bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐income consumers' reactions to low‐involvement products
Authors: Gbadamosi Ayantunji 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes and behaviour of low‐income women consumers in respect of low‐involvement grocery products.Design/methodology/approachOne focus group and 30 in‐depth interviews on the subject‐matter are conducted with low‐income women in Salford (Northwest England). Given the nature of the topic and the target respondents involved, the subjects are recruited through the use of purposive and snowballing sampling methods.FindingsThe findings suggest that low‐income women consumers' purchases of low‐involvement grocery products are based on habit. They do not show strong loyalty to brands of these products, and do not perceive price as an indication of their quality. Their key motivation underlying their purchases of these products is value‐for‐money. Also they are very sensitive to sales promotional stimuli, albeit in varying degrees according to the respective attractiveness of these tools. However, while they indicate a positive attitude towards buy‐one‐get‐one‐free (BOGOF), free samples, discount and coupons, BOGOF stands out as their best preference; but they are not positively inclined towards gifts and competition.Originality/valueThe paper explores the motivation, attitudes and behaviour of a special group of consumers (low‐income women) in respect of low‐involvement grocery products. It indicates the directions of their sensitivity in terms of marketing stimuli. Hence, it will be valuable for marketing decision making towards providing this group of consumers with the utmost satisfaction needed in this increasingly complex marketing environment.
The beer market and advertising expenditure
Authors: Heimonen Kari , Uusitalo Outi 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of advertising expenditure on brands' market shares, utilizing a novel four‐week advertising‐sales data from the highly competitive oligopolistic Finnish beer market in which price competition among the homogeneous larger‐type beer brands is not allowed during the period of the study.Design/methodology/approachCompetition is modelled using the Lanchester model. The impacts of advertising on market shares are estimated using the impulse‐response functions from vector autoregression, and the full information maximum likelihood and advertising elasticities.FindingsSome new insights into beer market dynamics are obtained. First, the impacts of advertising are not similar across brands. Second, overspills of advertising impacts across brands are detected. Third, the reactions to competitors' advertising attacks are mild.Originality/valueThe paper utilizes four‐week brand‐level data on the market shares of the leading beer brands in Finland and the brands' advertising expenditure. During the period of the data, price competition is not allowed, which creates a unique opportunity to study the impacts of advertising on the market shares of brands.
Product placement in Bollywood movies
Authors: Barn Sukhbinder 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the way in which product and brand placement function in the Indian film industry.Design/methodology/approachThe case study is based on extensive field work conducted by the author in India, including interviews with many film industry figures.FindingsProduct placement is pervasive in the Indian film industry, but there can be tension between the artistic goals of the film director and the commercial goals of the brand owner.Originality/valueAs far as is known, this is the first case study to address product and brand placement in the Indian film industry. Since this is the largest film industry in the world, this represents an important contribution to understanding the interface between commercial interests and artistic direction.
Fuzzy model‐based assessment and monitoring of desertification using MODIS satellite imagery
Authors: Lin Meng‐Lung , Chen Cheng‐Wu , Wang Qiu‐Bing , Cao Yu , Shih Jyh‐Yi , Lee Yung‐Tan , Chen Chen‐Yuan , Wang Shin 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe growing rate of desertification in Northwestern China and Mongolia that is occurring as a result of the conflict between economic development and natural conservation has been demonstrated in many studies. There have, for example, been some large studies using variations in bi‐weekly normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) satellite images as a parameter for evaluating the vegetation dynamics in these areas. The purpose of this paper is to identify multi‐temporal variation in vegetated and non‐vegetated areas in remotely sensed satellite images to assess the status of desertification in East Asia.Design/methodology/approachSpatial data derived from these satellite images are applied to evaluate vegetation dynamics on a regional level, to identify the areas most vulnerable to desertification.FindingsAnalytical results indicate that the desert areas in East Asia are primarily distributed over Southern Mongolia, Central and Western Inner Mongolia, and Western China (the Taklimakan Desert). These desert areas expanded from 2000 to 2002, shrunk in 2003, then expanded again from 2003 to 2005. The areas most at risk for desertification are principally distributed in Southeastern Mongolia, and Eastern Inner Mongolia.Originality/valueSimulation results based on data for deserts distributed throughout Northwestern China and Mongolia indicate that the proposed fuzzy model‐based method would be helpful for assessing and monitoring desertification. These analytical results will help administrators refine planning processes, define the boundaries of protected areas, and facilitate decisions for prioritizing areas for desertification protection.
