This study aims to explore the use and relevance of WALYs (well-being-adjusted life years) in light of the utilitarian premises of neoclassical economics that continue to dominate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the use and relevance of WALYs (well-being-adjusted life years) in light of the utilitarian premises of neoclassical economics that continue to dominate health outcomes evaluation. QALYs (quality-adjusted life years) and DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) measure longevity and quality of life in terms of purely health-related aspects and outcomes of medical interventions. However, evaluative questions of subjective well-being may be equally important in comparing outcomes and cost-effectiveness of these interventions.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-phase online search strategy for refereed research on dry eye treatment with omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) was adopted. Phase I aimed to identify and contrast clinical parameters of efficacy in omega-3 dietary supplementation. Phase II aimed to find a preference-based, multi-attribute utility instrument specific and sensitive enough to dry eye and its consequences on patients’ subjective well-being. We then illustrate how WALYs can be conceptualized and calculated based on the search results.
Findings
Empiric therapies like omega-3s can be assessed in terms of reducing or relieving symptomatic discomfort and pain, and enabling the patient to enjoy life and derive satisfaction from daily activities. We find in VisQoL (Vision and Quality of Life Index) a viable alternative to conventional multi-attribute utility instruments, including those typically used in QALY and DALY calculations. Clinical efficacy indices of dry eye can be linked to VisQoL’s quality of life dimensions. Differently weighted outcomes can be aggregated. And WALYs per patient per year can be computed by scaling aggregated outcomes to match the WALY rating scale. The implications of subjective well-being for both patient and society can thus be approached from a broader and richer perspective.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind in pharmaceutical outcomes valuation and marketing. It offers a framework for analyzing life satisfaction and well-being among dry eye patients under treatment. It is also the first to use and adapt a multi-attribute utility measure to treatment outcomes of omega-3s in ocular diseases, from which this study suggests WALYs may be computed. However, it does not suggest that WALYs should supplant QALYs and DALYs in evaluating health outcomes. Medical economics is enriched if alternative methods of outcomes evaluations can help fill in the gaps in existing paradigms and do so by accounting for other effects of condition-specific interventions. Costs and benefits of interventions to the individual and society can then be valued not just more effectively, but also more equitably.
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Sonia Mehrotra, Uday Salunkhe and Anil Rao Paila
International business and strategy, strategies in emerging markets.
Abstract
Subject area
International business and strategy, strategies in emerging markets.
Study level/applicability
This case can be used in undergraduate, graduate and executive education courses in international business, strategy management and strategies in emerging markets. Further, the case may also be useful to teach sub-topics such as fit between external opportunities and internal strengths (resources and capabilities) and new business model challenges.
Case overview
Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions (hereafter referred as RBEI) had been chosen by the Management of Bosch in India to engage in the Government of India (GoI) Smart City Business Opportunity. Dhiraj Wali, Vice President RBEI and the present head of RBEI Smart City Projects (RBEI/SCP) over the past few years had been prospecting the non-Bosch clients especially the GoI clients for RBEI. He understood the implications of this big-ticket business opportunity for RBEI. At the same time, he was worried about the complications involved in such large projects, how should RBEI position itself to make the most of this significant business opportunity?
Expected learning outcomes
The dynamics and internal challenges of an established captive division of a multinational (i.e. Bosch) venturing into business transactions with non-captive (i.e. non-Bosch) especially government sector clients. The new business opportunities facing a multinational in emerging markets such as India. Understanding the GoI Smart City Mission and its big-ticket business opportunity. To show how the captive units of MNC evolve over the years of operation leveraging, the competencies gained to succeed in the marketplace. The reasons for this range from internal needs to increase the gains from the past investments to exploiting the external business prospects available resulting in both new opportunities for specialization and customers.
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Subject code
CSS 5: International Business.
