bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Earthquake insurance for Greece: comparative analysis and pricing issues
Authors: Petseti Aglaia , Nektarios Milton 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe present article serves two main goals. First, the proposed scheme for Greece is being involved in a benchmarking analysis. Second, an expansion of previous quantitative models is undertaken in order to estimate risk‐based premiums for the proposed national insurance scheme.Design/methodology/approachThe benchmarking analysis of the proposed scheme is undertaken in comparison to the best practices of the catastrophe insurance systems operating in most member‐states of the EU. Risk modelling is employed to calculate risk‐based premiums.FindingsThe benchmarking analysis leads to conclusions which may be useful for the stage of actual implementation of such a program in Greece. Risk‐based premiums for the proposed national insurance scheme are estimated for all CRESTA zones of the country.Research limitations/implicationsUncertainty of estimated catastrophe losses is a limitation of the research.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a detailed description of the proposed earthquake insurance scheme.Social implicationsThe Greek Government should evaluate the proposal for the establishment of a national insurance program for earthquake damages.Originality/valueThe paper's originality/value consists of the construction of a unique data bank of the residential stock of Greece, and a comprehensive proposal for earthquake insurance, based on the best practices of national Cat insurance schemes.
Assessing the model risk with respect to the interest rate term structure under Solvency II
Authors: Martin Michael 
Published: June 2013

PurposeInterest rate risk, i.e. the risk of changes in the interest rate term structure, is of high relevance in insurers' risk management. Due to large capital investments in interest rate sensitive assets such as bonds, interest rate risk plays a considerable role for deriving the solvency capital requirement (SCR) in the context of Solvency II. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to the Solvency II standard model, the author applies the model of Gatzert and Martin for introducing a partial internal model for the market risk of bond exposures. After introducing calibration methods for short rate models, the author quantifies interest rate and credit risk for corporate and government bonds and demonstrates that the type of process can have a considerable impact despite comparable underlying input data.FindingsThe results show that, in general, the SCR for interest rate risk derived from the standard model of Solvency II tends to the SCR achieved by the short rate model from Vasicek, while the application of the Cox, Ingersoll, and Ross model leads to a lower SCR. For low‐rated bonds, the internal models approximate each other and, moreover, show a considerable underestimation of credit risk in the Solvency II model.Originality/valueThe aim of this paper is to assess model risk with focus on bonds in the market risk module of Solvency II regarding the underlying interest rate process and input parameters.
Investigation of subjective age in the work context: study of a sample of French workers
Authors: Rioux Liliane , Mokounkolo René 
Published: June 2013

