bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate social disclosures: a user perspective on assurance
Authors: Wong Renfred , Millington Andrew 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate corporate social disclosure (CSD) assurance from a stakeholder perspective within a study which encompasses both stakeholder preferences and demand drivers of CSD assurance.Design/methodology/approach– Stakeholder perceptions of and their demand for CSD assurance are examined through a questionnaire survey. The analysis is based on responses in an empirical study from 147 organisations which are investing, procuring and third-sector stakeholders.Findings– Overall, stakeholder comments suggest an emphasis on the importance of specialist environmental assurors and the role of trust. The demand for assurance is positively related to stakeholders’ assessment of the value of CSD and the use of information from information intermediaries such as responsible investment indices, and negatively related to stakeholder perceptions of CSD representational faithfulness.Research limitations/implications– This paper only draws on data from the UK. Similar research can be explored in a context outside the UK.Practical implications– Better understanding of stakeholder defined determinants of the demand for CSD assurance as well as their perceptions of CSD assurance will inform regulators and enable companies to better discharge accountability towards stakeholders.Originality/value– This is one of the few empirical studies that investigate CSD assurance and one of the first to focus on stakeholder perceptions of, and demand for, CSD assurance within a multiple stakeholder perspective, rather than practitioner or corporate perceptions of CSD assurance.
Challenges of insuring weather risk in agriculture
Authors: Odening Martin , Shen Zhiwei 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to review some challenges of insuring weather risk in agriculture and to discuss potential remedies for these problems.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper is developed as a narrative on weather insurance based largely on existing literature.

Findings
– Weather risks show characteristics that often violate classical requirements for insurability. First, some weather risks, particularly slowly emerging weather perils like drought, are spatially correlated and cause systemic risks. Second, climatic change may increase the volatility of weather variables and lead to non-stationary loss distributions, which causes difficulties in actuarial ratemaking. Third, limited availability of yield and weather data hinders the estimation of reliable loss distributions.

Practical implications
– Some of the approaches discussed in this review, such as time diversification, local test procedures and the augmentation of observational data by expert knowledge, can be useful for crop insurance companies to improve their risk management and product design.

Originality/value
– This study provides background and development information regarding weather insurance and also presents statistical tools and actuarial methods that support the assessment of weather risks as well as the design of weather and yield insurance products.
The costs of having a bully in the library
Authors: A. Crumpton Michael 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of the this article is to address the issue of bullying within an organizational environment related to workplace conflict, which has not been typically noted within library organizations.

Design/methodology/approach
– The article provides the context to determine whether a problem exists and several resources to utilize if needed.

Findings
– It is speculated that bullying can exist in library organizations as with other professional organizations, but has not been raised as an issue with regard to potential costs involved.

Originality/value
– This topic is being addressed as part of the financial considerations present within library operations that bear attention in today’s environment.
Situational variables and sustainability in multi-attribute decision-making
Authors: J.K. Simpson Bonnie , K. Radford Scott 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to examine whether consumers demonstrate a multi-dimensional understanding of sustainability in their decision-making and addresses the situational influence of confidence and compromise on sustainable product choices.Design/methodology/approach– Using three choice-based conjoint experiments the authors examined the importance of sustainability, compromise and confidence to consumers across two contexts. Two-step cluster analyses were used to segment consumers based on the importance scores.Findings– Data indicates that the environmental dimension of sustainability is the most influential followed by economic and social. The responses suggest three distinct segments identified as self-focused, trend motivated and reality driven that demonstrate significantly different characteristics in their approach to sustainable products.Research limitations/implications– Current research tends to focus on the environmental dimension, while paying little heed to the economic and social dimensions. This research indicates that consumers consider all three dimensions when making sustainable product choices and highlights that differences may emerge with respect to product utility.Practical implications– Firms must be aware that consumers differ in the importance they place on sustainability. The reality-driven segment is the most attractive segment, as they are highly engaged and are willing to invest time in understanding the complexities of sustainability. The trend-motivated segments are more fickle with superficial knowledge, and the self-focused segments are self-serving in their orientations and use price as a key decision variable.Originality/value– The paper addresses an important oversight in the sustainability literature. It provides both a theoretical contribution to advance marketing research and a practical contribution that may be of interest to those trying to market sustainable products.
How companies’ good deeds encourage consumers to adopt pro-social behavior
Authors: Romani Simona , Grappi Silvia 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to investigate the effects of company corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on two consumers’ pro-social behaviors closely related to the social cause promoted by the company, such as consumers donating money and volunteering time. In addition, the role of moral elevation as a mediating variable in such relationships is tested.

