bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Institutional commitment to sustainability
Authors: Broussard Shorna R. , Bliss John C. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to determine institutional commitment to sustainability by examining Natural Resource Extension program inputs, activities, and participation.Design/methodology/approachA document analysis of Natural Resource Extension planning and reporting documents was conducted to provide contextual and historical data for the study and 58 in‐depth interviews were conducted with Natural Resource Extension personnel in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Oregon State University Extension Service.FindingsThis research moves beyond the familiar teaching and research functions of higher education institutions and focuses on Cooperative Extension, which is the outreach arm of universities. The paper discusses challenges and opportunities associated with implementing sustainability through these outreach education programs. In both Alabama and Oregon, the Agriculture, Home Economics, and 4‐H programs dominate human and economic resource investment in Cooperative Extension. Natural Resource Extension programs in Alabama and Oregon represents 6 and 14 percent, respectively, of all program expenditures in Cooperative Extension. Both states have educational programs that address sustainability of natural resources and those programs were interdisciplinary in nature. Little evidence is found extensive participation in Natural Resource Extension programs by environmental groups, minorities, and other non‐traditional clientele. Lastly, Oregon's political context was more conducive to broadening Natural Resource Extension program work in sustainability.Practical implicationsEducational institutions such as Natural Resource Extension programs at universities play a significant role in educating private landowners, the public, and professionals about various aspects of forestry and natural resources. Based on this study of Natural Resource Extension programs in Alabama and Oregon, the following are needed for extension to address natural resource sustainability through its educational programs: sufficient intellectual and financial commitment to sustainability, diverse and inclusive participation in programs, and collaborative interdisciplinary programming. The analysis presented here can aid other educators as they explore sustainability through educational programming.Originality/valueSince, Natural Resource Extension programs address societal concerns through problem solving, grassroots education, and research and technology dissemination, they are poised to do work in the sustainability arena. No study to date has examined sustainability from the aspect of Natural Resource Extension educators in Oregon and Alabama. An understanding of current investment in sustainability through education is fundamental to building a strong Extension program in this area.
The failure of non‐binding declarations to achieve university sustainability
Authors: Bekessy S.A. , Samson K. , Clarkson R.E. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the impact and value of non‐binding agreements or declarations in achieving sustainability in universities.Design/methodology/approachA case study of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University is presented, analysing the reasons for lack of progress towards sustainability and evaluating best ways forward. Using a timeline and analysis of historical records for the 12 years since RMIT first engaged in the sustainability agenda, major trends in the process of implementing policies are identified. Secondly, 15 semi‐structured interviews with university leaders and key sustainability stakeholders from across the university are analysed to provide insight into how and why the university has failed to achieve sustainability.FindingsNew implications for successfully achieving sustainability arise from these findings. Accountability is a key issue, as RMIT appears to reap benefits from being signatory to declarations without achieving genuine progress. To ensure that declarations are more than simply greenwash, universities must open themselves up to scrutiny of progress to determine whether commitments have been honoured.Practical implicationsRelying on small‐scale “club” activities establishing demonstrations and raising awareness is unlikely to lead to permanent change. The evidence of RMIT's engagement with sustainability shows that, for example, even when successful pilot studies are conducted, these initiatives may do little to affect the mainstream practices of a university unless certain conditions exist. Furthermore, given the on‐paper commitments institutions have made, and the role of the university in society, small‐scale and gradual changes in university practice are a far from adequate response to the urgent sustainability imperative.Originality/valueThe initial engagement of RMIT University with the sustainability agenda 12 years ago marked it as a world leader in sustainability best‐practice. Analysing how and why such a disappointing lack of action has resulted from such promising beginnings provides insight into future directions for implementing sustainability in universities. The paper argues that considering the key responsibility of universities in leading the sustainability agenda, a more systemic and serious response is required.
