bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Firm-specific internal determinants of profitability performance: an exploratory study of selected life insurance firms in Asia
Authors: Zainudin Rozaimah , Ahmad Mahdzan Nurul Shahnaz , Leong Ee Shan 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThis study is an exploratory study investigating firm-specific internal factors that influence the profitability performance of selected life insurance firms in eight Asian countries (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia) from 2008-2014. This paper aims to focus on internal rather than external factors based on the resource-based view suggesting that the internal resources of a firm are key to gaining competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used panel data estimation model to test our six hypotheses on these eight selected countries for the period between 2008 and 2014.FindingsA random effect model reveals that size, volume of capital and underwriting risk are significantly related to the profitability of Asian life insurance firm, measured as return on assets. Premium growth, asset tangibility and liquidity are insignificant predictors of the profitability performance of these life insurance firms.Practical implicationsThree implications of this study are that life insurance firms need to proactively tap new business opportunities by attracting younger generation customers via e-marketing technologies; secure larger capital base to finance their market expansion strategies; and focus on intangible resources such as goodwill, brand equity and reputation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by conducting an exploratory regional-based panel study of Asian life insurance firms to find common factors that contribute towards profitability. The study is conducted on a collective sample of Asian life insurance firms based on the premise that the firms included in the sample engage in cross-border activities and share the same international financial reporting standards. These commonalities allow us to treat the firms jointly in a somewhat similar Asian macroeconomic environment.
Strategic IT-business alignment and organizational agility: from a developing country perspective
Authors: Panda Sukanya , Rath Santanu Kumar 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThis study aims to test a model in which the effect of strategic information technology (IT)-business alignment on organizational agility is examined by the moderating influence of environmental uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachThis research utilizes a matched-pair survey data collected from 300 IT and business executives working in various privately owned Indian financial enterprises, and structural equation modeling is used to examine the alignment–agility linkage.FindingsThe analysis demonstrates the positive effect of alignment on agility (studied as business process and market responsive agilities), and alignment is more effective on business process agility than market responsive agility. However, the moderation analysis reveals that in a highly uncertain environment, alignment has more effect on market responsive agility but not on business process agility.Originality/valueAlthough previous studies (mostly conducted in the context of developed countries) have reported about the positive IT-business alignment and organizational agility linkage, the literature is silent regarding the influence of external contingent factors on this relationship from a developing country perspective. The authors have conceptualized alignment on the basis of strategic alignment maturity model and meticulously examined its relationship with both categories of agility. This research extends the alignment-agility theory and provides empirical support for this unique association from a developing country (i.e. India) perspective, and thereby, greatly contributes to the alignment literature.
Impact of corporate sustainability reporting on firm performance: an empirical examination in Asia
Authors: Laskar Najul 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of corporate sustainability reporting on firm performance in four Asian countries – Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and India – and to find out whether there is any significant difference between developed and developing countries of Asia with respect to the impact of such reporting on firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on 36 listed nonfinancial companies from Japan, 28 from India, 26 from South Korea and 21 from Indonesia respectively, from 2009 to 2014. Content analysis (binary −0 and 1) is used to calculate the disclosure score of sustainability performance, based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) format. The outcome of the content analysis is further used to examine the impact of corporate sustainability reporting on firm performance employing a logistic regression model.FindingsThe study finds that the average level of disclosure is more in the case of Japanese companies (90 per cent), followed by India (88 per cent) and South Korea (85 per cent). On the other hand, the average level of disclosure is only 72 per cent for Indonesian firms. Regression results depict a significant positive association between sustainability reporting and firm’s performance. The study further finds that the relative impact of sustainability reporting on firm performance is more in developed countries than in developing countries of Asia.Originality/valueThis is the first comprehensive study in Asian context to examine the impact of the level of corporate sustainability disclosure on the firm performance by using the logistic regression model. The outcome of this study would not only help the corporate managers but also the policymakers to make a valuable decision, which will eventually contribute to the objectives of sustainable development.
May the choice be with you: assisting practitioners with selecting appropriate psychometric assessments for the medico legal arena
Authors: Cartwright Ashley 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
Fraudulently claiming symptoms of mental disorder can be very lucrative for those in society who are willing to do so. One context that lends itself well to those willing to fraudulently claim symptoms of mental disorder is the road traffic accident. Previous research has indicated that the assessment practices of those charged with investigating psychological damages in the UK are not suitable in terms of detecting malingering. The purpose of this paper is to provide a “practitioner ready review” that outlines the structured psychometric assessment tools that are recommended and validated by academic research for aiding with the detection of feigned mental disorder.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes a primarily conceptual approach utilising a narrative literature review which is aimed at the forensic practitioner who conducts assessments for psychological damages in contexts where malingering may be of concern.

