bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards a Guanxi‐based theory of internationalization: Chinese, Taiwanese and evolving MNEs
Authors: Tsai Huei‐ting 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review theories on the kinship‐based collaboration for Asian multinational enterprises (MNEs). Although cooperation issues have reached the top of the Asian MNE agenda, comprehensive empirical and theoretical studies in these areas have remained patchy. Motivated expressly by the sparseness of theory development, this study seeks to establish and examine the model of kinship‐based alliance for MNEs. Drawing on kinship‐based theory, this paper contends that cross‐border collaboration within the same region is increasingly important in driving MNEs from emerging economies to internationalisation.Design/methodology/approachThis study attempts to focus on kinship‐based collaborations from emerging economies to internationalization in the context of high‐tech industries by reviewing relevant studies and presents research propositions.FindingsThe study proposes that the model of kinship‐based alliance can be affected by these factors: economic (partner contributions in term of scale‐link theories), geographic, cultural and social (which are broadly defined as kinship‐based factors) factors. Therefore, the model of kinship‐based alliance can be characterized as an evolutionary struggle between these factors to develop a form of cross‐border cooperation.Originality/valueThe model of kinship based alliance enriches the theoretical field of internationalisation strategies for MNEs from developing economies, and this model also provides knowledge of collaboration behaviour for managers of high‐tech firms to create appropriate synergy for each party of an alliance.
The implementation of global ranking rules within countries in transition and their unintended perverted effects
Authors: Rotariu Ilie 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to focus on the adverse consequences, mainly the “naturalisation” of global indicators and principles that may lead to defective national rules that may harm the local academic system, and the manipulations that might be drown up among the academic staff and public.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical issues are illustrated by the outcomes in Romania particularly as a consequence of the application of the Educational Law since January 2011.FindingsWhen the global ranking's rules are implemented into national environments, mainly in countries under transition, some perverted effects appear and accompany the fruitful results.Originality/valueThe passage from 7 to 9 billion people might be the“knowledge society”, which will transform the individual and the society within the main factor for production, repartition, consumption and stability of living together. Moreover, mankind switched today from the global society to “the interconnected society” (a hypersensitive butterfly effect!). The ranking establishment within universities has become a trend of late. By politic environments they follow up on academic communities.
Radical innovation culture in Croatian manufacturing industry
Authors: Baković Tomislav , Lazibat Tonći , Sutić Ines 
Published: March 2013

PurposeRadical innovations are considered as a main source of competitive advantage for both small and medium enterprises and small economies such as Croatia. Although from a theoretical point of view a clear distinction between incremental and radical innovations exists there is much less investigation into differences in organizational culture that foster these types of innovations. The aim of this paper is to investigate the radical innovation culture in the Croatian manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachKey prerequisites for creating radical innovation culture are selected and then analyzed by using multiple regression analysis. Elements of radical innovation culture analyzed were: autonomy, cannibalization, pro activeness and risk taking.FindingsWhen it comes to generating radical product innovations or creating appropriate culture the current state in Croatian manufacturing industry is far from satisfactory. Some recommendations for improving the current state with suggestions for further research are discusses in the final part of the paper.Originality/valueOriginality of the paper comes mainly from three key aspects. First of all the paper identifies key components of radical innovation culture specific to manufacturing industry. Second, in this process special attention is given to specifics of a small country like Croatia. Third, the paper offers clear guidance to management on ways of stimulating radical innovation culture.
Graphic symbols for all: using symbols in developing the ability of questioning in young children
Authors: Mavrou Katerina , Charalampous Elena , Michaelides Michalis 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effects of the use of symbols in the development of young children's ability to form questions in mainstream early‐childhood education. Hypotheses examined whether the use of graphic symbols help 3. 5‐5 year‐old students to increase the number of questions and the number of words in the questions asked for a particular subject.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an experimental design approach, an experimental (EG) and a control group (CG) of children, matched to age (4:2) and to their ability to make questions (pre‐test), attended an instructional programme. The EG used Widgit Symbols and the CG the traditional methods used by educators to teach questioning. Data collection involved pre and post oral assessment tests, which measured the number of questions and the length of questions in role play activities.FindingsFindings of the study showed that symbols have positively affected children's ability to make questions. The EG scored higher than the CG on variables examined, and the within groups improvement (pre to post test) was again higher for the EG.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper discusses some possibilities of a lengthier implementation of the use of symbols and their effect on language acquisition.Practical implicationsThe study raises some considerations about the development of new teaching methodologies with the use of symbols and Information Communication Technology to enhance language development and maximize learning for all learners.Originality/valueUsually emphasis is placed on the use of symbols as a means of assistive technology (AT) for the accommodation of the needs of children with disabilities. This paper is an effort to cover a gap in literature and emphasize on the benefits of AT in general learning environments for all children.