Dissonance in students' perceptions of sustainable development and sustainability
Authors: Kagawa Fumiyo 
Published: August 2007

PurposeAn online questionnaire survey was conducted to explore University of Plymouth students' perceptions and understandings of, and attitudes towards, sustainable development and related concepts and issues. In general, student perceptions of sustainable development have been under‐researched. This research sought to go some way towards filling the gap by providing insights for those working in the field of education for sustainable development (ESD) in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe survey was administrated in autumn 2005 by the Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of Plymouth. The closed‐category statements were analyzed in terms of frequencies and percentages. A comprehensive set of cross tabulations and χ2 tests were also conducted using SPSS. Responses to open‐ended questions were coded and categorized according to emerging themes.FindingsKey findings include, first, that a majority of student respondents think sustainability is “a good thing” their positive response not particularly correlating with their degree of familiarity with either of the concepts of sustainable development or sustainability. Second, students strongly associate the concepts of sustainable development and sustainability with their environmental as against economic and social aspects. Third, in terms of personal change for a sustainable lifestyle, “light green” actions addressing responsibility as consumers such as changing purchasing habits, recycling, and saving energy and/or water were most frequently articulated. Fourth, respondents harbour mixed feelings regarding the future of society in the face of sustainability‐oriented challenges.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the importance of ESD curriculum development that more explicitly addresses the interconnectedness of different aspects of sustainable development and which also employs pedagogies that help students to take action towards realizing their preferred futures. It also suggests future study directed towards identifying various means of facilitating students' pro‐sustainability behaviours.
Psychiatry SHOs should consider psychological treatment for depression
Authors: Willis Melissa , Low Lynette C.M. , Parkar Sagir , Curtis David 
Published: August 2007

PurposeTo determine the extent to which psychiatrists of different grades complied with published recommendations regarding referral for psychological treatment of patients suffering from depression.Design/methodology/approachClinic letters regarding patients with depression were audited to see whether patients were referred for psychological treatment and, if not, whether a reason was recorded. The results were presented and the audit repeated.FindingsThere was little difference in the results of the two audits. Overall, 51 per cent of depressed patients were referred for psychological treatment and 26 per cent were not referred without a reason being given. SHOs were significantly (p=0.008) more likely than other grades not to refer without giving a reason.Practical implicationsSHOs should be encouraged to consider psychological treatment for depression and to record their reasons when not making a referral for this.Originality/valueThis audit has identified a probable reluctance of SHOs to consider referral for psychological treatment and hence suggests that this issue should be specifically addressed as a supervision and training issue.
Clinical coding: how accurately is it done?
Authors: Bajaj Y. , Crabtree J. , Tucker A.G. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeClinical coding is a process of accurate translation of written medical terms into codes. The Payment by Results initiative has focused attention on the quality of clinical coded data as all income for in patient services is derived from coded clinical data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of clinical coded data by making comparisons between the information held on the dialect encoder system and the information recorded in the clinical case notes.Design/methodology/approachThe 50 episodes for this study were randomly selected from a list of all episodes ending August 2005 within the ENT specialty in a teaching hospital.FindingsThere were only 17 (34 per cent) episodes with a structured summary within the case notes. Of the 50 recorded primary diagnoses 42 (84 per cent) were correctly coded. Of the 43 recorded primary procedures, 37 (86 per cent) were correctly coded.Originality/valueThis study promotes a better awareness of the impact of poor coding and gives recommendations that will be helpful to those involved in coding processes.
Perceptions of workplace health: building community partnerships
Authors: Makrides Lydia , Heath Stephanie , Farquharson Jane , Veinot Paula L. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeWorkplace health promotion initiatives are an effective way to reach adults, and provide safe and healthy working environments that support individual health. The purpose of this project was to: learn how organizations/businesses define workplace health; assess employer support and commitment for workplace health initiatives; assess facilitators and barriers to workplace wellness/health; and understand workplace needs around evaluation and outcome measures.Design/methodology/approachA community partnership, Wellness Initiatives Network (WIN), was established to provide a forum for organizations in Atlantic Canada to share knowledge and experience on workplace health. Focus groups were conducted with businesses/organizations in the four Atlantic Provinces. Tape‐recorded transcriptions were analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsIngredients for successful workplace health initiatives include onsite programs, the provision of incentives and recognition for employees, and the need to build awareness, understanding and commitment among managers who can help to create a supportive culture, which supports employee health. Measuring outcomes related to workplace health is critical.Practical implicationsWorkplace health promotion should encompass a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the important roles of personal, social and environmental factors.Originality/valueThere is both interest and readiness to implement workplace health in Atlantic Canada. Workplace health is a responsibility of all – individual employees, employers and workplaces, and government. All stakeholders must be involved to help employees, workplaces and the health system cope with an aging population and concomitant increasing stresses at work and home. Engaging leaders is a critical step in building an integrated, comprehensive and sustainable approach to workplace health.