Design/methodology/approach
– After an exploratory study, the authors tested the role of moral elevation as a mediator that facilitates the effects of company CSR activities in social domains on two specific types of pro-social behavior displayed by consumers: donating money and volunteering time for the same cause sponsored by the company. The authors conducted two quantitative studies to test their hypotheses. In Study 1, they considered the two pro-social behaviors as intentions; in Study 2, they analyzed them as actual behaviors. In both studies, the authors conducted controlled experiments administered in the field. By using experimental and control conditions, they were able to manipulate corporate responsible actions in social contexts, and a mediational analysis was conducted.

Findings
– The authors results show that moral elevation mediates the positive relationship between the CSR activity and consumer intention to donate (actual consumer donating behavior) to social causes, and the CSR activity and volunteering intention (actual volunteering behavior).

Originality/value
– This paper contributes to furthering CSR theory by showing the positive effects of company CSR initiatives on two pro-social “secondary” outcomes and the mediating role played by moral elevation. Important implications for the role of CSR are derived for companies and society in general.
Taking stock of the literature on HRD education
Authors: Zachmeier Aaron , Cho Yonjoo 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature on university-based human resource development (HRD) courses and programs.

Design/methodology/approach
– The methods used in this paper are integrative literature review and content analysis.

Findings
– Only 71 peer-reviewed articles that address university-based HRD courses and programs in any way were found. Forty-six were empirical studies and 25 were either conceptual or editorial in nature. The majority of articles focused on HRD courses and programs in the USA and the UK. Perspectives from other countries were nearly absent. Many of the claims about the content and quality of HRD courses and programs were not supported by empirical evidence.

Research limitations/implications
– HRD courses and programs are offered in universities around the world. Almost nothing is known of their content, quality or methods. Future research on these courses and programs should focus on the relevance of curriculum to the needs of organizations.

Originality/value
– While HRD research and practice are concerned with learning and development, topics related to the learning and development of future HRD scholars and practitioners are rarely addressed in the HRD literature. This is the only comprehensive review of the small-body peer-reviewed literature on university-based HRD courses and programs. It provides a summary of the findings of empirical research on HRD courses and programs, and an analysis of the warrant for the claims about these courses and programs.
Ensuring functionality of a nearly zero-energy building with procurement methods
Authors: Kantola Mikko , Saari Arto 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to show the results of the task given by a major research program concerning low-energy building and indoor environment. The task was to develop contracting document model layouts to be used in zero-energy building (ZEB) and nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach
– A workshop method was chosen for gathering information and developing the layouts.

Findings
– In the debate in the workshop three main topics arose: the selection of project delivery system, the use of performance controller for the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and making innovation possible by making the call for bids as loose as possible.

Research limitations/implications
– The use of performance controller could be investigated more, and more accurate information and knowledge about the best practices on nZEB construction can be captured as the industry moves in that direction and more projects will appear.

Originality/value
– The goals of the research program were met and also the main issues of nZEB construction contracting were documented, which can be utilized by the whole industry of house building.
Mentoring in the workplace
Authors: Ramalho Jordana 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to offer practical tips and guidance to organisations considering setting up a workplace mentoring programme.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper shares insights and practical tips based on the experience of St Mungo's Homelessness charity.

Findings
– Mentoring is an effective low-cost means of making the most of your in-house experience and developing the potential of your workforce.

