bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Сабина Шпильрейн как студентка Цюрихского университета
Authors: Shkuratova Irina P.
Published: December 2016

The paper analyzes the student period of S. N. Spielrein’s life. In Section I the author discusses the importance of the correspondence between the student’s personal and socio-demographic characteristics and the requirements of the institute of higher education for its students, as well as its socio-psychological atmosphere. Next, from this point of view the author (a) analyzes personal traits of Sabina Spielrein, whichenabled her to enter the University of Zurich in 1905, (b) emphasizes her proficiency in foreign languages and Latin, which was an obligatory condition to enter university for that period of time, (c) notes a positive role of her parents, who tried to give the best education to their children. The article examines the role of universities in Switzerland, including the University of Zurich, in higher education of Russian students in the period from the end of the19th century to the beginning of the First World War. Since, accessing higher education was impossible for women in Russia in that period of time, the number of Russian female students in Western universities increased considerably from the 1890s. The beginning of the 20th century created favorable conditions for Russian students to enter the universities of Switzerland, which facilitated Sabina Spielrein’s adaptation to studying at the University of Zurich. The author draws a conclusion that Sabina Spielrein’s studying at the University of Zurich fulfilled a psychotherapeutic function, developed her logical thinking, enabled her to overcome some complexes, and improved communication skills. Shebecame a physician, that was prestigious for that time. This profession rendered her a great service in the last years of her life in Rostov-on-don, when she was forbidden to practise psychoanalysis.
Этнически смешанные браки сквозь призму феномена удовлетворенности супружеством
Authors: Tashcheva Anna I. , Bedredinova (Gridneva) Svetlana V. , Stefanenko Tat'iana G. , Tikhomandritskaya Olga А.
Published: December 2016

The paper brings forward results of the empirical study of the phenomenon of marriage satisfaction in bi-ethnic and mono-ethnic officially married couples. The authors distinguish the following main characteristics of marriage satisfaction: personal, mutual, average for a married couple, characteristics according to spheres of marriage (household, sexual-erotic, leisure, psychotherapeutic, birth and upbringing of children, unanimity of views and judgments of relatives and friends), features of conflicts in bi-ethnic and mono-ethnic marriages. Methods of the study included (a) the analysis of the literature on the problem, (b) psycho-diagnostic method, (c) comparisons of respondent groups, and (d) methods of qualitative and quantitative and statistical analysis of the results. Methodological tools included the “Marriage Satisfaction” test by O. O. Eremichevaand L. Ia. Gozman (in the adaptation of A. I. Tashcheva) and A. I. Tashcheva’s questionnaire for studying basic socio-demographic, socio-economic and other 19 characteristics of married couples.Partners of 30 officially married couples at the age from 25 to 35 (Russians, Armenians, Ossetians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Georgians) took part in the empirical study. From the results obtained in the present investigation the following conclusions were made. First, if to compare with bi-ethnic couples, mono-ethnic couples hadreliably higher marital satisfaction in whole. Second, mono-ethnic couples had reliably higher scores in characteristics according to spheres of marriage (household, sexual-erotic, leisure, psychotherapeutic, birth and upbringing of children, unanimityof views and judgments of relatives and friends).

The findings are of direct practical relevance and can be useful in psychological centers when working with marrying and divorcing couples with a different ethnic composition for the initial diagnostics of the quality of relationship in marriage, prevention and psychological correction of destructive marital conflicts to optimize the quality of marital relationship as a basic means of productive positive implementation of the state population policy.This paper presents a part of a broader study entitled “Marital conflicts in bi- etnic couples at the age of early maturity” [7].
Межкультурная социально-психологическая адаптация студентов в полиэтническом образовательном пространстве вуза
Authors: Abakumova Irina V. , Kagermazova Laura T. , Generdukaeva Zoia S.
Published: December 2016

The study is supported the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, assignment no. 28.125.2016/НМThe paper discusses the problems of the intercultural socio-psychological adaptation of students studying in Russian institutes of higher education. The implementation of the program of the intercultural socio-psychological adaptation of foreign students is of special relevance. The article describes the logical structureof the program, its conceptual framework, methodological principles, conditions of implementation, and applied methods. The authors (a) developed a foreign student’s portrait, (b) distinguished structural components (social and psychological characteristics) of this portrait,(c) described areas of work on the implementation of the intercultural sociopsychological adaptation of foreign students, and (d) developed recommendations for optimizing the process of adaptation in the educational environment of the institute of higher education.