Online pedagogy: reaching out to the “hard‐to‐reach” learners
Authors: Devi Anita , McGarry Andy 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an online virtual academy utilises a different approach to learning in order to engage hard‐to‐reach learners; for whom traditional methods of learning are not effective.Design/methodology/approachSmall scale research using case studies of the students, phenomenographic professional development research for the tutors and academic results to demonstrate impact.FindingsThe findings appear to support the “community of inquiry model” proposed by Garrison, Anderson and Archer as well as the recommendations from the Framework for the National Curriculum (DfE), i.e. this interactive and experiential process between what is taught (subject knowledge) and the learner (individual development).Research limitations/implicationsThe learning circle proved to be an excellent tool for visually representing the phenomena and it was observed that this tool could also prove beneficial to learners in future application of this pedagogy.Practical implicationsThe research enables educators to consider: what constitutes effective learning online and what tools can be utilised to enhance this pedagogical approach? What are the barriers to learning for these hard‐to‐reach learners? How can the online environment and a range of technological tools be used to overcome the barriers for these learners?Social implicationsFor many hard‐to‐reach learners social interaction can be a challenge. The feedback from case studies demonstrated how learners felt a greater sense of security by using an online environment and therefore were able to form stronger and sustainable social relationships, thus enhancing the learning process.Originality/valueThis research aims to add to the body of knowledge defining “effective online pedagogy”. In this instance phenomenology was used as an approach to engage the tutor and learner in a co‐constructive process of development and learning.
Risk management in the Ghanaian insurance industry
Authors: Oscar Akotey Joseph , Abor Joshua 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the risk management practices of life assurance firms and non‐life insurance firms.Design/methodology/approachThrough a comparative case study methodology, the study assesses the state of risk management in both life assurance companies and non‐life insurance firms to determine whether they exhibit different or similar risk management practices. The results of the survey were also analyzed and compared to the principles of good practices in financial risk management.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed some differences and similarities in the risk management practices of life and non‐life insurance firms. Almost all the life companies have stated their risk appetite levels, which enable them to identify which risks to absorb and which ones to transfer. But non‐life insurance firms have not laid down their risk tolerance levels explicitly. The results further revealed that the industry lacks sufficient personnel with the requisite risk management skills and that the sector does not manage risks proactively, rather they do so in a reactive response to regulatory directives.Practical implicationsEffective management of risks by insurers will increase the penetration of insurance in Ghana.Social implicationsRisk management is a crucial issue, not only for the survival and profitability of the insurance industry, but also for the socio‐economic growth and development of the whole economy. As major risks underwriters, insurance companies need to adopt good practices or quality measures in the management of financial risk. This is important, more so, as the industry prepares to re‐position itself to underwrite the risks in the emerging oil and gas industry of Ghana.Originality/valueResearch into financial risk management in the insurance industry from the Ghanaian perspective is rare. This study is therefore timely and its findings are invaluable for the efficient management of financial risk in the insurance industry.