Findings
The findings of the present paper will be of use not only to forensic practitioners, but also will be of interest to those who instruct assessments in similar contexts, those who conduct research within this area and those who interpret reports written by forensic practitioners such as the courts.

Originality/value
To the author’s knowledge the present paper is the first of its kind, which attempts to bridge the gap between academic literature and professional practice to assist forensic examiners incorporate suitable psychometric instruments within their practice. As a result, the paper makes a substantial contribution to the improvement of forensic reporting in the disciplines of psychology and psychiatry.
Intimate partner violence: gender issues and the adjudication of homicide and other cases
Authors: Hamel John 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of gender in intimate partner violence (IPV) and, based upon the author’s experience as an expert witness, 25 years of clinical experience working with IPV perpetrators and victims, and a review of the relevant scholarly literature, provide judges, attorneys, mental health professionals and expert court witness suggestions for the adjudication of cases involving IPV in homicide and other cases.Design/methodology/approachThe author reviewed the extant general domestic violence research literature, depending largely on results from findings from the Partner Abuse State of Knowledge Project, a series of 17 literature review published in five issues of the peer-reviewed journal, Partner Ause. Other relevant research articles were found via a search of the PschInfo database, using the keywords “intimate partner homicides,” “domestic violence homicides,” “intimate partner homicides and gender” and “domestic violence homicides and gender.”FindingsThe judicial response to IPV perpetration has been limited by common misconceptions, among them the confusion between most forms of IPV, which are primarily bi-directional and less consequential and battering, which involves more serious assaults and is typically motivated out of a desire to dominate and control one’s partner. Another misconception is that women are much more likely than men to perpetrate IPV in self-defense or to express emotion. On the other hand, there is no question that female victims are much more likely to experience severe physical injuries, and that women account for approximately three-quarters of homicide victims.Practical implicationsThese include the following: this concise review of IPV research provides a clearer understanding of IPV, useful for anyone working in the field. Mental health professionals working with IPV perpetrators, as well as victims, can draw from this research best practice suggestions in working with more problematic cases. The paper should be especially useful to anyone involved in the adjudication of IPV cases, including lethal cases. In particular, prosecutors and attorneys working for the defense are given suggestions on how to obtain more reliable research data, choose more fruitful questions for their clients, and better conceptualize a case overall.Originality/valueThis paper presents a more nuanced and evidence-based conceptualization of serious and lethal IPV, drawing on a broad research base not generally available to members of the legal profession.
Cost performance index stability: insights from environmental remediation projects
Authors: Clayson Denis S. , Thal, Jr Alfred E. , White III Edward D. 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of the cost performance index (CPI) for environmental remediation projects as the topic is not addressed in the literature. CPI is defined as the earned value of work performed divided by the actual cost of the work, and CPI stability represents the point in time in a project after which the CPI varies by less than 20 percent (measured in different ways).

Design/methodology/approach
After collecting monthly earned value management (EVM) data for 136 environmental remediation projects from a United States federal agency in fiscal years 2012 and 2013, the authors used the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test to analyze CPI stability. The authors also used nonparametric statistical comparisons to identify any significant relationships between CPI stability and independent variables representing project and contract characteristics.

Findings
The CPI for environmental projects did not stabilize until the projects were 41 percent complete with respect to project duration. The most significant factors contributing to CPI stability were categorized into the following managerial insights: contractor qualifications, communication, stakeholder engagement, contracting strategy, competition, EVM factors, and macro project factors.

Originality/value
As CPI stability for environmental remediation projects has not been reported in the literature, this research provides new insights to help project managers understand when the CPIs of environmental remediation projects stabilize and which factors have the most impact on CPI stability.
Achieving confidence in competencies through authentic assessment
Authors: Thurab-Nkhosi Dianne , Williams Gwendoline , Mason-Roberts Maria 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which student assessments used in two capstone courses in a Master’s in Human Resource Management (HRM) Program were authentic, and encouraged confidence in competencies identified.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was taken to evaluate the perception of lecturers, clients and students regarding authenticity of assessments and the competencies achieved. The authors used a five-dimensional framework for authentic assessment developed by Gulikers et al. (2004) as a basis for an online survey of the students and focus group, reflection of the client and for self-reporting their reflections.

