bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the degree of debt obligations owed by a state’s pension plan affect a resident household’s utility?
Authors: Diosdado Leobardo , Lacombe Donald 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to examine whether the financial satisfaction (FS) of a state’s residents is affected by the funding ratio of the state’s public pension.Design/methodology/approachA multilevel hierarchal probit model that control for the funding ratio at the state level and its resident’s FS at the individual level was used to determine how a one-unit increase in funding ratio of a state’s pension plan affected the degree of FS experienced by the individual residing within that state.FindingsThe marginal effect from the probit model estimated suggest that a state’s pension plan funding ratio does affect the degree of FS experienced by its residents.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only examined data from 2015, thus, future research should consider examining this question via longitude studies, perhaps a survivor model.Practical implicationsStates that fail to address their pension plan’s funding ratio may be exposing their residents to negative externality that could potentially influence an individual’s choice to relocate to another state that is not facing similar issues.Originality/valueTo the best of authors’ knowledge, the current body of research has yet to address and/or research the externalities associated with the underfunding of public pension plans throughout the USA. This paper combined two unique sets of publicly available data from all 50 states along with a sample of its residents to examine how public policy associated with state and/or local government pension affect its residents.
Displacement and debt – the role of debt in returning to work after displacement
Authors: Bednarzik Robert , Kern Andreas , Hisnanick John 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the question of how household indebtedness impacts households’ incentives to search for and accept work after displacement.Design/methodology/approachTo analyze the relationship between household indebtedness and unemployment duration, this paper applies standard proportional hazard models. For data, this paper relies on the longitudinal US National Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), covering the period between 2008 and 2012.FindingsThe findings show that a 10% increase in household debt increases the likelihood (hazard) of leaving unemployment by 0.2%–0.4% points. Independent of measuring a household's indebtedness and in light of a series of robustness tests, the results indicate that the pressure of servicing an existing debt burden forces individuals to return to work.Social implicationsFrom a policy perspective, the research findings support the notion that household indebtedness plays an important mediating role for labor market outcomes through influencing households’ incentives to return to work after displacement. This finding has important implications for the design of effective policy responses to mass layoffs during the current pandemic.Originality/valueA key innovation of the research is that we can show that household indebtedness impacts the labor supply side. From a macroeconomic perspective, this insight is important in better understanding the role of increased indebtedness (and financialization) in amplifying aggregate macroeconomic dynamics.
An analysis of the economic viability of waste-to-energy generation in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Amo-Asamoah E. , Ghansah Frank Ato , Asumadu George 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Kumasi Metropolis, the second-largest city in Ghana is known to be bewildered with challenges relating to waste management. As a means of solving the waste management challenge, several suggestions are often made for the establishment of a waste-to-energy plant to manage the disposal of waste and generation of income. There have been no studies conducted to determine how economically viable such plants will be. This study aims to examine the economic viability of waste-to-energy generation in the Kumasi Metropolis to find out how economically viable such an approach will be.

Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this, a simple debt-equity ratio business model based on discounted cash flow technique was applied to estimate the internal rate of returns (IRR) as a measure of the economic viability and profitability of a modelled 50 MWH waste-energy generation plant in the Kumasi Metropolis. The analysis was performed using the RetScreen Expert Software.

Findings
The results show that the IRR and benefits cost ratio of the facility were 36% and 5.8%, respectively, indicating high levels of profitability and economic viability. The study concludes that waste-to-energy generation will be an economically viable venture in the Kumasi Metropolis.

Practical implications
It is, however, important for users of the findings of this study to take caution of the fact that the various assumptions although based on current knowledge and expert opinion may vary with time; therefore, the sensitive analysis on price and costs should always be considered. Practically, this study will contribute to solving the waste management situation in most cities, as well as generating revenue and helping close the energy deficit most developing countries are grabbling with.

