaimie b. Abd Rahman, AMK, BCK, ASK. Since the Tuan Haji Md. Shuhaimie leadership started in August 2009, the units had experienced many successful achievements and, not surprisingly, have become a benchmark for other departments in the state of Kedah and the whole Malaysia public departments. This case study explains the importance of different leadership style at workplace and ways to avoid criticism. This case study also explains different methods to motivate subordinates to develop effective leader-follower relationship.

Expected learning outcomes

This case study will help students understand leadership style and ways to avoid criticism.

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.
Poverty alleviation via tourism cooperatives in China: the story of Yuhu
Authors: Yang Xiaotao , Hung Kam
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to understand whether poverty alleviation can be realized in tourism via tourism cooperatives. As a fast growing industry in the world, tourism has accelerated economic development in many participating places. A large number of tourism cooperatives have emerged to capture conspicuous economic benefits from tourism in many rural areas of China. The role of tourism cooperatives has not yet been explored from the poverty alleviation perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two field trips to Yuhu Village, Lijiang, China, which included in-depth interviews, were conducted during August and December 2011, aiming at understanding the roles of tourism cooperatives in poverty alleviation. In-depth interviews with villagers (45) and mangers of tourism cooperative (5) were conducted. A systematic coding procedure including open, axial and selective coding was conducted with the software assistance of ATLAS.TI6.2.

Findings

– Evidence from Yuhu suggested that resources and power changes, both of which are further divided into both individual and collective levels, are the main contributors to substantial improvements of the poor. Material and social resources were significantly accumulated. In addition, empowerment, referring to the improvements in status, legitimacy and capability/knowledge, facilitated villagers to obtain favorable policies. By embracing a more broad understanding of poverty, the tourism cooperative is proven to effectively alleviate the poverty suffering of Yuhu villagers.

Originality/value

– Understanding poverty from a multi-dimensional perspective is deemed to be critical to reveal the actual story, as evidenced in this study, with analyzing resource flows and power changes at different stages of tourism development. By embracing a more broad understanding of poverty, the role of tourism cooperatives in poverty alleviation was able to be noticed and emerged from in-depth interviews. A systematic scrutiny has been carried out to examine the pro-poor effects brought about by tourism cooperatives.
4WD mobile robot for autonomous steering using single camera based vision system
Authors: Hyuc Ko Min , Chul Kim Kyoung , Suprem Abhijit , Prem Mahalik N. , Sahng Ryuh Boem
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate System-of-Systems (SoS) approach to design and development of unmanned robotic platform for greenhouse agricultural application.

Design/methodology/approach

– SoS design approach is important in developing engineering products. It was observed that while system integration considers designs in a multi-disciplinary level framework, SoS is viewed as a solution focussed approach. In this paper, the authors have demonstrated SoS approach to develop a mobile robot platform. The wheels of the platform are independently controlled by using brushless DC and stepper motors based on fieldbus type Distributed Control System scheme.

Findings

– The constraints for autonomous traveling were identified during the first phase followed by development of 12 distinct sub-routines during second phase of training. Optimal camera installation angle, driving speeds, steering angle per pixel were found to be valuable constraints for feed-forward parameters for real-time driving. The platform was field tested in a tomato planted greenhouse for yield and weed mapping.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper focusses on studying vision-based autonomous four-wheel-drive (4WD) constraints and their implementation limitations.

Practical implications

– The platform was field tested in a tomato planted greenhouse for yield and weed mapping.

Social implications

– The platform can be used for agricultural operations such as crop scouting, monitoring, spraying, and mapping in a medium to large-scale greenhouse setting.

Originality/value

– The research and presentation is original. Starting from its mechanical specification to wheel performance study, development of path patterns for training and global navigation algorithm for testing and validation were achieved. The platform can autonomously be driven without any manual intervention.
Relaxation of employment protection and labour reallocation
Authors: Malk Liina
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Employment law reform enforced in Estonia in mid-2009 provides a good opportunity to examine the outcomes of employment protection legislation (EPL). The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of the reduction in EPL on labour reallocation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author exploits the micro-data of the Labour Force Survey to estimate the probabilities of one-year worker flows with probit models, and uses a difference in differences (DID) approach to identify the effects of the EPL reform.

Findings

– The author finds that the reduction in EPL seems to have increased the probability of transitions out of employment. At the same time, she does not find any significant effect of this reform on the probability of flows into employment. The evaluation also gives evidence of a lowered probability of job-to-job transitions resulting from the reduction in EPL.

Research limitations/implications

– In this paper, the DID estimation is conducted by using Lithuanians as the control group for Estonians. However, it should be noted that this approach assumes strong similarities between these countries in order to obtain reliable estimates.