Calibrating asset correlation for Indian corporate exposures
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arindam , Chherawala Tasneem , Saha Asish 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper is a first attempt to empirically calibrate the default and asset correlation for large companies in India and elaborate its implications for credit risk capital estimation for a bank.Design/methodology/approachThe authors estimate default probabilities and default correlations of long‐term bonds of 542 Indian corporates using rating transitions and pair‐wise migrations over ten year cohorts of firms. Further, the implicit asset correlation from the estimated default correlations and default thresholds are derived using the asymptotic single risk factor approach.FindingsThe authors find evidence that default correlations are time variant and vary across rating grades and industries. The highest correlations are observed between companies within the same rating grades (systematic risk impact) and within the same industry (industry specific impact). More interestingly, significantly smooth monotonic relationship between the probability of default (PD) and asset correlation as prescribed by the Basel II IRB document (2006) are not found. Moreover, it is found that the asset correlation range for Indian corporates do not match with what is prescribed for corporate exposures by BCBS.Originality/valueThe authors address the dilemma implied by the negative relationship between PD and asset correlation as suggested by BCBS IRB formula and other research for developed economies with estimates of asset correlation for and emerging market like India and demonstrate its implications on the estimation of credit risk capital.
Debt policy and performance of SMEs
Authors: Abor Joshua 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the effect of debt policy (capital structure) on the financial performance of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana and South Africa. Previous studies, especially on large firms, have shown that capital structure affects firm performance. Though the issue has been widely studied, largely missing from this body of literature is the focus on SMEs.Design/methodology/approachPanel data analysis is used to investigate the relations between measures of capital structure and financial performance.FindingsUsing various measures of performance, the results of this study indicate that capital structure influences financial performance, although not exclusively. By and large, the results indicate that capital structure, especially long‐term and total debt ratios, negatively affect performance of SMEs. This suggests that agency issues may lead to SMEs pursuing very high debt policy, thus resulting in lower performance.Originality/valueThe main value of this paper is the analysis of the effect of debt policy on the performance of SMEs in Ghana and South Africa.
Foreign exchange risk exposure of listed companies in Ghana
Authors: Salifu Zubeiru , Osei Kofi A. , Adjasi Charles K.D. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the foreign exchange exposure of listed companies on the Ghana Stock Exchange over the period January 1999 to December 2004. The research uses different exchange rate measures namely; the cedi to US dollar, the cedi to UK pound sterling, the cedi to the euro and a trade‐weighted exchange rate index to determine the degree of exposure.Design/methodology/approachThe Jorion (1990) two‐factor model which regresses the return on a firm against changes in the exchange rate and return on the market is used to estimate the exchange rate exposure for the sample of twenty firms used in this study.FindingsAbout 55 per cent of firms in the sample have a statistically significant exposure to the US dollar whilst 35 per cent are statistically exposed to the UK pound sterling. Sector specific exposure results show that the manufacturing and retail sectors are significantly exposed to the US dollar exchange rate risk. The financial sector did not show any risk exposure to any of the international currencies. The most dominant source of exchange rate risk exposure is the US dollar. Most firms are also negatively exposed to the cedi to US dollar exchange rate changes, implying that the cedi depreciation vis‐à‐vis the US dollar adversely affects firm returns.Originality/valueThe study reveals the extent of foreign exchange exposure of firms in Ghana and also adds to the limited body of empirical literature on exchange rate exposure of firms in Africa. Results of this study serve as a useful guide to corporate managers and investors on the degree of foreign exchange exposure and the need to effectively manage firm exposure.
The North Cyprus banking sector: the effect of a speculative attack on the Turkish Lira
Authors: Günsel Nil 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of a speculative attack on the Turkish Lira in the North Cyprus banking sector during the period 1984‐2002.Design/methodology/approachA mutivariate logit model is the empirical methodology employed in this analysis that allows us to identify the determinants of the probability of bank failure. In the model, the existence of contagious currency crises is constructed as an index of exchange market pressure, which is a weighted average of changes in interest rates, international reserves and the nominal exchange rate.FindingsThe empirical result reveals that the a speculative attack on the Turkish Lira in 1994 and 2001 put stress on banks operating in North Cyprus and led to banking sector distress. The findings also suggest that bank‐specific weaknesses, high interest rates, high credit, low trade and the fixed exchange rate policy significantly increased the bank fragility.Research implications/limitationsFor further research this paper may better distinguish contagion if it uses economic and financial ties from Turkey that are practically susceptible to bank failure in North Cyprus.Practical implicationsThis paper presents a practical application of a currency crisis model in the North Cyprus banking sector. In addition to the risk of currency crises, risk under fixed rate regimes, interest rate risk, trade risks and credit risk are also used to encourage correct risk management behaviour in the North Cyprus banking sector.Originality/valueThis analysis would appear to be the first systematic evidence that investigates the effect of a speculative pressure on Turkish Lira in the North Cyprus banking sector.
