Times Of Recession Research Articles

Appraisal of CRM implementation as business strategy option in times of recession: The role of perceived value and benefits

Appraisal of CRM implementation as business strategy option in times of recession: The role of perceived value and benefits

Communicating the crisis through advertising. An analysis on the influence of proactive and defensive framings on product’s evaluation

In times of recession and economic crisis consumers tend to drop their purchases, especially in relation to durable goods. Both companies and academic research have tried to shed light on the processes that may influence consumers’ purchasing decisions in times of economic uncertainty. Furthermore, they tried to understand whether increasing or decreasing the investments in advertising could impact on these processes. The present research has the main objective of tracking the evolution of advertising communication in Italy and empirically testing if different approaches can be more or less effective to communicate the crisis. In particular, we test whether presenting a more “proactive” approach to crisis (using a claim like “OVERRUN THE CRISIS”) could be more beneficial than a “defensive” slogan (such “RUN AWAY FROM THE CRISIS”). The results confirm how consumers give higher evaluations of the product advertised through the proactive (rather than the defensive) slogan. In the concluding remarks, the authors provide suggestion to implement these findings as well as direction for potential future research.

Immigrants' Emotional Reactions during Recessionary Times in Greece

Immigrants' Emotional Reactions during Recessionary Times in Greece

Field Assessment of Basin Irrigation Performance in Hetao, Inner Mongolia

Hetao irrigation district (Hetao) is located in the upper reaches of Yellow River basin. Surface irrigation is used because there is a high charge of sediments in the irrigation water and is appropriate to leach salts. Basin irrigation is the most used irrigation method. Traditional practices are inadequate for saving water and surface irrigation modernization is needed. A better knowledge of the performance of irrigation systems is required to base that modernization. An experimental research work was developed at Dengkou Experimental Station to assess the irrigation performance in laser land leveled fields. It is located on an irrigation sector supplied in agreement with a rotational delivery scheme managed by the Water Users Association (WUA), which usually practices a total of 7 events and the autumn irrigation. The typical field length is 50 m, with a width between 10 and 50 m, with a silt loamy soil. The irrigation performance was assess from field measurements carried out in several fields, cropped with the main irrigated crops, wheat, maize and sunflower. The irrigation field evaluation was based on observations of advance and recession times, soil moisture, inflow discharges, application time, topographic survey and crop development data. In addition, infiltration curves for typical and seasonal irrigation events were developed, and the Kostiakov infiltration parameters were estimated from field observations using the inverse method with the SIRMOD model. The irrigation operative parameters and the performance indicators were obtained, concluding that the distribution uniformity is very high, between 90 and 96%, and that the cutoff time has a very sensitive effect on beneficial water use fraction. Finally, the results of this study allowed the appropriate knowledge, including the crop irrigation scheduling data, for the irrigation design models aimed at developing irrigation alternatives.

Estimation of Infiltration and Hydraulic Resistance in Furrow Irrigation, with Infiltration Dependent on Flow Depth

Abstract. Estimation of infiltration and hydraulic resistance model parameters from furrow irrigation evaluation data was investigated. A semi-physical, flow-depth dependent furrow infiltration model was used for the analysis. Macropore infiltration was modeled empirically as a constant volume of water per unit area that is absorbed instantaneously. The estimated infiltration parameters were the saturated hydraulic conductivity and the macropore constant. Hydraulic resistance was modeled with the Manning equation; thus, the estimated resistance parameter was the Manning coefficient. The estimation procedure uses volume balance calculations and unsteady flow simulation. Estimation of the flow-depth dependent infiltration parameters requires first the estimation of an empirical infiltration function, via volume balance, and of the resistance parameter, via unsteady flow simulation. Simulated flow depth hydrographs as a function of distance are then used as inputs for a second set of volume balance calculations with the semi-physical infiltration model. This procedure takes advantage of the fact that similar surface flow conditions (advance and recession times, flow depths, and runoff rate) can be predicted with different infiltration functions. The procedure was tested with two irrigation data sets, each consisting of three furrows. With both data sets, the semi-physical infiltration model fitted the measured volume balance data as well as empirical infiltration models. For each group of furrows, estimates of the hydraulic conductivity were of comparable magnitude and were consistent with published values for the particular soil texture. Likewise, estimates of the macroporosity parameter were consistent for each group of furrows. Estimates of the Manning coefficient suggest very uniform hydraulic resistance. Finally, results show that the effect of flow-depth dependent infiltration on irrigation distribution uniformity depends on soil and hydraulic conditions. For one of the data sets, distribution uniformity computed with the proposed infiltration model was only slightly different from the uniformity computed assuming that infiltration depends only on opportunity time, because of the large macropore flow contribution and the shallow flow conditions. Keywords: Distribution uniformity, Furrows, Green-Ampt, Hydraulic conductivity, Hydraulic modeling, Hydraulic resistance, Infiltration, Inverse modeling, Irrigation, Parameter estimation.

