Macro Approach Research Articles

Direct Supply Chain from Forest to House Builder: A Japanese Business Model

We developed a direct supply chain from a forest to a house builder for environment-friendly wooden long-life housing based on the “progressive market-in” method. This business model successfully incorporates the external environmental value of the house into its market price.In this paper, we discuss the direct supply chain business model and its environmental effect in Japan, using a micro approach (for individual economic bodies) and a macro approach for the country.

Study of Magnetic Nanocomposites by NMR and Bulk Magnetization Techniques

Magnetic nanocomposites possess complex and nonuniform magnetic structure. As a result it is necessary to use different physical methods to describe their properties. In this work we have applied a combination of micro and macro approaches to understand more deeply magnetic properties of some cobalt- containing nanocomposites. Testing of magnetic structure of the samples at molecular level was done with NMR and Mossbauer techniques whereas static (SQUID) and dynamic magnetic (M2, see below) measurements - at macro level.

Consumer surplus and macro valuation of tourism projects

There cannot be a tourism industry without projects. These projects can take different forms, such as development of attractions, accommodation, entertainment, transport, new resorts, congress centre, events, ski infrastructure, etc.. They all involve considerable investment. This paper focuses on five topics. First, it focuses on the nature of investment appraisal and explores the difference between micro and macro approaches. Secondly, attention is paid to externalities in tourism. Indeed many projects belong to the general tourism infrastructure, and the benefits do not only accrue to the paymaster, who may not consider the negative effects. In other words, externalities must be taken into account. A third section deals with the identification of cost and benefit items or the cost-benefit scheme. Environmental costs are an important part of the scheme. In the same section we proceed with the quantification and valuation of cost and benefit items and the calculation of the NPV (net present value) and IRR (internal rate of return). In a fourth part we pay special attention to the valuation of the consumer surplus of non-priced tourism resources and more particularly to two methods often applied to measure the consumer surplus: 'The Travel Cost Method' and 'The Contingent Method' A fifth part of the paper is focused on CBA versus economic impact analysis. (original abstract)

The Pre-1914 Anarchist “Lone Wolf” Terrorist and Governmental Responses

After discussing the extent to which the period from 1878–1934, with its frequent incidents of anarchist assassinations and bombings, can be considered the classic age of “lone wolf” or leaderless terrorism, this article focuses on four acts of anarchist violence and police and government responses to this violence. The four cases are the 1896 bombing of a Corpus Christi procession in Barcelona, the 1901 assassination of President McKinley, a 1902 bombing in Livorno (Leghorn) Italy, and the 1912 attempted assassination of Italian King Victor Emmanuel III. Confronted by these violent acts, the authorities resorted to two basic policies that might be referred to as “micro” and “macro” approaches. The macro approach was to launch massive crackdowns, arrest hundreds if not thousands of suspects (in some cases torturing them), and pass repressive legislation limiting freedom of the press, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly in order to discover the guilty terrorists and to squelch anarchist propaganda and organized activity. The micro approach was to focus on improving the intelligence capacity of the police by modernizing and expanding it, and creating or professionalizing the protective service for government ministers and heads of state.

Higher education in emerging markets: a comparative commentary

Purpose – The purpose of this project is to examine the development and learning of higher education policy makers in emerging markets as they confront the need for sustainability and global competitiveness of their workforces. Design/methodology/approach – Comparative commentary is based on representative countries in emerging markets of similar demographics and market maturity. Findings – Policy makers can deploy scarce resources more wisely with regionally astute strategies that leverage their unique aspects in light of learning from experiences of other emerging market peers. Originality/value – This review and commentary takes a macro approach to micro policy issues through a boundary spanning comparative approach.