Thoughts on the “scientific method”: part 2 – frequentist fecklessness
Authors: Powers Michael R. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this two‐part series is to consider the role of the “scientific method” (SM) in human understanding, questioning both its consistency in actual practice and its reasonableness as a system of philosophy and action.Design/methodology/approachPart 2 considers problems of inefficiency and inertia caused by the SM's collectivist, frequentist orientation.FindingsIt is argued that problems caused by the SM's frequentist framework may be avoided by a more individualist, Bayesian approach.Originality/valueThe two‐part series challenges certain aspects of the “scientific method” as employed in the practice of modern science.
Epistemology of strategy: some insights from empirical analyses
Authors: Foo Check‐Teck 
Published: August 2007

PurposeKnowledge is often tapped in the process of strategy making. Yet this is rarely explored in the empirical research literature. However, to better understand strategy making in Chinese minds, a new epistemology of strategy is needed. This is the aim of this paper.Design/methodology/approachA unique approach is taken here, one that highlights the differences in Eastern and Western thinking but also draws upon recent empirical results to underlie the discussion.FindingsAs may be expected, evidence was found that the more business‐oriented a discipline, the more likely ideas from the discipline are being utilized in strategy making. Psychology, sociology and politics are far less relevant for strategy than the other disciplines. Even more intriguing insights are gained as to contextual influences on strategy‐making processes. In terms of economic sectors, the strategy‐making processes are richer in terms of the tapping of ideas than in services.Research limitations/implicationsClearly there is a need for an enriched study to develop a deeper epistemology of strategy. For a Chinese epistemology of strategy, this clearly has to include ancient works such asArt of Warby Sun Tzu, theTao Te Ching, historical novels (Romance of Three Kingdoms).Practical implicationsClearly the process of strategy making and taking is a complex field of research. Yet this paper contributes by showing that often culture has a role to play besides contexts. Also that strategy in corporations is heavily driven by business‐related disciplines.Originality/valueThis is the first paper of its kind to integrate a discussion of roots to the sources of knowledge and its structures for strategy and reinforcing these arguments with empirical findings of how disciplinary roots of knowledge are tapped in corporate strategy.
Learning, job satisfaction and commitment: an empirical study of organizations in China
Authors: Wang Xiaohui 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to fill the gap in the existing literature regarding relationships among organizational learning, culture, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment in the Chinese context, particularly, in native Chinese enterprise settings.Design/methodology/approachBased on well‐defined western concepts and instruments, and statistical analysis of the data collected from 919 employees in nine companies located in Guangdong, China, this study adopted an empirical design.FindingsThere are positive interrelations among the three variables and, specifically, organizational learning culture serves as a predictor and job satisfaction serves a mediator.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to directly utilizing some commonly‐applied western theoretical frameworks and instruments, findings may not fully detect the cultural nuances in the Chinese employees; the narrowly geographically‐concentrated sampling may prevent generalization of findings to the broad Chinese context.Practical implicationsCompanies should understand that nurturing organizational learning culture could result in a healthier workforce and better organizational outcomes.Originality/valueTheoretically, this study serves as pioneer research for indigenizing the western constructs in the Chinese context, and it can fill a gap in the existing literature of the subjects being studied. Practically, this study has potential contributions to human resource management practice.
Studying hospitality: beyond the envelope
Authors: Lashley Conrad 
Published: August 2007

PurposeAn emerging hospitality studies focus amongst British academics prioritizes the study of host and guest transactions as a key feature of hospitality research and publications. This short paper introduces the papers in the special issue.Design/methodology/approachProvides a brief review of the papers within the issue.FindingsThe study of host and guest transactions extends beyond commercial hospitality management activities. A large number of human interactions can be better understood through host and guest transactions. Commercial hospitality management through service quality management, employee relations, customer and employee transactions as well as the development of customer loyalty can also be informed by the study of hospitality through the study of host guest transactions.Originality/valueOutlines how the papers in this special issue provide a flavor of some of the research themes that social science perspectives suggest.