The paper focuses on urgent issues of intercultural communication, linguoculturology, psychology, sociology, and mass communication. To create the necessary prerequisites for possible future activities in the field the unified educational environment in the framework of the Bologna process, the consideration of these problems might be helpful in the effective and competent organization of the intercultural adaptation of foreign students in the unified educational space of theinternational-oriented institute of higher education, taking into account the rich experience of Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H. M. Berbekov. The authors offered modern methods of socio-psychological support for the intercultural adaptation of foreign students in the educational space of the institute of higher education.Socio-psychological support for foreign students is an integral, systematically organized activity, which creates favorable conditions for the successful functioning of the person. This is the best way contributing to successful intercultural adaptation of foreign students. Socio-psychological support for foreign students createsconditions for the preservation of the cultural guide of students as representatives of their country, actualization of the existing socio-cultural knowledge, getting the information about the diversity and value of various cultures, increasing the level of intercultural competence, understanding of the necessity of tolerant relation toother cultures and existence of universal values.
Интегративные процессы как содержательно-процессуальное ядро метапроектного обучения
Authors: Kolesina Karina Yu. , Miroshnichenko Aleksandr V. , Saidov Aslanbek А. , Grimsoltanova Razet E.
Published: December 2016

Integrative processes are one of the leading global trends of the development of modern education in modern educational theory and educational practice, comparable with informatization, humanization, and humanitarization. K. Yu. Kolesina (2013) describes them as “new paradigms of the educational process” and “one of the most promising innovative directions that can solve many problems of fragmentededucation”. Integrative processes are among the most promising directions of innovative activities in the field of pedagogical theory and educational practice. The educational field of integration is expanded. The above stated means not only the integration of the content, but also the integration of organizational forms, educational technologies, and work methods of learners. The concept of metaproject education, which focuses on the search for innovative ways and meansof harmonisation of strategic and tactical goals of modern education, gives a new impulse to the development of integrative processes in modern education, as well as the technology of project-based learning. The authors considered a metaproject approach to education as a systemic generalization, fusion of interconnected andinteracting types of integration (substantive, procedural, emotional-imaginative, etc.) aimed at achieving meta-subject results.Project-based learning has gained a considerable attention today. The proposed concept of metaproject education significantly expands the educational potential of project-based learning and creates conditions for active acquisition of socio-cultural experience. The paper discusses key aspects of mutual enrichment of integrative and metaproject education.
Особенности внутренней позиции родителя у детей младшего школьного возраста
Authors: Filippova Galina G. , Abdullina Svetlana A.
Published: December 2016

The paper examines the formation of the bases of the internal position of a parent in primary school-age children. The person’s internal position of a parent appears long before the birth of his/her own children; its components are formed in ontogenesis in accordance with the stages of the development of the parental sphere of personality.This study attempts the following: to disringuish components of the internal position of a parent; to explain the content of these components concerning primary school age; to define the criteria of the formation of the components of the primary internalposition of a parent in primary school children; to examine the factors influencing the development of the primary internal position of a parent in primary school children; to describe the differences in the formation of components of the primary internal position of a parent in boys and girls.

The study involved 85 children aged 8 to 9 years (39 boys and 46 girls).An experiment, creating the conditions for video games, content analysis of children’s statements, and projective and questionnaire methods were methodological tools of the study. The authors evaluated characteristics of drawings, statements and actionsof children in the imaginary role of a parent. Most prominent criteria of the formation of the components of the internal position of a parent include the following: (a) the desire to have more than twochildren in the future; positive statements about the child, (b) use of support in emotionally significant situations, (c) use of endearment to a child. The obtained results also revealed a low level of the development of motivation (representation of the future family without children) and cognitive components of the internal position of a parent (formal statements about the child) in a significant number of junior schoolchildren.
Проблемы оценивания психологических характеристик доноров биобанка: научные и практические аспекты
Authors: Zinchenko Iurii P. , Ryzhov Andrei L. , Tkhostov Aleksandr S. , Bryzgalina Elena V.
Published: December 2016