Worldwide Topology of the Scientific Subject Profile: A Macro Approach in the Country Level

BackgroundModels for the production of knowledge and systems of innovation and science are key elements for characterizing a country in view of its scientific thematic profile. With regard to scientific output and publication in journals of international visibility, the countries of the world may be classified into three main groups according to their thematic bias. Methodology/Principal FindingsThis paper aims to classify the countries of the world in several broad groups, described in terms of behavioural models that attempt to sum up the characteristics of their systems of knowledge and innovation. We perceive three clusters in our analysis: 1) the biomedical cluster, 2) the basic science & engineering cluster, and 3) the agricultural cluster. The countries are conceptually associated with the clusters via Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and a Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) map with all the countries is presented.Conclusions/SignificanceAs we have seen, insofar as scientific output and publication in journals of international visibility is concerned, the countries of the world may be classified into three main groups according to their thematic profile. These groups can be described in terms of behavioral models that attempt to sum up the characteristics of their systems of knowledge and innovation.

Dynamics of the population and dynamics of the memory of an alpine community on the border

The aim of this contribution is to correlate the demographic dynamics that can be observed in the Alps area, with those of management, transmission and valorisation of the local historical memory; in particular, this work focuses on the Piedmont town of Macugnaga, where an ethnographic research was conducted. Moving from the main theoretical, demographic and geographic proposals that concern the phenomena of repopulation of the alpine area, and from anthropological reflections on the subject of memory, there arose the need for a dialogue between the two perspectives and to adopt a multi-level method that would integrate the macro approach of demographic reconstructions with the “ground level” approach of ethnography. The increasing number of new inhabitants in the Alps raises the question of who could legitimately call themselves “mountain dwellers” and how these dynamics of belonging manifest themselves. One of the most significant ways in which belonging to the community is expressed, is through the participation in the management and transmission of the local historical memory. It will be shown how in this case study, the history of the community, characterised by early immigration movements, gave rise to the coexistence of different transmissible memories that concern different aspects of the local history. In addition, the current composition of the population is characterised by the simultaneous presence of people who express different and varied ways of living in the mountains.

An Optimization Approach to Selective Editing

Abstract We set out two generic principles for selective editing, namely the minimization of interactive editing resources and data quality assurance. These principles are translated into a generic optimization problem with two versions. On the one hand, if no cross-sectional information is used in the selection of units, we derive a stochastic optimization problem. On the other hand, if that information is used, we arrive at a combinatorial optimization problem. These problems are substantiated by constructing a so-called observation-prediction model, that is, a multivariate statistical model for the nonsampling measurement errors assisted by an auxiliary model to make predictions. The restrictions of these problems basically set upper bounds upon the modelled measurement errors entering the survey estimators. The bounds are chosen by subject-matter knowledge. Furthermore, we propose a selection efficiency measure to assess any selective editing technique and make a comparison between this approach and some score functions. Special attention is paid to the relationship of this approach with the editing fieldwork conditions, arising issues such as the selection versus the prioritization of units and the connection between the selective and macro editing techniques. This approach neatly links the selection and prioritization of sampling units for editing (micro approach) with considerations upon the survey estimators themselves (macro approach).

Diversity and Design: The "Twisted Road" and the Regional Turn in Holocaust History

Recent developments in Holocaust historiography highlight pervasive diversity characteristic of Nazi anti-Jewish policies. This article suggests that two conflicting interpretations of diversity have informed discussions. In one view, diversity is seen as expectable result of vast scope and scale of war. In this conception (diversity as outcome), empirical diversity by itself has little diagnostic value and little direct bearing on inference of intentionality or design. A contrasting view considers diversity itself to be a driver of policy (diversity as process). Variability thus becomes an indicator of lack of prior design. The diversity-as-process narra- tive has been fundamental in classic functionalism and in many important analyses that emphasize major causal role of conditions at periphery in development of Holocaust. A parallel debate about diversity in social action has taken place in psychology, but reached conclusions very different from those of historical analyses. Closer empirical analysis and a cross-disciplinary approach together suggest that process conceptions of diversity reflect an unrealistic view of human action—one that leads to an excessively restrictive view of design in Holocaust. The Regional Turn in Holocaust Studies In past two decades several significant shifts have occurred in Holocaust historio- graphy. Studies have moved from broad panoramic views of major events to micro- analyses focusing on diversity of developments. Classic Holocaust research adopted a top-down approach to description of events, offering a bird's-eye view, in broad brushstrokes, of forest, and an outline of major histor- ical processes and decisions at the center. Such a macro approach—designed to bring out main themes and to frame larger issues—naturally comes first, chro- nologically and conceptually, in any new field of inquiry. Just as naturally, this perspec- tive typically is followed and complemented by a micro perspective, which focuses on a more detailed and differentiated examination of specific contexts in various regions in which Holocaust unfolded. The result of this regional turn is a far richer, fuller, and more nuanced picture, at a greater level of specificity. The approach offers a differentiated view of events at a sharper resolution. The more granulated history combines textured observations and intricate accounts with greater detail and depth; it seeks to capture diversity and complexity of local conditions

