bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Market liberalization and volatility of returns in emerging markets
Authors: Al‐Khouri Ritab , Abdallah Abdulkhader 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether stock market liberalization creates excess stock return volatility in the Qatar Exchange (QSC).Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes two methods, simple analysis of variance and the EGARCH model with dummy variables.FindingsResults reveal no change in market volatility following the partial removal of the restrictions on foreign participation. Results suggest, however, that the degree of persistence in volatility is high, which implies that once volatility increases it remains high over a long run. In addition, conditional volatility tends to rise when the absolute value of the standardized residuals was large. While, contrary to what has been found in the literature, the return volatility seems to be symmetric.Research limitations/implicationsThe finding of volatility persistence and clustering might imply an inefficient stock market. Therefore, policy makers should emphasize and direct their attention toward increasing the efficiency of the stock market.Practical implicationsBeing able to make predictions about financial market volatility is of special importance to investors and policy makers since it makes available to them a measure of risk exposure in their investments and decisions.Originality/valueThis paper provides a contribution to the empirical literature on stock market volatility. It is the only study, to the authors' knowledge, that investigates the issue of QSC liberalization and volatility. The authors believe that QSC has its own unique characteristics, and the results of the study depend mainly on the market's specific conditions, the quality of its financial institutions and the extent of financial liberalization obtained.
Ethics education
Authors: Hejase Hussein J. , Tabch Hassana 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to closely assess the level of business ethics education in one of the Lebanese educational institutions, namely the American University of Science and Technology (AUST) through shedding light on how the Faculty of Business and Economics' curriculum is set to meet the national and regional markets' requirements of sound business education.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive, analytical and statistical analyses are used in this study.FindingsThe study reveals several factors that affect business ethics education at AUST, namely students' ethics literacy and ethical perceptions, students' attitudes towards ethical issues, ethics and personal actions, personal morality, religious and ethical business conducts. This is in addition to the impact of formal business ethics education as implemented in the university's curriculum.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral insights could be inferred from this study. First, business ethics could be taught if a comprehensive formal and purposeful direction exists in an institution to make students internalize their perception of business ethics. Accordingly, the Faculty of Business and Economics is recommended to provide formal coverage of an ethics chapter in all business fields, and objectively expose the differences in applications as related to culture and national preferences; and third, reinforce the use of case studies on ethics dilemmas and make such studies obligatory for all majors. Another insight that is considered an important outcome of the study is its academic contribution to the few publications found on the subject matter in Lebanon and the region. Its results can be used by Middle Eastern educational institutions to analyze the reported western ethics' know how and practices and perform a series of research projects to address the differences between these two cultures in perception, applicability, sensitivity to beliefs and their influence on the way business is conducted in Lebanon and the surrounding Arab nations. Finally, this paper is an eye opener to the fact that individual's religious entity and beliefs may make a difference in the formation of ethical judgment and decision making. However, further research studies on the latter issue is needed, knowing that Lebanon is considered a mosaic religious community with 18 different official religions.Practical implicationsThe findings presented in this research can be used by Middle Eastern as well as by Western academicians, managers, employees, and students as an eye opener to the implications of business ethics education on decision making.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the minimal body of knowledge of business ethics education in the Middle East; and its findings constitute a catalyst for further research on how ethics education enhances students' future decision making in the real world.
Assessing the effect of interpersonal communications on employees' commitment and satisfaction
Authors: Awad Tamer A. , Alhashemi Suhaila E. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between employees' motives for communicating with superiors and coworkers, their commitment to their organizations, satisfaction with jobs, and with superiors.Design/methodology/approachThis article makes use of survey research, using quantitative research methodology investigating employees' motives for communicating with their superiors and co‐workers, their satisfaction and commitment towards their organization. The research identifies pleasure, escape, relaxation, control and inclusion as motives explaining why people communicate with each other and how they relate to each other.FindingsThe findings revealed a relationship between the motives along with satisfaction and commitment. Employees report a moderate commitment with their coworkers as well as superiors. Furthermore, the results showed strong relationships between the control, affection, inclusion, escape and relaxation motives.Research limitations/implicationsThe research showed strengthening communication ties from a need to encourage more healthy interpersonal relationships by using jointly constructed reality. This approach was more effective because it goes beyond information process and it involves the process of people together creating what will be the mission and vision of the organization and developing corporate values. In addition, the organization's commitment can be enhanced through job enrichment together with matching the individual's values to those of the organization besides, finding ways and means of improving job satisfaction through different strategies such as improving the quality of the supervision, decentralization of power and counselling. Finally, the investigation serves as a context for evaluating the applicability of previous studies to the manufacturing, oil and petrochemical industries in Bahrain, focusing on Bapco (Bahrain Petroleum Company), GPIC (Gulf Petrochemicals Industries) and ALBA (Aluminum Bahrain ).Originality/valueThe study is the first thorough study conducted in the three above‐mentioned organizations. Therefore, it would be of great value to understand their employees better and improving their communication ties as well as motivation.