PurposeFollowing the work of Kastenbaum in 1972, the concept of subjective age has been extensively explored and numerous studies have shown that subjective age often has a greater explanatory power than chronological age. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, little work has focused specifically on subjective age at work. The purpose of this paper is to help fill this gap. The aim is to show that workers have a subjective age bias specific to the organisational context, and that this reveals their attitudes to work better than their overall subjective age bias.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 508 French salaried workers in three sectors (education, health, retail industry) answered: a French adaptation of Steitz and McClary's questionnaire to working life; the French version of the subjective age questionnaire; a scale of satisfaction with professional life; and a workplace attachment scale.FindingsThe results confirm that there is a subjective age bias at work, linked to the type of organisation and constituting a better predictor of attitude to work than overall subjective age. This finding suggests that chronological age is less relevant than subjective age at work.Research limitations/implicationsThe existence of subjective age at work, more pertinent than chronological age, can call into question thea prioricategorization of workers by age group, an issue already raised by many authors.Practical implicationsThe authors believe that the scale of subjective age at work can be used by human relations consultants or managers as a decision‐making tool in the context of professional mobility or in setting up mentoring projects.Originality/valueThe concept of subjective age is interesting from a theoretical level, to understand the subjective relationship of workers to their work‐place, and from an applied level, as a decision‐making tool in the context of professional mobility or in setting up mentoring projects. This research calls into question thea prioricategorization of workers by age group, raising the possibility of a different approach to the management of older workers.
Restoring trust in the corporation: an interview with Colin Mayer, Peter Moores Professor of Management Studies at Said Business School, and author of Firm Commitment
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Colin Mayer, Peter Moores Professor of Management Studies at Saïd Business School, and author of Firm Commitment.Design/methodology/approachAn interview with Colin Meyer.FindingsIn the interview, Colin Mayer outlines a number of practical recommendations for corporate reform that will align the interests of the corporation with those of society, thus enabling the corporation to become the force for good it has the capacity to be.Originality/valueAccording to Colin Mayer, the corporation is no longer acting in the interests of society at large, but solely for the short‐term financial benefit of its shareholders. The lack of long‐term vision and sustainable purpose has given rise to irresponsible practice, resulting in the gradual erosion of public trust.
Exploring corporate responsibility in Oman – social expectations and practice
Authors: Minnee Flora , Shanka Tekle , Taylor Ruth , Handley Brian 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to explore social expectations and practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Oman.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 153 respondents (45 per cent Omanis and 55 per cent expatriates) shared their expectations which were compared with documentary evidence from core large and medium‐sized enterprises' CSR practice in Oman.FindingsOn average, CSR mean scores exhibited similarity for most respondent groups except for Omanis, young people, and those with high school or lower education who scored less, indicating a general lack of awareness of CSR. Society in Oman seems to expect corporations to provide “safe and reliable products/services”, “appropriately treat employees”, “behave ethically”, and be “committed to social responsibility”.Research limitations/implicationsWhile there is limited generalizability of the findings of this exploratory study per se due to sample size limitations, a clear pattern emerges to facilitate more in‐depth studies on CSR in Oman, and furthermore in other emerging market economies and transitional economies.Practical implicationsThe study demonstrates a need for additional research into CSR awareness, philosophy and practice in the small and medium enterprise sectors, and other industry sectors.Originality/valueThe paper presents findings from an exploratory empirical study investigating social expectations of CSR in Oman, and highlights the practice of CSR in Oman. It also compares these findings and other studies' on the philosophy, nature and practice of CSR in emerging market and transitional economies.
Social entrepreneurship theory and sustainable social impact
Authors: El Ebrashi Raghda 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to introduce a theory for social entrepreneurship based on integrating the entrepreneurship literature with a global empirical research carried out on social entrepreneurs using grounded theory. Theoretical contributions and insights from the social entrepreneurship literature are integrated into the research.Design/methodology/approachThis research is an exploratory inductive qualitative research based on the grounded theory methodology developed by Glaser and Strauss, and procedures developed by Strauss and Corbin with a constructivist stance.FindingsThe behavioral theory of social entrepreneurship studies the contextual factors that lead to social venture creation, the underlying organization dynamics and structures, and how these typologies measure social impact, mobilize resources, and bring about sustainable social change.Research limitations/implicationsThe result of the research is a behavioral theory for social entrepreneurship, which introduces new organizational typologies that create, measure, and sustain social change. Studying the underlying motivations and conditions upon which social enterprises evolve will help in extending the research on management of social outcomes and impacts. As the focus of the different typologies of social enterprises is to produce measurable social impact, researching these types of social organizations will advance research in social sciences.Practical implicationsStudying the phenomena of social entrepreneurship and explaining the social enterprises' unique behaviors, characteristics, and typologies will advance research for creating sustainable public wealth rather than just focusing on private wealth and business performance. While Schumpeter's entrepreneurship theory led the literature on economic growth, social entrepreneurship theory might be a factor for social development through economically sustainable and viable models.Social implicationsThis research will help in studying the role of social entrepreneurs in creating new social institutions and structures, promoting social movements, and mobilizing resources to create sustainable social impact.Originality/valueThis research is an attempt to contribute to the social entrepreneurship literature by providing new insights about social entrepreneurship behavior. The result of the research is a behavioral theory for social entrepreneurship, which introduces new organizational typologies that create, measure, and sustain social change.
Evaluation of the environmental, social and governance information disclosed by Spanish listed companies
