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Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Norman Hutchison, Graham Squires, Alastair Adair, Jim Berry, Daniel Lo, Stanley McGreal and Sam Organ

The purpose of this paper is to consider the merits of using projects bonds to finance infrastructure investment projects and considers the pricing of such bonds and the level of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the merits of using projects bonds to finance infrastructure investment projects and considers the pricing of such bonds and the level of risk premium demanded by the market.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods with desk-based study and interviews. Interviews were held with policy makers, local authority staff, planners, developers, investors, fund managers and academics. Infrastructure bond data were obtained from the Bloomberg database on all project bonds issued in four Asian countries – Malaysia, China, Taiwan and India – over the period 2003-2014.

Findings

The analysis indicates investor appetite for project bonds and suggests that a risk premium of between 150 and 300 basis points over the comparable government bond is appropriate depending on the sector and the degree of government involvement in underwriting the issue.

Practical implications

The paper argues that the introduction of project bonds would be an important innovation, assisting the financing of infrastructure investment at a time when bank lending is likely to remain fragile. The current conditions in the sovereign debt market, where strong demand has forced down yields, has opened up the opportunity to introduce project bonds offering a higher yield to satisfy institutional investment demand for long term fixed income products.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper stems from the analysis of the merits of using projects bonds to finance infrastructure investment projects, the pricing of such bonds and the level of risk premium demanded by the market.

Details

Journal of Property Investment & Finance, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-578X

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 1998

Hillel Schmid

Recounts the merger of Jerusalem’s Neighbourhood Self Management Organizations (NSMOs) and Community Service Organizations (CSOs) into the Joint Community Neighbourhood Management…

207

Abstract

Recounts the merger of Jerusalem’s Neighbourhood Self Management Organizations (NSMOs) and Community Service Organizations (CSOs) into the Joint Community Neighbourhood Management Organization (JCNM). Refers to literature on institutional theory and the process of decentralization. Focuses then on the NSMOs and CSOs, providing some background information on how and why they were originally set up and what their goals were. Compares the differences between the organizations, as well as the basic principles they have in common – hence the merge into one organization. Discusses the problems the JCNM has faced over the years, including issues such as identify, legitimacy, composition of board of directors, professional or political values, and restructuring the organization. Draws a quadrant model of patronage and centralization, suggesting that the NCNM aims to occupy a particular quadrant but is being hampered in doing so because policy makers prefer to keep things the way they are.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 18 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 1998

C.C. Harris and Richard Startup

Reports on a study of the state of the (Anglican) Church in Wales, which investigated the Church in Wales as a sociological institution through attitudes held by the clergy and…

292

Abstract

Reports on a study of the state of the (Anglican) Church in Wales, which investigated the Church in Wales as a sociological institution through attitudes held by the clergy and lay members of the Church. Asserts that churches are institutional associational groups with rational‐bureaucratic forms of administration, rather than organizations, but that it helps to conceptualize the church as if it were an organization. Outlines some of the problems the Church faces – maintaining a presence in sparsely populated areas, secularization, decreasing personnel, and conservatism. Discusses the Church’s theory of itself and explores the conceptual world of the laity with regard to the nature of the Church, its structure, and the relationship between the Church and the world. Concludes that social enquiry is all about listening.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 18 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Jeremy Sebastian Chitpin and Stephanie Chitpin

Through a series of critical discussions on Karl Popper’s evolutionary analysis of learning and the non-authoritarian values it promotes, the purpose of this paper is to advocate…

151

Abstract

Purpose

Through a series of critical discussions on Karl Popper’s evolutionary analysis of learning and the non-authoritarian values it promotes, the purpose of this paper is to advocate a Popperian approach for building medical student knowledge. Specifically, it challenges positivist assumptions that permeate the design and management of many educational institutions, including teaching hospitals, by considering what does and does not happen when learning takes place.

Design/methodology/approach

To illustrate how Popper’s approach differs from such a conception of learning, the paper examines the exchange between a preceptor (Sam) and a medical student (Lisa). The following exchange is based on the observations during a team meeting in a Canadian teaching hospital. The authors sent the transcript of the observation to Lisa for her comments. The statements in italics represent Lisa’s additions. Pseudonyms are used to protect the identity of participants in the exchange.