The paper discusses issues of psychological assessment of biobank donors. Biobanks are regarded as a relatively new institution and technology for scientific research in the field of genomics and biomedicine. Studying of molecular-genetic bases of human behavior, mental characteristics, and disorders, as well as developingof a new direction of “personalized medicine” touch upon psychological aspects. The increasing role of information technology makes it possible to carry out distributed research, share results, enables openness and harmonization of projects, as well as leads to the deindividualization of research in the form of working with large data sets. These provisions determine the specificity of Biobanks. The authors established the presence of specific problems in the field of psychological assessment of donors and distinguishing important project characteristics. In most cases, donors undergo the assessment using the specially developed questionnaires of a Biobank.The paper describes the main features and limitations of the existing approaches to the assessment of donors. The factors determining these features included a type and objectives of Biobanks, scientific requirements for research, harmonization and standardization of procedures, economic, and ethical and legal aspects of psychological assessment. The authors emphasized the importance of a systematicapproach to assessing psychological characteristics and disorders, their differential description, description of the environmental influences, as well as the design of the study. Creating the model of a phenotypic description of the donor is the result of a compromise between different factors influencing the successful work Biobanks.In this regard, at the stage of its creation the authors suggest to distinguish questions of high priority, which set the framework characteristics of the project, and questions of a second order, which fall within the competence of specialists in different fields.
THE EXTENSION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION PROTECTION: NECESSARY FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRY
Authors: Rahmah Mas
Published: December 2016

This paper analyses the need of extension of Geographical Indication (GI) protection since the current protection under Trade Related Aspect of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is insufficient to cover all products as a result of discriminatory provisions in TRIPS regulating a greater protection to wines and spirits only and different level of GI protection under Article 22 and Article 23 TRIPS. This paper then assumes that the extensive GI protection for all products should be supported because it would give greater benefits particularly to developing countries such as prevent the free riding, attract regional investment and obtain market power. Perlindungan Indikasi Geografis (IG) perlu diperluas tidak hanya pada produk tertentu seperti wines danspiritskarena perlindungan IG diatur di dalam TRIPS tidak cukup memberikan perlindungan kepada semua produk sebagai akibat perbedaan pengaturan di TRIPS yang memberikan perlindungan lebih kepada wines danspirits saja dan adanya perbedaan tingkat perlindungan pada Pasal 22 dan 23 TRIPS. Perluasan perlindungan IG harus didukung karena akan memberikan manfaat khususnya kepada negara berkembang. Perluasan perlindungan IG dapat melarang pemboncengan reputasi, menarik investasi dan meningkatkan kekuatan produk negara berkembang di pasaran.
Investigation on the Real State of Housing in Beijing—The Cross and Correlations Analysis of the Real State of Beijing House Market in 2016 Based on the Questionnaire
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: December 2016

This dissertation investigates the real state of Beijing house market in 2016 based on the questionnaire. Based on the result of the cross analysis and correlations analysis, people who live in Beijing became to buy houses when they just work for few years, they and their all family members’ annual income were not very high. Everyone has a strong sense of buying house in Beijing. They try to buy houses as soon as possible after them and their family have a little income. The first or the second house which bought in Beijing had the biggest increase in price during these 10 years.
How does corporate voluntary disclosure affect asymmetric information and adverse selection?
Authors: Hamrouni Amal , Miloudi Anthony , Benkraiem Ramzi
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates whether the extent of corporate voluntary disclosure mitigates asymmetric information and adverse selection in the Euronext Paris stock exchange. We apply a disclosure index as a proxy for the extent of voluntary disclosure and use different spread measures to estimate both asymmetric information and adverse selection. Our findings show a negative relationship between the disclosure index and asymmetric information and adverse selection proxies. An analysis of sub-indexes provides additional mixed results. Several asymmetric information measures are negatively related to the volume of financial, non-financial and voluntary governance information in corporate annual reports. Nevertheless, the effect of strategic information volume is statistically significant only for effective bid-ask spreads. On the whole, these results are consistent with the view that high corporate voluntary disclosure is associated with narrow spreads and low adverse selection costs
The accounting numbers and investment decisions in emerging markets
Authors: Al-Shattarat Husni K.
Published: December 2016

The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of dividend policy on stock price in Kuwait Firms. the study adopts the quantitative technique, gathering data from official listed Kuwaiti companies. All non-financial firms listed in Kuwait Stock Exchange from 1994 to 2003 This study will be based on a cross-sectional regression analysis of the relationship between stock price volatility and dividend policy after controlling for firm size, earning volatility, leverage and asset growth. Both dividend policy measures (dividend yield and payout ratio) have significant impact on the share price volatility.and examines the influence of dividend policy on stock price volatility and suggests the use of the following control variables in testing the significance of the relationship between dividend yield and price volatility: operating earnings; size of the firm; level of debt financing; payout ratio; and level of growth. These variables have a clear impact on stock returns but also impact on dividend yield. ‘SPSS’ statistical package to run statistical tests and answer study questions. Basic descriptive statistics (Mean, Standard Deviations) and frequency distribution were computed for each variable/question. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) coefficient estimates are used in this study. F-tests are used to test for the relationship between stock price volatility and dividend policy. The results show that preference for dividends is larger amongst older investors, compared to younger investors. Old investors and investors without university education all have a preference for dividends because of transaction costs. On the other hand, young investors and investors with a university education have less interest in dividends based on transaction costs. The results also suggest that the watch for dividends as a safeguard measure is still “old-fashioned”, even in light of the recent accounting scandals.The results also indicate that individual investors believe that dividend payments contain a signal about the profitability of the firm
Validating the technology-assisted supplemental work scale (TASW)
Authors: Kotecha Kajal , Ukpere Wilfred Isioma , Geldenhuys Madelyn
Published: December 2016

