Adam Biggs, Greg Huffman, Joseph Hamilton, Ken Javes, Jacob Brookfield, Anthony Viggiani, John Costa and Rachel R. Markwald
Marksmanship data is a staple of military and law enforcement evaluations. This ubiquitous nature creates a critical need to use all relevant information and to convey outcomes in…
Abstract
Purpose
Marksmanship data is a staple of military and law enforcement evaluations. This ubiquitous nature creates a critical need to use all relevant information and to convey outcomes in a meaningful way for the end users. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how simple simulation techniques can improve interpretations of marksmanship data.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses three simulations to demonstrate the advantages of small arms combat modeling, including (1) the benefits of incorporating a Markov Chain into Monte Carlo shooting simulations; (2) how small arms combat modeling is superior to point-based evaluations; and (3) why continuous-time chains better capture performance than discrete-time chains.
Findings
The proposed method reduces ambiguity in low-accuracy scenarios while also incorporating a more holistic view of performance as outcomes simultaneously incorporate speed and accuracy rather than holding one constant.
Practical implications
This process determines the probability of winning an engagement against a given opponent while circumventing arbitrary discussions of speed and accuracy trade-offs. Someone wins 70% of combat engagements against a given opponent rather than scoring 15 more points. Moreover, risk exposure is quantified by determining the likely casualties suffered to achieve victory. This combination makes the practical consequences of human performance differences tangible to the end users. Taken together, this approach advances the operations research analyses of squad-level combat engagements.
Originality/value
For more than a century, marksmanship evaluations have used point-based systems to classify shooters. However, these scoring methods were developed for competitive integrity rather than lethality as points do not adequately capture combat capabilities. The proposed method thus represents a major shift in the marksmanship scoring paradigm.
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Tawiah Kwatekwei Quartey-Papafio, Sifeng Liu and Sara Javed
The rise in malaria deaths discloses a decline of global malaria eradication that shows that control measures and fund distribution have missed its right of way. Therefore, the…
Abstract
Purpose
The rise in malaria deaths discloses a decline of global malaria eradication that shows that control measures and fund distribution have missed its right of way. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study and evaluate the impact and control of malaria on the independent states of the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region over the time period of 2010–2017 using Deng’s Grey incidence analysis, absolute degree GIA and second synthetic degree GIA model.
Design/methodology/approach
The purposive data sampling is a secondary data from World Developmental Indicators indicating the incidence of new malaria cases (per 1,000 population at risk) for 45 independent states in SSA. GIA models were applied on array sequences into a single relational grade for ranking to be obtained and analyzed to evaluate trend over a predicted period.
Findings
Grey relational analysis classifies West Africa as the highly infectious region of malaria incidence having Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, Liberia and Gambia suffering severely. Also, results indicate Southern Africa to be the least of all affected in the African belt that includes Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique. But, predictions revealed that the infection rate is expected to fall in West Africa, whereas the least vulnerable countries will experience a rise in malaria incidence through to the next ten years. Therefore, this study draws the attention of all stakeholders and interest groups to adopt effective policies to fight malaria.
Originality/value
The study is a pioneer to unravel the most vulnerable countries in the SSA region as far as the incidence of new malaria cases is a concern through the use of second synthetic GIA model. The outcome of the study is substantial to direct research funds to control and eliminate malaria.
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Javed Siddiqui and Shahzad Uddin
The purpose of this paper is to examine the state-business nexus in responses to human rights violations in businesses and questions the efficacy of the UN guiding principles on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the state-business nexus in responses to human rights violations in businesses and questions the efficacy of the UN guiding principles on human rights in businesses, in particular in the ready-made garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh. Drawing on Cohen’s notion of “denial” and Black’s (2008) legitimacy and accountability relationships of state and non-state actors, the study seeks to explain why such “soft” global regulations remain inadequate.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical work for this paper is based on the authors’ participation in two multiple-stakeholder advisory consultation meetings for the RMG sector in Bangladesh and 11 follow-up interviews. This is supplemented by documentary evidence on human rights disasters, responses of the state and non-state actors and human rights reports published in national and international newspapers.
Findings
The paper provides clear evidence that the state-business nexus perpetuates human rights disasters. The study also shows that the Bangladeshi state, ruled by family-led political parties, is more inclined to protect businesses that cause human rights disasters than to ensure human rights in businesses. The economic conditions of the RMG industry and accountability and legitimacy relationships between state and non-state actors have provided the necessary background for RMG owners to continue to violate the safety and security of the workplace and maintain inhumane working conditions.
