bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On credit spread change of Chinese corporate bonds: credit risk or asset allocation effect?
Authors: Cui Changfeng , Liu Hailong , Zhang Yi 
Published: July 2013

PurposeCredit spread change is a key issue for investors to earn the excess return from corporate bonds. Generally, there are two kinds of different effects that support the changing of credit spread: asset allocation effect and credit risk change effect. The existing literature based on US data supports credit spread change is driven by credit risk change; however, this issue based on Chinese market data has not been investigated clearly. This paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt Markov regime switching model to investigate the changing mode of the credit spread in the Chinese bond market. They select three kinds of variables: the credit risk variables, the asset allocation variables and the liquidity condition variables. With ML estimators, the authors can find the changing mode and further they study the relationship between the regime switching and some observed variables, such as macro economy variables and turnover of stock market.FindingsThe authors find it is driven by asset allocation effect in most time and by credit risk change only in shorter period. Empirical results show that the switching of dominance from one effect to another isn't closely related with macro‐economy variables, but related with the turnover of stock market.Practical implicationsThese results indicate that in China the credit risk of corporate bonds is relatively low and the corporate bonds are still auxiliary asset for investors.Originality/valueIn this paper, the authors have the following two contributions: first, they discuss the asset allocation effect in the Chinese bond market and introduce the stock market variables and bank credit variable to describe the asset allocation effect; second, based on Chinese bond market data, they find different findings from the existing literature about US and European bond markets, showing that the changing of credit spread is mostly related with asset allocation effect but not credit risk change.
Exercise price regulation and the timing of ESO reports: evidence from China
Authors: Dai Xingyun , Dai Sicong , Wang Kemin 
Published: July 2013

PurposePrior research has documented that managers take opportunistic timing activities to influence the exercise prices of executive stock options (ESOs). This paper aims to add to the literature by investigating whether such behavior is mitigated by the exercise price regulation of China.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 132 ESO reports between 2006 and 2010 in China, the authors explore whether the regulation takes effect by examining stock price movements and companies' information disclosures around the report dates.FindingsConsistent with the conjecture that the regulation could not effectively limit managers' opportunistic behavior, the authors find that the abnormal returns decrease slowly until ten trading days before the report dates, increase gradually subsequently, and rise dramatically just after the report dates. Particularly, the return pattern is more pronounced when corporate governance is weaker. The authors also find that managers opportunistically time ESO reports based on their private information. In particular, more (less) favorable (negative) news announcements occur after the report dates than beforehand. Additionally, compared to earnings announcements, managers prefer to time ESO reports with information about forward‐looking earnings and security issuances.Originality/valueThese results suggest that the regulation could not effectively constrain managers from influencing the exercise prices. The paper also provides evidence that imperfect regulations under asymmetric information may lead to additional agency costs, especially when corporate governance is weak. The authors' findings can contribute to the improvement of regulations on ESOs.
Variations of quality of work life of academic professionals in Bangladesh
Authors: Taher Abu 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe main purpose of this research was to analyze the key issues related to quality of work life (QWL), which have become increasingly important to HRD scholars and practitioners. In addition, the significant differences between the academic professionals of public and private universities in Bangladesh in terms of QWL were also addressed.Design/methodology/approachA total number of 202 academic professionals were selected as a sample based on stratified and random sampling techniques. Questionnaire survey method was used to gather primary data. Sirgy et al.'s survey instrument was adopted in this study. Discriminant analysis was utilized to differentiate QWL among academic professionals of the study sample and tested the hypotheses.FindingsThe study findings show that the job design of an organization can have a significant effect on its organizational performance (OP) and hence the need to give proper attention to the quality of work life (QWL). Moreover, the two factors like “creativity of outside work” and “payment for work” were significantly differentiated between academic professionals of public and private universities in Bangladesh.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this paper is the relatively small sample size of only academic professionals in Bangladesh with regard to data concerning QWL, which limits the generalizability of the findings. However, the author feels that the outcomes of this research will be beneficial for policy makers and planners to formulate effective strategy of HRD in Bangladesh and other similar countries.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the role of QWL in managing human resources which determines organizational success. To make the best use of human resources, organizational leaders need to give more attention to the human network (interpersonal relationship), the nature and content of jobs performed.
