bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance and performance of UK listed small and medium enterprises
Authors: Afrifa Godfred Adjappong , Tauringana Venancio 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to report the results of an investigation into the effect of corporate governance factors on the performance of listed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and examines whether this effect differs between the two sizes of business.Design/methodology/approach– The paper uses unbalanced panel data regression analysis on a sample of 234 SMEs listed on the Alternative Investment Market, for a 10-year period (2004-2013).Findings– The panel data analysis results show that for all SMEs, corporate governance factors – board size, chief executive officer (CEO) age and tenure and directors’ remuneration – are significantly associated with performance of SMEs. The results also suggest that while board size is associated with the performance of both small and medium enterprises, CEO age is significant only for medium firms and directors’ remuneration only for small ones, while CEO tenure and proportion of non-executive directors are not significant for either.Practical implications– Overall, the results imply that corporate governance factors affect the performance of listed SMEs. However, this effect differs significantly between small and medium enterprises. The findings have important implications for policymakers who prescribe corporate governance mechanisms for SMEs.Originality/value– The paper adds to existing literature on corporate governance of SMEs by establishing a relationship between firm performance and board size, CEO age, CEO tenure, directors’ remuneration and proportion of non-executive directors.
Boardroom’s independence and corporate performance: the ever-elusive conundrum
Authors: Rebeiz Karim S. 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to unravel the root causes as to why the boardroom independence–corporate performance linkage remains an elusive conundrum in the academic literature, and to propose practical recommendations for future research endeavors.Design/methodology/approach– The probing of the underlying issues is made via an extensive review of the existing literature. A thoughtful analysis is conducted from a multi-disciplinary perspective by soliciting feedback from academics with corporate governance expertise in finance, accounting, economy, strategy, management and organizational behavior.Findings– The lack of consensus on the economic value of an independent boardroom is attributed to three reasons. The first reason is ontological complexities inherent to the very nature of the corporation. The second reason is methodological complexities intrinsic to normative research with large archival data. The third reason is self-serving behavioral motive that cannot be factored in archival data.Research limitations/implications– The infusion of complementary methodologies to the existing empirical dogmatism would provide the framework for a better understanding of corporate governance challenges and opportunities, particularly as it relates to making causal inferences on boardroom independence and corporate performance.Practical implications– New insights on boardroom independence would directly influence corporate practices.Social implications– The determination as to what constitutes optimum boardroom configuration has emerged as an issue of considerable importance to shareholders, policymakers and other stakeholders.Originality/value– Virtually no studies have been conducted in a comprehensive and systematic manner addressing the fundamental question as to why research pertaining to boardroom independence–corporate performance has not yielded unequivocal results in the relevant academic literature, thus the originality and value of this research.
Mission statements and performance in non-profit organisations
Authors: Patel Bhavesh S. , Booker Lorne D. , Ramos Hazel Melanie , Bart Chris 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– This study aims to explore the relationship between mission statements and organisational performance in non-profit organisations. It also examines the role of organisational commitment in moderating that relationship.Design/methodology/approach– Invitations were sent to a network of non-profit organisations inviting them to complete an online survey. Usable responses were obtained from 117 respondents from 30 countries. Hierarchical regression was used to test the hypotheses.Findings– The findings suggest that mission statements have a significant positive relationship with organisational performance. Also, organisational commitment, particularly affective commitment, moderates the relationship between mission statements and organisational performance.Research limitations/implications– The results confirm that the relationship between mission statements and organisational performance is complex. The study of intervening variables is a worthwhile program of research.Practical implications– The findings suggest that non-profit organisations can improve performance by communicating their mission and building emotional commitment to their cause.Originality/value– This is one of the first studies to examine the role of organisational commitment in influencing the relationship between mission statements and performance. This study contributes to our understanding of the impact of mission statements on performance in non-profit organisations.
The effects of corporate governance on financial performance and financial distress: evidence from Egypt
Authors: Shahwan Tamer Mohamed 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to empirically examine the quality of corporate governance (CG) practices in Egyptian-listed companies and their impact on firm performance and financial distress in the context of an emerging market such as that of Egypt.Design/methodology/approach– To assess the level of CG practices at a given firm, the current study constructs a corporate governance index (CGI) which consists of four dimensions: disclosure and transparency, composition of the board of directors, shareholders’ rights and investor relations and ownership and control structure. Based on a sample of 86 non-financial firms listed on the Egyptian Exchange, the effects of CG on performance and financial distress are assessed. Tobin’s Q is used to assess corporate performance. At the same time, the AltmanZ-score is used as a financial distress indicator, as it measures financial distress inversely. The bigger theZ-score, the smaller the risk of financial distress.Findings– The overall score of the CGI, on average, suggests that the quality of CG practices within Egyptian-listed firms is relatively low. The results do not support the positive association between CG practices and financial performance. In addition, there is an insignificant negative relationship between CG practices and the likelihood of financial distress. The current study also provides evidence that firm-specific characteristics could be useful as a first-pass screen in determining firm performance and the likelihood of financial distress.Research limitations/implications– The sample size and time frame of our analysis are relatively small; some caution would be needed before generalizing the results to the entire population.Practical implications– The findings may be of interest to those academic researchers, practitioners and regulators who are interested in discovering the quality of CG practices in a developing market such as that of Egypt and its impact on financial performance and financial distress.Originality/value– This paper extends the existing literature, in the Egyptian context in particular, by examining firm performance and the risk of financial distress in relation to the level of CG mechanisms adopted.