Originality/value
The unique contribution of the study to knowledge is that it has professed an alternative analytical and methodological approach to measuring the financial viability of waste-to-energy plants in situations where there is none in the geographical jurisdiction of the proposed project.
Readmission after hospitalization for heart failure in elderly patients in Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Center, Georgia
Authors: Verulava Tengiz , Jorbenadze Revaz , Lordkipanidze Ana , Gongadze Ana , Tsverava Michael , Donjashvili Manana 
Published: April 2021

PurposeHeart Failure (HF) is one of the leading mortality causes in elderly people. The purpose of this study is to assess readmission rates and reasons in elderly patients with HF.Design/methodology/approachThe authors explored medical records of elderly patients with HF (75 years and more) at Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Center (Georgia) from 2015 to 2019. The authors analyzed the structure of the cardiovascular diseases and readmission rates of hospitalized patients with HF (I50, I50.0 I50.1). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors, associated with readmission for any reason during 6–9 months after the initial hospitalization for HF.FindingsThe major complication of cardiovascular diseases in elderly patients is HF (68.6%). Hospitalization rates due to HF in elderly patients have increased in recent years, which is associated with the population aging process. This trend will be most likely continue. Despite significant improvements in HF treatment, readmission rates are still high. HF is the most commonly revealed cause of readmission (48% of all readmissions). About 6–9 months after the primary hospitalization due to HF, readmission for any reason was 60%. Patients had concomitant diseases, including hypertension (43%), myocardial infarction (14%), diabetes (36%) and stroke (8%), affecting the readmission rate.Originality/valueHF remains an important problem in public health. During HF-associated hospitalizations, both cardiac and non-cardiac conditions should be addressed, which has the potential for health problems and disease progression. Some readmissions may be prevented by the proper selection of medicines and monitoring.
Systems and mechanisms to develop health volunteers to improve the health of the immigrant workforce in four Thailand provinces
Authors: Suvarnathong Preecha , Chai-Aroon Teeradej , Jiawiwatkul Uthaithip , Intoo-Marn Pasakorn 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the provincial-level systems and mechanisms to develop health volunteers to improve the health of the immigrant workforce in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative study obtained data from document research, in-depth interviews with 58 people involved at policy and provincial levels working to develop health volunteers to improve the health of the immigrant workforce. Data were collected from May–October 2017; then the content of the conceptual framework was analyzed, the research objectives were examined and summary and induction analysis interpreted data from documents, observations and interviews.FindingsThailand has four systems for developing health volunteers to improve the health of the immigrant workforce: recruitment, training and knowledge management, welfare and motivational and financial and other supportive resources. Development is driven through the mechanisms of the Provincial Public Health Office with Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and network partners. The health volunteer development exhibits two patterns: developing migrant workers to become migrant health volunteers and developing village health volunteers to perform health care for the immigrant workforce. All development patterns mainly rely upon the regular operating budget, which is often inadequate. Frequently, some provinces make attempts to seek other funding sources. In fact, health volunteer development is subjected to local authorities of the four provinces whose systems and mechanisms of development differ from one another.Originality/valueThe findings from this study could help develop health volunteers to significantly improve the health of the immigrant workforce in the Thai health service system.
The effects of empathy on support for Christmas music performance in public schools
Authors: Davis Mitchell R. 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Despite an ever-diversifying student population, it is still commonplace for US public schools to present Christmas concerts. These concerts can force minority students to choose between their own religious convictions and school participation. For some students, participation in public-school Christmas concerts can damage their personal identity and assimilate them into ways of being that are not their own. This study aims to test a method for teaching preservice teachers to empathize with minority students.

Design/methodology/approach
Using the framework of action research, the study followed a one-group pretest-posttest design. Participants (N = 19), all of whom identified as some kind of Christian, were asked to perform a concert featuring Satanic Worship prayers and a children’s Christmas song. This intervention was meant to induce empathy for religious minority students who feel uncomfortable performing Christmas songs because they are antithetical to their own faiths. Participants’ perceptions of public-school Christmas music performance was measured before and after the intervention.

Findings
The intervention effectively increased empathy for minority students. As a result, participants expressed altered teaching philosophies that were inclusive of religious minority perspectives.