The traditional advantage of using Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enhance work flexibility also has a drawback of enabling academics to continue working even after regular working hours. This phenomenon has been referred to as technology-assisted supplemental work (TASW). Although TASW enhances academics’ work productively, they also have a negative impact on their family-life. The impact TASW has on academics and on higher education institutions can be understood by measuring the phenomenon properly by using a reliable and valid scale. The aim of this study is too validate a newly developed TASW scale by Fenner and Renn (2010). This study adopted a quantitative research approach and used an online survey to gather data. The sample included academic from a higher education in South Africa (n = 216). The results indicate that the TASW is a valid and reliable measure of technology among the sample of South African academics.
The exploration of The Triple Helix concept in terms of entrepreneurial universities and corporate innovation
Authors: Ferreira E. J. , Steenkamp Rigard J.
Published: December 2016

University-industry-innovation networks (UIINs) are made up of entrepreneurial higher education institutions, industry and government. Universities such as Scotland’s Strathclyde University, which was the entrepreneurial university of 2013 in the UK, organise themselves as co-productive institutions by means of technology transfer offices (TTOs), innovation centres and a variation of offices for knowledge transfer and university-business-co-operation (UBC). Such a network is referred to as the triple helix approach/concept/model of co-operation between industry, universities and government, with the aim of building an enterprising state in which these partners co-innovate in order to solve global economic challenges. The global economy faces multiple challenges represented by indicators such as the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) spiralling health-care needs, unemployment, un-sustainable changes to the environment and rapidly emerging digital business models. Most universities promote academic engagement with industry for various reasons (e.g. to generate a third stream of income). The effective management of triple helix takes UBC to the next level in terms of a formal prominent mission for the university. This article broadly describes the triple helix concept and analyses several international cases. The three main objectives of this article are to: 1) explore triple helix and the related concepts such as UBC and TTO; 2) determine the leading stakeholders of the triple helix model; 3) conduct a content analysis of triple helix case studies (45) in four groups, namely (1) national innovation strategies, (2) entrepreneurial universities, (3) entrepre-neurship education, and (4) new initiatives, frameworks and technologies.
Non-resident family members and the financial performance of small businesses in India
Authors: Gill Amarjit , Obradovich John D. , Mand Harvinder S.
Published: December 2016

Recent literature in small business management suggests that small businesses are financially constrained. They also face challenges of poor financial performance, which leads to their failure. Literature also shows that family involvement improves small business performance. We asked research participants consisting of small business owners from India about their beliefs and perceptions regarding the relationship between non-resident Indian family members (NRIs), financial support from NRIs, internal financing sources, and the financial performance of small businesses. Results indicate that the involvement of NRIs as foreign directors, financial support from NRIs, and internal financing sources improve the financial performance of small businesses in India. Firms with NRIs are more likely to perform better than without NRIs. Moreover, the influence of NRIs on the financial performance of small businesses is higher in the service industry than the manufacturing industry
The impact of the business environment on the South African emerging market economy
Authors: Fisher J. J. , Mostert Frederik J. , Mostert Jan Hendrik
Published: December 2016

The business environment impacts on the strategic as well as the operational policies, decisions and actions of enterprises, as businesses do not operate in a vacuum. This research paper addresses the impact of the business environment on the South African emerging market economy, where emerging market economies usually have a rapid growing economy as well as government policies which embody economic liberalization and a free-market system. Secondary as well as primary data were applied to achieve the objective of this research paper, which involves the improvement of financial decision-making concerning the impact of the business environment on an emerging market economy. The empirical study of this research paper focuses on the following three aspects, viz.: • The importance of the impact of various business environment factors on an emerging market economy, • The problem areas within the business environment which impact on an emerging market economy and possible solutions to solve them, as well as • The perceptions concerning the rating of various business environment factors over the past five years and the next five years in South Africa. As this research paper focuses on an emerging market economy, the conclusions of this study should be valuable to other countries which have the same type of economy
The sectional title industry in South Africa: Perspectives of accounting and auditing practitioners
Authors: Steenkamp Leandi , Lubbe Dave
Published: December 2016

