bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the effects of owner‐occupied subsidies on housing construction in Germany
Authors: Bischoff Oliver , Maennig Wolfgang 
Published: May 2012

PurposeBetween 1997 and 2005, the German government provided owner‐occupied subsidies to fund new private housing construction and stock purchases to increase owner‐occupied housing. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of these subsidies on total housing construction for the 1997‐2007 period using regionalised data. This paper tests for differences between counties and cities and examines whether local participation in housing programs is related to regional migration and fertility. Based on the dynamic results, short‐ and long‐run elasticities with respect to the subsidy program are calculated.Design/methodology/approachA balanced panel data set is used that covers approximately 95 percent of all German NUTS‐3 regions (counties and independent cities) for the 1997‐2007 period. To control for serial correlation, possible endogenous relationships and omitted variable bias problems, the System Generalised Methods of Moments estimation technique is applied.FindingsA significantly positive impact of subsidised construction is detected in counties with an elasticity of approximately 0.2 in the short run and 0.48‐0.58 in the long run. The elasticities in independent cities are significantly lower, at 0.11 and 0.32‐0.37, respectively. No significant effect of migration on construction was found, in contrast to a significantly positive effect of fertility, especially at the county level. The estimates suggest a significantly negative effect of subsidised stock purchases on total construction.Research limitations/implicationsTests for other countries using regional data on interest rates, construction costs and housing prices could lead to further insights.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that further owner‐occupied subsidy programs should be geared toward families or larger households. It also seems important to provide sufficient building land to enable households to make use of housing construction subsidies.Originality/valueThis is the first regional paper to examine housing construction elasticities with respect to a subsidisation program for housing construction and stock purchases that was designed for virtually all households in a country. It is also the first paper to test for differences in participation in a large‐scale, national housing program related to migration and fertility.
Does the euro increase FDI in the real estate industry? Evidence from the German case
Authors: Choi Changkyu , Park Kyungsun 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThere have been many studies on the euro's impact on trade volume, foreign direct investment (FDI) and the integration of European financial markets. Previous research has tried to find empirical evidence for convergence of real estate securities markets. However, less attention has been paid to the euro's effect on FDI in the real estate industry. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to analyze the euro's effect on FDI in the real estate industry between Germany and European partner countries.Design/methodology/approachIt is hypothesised that the adoption of the euro will increase the volume of FDI flows in the real estate industry between Germany and European partner countries. To estimate the euro's effect on FDI in the real estate industry, a modified gravity equation is adopted. Pooled OLS and random effects models are utilised.FindingsResults from panel data from 34 countries between 1986 and 2009 suggest that the euro contributed to the increase in the German bilateral FDI in the real estate industry to and from European partner countries. However, it is interesting that the euro's effects were only significant in FDI inflows under a random effects model.Originality/valueThe paper's findings provide original evidence for the positive impact of the euro on FDI in the real estate industry between Germany and European partner countries.
Strategic corporate governance for sustainable mutual development
Authors: Azzam Wajeeh Ismail , Muneeza Aishath 
Published: May 2012

PurposeCorporate governance has been dubbed by many as the guiding facet of modern day corporate entities. However, the success rate of the governance efforts are still unclear. It is high time that corporate governance efforts are integrated to accompany all aspects of the corporate entities and encompass the corporations' most valuable asset, its workers, as a primary benefactor rather than them being mere participants. Hence this paper aims to identify critical areas of inclusiveness and especially the impact of such an integrated effort on mutually developing the work force and the corporate entities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper attempts to identify and highlight mainstream views on corporate governance via library research and complement the research process with available information from appropriate resources to suggest a potential enhancement to the approach taken by the conventional corporate governance efforts.FindingsThe paper infers that the potential for the use of corporate governance is beyond its conventional utility and suggests enhancements that could be applied within the existing mainstream corporate governance frameworks to improve the efficiency and role of corporate governance that is anticipated to mutually benefit all stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper highlights a shift in paradigm that could potentially be utilized in the practical application of corporate governance efforts. It is limited by the nascent nature of the corporate governance efforts.Originality/valueThorough analyses of the existing frameworks of corporate governance were utilized and the inferences are the authors' conjectural views and it is anticipated to help to inspire future research towards strategic corporate governance.