Findings

Popper’s evolutionary analysis of learning and the Objective Knowledge Growth Framework provide a means of managing specific aspects of one’s education through engaging in this learning process. Although this approach to teaching and decision making takes time to master, it does not require reconstituting existing institutional arrangements before it can be implemented in hospitals. Instead, it asks medical students, teachers and practitioners to be open to the theoretical underpinnings of the approach and to view knowledge growth as a process of systematic trial and error elimination.

Originality/value

This paper is original in its conceptualisation and may well become a classic in education circles. It draws on Popper’s philosophical arguments and enters into a much needed discourse for teaching and learning.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1999

Robert M. Blackburn

Investigates the possible social causes of unemployment; focuses on how competition among employers can increase and perpetuate already high levels of unemployment. Starts from…

2907

Abstract

Investigates the possible social causes of unemployment; focuses on how competition among employers can increase and perpetuate already high levels of unemployment. Starts from the premise that, despite divergent attitudes, most industrialized nations make some collective provision for the unemployed, with firms ultimately bearing the costs. Describes how, although a firm may reduce its labour force to save money, it is ultimately, albeit collectively, paying the costs of unemployment via taxes to the State ‐ the main effect is to redistribute the costs to other organizations; depicts a resulting downward spiral in the economy. Looks at the relationships between increased productivity and the costs to society. Concludes that competitive unemployment is a reality and suggests possible solutions.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 19 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1998

Robin Stryker

Introduces a special issue on globalization and the welfare state. Asserts that economic globalization constrains national economic and social policy far more now than ever…

6070

Abstract

Introduces a special issue on globalization and the welfare state. Asserts that economic globalization constrains national economic and social policy far more now than ever before, although the level of international trade has not increased that much compared to levels at the beginning of this century. Talks about the political consequences of economic globalization, particularly welfare state retrenchment in the advanced capitalist world. Outlines the papers included in this issue – comparing welfare system changes in Sweden, the UK and the USA; urban bias in state policy‐making in Mexico; and the developing of the Israeli welfare state. Concludes that economic globalization has a limited effect in shaping social welfare policy in advanced capitalist countries; nevertheless, recommends further research into which aspects of economic globalization shape social welfare policy.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 18 no. 2/3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 1998

Soma Hewa

Recounts Rockefeller philanthropy and the role it has played in shaping the development of medicine in the USA and elsewhere. Questions why social scientific research was not…

1061

Abstract

Recounts Rockefeller philanthropy and the role it has played in shaping the development of medicine in the USA and elsewhere. Questions why social scientific research was not included in Rockefeller philanthropy in its formative stages. Investigates the role one Frederick T. Gates played in Rockefeller philanthropy and, particularly, his opposition to the creation of an institute of economic research. Sketches a biography of Gates, covering his professional career and the development of the philosophical views he held. Explores his approach to wholesale giving and scientific philanthropy as he gained more and more influence over Rockefeller’s business interests. Mentions William Lyon Mackenzie King (who later became Prime Minister of Canada) and his role within the Rockefeller philanthropic set‐up – to investigate labour relations – as a key factor in later obtaining support from the Rockefeller Foundation for social scientific research.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 18 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 June 2023

Samuel Kenneth Zachary Knowles and Beyza Klein

To better understand the reality of living with the diseases and conditions that its drugs and therapies are developed to treat, the Novartis leadership determined a need for more…

3796

Abstract

Purpose

To better understand the reality of living with the diseases and conditions that its drugs and therapies are developed to treat, the Novartis leadership determined a need for more meaningful insights into patients’ lives. They sought to develop a systematic, creative methodology – informed by the psychology of insightful rather than analytical thinking – to properly integrate and deploy the research commissioned into its day-to-day business decision-making. For it is well established that better understanding of the patient reality drives both compliance and adherence “beyond the pill”. The purpose of this paper is to bring the novel methodology of creativity to a wider audience and ensure that many others – notably in patient advocacy organizations – can benefit from this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A core team of Insight and Analytics and Patient Engagement leads from various therapeutic area teams worked in partnership with a psychologist and practitioner in the field of insightful thinking, to develop an effective methodology that could reliably surface and articulate genuine patient insights. This methodology – the i4i Insights Discovery™ process – was developed, piloted, refined and codified in 2020 and implemented across the company in 2021–2022. It uses a combination of convergent and divergent thinking techniques – human rather than artificial intelligence, combining diverse research outputs – to understand patients’ lives better. With enhanced understanding, the insights then shape educational and behavioral strategies to drive adherence and compliance.