Research limitations/implications
Complex state politics, including family, kinship and wealthy supporters, and economic circumstances have serious implications for the efficacy of the UN guiding principle on human rights for business. This paper calls for broader political and economic changes, nationally and internationally.
Originality/value
The study highlights the perpetuation of corporate human rights abuses by the state-business nexus, and indicates that human rights issues continue to be ignored through a discourse of denial. This is explained in terms of legitimacy and accountability relationships between state and non-state actors, bounded by complex political and economic conditions.
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Abdullah Fahad AlMulhim and Sanaa Mostafa Mohammed
Applicable to telecom companies operating in Saudi Arabia, this study aims to investigate the mediating role of workplace dignity (WD) in the relationship between inclusive…
Abstract
Purpose
Applicable to telecom companies operating in Saudi Arabia, this study aims to investigate the mediating role of workplace dignity (WD) in the relationship between inclusive leadership and innovative work behavior (IWB) as well as the moderate role of workplace inclusion (WI) in said relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 364 telecom companies in Saudi Arabia participated in the survey study. SmartPLS was employed to evaluate the data and test the research variables.
Findings
According to this study, inclusive leadership has a favorable impact on IWB. Additionally, the study concluded that inclusive leadership enhances WD. Furthermore, the authors discovered that WD has a favorable impact on IWB. The findings showed that the association between inclusive leadership and IWB is mediated by WD. Finally, WI has a statistically positive moderating effect between WD and IWB on the moderation side of the analysis.
Originality/value
This study is the first to consider WD as a mediator in the relationship between inclusive leadership and IWB. Examining WI's role as a moderator also deepens the authors' comprehension of the connection between WD and IWB.
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Lovemore Chikazhe, Sibonile Siziba, Thomas Bhebhe, Obert Sifile and Brighton Nyagadza
The purpose of the study is to establish the relationship between public health sector performance (PHSP), fleet management system, perceived service quality (PSQ) and management…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to establish the relationship between public health sector performance (PHSP), fleet management system, perceived service quality (PSQ) and management style (MS).
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 260 managerial employees were randomly selected from 5 major public hospitals in Zimbabwe to participate in this cross-sectional survey.
Findings
Fleet management system was found to positively influence both PSQ and PHSP. The results indicated that PSQ has a positive effect on PHSP. MS was found to moderate the effect of fleet management system on both PSQ and PHSP.
Originality/value
The current study provides fresh insights and validates extant knowledge on PHSP, fleet management and PSQ within the public health sector departments. It extends further knowledge on the public health performance in the Sub-Saharan region, as it shows that dimensions on fleet management have a direct influence on PHSP.
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Javed Hussain and Harry Matlay
The purpose of this research is to show that while mainstream finance for small businesses has been researched, hard to reach segments of the UK owner/manager population have…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to show that while mainstream finance for small businesses has been researched, hard to reach segments of the UK owner/manager population have eluded empirically rigorous investigation. The authors investigate the financing preferences of owner/managers in small ethnic minority businesses in the UK and examine their access to both formal and informal finance as well as the use of personal funding networks. The emergent results are compared with the findings from a matched “control sample” of white small business owner/managers.
Design/methodology/approach
Identical, in‐depth, face‐to‐face interviews were used with a sample of ethnic minority small business owner/managers and a matched control sample of white respondents in the West Midlands region of the UK.
Findings
Family and close associate networks were very important for the support of both ethnic minority and white owner/managers. All the respondents required loans from banks and other financial institutions, both at the start‐up stage and in subsequent years. For the ethnic minority owner/managers, the initial importance of financial institutions declined over the years. In contrast, in the control sample, institutional borrowing needs increased considerably. Ethnic minority owner/managers showed a preference for less intrusive and more “user friendly” financing options that allow them to remain in full control of their businesses.
Practical implications
Caution is advised in the use and generalisation of results emerging from qualitative research that involves small samples of respondents chosen from a restricted area of the UK.
Originality/value
The research shows the importance of “user‐friendly” financing options for owner/managers.
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Javed Hussain, Cindy Millman and Harry Matlay
The purpose of this research is to outline the preliminary results of an empirical investigation into access to finance and related issues, as experienced by SME owner/managers in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to outline the preliminary results of an empirical investigation into access to finance and related issues, as experienced by SME owner/managers in the UK and in China.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors employed a telephone survey involving a sample of SME owner/managers operating in the UK and in China. A detailed, semi‐structured questionnaire was administered to a selected sample of 32 matched SMEs. The survey requested quantitative and qualitative information on sources of finance, both preferred and actually used by owner/managers, during three stages in their firm's business cycle: at start up, after two years and over the next five years.