Authors: de la Cuesta Marta , Valor Carmen 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting of Spanish companies listed in the IBEX‐35 stock index and the main drivers of the differences among reporters.Design/methodology/approachA benchmark tool was built based on GRIv3, and the ESG information issued by Spanish companies listed in the IBEX‐35 index was analyzed.FindingsThe authors conclude that GRI has resulted in some standardization of corporate social and environmental reporting, particularly in terms of format, but their approach to indicators is unlikely to produce high quality information that is relevant, comparable, complete and accessible to all stakeholders. Regulation and reputation seem to be the main drivers for improving the quality of ESG reporting. Global companies operating in industries with higher reputation risks had the highest levels of disclosure. Furthermore, reporting seems to be oriented to satisfying the demands of shareholders and investors rather than those of other stakeholders.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a structured definition of ESG quality reporting. Secondly, it makes an empirical contribution, by developing a reliable and valid instrument of research based on GRIv3.
The influence of personal attributes and organizational ethics position on accountants' judgments: Malaysian scenario
Authors: Mohd Ghazali Nazli A. , Ismail Suhaiza 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to examine the influence of personal attributes, organizational ethics position and other factors which are rules conformance, active participation in profession activities, ethics instructions received and understanding of the professional code of conduct on the Malaysian accountants' judgment on questionable ethical scenarios.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire is carried out to elicit opinions of Malaysian accountants on factors influencing ethical judgments.FindingsAdopting 15 vignettes used in Emerson et al. to assess ethical judgments, the main findings revealed from the analysis are that older accountants, accountants attached to corporations with higher ethics scale and accountants who understand the professional code of conduct are expected to be stricter in judging questionable ethical situations.Practical implicationsThe findings imply that perhaps one way to promote and preserve ethical organizational decisions is by employing older and experienced individuals and perhaps retaining older staff. The finding on age appears to suggest that wisdom comes with maturity.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few studies which investigate factors influencing ethical judgments of accountants in Malaysia. The research is timely given the growing importance of women in decision‐making levels, the expected rise in employment and the requirement to include the business ethics course in the accounting programs in Malaysia.
Socially and environmentally responsible apparel consumption: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors
Authors: Kozar Joy M. , Hiller Connell Kim Y. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between social and environmental responsibility knowledge, attitudes, and purchasing behavior.Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge of, and attitudes towards, issues of social responsibility, including social and environmental aspects related to the production and distribution of apparel and textile goods. Information regarding engagement in socially and environmentally responsible apparel‐purchasing behavior was also collected. Participants included students enrolled at a four‐year institution located in the Midwestern USA.FindingsParticipants indicated being more knowledgeable about apparel environmental issues as compared to apparel social issues. Overall, participants exhibited low involvement in socially and environmentally responsible apparel‐purchasing behavior. However, both knowledge and attitudes of social and environmental issues were significant predictors of socially and environmentally responsible purchasing behavior.Practical implicationsGiven the competition among apparel companies operating in the marketplace, this study lends valuable insight for firms in implementing strategic social and environmental practices and policies. The implications of this study also suggest that firms within the industry may need to respond to the barriers perceived by consumers in engaging in sustainable apparel‐purchasing behavior.Originality/valueThe findings of this study are useful in understanding the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Previous research on this topic has been inconclusive. A thorough examination of this topic is important, as noted by previous scholars, consumers have the ability to effect change in the marketplace through their purchasing behavior.
Fostering effective university‐industry partnerships: concluding remarks
Authors: Jauhari Vinnie 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the answers to the question posed in the introduction to the themed issue: how can effective university‐industry partnerships be developed?Design/methodology/approachThe paper consolidates the findings of various studies featuring in this theme issue on effective university‐industry partnerships. It addresses the aspects which contribute to effective partnerships and also challenges the issues around such partnerships.FindingsThe paper discusses the range of best practices for building effective university‐industry partnerships.Practical implicationsThere are lessons for industry, universities and policy makers.Originality/valueThe paper provides multiple perspectives on university‐industry partnerships from various geographies.
Building employability in hospitality industry
Authors: Jauhari Vinnie 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe paper aims to provide insights into how an effective partnership between IIMT Gurgaon and Oxford Brookes University led to employability, curriculum development and research orientation at IIMT.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws from the experience of managing the collaborative partnership for 13 years and being involved in institutionalising the best practices and engagement with the hospitality industry.FindingsThe paper discusses the factors which have contributed to building effective university‐industry partnerships and generating employability of hospitality graduates at IIMT. The factors include a state of the art curriculum which focuses on learning outcomes, building competencies and enabling students to be able to do well in their careers. The networking with industry, developing an understanding of expectations, and supervised work experience are all factors that have contributed to the success.Practical implicationsThere are lessons for industry and universities and policy makers.Originality/valueThe paper provides perspectives on building university‐industry partnerships from a perspective of a growing economy.
Plants as populations of release sites for seed dispersal: a structural‐statistical analysis of the effects of competition on Raphanus raphanistrum
Authors: Kelly Natalie , Cousens Roger D. , Taghizadeh Mohammad S. , Hanan Jim S. , Mouillot David 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Trajectories of dispersing seeds begin at the positions of their fruits on the maternal plant. Mechanistic simulation models usually assume that seed release is restricted to a characteristic, species‐specific height. However, real canopies constitute distributed rather than point sources, which may have important consequences for dispersal kernels.