Cooperative co‐evolutionary scatter search for satellite module layout design
Authors: Wang Yi‐Shou , Teng Hong‐Fei , Shi Yan‐Jun 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to tackle a satellite module layout design problem (SMLDP). As a complex engineering layout and combinatorial optimization problem, SMLDP cannot be solved effectively by traditional exact methods. Although evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have shown some promise of tackling SMLDP in previous work, the solution quality and computational efficiency still pose a challenge. This paper aims to address these two issues.Design/methodology/approachScatter search (SS) and a cooperative co‐evolutionary architecture are integrated to form a new approach called a cooperative co‐evolutionary scatter search (CCSS). The cooperative co‐evolutionary architecture is characterized by the decomposition and cooperation for dealing with complex engineering problems. SS is a flexible meta‐heuristic method that can effectively solve the combinatorial optimization problems. Designing the elements of SS is context‐dependent. Considering the characteristics of SMLDP, our work focuses on two folds: the diversification method, and the reference set update method. The diversification method is built on the method of coordinate transformation and the controlled randomness. The reference set is updated by the static method on the basis of two dissimilarities. Two test problems for circles packing illustrated the capacity of SS. However, when solving SMLDP, SS shows some limitations in the computational time and quality. This study adopts divide‐conquer‐coordination strategy to decompose SMLDP into several layout sub‐problems. Then CCSS is applied to cooperatively solve these sub‐problems. The experimental results illustrate the capability of the proposed approach in tackling the complex problem with less computational effort.FindingsApplying CCSS to SMLDP can obtain satisfying solutions in terms of quality and computational efficiency. This contrasts with the limiting experimental results of SMLDP with some approaches (including modified SS).Originality/valueA new CCSS is proposed to provide an effective and efficient way of solving SMLDP. Some elements of SS are improved to address the layout problem. SMLDP is decomposed into several sub‐problems that can be solved cooperatively by CCSS after its characteristics are taken into consideration.
YADE‐OPEN DEM: an open‐source software using a discrete element method to simulate granular material
Authors: Kozicki J. , Donzé F.V. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeYADE‐OPEN DEM is an open‐source software based on the discrete element method, (DEM) which uses object oriented programming techniques. The purpose of this paper is to describe the software architecture.Design/methodology/approachThe DEM chosen uses position, orientation, velocity and angular velocity as independent variables of simulated particles which are subject to explicit leapfrog time‐integration scheme (Lagrangian method). The three‐dimensional dynamics equations based on the classical Newtonian approach for the second law of motion are used. The track of forces and moments acting on each particle is kept at every time step. Contact forces depend on the particle geometry overlap and material properties. The normal, tangential and moment components of interaction force are included.FindingsAn effort is undertaken to extract the underlying object oriented abstractions in the DEM. These abstractions are implemented in C++, conform to object oriented design principles and use design patterns. Based on that, a software framework is developed in which the abstractions provide the interface where the modelling methods can be plugged‐in.Originality/valueThe resulting YADE‐OPEN DEM framework is designed in a generic way which provides great flexibility when adding new scientific simulation code. Some of the advantages are that numerous simulation methods can be coupled within the same framework while plug‐ins can import data from other software. In addition, this promotes code improvement through open‐source development and allows feedback from the community. However implementing such models requires that one adheres to the framework design and the YADE framework is a new emerging software. To download the software see http : //yade.wikia.com webpage.
Eigensolution of Laplacian matrices for graph partitioning and domain decomposition
Authors: Kaveh A. , Alinejad B. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a general equation for eigensolution. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of graphs have many applications in combinatorial optimization and structural mechanics. Some important applications of graph products consist of nodal ordering and graph partitioning for structuring the structural matrices and finite element subdomaining, respectively.Design/methodology/approachIn the existing methods for the eigensolution of Laplacian matrices, members have been added to the model of a graph product such that for its Laplacian matrix an algebraic relation between blocks become possible. These methods are categorized as topological approaches. Here, using concepts of linear algebra a general algebraic method is developed.FindingsA new algebraic method is introduced for calculating the eigenvalues of Laplacian matrices in graph products.Originality/valueThe present method provides a simple tool for calculating the eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrices without using the configurational model and merely by using the Laplacian matrices. The developed formula for calculating the eigenvalues contains approximate terms which can be managed by the analyst.