Targeting IPOs from the Central European emerging stock markets (CEESM) of Poland during the global financial crisis
Authors: Prorokowski Lukasz 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on Initial Public Offering (IPO) investments, performance and activity in times of the global financial crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes, in a pioneering attempt, a modified regression model that is widely used in medical research (i.e. measuring the effectiveness of painkillers, aspects of breastfeeding, cancer research) but proved efficient and informative for the studied area. Embarking on Cox's Hazard Model perfectly mirrored investors' approach to IPO investments. Henceforth, the empirical findings reported in the paper became practical for IPO investors. The quantitative findings are then discussed with high‐profile practitioners, in order to inject more realism into the study. The qualitative research framework expands the empirical analysis to cover significant issues related to IPO activities and proves invaluable in the process of constructing practical implications.FindingsSince the main purpose of the paper is to test the profitability of targeting IPOs from the Polish stock market, the main research question attempted in the paper refers to finding out whether IPO investments constitute an attractive alternative for direct equity investments, especially during the global financial turmoil. On this occasion, the current paper advises on trading strategies that involve targeting IPOs and shield investors from experiencing crisis‐induced losses. These findings remain topical as they contribute to the current debate on tailoring investment approaches to the global financial crises. Furthermore, focusing on the issues related to the overblown deficit reported by the transition economy delivers novel and important implications for policymakers striving to stabilize budget in the aftermath of the nascent financial crisis.Originality/valueWhat distinguishes the paper from previous studies is the original methodology, three‐dimensional approach to IPO activities (adopting a company's, investor's and policymaker's perspectives) and focusing on the systemically important European market that somehow was overlooked by previous studies in this area but recently vaulted into prominence among international investors who regard the Polish stock market as a regional leading bourse.
Antecedents of zakat payers' trust in an emerging zakat sector: an exploratory study
Authors: Oladimeji Abioye Mustafa Murtala , Har Sani Mohamad Muslim , Akhyar Adnan Muhammad 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate and explain the factors underlying the inclination of zakat payers to trust a particular zakat institution.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review and experience survey, a context specific questionnaire was developed as the main method of quantitative data collection. The instrument was administered to a sample of Muslim professionals who observe religious seclusion in the last ten days of the Islamic fasting month (itqaf) in 12 purposely selected mosques across four states and the federal capital territory.FindingsDrawn from the resource dependence and legitimacy theories, the study finds that board capital, disclosure practices, governmental model of zakat institution, and stakeholder management were identified through the use of structural equation modeling as being the antecedents of zakat payers' trust.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to report an empirically based model of zakat payers' trust.
An exploratory analysis of management accounting practices in the Arab Gulf Cooperative countries
Authors: Mclellan John Daniel , Moustafa Esam 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this research project is to examine the adoption rate of management accounting tools by businesses in the Gulf Co‐operative Council (GCC) countries and attempts to determine if significant variances in the use of management accounting tools by GCC businesses are contingent on a companies' ownership, legal structure, size or industry sector. The study covers a broad range of businesses, from many different business sectors in six different Arab countries.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey on the adoption rate of 41 Management Accounting Tools was used to collect data. The Institute of Management Accountants invited 453 CMA's in the Gulf region to participate in theSurvey of Management Accounting Practices in the GCCarea. Factor analysis was employed to test the effects of company characteristics on the choice of management accounting tools.FindingsThe study finds that companies in the GCC rely on the more traditional management accounting practices such as budgeting rather than the more recently developed strategically focused tools such as activity based management and the use of the balanced scorecard. The research also shows that company characteristics play a significant role in the use of management accounting tools by businesses. Overall, international ownership and incorporation tend to increase the use of many management accounting practices.Research limitations/implicationsResults should be generalized cautiously due to the small number of responding companies. The use of individual tools may not be completely explained by the chosen independent variables; other factors such as management's preference and/or the cost and benefit of the tool may affect choice.Originality/valueManagement accounting practices of businesses in the GCC have never been studied before. This study updates the literature on the management accounting tools by businesses.
How real‐world driving cycle differs in heterogeneous traffic conditions: a case study in Delhi
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Parida Purnima , Kanga Durai Bhujang , Saleh Wafaa 
Published: March 2013

PurposeHeterogeneous traffic in Delhi is complex to understand due its typical composition, speed acceleration, cruising, deceleration and idling activity in flow. To arrive at accurate emission factor estimates and implement proper traffic demand management there is need to understand microscopic vehicle operation activity. The vehicular operations are easily quantified by understanding driving cycle of the particular vehicle in real world driving conditions. The purpose of this paper is to present a study on the understanding of driving conditions in India that are heterogeneous in nature.Design/methodology/approachTo understand the heterogeneity, the driving cycle data were collected using GPS on different types of both motorised and non‐motorized modes of transport, e.g. car, auto rickshaw, bus, motorcycle and cycle rickshaw and bicycle on different traffic corridors in Delhi.FindingsResearch findings show that driving cycles differ for different types of vehicles. Therefore, each mode should be encouraged based on their average speed‐time sequence in any traffic mix. The real‐world driving cycle will be also useful for the understanding of fuel consumption and emissions in real‐world scenarios, in order to control vehicle emissions properly, achieve fuel efficiency and to obtain a more sustainable transport system.Originality/valueThis type of research has not been carried out previously in any Indian city.