Findings

At a time of tightening budgets and demands to deliver enhanced impact from research budgets, i4i Insights Discovery™ has enabled Novartis teams to turn existing research outputs into profound and useful understandings of what it means to live with specific diseases and develop evidence-based patient engagement strategies; insight-driven decision-making around the lifecycle of any compound. i4i Insights Discovery™ has been applied across Novartis’s diverse areas of expertise, from heart disease to cancer, from organ transplantation to dermatology, from food allergy to ophthalmology.

Practical implications

The i4i Insights Discovery™ process enables Novartis teams to gain deeper understanding of patients’ lives without the need to commission additional research; to do more with less. These insights enable cross-functional Novartis teams to develop better-informed strategies that better address the needs of patients and their care partners, of health-care professionals and health-care systems. The team creating the process is looking to make the i4i Insights Discovery™ approach a gold standard of insight discovery, both for pharma and health care and in other categories, too.

Originality/value

The i4i Insights Discovery™ process is a practical, novel application of well-established principles in the psychology of insightful thinking to address a clear business imperative. By repurposing and reinterpreting existing research outputs using creative verbal and visual exercises, it delivers a more human and empathetic understanding of the patient reality. It moves teams from “So what?” – this is what the data mean – to “Now what?” – this is what we should do as a result.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 1998

Stella R. Quah

Assesses the health belief model and its application to the perception of HIV/AIDS prevention through public health education. Investigates the concepts of stigma and blame among…

1147

Abstract

Assesses the health belief model and its application to the perception of HIV/AIDS prevention through public health education. Investigates the concepts of stigma and blame among the Chinese, Malay and Indian Singaporeans. Describes the methodology and data analysis used. Analyses the findings – that the significant majority believe HIV/AIDS sufferers to be risk‐takers (rather than deviants) and that the most effective preventive measure against AIDS is to change sexual behaviour. Compares findings across the three ethnic groups – Malays believe that the individual is personally responsible for contracting HIV/AIDS, they also recognize the seriousness of the disease; the Indians had a sense of concerned responsibility, partially as a result of public health campaigns; the Chinese also had a sense of concerned responsibility, but not gleaned so much from health campaigns. Reports that, across the communities, younger people attribute HIV/AIDS to deviant sexual behaviour, while older people think of HIV/AIDS sufferers as victims of accidental infection and are therefore more sympathetic. Attributes ethnic differences to two facts: the first is that, in Singapore, people regard dual identify as important – on the one hand helping to shape Singapore’s national identity and, on the other hand, retaining strong values of ethnicity; the second fact is religion, particularly the way Malay Muslims attribute HIV/AIDS to personal responsibility.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 18 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 25 May 2010

Pamela J. Zelbst, Kenneth W. Green, Roger D. Abshire and Victor E. Sower

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of a market orientation (MO) coupled with implementation of just‐in‐time (JIT), total quality management (TQM), and agile…

5079

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of a market orientation (MO) coupled with implementation of just‐in‐time (JIT), total quality management (TQM), and agile improvement programs within manufacturing organizations from a macro perspective using systems theory as the theoretical underpinning. From a systems perspective, this research focuses on MO and its direct relationships with JIT, TQM, and agile manufacturing (AM) and subsequent impact on operational and logistics performance (LP).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 104 manufacturing managers, supervisors, and quality professionals and analyzed using a path analysis methodology.

Findings

MO directly and positively impacts JIT, TQM, and AM. JIT positively and directly impacts TQM which in turn positively and directly impacts AM. AM positively and directly impacts both organizational and LP.

Research limitations/implications

Although the sample size is large enough to support path analysis, it is not of sufficient size to support structural equation modeling. This limitation precludes assessing the model as a whole. Direct and indirect effects are assessed, however.

Practical implications

Practitioners are provided with a framework for assessing the synergistic impact of combining a MO with operations improvement programs on organizational and LP.

Originality/value

A systems approach to assessing the impact of a combination of marketing and operations strategies is developed and tested.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 110 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

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