Numerical analysis of fluid dynamics and thermal characteristics inside a wavy channel
Authors: Mereu Riccardo , Colombo Emanuela , Inzoli Fabio 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to present the results of a numerical investigation of the fluid dynamics and heat transfer behavior of forced incompressible flow inside a rectangular wavy channel. Reynolds numbers, based on hydraulic inlet diameter and bulk velocity, ranging from 500 to 10000 are investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe numerical analysis is performed by means of a finite volume commercial CFD code. A Reynolds Averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS) approach is applied to a three‐dimensional fluid domain over a single module with periodic conditions. Further analysis over six modules is also performed to validate the periodic numerical domain.FindingsMean velocity and temperature fields are obtained. The global values of Nusselt number are compared with data obtained by an experimental facility with the same geometry and operating with Re from 1000 to 10000.Research limitations/implicationsSome limitations related to the numerical approach used are observed in laminar‐turbulent transitional regime at Reynolds number between 1000 and 2000 and in the transient prediction. More expensive numerical method might be used (LES approach) to improve transitional prediction.Practical implicationsThe numerical model can be used to understand flow and thermal fields on the present configuration. A major knowledge of fluid dynamics and heat transfer processes may support the design and optimization of heat exchangers.Originality/valueThe validation of numerical model permits supporting experimental campaigns. A faster and cheaper optimization process for improving the performance of the component is thus made available for designers, product engineers and R&D researchers.
Numerical investigation of fast precooling of a cylindrical food product based on the hyperbolic heat conduction model
Authors: Al‐Odat Mohammed Q. 
Published: July 2013

PurposeIn this study, the purpose was to introduce two‐dimensional hyperbolic heat conduction equations in order to simulate the fast precooling process of a cylindrically shaped food product with internal heat generation. A modified model for internal heat generation due to respiration in the food product was proposed to take the effect of relaxation time into account. The obtained governing equations were solved numerically using an efficient finite difference technique. The influence of Biot number and heat generation parameters on thermal characteristics was examined and discussed. The results based on hyperbolic model were compared with the classical parabolic heat diffusion model. The present numerical code was validated via comparison with analytical solution and a good agreement was found.Design/methodology/approachThe obtained governing equations were solved numerically using an efficient finite difference technique.FindingsThe influence of Biot number and heat generation parameters on thermal characteristics was examined and discussed. The results based on hyperbolic model were compared with the classical parabolic heat diffusion model. The present numerical code was validated via comparison with analytical solution and a good agreement was found.Originality/valueTwo‐dimensional analysis of fast precooling of cylindrical food product based on hyperbolic heat conduction model has not been investigated yet.
Non‐similar solution for unsteady water boundary layer flows over a sphere with non‐uniform mass transfer
Authors: Revathi G. , Saikrishnan P. , Chamkha A. 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to make an analysis to study the non‐similar solution for unsteady water boundary layer flow over sphere with the influence of temperature‐dependent viscosity, Prandtl number, non‐uniform surface mass transfer and heat transfer.Design/methodology/approachThe governing quasi‐linear partial differential equations have been solved numerically using an implicit finite difference scheme along with a quasi‐linearization technique. Non‐similar solutions have been obtained from the starting point of the stream‐wise coordinate to the point where the skin friction value vanishes.FindingsIt is observed that non‐uniform suction causes the point of vanishing skin friction to move downstream. The slot injection causes the vanishing skin friction to move upstream.Originality/valueThe effect of unsteadiness is more significant on the skin friction as compared to the heat transfer.
Markerstudy Group puts the fun into insurance
Authors: Gerrard‐White Tanya 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to describe how Markerstudy Group strives to offer the best possible working environment and opportunities for its employees.Design/methodology/approachIt details the practices and policies that helped the company to earn 18th place in the latest Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list. It includes the views of members of staff and directors.FindingsThe paper explains how employees are valued and recognized. It describes how the group nurtures talent, and rewards and motivates staff.Practical implicationsThis paper outlines how individuals and teams benefit from the company's policies and practices and the group's mission “to have fun” in business.Social implicationsIt reveals that employees value the approach of the group chief executive and how they are looked after by the business.Originality/valueThe paper provides the inside story of how a company became one of Britain's top 20 employers on its first attempt.