Sectional title property plays an important role in addressing the high priority housing problem in South Africa. Very little research has so far been done on the South African sectional title industry from an accounting and auditing perspective. Furthermore, sectional title legislation is often contradictory and confusing. Sectional title owners are also putting pressure on costs, bringing about unique industry challenges. These aspects do, however, provide ample opportunity for research. The aim of this article was to provide an overview of practical problems experienced by accounting and auditing practitioners regarding risks, auditing- and accounting-specific problems relating to sectional title. The literature review covered the main legal aspects relating to accounting and auditing matters of sectional title schemes, paving the way for an empirical study performed on the sectional title industry in South Africa by way of interviewing a sample of key role players in the industry. The empirical results revealed significant contradictory and confusing aspects and uncertainties in the industry. Various problems and concerns were addressed and practical recommendations were made that can be of assistance to owners, trustees, managing agents, accountants and auditing professionals. The findings can also be used as a valuable basis for further research
The sectional title industry in South Africa: Perspectives of chairmen of bodies corporate
Authors: Steenkamp Leandi , Lubbe Dave
Published: December 2016

This article is the third in a series of three on the sectional title industry in South Africa. (The first article dealt with perspectives of accounting and auditing practitioners and the second article in the series addressed the perspectives of managing agents of bodies corporate.) The aim of this article was to provide an overview of practical problems experienced by chairmen of bodies corporate in the sectional title industry in South Africa by way of interviewing a sample of key role players in the industry. The empirical results revealed various practical challenges and uncertainties in the industry. Various problems and concerns were addressed and practical recommendations were made that can be of assistance to owners, trustees, managing agents, accountants and auditing professionals. The findings can also be used as a valuable basis for further research. This article also gave a discussion of possible further research for the article series as a whole
Is good corporate governance practice the panacea for small-to-medium businesses operating in the South African retail sector?
Authors: Sibindi Athenia Bongani , Aren Augustine Oghenetejiri
Published: December 2016

The small, micro and medium business enterprises (SMMEs) sector is universally acclaimed for fostering economic growth in many economies. The health of this sector is largely premised on the observance of good corporate governance tenets. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether good corporate governance practice has been firmly embedded in the small-to-medium enterprise (SMMEs) sector in South Africa. In this study we interrogate the influence of good internal control systems, with a special focus on cash flow management practices on the survival or growth of the SMMEs. This paper utilised qualitative research methods and employed the survey technique amongst the SMMES operating in the retail sector of Pretoria in South Africa. We find evidence that good corporate governance practices enhance cash flow management processes. This is extremely important to the survival of a business, particularly small businesses, and poor corporate governance practices lead to weak cash flow management systems, which can thus lead to small business failure. We also proffer policy advice as to the remedial actions needed to safeguard this sector
Corporate social responsibility and stock prices: A study on the Italian market
Authors: Fiori Giovanni , di Donato Francesca , Izzo Maria Federica
Published: December 2016

This study investigates the impact of Corporate Social Performance on stock prices of Italian listed companies. The main stream of literature focuses on the relation between CSR and financial performance, showing contradictory results that still feed a debate, which has not yet reached a unanimous and widely shared position. Concerning the selection of the measure of performance, we chose stock prices as a proxy for financial performance, in order to measure the perception and reaction of financial markets to the companies’ socially responsible behaviors. Using different social performance indicators concerning environment, community and employment activities, we found evidence that a good social performance has a negative influence on stock prices in the Italian Stock Exchange Market. This phenomenon is particularly evident if the environmental strategies of the Italian listed companies are considered. Hence, the Italian investors perceive these practices as avoidable expenses reducing shareholders’ income and companies’ value and recognize a negative market premium, in terms of lower stock prices, to socially responsible enterprises. This evidence is consistent with the peculiarities of the Italian capitalism structure, which, because of its backwardness in CSR topics and related issues, seems to be not yet mature enough to evaluate appropriately the value of these policies
An investigation into the personal values of small business owners in South Africa
Authors: Fatoki Olawale
Published: December 2016