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Pierre Latrille, Antonia Carzaniga and Marta Soprana
In spite of the extensive literature on the regulation of air transport services, until the development of the Quantitative Air Services Agreements Review (QUASAR) methodology no…
Abstract
In spite of the extensive literature on the regulation of air transport services, until the development of the Quantitative Air Services Agreements Review (QUASAR) methodology no systematic review existed of the degree of liberalization granted through air services agreements. The chapter lays out QUASARs key features, and presents the main results its application has generated. It then elaborates on how the methodology could be further refined and extended to other segments of the air transport industry yet uncovered. Based on QUASAR, the chapter critically evaluates some commonly held beliefs about the liberalization of international passenger transport and then moves on to explore the technical feasibility of creating a liberal multilateral regime for air transport services. QUASAR has demonstrated that, although the air transport sector has experienced some liberalization over the past few years, this has been, overall, rather marginal. The skies are not truly open.
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Iman Kanani, Abdullatif Ahmadi Ramchahi, Mohammad Zarasi, Mohd Yusoff Zulkifli and Raja Jamilah Raja Yusof
This paper aims to clarify the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims in human society, based on the concept of muwālāt (commonly translated as “loyalty”) in the Qurʾān.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to clarify the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims in human society, based on the concept of muwālāt (commonly translated as “loyalty”) in the Qurʾān.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study follows a contextual and analytical methodology.
Findings
This paper concludes that muwālāt is not only ideological but can be contractual too. A historical study of the Prophet’s (PBUH) interaction with non-Muslims in Mecca and Medina illustrates that as long as non-Muslims did not behave treacherously or turn to violence, a peaceful relationship was established and alliances and coalitions were formed. And this paper concludes that the categorisation of previous Muslim scholars, which was is in terms of prohibited and permitted, is inappropriate.
Originality/value
This paper clarifies that the categorisation of previous Muslim scholars, which was in terms of prohibited and permitted, is inappropriate, and muwālāt is not only belongs to faith.
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Zayyana Shehu, Intan R. Endut and Akintola Akintoye
The delivery of construction projects in Malaysia is plagued by time overruns, which turns what should have been successful projects into those incurring additional costs, or…
Abstract
Purpose
The delivery of construction projects in Malaysia is plagued by time overruns, which turns what should have been successful projects into those incurring additional costs, or money-losing ventures; as well as leading to various other unexpected negative effects and faute de mieux situations. The purpose of this research is to assess those factors leading to time overrun in Malaysian construction projects. The perceptions of public and private sectors, contractors, clients, and consultants are compared relative to a list of factors derived from the review of extant literature in project delay.
Design/methodology/approach
The research data were collected through an industry-wide questionnaire survey circulated across the Malaysian construction industry. The research develops a list of 84 time overrun factors. Responses were collected from 49 clients, 51 contractors, and 105 consultants, to explore and analyse the major factors that are responsible for causing time overrun based on sectors (public and private), organisations (clients, contractors and consultants) and professional roles.
Findings
Project delays beyond contract dates are predominantly caused by contractors and are usually associated with financial factors. “Cash flow problems faced by the contractors” was found the major factor, which contributed to project delays, whereas “storage on site” was seen as the least significant factor.
Practical implications
It is noteworthy that the findings in this research have a regional focus; it is, therefore, suggested that readers from other sections of the world exercise caution in applying the findings. As it is believed that every construction industry has its nature, culture and regulations, these factors can change as a result of such differences.
Originality/value
This research provides stakeholders with information on factors, which, if properly understood, can make project delays less likely.
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F.A. Abdel‐Mohdy, A. Waly, A. Higazy and A. Hebeish
Perfluoroheptyl methacrylate was copolymerized with acrylamide using different ratios of these monomers. The copolymers so obtained were methylolated with formaldehyde. The…
Abstract
Perfluoroheptyl methacrylate was copolymerized with acrylamide using different ratios of these monomers. The copolymers so obtained were methylolated with formaldehyde. The methylolated copolymers were used as multi‐purpose finishing agents for cotton. They impart oil and water repellence. Attachment of the methylolated copolymer to cotton is presumed to involve chemical bonds via reaction of the methylol groups of the copolymer and the hydroxy groups of cotton cellulose. This was evidenced by the wash‐fastness properties; no significant differences were noted in the oil/water repellence of cotton fabric treated with the copolymers in question.