Lean six sigma at a material recovery facility: a case study
Authors: Franchetti Matthew , Barnala Pukhraj 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the lean six sigma implementation process and its quantified benefits for the recycling industry. Specifically, the goals of the project were to improve the processes and increase capacity for a government operated material recovery facility (MRF) in Toledo, Ohio, USA.Design/methodology/approachThe six sigma DMAIC methodology was utilized for this study. This included aligning and optimizing processes and the removal of process‐generated defects and errors.FindingsAfter comparison of the current and future states of the MRF, it is found that by reducing non‐value added activities, productivity was increased by 7.3 percent for paper bales, 12.8 percent for commingled bales and 1.6 percent for old corrugated container (OCC) bales. The project generated over $65,000 in annual savings for the facility.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited due to the focused nature of the case study and further cost‐benefit analysis can be carried out.Practical implicationsThis paper may be useful to researchers and practitioners for understanding lean six sigma implementations and its derived benefits for the recycling industry and government operated processing facilities.Originality/valueThe paper is a real case study showing lean six sigma implementation and its benefits for the recycling industry; a field that has not been explored to a high degree.
Once upon a time: the neo‐Thomist natural law approach to social economics
Authors: Sandonà Luca 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand why the neo‐Thomist natural law approach to social economics does not represent a trustworthy epistemological reference for the current social economists but, rather, definitively belongs to the past history of economics.Design/methodology/approachThe approach ventures beyond an epistemological, methodological, and historical analysis of the causes that led to the rediscovery of Thomism, its golden age, and its abandonment. The theoretical and practical contents of the neo‐Thomist natural law approach to social economics are also carefully examined in order to identify its originality.FindingsFrom this study, it clearly emerges that the modern conception of economics as a value‐free and context‐independent science is due to historical facts and ideological convictions and not to evidence in nature. This study also demonstrates that the disappearance of the neo‐Thomist natural law approach from the social economics debate is basically attributable to political, scholarly, and ecclesiastical factors and not to the loss of scientific reliability.Research limitations/implicationsThe treatment of the neo‐Thomist school is deployed in general terms with special reference to the principal scholars, Taparelli, Liberatore, and Leo XIII. In order to focus on the paper's aim, the author has not explored the particularity of each neo‐Thomist author's thought.Practical implicationsThe practical desirability is to always render economists more aware of the fact that the societal and ethical context significantly mattered and continues to matter in the elaboration process of the economic theories.Originality/valueThe novelty consists of the attempt to explain the theoretical and practical reasons that historically and currently determine the sharp separation between the neo‐Thomist natural approach tradition and the social economics theory.
Implementation of evidence‐based practice: confessions of an enthusiastic amateur
Authors: Jefford Tom 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe article aims to examine the process and challenges of setting up and implementing evidence‐based programmes in regular service systems.Design/methodology/approachThe article offers a first‐hand account of a service manager seeking to implement Multisystemic Therapy and Triple P.FindingsThe process of setting up and implementing evidence‐based programmes involved significant challenges, including securing funding, managing stakeholders, finding suitable staff, arranging training, and managing supply and demand. Various relational, cultural and systemic issues need to be addressed if the professional system is to embrace evidence‐based programmes.Originality/valueFew evidence‐based programmes in the UK have been implemented extensively in regular service systems. This is a first‐hand account of a rare attempt to do so.
Developing mindfulness with children and young people: a review of the evidence and policy context
Authors: Weare Katherine 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the growing field of the teaching of mindfulness to young people, looking at its social and policy context, its applications, and other areas of work that it might support and within which it might fit. It focuses particularly on the state of the current evidence for such teaching and the conclusions that can be drawn from it.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a literature review, drawing mainly on the 20 or so significant and good quality studies (i.e. those with significant numbers of participants, published in peer‐reviewed journals) that make up the evidence base for mindfulness and the young, along with some comments on the policy context into which mindfulness can and might fit.FindingsWork on mindfulness with young people is popular with both staff and students, has a developing presence and can be effective in promoting a very wide range of outcomes. When well taught and when practised regularly, it has been shown to be capable of improving mental health and well‐being, mood, self‐esteem, self‐regulation, positive behaviour and academic learning. There are many possible promising locations for mindfulness within mainstream education and the health services, including work to improve on mental health and well‐being for staff and students, social and emotional learning, special education and mainstream subject based work.Originality/valueMindfulness is a new and growth area. Work with adults is well developed with a convincing evidence base, but work with the young, although developing rapidly, is much younger and this review is one of only a handful attempting to bring it to wider professional awareness.
