bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species diversity patterns along the forest savanna boundary in Nigeria
Authors: Christiana Ndidi Emuh , Adeniyi Suleiman Gbadegesin 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis study seeks to investigate the influence of human activities on the patterns of species diversities along the forest‐savanna boundary in Oyo state of Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA transect was placed along the study area from the rainforest belt, through the forest savanna ecotone to the southern fringe of the Guinea savanna vegetation belt. Each study site was identified as forest or savanna or ecotone using the species found within them. Samples from trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 6 cm were collected and the numbers from the different species counted. Species diversity patterns were analysed using the Shannon and Simpson's Index.FindingsAnalysis of patterns of species diversity with the Shannon and Simpson's Index showed a decrease in the species diversity from sites with mature vegetation to the areas of vegetation succession irrespective of whether they contained forest or savanna vegetation. Also, species diversities was greater in the forest vegetation than in the savanna vegetation. The decrease in species diversity and loss in some species is attributable to the effect of landuse and other human interference along the forest savanna ecotone.Originality/valueThe study suggested measures to reduce biodiversity loss in the forest savanna zones of Nigeria.
An appraisal of measures to cope with climate change in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Barbir Jelena , Leal Filho Walter , Spiric Jovanka 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to describe some trends on climate change in the Baltic Sea region, along with current and future expected actions to cope with climate change in the region.Design/methodology/approachThe elements that influence climate change in the Baltic Region countries are analysed and co‐operation efforts among the Baltic countries as well as their individual policy and political decisions considering this issue are described.FindingsClimate change is one the biggest problems faced today and a major threat to society. There is a need for political measures as well as a change in socio‐economic trends in order to meet the challenges of climate change in the Baltic Sea Region.Originality/valueClimate change is a matter of common concern in the 11 Northern European countries, which either are on the Baltic Sea coast or are influenced by the Baltic Sea by being in the catchment area. The importance of international co‐operation is outlined and some recommendations and possible solutions are provided.
Insurance regulation in America – playing out of its league
Authors: Powers Michael R. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this editorial is to consider the effectiveness of the state‐based insurance regulatory system operating in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe editorial begins by identifying two major challenges recently faced by America's state‐based regulatory system, and argues that state regulators handled these problems inadequately. It then discusses the fundamental weaknesses of the system.FindingsThe shortcomings of the state‐based regulatory regime are responsible for its failure to prevent the mortgage‐industry crisis from threatening the solvency of at least one major insurance group.Originality/valueThe editorial argues in favor of federal oversight of insurance in the USA.
Are bank stocks sensitive to risk management?
Authors: Sensarma Rudra , Jayadev M. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper attempts to summarize the information contained in bank financial statements on the risk management capabilities of banks and then ascertains the sensitivity of bank stocks to risk management.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical framework is derived from a bank's accounting identities. The paper interprets the selected accounting ratios as risk management variables and attempts to gauge the overall risk management capability of banks by summarizing these accounting ratios as scores through the application of multivariate statistical techniques. Finally, the paper analyzes the impact of these risk management scores on stock returns through regression analysis.FindingsThe results based on data for Indian banks reveal that banks' risk management capabilities have been improving over time except for in the last two years. Returns on the banks' stocks appear to be sensitive to risk management capability of banks.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that banks that want to enhance shareholder wealth have to focus on successfully managing various underlying risks. The findings have implications for investors who may benefit by going long on shares of banks that are better risk managers. The findings are useful for the regulator in developing quantitative indicators of soundness of the banking system.Originality/valueFirst, this study suggests a novel way of looking at bank financial statements, i.e. from the risk management perspective. Second, the study develops summary scores of risk management capabilities of banks. Third, risk management is shown to be an important determinant of stock returns of banks.
Risk management practices of Islamic banks of Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Hassan Abul 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to assess the degree to which Islamic banks in Brunei Darussalam use risk management practices (RMPs) and techniques in dealing with different types of risk.Design/methodology/approachThe researcher developed a questionnaire which covers six aspects in the first part: understanding risk and risk management, risk assessment and analysis (RAA), risk identification (RI), risk monitoring, credit risk analysis and RMPs. The second part consists of two questions based on an ordinal scale dealing with two topics: methods of RI and risk facing the sample banks.FindingsThis study found that that the three most important types of risk that the Islamic banks in Brunei Darussalam facing are foreign‐exchange risk, followed by credit risk and then operating risk. It also found that the Islamic banks are somewhat reasonably efficient in managing risk where RI and RAA are the most influencing variables in RMPs.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper's findings are limited to the RMPs of Islamic banks in Brunei Darussalam.Originality/valueThe paper explores the RMPs of the Islamic banks in Brunei Darussalam. The results can be used as a valuable feed back for improvement of RMPs in the Islamic banks in Brunei and will be of value to those people who are interested in the Islamic banking system.
