bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The greying church: the impact of life expectancy on religiosity
Authors: Papyrakis Elissaios , Selvaretnam Geethanjali 
Published: April 2011

PurposeIn recent years, there has been an expanding literature on the socio‐economic determinants of religiosity. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this stream of the literature by studying the impact of life expectancy on religiosity through a theoretical decision‐making framework, and by separately examining the decision of young and old individuals with respect to religious participation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses religiosity through a cost‐benefit framework, where decisions at each point in time depend on expected social and spiritual benefits attached to religious adherence (both contemporaneously, as well as in the afterlife), the probability of entering heaven in the afterlife, as well as the costs of formal religion in terms of time allocated to religious activities. It provides the theoretical underpinnings for the negative correlation between life expectancy and religious attendance previously observed in empirical analysis.FindingsThe analysis reveals how increases in life expectancy encourage postponement of religious involvement, particularly in religion doctrines that do not necessarily link salvation (or afterlife benefits more broadly) to the timing of religiosity. This demonstrates that religious establishments should anticipate to attract older members, particularly in countries which have high life expectancy or expect significant increases in life expectancy, although current socio‐economic benefits can counterbalance the negative impact of life expectancy on religiosity and hence encourage religious involvement.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on the economics of religion by exploring the mediating role of life expectancy in explaining cross‐country differences in religious expression, a channel that has so far received little attention in the literature. Its innovation lies in distinguishing decision making over different time intervals and evaluating the role of benefits and costs through the life cycle and in the afterlife.
Commercialization and changes in capital structure in microfinance institutions
Authors: Hoque Monzurul , Chishty Muhammad , Halloway Rashid 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of commercialization on capital structure, mission and performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs).Design/methodology/approachRobust estimation techniques ranging from simple OLS to fixed and random effects, Tobit and two‐stage least‐squares regression were applied using panel data for six‐year period 2003‐2008.FindingsThe authors' results are generally robust and indicate that leverage decreases the relative level of outreach to the very poor. This is expected as increases in cost of capital leads to higher cost of borrowing, higher default rate and increased risk. Increased use of commercial debt and equity financing lowers productivity for client‐maximizing MFIs through lower conversion of savers to borrowers or the yield rate.Research limitations/implicationsAnalysis was done with six years of data as some of the disclosures by MFIs were missing. As comprehensive disclosures become available, a similar study can be performed to see whether degrees of freedom affected the result. However, the research results support the expected outcome and the expectations of leading practitioners.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that MFIs can adopt a non‐commercial approach to financing as an alternative to commercialization. Such models are available in practice.Social implicationsFindings suggest that mission drift experienced by MFIs due to commercialization is a wrong turn for the industry.Originality/valueThe paper describes the first study of its kind in the microfinance sector that used comprehensive estimation techniques with traditional and new performance variables.
The behavior of green exchange‐traded funds
Authors: Sabbaghi Omid 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate green exchange‐traded funds (ETFs) and propose a market‐wide proxy for green returns and a green volatility factor.Design/methodology/approachIdentifying a unique sample of green funds, this paper investigates the time‐series behavior of returns for these investment vehicles and their associated conditional volatility dynamics via GARCH methodology. In this study, green ETFs are defined as index funds replicating market indices that invest in stocks exhibiting positive environmental, social, and governance characteristics.FindingsCumulative market‐wide green returns are found to be positive from inception year 2005 through 2008. Estimating a t‐GARCH (1,1) specification, the author finds strong evidence in favor of volatility persistence for the 15 green ETFs identified in this study. Additionally, the results suggest that a 1 percent volatility‐based value‐at‐risk forecast ranges from $24,150 through $26,000 on a daily basis. Finally, the empirical evidence provides support for weak‐form market efficiency when examining the green universe of stocks.Research limitations/implicationsGreen ETFs are relatively recent financial instruments and exhibit important implications for volatility timing strategies and the cross‐section of green stock returns.Practical implicationsKnowledge of green price behavior is important in constructing optimal hedging and risk management strategies.Social implicationsGreen ETFs provide a natural channel for sustainable investing.Originality/valueGreen ETFs exhibit the advantage of including many companies that have undertaken positive measures towards the global environment in their respective business models. This paper provides the first investigation of green ETFs.