Conceptual framework for police deviance applied to police crime court cases
Authors: Gottschalk Petter 
Published: May 2012

PurposeA conceptual framework for police deviance and crime has recently been suggested and presented by other scholars. This research attempts to test the framework empirically based on court cases where police employees were prosecuted and convicted.Design/methodology/approachThe sliding slope in the conceptual framework was separated into two dimensions, motive and damage, respectively. Court cases were coded according to these dimensions.FindingsEmpirical results provide support for the framework by linking seriousness to court sentence in terms of imprisonment days to the sliding slope. However, further validation of the framework is needed.Originality/valueIt is useful to both academics and practitioners to have an organizing framework when considering police complaints and prosecuting police crime.
The Miller‐Modigliani 1961 Ponzi scheme, alias “dividend irrelevance”
Authors: Paulo Stanley , Gale Chris 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to expose the Miller‐Modigliani 1961 Ponzi scheme that has masqueraded as a dividend irrelevance proof, and show that it constituted a Ponzi scheme at the time of publication and ever since publication. This is important especially as Miller‐Modigliani 1961 stated in the first sentence of their article that their dividend irrelevance proof was targeted at corporate officials, investors and economists seeking to undertake and appraise the functioning of capital markets.Design/methodology/approachThe equations and notation used by Miller‐Modigliani 1961 to prove dividend irrelevance were carefully considered and analysed in order to establish whether proof reliably, validly and unambiguously proved dividend irrelevance. In addition, statute on both sides of the Atlantic, UK and USA, was considered in order to ascertain the legal standing of their proof.FindingsThis article shows that the Miller‐Modigliani 1961 dividend irrelevance proof constituted a recipe for a Ponzi scheme in terms of statute at the time of publication and ever since publication. Since Miller‐Modigliani 1961 made extensive reference to the works of eminent finance researchers and academics of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, as well as to their Modigliani‐Miller 1958 seminal article, and attentively present and discuss the intricacies of the arguments these researchers made to the progression of knowledge, it would be challenging to content that they were unaware or ignorant of important legislation that applied in 1961.Originality/valueThere is no evidence from a scrutiny of publicly available secondary sources to suggest that the Miller‐Modigliani 1961 Ponzi scheme, alias “dividend irrelevance” has previously been done or published. This is surprising because the Miller‐Modigliani 1961 dividend irrelevance proof has occupied a particularly prominent position in the finance literature and has been the subject of numerous studies and research projects.
An analysis of climate change policy‐making and implementation in China
Authors: Chmutina Ksenia , Zhu Jie , Riffat Saffa 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss policy making process in the field of climate change in China. It aims to describe the main climate change‐related policies and to discuss the role of China in international climate change negotiations.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative method has been used for this paper. A preliminary desk study based on the analysis of the primary and secondary sources published in both English and Chinese (Mandarin) has been conducted. Literature on policy analysis and evaluation and the role of political actors in it, as well as examples of energy efficiency studies in other countries has been studied to develop an analytical framework for the empirical data interpretation. The main sources for information about China's situation are books, articles, as well as internet resources and newspapers covering China's politics, the climate change regime, and Chinese climate policy.FindingsThe paper provides insights into China's climate change policy making process and outlines the main challenges that policy implementation in China is facing today.Research limitations/implicationsIt was appreciated that some sources should be used with caution as information given in Chinese is subject to censorship and governmental control in China and therefore may be biased. It is not possible to avoid this problem totally when dealing with a state like China, but using multiple sources and personal observation may improve the reliability of the information.Practical implicationsThe paper includes suggestions on policy improvements such as strengthening of supervision mechanisms and creating a Ministry of Energy.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study the climate change policy‐making process in China.