An evaluation of alternative scoring models in private banking
Authors: Abdou Hussein A. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the efficiency and effectiveness of alternative credit‐scoring models for consumer loans in the banking sector. In particular, the focus is upon the financial risks associated with both the efficiency of alternative models in terms of correct classification rates, and their effectiveness in terms of misclassification costs (MCs).Design/methodology/approachA data set of 630 loan applicants was provided by an Egyptian private bank. A two‐thirds training sample was selected for building the proposed models, leaving a one‐third testing sample to evaluate the predictive ability of the models. In this paper, an investigation is conducted into both neural nets (NNs), such as probabilistic and multi‐layer feed‐forward neural nets, and conventional techniques, such as the weight of evidence measure, discriminant analysis and logistic regression.FindingsThe results revealed that a best net search, which selected a multi‐layer feed‐forward net with five nodes, generated both the most efficient classification rate and the most effective MC. In general, NNs gave better average correct classification rates and lower MCs than traditional techniques.Practical implicationsBy reducing the financial risks associated with loan defaults, banks can achieve a more effective management of such a crucial component of their operations, namely, the provision of consumer loans.Originality/valueThe use of NNs and conventional techniques in evaluating consumer loans within the Egyptian private banking sector utilizes rigorous techniques in an environment which merits investigation.
Weather‐risk hedging by farmers
Authors: Seth Rajiv , Ansari Valeed A. , Datta Manipadma 
Published: January 2009

PurposeSmall farmers in developing countries have very little means of managing the weather‐risk to their agricultural produce. Weather derivatives could provide a solution, but the demand for such instruments and the willingness to invest in them needs to be researched. The purpose of this paper is to assess weather‐risk hedging by farmers, focusing on the willingness to pay in Rajasthan, India.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents results of a contingent valuation study done on the findings of a survey carried out in six villages in the state of Rajasthan. The survey was done on over 500 farmers after explaining the concept of weather derivatives and how they would work to help them hedge their weather‐related yield risk. The survey included questions on factors, which could have a bearing on the farmers' willingness to pay, and a bidding game where responses were solicited to premiums in a hypothetical market. Probit and logit models are used to determine probabilities of “Yes” responses to various bids and the mean willingness‐to‐pay.FindingsThe paper brings out a model, which uses nine independent variables affecting the probability of a farmer saying “Yes” to a price quoted to him for a weather derivative. Using the results from the probit and logit models, the farmers' mean willingness‐to‐pay is determined to be around 8.8 per cent of the maximum possible payout of a weather derivative contract.Originality/valueWith weather derivatives being accepted as a means of risk management for agriculture in developing countries, the willingness‐to‐pay figures determined in this paper would provide an insight to the structuring and pricing of weather derivatives, especially in developing countries.
Effect of futures trading on spot‐price volatility: evidence for NSE Nifty using GARCH
Authors: Swaroop Debasish Sathya 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe paper aims to study the impact of the introduction of Nifty index futures on the volatility of the Indian spot markets by use of econometric models.Design/methodology/approachThe study considered six measures of volatility, the dynamic linear regression model, and the GARCH models to investigate volatility in National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty prices both before and after the onset of futures trading.FindingsThe GARCH analysis confirmed no structural change after the introduction of futures trading on Nifty, and found that whilst the pre‐futures sample was integrated, the post‐futures sample was stationary. Spot returns volatility is found to be less important in explaining spot returns after the advent of futures trading in NSE Nifty.Practical implicationsThe results imply that futures markets serve their prescribed role of improving pricing efficiency and improve the quality of information flowing to spot markets. This will enable investors to prudently structure their strategies investing in both spot and futures markets.Originality/valueThis study is an original piece of work towards exploring the impact of the introduction of futures trading on cash market volatility in an emerging economy like India.