How important is global industry shock in explaining the relative performance of global industries?
Authors: Tai Chu‐Sheng , Iqbal Zahid 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of exchange rate and global industry shocks on the relative performance of global industries.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to SUR approach, we also use GARCH approach to control for heteroskedasticity.FindingsUsing industry data from Japan and the USA, the authors find that although both exchange rate and global industry shocks are statistically significant in explaining the performance of these industries relative to their domestic markets, economically the global industry shock plays the major role in determining this performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors' findings are only based on two countries, the USA and Japan, so future researchers can use the authors' empirical models to test if their results hold using data from other countries.Practical implicationsInvestors should focus more on the performance of global industries instead of exchange rate changes when creating their portfolios.Originality/valueOur empirical results may explain the poor performance of the regression models in Griffin and Stulz ten years ago where they fail to control for the global industry shock.
Earnings per share versus cash flow per share as predictor of dividends per share
Authors: Consler John , Lepak Greg M. , Havranek Susan F. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the relative power of operating cash flow and earnings in the prediction of dividends.Design/methodology/approachA linear mixed effects model is used in terms of selected model fit criteria.FindingsBased on the selected model fit criteria, cash flow per share is shown to produce a better fit than earnings per share, but it cannot be said how much better.Research limitations/implicationsQuarterly CRSP and Compustat data from 2000 to 2006 for 1,902 dividend‐paying firms are analyzed. Future work would need a different methodology to determine how much better cash flow is as a predictor of dividends.Practical implicationsBoth earnings per share and cash flow per share are found to be reasonable dividend predictors.Social implicationsAdditional insight is provided on modeling factors that contribute to a firm's decision to engage or disengage in a dividend payment policy.Originality/valueThe study described in this paper continues work on predicting dividends per share. Results show cash flow per share is a better predictor than earnings per share. Investors and analysts predict dividends as part of their stock valuation work. This study suggests focusing attention on using cash flow per share as the predictor of dividends.
The “clinalyst”
Authors: Iedema Rick , Carroll Katherine 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present evidence for regarding reflexive practice as the crux of patient safety in tertiary hospitals. Reflexive practice buttresses safety because it is the precondition for flexible systematization – that is, the process that involves frontline clinicians in designing, redesigning and flexibly enacting care processes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an account of a collaborative video‐ethnographic project with a multi‐disciplinary team in an acute spinal unit. Video‐ethnography was combined with video‐reflexivity to provide practitioners with the opportunity to become involved in data interpretation and solution generation.FindingsThe study reveals that an outsider analysts/catalyst (or clinalyst) is critical to engaging frontline practitioners in reflexivity. The clinalyst is able to elicit insights and perspectives that assist practitioners in revisiting and revising their processes and practices, principally because video‐based reflexivity connects “what we do” directly to “who we are”.Practical implicationsBecause complexity will be an indelible part of health care work, health care organizations should invest in developing “reflexive space” where learning about complexity becomes possible. Instead of continuing to invest in research efforts seeking to derive and test staff compliance with guidelines and protocols, and training centred on simulation, these organization must begin to engage with the lived complexity of clinical work in order to skill up incoming clinicians.Originality/valueEnhancing clinical practitioners' capability to confront complexity in their practices is currently not a standard component of clinical training or work‐based learning. Video‐reflexive ethnography in tertiary health care is unique in involving clinicians in “making sense” of and deriving solutions from lived complexity.
Images of changing practice through reflective action research
Authors: Marshall Judi 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review action research approaches to changing practice through reflection, identifying themes, issues and questions relevant to a broader community of research practitioners. It invites additional layering in concept, enactment and account.Design/methodology/approachA framework for considering interwoven dimensions of action research as first‐, second‐ and third‐person inquiry is presented. The paper then works through stories to explore the complementarities of action research with other genres of research, addressing developments of practice through reflection. Questions of general relevance are identified.FindingsAction research is a richly diverse range of approaches having much in common with a broader community who seek to develop embodied practice and practical knowing, work in collaboration, respect multiple ways of knowing, and influence change in social systems. Frames, approaches, practices and questions from action research can be applied more generally. The paper articulates a profusion of questions. These include inviting attention to researchers' reflective practices, to different ways of exploring issues of power, and to questioning (organizational) contexts in which interventions are set.Practical implicationsPractices of inquiry and intervention for social and organizational change are explored. Attention is drawn to issues of power and how they might affect action with a participatory intent. Ways of developing understandings and enactments are offered.Originality/valueThis paper offers a companion language and set of practices from which to view other genres of research/intervention interested in developing practice through reflection.