An inner-point modification of PSO for constrained optimization
Authors: Peri Daniele 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to propose a modification of the original PSO algorithm in order to avoid the evaluation of the objective function outside the feasible set, improving the parallel performances of the algorithm in the view of its application on parallel architectures.Design/methodology/approach– Classical PSO iteration is repeated for each particle until a feasible point is found: the global search is performed by a set of independent sub-iteration, at the particle level, and the evaluation of the objective function is performed only once the full swarm is feasible. After that, the main attractors are updated and a new sub-iteration is initiated.Findings– While the main qualities of PSO are preserved, a great advantage in terms of identification of the feasible region and detection of the best feasible solution is obtained. Furthermore, the parallel structure of the algorithm is preserved, and the load balance improved. The results of the application to real-life optimization problems, where constraint satisfaction sometime represents a problem itself, gives the measure of this advantage: an improvement of about 10 percent of the optimal solution is obtained by using the modified version of the algorithm, with a more precise identification of the optimal design variables.Originality/value– Differently from the standard approach, utilizing a penalty function in order to discharge unfeasible points, here only feasible points are produced, improving the exploration of the feasible region and preserving the parallel structure of the algorithm.
Resource allocation for code development in partitioned models
Authors: Atamturktur Sez , Farajpour Ismail 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– Physical phenomena interact with each other in ways that one cannot be analyzed without considering the other. To account for such interactions between multiple phenomena, partitioning has become a widely implemented computational approach. Partitioned analysis involves the exchange of inputs and outputs from constituent models (partitions) via iterative coupling operations, through which the individually developed constituent models are allowed to affect each other’s inputs and outputs. Partitioning, whether multi-scale or multi-physics in nature, is a powerful technique that can yield coupled models that can predict the behavior of a system more complex than the individual constituents themselves. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– Although partitioned analysis has been a key mechanism in developing more realistic predictive models over the last decade, its iterative coupling operations may lead to the propagation and accumulation of uncertainties and errors that, if unaccounted for, can severely degrade the coupled model predictions. This problem can be alleviated by reducing uncertainties and errors in individual constituent models through further code development. However, finite resources may limit code development efforts to just a portion of possible constituents, making it necessary to prioritize constituent model development for efficient use of resources. Thus, the authors propose here an approach along with its associated metric to rank constituents by tracing uncertainties and errors in coupled model predictions back to uncertainties and errors in constituent model predictions.Findings– The proposed approach evaluates the deficiency (relative degree of imprecision and inaccuracy), importance (relative sensitivity) and cost of further code development for each constituent model, and combines these three factors in a quantitative prioritization metric. The benefits of the proposed metric are demonstrated on a structural portal frame using an optimization-based uncertainty inference and coupling approach.Originality/value– This study proposes an approach and its corresponding metric to prioritize the improvement of constituents by quantifying the uncertainties, bias contributions, sensitivity analysis, and cost of the constituent models.
Reliability analysis of static liquefaction of loose sand using the random finite element method
Authors: Johari Ali , Rezvani Pour Jaber , Javadi Akbar 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– Liquefaction of soils is defined as significant reduction in shear strength and stiffness due to increase in pore water pressure. This phenomenon can occur in static (monotonic) or dynamic loading patterns. However, in each pattern, the inherent variability of the soil parameters indicates that this problem is of a probabilistic nature rather than being deterministic. The purpose of this paper is to present a method, based on random finite element method, for reliability assessment of static liquefaction of saturated loose sand under monotonic loading.Design/methodology/approach– The random finite element analysis is used for reliability assessment of static liquefaction of saturated loose sand under monotonic loading. The soil behavior is modeled by an elasto-plastic effective stress constitutive model. Independent soil parameters including saturated unit weight, peak friction angle and initial plastic shear modulus are selected as stochastic parameters which are modeled using a truncated normal probability density function (pdf).Findings– The probability of liquefaction is assessed by pdf of modified pore pressure ratio at each depth. For this purpose pore pressure ratio is modified for monotonic loading of soil. It is shown that the saturated unit weight is the most effective parameter, within the selected stochastic parameters, influencing the static soil liquefaction.Originality/value– This research focuses on the reliability analysis of static liquefaction potential of sandy soils. Three independent soil parameters including saturated unit weight, peak friction angle and initial plastic shear modulus are considered as stochastic input parameters. A computer model, coded in MATLAB, is developed for the random finite element analysis. For modeling of the soil behavior, a specific elasto-plastic effective stress constitutive model (UBCSAND) was used.
Comparative study of SGS models for simulating the flow in a centrifugal-pump impeller using single passage
Authors: Huang Xianbei , Liu Zhuqing , Yang Wei 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to bring in and clarify the performance of the Vreman and dynamic Vreman models (VM and DVM) in simulating the internal flow of the centrifugal pump impeller.

