bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial inclusion and agricultural commercialization in Ghana: an empirical investigation
Authors: Abu Benjamin Musah , Haruna Issahaku 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the connections between financial inclusion and agricultural commercialization among farmers in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachIn order to address endogeneity and sample selectivity bias, the study employs endogenous switching regressions (ESRs) to examine whether financially included and financially excluded maize farm households differ in their commercialization behavior and whether financial inclusion affects commercialization. The Heckman Treatment Effect (HTE) model is used to test for robustness of the results. The data used contain a random sample of 2,230 maize farmers across the ten regions of Ghana.FindingsThe results from the ESRs show that financial inclusion significantly fosters agricultural commercialization. Specifically, financially included households sell 13.25 percent more output than their financially excluded counterparts. In terms of the counterfactual, financially excluded households would have sold 5.04 percent more output if they were to have access to financial services. Results from the HTE model confirm that financial inclusion promotes agricultural commercialization.Practical implicationsFinancial inclusion is low among maize farmers; this implies that there are more benefits to be gained by ensuring that farmers have access to a broad range of financial services.Social implicationsThe findings imply that the quest for the integration of smallholder farmers into markets cannot overlook measures to ensure financial inclusion.Originality/valueIt represents the first attempt at linking financial inclusion to agricultural commercialization using econometric methodology. The study serves as a foundation paper and for that matter will serve as a guide to future research on the financial inclusion-agricultural commercialization nexus.
High liabilities or heavy subsidies
Authors: Ye Tao , Wang Ming , Hu Wuyang , Liu Yangbin , Shi Peijun 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
Understanding farmers’ preferences for crop insurance attributes is crucial in designing better insurance products and guiding government policies but such research is lacking, particularly in developing countries. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a survey featuring a discrete choice experiment and policy simulation.

Findings
Overall, crop insurance has positive values to farmers, although preference is heterogeneous based on socioeconomic characteristics and risk position. Policy simulation confirms the roles of liability in strengthening insurance participants’ welfare and premium subsidy in encouraging participation. Introducing one more product into the market can accommodate farmers’ diverse needs and lead to increases in both aggregated social welfare and participation while maintaining the current level of government expense in subsidy – a potential Pareto improvement.

Research limitations/implications
Methodology employed is not the most novel in the choice experiment literature as many of the advances in choice experiment design could not be applied due to the actual condition in rural China and Chinese farmers’ capability in understanding the experiment.

Practical implications
The results indicate that the current single-product market structure using “low liability with high premium subsidies” cannot accommodate the diverse needs among farmers. Providing more varieties of liability-subsidy combinations, e.g. a high liability with low premium subsidy insurance product, can substantially improve participants’ welfare with little impact to the probability of participation.

Originality/value
The authors believe that this is one of the very few studies that that analyze farmers’ preferences and willingness to pay for the attributes of crop insurance products. It also shows how crop insurance product design can build upon farmers’ choices to achieve a potential Pareto improvement in aggregated social welfare in the context of a fast-developing crop insurance market.
Determinants of agricultural household demand for insurance in China from 2004 to 2007
Authors: Li Chu-Shiu , Liu Chwen-Chi , Zhang Yuehua 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the purchase of insurance and economic growth among agricultural households.

Design/methodology/approach
Using survey data of the agricultural sector obtained from China over two years, the authors highlight the effect of job switching between farm and non-farm activities on the demand for insurance by applying the difference-in-differences and triple differences methodologies.

Findings
The results show that compared with farm income, non-farm income is associated with an increased (decreased) demand for insurance among households in Eastern (Western) China. The inequality in degree of economic development between the regions plays an important role in this finding. Both education and income exhibit a positive relationship with insurance demand for most regions. In addition, in 2007, regardless of farm or non-farm sector, switches are (except in the northeast region) associated with a significant increase in insurance expenditures. Households who switched from the farm to non-farm sector in 2007 are significantly negatively associated with insurance expenditures in the western region.

Social implications
Inequalities in the degree of economic development play an important role in insurance consumption.