Quality assurance in Canadian police services
Authors: Cukier Wendy , Barkel Erin , Vaughan Tania , Gekas George 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the presence of quality assurance, risk management, and audit practices at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of law enforcement in Canada. Based on open‐ended interviews and surveys with management of law enforcement agencies, the study attempts to determine the extent to which these practices are in place, the structure of managing these functions, including the tools that are used to do so and the role of these functions within the organization.Design/methodology/approachThe survey was sent to 104 police services, which are represented in the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. A total of 30 people responded on behalf of 23 police agencies. The survey was supplemented with in‐depth interviews with selected police services.FindingsThere was a high level of consensus around the reasons for undertaking these processes and the rankings were also remarkably consistent. The way in which risks are defined varies from organization to organization but some common patterns emerge. The top risks are those associated with the external environment (80.77 per cent) and operational risks (76.92 per cent).Originality/valueThe study confirmed the challenges associated with establishing rigorous professional standards, while balancing the interests of different stakeholders in the development and application of the process.
Building sustainable internal capacity for quality within a healthcare environment
Authors: Schattenkirk Dale 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss how using an experiential Lean Six Sigma training model will dramatically decrease the amount of time it takes to become competent and capable at applying process improvement within a healthcare environment. The model was first put into use in 2006 and has evolved and been evaluated to its current state.Design/methodology/approachTypical Lean approaches use a Kaizen methodology that is dependent on a skilled facilitator entering the organization and leading a team of process content experts from the organization through the change process. It is costly to hire such facilitators and does not build sustainable capacity within the organization or the internal knowledge to apply the Kaizen approach to the many varying sizes and complexities of improvements within the healthcare arena. The root of the problem is compounded by many factors including cost, urgency, political pressure, and inconsistency in the Lean Six Sigma body of knowledge. The principles behind the Kaizen methodology are fundamentally sound but the difference in the approach of this training model lies in who is doing the educating and application rather than changing the Lean Six Sigma body of knowledge.FindingsThe first finding is that more people are capable of almost instantly leading change, given the right model, than organizations may be aware of. The second is the paradigm that an expert has to “live at least 500 miles away” simply meaning that people working within their current system are rarely seen as capable to solve the organization's problems. The third is that any organization can easily have a complete infrastructure in place within a week and their staff leading improvements within two weeks. The organization can be at a level of self‐sustaining internal capacity within four months of starting their Lean Six Sigma journey.Originality/valueThe paper consequently focuses on value created for the organization, by the organization, with minimal support of an external consultant.
Implement the ECFA
Authors: Huang Jie 
Published: June 2012

PurposeAfter Ma Yingjeou's re‐election in 2012, Mainland China and Taiwan will continue cooperation in economic fields. The purpose of this paper is to undertake research on a bilateral investment agreement (BIA) between Mainland China and Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses statistics to demonstrate the growing cross‐strait investment and incompetent contemporary investment protection mechanisms in Mainland China and Taiwan. The paper also compares laws in Mainland China and Taiwan and the investment protection agreements concluded by Mainland and Taiwan with other countries, respectively.FindingsBased on the similarities of current laws and the investment protection agreements concluded by Mainland China and Taiwan with other countries, respectively, Mainland China and Taiwan can possibility agree upon major provisions of a BIA. Solutions are provided to both macro and micro challenges against a successful BIA.Research limitations/implicationsIt is hard to predict whether the BIA will promote political integration between Mainland China and Taiwan in the near future.Practical implicationsA BIA can boost investors' confidence.Social implicationsThis paper may serve as a humble reference for both the Mainland China and Taiwan government when negotiating the BIA.Originality/valueCross‐strait investment is an important and prosperous field in practice, but has not been fully explored in literature thus far. This Article aims to fill this gap.