“Football is a boys’ game”: children’s perceptions about barriers for physical activity during recess time

ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to know the factors that influence boys and girls’ perceptions for performing physical activity during playground recess from their own perspective. Ninety-eight schoolchildren aged 8–11 years from five schools from Cuenca (Spain) participated in 22 focus groups and carried out 98 drawings following the socioecological model as a theoretical framework. A content analysis of the transcripts from the focus groups and drawings was carried out by three researchers. Results showed that, in spite of boys and girls identified same barriers, there were gender differences in their perceptions. Gender socialization was the key as central category and helped to understand these differences. Boys preferred play football and this sport had a monopoly on the recess space. Weather was a barrier for boys. Girls and boys, who did not play football, were relegated to peripheral areas and lack of materials was a barrier for them. Teachers were a barrier for all children who did not play football. Thus, in order to promote recess physical activity, researchers, teachers and educational policy makers should take into account gender socialization and promote inclusive non-curricular physical activity in schools.

Un Caso Real de Combate al Fracaso en la Educación Pública: Una Cuestión de Acompañamiento, Liderazgo y Cultura Organizacional

The study makes an in-depth investigation in the pedagogic model of a public secondary school that in the last 10 years has attained outstanding good results in terms of students’ learning and dropout prevention. The main research questions aimed to identify the follow-up strategies, to describe the leadership style, and the organizational culture, including the role of the families in it. The method used was a case study that involved more than 70 hours of field work, 30 interviews, document analysis (teacher’s registrations, meetings follow-ups) and observation (of the building, main interactions, meetings, recess time, support classes and tutoring activities). The chosen school showed a varied range of follow-up activities of the learning process of the students, as well as an instructional leadership that stresses the centrality of learning issues, a prompt attitude of the principal to solve administrative issues such as teacher absenteeism and an integrated school culture in which the students’ families are visible and active. This study dialogues with research on early school leaving, one of the main issues contemporary societies face, especially at the secondary school’s level, and makes an original contribution to the identification of school level follow-up strategies of the learning processes of at-risk students.

Mind the Output Gap: The Disconnect of Growth and Inflation During Recessions and Convex Phillips Curves in the Euro Area

We develop a theoretical model that features a business cycle-dependent relation between out- put, price inflation and inflation expectations, augmenting the model by Svensson (1997) with a nonlinear Phillips curve that reflects the rationale underlying the capacity constraint theory (Macklem (1997)). The theoretical model motivates our empirical assessment for the euro area, based on a regime-switching Phillips curve and a regime-switching monetary structural VAR, employing different filter-based, semi-structural model-based and Bayesian factor model-implied output gaps. The analysis confirms the presence of a pronounced convex relationship between inflation and the output gap, meaning that the coefficient in the Phillips curve on the output gap recurringly increases during times of expansion and abates during recessions. The regime switching VAR reveals the business cycle dependence of macroeconomic responses to monetary policy shocks: Expansionary monetary policy induces less pressure on inflation at times of weak as opposed to strong growth; thereby rationalizing relatively stronger expansionary policy, including unconventional volume-based policy such as the Expanded Asset Purchase Programme (EAPP) of the ECB, during times of deep recession. JEL Classification: E31, E42, E52, E58