Findings
Evidence suggests that there are similarities as well as differences between SME financing in the UK and in China. In terms of initial (start‐up) funding, a large proportion of respondents relied exclusively on financial support from their immediate family. After two years in business, respondents exhibited a higher reliance on own savings and the financial support of bank and other financial institutions. At the end of five years of uninterrupted economic activity, most of the owner/managers in the UK sample relied for their borrowing needs primarily on financial institutions and to a lesser extent upon their own savings. In contrast, owner/managers in China depended mainly upon financial support from their immediate family and to a lesser extent on financial institutions.
Research limitations/implications
The sample for this research study is both small and selective. It is not meant to represent a random or statistically significant selection of either the UK or Chinese SME sectors.
Originality/value
The financing preferences of owner/managers in the sample have been influenced by their perception of the relative strength and weaknesses of domestic finance infrastructures. The results of this research study is indicative of SME owner/managers' financing needs, attitudes and perception. Future developments and the strengthening of the legal and financial infrastructure in China could significantly reduce the comparative gap between owner/manager preferences in these two countries.
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Titus Ebenezer Kwofie, Florence Yaa Akyiaa Ellis and Desmond Opoku
Inefficiencies in public-private partnership (PPP) has been attributed to deficient and poor governance practices and structures. It has been recognized that a veritable way to…
Abstract
Purpose
Inefficiencies in public-private partnership (PPP) has been attributed to deficient and poor governance practices and structures. It has been recognized that a veritable way to achieve efficiency in PPP governance is through gaining an understanding of the theoretical, practical and contextual factors that underline governance practices in PPP project delivery. The purpose of this study is to explore the significant governance factors in PPP project performance and delivery.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a questionnaire survey on major players in PPPs in policy, research, consultancy and professionals, the study sought to delineate the significant governance factors that impact PPP project delivery performance.
Findings
A step-wise multiple regression analysis revealed effective communication and openness in sharing project information systems, competent, responsible and effective project leadership, trust-building processes, systems and practices, best practice organizational and team norms, team culture, cohesion practices, effective relationship management practices, robust policy diffusion and transfer processes, friendly business environment and government support and contractual and renegotiation flexibility as the key contractual and non-contractual governance factors that can predict about 79% level of PPP project delivery performance.
Social implications
The findings offer support to improve PPP delivery in governance.
Originality/value
These findings are, thus, useful toward evolving regulatory quality governance mechanisms, flexible supervision and quality decisions that can enhance value for money in PPP projects in PPP project delivery.
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H. Kent Baker, Shashank Kathpal and Asif Akhtar
This paper investigates the associations among the Big 5 personality traits (neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness to experience and extroversion), nine…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the associations among the Big 5 personality traits (neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness to experience and extroversion), nine prominent investment biases and the moderating role of financial literacy.
Design/methodology/approach
We used survey data from 475 individual investors in India based on various benchmarked scales in the literature and structural equation modeling to evaluate the desired relationship between the constructs.
Findings
Our evidence shows that the extroversion personality trait is the most vulnerable to behavioral biases, and overconfidence bias affects individual Indian investors the most. Financial literacy is positively associated with two biases (risk aversion and representativeness bias) and moderates the relationship between two personality traits (extroversion and agreeableness) and risk aversion.
Research limitations/implications
Our study has limitations. First, it does not examine financial literacy in detail. Therefore, researchers should examine financial literacy within larger frameworks than those used in our study. Second, we confined our analysis to the Big 5 personality traits and nine behavioral biases. Our selection of biases to include in the study involved some subjectivity. Third, we limited our analysis to Indian investors. Researchers should replicate our study to see if its findings are generalizable in other countries with differing characteristics. Our findings call for a more careful examination of the circumstances behind which personality traits manifest in specific bias.
Practical implications
Investment advisors can help their clients make rational investment decisions by guiding them to deal with their investment biases.
Social implications
Improving financial literacy could help investors avoid the pitfalls of behavioral biases and increase their performance in the stock market.
Originality/value
This study is the first to provide a comprehensive framework that examines the relationship between personality traits and investor biases and the moderating role of financially literate investors.