Enabling supply chain segmentation through demand profiling
Authors: Godsell Janet , Diefenbach Thomas , Clemmow Chris , Towill Denis , Christopher Martin 
Published: April 2011

PurposeWhilst there are a plethora of theoretical ideas regarding a segmented approach to supply chain strategy, there is paucity of empirical data. This paper aims to present the results of a field‐based case study in a fast moving consumer goods company (FMCGCo) that sought to identify the most relevant basis for supply chain segmentation.Design/methodology/approachResearch carried out on a single instrumental case, FMCGCo. A four‐stage research design was employed to develop and test an approach to developing a segmented supply chain strategy for FMCGCo supply chain Western Europe.FindingsThe study identified demand profiling at an item level (using volume and variability classifiers) as the primary driver of supply chain strategy. It also developed a novel profiling tool. This not only segmented demand but identified through the introduction of the concept of filters a method for turning the results of the demand profiling analysis into a segmented supply chain strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe results presented are based on a single instrumental case. It is the approach that is transferable to other supply chain contexts not the specific solution per se.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a practical and pragmatic approach for companies to develop a segmented supply chain strategy based on demand profiling.Originality/valueThe introduction of a new tool as a practical and relatively quick means of developing a segmented supply chain strategy, that considers both market and product characteristics.
Adolescents' views about an internet platform for adolescents with mental health problems
Authors: Havas Jano , de Nooijer Jascha , Crutzen Rik , Feron Frans 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the needs and views of adolescents regarding the development of online support for mental health problems.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with ten groups of Dutch adolescents (n=106), aged 12‐19 years, from four urban secondary schools offering different levels of education in the Southeastern part of The Netherlands. Interviews were verbally transcribed and analysed with Nvivo, using a classification based on the research questions.FindingsThe participants reported that they searched on the internet to get information or help for some mental health problems. They also expressed the need for a youth healthcare website offering information, self‐tests and anonymous help. They had different ideas about the layout of such a website, which were related to their educational level. Reliability of such a website was an important issue.Practical implicationsAdolescents reported a distinct need for online information and help for mental health problems. Youth healthcare organisations could meet this need by creating an innovative additional assistance method. These organisations should cooperate with website developers, taking into account that adolescents with different levels of education have different preferences regarding the interventions for online information and help.Originality/valueThis paper provides a conclusive examination of the needs and views of adolescents regarding development of online support for mental health problems.
Development of professional confidence in health education
Authors: Hecimovich Mark , Volet Simone 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review critically the published research investigating how guided practice into the profession contributes to increased professional confidence in health care students, with a view to identifying its impact on the development of professional confidence.Design/methodology/approachA literature search was performed using MEDLINE and ERIC (1980‐2009), which identified guided practice into the profession as being the most commonly examined educational opportunity increasing professional confidence. Empirical studies that had rigorous research design and methods were selected for in‐depth review. However, in light of the paucity of the extant research, a few studies reporting anecdotal accounts of the development of professional confidence through guided practice were also included.FindingsThe review revealed how guided practice into the profession can contribute significantly to students' development of professional confidence. The review also points to arguable relationships between confidence and competence and the importance of better understanding and addressing the issue of under‐ and over‐confidence. The review highlights when evidence of the effectiveness of learning opportunities was insufficient or unreliable, with some directions for future research.Research limitations/implicationsThe review was based on a selection of papers most representative of research examining the effectiveness of guided professional practice learning opportunities to promote the development of professional confidence, and therefore is not a systematic review of all the extant literature.Originality/valueIt provides insight into the conditions under which guided practice into the profession can contribute to enhancing professional confidence, which is important, given the nature of its relationship with professional competence.