The study investigated the personal values of small business owners in South Africa. In addition, the study examined if male and female small business owners exhibit significant differences in their personal values. The study employed the descriptive research design. Data was collected through the use of self-administered questionnaire in a survey. The study used the Schwartz Portrait Value Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the T-test were used for data analysis. The results indicated that self-direction, achievement, stimulation, power and security are the five most important personal values for small business owners. The results indicate that male small business owners give greater weight to self-direction, stimulation, achievement, hedonism and power. Female small business owners give greater weight to universalism, conformity, tradition, benevolence, and security
Corporate governance and financial performance of italian listed firms. The results of an empirical research
Authors: Rossi Matteo , Nerino Marco , Capasso Arturo
Published: December 2016

Corporate governance has become a popular topic in the international scene. The recent financial scandals (Enron, Parmalat, Tyco, and WorldCom) have increased the interest on the relationship between Corporate Governance and performance, due to its apparent importance for the economic health of companies and its effect on society in general. The paper aims to verify a possible relationship between the corporate governance of Italian listed companies and their financial performance. Creating a quality index for corporate governance, called CGQI, we will try to understand if a good corporate governance can lead to better firm results. The target population is composed of all Italian companies listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, in the year 2012. The cross-sectional regression highlights two important results: the negative correlation between Tobin’s q and CGQI, and the positive correlation between Return on Equity and CGQI. It is possible to extend the analysis both temporally and spatially, with a comparison between different countries, considering that our index is constructed on the basis of corporate governance guidelines of different countries
Corporate governance and market cap destruction: A predictive model
Authors: Grove Hugh , Clouse Maclyn
Published: December 2016

By focusing on specific board variables, both company performance and stock market performance have been investigated and a more comprehensive corporate governance approach has been advocated to help improve such performances (Larcker et al. 2007 and Grove et. al. 2011). In this paper, we extend such analyses by investigating a relationship between such corporate governance variables and market capitalization. We specifically integrate corporate governance variables into a predictive model for market capitalization (cap) destruction, using the example of the largest six (“Big 6”) gold mining companies publicly-listed in the U.S.
The impact of quality audit on the management of earnings
Authors: Lassoued Kais , Bacha Ibtissem
Published: December 2016

In a Tunisian context, the purpose of this research is to study the aspects related to the quality of external audit, relating to the opportunistic management of earnings. Indeed, we are interested in the aspect of handling the earnings as a means for the manager to achieve its objectives by publishing a result different from that which is achieved. Thus, the quality of external audit, as an essential element of the system of government of the companies, may be able to limit the process of accounting manipulation, and therefore to protect the interests of investors and creditors. Given these factors, there is a key question: To what extent can the quality of the external audit influence the opportunistic management of earnings in Tunisian businesses? In this research, our goal is to empirically test a sample of Tunisian companies listed on the stock market, the impact of audit quality on the opportunistic practice of earnings
A holistic model for Islamic accountants and its value added
Authors: El-Halaby Sherif , Hussainey Khaled
Published: December 2016

The core objective for this study is introduce the holistic model for Islamic accountants through exploring the perspectives of Muslim scholars; Islamic sharia and AAOIFI ethical standards. The study also contributes to existing literature by exploring the main added value of Muslim accountant towards stakeholders through investigates the main roles of an Islamic accountants. Design/methodology/approach – The paper critically reviews historical debates about Islamic accounting and the characteristics and roles of Islamic accountants. The paper also explores AAOIFI ethics standards to build a holistic model for Islamic accountants. Findings – The main novel findings for the study is that, the characteristics of accountant from the Islamic view should contains personal, ethical, religion and professional qualifications which indicates the holistic approach for Islamic sharia related to Islamic accountants. There is a role for accountant towards investor’s thorough good disclosure in the annual reports and guaranty the compliance of IFI’s working with sharia. These characteristics and roles support the significance of Islamic accountant’s position in the IFI. Originality/value – The paper develops the existing research that linking the Islamic banking with Islamic accountants. The paper novel to contribute by introducing benchmark for Islamic accountants which depends on Islamic holistic model through exploring the Islamic Accountant’s characteristics, we enable academics and researchers to consider the impact of these appointment qualifications on teaching and researching international accounting issues and explore for what extent the Islamic professional’s certificates as CIPA comply with this benchmark
Qualitative easing and risk transfer from corporations to central banks
Authors: Moro Visconti Roberto , Quirici Maria Cristina
Published: December 2016