The effects of health transformation program on patient–healthcare personnel communication and interaction in Turkey

The structure of the Turkish healthcare system is being reorganized under Health Transformation Program (HTP) and some serious changes in healthcare system are being carried out. Effective healthcare personnel and patient communication has a significant impact on patients’ health behaviors and health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of communication dimensions and HTP on patient and healthcare personnel communication and interaction. The survey was conducted with simple random sampling to 9,089 patients in Turkey. Exploratory factor analysis showed three dimensions of communication which are in positive and strong relationship: building relationship, process of physical examination and ending communication. Hierarchical multiple regression was performed to measure the effect of communication dimensions and HTP to patient–healthcare personnel communication and interaction. According to the first step, communication dimensions have a statistically significant effect on patient–healthcare personnel communication and interaction. Introduction of HTP to hierarchical multiple regression explained additional meaningful variance in patient–healthcare personnel communication and interaction, after controlling communication dimensions. It is revealed that, HTP has an important role on communication and interaction. This study has a macro approach and it is limited with the patients’ point of view.

A tribute to Stan Metcalfe and his contributions to evolutionary theory, Schumpeterian dynamics and innovation systems

This opening address at the Festschrift in Honor of Stanley Metcalfe examines his major contributions concerning evolutionary theory, innovation and Schumpeterian dynamics, competition and innovation systems. Metcalfe's broad intellectual framework is first presented: the use of complementary approaches (theory, appreciative analysis, empirical work and case studies); the wide range of disciplines addressed (economics, technology, sociology, business studies and political science) and the successful combinations of a micro and a macro approach, of a supply- and a demand-side view and of focus on advanced economies and on developing ones. Then the article discusses Metcalfe's contributions regarding competition and selection within an evolutionary framework; innovation systems, institutions and entrepreneurship; and public policy in an evolutionary and system view.

Determinants of GDP Fluctuations in Selected South Asian Countries

This study aims at exploring the determinants of GDP fluctuations using macro panel approach in a panel of five selected South Asian countries (SSAC) including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka over the period of 1980-2010. For this purpose, modern non-stationary panel techniques such as cross section dependence test, unit root test under cross sectional dependence, panel co-integration and Group Mean Fully Modified OLS (GM-FMOLS) estimation are applied.The results of the Group Mean FMOLS estimates show that aid dependence (AIDGDP), trade openness (OPEN), volatility in the price level (PRIVOL), reliance on agriculture (AGRGDP) and political stability (POLSTB) are the significant determinants of the GDP fluctuations. Thus, it is suggested that these determinants may be managed to reduce the volatility in GDP growth rate.

A nonlinear meso–macro approach to modelling delayed ettringite formation and concrete degradation

We show how a two-scales FE model—within a sequential approach—leads to consistently simulate the DEF macroscopic consequences: cracks pattern and opening, residual modulus decrease. The mesoscopic part of this model is adapted to heterogeneous materials and is based on two kinematics enrichments. The first one leads to a very fast meshing process along the randomly chosen set of aggregates and, the second leads to directly compute the cracks openings. Assuming DEF is driving to a progressive and homogeneous mortar expansion, we show how the macroscopic—concrete—expansion as well the cracks pattern are consistent with the experiments. For the latter we are interested in the characterization of the aggregates effect on the amplitude of DEF swelling, so that we focus on parameters such as the size and the volume fraction of granular inclusions.