Originality/value
The authors assess the determinants of insurance market development in the agricultural sector in China, characterized by inter-regional disparities in economic development.
Adapting to climate change: scenario analysis of grain production in China
Authors: Zhou Shudong , Zhou Wenkui , Lin Guanghua , Chen Jing , Jiang Tong , Li Man 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of future climate change and the corresponding adaptation activities on grain production and its regional distribution in China.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper applied the Chinese Agricultural Policy Analysis model, in combination with the findings from agronomic literature with highly detailed agricultural census data, to conduct equilibrium analysis under alternative impact (seasonal drought and climate warming) scenarios and adaptation scenarios (promoting water-saving irrigation, introducing new varieties, and the integrated) associated with climate change.

Findings
Simulation results indicate that climate change-induced seasonal drought and the resulting yield reduction will incur substantial losses to China’s grain production (by ~8 percent at a national scale). The application of water saving techniques can be an effective solution to seasonal drought. Introducing new varieties will increase the combination of promoting water-saving irrigation and new variety adoption will increase combination of promoting water-saving irrigation and new variety adoption constitute an effective approach to offsetting the negative effects of climate change on grain production.

Research limitations/implications
Simulation results indicate that climate change-induced seasonal drought and the resulting sown area reduction will incur substantial losses to China’s grain production by approximately 8 percent, despite farmers’ adaptation activities of switching from water use-intensive crops to drought-tolerant crops to mitigate this negative effect. The application of water saving techniques is an effective solution to seasonal drought; it can lead to a nationwide increase in the sown area by 3.48 percent and in the grain production by 4.15 percent. Introducing new varieties will increase grain outputs and change the spatial distribution of crop production across the country. The combination of promoting water-saving irrigation and new variety adoption will increase the national grain production by 19.6 percent, and thus constitute an effective approach to offsetting the negative effects of climate change on grain production.

Originality/value
Results from this study provide practical implications formulate strategies in response to climate change. Central government should reinforce the policies such as new varieties promotion and improve the subsidy method to guide the introduction of new varieties.
The reduction of cotton cultivation in Shandong Province of China
Authors: Min Shi 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential causes of the reduction of cotton cultivation in Shandong Province of China from the perspective of smallholders and notably examine the role of off-farm employment.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper extends an integrated behavioral model to analyze the relationship between off-farm employment and cotton cultivation by taking into account farmers’ risk attitudes. A household survey data of 144 Bt cotton farmers in six villages in Linqing County, Shandong Province conducted in 2012 and 2013 is used. A simultaneous equations model is established and further estimated by using three-stage least squares method.

Findings
Although the introduction of Bt cotton has promoted the increase in cotton acreage in China from 1999 to 2007, the planting area of cotton has been decreasing since 2007. The results show the significant correlations among risk attitude, off-farm employment, and cotton cultivation. The planting area of cotton is positively correlated with farmers’ willingness to take risk but negatively associated with off-farm employment of family members. The findings imply that the rapid emergence of off-farm labor markets is a major reason for the reduction of cotton acreage in Shandong Province. In the context of the more opportunities of off-farm employment in China, cotton acreage is expected to decrease further.

Originality/value
The findings provide a reasonable explanation for the reduction of cotton cultivation in Shandong. This analysis contributes to a better understanding of the relationships among individual risk attitude, off-farm employment, and agricultural behavior, thereby adding to the literature about the application of the integrated behavioral model.
The effect of market orientation on new product development: a literature review
Authors: Li Yu , Xie En , Cheng Lulu 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe effect of market orientation (MO) on new product development (NPD) has been widely discussed in recent research. This paper aims to summarize the theoretical and empirical literature in this field from 1990 to 2016.Design/methodology/approachA total of 89 papers were published in 15 top management journals over this period of nearly 30 years. Forty-one papers are identified as major research and recognized as five main streams by an approach of inductive.FindingsConclusions regarding trends in the literature on MO–NPD relationship and surfacing future research directions were drawn.Practical implicationsManagers can take a better understanding of the concept of MO. Moreover, they can find some approach to promote their firms’ NPD. Furthermore, they should keep in mind that MO’s effect on NPD may depend on different factors, and different types of MO may lead to different types of NPD. In addition, this paper provides researchers with systematic understanding of the literature in this area, and future research directions.Originality/valueThis is the novel paper to systematically review the literature on the effect of MO on NPD, and the first to classify the studies into five streams which provides clear directions for future research.
Ambidexterity strategic model-behavior logic and path choice
Authors: Li Zijie , Gao Qiuling 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an alternative framework and solution for balancing exploitation–exploration tensions and their management.Design/methodology/approachA case study method was adopted to uncover what underlies tensions and contradictions between exploitation–exploration that emerge for Chinese manufacturing companies due to the competitive global environment and their latecomer disadvantages when they source new technologies by cross-border mergers and acquisitions. The acquiring firm that acquires two companies is thus not a single but a cross-case study.FindingsThe authors present three contradictory points needing to be balanced and according to which three paradoxes emerge: exploitation from a similar knowledge base and innovation from a complementary knowledge base, efficiency and flexibility, as well as profit and breakthroughs. The authors theorize how paradoxical integration helps manage these interwoven tensions. Further, the assimilate-integration-apply (AIA) path suggests a new behavior logic and path choice for Chinese companies when they follow an ambidextrous strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has implications for future research and for companies’ everyday practice on ambidexterity in Chinese society.Originality/valueThe authors combine ambidexterity perspective and AIA path with linkage-leverage-learning (LLL) to offer an alternative framework and solution for balancing exploitation–exploration paradoxes in EE firms’ internationalization to increase LLL’s explanatory power.
Critical factors impacting the adoption of foresight by companies
Authors: Kováříková Ludmila , Grosová Stanislava , Baran Dušan 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The presented study aims to provide an understanding of the mechanism whereby foresight is accepted by Czech companies. The results of the study can offer insights into how to design an optimized corporate foresight tool.