Foreign debt, economic growth and economic crisis
Authors: Changyong Xuan , Jun Sun , Chen Yan 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between foreign debt, economic growth and economic crisis.Design/methodology/approachThis paper constructs a Ramsey‐Cass‐Koopmans model theoretically and examines empirically the relationship between foreign debt, economic growth and economic crisis using US data over the period of 2003 and 2008.FindingsThe paper finds that if the debt transformation rate is low when the debt ratio rises over a certain point; economic growth will be hindered, and may even trigger economic crisis. In contrast, high debt transformation rate may facilitate economic growth. However, the paper also shows that when the debt ratio exceeds a certain point, the debt will become a barrier to economic growth. These results will be of interest to policy makers not only in developed countries but also in emerging economies such as China.Originality/valueThese findings suggest that the relationship between debt, economic growth and economic crisis is not uniform, but depends on debt transformation rate.
Reminders that make sense: designing multisensory notifications for the home
Authors: McGee‐Lennon Marilyn R. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a synthesized overview of empirical work carried out in the MultiMemoHome Project in the area of designing multimodal reminders for home care. The paper aims to present an overview of multimodal interaction techniques and how they can be used to deliver messages to the user in a way that is more appropriate to the user's needs, the devices available, and the physical and social environment that the person is in when they receive a message.Design/methodology/approachThe paper argues that electronic reminders or notifications delivered in the home (such as appointments or when to take medication to your phone, computer or TV) should be available in multiple sensory modalities (visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory) in order to increase their usability and acceptability and make them accessible to a wider range of users. This paper supports these arguments by presenting an overview of a series of empirical studies that have been carried out (and reported elsewhere) on the design and evaluation of multimodal reminders for the home.FindingsThe paper provides some guidelines and lessons learned on how to design personalisable multimodal reminder systems for the home.Originality/valueThis paper presents a synthesized overview of a body of existing research on multimodal reminder design for the home. Its contribution is in the argument and presentation of empirical findings that support these arguments. A set of guidelines emerging from the body of work is also presented.
The ethical evaluation of assistive technology for practitioners: a checklist arising from a participatory study with people with dementia, family and professionals
Authors: Godwin Beatrice 
Published: June 2012

PurposeUncertainty over ethical impact may hinder uptake of assistive technology (AT) in dementia. This study aims to examine whether AT contributes to person‐centred care, whether users can participate in research and to explore ethical dilemmas with users, family and professional carers.Design/methodology/approachPeople with dementia, at home or in residential care, and carers were allocated equipment and consulted about ethics. In a small, qualitative study, data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and vignettes and content‐analysed to establish themes.FindingsAT in person‐centred dementia care requires meticulous assessment, reliability and availability in rapidly evolving situations. Users displayed insight, logic and empathy in ethical evaluation. They disliked remote monitoring and surveillance, whereas carers were pragmatic, prioritising safety.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides further evidence that users with dementia can be included in research. It demonstrates a significant potential role for AT in dementia care, with an ethical checklist to help professionals evaluate ethical dilemmas.Originality/valueAT potentially increases wellbeing, enabling users to remain longer at home, delaying or avoiding moves to or between homes.
A long and honourable history
Authors: Faulkner Alison , Basset Thurstine 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the extensive roots of peer support in mental health, and to identify the values and principles that the authors wish to hold onto as choices are made as to how and whether to engage with formal peer support within the National Health Service (NHS).Design/methodology/approachThe authors attempt to cover the ground of three types of peer support, but with an emphasis on informal peer support and participation in consumer or peer‐run groups as providing the roots for the third more formal type, which is often known as intentional peer support (IPS).FindingsProfessionalisation of peer support may endanger the equality that lies at the root of peer support relationships. Independence may also be compromised if peer support becomes just another part of mainstream services. Whilst an individual/personalised approach to providing services has many strengths, one must be careful not to remove all opportunity for service users to meet together, support one another, plan and campaign.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that commissioners of services should aim for a plurality of peer support and be careful to ensure that informal peer support is flourishing as an essential basis for more formal peer support.Originality/valueThe paper shows that, with an increased interest in providing peer support as part of mainstream services, it is important to stress the basic values and principles that underpin informal service‐user led peer support.