Employees' perceptions of cycle commuting: a qualitative study
Authors: van Bekkum Jennifer E. , Williams Joanne M. , Graham Morris Paul 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThis study aims to provide an in‐depth individual level understanding of the psychological factors that affect cycle commuting.Design/methodology/approachA total of 15 participants (eight cycle commuters and seven potential cycle commuters) from a “cycle‐friendly” employer based in a Scottish city took part in the study. Semi‐structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) were used to collect and analyse data.FindingsThe present study found that cyclists are more aware of the benefits of cycle commuting than potential cyclists. Those who did not currently cycle to work displayed a heightened awareness of the challenges of cycling to work, whereas cyclists reported more coping strategies for negotiating or overcoming the challenges involved in cycle commuting. These individual cognitions are potentially modifiable through psychological interventions.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should be carried out on samples in different contexts to examine whether some of the findings would be supported in other populations.Practical applicationsThe findings from this paper suggest that psychological interventions based on challenging perceptions of the benefits of and barriers to cycling may have a valuable role to play in enhancing cycle commuting rates.Originality/valueThis study uses IPA to explore the complexities of perceptions in relation to cycle commuting. It also brings to light the types of coping strategies used to enable cyclists to overcome some of their challenges associated with cycle commuting.
The lifestyle behaviours and exercise beliefs of undergraduate student nurses
Authors: Burke Eimear , McCarthy Bernard 
Published: April 2011

PurposeOnly limited published research is available exploring the lifestyle practices of student nurses. The purpose of this paper is to explore the lifestyle behaviours and exercise beliefs of Irish student nurses.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive survey design was used. First‐year and third‐year undergraduate student nurses (n=182) studying at one Irish university participated. Data were collected by administering self‐report questionnaires.FindingsA total of 20 per cent of the students smoked, 95 per cent consumed alcohol and 19 per cent of the females reported that they exceeded the recommended weekly safe level for alcohol consumption. In total, 73 per cent of the students reported exercising two to five times per week, and walking was the most popular exercise undertaken. The male students reported significantly higher fitness levels and exercised more on a weekly basis than the females. The students identified a range of benefits of and barriers to exercising.Research limitations/implicationsThere are a number of study limitations, including: only one university setting was used; a descriptive survey approach was employed; and data were collected using self‐report questionnaires. Further studies need to be conducted with additional data collection methods to explore students' lifestyle and physical activity behaviours.Practical implicationsThe university, as a setting for health promotion, must increase awareness, facilitate and encourage student nurses to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviours.Originality/valueThis survey revealed the lifestyle and exercise behaviours of Irish student nurses. Lower levels of smoking and higher levels of physical activity were found amongst these student nurses than those reported elsewhere in the literature.
Strategic brand association maps: developing brand insight
Authors: Till Brian D. , Baack Daniel , Waterman Brian 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe primary purpose of this paper is to illustrate a new methodology for gaining actionable, strategic insight into a brand's associations and its competitive uniqueness vis‐à‐vis key competitors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors integrate free association protocols, response latency, and more conventional scale items to develop a strategic overview of a brand's associations and to depict brands' strategic meaning in a comprehensive visual presentation.FindingsThe authors show, via an example featuring peanut butter brands, how their methodology effectively uncovers associations that the market has for the brands and how strong, unique, relevant, and favorable those associations are.Research limitations/implicationsThis methodology is most appropriate for four to six brands at a time.Practical implicationsThe strategic brand association map process demonstrated provides managers with a very clear, consumer‐driven, strategic view of the associations their brand has, and how those associations may (or may not) be serving to differentiate their brand. Additionally, these strategic brand association maps serve as an excellent diagnostic as to the overall health of a brand and can provide actionable insight for better understanding strategic reasons why a particular brand may be under‐performing against expectations.Originality/valueBrand associations are one of the fundamental cornerstones of brand value. Brand associations serve to differentiate and create meaning for brands. Better understanding and managing a brand's associations is a fundamental role of brand managers. This process illustrates a new way to give brand managers strategic, consumer‐driven insight into their brand's associative network.