When economies face deflation and de-growth, Central Banks can only activate unconventional monetary policies. Quantitative easing inflates the Central Bank balance sheet, printing money and adding liquidity to the system while qualitative easing modifies the asset composition. With qualitative easing, Central Banks absorb the risk, flattening the yield curve. Consequences for banks and corporate borrowers may be substantial. Both measures increase inflation and reduce borrowing risk premiums, with an impact on company’s balance sheet, widening economic and financial margins and decreasing the real value of debt. Corporate governance implications concern credit risk pooling, as well as (de)leverage, asset substitution and duration risk. This paper provides unprecedented analysis of the impact of ECB unconventional monetary policy on Euro-zone governance equilibrium
Pricing equity linked annuities under regime-switching generalized gamma process
Authors: Pourkhanali Armin , Alavi Fard Farzad
Published: December 2016

We propose a model for valuing equity linked annuity (ELA) products under a generalized gamma model with a Markov-switching compensator. We suppose that the market interest rate and all the parameters of the underlying reference portfolio switch over time according to the state of an economy, which is modelled by a continuous-time Markov chain. The model considered here can provide market practitioners with flexibility in modelling the dynamics of the reference portfolio. We price the ELA by pricing its embedded options, for which we employ the regime-switching version of Esscher transform to determine the pricing kernel. A system of coupled partial-differential-integral equations satisfied by the embedded option prices is derived. Simulation results of the model have been presented and discussed
Board diversity and effectiveness: Implications for the role of the chair
Authors: Northcott Deryl , Smith Janine
Published: December 2016

This paper examines how social (ethnic and gender) diversity influences board effectiveness and impacts the role of the chair. It draws on semi-structured interviews with New Zealand board members from two company types - stated-owned enterprises (SOEs) and public listed companies (PLCs) - where the former has greater social diversity around the board table. Few prior studies of board effectiveness have accessed the views of board members via interviews, or compared directors’ perspectives from companies of similar size but differing board diversity. The findings reveal that members of SOE boards, where there is greater social diversity, saw negative director characteristics (character and attitude) and weak board relationships as strongly negative influences on board effectiveness. This group also identified poor boardroom practice (i.e. failing to achieve a boardroom atmosphere that fosters quality debate and effective decision making) as having a significant, negative impact on board outcomes. While board members in both company types saw the chair as a key influence on both board effectiveness and ineffectiveness, the ways in which the chair was seen to exert that influence differed between the company types, suggesting that diversity impacts the role of the chair as leader of the board
Strategic performance measurement system: a service sector and lower level employees empirical investigation
Authors: Yuliansyah Yuliansyah , Khan Ashfaq Ahmad
Published: December 2016

Resorting to the Schatzki’s (2002) ‘site of the social’ theoretical construct and stance on the peculiar ‘sites’ of construction and institutionalisation of social practices, we aim to locate the use and efficacy of strategic performance measurement system (SPMS) in service sector organizations and at the lower hierarchical level, and its effect on role clarity, employees’ psychological empowerment and performance. This study aims to further the relevant literature, which covers the phenomenon in the manufacturing industry and at the upper level of the organizational hierarchy (Hall, 2008). A survey study of employees at the lower hierarchical level in the banking sector of the southern part of Sumatera including the provinces of Lampung, South Sumatera, Bengkulu and Jambi was conducted and data analyzed using SmartPLS. Our analysis of the empirical data we gleaned from our survey of 135 respondents endorsed the hypotheses set for the study confirming a positive impact of the use of CPMS on lower level employees’ role clarity and overall performance in service sector organizations, however, did not support CPMS’s effect on the employees’ ‘psychological empowerment’. The effect and efficacy of the use of SPMS on role clarify, performance and psychological empowerment in the manufacturing sector employees at the upper hierarchical level have already been empirically investigated (see Hall, 2008). This current study aims to not only extend such studies to the service industry but also contribute to the management accounting literature through extending the use of the strategic performance measurement system to employees at the lower hierarchical level in the service sector. It aims at apprising practitioners and policy-makers on the utility and limitation of the use of CPMS in these contexts.
Barriers to the development of entrepreneurial activities in newly established small, micro and medium sized enterprises in Tshwane
Authors: Worku Zeleke
Published: December 2016

The purpose of the study was to identify and quantify differential factors that are known to adversely affect sustained growth and development in newly established Small, Micro and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) conducting business in and around Tshwane in South Africa. The study is based on a 5-year follow-up study (2007 to 2012) of a random sample of 349 small business enterprises that operate in and around the City of Pretoria in South Africa. Data was gathered from each of the businesses on socioeconomic factors that are known to affect the long-term survival of small businesses. The objective of the study was to identify and quantify key predictors of viability and long term survival. The study found that 188 of the 349 businesses that took part in the study (54%) were not viable, and that the long-term survival and viability of small businesses was adversely affected by lack of entrepreneurial skills, lack of supervisory support to newly established businesses, and inability to operators running newly established businesses to acquire relevant vocational skills
Apparel retailers use of store atmospherics: a strategic move or a wasted approach?
Authors: Nell Elsa C. , Cant Michael Colin
Published: December 2016