Milrinone and levosimendan during porcine myocardial ischemia – no effects on calcium overload and metabolism
Authors: AXELSSON B. , JOHANSSON G. , ABRAHAMSSON P. , GUPTA A. , TYDÉN H. , WOUTERS P. , HANEY M. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundAlthough inotropic stimulation is considered harmful in the presence of myocardial ischaemia, both calcium sensitisers and phosphodiesterase inhibitors may offer cardioprotection. We hypothesise that these cardioprotective effects are related to an acute alteration of myocardial metabolism. We studied in vivo effects of milrinone and levosimendan on calcium overload and ischaemic markers using left ventricular microdialysis in pigs with acute myocardial ischaemia.MethodsAnaesthetised juvenile pigs, average weight 36 kg, were randomised to one of three intravenous treatment groups: milrinone 50 μg/kg bolus plus infusion 0.5 μg/kg/min (n = 7), levosimendan 24 μg/kg plus infusion 0.2 μg/kg/min (n = 7), or placebo (n = 6) for 60 min prior to and during a 45 min acute regional coronary occlusion. Systemic and myocardial haemodynamics were assessed, and microdialysis was performed with catheters positioned in the left ventricular wall. 45Ca2+ was included in the microperfusate in order to assess local calcium uptake into myocardial cells. The microdialysate was analysed for glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and for 45Ca2+ recovery.ResultsDuring ischaemia, there were no differences in microdialysate‐measured parameters between control animals and milrinone‐ or levosimendan‐treated groups.In the pre‐ischaemic period, arterial blood pressure decreased in all groups while myocardial oxygen consumption remained stable.ConclusionsThese findings reject the hypothesis of an immediate energy‐conserving effect of milrinone and levosimendan during acute myocardial ischaemia. On the other hand, the data show that inotropic support with milrinone and levosimendan does not worsen the metabolic parameters that were measured in the ischaemic myocardium.
Safety and Efficiency of Calcium Channel Blockers Versus Beta‐blockers for Rate Control in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and No Acute Underlying Medical Illness
Authors: Scheuermeyer Frank Xavier , Grafstein Eric , Stenstrom Rob , Christenson Jim , Heslop Claire , Heilbron Brett , McGrath Lorraine , Innes Grant 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesMany patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are not candidates for rhythm control and may require rate control, typically with beta‐blocking (BB) or calcium channel blocking (CCB) agents. Although these patients appear to have a low 30‐day rate of stroke or death, it is unclear if one class of agent is safer or more effective. The objective was to determine whether BBs or CCBs would have a lower hospital admission rate and to measure 30‐day safety outcomes including stroke, death, and emergency department (ED) revisits.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used a database from two urban EDs to identify consecutive patients with ED discharge diagnoses of AF from April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2010. Comorbidities, rhythms, management, and immediate outcomes were obtained by manual chart review, and patients with acute underlying medical conditions were excluded by predefined criteria. Patients managed only with rate control agents were eligible for review, and patients receiving BB agents were compared to those receiving CCB agents. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring hospital admission; secondary outcomes included the ED length of stay (LOS), the proportion of patients having adverse events, the proportion of patients returning within 7 or 30 days, and the number of patients having a stroke or dying within 30 days.ResultsA total of 259 consecutive patients were enrolled, with 100 receiving CCBs and 159 receiving BBs. Baseline demographics and comorbidities were similar. Twenty‐seven percent of BB patients were admitted, and 31.0% of CCB patients were admitted (difference = 4.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −7.7% to 16.1%), and there were no significant differences in ED LOS, adverse events, or 7‐ or 30‐day ED revisits. One patient who received metoprolol had a stroke, and one patient who received diltiazem died within 30 days.ConclusionsIn this cohort of ED patients with AF and no acute underlying medical illness who underwent rate control only, patients receiving CCBs had similar hospital admission rates to those receiving BBs, while both classes of medications appeared equally safe at 30 days. Both CCBs and BBs are acceptable options for rate control.