Design/methodology/approach
The well-established framework of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) served as a baseline for research into key determinants of the behavioral intention to use the foresight. The proposed research model included independent variables of UTAUT2 relevant in the context of foresight. The additional variable of personal innovativeness was introduced as a potential predictor. Structural equation modeling (SmartPLS 2.0 software) was used to evaluate the data.

Findings
Performance expectancy regarding foresight was identified as the most substantial predictor of behavioral intention in line with the scientific literature. Surprisingly, the second strongest predictor was the construct of personal innovativeness, and social influence was also proven to affect behavioral intention. The results show that traditional determinants of effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation and habit did not play a significant role in relation to behavioral intention to adopt the foresight.

Research limitations/implications
The attributes of cost and intention to use could not be included in the research model, as the corporate foresight is not commonly implemented. Second, the tested sample included 103 interviewed organizations but only from Czech Republic.

Originality/value
The study primarily aims to enhance the corporate foresight theory. Secondarily, it extends the UTAUT2 theoretical framework by testing personal innovativeness as a variable explaining behavioral intention. The authors provide statistical evidence of factors impacting the adoption of corporate foresight by companies.
Developing your own graduate employees
Authors: Antcliff Valerie , Baines Sue , Gorb Elizabeth 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to offer an employer perspective on the value of degree apprenticeships (DAs) less than a year after the first apprentices commenced their studies for a bachelor’s degree in September 2015.

Design/methodology/approach
This case focusses on one of the first DAs in the UK. It draws on evidence from interviews with HR professionals responsible for the DA in two contrasting companies, an international PLC and a smaller, fast growing enterprise.

Findings
Both employers consider that the DA meets recruitment needs in ways that other options do not. They particularly value the ability of apprentices to make an immediate contribution in the workplace. For the smaller employer the university support structures are a significant advantage. Only the larger employer formally input into the curriculum prior to validation but both feel they can tailor content to suit their needs. Both see investing in the DA as excellent value for money.

Practical implications
The value of strong relationships, trust and ongoing dialogue between partners emerges as a key component in fulfilling the need of employers.

Originality/value
The DA model recasts employers as the purchasers of higher education and affords them a key role in developing provision tailored to their needs. Implications of this new model for employers, universities and learners are potentially profound and hard to predict. This case study is based on part of the early stage of a three-year research programme. It provides a unique, early insight into two employers’ rationales for engaging with the DA programme and their initial experiences.
Contextual vulnerability of rainfed crop-based farming communities in semi-arid Zimbabwe
Authors: Jiri Obert , Mafongoya Paramu L. , Chivenge Pauline 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and variability based on the socioeconomic and biophysical characteristics of Chiredzi District, a region that is susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change and variability.

Design/methodology/approach
Vulnerability was assessed using the Vulnerability to Resilience and the Climate Vulnerability and Capacity frameworks.

