bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Governance of the activation policies in Europe
Authors: van Berkel Rik , de Graaf Willibrord , Sirovátka Tomáš 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this introduction to the special issue is to give an overview of the key aspects of the governance of activation policies as discussed in the existing literature. It explains the focus and contribution of this special issue and provides a brief summary of the main findings in the individual articles.Design/methodology/approachIn this special issue the comparative analysis of the key aspects of governance of activation policies like centralization/decentralization, new public management, marketization and network governance is covered, accompanied by an assessment of the role of implementation conditions in shaping the real trends of governance reforms of activation policies. Further, the effects of governance reforms and the influence of EU governance on the dynamics of national activation policies are discussed. This comparative analysis leads to a typology of the “worlds of governance” of activation policies in Europe.FindingsAll the countries show certain comparable converging trends in the reforms of governance of activation, although a closer look helps us determine the shape of increasingly different patterns of governance in several respects. In spite of this variety, another general finding is the common discrepancy between aims and effects: the key explanation involves implementation failures. Three governance regimes may be distinguished in the EU countries: committed marketizers, modernizers and slow modernizers.Originality/valueThis paper suggests a new typology of governance regimes.
Competition rules and health care players: principles and consequences
Authors: Fornaciari Diego , Callens Stefaan 
Published: June 2012

PurposeCompetition rules maximise consumer welfare by promoting efficient use of scarce resource and thus high output, low prices, high quality, varied services, innovation, production and distribution. European courts consider doctors and hospital staff as undertakings (any entity that performs economic activities), so that if they enter into agreements then they have to comply with competition rules. This paper's objective is to determine whether competition law, which applies to undertakings, can in fact be applied to different healthcare‐sector players and whether specific rules are needed regarding competition between healthcare undertakings.Design/methodology/approachData were selected from relevant European and national case law, European institution legal documents (such as regulations, guidelines and communications) and healthcare competition law literature, and then examined.FindingsThe paper finds that competition rules are applicable to healthcare players considering the consequences if competition rules are applied to the healthcare market. For market processes to result in the appropriate cost, quality and output, competition law must be proactive. In other words, quality must be fully factored into the competitive mix, allowing consumers to weigh healthcare price and non‐price characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsCountries have different healthcare system and competition rules (although similar), competition rule impact is different for each country. Some healthcare systems are more regulated and there will be less opportunity for healthcare players to compete.Practical implicationsEfficiently applying competition law to healthcare players means that several challenges need facing, such as healthcare quality complexity and court scepticism.Originality/valueThis article points out the challenges when competition law is applied to the healthcare sector and how these challenges are faced in certain countries such as The Netherlands.
Acculturation of local new product development team members in MNC subsidiaries in Thailand
Authors: Darawong Chonlatis , Igel Barbara 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the phenomenon of acculturation in new product development (NPD) teams in a multicultural working environment. This paper provides recommendations for multinational companies (MNCs) in dealing with problems among team members from different cultures.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through 24 in‐depth interviews with local middle‐level managers (e.g. R&D, marketing managers) and expatriates working on NPD projects in MNC subsidiaries located in Thailand. A qualitative method was employed to explore and attain insightful information about the acculturation of local NPD members when working with expatriates.FindingsResults show that local NPD team members may acculturate themselves to foreign work culture when they have regular contact with expatriates during the product development process. The acculturation may also affect the team performance and the relationship among team members. Cultural training programs for local NPD team members are recommended.Research limitations/implicationsSince this qualitative pilot research has a rather small sample size of cases, it limits the ability to generalize the findings. The findings from MNCs subsidiaries may not represent all other cultures of MNCs operating in Thailand.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study significantly contribute to MNCs from North America and Asia that develop new products in Thailand. Cultural training programs and frequent and two‐way communications are suggested to increase the familiarity of local employees with the foreign work culture, to develop mutual objectives, and to promote shared interests among multicultural NPD team members.Originality/valueThis study extends the application of acculturation of local NPD team members within a multicultural setting, which has been rarely explored. Theoretically, the findings provide an in‐depth understanding of the local managers' acculturation pattern found in NPD teams. Also, it provides recommendations on how to support the local NPD team members more effectively in adopting critical values of the parent firm's culture so as to achieve NPD tasks facing less miscommunication and improving project performance.