Findings
It was found that the assessments in the two courses were aligned with the five criteria of the framework for defining authentic assessments developed by Gulikers et al. (2004), however, there were challenges noted by the students and clients. Students reported attaining some of the competencies identified in the HRM graduate competency profile but needing reinforcement for more confidence. While the students felt that they benefitted, one major challenge of the authentic assessments was the heavy workload.

Practical implications
Graduate programs in HRM may be producing students without the relevant competencies and the confidence to perform, partly because approaches to teaching and learning and in particular design of assessments may not be sufficiently practical. The findings of this study can provide support for more authentic assessments in professional business education programs.

Originality/value
Few cases studies exist on application of authentic assessments to mastery of competencies in developing countries. This contributes to the discussion on competency-based education and authentic learning, with particular reference to developing country contexts.
Influencing mechanism and achievement of manufacturing transformation and upgrading
Authors: Lin Shoufu , Cai Shuochun , Sun Ji , Wang Shanyong , Zhao Dingtao 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the drivers of manufacturing transformation and upgrading and examine their influencing paths and effects. The study also dynamically evaluates and compares the achievements of the manufacturing transformation and upgrading of various economies.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper establishes the mechanism model of manufacturing transformation and upgrading based on the partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling. With the help of a mechanism model, the study carries out empirical analysis using panel data from the G20 for 2005–2015.

Findings
Innovation, measured by innovation input and innovation output, has the largest positive effect on manufacturing transformation and upgrading. Economic development has a negative direct effect, as well as positive indirect effects. Its total effect is positive but small. Economic openness has no significantly direct effect, but has significantly positive indirect effects. Its total effect is significantly positive, but is the smallest among drivers. Developed economies have relatively higher but decreasing achievements, whereas emerging economies have lower but increasing achievements and maintain the catch-up trend toward developed economies.

Originality/value
Few macro empirical studies examine the drivers and achievements of manufacturing transformation and upgrading. A need has arisen for evidence-based research and policies to guide governments in their efforts to promote manufacturing transformation and upgrading. This may be the first macro-level study to empirically analyze the drivers of manufacturing transformation and upgrading, and their influencing paths as well as achievements.
Numerical modeling of CdTe solar cells thin film investigation by using PC1D model
Authors: Haddout Assiya , Raidou Abderrahim , Fahoume Mounir 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of individual layers of cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cell to improve the efficiency of the photovoltaic cell.

Design/methodology/approach
To improve the performances of CdTe thin-film solar cells, the thickness of CdTe and cadmium sulfide (CdS) have been modified separately. High-efficiency ultra-thin CdTe solar cell with ZnTe layer as back surface field (BSF) was achieved. The CdTe solar cell is under AM1.5 g illumination using a one-dimensional (1-D) model, i.e. personal computer one dimensional (PC1D).

Findings
The highest conversion efficiency of about 15.3 per cent was achieved for ultrathin CdTe solar cell with a ZnTe BSF layer. The results of simulation were compared with experimental and analytical results by other researchers.

Originality/value
In this paper, according to the authors’ knowledge ZnO:Al/CdS/CdTe/ZnTe is simulated by PC1D model for the first time and is compared with experimental result (ZnO:Al/CdS/CdTe). The results show a suitable performance.
The use of oil shale fly ash to improve the properties of Irbid soil
Authors: Sharo Abdulla A. , Ashteyat Ahmed Mohammed , Alawneh Ahmed S. , Bany Khaled Bashar Ali 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possible use of oil shale as a soil stabilizing agent for expansive soils.

Design/methodology/approach
An experimental work has been fulfilled to investigate the influence of oil shale ash (OSA) on the geotechnical behavior of the expansive soil of Irbid, Jordan. Three swelling-shrinkage soils were considered in this study along with various percentages of OSA varying at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 per cent by dry weight of the soil. A series of laboratory tests were conducted on the soil samples before and after mixing it with OSA. These tests were soil classification, Atterberg limits, compaction test, falling head permeability test, unconfined compression test, free swelling, swelling pressure and California bearing ratio (CBR) test.

Findings
Laboratory tests results indicated that OSA is effective in improving the texture and strength of the treated soil by reducing plasticity index, swelling potential and swelling pressure and moderately enhancing soil strength properties including the unconfined compressive strength (qu), maximum dry unit weight (γd-max.) and CBR test.