Abdessalem Hajlaoui, Elouni Chebbi, Mondher Wali and Fakhreddine Dammak
This paper aims to study the static behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced functionally graded shells using an efficient solid-shell element with parabolic transverse…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the static behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced functionally graded shells using an efficient solid-shell element with parabolic transverse shear strain. Four different types of reinforcement along the thickness are considered.
Design/methodology/approach
Furthermore, the developed solid-shell element allows an efficient and accurate analysis of CNT-reinforced functionally graded shells under linear static conditions.
Findings
The validity and accuracy of the developed solid-shell element are illustrated through the solution of deflection and stress distribution problems of shell structures taken from the literature. The influences of some geometrical and material parameters on the static behavior of shell structures are discussed.
Originality/value
The finite element formulation is based on a modified first-order enhanced solid-shell element formulation with an imposed parabolic shear strain distribution through the shell thickness in the compatible strain part. This formulation guarantees a zero transverse shear stress on the top and bottom surfaces of the shell and the shear correction factors is no longer needed.
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Nipuni Nilakshini Wimalasena and Sachie Gunatilake
Tendering is a process undertaken to obtain offers from interested contractors to carry out specific packages of construction work. Presently, most construction stakeholders in…
Abstract
Purpose
Tendering is a process undertaken to obtain offers from interested contractors to carry out specific packages of construction work. Presently, most construction stakeholders in developing countries use a paper-based tendering method, which is time-consuming, costly and labour-intensive. It may be argued that considering increased calls towards efficiency improvements in the construction industry, adopting e-tendering can bring about several benefits by allowing electronic exchange of information and avoiding the errors of traditional tendering. However, the question of readiness of construction stakeholders to embrace this change remains. The aim of this study is to investigate the readiness of Sri Lankan construction contractors and consultants (who are the two key parties involved in the tendering process) to adopt e-tendering.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-methods research approach was used to achieve the aim. Initially, a literature review was used to compare typical conventional and e-tendering processes. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the current level of usage of e-tendering and to investigate the readiness levels of consultants and contractors to implement e-tendering. Finally, seven expert interviews were conducted to propose suitable solutions to achieve a successful e-tendering implementation.
Findings
The analysed data revealed that both consultants and contractors used electronic media in the tendering process but they were still not ready for complete e-tendering implementation. However, consultants were more hesitant than contractors. The main barrier that limited e-tendering implementation was the lack of legal rules to cover e-tendering.
Originality/value
E-tendering implementation should be initiated from the government sector. Therefore, it is recommended to update the procurement guideline and required legal policies to enrich the current usage level of e-tendering among construction stakeholders.
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Sanaa M. El‐Sawy, Yosreya M. Abu‐Ayana and Fikry A. Abdel‐Mohdy
Chitin was extracted from locally collected shrimp shells. Chitosan was produced by alkali deacetylation of chitin. Poly(DEAEMA)‐chitosan‐graft‐copolymer…
Abstract
Chitin was extracted from locally collected shrimp shells. Chitosan was produced by alkali deacetylation of chitin. Poly(DEAEMA)‐chitosan‐graft‐copolymer, poly(COOH)‐chitosan‐graft‐copolymer, poly(V‐OH)‐chitosan‐graft‐copolymer, and carboxymethyl‐chitosan were prepared. The extent of the preparation reactions was expressed as nitrogen content, carboxylic content and graft yield. The ability of the prepared compounds to adsorb heavy metals ions and some dyestuffs was studied. The prepared compounds were also tested for corrosion protection when applied in some organic coatings for steel panels. Promising results to use the prepared compounds for corrosion protection and wastewater treatment from heavy metal ions and dyestuffs were obtained.