Design/methodology/approach
– Four subgrid scale (SGS) models, including the Smagorinsky model, the dynamic Smagorinsky model, the VM and the DVM are chosen to study the performance in predicting the flow field in the centrifugal pump impeller at design load. The velocity and turbulent kinetic energy distributions are compared. Also, the temporal variation of the model coefficient of the DVM is studied.

Findings
– The results of all the four models show agreement with both the PIV and LDV data. It is clarified that the VM and the DVM are adaptive in simulating the turbulent flow in the centrifugal pump at design load, and the DVM shows even better performance in predicting the velocity distribution. Additionally, the temporal variation of the model coefficient of the DVM is about 0.01, which is the optimal value for VM in this study. It is verified that VM can perform as good as the dynamic models when an appropriate model coefficient is chosen.

Originality/value
– The applicability of the VM and the DVM in simulating the internal flow of the centrifugal pump has been proven at design load. The introducing of the two models into centrifugal pump’s simulation can provide some new ideas in constructing more adaptive SGS models for this kind of high-rotating flow.
A new bond slip model for reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Mang C , Jason L , Davenne L 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a new bond slip model for reinforced concrete structures. It consists in an interface element (3D) which represents the interface between concrete (modeled in 3D) and steel, modeled using 1D truss elements.

Design/methodology/approach
– The formulation of the interface element is presented and verified through a comparison with an analytical solution on an academic case. Finally, the model is compared with experimental results on a reinforced concrete tie.

Findings
– Contrary to the classical perfect or “no-slip” relation which supposes the same displacement between steel and concrete, the proposed model is able to reproduce both global (force-displacement curve) and local (crack openings) results.

Originality/value
– The proposed approach, applicable to large-scale computations, represents a valuable alternative to the no-slip relation hypothesis to correctly capture the crack properties of reinforced concrete structures.
The power shift: will it help? Micro privatization of power distribution business
Authors: D. Venkat Ramana 
Published: September 2015

Subject area
The case deals with the financial and accounting aspects of the one of the important aspects of Power Sector Reforms in the developing countries. It captures the experiment of involving the private parties in improving the overall performance of the company.