Originality/value
OSA showed potential as a low-cost soil stabilizing agent for swell-shrink soils.
Heat transfer and entropy generation analysis of Cu-water nanofluid in a vertical channel
Authors: Belahmadi Essma , Bessaih Rachid 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze heat transfer and entropy generation of a Cu-water nanofluid in a vertical channel. The channel walls are maintained at a hot temperature Tw. An up flow penetrates the channel at a uniform velocity v0 and a cold temperature T0 (T0 < Tw). The effects of Reynolds number Re, Grashof number Gr and solid volume fraction ϕ on streamlines, isotherms, entropy generation, friction factor, local and mean Nusselt numbers are evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach
The Cu-water nanofluid is used in this study. The software Ansys-fluent 14.5, based on the finite-volume method and SIMPLE algorithm, is used to simulate the mixed convection problem with entropy generation in a vertical channel.

Findings
The results show that the increase of Reynolds and Grashof numbers and solid volume fraction improves heat transfer and reduces entropy generation. Correlations for the mean Nusselt number and friction factor in terms of Reynolds number and solid volume fraction are obtained. The present results are compared with those found in the literature, which reveal a very good agreement.

Originality/value
The originality of this work is to understand the heat transfer and entropy generation for mixed convection of a Cu-water nanofluid in a vertical channel.
Investigation of mechanical properties and parametric optimization of the dissimilar GTAW of AISI 304 stainless steel and low carbon steel
Authors: Ogedengbe Tunde Isaac , Abioye Taiwo Ebenezer , Ekpemogu Augusta Ijeoma 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct gas tungsten arc dissimilar welding of AISI 304 stainless steel and low carbon steel within a process window so as to investigate the effects of current, speed and gas flow rate (GFR) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the weldments.

Design/methodology/approach
The welding experiment was carried out at different combinations of parameters using WN-250S Kaierda electric welding machine. A combination of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to examine the microstructure of the weldments. Micro-hardness and tensile tests were performed using Vickers hardness tester and Instron universal testing machine, respectively. ANOVA was used to analyze the significance of the parameters on the mechanical properties.

Findings
The microstructure of the weld region is characterized with dendritic structure with the existence of ferrite and austenite phases. The utilized parameters show significant effects on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the weldments. The current and GFR were found to be the most and least significant factors, respectively. Both the grain size and weld penetration contributed to the UTS of the weldments. The UTS (427-886 MPa) increased with decreasing current and welding speed. In all samples, the weld region exhibited higher hardness (297-396 HV) than the HAZ in the base metals (maximum of 223 Â ± 6 HV). All the three factors show significant effect with the welding speed contributing mostly to the hardness of the weld region.

Originality/value
The parametric combination that gives the optimum mechanical performance of the dissimilar gas tungsten arc weldments of AISI 304 stainless steel and low carbon steel was established.
Solar Salt Latent Heat Thermal Storage for a Small Solar Organic Rankine Cycle Plant
Authors: Costa Sol-Carolina , Mahkamov Khamid , Kenisarin Murat , Lynn Kevin , Halimic Elvedin , Mullen David 
Published: October 2018

The design of the Latent Heat Thermal Storage System (LHTESS) was developed with thermal capacity of about 100 kWh as a part of small solar plant, based on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The phase change material (PCM) used is Solar salt with the melting/solidification temperature of about 220°C.
Thermo-physical properties of the PCM were measured, including its phase transition temperature, heat of fusion, specific heat and thermal conductivity. The design of the thermal storage was finalized by means of the 3-D CFD analysis.
The thermal storage system is made of six rectangular boxes with dimensions of 1 m (width) × 0.66 m (height) × 0.47 m (depth). The thermal energy is delivered to each of the thermal storage boxes with the use of thermal oil, heated by Fresnel mirrors. The heat is transferred into and from the PCM in the box using 40 bi-directional heat pipes with the external diameter of about 12 mm. The length of the heat pipe in the PCM box is 430 mm and it is placed in the cylindrical metallic protection cartridge, installed in the thermal storage vessel. The working fluid in the heat pipe is water. A set of metallic screens are installed in the box with the pitch of 8–10 mm to enhance the heat transfer from heat pipes to the PCM and vice-versa during the charging and discharging processes, which take about 4 hours.
The one unit of the described thermal storage system is undergoing the laboratory tests. Preliminary results demonstrate that the performance of the thermal storage is in a good agreement with numerical predictions. After completion of final design modifications, all units will be assembled at the plant’s demonstration site and tested with the ORC turbine.