The retail industry has been a central part of everybody’s lives- and apparel retailers are no different than other retailers. The basic practices of retailing have changed over the past years due to a number of reasons, least of all due to the changing technological environment, the changing market needs and demands, as well as the increasingly globally competitive market retailers have to deal with. The fact that the time duration between these changes are continuously becoming shorter and shorter has negated the benefits that the standard four p’s used to offer retailers. Retailers need to make use of other ways and means to differentiate themselves and to stay ahead of their competitors. This phenomenon has led to this study which focuses on the influence that store atmospherics has on consumers’ buying behaviour. Store atmospherics and its influence on consumers’ buying behaviour is an area that has received very little attention in the literature to date. The primary research aim of this study was to explore the influence of store atmospherics on consumers’ buying behaviour in apparel retail stores in the Tshwane region. The type of research design used in this study was exploratory in nature, making use of a qualitative approach and a communicative technique, including focus group interviews and naïve sketches. The data gathered was analysed by means of Tesch’s inductive descriptive coding technique, better known as thematic analysis. It was found that atmospheric elements have the ability to influence consumers either in a subconscious or a conscious way. This has a direct influence on the amount of time the consumers will spend in-store and ultimately the amount of money spend in the store. The study also pointed out that consumers’ buying behaviour and the decision to buy or not will be influenced, indicating that the consumers will display either an approach- or avoidance behaviour.
The effect of monetary rewards on autonomous motivation in an enabling performance measurement context
Authors: Van der Hauwaert Evelyn , Bruggeman Werner
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the impact of monetary rewards on autonomous motivation in a context of an enabling performance measurement system (PMS). The study uses survey data from 314 managers. The results indicate that organizations benefit from PMSs that are perceived as highly enabling. A highly enabling PMS leads to a higher level of autonomous motivation, when compared to a situation with a minimally enabling PMS or no PMS at all. In companies where the PMS is perceived as minimally enabling, the results indicate that perceived fairness of individual monetary rewards positively affects managers’ autonomous motivation. The findings also reveal that the more the PMS is perceived as enabling, the less effective a fair individual bonus is for enhancing autonomous motivation
A socio-legal corporate governance model: Analyzing South Korea’s social enterprise promotion act using public-private partnerships
Authors: Kim Jasper
Published: December 2016

Can South Korea reregulate and reconstitute its current conglomerate-based, export-dependent “Korea, Inc.” model towards a more socio-legal corporate governance model more inclusive of socio-economic stakeholder equality concerns? By enacting the Social Enterprise Promotion Act (SEPA), a law expressly aimed at boosting domestic social enterprises through public-private partnerships (PPPs), South Korea became one of the few if only economies in the world to pass a social enterprise law at the national level (rather than at a state or governnment agency level, as in the US or UK). Historically, South Korea’s greatest economic strength in the post-1945 period was its ability to create a significant manufacturing and export sector dominated by large conglomerates (referred to as “chaebol,” such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai) that still dominates the economic landscape today—creating “Korea, Inc.” Such corporate governance model allowed South Korea to become an economic success story based on its achievements in the twentieth century, at the risk of being highly export-dependent. However, South Korea has recently put forth regulatory efforts towards creating a new economic path based less on manufacturing and exports by large chaebol (the “Korea, Inc.” model) and greater focus on smaller-size social enterprises that can provide economic growth while also achieving certain socio-economic objectives, including furthering “economic democratization” and socio-economic inclusion by uniquely utilizing PPPs. As such, the nation’s policymakers enacted the Social Enterprise Promotion Act (SEPA). The main objective of SEPA was to provide a regulatory framework for the establishment, funding and regulation of social enterprises. This article provides a regulatory and socio-economic corporate governance perspective regarding SEPA, which includes policy arguments related to the benefits and barriers of the act, in addition to survey results from respondents in South Korea related to social enterprises and similar entities. If successful, SEPA would ideally foster a more sustainable twenty-first century South Korean economic ecosystem, based less on export-dependence, and more on incentive-taking and innovation, while improving the nation’s overall socio-economic conditions by utilizing a unique socio-legal corporate governance model within Asia’s fourth largest economy