Intra‐category competition, entry probability, and private label share
Authors: Peng Tan Lay , Cadeaux Jack 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the entry probability and performance of private labels at an organic food retailer. For a growing sector with unique market structure and category characteristics, it examines how competitive factors affect the attractiveness of a product category for private label entry by an organic food retailer and how the manufacturer brand assortment that the retailer stocks affects private label share.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyses store level cross‐category data from an independent organic retailer and field data on retail competition.FindingsThe findings show that organic private label stock‐keeping units are more likely to be present in categories with supermarket competition. They also show that concentration of shares amongst manufacturer brands (as measured by the Herfindahl index) negatively affect the probability that the retailer will enter a category with a private label stock‐keeping unit (SKU) but positively affects the share of that private label SKU.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the results arise from a fairly small sample of around 30 categories, the focal retailer offers a unique opportunity to examine several private label decisions at the store level. Future work could examine in greater depth the competitive interaction between supermarkets and organic retailers and the effects of such competition on their assortment decisions.Originality/valueBy extending private label research beyond the conventional supermarket industry, this study conducts a pioneering test of the effects of competition between retail formats on the likelihood of private label entry.
Next phase of FATCA guidance arrives with proposed regulations and announcement of possible intergovernmental approach
Authors: Wise Roger S. , Burke Baker Mary 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the proposed Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) regulations released on February 8, 2012 by the US Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview of the changes to prior FATCA guidance in the proposed regulations, including the definition of a foreign financial institution (FFI), due diligence requirements to identify US accounts, procedures to verify compliance, phase‐in information required to be reported, verification procedures, definitions of FFIs that are “deemed” to meet the FATCA requirements, definition of “passthru” payments, explanation of exemptions from withholding related to certain “grandfathered obligations,” temporary relief for FFIs with non‐compliant affiliates, and a proposed intergovernmental approach to FATCA implementation through domestic reporting and reciprocal automatic exchange of information.FindingsThe paper reveals that the FATCA grew out of Congressional concern that US taxpayers were evading taxes by failing to report US‐source income on assets held abroad. The FATCA legislation left many of the details on implementation to the US Treasury and IRS. The intergovernmental framework is not a done deal. The proposed reciprocal, automatic exchange of information would be a sea change from existing US information reporting practices and is sure to be controversial.Originality/valueThe paper provides expert guidance from experienced financial institutions lawyers.
Supervisory obligations of broker‐dealer legal and compliance personnel after the Urban case
Authors: Blanc Roger D. , Kramer Howard L. , Miller Martin R. , Comstock Matthew B. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze a recent US Securities and Exchange Commission order dismissing an administrative proceeding against the former general counsel of a broker‐dealer relating to his purported failure to supervise a registered representative.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the story of the general counsel of a broker‐dealer who recommended that a registered representative be fired for misconduct, the effective over‐ruling of that recommendation by the vice chairman of the firm who supervised the registered representative, the SEC's order instituting administrative proceedings (OIP) alleging that the general counsel was the registered representative's supervisor and failed in his supervisory responsibilities, an administrative law judge's finding that the general counsel was the registered representative's supervisor but was not negligent under the circumstances, the SEC Division of Enforcement's appeal of that decision, and the SEC Commissioners’ dismissal of the appeal after a split 1‐1 vote.FindingsThe paper finds that the SEC's “non‐decision” decision leaves compliance and legal personnel with no clear guidance as to when they may have supervisory responsibilities with respect to broker‐dealer personnel and the SEC has not explained whether compliance personnel have different and/or additional compliance responsibilities as compared to legal personnel.Practical implicationsThe SEC and its Division of Enforcement are likely to pursue and penalize compliance and legal officers notwithstanding their efforts to alert senior management to wrongdoing by employees they do not actually supervise.Originality/valueThe paper provides expert guidance by experienced securities lawyers.