Modeling health impact of global health programs implemented by Population Services International

BackgroundGlobal health implementing organizations benefit most from health impact estimation models that isolate the individual effects of distributed products and services - a feature not typically found in intervention impact models, but which allow comparisons across interventions and intervention settings. Population Services International (PSI), a social marketing organization, has developed a set of impact models covering seven health program areas, which translate product/service distribution data into impact estimates. Each model's primary output is the number of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted by an intervention within a specific country and population context. This paper aims to describe the structure and inputs for two types of DALYs averted models, considering the benefits and limitations of this methodology.MethodsPSI employs two modeling approaches for estimating health impact: a macro approach for most interventions and a micro approach for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and behavior change communication (BCC) interventions. Within each intervention country context, the macro approach determines the coverage that one product/service unit provides a population in person-years, whereas the micro approach estimates an individual's risk of infection with and without the product/service unit. The models use these estimations to generate per unit DALYs averted coefficients for each intervention. When multiplied by program output data, these coefficients predict the total number of DALYs averted by an intervention in a country.ResultsModel outputs are presented by country for two examples: Water Chlorination DALYs Averted Model, a macro model, and the HIV Condom DALYs Averted Model for heterosexual transmission, a micro model. Health impact estimates measured in DALYs averted for PSI interventions on a global level are also presented.ConclusionsThe DALYs averted models offer implementing organizations practical measurement solutions for understanding an intervention's contribution to improving health. These models calculate health impact estimates that reflect the scale and diversity of program operations and intervention settings, and that enable comparisons across health areas and countries. Challenges remain in accounting for intervention synergies, attributing impact to a single organization, and sourcing and updating model inputs. Nevertheless, these models demonstrate how DALYs averted can be viably used by the global health community as a metric for predicting intervention impact using standard program output data.

A micromechanics-based model for estimating localized failure with effects of fabric anisotropy

This paper presents a micromechanics-based approach to investigate the effects of fabric anisotropy on the behavior of localized failure in granular materials. Based on a micromechanical analysis, the origin of deviatoric stress is decomposed into two components: contact force anisotropy and fabric anisotropy. Using a micro–macro approach, the back stress is interpreted as an contribution to the change of the fabric’s principal direction. The evolution of the back stress is deduced from the stress–fabric relationship and determined with reference to the deviation of the principal directions between the rate of the reduced stress tensor and the actual reduced stress tensor. With this micro–macro framework, a mixed (isotropic–kinematic) hardening model is developed based on the classical isotropic hardening theory. A laboratory simple shear test is first analyzed to validate the proposed model and illustrate the kinematic-hardening mechanism which is usually displayed under non-proportional loading. The analysis further focuses on the anisotropic aspect of localized failure. It has been discovered that the fabric anisotropy can play an important role in the occurrence of shear banding. An increasing degree of fabric anisotropy tends to delay the initiation of the strain localization and result in higher failure strength. The effects of fabric anisotropy have also been illustrated by comparing the theoretical predictions and measured results on the shear band inclination angle, shear strain level and dilatancy at bifurcation.

FIGURATIVE THEORY BY N.ELIAS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGICAL DISCOURSE

This paper presents the figurative theory under German sociologist N.Elias - one of the first synthetic sociological theories. With the concept of "figuration" of N.Elias there was performed synthesis of micro and macro approaches in sociology, which is distinctive for present sociological discourse. The purpose of this article is to show the impact of sociology of N.Elias on modern sociological theories, to detect complex connection with other synthetic theories. The comparison of key theoretical concepts of figurative sociology and structuration theory ("figuration" and "structuration", "affects" and "unconscious", "habit" and " routinization ") supports system-influenced by the work of Elias on the formation of the initial theoretical premise by A.Giddens. However comparison of figurative and dramatic sociology shows more parallelism of theoretical constructs by N.Elias and I.Hoffmann. Both authors are working on stories of etiquette rules, rituals and ceremonies, but use different perspectives (diachronic or synchronic), the different interpretations of continuous changes (as the interaction inside and between figurations or as a chain effect or a trace of the events), focusing on the analysis of the influence changes at different levels (social structures or structures of individual experience). These comparisons make it possible to estimate theoretical potential of the basic concepts of sociology figurative, the possibility of their use of context proposed by Elias, particularly in synchronic perspective but for the social structures. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12731/2218-7405-2013-2-3