Italian state university contemporary performance plans: an intellectual capital focus?
Authors: Siboni Benedetta , Nardo Maria Teresa , Sangiorgi Daniela 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe current research aims to investigate what Italian state universities consider as intellectual capital (IC) in their performance plans. Universities assume a specific responsibility in the production and dissemination of knowledge and in the investment in research and human resources; consequently, a central role has been given to IC approaches in managing universities. Drawing from this, in 2009 Italy required state universities to issue a performance plan with a section devoted to IC.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis was conducted to discover the type and extent of IC strategies in a group of 44 contemporary Italian state university performance plans issued in 2011.FindingsThe findings show a variable focus on IC items, with a particular emphasis on aspects related to the development of relationships with external partners, supporting the idea that nowadays the university sector is strongly investing in the development of relational capital to achieve its third mission.Practical implicationsIn assessing practices of IC planning in Italian state universities, the current study highlights the path of development that will be undertaken by the Italian university system in the near future. This path allows us to evaluate the strategic position that the Italian university system will cover in the European higher education arena.Originality/valueThe paper makes an original contribution to research on IC strategies in universities, given the lack of empirical studies on such issues. It represents one of the first attempts to analyse IC in Italian state universities’ planning processes.
Dealing with knowledge in the Italian public universities
Authors: Esposito Vincenza , De Nito Ernesto , Pezzillo Iacono Mario , Silvestri Lucia 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis article sets out to investigate the relationship between performance management systems (PMSs) and knowledge in public universities. In particular, this paper intends to verify how different choices related to PMS affect the nature of knowledge, in terms of the well‐known tacit vs explicit dichotomy.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical focus is on the recent PMS changes that have been developing in the “modernisation agenda” of the Italian public sector. In particular, 15 case studies of PMS design in Italian universities are presented. The interpretation of the results is based on the Simon's theoretical framework related to the four levers of control.FindingsResults show how PMSs (in the different forms presented in the universities’ evaluation plans) could represent an important social tool to facilitate the management of organizational knowledge, combining explicit and tacit forms of knowledge.Originality/valueThis paper tackles a topic neglected in the knowledge management literature, aiming to open up a discussion on the possible interconnections between PMSs and knowledge in the public arena.
Tablet adoption and implementation in academic libraries: a qualitative analysis of librarians' discourse on blogging platforms
Authors: Scale Mark‐Shane E. 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is primarily to report on a 2011 online discussion on tablets and their adoption in libraries, as observed by the researcher in blog postings and micro‐blog postings.Design/methodology/approachThe researcher examined blogs and tweets about the diffusion of tablets in academic libraries to find out why early adopters or academic librarians adopted tablets and implemented them into library services.FindingsResults reveal that academic librarians and libraries adopt and integrate tablets into library services because they can offer wireless access to the library's e‐collection and e‐resources in ways better than e‐readers or smartphones and because librarians have some level of familiarity with using tablets for their own work purposes before they considered extending such purposes to users.Practical implicationsAcademic libraries are investing in devices to facilitate users' access to growing e‐resources. Tablet devices are one such option. However, many tablets are expensive, equalling or totalling more than the costs of laptops. The decision to adopt and implement them into library services needs to be informed by the experiences of others, in order to determine if it is a worthwhile purchase.Originality/valueThis paper departs from the general pattern of library literature on the subject of tablet adoption, by breaking with the tradition of being only informed by practice and emerging trial and error, to a more reflective approach to those experiences informed by Rogers' theory of the diffusions of innovations.
Spring 2013 Mid‐Atlantic Regional Archives Conference
Authors: Klose Annamarie C. 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the Spring 2013 MARAC Conference.Design/methodology/approachThis report focuses on the use of technology in archives, libraries, and museums, as presented in various sessions at the Spring 2013 MARAC Conference.FindingsArchives, libraries, and museums are utilizing various technologies including QR codes, data visualization, open‐source platforms, and single search boxes to better reach and serve the demands and expectations of today's users.Originality/valueThe paper condenses the author's notes from various sessions.