Value‐relevance of foreign‐exchange and interest‐rate derivatives disclosure
Authors: Ameer Rashid 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the state of risk management practices among Malaysian listed firms and evaluates the value‐relevance of the notional amount of foreign‐exchange and interest‐rate derivatives (FCDs) used by listed firms over the period 2003‐2007.Design/methodology/approachApplication of linear regression framework.FindingsIt is found that a few Malaysian firms hedge market risks. Firms in the plantation, industrial product, trading services, and consumer products manufacturing sectors are the main users of the FCDs in Malaysia. There is a significant positive correlation between total earnings and the use of derivatives. The findings seem to suggest that although disclosed notional amount of the derivatives have value‐relevance but its contribution to a firm's valuation is very minimal in Malaysia compared to other countries.Practical implicationsThe findings imply that those investors who have investment in those firms who use derivatives to hedge against foreign currency and interest risks benefit, albeit marginally. At present, most of the Malaysian firms are either cautious or unsure about the use of derivative instruments. There is a need to inform managers about usefulness of the derivatives and market risk reporting that would contribute to greater financial transparency.Originality/valueThe author believes that this is the first study to provide survey findings on the use of derivatives instruments and their value‐relevance in Malaysia.
The effectiveness of flexible manufacturing strategies
Authors: Joiner Therese A. , Sarah Yang Spencer X. , Salmon Suzanne 
Published: January 2009

PurposeAgainst a background of a customization imperative embraced by manufacturing firms in industrialised nations and the concomitant call for more balanced performance measurement systems (PMS), this study seeks to examine the mediating role of both non‐financial and financial performance measures in the relationship between a firm's strategic orientation of flexible manufacturing and organisational performance.Design/methodology/approachA path‐analytical model is adopted using questionnaire data from 84 Australian manufacturing firms.FindingsThe results indicate that, first, firms emphasising a flexible manufacturing strategy utilise non‐financial as well as financial performance measures; second, these performance measures are associated with higher organisational performance; and third, there is a positive association between a firm's strategic emphasis on flexible manufacturing and organisation performance via non‐financial and financial performance measures.Practical implicationsWhile there is agreement on the beneficial role of non‐financial performance measures in supporting strategic priorities associated with customization strategies, equivocal research results have emerged on the role of financial performance measures in this context. The study underscores the importance of both non‐financial and financial performance measures in this context.Originality/valueThe paper reinstates the value of financial performance measures for firms pursuing customization type strategies and adds to one's knowledge of PMSs by exploring the intervening role of such systems in linking flexible manufacturing strategy to organisation performance.
An application of interpretative structural modeling of the compliance to food standards
Authors: Sagheer Silpa , Yadav Surendra S. , Deshmukh S.G. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to identify and analyze critical factors/elements influencing standards compliance and their level of influence in a developing country food industry, with specific reference to India.Design/methodology/approachA total of 13 critical elements were identified and structured using pair‐wise comparisons. Structural and reachability matrices were formed and iterated to yield levels of hierarchical influence of each element. MICMAC analysis was also performed to determine dependency and driving power of these elements.FindingsThe analysis brought out a compelling need for “sensitive and responsive” action by developing country governments while competing globally. Food industries in developing countries tend to detour while complying with standards, owing to costs involved in setting up systems and procedures. While a strong surveillance mechanism is the high point of a good compliant system this has to be preceded by supporting measures such as linking of domestic and international markets, consolidation of institutional structures, strengthening of legal/regulatory systems, etc.Practical implicationsUse of interpretative structural modeling (ISM) is inspired by the versatility displayed by this method, as reported by researchers, across a wide spectrum of economic and competitive complexities affecting businesses.Originality/valueThe study is a hitherto unexplored attempt, using interpretative structural modeling, to analyze standards compliance in a developing country's food industry.
Identifying key performance indicators for use in control of pre‐project stage process in construction
Authors: Haponava Tatsiana , Al‐Jibouri Saad 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe need for measuring construction project performance has led to development and implementation of various key performance indicators (KPIs). This paper aims to present and discuss the results of a pilot study and interviews to identify process‐based KPIs for use in control of the pre‐project stage.Design/methodology/approachInitially, the process of the pre‐project stage was mapped to define its main generic sub‐processes and outputs based on the literature review. The process map was then verified through a pilot study. Based on the verified sub‐processes, a number of process‐based KPIs were identified and later validated by experts during the interviews.FindingsAs a consequence of the refinement process due to the results of the pilot study and the interviews, the process‐based KPIs for the pre‐project stage were identified and the main issues they have to encompass were discussed.Originality/valueThe identified KPIs offer a significant step towards process control within the pre‐project stage. They provide a basis for further development to improve process transparency and to explain the relationships between the various sub‐processes.