Fruit positions are determined by plant architecture, which is under both genetic control and environmental influence. Competition with other plants has a major modifying influence on canopy structure.

We used quantitative methods to describe the positions of fruits on plants of Raphanus raphanistrum L., examined how fruit spatial distributions change when plants grow under interspecific competition and explored how this is related to changes in the structural geometry and topology of the plant.

Raphanus raphanistrum was grown either as individual plants or in a wheat crop. Branching structures and fruit positions were captured using a three‐dimensional digitizer. Propagule locations were also mapped on the ground after dispersal. Fruit distributions pre‐dispersal were analysed using various statistical approaches; plant topological and geometrical indices were calculated for the branching structures.

Plants grown under competition were smaller, but the reduced size was because fewer modules were produced rather than because individual branches were in some way different. The distribution of these branches was also different under competition, with more apical dominance resulting in less branching along dominant modules. Under competition, fruits were concentrated in the upper parts of the canopy and closer, in the horizontal plane, to the base of the plant. This resulted in much more restricted local seed shadows post‐dispersal.

Synthesis. The effect of competition on plant size is primarily a result of a reduction in initiation of branches. For species with limited dispersal ability, this results in a greatly modified seed shadow at short distances. In the case of agricultural weeds, the concentration of fruits at greater heights when competing with a crop might result in a greater proportion being dispersed long distances by harvesting machinery, but they would be fewer in number.
Global Comparators Project: International Comparison of Hospital Outcomes Using Administrative Data
Authors: Bottle Alex , Middleton Steven , Kalkman Cor J. , Livingston Edward H. , Aylin Paul 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveTo produce comparable risk‐adjusted outcome rates for an international sample of hospitals in a collaborative project to share outcomes and learning.Data SourcesAdministrative data varying in scope, format, and coding systems were pooled from each participating hospital for the years 2005–2010.Study DesignFollowing reconciliation of the different coding systems in the various countries, in‐hospital mortality, unplanned readmission within 30 days, and “prolonged” hospital stay (>75th percentile) were risk‐adjusted via logistic regression. A web‐based interface was created to facilitate outcomes analysis for individual medical centers and enable peer comparisons. Small groups of clinicians are now exploring the potential reasons for variations in outcomes in their specialty.Principal FindingsThere were 6,737,211 inpatient records, including 214,622 in‐hospital deaths. Although diagnostic coding depth varied appreciably by country, comorbidity weights were broadly comparable. U.S. hospitals generally had the lowest mortality rates, shortest stays, and highest readmission rates.ConclusionsIntercountry differences in outcomes may result from differences in the quality of care or in practice patterns driven by socio‐economic factors. Carefully managed administrative data can be an effective resource for initiating dialog between hospitals within and across countries. Inclusion of important outcomes beyond hospital discharge would increase the value of these analyses.
Implications of Metric Choice for Common Applications of Readmission Metrics
Authors: Davies Sheryl , Saynina Olga , Schultz Ellen , McDonald Kathryn M. , Baker Laurence C. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveTo quantify the differential impact on hospital performance of three readmission metrics: all‐cause readmission (ACR), 3M Potential Preventable Readmission (PPR), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 30‐day readmission (CMS).Data Sources2000–2009 California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development Patient Discharge Data Nonpublic file.Study DesignWe calculated 30‐day readmission rates using three metrics, for three disease groups: heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and pneumonia. Using each metric, we calculated the absolute change and correlation between performance; the percent of hospitals remaining in extreme deciles and level of agreement; and differences in longitudinal performance.Principal FindingsAverage hospital rates for HF patients and the CMS metric were generally higher than for other conditions and metrics. Correlations between the ACR and CMS metrics were highest (r = 0.67–0.84). Rates calculated using the PPR and either ACR or CMS metrics were moderately correlated (r = 0.50–0.67). Between 47 and 75 percent of hospitals in an extreme decile according to one metric remained when using a different metric. Correlations among metrics were modest when measuring hospital longitudinal change.ConclusionsDifferent approaches to computing readmissions can produce different hospital rankings and impact pay‐for‐performance. Careful consideration should be placed on readmission metric choice for these applications.