Findings
The major indicators and drivers of vulnerability were identified as droughts, flash floods, poor soil fertility and out-migration leaving female- and child-headed households. From sensitivity analysis, it was shown that different areas within the district considered different biophysical and socioeconomic indicators to climate change and variability. They also considered different vulnerability indicators to influence the decisions for adaptation to climate change and variability.

Originality/value
The results of this study indicate that the area and cropping systems are greatly exposed and are sensitive to climatic change stimuli, as shown by the decline in main cereal grain yield. These results also showed that there is a need to define and map local area vulnerability as a basis to recommend coping and adaptation measures to counter climate change hazards.
A comparative analysis of the practice and performance of microfinance institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Babajide Abiola Ayopo , Taiwo Joseph Niyan , Adetiloye Kehinde Adekunle 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The successful story of microfinance institutions is often tied to the practice and methods of credit delivery as evidence among international world class microfinance institutions across the globe. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of practice and methods of credit delivery employed by “non- profit” and “for-profit” microfinance institutions on financial sustainability and outreach programmes of the microfinance institutions in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts the survey research design and multi-stage stratified random sampling procedure to collect data from 372 senior management staff, managing directors and board members of microfinance institutions of both groups in Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regressions analysis.

Findings
The findings suggest that the current practice and methods of credit delivery of microfinance in both “non-profit” and “for-profit” microfinance institutions have an inverse relationship with the financial sustainability and outreach programmes of the institutions. This study provides empirical evidence for the incessant failure of microfinance institutions in Nigeria.

Research limitations/implications
The study therefore recommends an immediate overhaul of the methodology and practice of microfinance institutions in the country to align with international best practice.

Originality/value
In spite of the huge literature on microfinance in Nigeria, there is not enough evidence to empirically prove that the practice of microfinance has affected the performance of the industry in Nigeria. This study sets out to fill that gap in the literature. The paper examines the practice of microfinancing in Nigeria vis-à-vis the performance of the microfinance institutions, categorized into NGO and microfinance bank “for-profit” institutions using international best practices from countries where microfinance is highly successful as a benchmark for deployment of microfinance in Nigeria, in order to proffer policy direction to stakeholders on steps to take to ensure viability in the microfinance subsector in Nigeria.
On the linkage between sexual violence victimization and intimate partner violence outcomes among male and female college students
Authors: Meade Caitlyn N. , Jennings Wesley G. , Gover Angela R. , Richards Tara N. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
A robust literature exists documenting the association between child maltreatment and later life adverse outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between sexual abuse victimization and later life intimate partner violence (IPV) outcomes among male and female college students, which has been less frequently evaluated despite this wealth of evidence.

Design/methodology/approach
Relying on data from 4,162 male and female college students, the current study provides a multivariate analysis of the linkage between sexual abuse victimization and intimate partner victimization, perpetration, and being an IPV victim-offender.

Findings
Results reveal a statistically significant association between sexual abuse victimization and being an IPV victim, offender, or victim-offender in young adulthood. In addition, these findings are still observed once a host of risk and the demographic factors are incorporated into the model for females, but not for males.

Originality/value
This study highlights the importance of sexual violence and IPV prevention and intervention strategies for college-aged youth.
Entrepreneurship in Swedish upper secondary schools: governing active future citizens?
Authors: Norberg Eva-Lena Lindster 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical contribution by exploring how secondary school students are governed and shaped when entrepreneurship is emphasised in school curricula, and if female and male students are governed in different ways through different techniques connected with entrepreneurship in school.

Design/methodology/approach
This study takes its departure in Michel Foucault’s concept of governmentality. In total, 90 students in gendered focus groups from three upper secondary schools were interviewed about how entrepreneurship in school was implemented and experienced. The schools were geographically dispersed.

Findings
The analysis indicates, the three schools included in the study provide different prerequisites for students to become an active subject. This partly depends on where the individual school is geographically located, but also on the students gender. When entrepreneurship in school is implemented throughout the entire curriculum, female students tend to adopt male-coded entrepreneurial abilities. The neoliberal agenda, with an aim of fostering entrepreneurial self, appears to have permeated the awareness of students, especially female students.

Originality/value
First, the paper contributes with an empirical research regarding students’ experiences of entrepreneurship in school. Second, the paper contributes to a gender perspective on entrepreneurship in school. Third, the paper contributes to the understanding of how entrepreneurship in school is realised in a different school context.