Sport motivation as driver for segmenting sport tourists in coastal regions
Authors: Hallmann Kirstin , Feiler Svenja , Breuer Christoph 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe market for sport tourists is very diverse and motivations of sport tourists are manifold. This also applies to the field of water sport tourism, which has not yet intensely been analysed by researchers. In order to analyse motivations and to reach target groups such as water sport tourists adequately, market segmentation is necessary. The purpose of this paper is to investigate sport motivations of tourists during their holidays as well as the tourist's participation in water sport activities, using the example of the German North Sea island Sylt. Thereby, consumer profiles will be established.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research paradigm was chosen. A survey was conducted using a standardised self‐administered questionnaire. The sample comprised n=263 participants. Two indices, one for sport motivation and one for travel motivation were constructed. Factor, as well as cluster, analysis was applied to segment the sample. Furthermore, discriminant analysis was used to identify differences between the two clusters. Finally, cross tabulations underlined the differences between the clusters.FindingsOverall, 47.1 per cent of the sample takes part in water sports. The cluster analysis based on motivational factors revealed two groups, the casuals and the committed. Significant differences were detected between the groups with regard to sport and holiday consumption patterns and sport expenditures. However, there were no significant socio‐demographic differences between the clusters.Practical implicationsIt is shown that segmentation of travellers is useful to reach the different target groups and offer unique products and services, depending on, e.g. age and sport preferences.Originality/valueThe results of this research indicate the diverse nature of water sport tourists and their underlying motivations. It is shown that holiday sport motivation depends on the actual sports practiced by the travellers, implying that prior sport motivation and involvement influence travellers' sport motivation. Overall, this research highlights the importance of segmenting sport tourists.
“If you have money, you can be kinder to them”: possessions and economic resources in children's peer groups
Authors: Lundby Erika 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the functions of material possessions and economic resources in peer relationships among third grade children.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 48 Swedish children aged nine were interviewed in focus groups, using a projective vignette technique and pictures. The children were asked if and how children in general could gain new friends through material possessions and money.FindingsThe findings indicate that children perceive possessions as multi‐functional tools in peer relationships. The ability to fit into the peer group, by the use of different possessions, was perceived as especially important. Additionally, children perceived money as an altruistic tool to demonstrate kindness.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a qualitative study and the results are based solely on ten focus groups.Practical implicationsThis study implies that children's ability to fit into the peer group seems to be more important than the need to express individuality. Thus, it may be a challenge for social marketers, teachers, parents, and others to address children's consumption behavior as a factor strongly influenced by the peer group.Originality/valuePrevious research indicated that material possessions were important for children in order to gain popularity among peers. However, few studies have tried to investigate how children perceive the functions of material possessions and economic resources.
The necessity consumption practices by young adults in Finland
Authors: Leipämaa‐Leskinen Hanna , Jyrinki Henna , Laaksonen Pirjo 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify which consumption practices young adults regard as necessary. Recently, necessity consumption has not attracted the interest of consumer researchers, even though it serves as an important concept for studying the fundamentals of consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe data are based on consumption diaries in which young adults reported their consumption practices during one week and then rated the degree to which they experienced each of these practices as a necessity or luxury on a seven‐point scale. The data collection was conducted in January 2011. The sample consisted of 55 Finnish university students and the total number of practices they reported in the diaries was 3,847. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.FindingsThe results show that young adults experienced almost 60 per cent of their consumption practices as necessary. However, the boundaries between necessary consumption and luxury consumption appeared to be fluid. Accordingly, five groups of consumption practices were identified on the basis of their necessity/luxury ratings, and three of these groups included necessity practices of different levels.Originality/valueThe results show that young adults define necessity consumption differently in different situations. Also, the importance of social activities was evident in all three groups of necessity practices. To conclude, the authors suggest that the developed empirical model should be tested further in different contexts, especially regarding the situational factors, as it provides a fruitful starting point for studying necessity consumption.
