bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting Chinese farmers’ microcredit participation
Authors: Qin Ming , Wachenheim Cheryl Joy , Wang Zhigang , Zheng Shi 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors affecting use of microcredit among farmers in Northern China.

Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage Heckman model is used to estimate the effect of farmer and family characteristics and loan and lending environment on likelihood of farmer participation in microcredit and the value of loans taken. Data from 342 first-hand observations in Northern China were used.

Findings
Social capital, production cost, non-labor family members, income, guarantee group membership, village head loan guarantee, and messenger use were found to increase use of microcredit. The same factors were found to affect the value of loans among participating farmers except a guarantor requirement for the loan replaces membership in a guarantee group.

Practical implications
Results support that there is demand for microcredit among farmers and that they are willing to take steps to obtain it including seeking membership in a household guarantee group. Identification of faced constraints facilitates understanding of supply-side efforts with potential to decrease financial exclusion with a focus on external-to-market intervention.

Originality/value
Pivotal findings are the importance of guarantee group membership for loan approval and that this requirement hinders farmers’ ability to obtain credit. Three alternatives are suggested to overcome this constraint including excluding low-risk borrowers from a group guarantee requirement; charging higher interest rates on high risk loans not supported by a guarantee; and development of insurance options to replace the guarantee.
Managerial assignments of credit and blame: a five-country study of leadership desirability
Authors: Lakshman C. , Gok Kubilay , Vo Linh Chi 
Published: September 2018

PurposeAlthough the international business literature has examined leader traits that are desirable in different cultures, it has not examined critical behaviors or managerial attributions of credit and blame. Credit and blame attributions have important consequences for the desirability of leadership across cultures. Arguing that these types of managerial attributions are likely to have a strong impact on what constitutes desirable leadership; the authors examine them in five countries, namely, USA, France, India, Turkey and Vietnam. The purpose of this paper is to contribute by examining the influence of credit and blame attributions on subordinate satisfaction and leadership perceptions (desirability), unaddressed in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThe model was tested using questionnaire responses of subordinates in a variety of business organizations, from the five countries indicated, including manufacturing, telecommunication, financial and other services.FindingsUsing the implicit leadership theory, the authors contribute by demonstrating the importance of these attributions for leadership perceptions in five different cultures. The results are supportive of the hypotheses and suggest the important moderating role of subordinate performance for leadership perceptions. The authors discuss findings in the context of the literature, highlight contributions and identify limitations and future directions.Originality/valueUsing the implicit leadership theory, the authors contribute by demonstrating the importance of these attributions for leadership perceptions in five different cultures.
The impact of external and internal corporate governance mechanisms on agency costs
Authors: Schäuble Jonas 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of external and internal corporate governance mechanisms on agency costs.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses data from German firms that were listed in the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock exchange during 2006-2011. Agency costs were measured using stochastic frontier analysis, a relatively new approach to estimate agency costs. The regression analysis is applied to test the model.FindingsThe results indicate that an industry specialized audit firm, the presence of a large audit firm, abnormal audit fees, management ownership and variable management compensation are significantly negatively associated with the level of a firms’ agency costs. In contrast, this seems not to be true for the existence of an audit committee for which the results of the paper document a non-significant association.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the existing literature in several ways. First, the research design is to the best of the authors’ knowledge the first that investigates the influence of different corporate governance mechanisms on the level of agency costs. Second, previous studies are mainly focused on the US audit market. This focus on the US audit market leaves uncertainties regarding the direction and magnitude of the empirical relationship in the European and German environmental context. Finally, the paper provides initial empirical evidence for a sample of German IFRS listed companies (IFRS – International Financial Reporting Standards).
CPW fed circularly polarized wideband pie-shaped monopole antenna for multi-antenna techniques
Authors: Arun Henridass , M. Gulam Nabi Alsath 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to present the design and implementation of a circularly polarized co-planar waveguide (CPW) fed wideband pie-shaped monopole antenna for multi-antenna techniques. Multi-antenna techniques are promising solutions for higher data rate and enhanced reliability of wireless applications. They find numerous applications in 4G/5G networks and in most wireless standards such as wireless local area networks (WLAN), wireless fidelity and worldwide interoperability for microwave access systems to enhance the channel capacity without additional spectrum by means of multi-path propagation techniques.