Changes of marketing culture expression: comparison analysis in times of economic recession and recovery

In the contemporary competitive environment, companies strive to gain competitive advantage in their business. Strengthening a company’s position in the market is closely related to marketing culture. The article aims at revealing which marketing culture dimensions come into the force in hard times and how these change as hard times inch away and the economy recovers. Seeking to reveal the change tendencies of marketing culture expression in Lithuania, firstly the conception of marketing culture is presented and its elements and peculiarities examined; then the research methodology is presented together with the comparative analysis and interpretation of the findings of questionnaire surveys.

Knowledge sharing at the construction sector – facilitators and inhibitors

In modern economic society, organizations’ competitiveness relies heavily on their ability to leverage and manage knowledge rather than in physical assets, some authors refer even though the concepts of knowledge management (KM) are being well implemented in the industrial sector, the construction segment, however, appears to have some difficulties in adopting the practices and strategies offered by KM. It is known that the construction sector (CS) is experiencing a time of instability and recession, and one of the causes of this may involve the lack of adaptation to knowledge era. Therefore, this paper, based on literature review, gives an overview of inhibitor and the facilitator factors of knowledge sharing (KS) with the objective to answer two questions: which of the KS inhibitors and facilitators characterize the CS? has the CS its specifics KS inhibitors and facilitators? It’s presented a framework in order to verify the existence of exclusive factors of the sector. At this point it is possible to suggest that CS has mainly organizational factors as inhibitors and the facilitator’s factors are almost individual. The facilitating factors might be the consequence of an effective and successful KS strategy and can be seen as guidelines to improve the construction industry organizational performance.

CONTRIBUTION OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT TO THE IMPACT OF A HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT: AN IRISH CASE STUDY.

The aim of this study was to illustrate the contribution of stakeholder engagement to the impact of health technology assessment (HTA) using an Irish HTA of a national public access defibrillation (PAD) program. In response to draft legislation that proposed a PAD program, the Minister for Health requested that Health Information and Quality Authority undertake an HTA to inform the design and implementation of a national PAD program and the necessary underpinning legislation. The draft legislation outlined a program requiring widespread installation and maintenance of automatic external defibrillators in specified premises. Stakeholder engagement to optimize the impact of the HTA included one-to-one interviews with politicians, engagement with an Expert Advisory Group, public and targeted consultation, and positive media management. The HTA quantified the clinical benefits of the proposed PAD program as modest, identified that substantial costs would fall on small/medium businesses at a time of economic recession, and that none of the programs modeled were cost-effective. The Senator who proposed the Bill actively publicized the HTA process and its findings and encouraged participation in the public consultation. Participation of key stakeholders was important for the quality and acceptability of the HTA findings and advice. Media management promoted public engagement and understanding. The Bill did not progress. The HTA informed the decision not to progress with legislation for a national PAD program. Engagement was tailored to ensure that key stakeholders including politicians and the public were informed of the HTA process, the findings, and the advice, thereby maximizing acceptance. Appropriate stakeholder engagement optimizes the impact of HTA.

Food Consumption Patterns in Times of Economic Recession

The aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing consumers' purchasing behaviour for food, in times of crisis. Intercept survey was conducted in a random selected sample consisted of 553 consumers between January and May 2016 in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki. Multivariate data analysis was performed to explore the factors influencing consumers' purchasing behaviour, identify consumers with similar behaviour based on their socio-demographic characteristics and their attitudes towards food consumption in times of crisis. Results demonstrate that the factors affecting consumers' purchasing behaviour are (a) Product's Feature and Natural contents, (b) Economic issues, (c) Identity & Sensory Appeal, (d) Mood, (e) Weight Control & Health and (f) Convenience. Furthermore, cluster analysis was employed to classify consumers with similar buying behaviour towards food, five groups of consumers were identified: (a) neutrals, (b) influenced by psychological issues, (c) influenced by economic issues, (d) low diet/healthy eaters and (e) influenced by availability and easy access.