Originality/value

– The findings of this paper raise the possibility that the reduction in EPL alone may not have been sufficient for achieving a better reallocation of labour and this is important to consider in the context of further developments in other labour market institutions.
Evaluating the prevalence and nature ofblatin post-Soviet societies
Authors: C. Williams Colin , Onoshchenko Olga
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the extent to which the practice of using personal networks to obtain goods and services or to circumvent formal procedures, known asblatin the Soviet era, persists in post-Soviet societies and whether its character has altered.

Design/methodology/approach

– To do this, the prevalence and nature ofblatin the education sector in the city of Mykolayiv in Ukraine is analysed using 200 face-to-face structured interviews with a spatially stratified sample of Mykolayiv residents and 30 follow-up semi-structured in-depth interviews.

Findings

– The finding is thatblatis widely used to gain places in kindergarten, schools and universities. However, unlike Soviet erablatwhich took the form of non-monetised friendly help in the market-oriented society of post-Soviet Ukraine, both possessing control over access to assets such as education, as well as possessing personal connections to those with control over access to these assets, is increasingly viewed as a commodity to be bought and sold, and illicit informal monetary payments are now commonplace. The result is that nepotism, cronyism, bribery and corruption hinder meritocratic processes.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper examines the prevalence and nature ofblatin just one sector in one post-Soviet country. An analysis across a wider range of sectors in various post-Soviet societies is now required to develop a more context-bound and nuanced understanding ofblatin post-Soviet societies.

Originality/value

– This is the first in-depth empirical evaluation of the prevalence and nature ofblatin contemporary post-Soviet societies.
Using single items to measure job stressors
Authors: Gilbert Stephanie , Kevin Kelloway E.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether single-item measures of job stressor facets were as valid as multiple-item measures in predicting psychological strain. Single-item measures are more time and cost efficient than multiple-item measures and may also have psychometric benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from 3,166 hospital employees were used to evaluate the validity of 11 single-item job stressor facet measures by applying five criteria for content and criterion validity.

Findings

– Based on this data, six single-item measures of job stressors met all criteria, supporting their use as single-item facet measures.

Research limitations/implications

– The use of a sample of employees from one female-dominated industry may limit the generalizability of the results to other industries. Future research should replicate the results of the current study in other industries and use longitudinal designs to examine the predictive validity of the single-item measures. Future studies may also develop single-item measures of each facet a priori and examine their validity.

Practical implications

– Results support the use of single-item measures for the assessment of significance, recognition, workload, work-family conflict, skill use, and coworker relations, which can be included in research where a shorter survey is necessary. These six measures may facilitate more frequent assessment of job stressors, the assessment of job stressors as control variables, and the assessment of multiple job stressors simultaneously, while still minimizing survey space and cost.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to examine the validity of single-item measures of job stressors, which is a construct that is frequently assessed in organizations.
Non-traditional library collections – in digital and other worlds
Authors: Michnik Katarina , Eriksson Catarina
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to study how public libraries argue for the inclusion of non-traditional library collections and to identify public library objectives related to these collections.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data was collected through a Web survey which was sent to public library managers in all Swedish municipalities. Data were analyzed using a model in which public library practices are divided into three categories relating to the public library’s goals, activities and tools.

Findings

– Three different main arguments are used to support the introduction of non-traditional collections: as a contribution to public library goals or activities to attract non-users and as the result of external requests or needs. Through analysis of the survey results, the public library’s common goal, a socially sustainable society, was identified. Other library goals identified were an environmentally sustainable society and an improved library.

Practical implications

– The results may inspire practitioners to reflect upon how non-traditional collections are related to library goals and activities and what consequences their inclusion may have for the library. For example, if non-traditional collections are used only to attract new users, there is a risk of creating expectations that the library cannot live up to.

Originality/value

– Today, focus is placed on the conditions for public libraries in the digital world. It is easy to overlook the importance of non-traditional library collections, and the role they fulfill. This article draws attention to these collections and their possible consequences for public libraries.
Open access and document supply
Authors: Schöpfel Joachim
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an overview and update of what one actually knows about the impact of open access on inter-lending and document supply.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of recent papers, published after the Berlin Declaration on Open Access in 2003.

Findings

– Everything seems to oppose document supply and open access. Open access has contributed to the recent decline of interlibrary loan (ILL) and document supply requests but is not the only reason and probably not the most important. Open repositories and open-access journals have the potential to substitute ILL and document supply; yet for different reasons, including legal compliance, this substitution remains of limited interest. ILL and document supply institutions have started to integrate open access into their workflow and service provision in different ways, and the paper provides a conceptual framework with some perspectives for further service development.