Design/methodology/approach
The antenna is designed to operate at three WLAN frequency bands of 4.8, 5.2 and 5.8 GHz. The measured 10 dB impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna element is 1.2 GHz (24.23 per cent). The proposed CPW fed, pie-shaped monopole antenna has a gain of 5.4 dB and an efficiency of 72.8 per cent at 4.8 GHz.

Findings
To use the proposed antenna in a multi-antenna environment, the antennas have to be placed in a close proximity to each other. The close proximity introduces strong mutual coupling between the antennas, which in turn degrades the performance of multi-antenna systems. A multi-antenna system with two antenna elements has been constructed with an edge to edge spacing of 0.24 λ0 (15 mm), and the mutual coupling level is −17 dB. To enhance the isolation between the antenna elements, a shorting pin-based interconnected semicircles enclosed decoupling structure is proposed, which improves the isolation by a factor of 12.67 dB at 4.8 GHz.

Originality/value
To validate the performance of the proposed multi-antenna in working environment, the performance metrics such as envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), diversity gain (DG) and total active reflection coefficient (TARC) are computed for the proposed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna. The ECC value is 0.000366 at center frequency and below 0.09 for the entire operating bandwidth, which is well below the acceptable level of 0.5 as per 3GPP standard. The DG value lies above 9.5 dB for the entire operating bandwidths and it is well above the minimum value of 3 dB. The TARC values are calculated based on S parameters, and it proves that the proposed antenna a good candidate for the multi-antenna systems.
Nonlinear interval eigenvalue problems for damped spring-mass system
Authors: Chakraverty Snehashish , Mahato Nisha Rani 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
In structural mechanics, systems with damping factor get converted to nonlinear eigenvalue problems (NEPs), namely, quadratic eigenvalue problems. Generally, the parameters of NEPs are considered as crisp values but because of errors in measurement, observation or maintenance-induced errors, the parameters may have uncertain bounds of values, and such uncertain bounds may be considered in terms of closed intervals. As such, this paper aims to deal with solving nonlinear interval eigenvalue problems (NIEPs) with respect to damped spring-mass systems having interval parameters.

Design/methodology/approach
Two methods, namely, linear sufficient regularity perturbation (LSRP) and direct sufficient regularity perturbation (DSRP), have been proposed for solving NIEPs based on sufficient regularity perturbation method for intervals. LSRP may be used for solving NIEPs by linearizing the eigenvalue problems into generalized interval eigenvalue problems, and DSRP may be considered as a direct solution procedure for solving NIEPs.

Findings
LSRP and DSRP methods help in computing the lower and upper eigenvalue and eigenvector bounds for NIEPs which contain the crisp eigenvalues. Further, the DSRP method is computationally efficient compared to LSRP.

Originality/value
The efficiency of the proposed methods has been validated by example problems of NIEPs. Moreover, the procedures may be extended for other nonlinear interval eigenvalue application problems.
Executive capability for innovation: the Irish seaports sector
Authors: Kearney Arthur , Harrington Denis , Kelliher Felicity 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a framework of executive capability for innovation in the Irish seaport context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an approach based on a critical review of literature. The paper takes the form of a critical review of academic literature, focussed by dynamic managerial capabilities theory. Specifically, the work of Lawson and Samson (2001) is drawn on to frame executive capability for innovation.FindingsThe framework proposes that the executive capability for innovation in the Irish seaport sector emerges as a dynamic managerial capability. The framework is dynamic in nature with environmental feedback loops inhibiting and enabling executive capability development. Supply chain innovation emerges from the framework based on an interpretation of executive capability emerging from Lawson and Samson (2001).Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is entirely conceptual in nature. Future empirical research taking a qualitative approach is necessary. Further, an alternative theoretical perspective to that of dynamic managerial capabilities would offer new conceptual insight.Practical implicationsThe paper contributes to executive practice through providing a framework of executive capability for innovation facilitating dialogue between executive practitioners and academic theory. Policymakers are challenged to contemplate the framework as a means of transforming competitiveness in an industry identified as foundational to Irish economic development.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to an emerging area of interest in the academic literature in the area of executive capability for innovation. Specifically, the paper argues the unique contextual nature of executive capability for innovation in the context of the seaport industry.
Quantifying demolition fitout waste from Australian office buildings
Authors: Forsythe Perry , Ahmadian Fard Fini Alireza 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The short life cycle replacement of fitout in modern high-rise office buildings represents an under-researched waste problem. This paper aims to quantify the amount of demolition waste from office strip-out including attention to waste streams going to landfill, reuse and recycling.

Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative waste data (by weight) were measured from 23 office fitout projects situated in “A” grade office building stock from the Sydney CBD. Waste streams were measured separately for landfill, reuse and recycled materials. Descriptive and clustering statistics are presented and analysed.

Findings
From a total of 9,167 tonnes office fitouts demolished, 5,042 tonnes are going to landfill. The main contributor to landfill stream is the mixed waste generated in a fast-track demolition process. This approach partly resulted from the office interiors lacking regularity and easy disassembly. Moreover, considerable variability is observed in the waste per area, the waste streams and the waste compositions. Also, it is noteworthy that the recycled waste stream considerably increases when there exist economically viable conversion facilities, as for metals, hard fills and plasterboards.

Research limitations/implications
The research is focused upon work practices that take place in Australia; therefore, generalisability is limited to situations that have similar characteristics. Future studies are needed to verify and extend the findings of this research.

Practical implications
A key area arising from the research findings is the need to design fitout with recycling and reuse in mind to divert more from landfill. This must explore and incorporate onsite demolition processes to ensure the design is well suited to commercially dominant processes in the overall demolition process, as well as attention to developing economies of scale and viability in re-sale markets for reused items.

Originality/value
Little empirical or quantitative research exists in the area of office fitout waste. This research provides entry to this area via quantifiable data that enables comparison, benchmarking and diagnostic ability that can be used to underpin strategic solutions and measurement of improvements.
Mobile-banking adoption: empirical evidence from the banking sector in Pakistan
Authors: Farah Maya F. , Hasni Muhammad Junaid Shahid , Abbas Abbas Khan 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the important factors which help explain consumer intention and use behavior in mobile banking (m-banking) adoption. All constructs of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 are studied. Non-monetary value is studied through perceived value. Trust and perceived risk are also included to predict intention.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was utilized to evaluate customer responses on a five-point Likert scale. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from a sample of 490 respondents in Pakistan. The data were analyzed using AMOS and SPSS for Cronbach’s α, CR, CMV, AVE, Harmon’s single factor test, correlation and structural equation modeling.

Findings
The results of the study show that most of the predictors of intention, including perceived value, performance expectancy, habit, social influence, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation (except for facilitating condition), perceived risk and trust, are significant. All predictors of usage behavior are significant.

Research limitations/implications
A cross-sectional study was conducted due to time constraints.

Practical implications
Bank managers must focus on improving customers’ intentions to use m-banking as well as on providing facilitating conditions to increase its actual use. To boost mobile banking, banks’ management must consider the customers’ habits while designing their m-banking products.

Originality/value
The findings of this paper are not only interesting in terms of boosting m-banking diffusion rate, but also in terms of financial inclusion of the vast majority of mobile users. Further the impact of intention, facilitating condition and habit were checked on actual use behavior since people tend not always to act upon their intentions.
Can informal corporate governance mechanisms mitigate diversification discount? Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Lee Kian Tek , Hooy Chee-Wooi 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether any specific informal corporate governance mechanisms under consideration in this study, namely, political connection, business group affiliation and ownership concentration, are able to mitigate the diversification discount for emerging-market diversified firms using Malaysia as an examination lab.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a sample data of the entire non-financial public-listed firms in Malaysia over a 12-year period from 2001 to 2012. The generalized method of moments estimators are employed to account for the endogeneity of both corporate governance and diversification.FindingsThis study finds that business group affiliation particularly with large size can help to mitigate the diversification discount whereby political connection and ownership concentration magnify the discount. The finding is robust to alternative diversification measurements, to alternative methods and to endogeneity bias.Research limitations/implicationsThis result implies that diversified firms with affiliation to large business groups are able to reduce the magnitude of the discounted value of diversification.Practical implicationsThis study helps managers, shareholders and investors to evaluate their current/future investments related to firms with diversified business segments. This study also provides implications for policymakers and regulatory bodies to assess the adequacy and competency of the current corporate governance frameworks in place.Originality/valueThis study incorporates the country-specific institutional dimension in designing a research framework that is more relevant in examining the influential effect of governance-related characteristics on the diversification-firm value relationship in an emerging market.
Self-concept orientation and organizational identification: a mediated relationship
Authors: Guo Chun , Miller Jane K. , Woodard Melissa S. , Miller Daniel J. , Silvernail Kirk D. , Aydin Mehmet Devrim , Lemos Ana Heloisa da Costa , Kumpikaite-Valiuniene Vilmante , Nair Sudhir , Donnelly Paul F. , Marx Robert D. , Peters Linda M. 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test a mediated model of the relationship between self-concept orientation (individualist and collectivist) and organizational identification (OrgID, Cooper and Thatcher, 2010), with proposed mediators including the need for organizational identification (nOID, Glynn, 1998) as well as self-presentation concerns of social adjustment (SA) and value expression (VE, Highhouse et al., 2007).