Study level/applicability
The case can be used at postgraduate-level studies in Management, Accounting or Commerce.

Case overview
The organization in focus is a unique case where the regulator of the sector has become its manager. The shareholder with the majority stake has withdrawn from the business, but the ownership has not been transferred and the organization is now under the custody of the regulators. The organization has a very weak balance sheet, so finding a new owner is not easy, if not impossible. Purposeful inefficiency and a rent-seeking attitude at the field level forced the new chairperson of the State Regulatory Commission to take the bold step of involving the private parties to strengthen the operations of the organization with the sole purpose of improving the financials of the organization. The organization entered into a contract with more than three private companies using variations of a franchisee model. Will such shift improve the overall performance of the organization? The case will try to capture the shift and its ramifications.

Expected learning outcomes
The objective of the case is to introduce students to certain strategic decisions that organizations must take to make them financially strong and vibrant. The case requires students to critically examine the legal, financial and accounting implications of the decisions taken by the management. It provides an opportunity to undertake a detailed analysis of the financial position of the company. The case provides lessons about several complications of evaluating corporate and divisional performance. The case contains issues relating to finance, law and accounting which can all be discussed at the postgraduate level. Knowledge about the regulatory issues affecting the power sector will add further value to the analysis. In case students are not exposed to the regulatory accounting and finance, it is necessary for them to go through the suggested readings as a prelude to the case analysis. The following may be the guiding objectives for the class discussion: to critically examine the changes in the organizational ownership and management of regulated entity; to undertake analysis of the financial performance of a regulated entity; to evaluate the financial implication of micro-privatization of certain activities of a regulated entity.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Mental health nurses’ perceptions of attachment style as a construct in a medium secure hospital: a thematic analysis
Authors: Boniwell Nikki , Etheridge Leanne , Bagshaw Ruth , Sullivan Joanne , Watt Andrew 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– Attachment Theory can be regarded as central to the concept of relational security. There is a paucity of research examining the coherence of this construct for ward-based staff. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– Five female nurses from the acute admission and assessment ward of a UK medium secure unit acted as participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and inductive thematic analysis was applied.

Findings
– Six themes; “staff-service user relationships”, “staff diversities”, “service user backgrounds”, “variability in service users’ presentations”, “service users with personality disorder are problematic” and “nurses do not use attachment” emerged from the data. The nurses used heuristic models of attachment-related behaviour and they lacked knowledge of constructs associated with Attachment Theory.

Research limitations/implications
– Acute admissions may not be representative of all treatment contexts. Traditional models of attachment style may have only limited relevance in forensic services.

Practical implications
– Limited knowledge and confidence in the nurses regarding how Attachment Theory might apply to service users is interesting because it may limit the extent to which care, treatment and risk management might be informed by an understanding of service user representations of therapeutic relationships. Training and educational interventions for nurses that enhance understanding of personality development and attachment styles are warranted.

Originality/value
– The importance of nurses for achieving relational security is emphasised and the adequacy of their training is questioned.
Narratives of experts by experience: the impact of delivering training in partnership on the subject of personality disorder
Authors: Cooke Samantha , Daiches Anna , Hickey Emma 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– As part of an attitudinal shift surrounding personality disorder stigma, a training package termed the Knowledge and Understanding Framework (KUF) is delivered in collaboration between experts by experience (EBE) and professionals. The purpose of this paper is to explore the narratives of EBE delivering KUF; in particular the impact of this role and its varying contexts.

Design/methodology/approach
– Eight women took part in the study and a narrative analysis explored their stories.

Findings
– The analysis suggested five temporal chapters: first, life before becoming involved: “Like being in a milk bottle screaming”; second, a turning point: “It wasn’t actually me that was disordered it was the life that I’d had”; third, taking up the trainer role: “It all just […] took off”; fourth, the emergence of a professional identity: “I am no longer a service user”; and fifth, impact on self, impact on others.

Originality/value
– The use of qualitative literature is sparse within co-production research. The study therefore adds value in exploring in-depth experiences of the phenomena.