A year of peer support in Nottingham: lessons learned
Authors: Repper Julie , Watson Emma 
Published: June 2012

PurposeIn April 2010, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS trust won Regional Innovation Funding to recruit, train and employ six peer support workers in community mental health teams. At the time, practical examples of the employment of peer support workers were lacking in England. The aim of this paper is to communicate the key lessons learned in this first year of peer support in the hope that these will provide a foundation for other services to build upon.Design/methodology/approachThe project was evaluated using a simple evaluation model reflecting service structure, processes and outcomes, collected through qualitative methods: documentary analysis, semi‐structured interviews and a focus group.FindingsThe peer support employment process has been broken down into its fundamental components (selection, recruitment, training, supervision relationships, recovery approach and discharge of clients) and within each of these sections a brief narrative is provided to explain some of the challenges faced. Each section ends with recommendations based on the lessons learned as a result of the pilot study.Research limitations/implicationsA second paper will examine the nature of peer support: what the peers did with clients and what difference this made.Originality/valueAt present many mental health services are planning to employ peer support workers and this paper provides some early guidance for implementing this process in the NHS.
A year of peer support in Nottingham: the peer support workers and their work with individuals
Authors: Repper Julie , Watson Emma 
Published: June 2012

PurposeIn April 2010, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS trust won Regional Innovation Funding to recruit, train and employ six peer support workers in community mental health teams. At the time, practical examples of the employment of peer support workers were lacking in England. An earlier paper focuses on the lessons learned in this first year of peer support. The aim of this paper is to examine the nature and dynamics of peer support: what the peers did with clients and what difference this made.Design/methodology/approachThe project was evaluated using a simple evaluation model reflecting service structure, processes and outcomes, collected through qualitative methods: documentary analysis, semi‐structured interviews and a focus group.FindingsThe six peers worked with 83 clients over the six month period. They offered emotional, practical, social support, support specific to care and support specific to recovery. They felt that the shared knowledge that they too had experienced mental health challenges was critical in engaging with clients in a trusting relationship and in informing their work.Originality/valueIn the absence of English service models for peer support workers, this paper provides some guidance for new peer support teams, and some evidence to support the helpful nature of peer support work.
A new self‐management intervention for people with severe psychiatric diagnoses
Authors: Crepaz‐Keay David , Cyhlarova Eva 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development and delivery of a self‐management and peer support intervention for people with severe mental health diagnoses.Design/methodology/approachThere was a gap in the provision of a self‐management intervention designed and delivered by people with psychiatric diagnoses. In total, 24 people with the experience of severe mental ill‐health took part in developing the model and course materials for a new self‐management intervention. A three‐stage intervention was designed: two‐day training, six follow‐up sessions, and on‐going peer support.FindingsBetween 2009 and 2012, over six hundred participants across Wales were trained. In total, 35 of the new courses and 27 of the Bipolar UK courses have been delivered. Currently, 15 peer support groups are still meeting regularly and many people are receiving on‐going support. At present, the effectiveness of the intervention is being evaluated; data are being collected at baseline, and at six and 12‐month follow‐up.Originality/valueMost self‐management strategies developed in the past have been focused on physical health conditions and developed and delivered by clinicians. This new self‐management intervention is based on the needs and experiences of the target beneficiaries. It was developed and is being delivered by people who have a psychiatric diagnosis, and have come through the training themselves.
Challenges and triumphs: developing an inpatient peer support project
Authors: Ockwell Claire 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to explain how the CAPITAL Project Trust established an inpatient peer support project in West Sussex.Design/methodology/approachThe paper sets the project within local and historical contexts, seeking to explain some of the reasons for the growing interest in formal peer support, before explaining the methodology used to set up the project and the learning along the way. The author draws on evidence from evaluations to demonstrate the added value offered by inpatient peer support and argues for a peer defined set of values to underpin all peer support projects.FindingsModels of inpatient peer support need to be flexible to both the individual talents of peer support workers and the cultures of the different wards in which they work.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the project demonstrates the value that can be added by independent peer support workers being placed on acute inpatient wards and the importance for service users of peer support being peer led.