A cross-level process theory of trust development in interorganizational relationships

Most research on trust in interorganizational relationships focuses on a single level of analysis, typically the individual or organizational level, and treats trust as a fairly static phenomenon. To stimulate more cross-level research, we propose a theoretical model that explains how trust in interorganizational relationships is related across various levels of analysis. At the same time, our model emphasizes the dynamic aspect of trust by examining how trust develops throughout consecutive relationship stages. Drawing from several programs of research, we identify the mechanisms that drive the progression of trust across levels as the interorganizational relationship unfolds. Starting with the boundary spanner as the key individual at the beginning of a new collaboration, we specify how trust gradually becomes part of the fabric of organizational action. By integrating micro and macro approaches over time, the proposed model contributes to a better understanding of how trust evolves in interorganizational relationships.

A micro–macro approach of permeability evolution in rocks excavation damaged zones

Excavation damaged zone, with significant irreversible deformations and nonnegligible changes in flow and transport properties generally occurs in indurated clay around underground structures. The stress perturbation around the excavation could lead to a significant increase of the permeability physically due to diffuse and/or localized microcracks growth in the material. In the present study, we investigate microcracks-induced damage processes together with the subsequent modification in permeability. The proposed approach is based on a homogenization-based upper bound extended to the context of microcracked media in presence of initial stress. Application of this approach is done on a borehole excavation problem related to the Selfrac in situ experiments on Opalinus Clay. Although, the model fails to quantitatively account for the in situ permeability change (which may also originated from existing macrofractures), its prediction shows a significant evolution of the material permeability around the borehole. This is in qualitative agreement with available data.

The Macro-Structures and Micro-Processes of Cultural Mixing: Exploring Opportunities for Synthesis

A focus on culture – defined as shared meaning systems that stabilize action among groups of actors by anchoring interpretive and evaluative processes – is a key feature among macro organizational theories. These theories have all argued that mixing elements of multiple meaning systems is problematic because it creates ambiguity about what ‘type’ an organization is and, in doing so, may expose it to conflicting internal and external expectations for appropriate action. Despite these hazards, combining elements from different meaning systems – or cultural mixing – is a common practice, implicating both organizations and their products. In this symposium, we suggest that there may be significant potential to contribute to the study of cultural mixing by integrating insights from micro-level theories of motivation, cognition, and sensemaking with extant macro perspectives. To this end, our aim is to highlight the unique strengths of both micro and macro approaches for the study of cultural mixing as well as the value that can be realized through their integration. We see our proposed symposium as a community building initiative with the potential to catalyze new research and common cause around a theoretically challenging and empirically important phenomenon.

A mesoscopic model for coupled drape-infusion simulation of biaxial Non-Crimp Fabric

Modelling fabric draping can be performed using simplified mapping or more detailed finite element methods that allow greater accuracy and features such as tooling, blankholders and friction to be included. The materials laws, however, invariably treat the fabric as a homogenized continuum in which stretch, shear and bending stiffness are calibrated against coupon fabric tests. Certain fabrics such as stitched Non-Crimp Fabrics (NCFs) are particularly difficult to characterize using this macro approach since important deformation mechanisms occur at the tow and stitch (meso) level. Consequently, a meso-scale modelling methodology for drape of NCF is presented that allows individual tow and stitch deformations and their interaction. The approach uses deliberately coarse modelling so that structural scale problems may be tackled. A further aim is subsequent coupling of results to a meso-scale resin infusion simulation of the draped fabric. Experimental testing at the tow and fabric levels provides necessary fabric deformation and permeability data to calibrate the models. One aim of the work is to develop a methodology for coupled drape and infusion simulation at the meso-scale. It is recognized some aspects still require improvement; never-the-less the studies presented and a final validation study for draping of a hemisphere and coupled infusion simulation have provided encouraging results compared to test measurements.