Originality/value
– Based on the experience of St Mungo's Homelessness charity, the paper shares insights and offers practical tips for organisations that are considering setting up a mentoring programme.
Understanding the loss of trust in large banks
Authors: Hurley Robert , Gong Xue , Waqar Adeela 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore a stakeholder trust model of organizations and applies the model to diagnose the loss of trust in large banks (Universal and Investment Banks) after the global financial crisis (GFC). Prescriptions for the repair of trust are offered along with the diagnosis.Design/methodology/approach– The theoretical underpinnings of the stakeholder trust model of organizations are supported using the literature in marketing and management. Case study data on large and community banks are used to explore differences in these type of banks as they relate to trustworthiness as articulated in the stakeholder trust model of organizations.Findings– The stakeholder trust model of organizations and six dimensions of trustworthiness help to explain why trust eroded in large banks during the GFC but increased or remained stable among some community banks. This diagnosis of the loss of trust also points to interventions that will be necessary to restore trust going forward among large banks.Research limitations/implications– Scholars in marketing need to develop a more macro view of the firm that examines trust beyond customers to reflect a wider stakeholder focus and issues of corporate social responsibility, trust reputation and license to operate.Practical implications– This paper points out strategic changes, some of which are radical, that will be required to restore and sustain stakeholder trust in large banks.Social implications– Building trustworthy banks is essential to social and economic progress.Originality/value– This paper addresses a void in marketing research by moving beyond the product and transactional level focus and framing a more macro oriented approach to understand trust in banks.
Recovering cultural built heritage after natural disasters
Authors: MacKee Jamie , Haugen Askland Hedda , Askew Louise 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to propose an alternative strategy for preparing, recovering and conserving cultural built heritage (CBH) in the context of natural disasters. It presents the idea that disaster preparedness is integral to CBH protection and conservation.

Design/methodology/approach
– Building upon a review of existing scholarship on CBH, resilience and disaster management, a conceptual model is proposed to assist key stakeholders preparing for the recovery of CBH after natural disasters. It is argued that the protection and recovery of CBH in the wake of natural disasters require a holistic approach and that the theoretical framework of resilience thinking can support such an approach.

Findings
– The paper discusses how the process of adaptive cycles has a role to play in the development of a holistic understanding of the conservation process. It proposes an adaptive cycle model that is supported by four critical factors: reordering, conserving, shifting and transforming.

Originality/value
– Through exploration of systems thinking and resilience theory, the research presented in this paper explores a new approach to the conceptualisation of CBH. The paper presents the first stage of a research project that aims to develop strategies that can support the protection and recovery of CBH in the wake of natural disasters. The proposed model represents a holistic approach for reconceptualising CBH and may, as such, have potential implications that extend from the field of post-disaster recovery into the domain of CBH conservation and protection.
Differences in quality of life between pediatric sickle cell patients who used hydroxyurea and those who did not
Authors: Nwenyi Emmanuel , Leafman Joan , Mathieson Kathleen , Ezeobah Nkonye 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences in quality of life (QoL) between two groups of pediatric sickle cell patients: those who used hydroxyurea and those who chose not to use the medication to treat sickle cell disease.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study was a quantitative, non-randomized, cross-sectional, comparative study. In total, 100 children ages seven to 17 participated in the study. Parents of the patients completed a demographic questionnaire while the participants completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds QoL) and Sickle Cell Disease Quality of Life Inventory (SCD QoL).

Findings
– The Ped QoL regression analysis revealed that hydroxyurea use and parental marital status accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in Ped QoL. The SCD QoL regression analysis also revealed that hydroxyurea and age accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in SCD QoL. Finally, the regression analysis revealed that SCD, parental marital status, parental income, sex, age, race and number of siblings did not account for a significant proportion of the variance in SCD crises per year.