The forward and inverse problems in magnetic induction tomography of low conductivity structures
Authors: Palka Ryszard , Gratkowski Stanislaw , Stawicki Krzysztof , Baniukiewicz Piotr 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a magnetic induction tomography (MIT) system as well as the conductivity reconstruction algorithms (inverse problem).Design/methodology/approachIn order to define and verify the solution of the inverse problem, the forward problem is formulated using mathematical model of the system. The forward problem is solved using the finite element method. The optimization of the excitation unit is based on the numerical solutions of the direct problem. All the dimensions and shape of the excitation system are optimized in order to focus the main part of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the receiver. Finally, two formulations of the inverse problem are discussed: based on the inversion of the Biot‐Savart law; and based on the artificial neural networks.FindingsThe formulation of the forward problem of the considered MIT system is given. The construction of the exciter unit that focuses the main part of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the receiver is proposed. Two formulations of the inverse problem are discussed. First using the inversion of the Biot‐Savart law and second using the artificial neural network. The neural networks seem to be promising tools for reconstructing the MIT images.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates a real‐life MIT system whose performance is satisfactorily predicted by mathematical models. The original design of the exciter is shown. The new approach to the inverse problem in MIT – the use of the artificial neural network – is presented.
Exact post‐buckling stiffness calculation of box section struts
Authors: Ghannadpour S.A.M. , Ovesy H.R. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and apply an exact finite strip (F‐a FSM) for the buckling and initial post‐buckling analyses of box section struts.Design/methodology/approachThe Von‐Karman's equilibrium equation is solved exactly to obtain the buckling loads and deflection modes for the struts. The investigation is then extended to an initial post‐buckling study with the assumption that the deflected form immediately after the buckling is the same as that obtained for the buckling. Through the solution of the Von‐Karman's compatibility equation, the in‐plane displacement functions are developed in terms of the unknown coefficient. These in‐plane and out‐of‐plane deflected functions are then substituted in the total strain energy expressions and the theorem of minimum total potential energy is applied to solve for the unknown coefficient.FindingsThe F‐a FSM is applied to analyze the buckling and initial post‐buckling behavior of some representative box sections for which the results were also obtained through the application of a semi‐energy finite strip method (S‐e FSM). For a given degree of accuracy in the results, however, the F‐a FSM analysis requires less computational effort.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present F‐a FSM, only one of the calculated deflection modes is used for the initial post‐buckling study.Practical implicationsA very useful and computationally economical methodology is developed for the initial design of struts which encounter post‐buckling.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper is the fact that by incorporating a rigorous buckling solution into the Von‐Karman's compatibility equation, and solving it, a fairly efficient method for post‐buckling stiffness calculation is achieved.
Evaluating impacts of microfinance institutions using Guatemalan data
Authors: Brau James C. , Hiatt Shon , Woodworth Warner 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate microlending outcomes among Latin American non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), specifically microfinance institutions (MFIs). While there is a growing movement of non‐profit ventures channeling small loans to the poor worldwide, assessments of their impacts are lacking. Thus, field interviews with clients who had various degrees of involvement in the process of receiving microloans from MFIs were conducted over a summer in Guatemala.Design/methodology/approachUsing a dataset of 393 clients from Guatemalan MFIs, microfinance impacts from two dimensions are examined and impacts measured along financial and social dimensions by surveying new clients, current clients, and graduated clients of five MFIs in Guatemala.FindingsApplying univariate and multivariate analyses shows that for Guatemala, MFIs do produce a measure of improvement in the lives of microfinance clients. This improvement is concentrated along the social dimensions of housing, health, and client empowerment.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this paper is that it focuses on only five of several dozen MFIs in Guatemala. What is needed is further use of the survey instruments to carry out subsequent studies throughout more of Latin America, and beyond.Practical implicationsThis research suggests that microfinance demonstrates promising results associated with social benefits to various client populations. As such, it holds a variety of implications for government and other policymakers as they consider innovative ways to reduce poverty and human suffering around the globe.Originality/valueIt is anticipated that this field study will contribute to the furtherance of literature on the effects of lending among the poor.