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 509 participants in seven countries. Direct and mediation effects were tested using structural equation modeling (AMOS 25.0).

Findings
Individualist self-concept orientation was positively related to VE and collectivist self-concept orientation was positively related to nOID, VE and SA. VE mediated the relationship between both self-concept orientations and OrgID. In addition, nOID mediated the relationship for collectivist self-concept orientation.

Practical implications
This study identifies underlying psychological needs as mediators of the relationship of self-concept orientation to OrgID. Understanding these linkages enables employers to develop practices that resonate with the self-concept orientations and associated psychological needs of their employees, thereby enhancing OrgID.

Originality/value
This study provides a significant contribution to the OrgID literature by proposing and testing for relationships between self-concept orientations and OrgID as mediated by underlying psychological needs. The results provide support for the mediated model as well as many of Cooper and Thatcher’s (2010) theoretical propositions, with notable exceptions.
Why do informal service enterprises remain informal? A RIDIT approach
Authors: Jha Sunanda , Bag Dinabandhu 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify reasons as to why firms operate informally, and to explore the rationalisation of not moving towards formalisation.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on empirical data collected through interviews with the entrepreneurs of the informal service enterprises of Delhi and peripheral areas, this paper presents the results of the survey conducted in 2017. By using the analytical tool developed by I. Bross, the authors have identified the most significant contributing factors to informality.FindingsIn the research, the authors establish that competition and lack of awareness are the most dominant reasons due to which informal firms are hesitant in moving towards formalisation. For successful transition towards formalisation, a “new pact” between the workers, enterprises and governments needs to be developed, based on capacity building, productivity gains, enabling business environment, empowerment and entitlements to social and economic rights.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited only to informal service enterprises located in Delhi, the national capital of India, and the peripheral areas.Practical implicationsBy identifying the most dominant factors, focussed steps can be taken to reduce the size of the informal sector.Originality/valueThe informal service enterprises are not a widely explored community by researchers and policy makers. This sector can employ more people with less investment, and hence requires intensive study. The use of RIDIT approach to rank the identified factors due to which the firms do not move towards formalisation is the novelty of this work.
Research watch: men’s social inclusion and suicide prevention
Authors: Holttum Sue 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore recent research on reducing suicide, especially in men, who are often seen as excluding themselves from needing support, or they are excluded because people think they do not want it.

Design/methodology/approach
A search was carried out for recent papers on suicide prevention in men.

Findings
One study of 75 regions of Europe reported a link between higher value on giving social support and lower suicide rates, especially for men. Another study reported on the fall in a previously high suicide rate, especially in men, in Quebec province in Canada. A programme of suicide prevention may have contributed to this reduction. Finally, a small interview study reported on how certain kinds of encounters with professionals can inspire hope to carry on after a suicide attempt.

Originality/value
The two papers looking at regions (across Europe and one province of Canada) suggest how social forces may contribute to reducing suicide, especially in men. The Canadian study suggests the possibility that suicide might be reduced partly by enabling help-seeking in men to be seen as a positive aspect of masculine identity, rather than seeing masculinity as excluding men from support. The small qualitative study illustrates vividly how individual encounters after a suicide attempt might promote hopefulness and are relevant to both sexes.