State-Dependent Risk Taking and the Transmission of Monetary Policy Shocks

Is risk taking an important channel by which monetary policy shocks affect economic activity? On the basis of a nonlinear structural VAR including a new measure of risk sensitivity by economic agents, we show that the role of the risk-taking channel depends on the state of the economy. While it is irrelevant during recession or normal times, it acts as an amplifier by boosting output during expansion. It means that, as long as monetary policy does not actively lean against the wind, it may exacerbate boom-bust patterns.

学校の休み時間における子どもの主体的身体活動の生起要因に関する検討：小学3∼6年生を対象として

学校の休み時間における子どもの主体的身体活動の生起要因に関する検討：小学3∼6年生を対象として

The efficiency of the municipal waste management model in the Italian Municipalities

The role played by Public Administration in producing local public services has been modified. This is due to the increasing of complex necessities and to the progressive evolution of the society. So nowadays the Government is responsible for providing fundamental services in the life of any individual citizen. (Spallini S. 2014) Nevertheless in a time of recession there is a lack of financial resources. To combine these two conflicting factors the PA must be efficient in producing public services. The production of public services must be rationalized by adopting more efficient management models (Rhys A., Entwiste T. 2014). The aim of this paper is to analyse the efficiency of management in the municipal waste service in Italian cities and find a connection between the levels of efficiency and the management model adopted by the city. This study uses Data Envelopment Analysis to calculate a score for efficiency and to investigate the economies of scale in reference to management models used. We find a positive relation between dimension and efficiency, as we found more efficient management models with public capital or mixed public-private than those with only private equity capital.

You Can't Get There from Here: Elderly Prisoners, Prison Downsizing, and the Insufficiency of Cost Cutting Advocacy

The prison population in the United States has peaked and begun to recede, reversing more than 30 years of growth. Mass incarceration is yielding to the imperative to reduce state budgets in recessionary times. As states turn away from the extravagant use of prison for nonviolent offenders, the percentage of the prison population serving long and life sentences for violent felonies will increase. By 2009 one in eleven prisoners were lifers. These are the prisoners growing old and dying in prison. High cost elderly prisoners who have aged out of crime should be good candidates for cost saving measures such as compassionate release, parole, and release through community corrections programs. This impression does not withstand scrutiny. Two thirds of elderly prisoners have been convicted of violent crimes; one quarter has been convicted of sexual offenses. Programs to reduce prison costs have indeed gained ground but they are designed for a very different population. The offender who is well positioned to avoid or leave prison as a result of cost savings policies is a young nonviolent offender; The majority of states have succeeded in reducing prison admissions by diverting nonviolent offenders to drug and other treatment programs and reducing prison terms for low level offenders. A threshold condition for diversion or release is low risk of violent offending. Implicitly these low risk nonviolent offenders are also promoted as criminals who can rehabilitate and reintegrate into the community. The majority of compassionate release programs either exclude prisoners who were convicted of violent crimes or require that the prisoner be incapacitated to the extent that he or she poses no threat to public safety. Yet even prisoners who meet these standards are rarely released. Arguing for cost cutting release of the fast growing legion of elderly prisoners is much less easily buttressed with soothing claims about the happy coincidence of lower costs and public safety. Even if, and it is big if, exaggerated fear of further predations were successfully addressed, the advocate of cost cutting reform cannot answer demands for retribution without venturing beyond the discourse of the “tough on crime” era. For thirty years the political class has shunned the previously commonly invoked criminal justice values of second chances -- the redemptive values of rehabilitation, reintegration, and mercy. The sickest and oldest prisoners are largely beyond second chances for productive citizenship. Whether released or incarcerated their care will be borne by the public purse. Elder care is not free. This Article focuses on the subclass of old prisoners who are beyond any prospect for productive citizenship because of age and ill health and are in need of elder care. The argument of this Article is that in order to capture the savings that release (and efficient carceral care) of elderly prisoners would bring, politicians and policy advocates will have to relearn to speak the language of humane criminal justice values, prominently mercy.