The impact of outside control in microfinance
Authors: Hartarska Valentina 
Published: October 2009

PurposeMicrofinance practitioners have emphasized that appropriate control mechanisms are critical for the success of a microfinance institution (MFI). The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of external governance mechanisms on MFIs' performance, whereby external governance is defined as the control exercised by stakeholders and markets, and accountability mechanisms that operate to enforce internal governance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a database of 108 MFIs operating in over 30 countries and analyzes their performance by adopting an empirical approach usually employed in cross‐country banking research on the impact of market forces and regulation on performance. MFI performance is measured by sustainability and outreach indicators and is modeled as a function of external audit, microfinance rating, and regulatory status and controls for MFI and country‐specific characteristics.FindingsResults indicate that regulatory involvement and financial statement transparency do not impact performance, while some but not all rating agencies may play a disciplining role.Research limitations/implicationsAt the time of the study, available data are limited to 108 organizations and since then more MFIs have made their financial statements available, therefore, the hypotheses of this paper can be retested.Practical implicationsStakeholders should be aware that external control mechanisms in microfinance are weak, thus adequate internal governance mechanisms are important.Originality/valueThis paper offers empirical evidence that external governance mechanisms have limited impact on MFI performance.
Statistical audit sampling for portfolio‐at‐risk in microfinance
Authors: Schreiner Mark 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a rigorous, statistically correct, and low‐cost way to audit sample a lender's loan portfolio, be they a microlender or other type of lender. No other paper applies this method to loan portfolios, even though it is a high demand application.Design/methodology/approachStandard techniques of audit sampling and dollar unit sampling with stratification are applied to the particular case of a microlender's portfolio. Unlike the audit sampling that almost all auditors use, no arbitrary rules of thumb are applied.FindingsThe paper finds that statistical audit sampling for a lender's loan portfolio is simple, rigorous, and inexpensive.Practical implicationsIn audit sampling, most auditors use arbitrary rules of thumb and have no idea whether they are sampling enough items to actually be sure, with some desired level of confidence, that they have found no defects. This simple, inexpensive, and statistically rigorous technique will allow auditors who actually want to do a good job to quantify the precision of their statements in a very common application.Originality/valueThis paper combines several disparate threads from the statistical literature on audit sampling in a way that auditors (who are usually not statisticians) can apply them for auditing the quality of a lender's portfolio – microfinance or otherwise – which is a very common need.
Governance in the English regions: moving beyond muddling through?
Authors: Pearce Graham , Mawson John 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to explore the progress of current reforms to government in the English regions through administrative decentralisation aimed at delivering economic growth and greater accountability.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to government documents the paper is informed by the views of a range of public and non‐governmental bodies on key aspects of the reforms, including the preparation of integrated regional strategies, accountability arrangements and institutional capacity.FindingsWhile holding out the prospect of a more effective approach to regional policy making and delivery, implementation of the reforms carries risks for the delivery of key government policies. There is little evidence that they will assist in reversing disparities in economic growth rates between the English regions or tackle England's ingrained tradition of centralisation. There are also concerns that the prominence given to economic considerations is incompatible with delivering sustainable development.Practical implicationsGreater attention needs to be given to the coordination of national policies with a regional dimension and to the sub‐national institutional capacity required to both prepare and deliver integrated regional strategies.Originality/valueDrawing on empirical evidence this paper offers insights into the administrative and policy tensions associated with ongoing reforms to sub‐national government in England.
Integration of economic and spatial planning across scales
Authors: Townsend Alan 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to study a major aspect of the recent Treasury‐led Review of Sub‐national Economic Development and Regeneration in attempting to integrate work currently performed under the separate economic and spatial strategies through the preparation of single regional strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses several aspects of the existing work of regional development agencies (RDAs) to illustrate where they could be better informed to undertake their anticipated role in regional spatial planning.FindingsThe Labour Government has been forced to change its approach to reforms at the sub‐national level. In November, 2008 it performed a late compromise in response to the consultation on the Review, in giving equal status to the work of local authorities and RDAs in writing single regional strategies. This is welcomed, as is a strengthening of the scope of sub‐regional governance. Nonetheless the reforms do little to address the socio‐economic disparities between regions.Practical implicationsThe paper informs approaches to the preparation of single regional strategies and highlights the need to give greater attention to the links between policy making and delivery at national, regional and local scales.Originality/valueThe paper draws on the perspectives of a senior academic who has also worked both as a civil service research officer in regional economic planning and as a member of local, district and county committees in local governance. This experience suggests that the Government's approach to reform was informed by an agenda that was too biased towards economic and too little to environmental and social priorities.