Humanitarian logistics performance in the light of gender
Authors: Kovács Gyöngyi , Tatham Peter 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe aim of this article is to identify gaps in research and to set up a research agenda that investigates how gender attributes and different sets of skills contribute to logistics performance. The article focuses on humanitarian logistics and outlines the areas in which gender issues impact on the effectiveness of the provision of aid following a disaster.Design/methodology/approachA topical literature review on gender, humanitarian logistics, and logistics performance is used to unearth existing gaps in research.FindingsTwo main research gaps are of particular interest for humanitarian logistics in the light of gender: sex segregation in logistics, and the relation between gender and logistics skills; and the mitigation of gender disadvantages of beneficiaries. Here, a gendered access to aid can impact negatively on aid effectiveness.Originality/valueLiterature is scant both on gender issues in logistics and on humanitarian logistics. The paper contributes to both areas, while evaluating the impact of gender on logistics performance.
Reverse logistic process control measures for the pharmaceutical industry supply chain
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Dieveney Erin , Dieveney Aaron 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyze the pharmaceutical supply chain using the DMAIC process for improvement of the reverse logistics in a recall to avert the possibility of harm to a consumer.Design/methodology/approachA framework is used for guiding one towards the responsibilities of the different organizations concerning reverse logistics. This is further developed into a Cause and Effect analysis, performed on the supply chain and the hypothesized problem areas. Improvement concepts were then considered in the use of RFID, consistent information systems and transportation carriers to streamline the supply chain and reducing the risk of counterfeit drugs entering the forward supply chain. FMEA is used to understand the failure modes and the severity of the respective failures in the reverse logistics supply chain.FindingsThe study yielded interesting and innovative solutions being tested and conceived at the present time, but specific information on the pharmaceutical supply chain was limited. The majority of the reverse logistics for pharmaceuticals is handled through third‐party providers, and therefore this specific knowledge is well guarded, being a core competency.Practical implicationsThe improvement concepts were found to have managerial impacts such as improved communication flow, and dedicated group(s) to focus on the reverse logistics to remove miscommunication and perception errors. The ability to make improvements, as well as sustain the improvements, will also require significant and consistent management support.Originality/valueThe study is a first look at the forward and reverse logistics processes for the pharmaceutical industry supply chain and analysis of potential improvements utilizing DMAIC process. It helps in understanding gaps, suggests measures to reduce them and provides direction for improvements related to the quality of service existing between logistics users, logistics service provider, pharmaceutical firm and customers. The methods of analysis used can also be utilized as a diagnostic tool to understand the weaknesses in the existing supply chain and thus help in identifying the key areas for improvements within the organization.
Student perceptions of a wireless audience response system
Authors: Walton Abram , Homan Scott , Naimi Linda , Tomovic Cynthia 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and measure the perceptions and attitudes of students regarding the classroom performance system (CPS).Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews a range of recently published (1993‐2006) works on pedagogy and educational technology. A survey methodology was utilized to measure students’ perceptions and attitudes across 16 variables.FindingsThe paper provides aggregate results on each of the 16 variables and statistically significant differences between sub‐categories.Research limitations/implicationsResearch was limited to a major US university campus that services a large cross‐section of students. Demographic implications and trends are discussed.Practical implicationsThis study focused on identifying and measuring the perceptions and attitudes of students regarding a radio frequency, wireless audience response system called: CPS. Sixteen research questions and variables were measured in this study regarding students’ perceptions and attitudes towards CPS, learning and student–instructor interactions. Overall, the study found that students perceive CPS as having a positive effect on their increase in pre‐class preparation and attendance, and on their increase of overall attention and participation during class. A slight majority of students enjoy using CPS and perceive CPS to have a moderately positive effect on their ability to learn and self diagnose how they are performing in class. The implications of this study and recommendations for future research are discussed.Originality/valueThis paper is valuable to instructors who wish to reemploy active learning or Socratic Method type activities in the large lecture format classes.