Climate variability and farmer's vulnerability in a flood‐prone district of Assam
Authors: Chaliha Swati , Sengupta Asmita , Sharma Nitasha , Ravindranath N.H. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe Indian state of Assam is situated in a high rainfall zone and the river Brahmaputra flowing through the state causes annual floods which adversely impact the agro‐economic base of the region. The situation is likely to become exacerbated under the impact of climate change. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the vulnerability of the farmers in Assam to floods in the scenario of the present climate variability taking a case study of the Majuli Island of Jorhat district.Design/methodology/approachThe current vulnerability of the farmers in the Majuli Island of Jorhat district of Assam is quantified using the “indicator method”. A Composite Vulnerability Index is calculated taking into account various indicators reflective of the exposure, sensitivity and the adaptive capacity of the farmers' community to floods. The indicators have been quantified based on the data obtained from household surveys and participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) in the villages and secondary data sources.FindingsThe results show that biophysical factors have the greatest impact on the overall vulnerability of the study area and that strengthened adaptive capacity, proper scientific planning and management is required to protect the Majuli Island from the adverse effects of recurrent floods.Originality/valueThis paper shows that the more decentralized the spatial unit of vulnerability assessment is, the more helpful it would be for policy makers and stakeholders to formulate efficient mitigation measures, plan apposite developmental programmes and improve the adaptive capacity of Assam as a whole to face the natural phenomenon of floods.
Ecological implications of village bamboo as global climate change mitigation strategy
Authors: Jyoti Nath Arun , Das Ashesh Kumar 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe present study seeks to evaluate the role of village bamboo management in the rural landscape of North East India in global climate change mitigation.Design/methodology/approachA set of 100 home gardens and 40 bamboo groves were selected from Irongmara and Dargakona village, in Cachar district, Assam, North East India through random sampling. Sampling was done mostly for smallholders. Culm growth, carbon storage, carbon sequestration and carbon in litter floor mass and soil of bamboo growing areas in homegarden was explored from 2003‐2007.FindingsCulm growth extension revealed the brief periodicity of culm growth in a single growth period. Of the total carbon storage soil contributed 84.6 per cent of the total (50.1 Mg ha−1) followed by carbon in above ground vegetation 15 per cent (9 Mg ha−1) and carbon in litter floor mass 0.4 per cent (0.2 Mg ha−1).Practical implicationsBamboo plantation development and its management in home gardens has social, ecological and economical benefits for the rural life in North East India and its promotion can become an effective choice for climate change mitigation strategy.Originality/valueBamboo forms an important component in the traditional home garden system of North East India where the practice of bamboo cultivation and management provides an important sink for CO2. Village bamboos play an important role in local economics, societies and environments and, considering its potential to mitigate global climate change, the authors recommend the promotion of bamboo in agroforestry expanding practices and rehabilitation of degraded lands. Management of village bamboos in rural landscape is highlighted in context to environmental sustainability and as a sink measure under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of Kyoto Protocol.
Freshwater vulnerability in the Levant region
Authors: Al‐Sibai M. , Droubi A. , Al‐Ashkar H. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss freshwater vulnerability to environmental change, including climate change, in Levant countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the methodological guidelines prepared by UNEP and Peking University, using the fresh water vulnerability index (VI) for each country of the Levant region. The VI was calculated for a five‐year period interval, i.e. 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and was predicted for the years 2020 and 2040 taking into consideration the expected impacts of climate change.FindingsThe vulnerability of freshwater resources was explored by isolating strategically‐important issues related to different functions (uses) of freshwater systems in the Levant region. All Levant countries are very vulnerable according to the adopted methodology (VI values are from 0.5‐0.7), with Palestine being the worst case. The value of each parameter was calculated for five‐year interval period and for each Levant country. The most dominant parameter was the water variation parameter (RSv), which is a natural factor and highlights how vulnerable the region is to climate change. The second most important parameter was the water exploitation pressures (DPs), which reflect the efforts of the countries to satisfy their water needs from the limited water resources. Cooperation and exchange of data and information at the regional level regarding the vulnerability of the region to climate change and measures for mitigation and adaptation could help in alleviating its impacts on the countries of the region.Originality/valueThis paper highlights that fresh water resources in Levant region are under increasing pressures due to human‐made and natural reasons. High population growth and economic activities rates have placed extensive pressure on the already limited water resources. Moreover, the prevailing arid climate and the expected impact of climate change will decrease the fresh water availability.