Originality/value
This study demonstrates the effectiveness of empathy-fostering interventions as tools for teaching teachers to work with diverse student populations. The intervention tested in this study is of the researcher’s original design.
Control and autonomy: resource dependence relations and non-profit organizations
Authors: Arvidson Malin , Linde Stig 
Published: April 2021

PurposeFor non-profit organizations (NPOs) external funding is an essential resource. Studies highlight how control is attributed to funders and so external funding threatens the autonomy of the recipient organization. The purpose of this study is to investigate how external control can be structured and exercised, and to explore how control interacts with organizational autonomy.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on interviews and participant observations with NPOs and their funders over a period of time. It reports from four different funding-relations: contract-based, social investment, gift-funded and civil society–public partnership. The concept of organizational discretion is used to analyse how control and autonomy are interconnected in these relationship.FindingsThe analysis illustrates the value in exposing the different discretionary boundaries related to external control and how control can become a sparring partner in the organization's striving for autonomy. A concluding argument is that control and autonomy are each other's companions rather than antagonists. The study leads us to question a general assumption that NPOs strive to avoid resource dependence and external control but instead may use such control to develop strategies for independence and self-realization.Originality/valueThe empirical material is unique as it includes voices of recipient organizations and funders, and offers a comparison of different controlling-relations. The study presents an innovative analytical framework based on the concepts of discretionary space and reasoning, which supports a critical discussion regarding the idea of external control as detrimental to the autonomy of NPOs.
Flame behaviour, fire hazard and fire testing approach for lightweight composite claddings – a review
Authors: Hossain Md Delwar , Hassan Md Kamrul , Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , He Yaping , Saha Swapan , Hittini Waseem 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to review and summarise the existing available literature on lightweight cladding systems to provide detailed information on fire behaviour (ignitibility, heat release rate and smoke toxicity) and various test method protocols. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges and provides updated knowledge and recommendation on selective-fire mechanisms such as rapid-fire spread, air cavity and fire re-entry behaviours due to dripping and melting of lightweight composite claddings.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review on fire behaviour, fire hazard and testing methods of lightweight composite claddings has been conducted in this research. In summarising all possible fire hazards, particular attention is given to the potential impact of toxicity of lightweight cladding fires. In addition, various criteria for fire performance evaluation of lightweight composite claddings are also highlighted. These evaluations are generally categorised as small-, intermediate- and large-scale test methods.FindingsThe major challenges of lightweight claddings are rapid fire spread, smoke production and toxicity and inconsistency in fire testing.Originality/valueThe review highlights the current challenges in cladding fire, smoke toxicity, testing system and regulation to provide some research recommendations to address the identified challenges.
Frameworks for evaluating education programmes and work related learning: a scoping review
Authors: Caley Lynne , Williams Sharon J. , Spernaes Izabela , Thomas David , Behrens Doris , Willson Alan 
Published: April 2021

PurposeIt has become accepted practice to include an evaluation alongside learning programmes that take place at work, as a means of judging their effectiveness. There is a tendency to focus such evaluations on the relevance of the intervention and the amount of learning achieved by the individual. The aim of this review is to examine existing evaluation frameworks that have been used to evaluate education interventions and, in particular, assess how these have been used and the outcomes of such activity.Design/methodology/approachA scoping review using Arskey and O’Malley’s five stage framework was undertaken to examine existing evaluation frameworks claiming to evaluate education interventions.FindingsForty five articles were included in the review. A majority of papers concentrate on learner satisfaction and/or learning achieved. Rarely is a structured framework mentioned, or detail of the approach to analysis cited. Typically, evaluations lacked baseline data, control groups, longitudinal observations and contextual awareness.Practical implicationsThis review has implications for those involved in designing and evaluating work-related education programmes, as it identifies areas where evaluations need to be strengthened and recommends how existing frameworks can be combined to improve how evaluations are conducted.Originality/valueThis scoping review is novel in its assessment and critique of evaluation frameworks employed to evaluate work-related education programmes.
Digital supply chain performance metrics: a literature review
Authors: Rasool Faisal , Greco Marco , Grimaldi Michele 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
In the previous decade, a substantial amount of research has been undertaken to measure the digitalized supply chain (DSC) performance. This paper aims to present a systematic literature review on DSC performance measurement metrics to apprehend current practices, recognize gaps and advocate future research itineraries.

Design/methodology/approach
To guarantee a replicable, rigorous and transparent research process, the authors used a systematic literature review methodology to synthesize the research. A combination of 25 keywords was used to obtain 248 scientific studies in the first step. The balance scorecard (BSC) model was used to categorize 299 gathered performance metrics into 4 BSC perspectives.