Originality/value
– This paper proved a need to study the differences in QoL between those pediatric patients who used hydroxyurea and those who did not use the medication.
College clinic service quality and patient satisfaction
Authors: Deshwal Pankaj , Ranjan Vini , Mittal Geetika 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the service quality dimensions that play an important role in patient satisfaction in campus clinics in Delhi; assess student satisfaction with service; and suggests ways to improve areas of dissatisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach
– A questionnaire was distributed to students who had completed at least two consultations at the college clinic. Convenience sampling was used to approach respondents. The questionnaire uses modified SERVQUAL and other instruments, including original dimensions and those constructed through detailed discussions. Factor analyses, reliability tests and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy were conducted. The final sample had a total of 445 respondents.

Findings
– After factor analysis, the authors found that the dimensions affecting patient satisfaction are: staff professionalism; clinic staff reliability; clinic accessibility and basic facilities; tangibles; cleanliness; awareness of the clinic/diseases and how clinic staff deals with emergencies. Most students were satisfied with the professionalism of the clinic staff. More than 70 percent of the respondents reported that the clinic staff paid good attention to them. The campus clinic was deemed reliable by more than 50 percent of respondents. The students found the clinic's location convenient, with more than 50 percent supporting its location. However, there was dissatisfaction among the students regarding the tangibles of the clinic, with more than 50 percent favoring upgrading. There was satisfaction among the respondents regarding the availability of the doctor after clinic hours, but contact details for the clinic staff were not easily accessible on campus. More than 60 percent of respondents were satisfied with the cleanliness of the campus clinic. More than 50 percent felt that the campus clinic was not equipped to deal with emergencies efficiently. At the same time, 90 percent of respondents reported the availability of referral facilities in case of emergencies.

Originality/value
– The authors believe that this is the first study conducted to assess patient satisfaction in the campus clinics of engineering institutes in Delhi region. This paper provides valuable information to college clinic administrators.
Graduates’ job satisfaction across domains of study
Authors: Gajderowicz Tomasz , Grotkowska Gabriela , Wincenciak Leszek 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to address the problem of job satisfaction determinants of higher education graduates across six selected study domains.Design/methodology/approach– Based on the theoretical considerations, derived from human capital theory and signalling theory, the authors formulate the model explaining job satisfaction as a broad measure of labour market success. Explanatory variables include various socio-demographic characteristics as well as market environment and process of learning, modes of teaching and study programme characteristics. Data used in the analysis comes from two special surveys of European research projects REFLEX and HEGESCO. Principal component analysis method and OLS regression were used to estimate model parameters.Findings– The results of our research show the important role of characteristics of educational process, as well as individual graduates’ early work-related experience in predicting job satisfaction. Differences in job satisfaction determinants across domains may be to some extent explained by the differences in the labour market characteristics for graduates in given discipline. Variety of education-related characteristics taken into account in the empirical analysis of determinants of job satisfaction is a key valuable contribution to the research in the field.Originality/value– Research findings indicate the areas of potential actions aimed at improving future job satisfaction which can be undertaken by higher education institutions’ management bodies.
Job mismatch in early career of graduates under post-communism
Authors: Robert Peter 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate vertical and horizontal mismatch between education and current occupation for graduates in four post-communist societies: Hungary, Poland, Lithuania and Slovenia. In this way it contributes to the field by exploring how mechanisms, known from previous studies on western societies, affect job mismatch in emerging market economies.Design/methodology/approach– Two dependent variables are constructed: working in a non-graduate occupation as defined by the ISCO job title depicts vertical mismatch; assessment of the job from the perspective of the fields of study describes horizontal mismatch. Since the dependent variables are dichotomous ones, binary logistic regression models are fitted to the data predicting the incidence of mismatch. Explanatory variables cover mechanisms affecting job mismatch: variation by fields of studies, accumulated work experience during studies, labour market uncertainties during early career, trade off between job safety and job mismatch, persistence of “bad” labour market entry during early career, influence of parental background on school-to-work transition.Findings– The analysis reveals significant differences for study fields in association with occupational specificity of the disciplines. Only study-related work experience seems to be advantageous to find a matching job. Labour market uncertainties increase the probability of job mismatch. Job safety is more important than a matching job.Originality/value– Mismatch in first occupation has strong and long-lasting effect on the job match even five years after the graduation. The effect of parental background on job mismatch is curvilinear.