Agile and lean principles in the humanitarian supply chain
Authors: Cozzolino Alessandra , Rossi Silvia , Conforti Alessio 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the specific stages of the humanitarian logistics process in which the agile and lean principles are needed.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this purpose, the authors propose an original conceptual framework and apply it to evidence from a “best practice” case study in the humanitarian sector: the United Nations World Food Programme and its efforts in the Darfur (Sudan) crisis.FindingsAlthough several previous works introduced the agile principle as suitable for disaster relief, when and how to embrace the agile and lean principles remained unclear. This paper demonstrates the proper combination of the agile and lean principles in disaster relief phases. The correspondence is based on the coincidence of the objectives that arises in every stage and that each principle is capable of achieving.Research limitations/implicationsFurther empirical research is needed to support the framework and to enrich the results that arise from this first explorative work.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework is targeted at leading actors involved in the operation and planning of humanitarian logistics when a crisis emerges. This approach, which is based on the combination of the agile and lean principles, is not exclusive to the humanitarian sector. This perspective may be useful to create business logistics that address disruptions to traditional supply chain flows and other forces that disrupt logistics, production and information handling.Originality/valueThe paper clarifies how agility and leanness should be emphasised in specific stages of the humanitarian logistics process, to reach a higher level of effectiveness and efficiency when planning disaster relief.
Trends and risks in home health care
Authors: Rest Klaus‐Dieter , Trautsamwieser Andrea , Hirsch Patrick 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe number of care‐dependent people will rise in future. Therefore, it is important to support home health care (HHC) providers with suitable methods and information, especially in times of disasters. The purpose of this paper is to reveal potential threats that influence HHC and propose an option to incorporate these threats into the planning and scheduling of HHC services.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reveals the different conditions and potential threats for HHC in rural and urban areas. Additionally, the authors made a disaster vulnerability analysis, based on literature research and the experience of the Austrian Red Cross (ARC), one of the leading HHC providers in Austria. An optimization approach is applied for rural HHC that also improves the satisfaction levels of clients and nurses. A numerical study with real life data shows the impacts of different flood scenarios.FindingsIt can be concluded that HHC service providers will be faced with two challenges in the future: an increased organizational effort and the need for an anticipatory risk management. Hence, the development and use of powerful decision support systems are necessary.Research limitations/implicationsFor an application in urban regions new methods have to be developed due to the use of different modes of transport by the nurses. Additionally, an extension of the planning horizon and triage rules will be part of future research.Practical implicationsThe presented information on developments and potential threats for HHC are very useful for service providers. The introduced software prototype has proven to be a good choice to optimize and secure HHC; it is going to be tested in the daily business of the ARC.Social implicationsEven in the case of disasters, HHC services must be sustained to avoid health implications. This paper makes a contribution to securing HHC, also with respect to future demographic trends.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge there are no comprehensive studies that focus on disaster management in the field of HHC. Additionally, the combination with optimization techniques provides useful insights for decision makers in that area.
Developing a science of teaching through lesson study
Authors: Elliott John 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of lesson study for the development of a science of teaching cast in the form of John Dewey's “laboratory model” of learning to teach.Design/methodology/approachThe early sections compare the “laboratory” with the “apprenticeship” and “rationalist” models of learning to teach, which emphasise the primacy of practice and theory respectively. The unity of theory and practice embodied in the “laboratory model” is outlined, linking the development of teachers’ theoretical understanding with the development of their practice. A distinction between pedagogy and teaching is drawn. The later sections examine the potential of lesson study to develop as a teachers’ based pedagogical science, particularly when informed by variation theory. The paper concludes by suggesting ways in which different theories of learning can be integrated into learning study, and points to ways in which particular studies can contribute to the systematic construction of pedagogical knowledge.FindingsThere can be no pedagogy without casting teaching as an experimental science, in which pedagogical theories are appropriated, tested and further developed as a source of pedagogical principles. Pedagogy therefore consists of a science of teaching in which teachers actively participate in knowledge construction. Lesson study when informed by an explicit learning theory, such as variation theory, provides a strong basis for the development of a practitioner‐based science of teaching.Originality/valueThe paper creates original links across disparate work in the field of teaching and learning.