The unidirectional relationship between consumer confidence and PSI-20 returns - The influence of the economic cycle

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to determine the relationship between market sentiment and rates of return on the main Portuguese benchmark and verify whether this relationship is influenced by different economic cycles. Given the subjectivity inherent to the use of variables capturing investor sentiment, the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) was used as a benchmark. To achieve the proposed objective, an analysis of time series stationarity, Pearson correlation, and Granger causality using the autoregressive vectors model was carried out, followed by the Least Squares Method with macroeconomic variables. The results obtained suggest a one-way relationship between stock market returns and the sentiment variable. In fact, in times of recession, investor pessimism induces linear behavior and the sentiment-return relationship is more evident. This article will thus be of interest both to the academic community, in providing a basis for future investigations, and to managers and investors, with regards to the perception that the predictability of returns will be easier in periods of recession.

Porque não instituir copagamento no Sistema Único de Saúde: efeitos nocivos para o acesso a serviços e a saúde dos cidadãos

RESUMO Em tempos de recessão econômica, copagamento é medida aventada para controlar a demanda e reduzir gastos em saúde. O artigo sintetiza pesquisas sobre os efeitos do copagamento. Os resultados evidenciam efeitos deletérios importantes: redução do acesso a medidas de promoção e prevenção, piora na adesão ao tratamento, renúncia ou postergação do uso de serviços, em especial por idosos, doentes crônicos e pessoas de baixa renda, gastos administrativos adicionais, e aumento das desigualdades sociais. Os supostos resultados de eficiência não são comprovados, pelo contrário, os pacientes abdicam de serviços necessários e renunciam à atenção em tempo oportuno, elevando custos assistenciais.

Factors affecting the well-being of adolescents living with unemployed parents in times of economic recession: findings from the Portuguese HBSC study

ObjectivesUsing a national representative sample of adolescents with unemployed parents, this study examined which factors (sociodemographic and of satisfaction with family life and peers) are related to the negative effect of parents' unemployment on emotional well-being. Study designCross-sectional survey study. MethodsData on adolescents (14.1 ± 1.7 years old), with at least one parent unemployed (n = 1311, 53.2% girls), was provided by the Portuguese Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed. ResultsA high proportion of adolescents reported being emotionally affected by father's unemployment but not by their mother's. Older boys and older girls were more likely to report that their same-gender parent's unemployment situation (sons-fathers and daughters-mothers) has had a negative effect on their well-being. Girls from low socio-economic status and with poor family satisfaction were more likely to report negative emotional well-being related to parental unemployment. ConclusionsThis study presents evidence on factors that can shape adolescents' emotional well-being related to parents' unemployment situation. Given the recessionary context and high unemployment rates, these insights are valuable to assist the design of an action to improve the levels of well-being of Portuguese adolescents from unemployed families.

Kindergarten Scores, Storytelling, Executive Function, and Motivation Improved through Literacy-Rich Guided Play

This study explored the effects of literacy-rich sociodramatic guided play on kindergarten student literacy performance and behavior. Kindergarten students of varying socioeconomic status attending two elementary schools in the same school district participated in this repeated measures, counterbalanced design study. Students received the mandated grade-level literacy instruction with a supplemental 15 min block of time designated for play-based literacy integration during which the intervention took place. During this short time, students working in small groups were given materials (miniature items, toys, letter tiles) to practice initial letter sounds and consonant–vowel–consonant rhyming word families using either an assigned activity (control condition) or a student-invented game that practiced the same literacy concepts (experimental activity). Students instructed through the experimental condition scored significantly better on the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment with a medium effect size. Additional positive academic results included practice in story-composing, sequencing ideas into a complex cause and effect chain of events; application of new vocabulary; repeated practice of phonics and phonemic awareness skills to new examples; self-regulation of emotions; communication and negotiation with peers; and imagination, fantasy, humor, and creativity. Students evidenced preference for the experimental condition, continuing to repeat their games during recess or free time and to record them in their journals. Examples of student-generated literacy games are provided.