The proxies conundrum

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-486
Author(s):  
Rubeena Tashfeen ◽  
Tashfeen Mahmood Azhar
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Financial Derivatives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Solid Bases ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Empirical Tests ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis

Purpose No systematic models are being used in empirical research that provide assurance for the choice of proxies that are being used. The purpose of this paper is to examine the validity of the proxies being used in empirical research, and as a case study, it focuses on the area of financial derivatives. Design/methodology/approach First, the authors review results of proxies from the financial derivatives literature and follow with empirical tests to confirm the findings from the review. Findings The review shows that proxies provide mixed results. The findings are further supported by the results from empirical tests. It suggests that measures used in the studies related to financial derivatives theory may need to be refined and highlights that no solid bases or tests have been developed for the proxies used to measure the constructs. Research limitations/implications As individual proxies are examined across studies, a meta-regression analysis cannot be used, and there is no other available model to capture this type of examination. The approach adopted has some limitations but provides a basis for examining the reasonableness of proxies as measures of constructs. Originality/value This is the first study that attempts to examine the strength of proxies in capturing related constructs. The methodology is unique to a review of past studies in financial derivatives. It supports the need for developing more rigorous models/bases for the measures being used, and this is an area that has been ignored in empirical research.

Systematic review and meta-regression analysis of technical efficiency in dairy farms

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taciana Mareth ◽  
Antonio Marcio Tavares Thomé ◽  
Fernando Luiz Cyrino Oliveira ◽  
Luiz Felipe Scavarda
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to complement and extend previous literature reviews on Technical Efficiency (TE) in dairy farms, analysing the effects of different methodologies and study-specific characteristics on Mean TE (MTE). Design/methodology/approach – The researchers independently conducted a systematic review of more than 400 abstracts and 85 full-text papers. Original keywords were applied to seven key electronic databases. Results from a meta-regression analysis of 85 published papers totalling 443 TE distributions in dairy farms worldwide are discussed. Findings – The variation in the MTE indexes reported in the literature can be explained by the methodology of estimations (method of estimation, functional form of frontier models, model dimensionality), the farms geographical location and farm size. Additionally, the results suggest that, given the state of technology prevailing in each country at the time that the studies on TE were conducted, dairy farmers in the sample could increase milk output by 20.9 per cent (level of inefficiency), on average, if they produce on their frontiers. Originality/value – This study makes two important contributions: first, it updates and compares previous works on frontier estimation of TE in dairy farms; and second, it adds two dimensions of dairy farms, size (herd and land area) and economic development, to the known differentials of TE measurement.

scholarly journals Developing high performance working through case study evidence

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
Kirsteen Grant ◽  
Gillian A. Maxwell
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Case Studies ◽  
Human Resource Interventions ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose This paper aims to theoretically proffer and empirically evidence five inter-related high performance working (HPW) groupings of value to practitioners interested in developing HPW in their organizations. Design/methodology/approach The empirical research is based on three UK-based qualitative case studies. Data are drawn from nine in-depth interviews with managers (three from each case) and three subsequent focus groups (one in each case). Focus groups comprised six, eight, and four employee (non-manager) interviewees. Findings The empirical findings validate the theoretical importance of the five identified HPW groupings. More, they imply a number of relationships within and between the five groupings, confirming the need to view the groupings collectively and dynamically. Originality/value The five HPW groupings provide a foundation for further research to closely evaluate the dynamism within and across the groupings. They also offer practical types of human resource interventions and actions for practitioners to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of HPW in their organizations.

Postponement and logistics flexibility in retailing: a multiple case study from Sweden

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 445-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Jafari ◽  
Anna Nyberg ◽  
Per Hilletofth
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Scholarly Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Material ◽  
Point Of Purchase ◽  
Multiple Case

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how postponement is applied in retailing and how such application is connected to logistics flexibility. Design/methodology/approach – An overview of the established typological classifications of postponement and logistics flexibility is presented followed by empirical results from three case studies of retailers of electronics, furniture, and grocery in Sweden. The study relies on primary qualitative data gathered on the retailers as well as secondary material on some suppliers including logistics providers for further insight. Findings – The results of the study show that retailers have different practices when it comes to postponement and speculation; however, there is a growing tendency toward postponement among retailers by exploring new means of applying postponement. The results reveal that retailers that have higher application of postponement seem to be more flexible in their logistics operations. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides direction for further empirical research of the topic, by indicating the application of postponement is not constrained to the point of purchase and could be extended by involving consumers as well as capitalizing on suppliers’ competences and capabilities. Especially, sales services, software, and upgrades could provide opportunity for further expanding the concept. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the existing literature on logistics practices of postponement and speculation, as well as logistics flexibility by focussing on retail firms in Sweden. Most of the prior scholarly work on postponement and flexibility is on the manufacturing context.