Findings
The review highlighted the need for qualitative performance measuring metrics for DSC. During the review, only one study was identified that primarily focused on developing performance metrics for DSC. Additionally, the review identified that metrics related to internal and financial perspectives received the most attention while the “growth and learning” perspective received the least attention. The review also identified that external partners, such as distributors and suppliers, were virtually ignored in previous literature.

Originality/value
Although numerous literature reviews have been conducted in the past on the performance measuring metrics for supply chain management, no literature review aiming to synthesize the measuring metrics for DSC has yet been undertaken.
Identifying the configurational conditions for marketing analytics use in UK SMEs
Authors: Cao Guangming , Duan Yanqing , Tian Na 
Published: April 2021

PurposeWhile marketing analytics can be used to improve organizational decision-making and performance significantly, little research exists to examine how the configurations of multiple conditions affect marketing analytics use. This study draws on configuration theory to investigate marketing analytics use in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis using data collected from a survey of 187 managers in UK SMEs.FindingsThe key findings show that (1) configurations of multiple conditions provide alternative pathways to marketing analytics use, and (2) the configurations for small firms are different from those for medium-sized firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe research results are based on several key configurational factors and a single key-informant method to collect subjective data from UK SME managers.Practical implicationsThe study helps SMEs to understand that marketing analytics use is influenced by the interaction of multiple conditions, that there are alternative pathways to marketing analytics use, and that SMEs should choose the configuration that fits best with their organizational contexts.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature by addressing an important yet underresearched area, i.e. marketing analytics use in SMEs, applying a configurational approach to the research phenomenon. It highlights different pathways to marketing analytics use in SMEs. The findings provide empirical evidence on the possibility and implication of marketing analytics use being asymmetrical and different between small and medium-sized firms.
Efficiency and the scope of outsourced services: a client firm’s absorptive capacity perspective of knowledge-intensive services
Authors: Ellimäki Pia , Aragón-Correa J. Alberto , Hurtado-Torres Nuria Esther 
Published: April 2021

PurposeStrategic literature has focused on how economies of scale in a firm offering outsourcing may generate incentives for clients to increase the outsourced services, but there has been limited research on how the clients’ features may influence the scope of services that they hire with an outsourcing provider. This study analyzes whether a client’s efficiency motivates it to increase ties with a specific provider of knowledge-intensive services in the context of business process outsourcing (BPO). We further explore whether industry conditions moderate the relationship.Design/methodology/approachA research framework is developed consisting of three main hypotheses. We combine industry data and proprietary and financial data from a longitudinal sample of 107 client firms of a multinational outsourcing service provider to test our hypotheses.FindingsWe find that more efficient firms hire more services from an outsourcing provider and that the munificence of the client firm’s industry positively moderates this relationship. Our results suggest that efficient clients can better keep transaction costs under control when accessing, assimilating, and exploiting the knowledge embedded in an expanded set of services provided by an outsourcing supplier.Originality/valueThis study extends the absorptive capacity perspective by showing that a client’s efficiency reinforces its opportunities to absorb knowledge-intensive services from a supplier when expanding the range of operations in the context of BPO.
The impact of organizational factors on E-CRM success implementation
Authors: Khanh Chi Nguyen Thi , Phong Le Thai , Cao Kien Dinh 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the effects of organizational factors on electronic customer relationship management (e-CRM) successful implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey conducted in Vietnam. The dataset consists of 241 valid responses by individuals working at Vietnamese airlines. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were used to examine the causal relationships among organizational factors, customer orientation, knowledge management, data quality and CRM strategy.

Findings
The result shows that organizational factors have influence on e-CRM success. However, there are other factors needed to be more considered that are customer orientation having the most influence, following by knowledge management and technology. Still other factors have indirect effect on e-CRM success such as data quality and CRM strategy.

Originality/value
This study is among the first to examine an integrated model depicting the direct and indirect effects of organization factors on e-CRM success. From this perspective, this paper provides an improved understanding of how customer orientation and organizational factors, technology and knowledge management influences airlines applying e-CRM. This study also provides several implications for practice. The paper suggests airline providers and marketing managers, especially those in Vietnam, focus more on customer orientation activities. The paper also recommends that airlines should pay attention to its organizational structure in line with its customer-orientation strategy.