Integration of quality cost and accounting practices
Authors: Sedevich Fons Leonardo A. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest a quality cost measurement model which is managed in coordination and conjunction with the accounting reports, thereby creating a comprehensive management control tool for organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe contents of this paper arise from studying the theory, analyzing the evolution and observing the practice restrictions of both quality cost and accounting systems.FindingsBy using this proposed model, it is possible to unify different management control tools (such as quality cost and financial accounting) into a single system, without neglecting their individual theoretical principles.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a general model that is intended to be applicable to organizations of any size and type, thus requiring specific adaptations when implemented in particular cases.Originality/valueTheoretical aspects of quality cost have been widely developed, especially in academic environments. The current model proposes an explicit and practical measurement procedure in order to calculate these costs relying on the accounting system.
The Kellogg College Centre for Research into Assistive Learning Technologies
Authors: McKnight Lorna , Davies Chris 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis article aims to introduce the Kellogg College Centre for Research into Assistive Learning Technologies, which is a new research centre based at the University of Oxford.Design/methodology/approachThe article briefly sets the context of the centre within the current literature, and outlines the centre's current plan of work. The centre has funding for two years to look into new developments in the application of digital technologies to support the learning and educational achievement of young people in school and higher education with a range of specific learning difficulties. This will begin with a substantial research review, as well as in‐depth studies of current initiatives in secondary schools and higher education.FindingsThe findings from the research review will aim to be published and disseminated to the research community within the first two years of the centre's life.Originality/valueIt is hoped that this centre will be able to contribute to the existing research on the uses of a range of assistive technologies in educational settings.
Animal spirits in information cascade
Authors: Jianbiao Li , Guilin Liu , Long Ju 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better depict the features of individual and group behaviors in sequential decisions under the effect of public belief drift.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors design a two‐shots game which is closer to decisions condition in the real market by using the method of experimental economics two shots game.FindingsThe experimental results show that information cascade occurs more frequently in the second stage and the decision accuracy is decreased. The conclusion may provide experimental evidence for the “Animal Spirits Theory” of Keynes. Additionally, decision‐maker ranking in the middle of the decision sequence systematically deviates from his/her private information in balance state.Originality/valueAs existing information cascade theory of one shot decision fails to describe the belief‐dependent mechanism, the authors design the multi‐shots information cascade experiment; in which every individual decision maker has more than one sequential decision chance on the same event.
Serum high mobility group box‐1 is a powerful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chung Hye Won , Lim Jong‐Baeck , Jang Sunphil , Lee Kyong Joo , Park Kyung Hwa , Song Si Young 
Published: June 2012

Extracellular high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) contributes to tumor growth and invasiveness. We evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic ability of serum HMGB1 for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Serum HMGB1 measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were compared among normal, chronic pancreatitis, PDAC group in both training (n = 25, each group) and independent validation set (n = 45, each group). To determine the usability of serum HMGB1 as a diagnostic predictor of PDAC, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with sensitivity/specificity and logistic regression were evaluated. To assess the HMGB1‐associated prognosis of PDAC, Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox proportional‐hazards regression were applied. Serum HMGB1 was correlated with presence and advanced‐stage of PDAC. Logistic regression exhibited serum HMGB1 was a remarkable biomarker to predict PDAC as a single or multiple‐markers; sensitivity/specificity of serum HMGB1 were superior to carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9 or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in both training and independent datasets. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed PDAC patients with high serum HMGB1 levels (>30 ng/mL; median survival, 192 days) had a worse prognosis than patients with low HMGB1 levels (≤30 ng/mL; 514 days) by log‐rank (P = 0.017). Cox proportional‐hazards model showed the relative hazard ratios in high‐serum HMGB1 group was 3.077 compared with the low‐serum HMGB1 group. In conclusion, serum HMGB1 is a desirable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for PDAC compared with pre‐existing PDAC biomarkers, CA19‐9 and CEA.