How to visualize performance measures in a manufacturing SME

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Larsson ◽  
Anna Syberfeldt ◽  
Kristina Säfsten
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Oral Presentation ◽  
Visual Communication ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the communication of performance measures and propose guidelines for the visualization of performance measures supporting continuous improvement (CI) in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal is to help manufacturing SMEs improve their communication of performance measures, thereby improving performance, and strengthening the company. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on both theoretical and empirical research. It begins with a literature review of theoretical guidelines for the visualization of performance measures. This theoretical information is then supplemented with a case study and a survey, both carried out at the Vara plant, a manufacturing SME with well-developed communication of performance measures. The case study involved all organizational levels in the company and focused on identifying strengths and weaknesses in visual communication of performance measures supporting CI. The information acquired from the literature survey and the case study was then used as the basis for a survey of the employees in one department as regards their perception, understanding and opinion of visual communication of performance measures. The analysis of the results led to the development of guidelines and a substantive proposal improving visualization of performance measures in this specific company, and in manufacturing SMEs in general. Findings A model for the visualization of performance measures supporting CI in the company was carried out. The guidelines proposed for all such visualizations are as follows: keep the visualization as simple as possible without compromising understanding, use symbols and colors consistently, use simple words and do not include too much information in the visualization. The study also shows that it is important to support a written visualization with an oral presentation to explain the results. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in its focus on the visualization of performance measures in manufacturing SMEs and the guidelines and proposals developed.

Skills utilisation in Scotland: exploring the views of managers and employees

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsteen Grant ◽  
Gillian Maxwell ◽  
Susan Ogden
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Opportunities For Promotion ◽  
Employee Focus ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore empirically manager and employee views on employees’ skills utilisation in organisations in Scotland. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires to managers and employees, plus three case studies comprising manager interviews and employee focus groups. Findings – Highly significant differences are found between manager and employee views on: the match of employee skills to their current jobs; the extent of utilisation of employees’ skills; and opportunities for promotion. The main difference in views is on the match of employee skills to their current jobs, with employees opining more than managers that employees’ skills exceed the requirements of their job. Also, for managers and employees alike, the meaning of skills utilisation is obscure despite the language of skills being widely used in organisations. Research limitations/implications – The scale of the empirical research is possibly limited. There is potential for manager and employee bias. A case study of a private sector organisation is not included. Practical implications – It is apparent that there is potential to increase employees’ skills utilisation in organisations in Scotland. Managers are challenged with better utilising the skills within their workforces by using these skills to drive improvements in work processes and practices. Originality/value – Previous commentary and research on skills utilisation mainly centres on policy and employer standpoints. This paper focuses on manager and employee viewpoints on employees’ skills utilisation.

Land tenure and agricultural investments in China: a meta-regression analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-347
Author(s):  
Jing Li
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Land Tenure ◽  
Western China ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis ◽  
Agricultural Investments ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that lead to the controversy within the existing empirical literature on the relationship between land tenure and agricultural investments in China. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts a meta-regression analysis (MRA) based on 265 samples from 29 selected studies. These studies are collected from different regions and populations; therefore, this study utilizes a random-effects meta-regression model to control between-study heterogeneity. Findings The empirical results show that the variable “land-related long-term investments” significantly affects the relationship between land tenure and agricultural investments. The variables: “ration land,” “land titling” and “land transfer rights” all have significant effects on this relationship, but at different levels. The study area (e.g. “western China,” “central/inland China,” “two regions contained”), “plot level,” “panel data,” “sample size,” “considered endogeneity” and “off-farm employment” variables all significantly influence the relationship. Additionally, the results show that the relationship is significantly affected by the survey time. Practical implications Policymakers should treat the existing research conclusions with caution and pay more attention to defining land tenure. The relationship between land tenure and agricultural investments also depends on regional resource availability. Therefore, land property rights policies should be region-specific in order to successfully encourage agricultural investments. Originality/value In this study, the author collectively examines existing empirical studies to investigate whether their inconsistent results are affected by research characteristics. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes land tenure and agricultural investments in China using MRA. Future research should refine the definition of land tenure, the selection of agricultural investment types, the research method and the method of data collection.

Family firms and financial performance: a meta-regression analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-372
Author(s):  
Maximiliano Gonzalez ◽  
Juan David Idrobo ◽  
Rodrigo Taborda
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Family ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to carry out a meta-regression analysis upon the literature that examines the relationship between family firms and financial performance. Design/Methodology/Approach Information of publication and study characteristics from 61 primary studies, comprising 726 size effects was collected. In particular, three leading factors highlighted in narrative literature reviews analyzed were: the financial performance measures, the family–firm definitions and the estimation methodologies. Findings Overall, a positive relationship between family involvement and financial performance was found. A series of results, those linked to return on assets (ROA) – earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), suggest positive publication bias from family definition and negative publication bias when OLS is used. Tobin’s Q estimates show no linkage to certain traits and aspects of the research process. Originality/value Existing literature review and meta-analysis studies show not concluding results on the family effect upon firm performance. The meta-regression analysis used in this paper allows to examine simultaneously effect size and publication bias. The latter effect is particularly salient in the approach and findings, and not present in previous studies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document