Originality/value

– Paradoxically, relatively few papers make the link between open access and document supply, with empirical and/or conceptual elements. This paper proposes a synthesis and opens perspectives for future development and research.
Purifying Islamic equities: the interest tax shield
Authors: Brendan Mulcahy Mark
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to add to the debate regarding the appropriate methodology to purify tainted components fromshari’ah-compliant equities.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on theQur’anicalprohibition againstribaand an analysis of the purification methodology recommended by Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI)shari’ahStandard 21, this paper highlights the shortcomings in Standard 21 and references the corporate finance literature to argue for the need to also purify the interest tax shield from debt.

Findings

– Purification is a pivotal element of the Islamic investment process, yet Standard 21 permits a loose interpretation which causes portfolios to be under-purified. Standard 21 also makes no mention of the interest tax shield from debt even though the benefits are at odds with the principles of social justice in Islam. That there is no mention of the interest tax shield from debt in the (limited) literature on the purification of Islamic equities is puzzling.

Practical implications

– This paper has implications for the Islamic funds industry and for devout Muslim investors.

Originality/value

– The specific contribution of this paper is the identification of the interest expense tax shield (well-established in the corporate finance literature) as a significant non-compliantriba-related component that needs to be considered in the purification process.
Dow Jones Islamic Market US Index
Authors: Omar Farooq Mohammad , Hasib Reza Md.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to apply technical analysis to some leading Islamic indices and explore if these indices are amenable to the same kind of analysis as applied to conventional indices and whether technical analysis, in contrast with fundamental analysis, produces distinct or superior return.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, some basic tools of TA to Dow Jones Islamic Market US Index (IMUS) is applied in comparison with the three major market indices: Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 Index and NASDAQ 100. For TA, we apply moving averages, MACD and Stochastics as indicators. The paper is written particularly for those with interest in Islamic finance, but not necessarily familiar with TA. This paper thus also explores some Shariah-related issues in effectively applying TA.

Findings

– The comparative analysis shows that the performance based on IMUS can be improved, when TA is applied.

Research limitations/implications

– Robust tools of TA play an important role in market research. This paper probably is the first to apply TA in the context of Islamic finance. Because the scope of this paper is limited (only Dow Jones Islamic USA Index and comparison with three leading market indices), more in-depth research is needed and possible, which it is hoped this paper will encourage.

Practical implications

– The successful application of the basic TA tools to Islamic index will encourage the practitioners of Islamic finance to research and explore further uses and effectiveness of TA on other Islamic products.

Originality/value

– This paper is probably the first application of TA to Islamic finance markets, written especially for those who take active interest in the financial market from Islamic perspective.
Maximum impact for minimum subsidy: reverse auctions for universal access in Chile and India
Authors: S. Wu Irene
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to discuss how minimum subsidy auctions have been implemented in Chile and India for Internet and mobile phone infrastructure to and identify lessons for governments considering reverse auctions as a tool. In a minimum subsidy auction (also known as a reverse auction), the government starts by offering the maximum funds available for a given public project; the company requiring smallest subsidy wins.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article investigates several case studies of subsidy auctions in both Chile and India.

Findings

– When firms compete for subsidies in reverse auctions, they have incentives to get the most result for the least funds. This furthers the government’s goal to achieve maximum public policy impact with minimum budget.

Originality/value

– For developing countries, very little research has been done on implementation of auctions in the communications sector.
Intangible assets in Germany
Authors: Frey Hannes , Oehler Andreas
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Intangible assets are regarded as the future value drivers of company performance. However, hardly anything is known about the actual importance and influence of intangible assets. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap, so the authors analyse the German stock market index DAX and accomplish a survey among the German Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) concerning intangible assets.

Design/methodology/approach

– In a first step, the authors analyse the balance sheet data and the corresponding notes of the companies with regard to reported values of intangible assets and applied valuation methods. The sample period covers the years from 2005 to 2008. In a second step, the authors analyse the statements of the German CPAs with regard to intangible assets. The authors sent a standardised questionnaire to all 180 offices of the top ten German auditing firms.

Findings

– The results indicate that intangible assets have gained in importance, while information on valuation methods is still scarce. According to the German CPAs, the current influence of intangible assets on company performance is on a high level and even will increase during the next few years. The mostly used valuation approach for the fair value measurement of patented technologies is the income approach. Furthermore, the accounting standards leave room for accounting policy – a result which casts doubt on the reliability of financial statements.

Originality/value

– For the first time not only annual balance sheet data but also corresponding notes regarding intangible assets are analysed. The findings are connected with a survey of an expert group for the valuation of intangibles.