• Asian Journal of Business Environment
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.31-38
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• 2021

Purpose: This paper uses the resource-dependency theory to present the case of the Pakistan sugar industry to highlight how the industry uses a strategic alliance to gain a powerful bargaining position over its critical dependencies. The case of the Pakistan sugar industry is well-known and it is common knowledge that the alliance or the cartel within it is responsible for frequent price hikes and sugar supply shortages in the country. Research design, data and methodology: We use a case study, qualitative document analysis design to trace how the alliance overcomes its various dependencies, and in doing so, how does it harm various stakeholder interests. Results: This paper finds that the sugar industry alliance maintains its bargaining power by manipulating sugar supply through horizontal alliances, political affiliations, underselling and under-reporting sugar stocks, purchasing sugarcane from the black market, and by gaining billions of rupees in export subsidies by hoarding stock and using its political connections. Conclusion: The paper concludes by providing a summary of the measures which the government has taken to curb this anticompetitive conduct; the most important of which is the removal of protectionist measures for sugar trade and allowing market forces to control the demand and supply of sugar in the local market.

• Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.14-30
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• 2021

Data innovation is at the core of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While the catastrophic COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the societal shift toward a data-driven society, the direction of overall data regulation remains unclear and data policy experts have yet to reach a consensus. This study identifies and examines the ideal regulator models of data-policy experts and suggests an appropriate method for developing policy in the data economy. To identify different typologies of data regulation, this study used Q methodology with 42 data policy experts, including public officers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and professors, and additional focus group interviews (FGIs) with six data policy experts. Using a Q survey, this study discerns four types of data policy regulators: proactive activists, neutral conservatives, pro-protection idealists, and pro-protection pragmatists. Based on the results of the analysis and FGIs, this study suggests three practical policy implications for framing a nation's data policy. It also discusses possibilities for exploring diverse methods of data industry regulation, underscoring the value of identifying regulatory issues in the data industry from a social science perspective.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.875-883
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• 2021

In view of integration and development, compliance with regulations on information disclosure has important implications for users. Corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) is an increasing concern of the community and society. CSRD always poses many challenges for the profitability of banks. The article uses the ordinary least square method to examine this relationship and employs timeseries data of five years from 18 Vietnamese listed banks from 2015 to 2019. The analysis is informed by Jensen and Meckling's Agency theory, Freeman's Stakeholder theory, and Dowling and Pfeffer's Legitimacy theory. The study results show that, with the CSRD dependent variable, return on assets (ROA) and net interest margin (NIM) have an opposite influence, but return on equity (ROE) has no effect on CSRD, while on the profitability dependent variable, CSRD has a different influence from ROA, ROE, and NIM. To enhance the relationship between CSRD and profitability, Vietnamese listed banks need to comply with CSRD as well as demonstrate responsibility to the community and society. Managers need to have clear development policies and strategies to ensure both profitability and responsibility regarding social and community activities. The State Securities Commission of Vietnam should enforce strict sanctions, conduct inspection, and complete evaluation criteria for Vietnamese listed banks.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.109-120
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• 2022

Purpose: While regurgitation is a common and often benign phenomenon in infants and younger children, it can also be a presenting symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If untreated, GERD can lead to dangerous or lifelong complications. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been published to inform clinical diagnosis and management of pediatric GERD, but to date there has been no comprehensive review of guideline quality or methodological rigor. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed, and a total of eight CPGs pertaining to pediatric GERD were identified. These CPGs were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation instrument. Results: Three CPGs were found to be "high" quality, with 5 of 6 domains scoring >60%, one "average" quality, with 4 of 6 domains meeting that threshold, and the remaining four "low" quality. Conclusion: Areas of strength among the CPGs included "Scope and Purpose" and "Clarity and Presentation," as they tended to be well-written and easily understood. Areas in need of improvement were "Stakeholder Involvement," "Rigor of Development," and "Applicability," suggesting these CPGs may not be appropriate for all patients or providers. This analysis found that while strong CPGs pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric GERD exist, many published guidelines lack methodological rigor and broad applicability.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.165-173
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• 2023

When addressing rural housing issues, it is crucial to consider various aspects and adopt a tailored approach that takes into account the local characteristics and specific needs. Providing guidelines for different stakeholders, whether residents themselves or experts involved in decision-making, is essential for effective management and improvements. In this study, an in-depth analysis of the housing situation in the target area where the rural housing improvement project was implemented was conducted. This involved engaging with residents from three villages through in-depth interviews to gain insights into their perspectives and needs. As a result, a set of housing improvement guidelines were developed, which are specific to each stakeholder group and are tailored to address the criteria of safety, aesthetics, and living environment. These guidelines facilitate informed decision-making by residents and experts alike, ensuring that improvements align with the unique circumstances of each situation, promoting a more holistic and effective approach to addressing rural housing challenges.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.25-36
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• 2024

Purpose: The study attempts to explore the operational performance of the existing Malaysian logistics companies and the extent of their adoption of digitalization. The role of digitalization in enhancing the performance of companies in the logistics industry in Malaysia, for value creation, is the topic of study. Research design, data and methodology: A qualitative research method with a semi-structured interview approach was applied and judgmental sampling was used as the sampling technique to collect data. The research has chosen nine companies in the logistics industry in Peninsular Malaysia, with the interviews aimed at eleven members of top and middle-level management. Data analysis was performed using logical system techniques to examine and evaluate data, reorganizing feedback, comparing it with literature, and transforming it into structured, valuable information after interviews. Results: The study revealed mixed opinions on digitalization in logistics, despite its potential benefits such as improved operational efficiency, real-time information, and customer service. However, high costs may hinder financial performance and require revisions due to stakeholder involvement. Conclusions: The Malaysian logistics industry's adoption of digitalization is gaining traction, with most companies satisfied with their status. However, challenges like cost and inefficiency persist, prompting calls for government support to improve efficiency and reduce costs while ensuring sustainable transportation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Systems Engineering
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.74-91
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• 2023

This study provides an in-depth comparison and analysis of various risk assessment models widely used in modern industries, and proposes the most suitable model for risk assessment of offshore wind power in Korea. The assessment models were selected by considering various factors such as the purpose of risk assessment, stakeholder requirements, and characteristics of offshore wind power. We also emphasized the importance of using different risk assessment models in combination in situations of high uncertainty. To systematize the combination of risk assessment models, we used systems engineering which is effective to develop a new system. Systems engineering was used to define the complete, traceable functions from site requirements, and model-based systems engineering was used to manage the design information from requirements to detailed functions in a single model. The developed risk assessment module provide automatic conversion between risk assessment models to enable risk assessment suitable for offshore wind power. The functionality and usability of the offshore wind risk assessment module were verified by the evaluation of three wind power experts.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.44-53
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• 2024

In addition to being used for ascending and descending to work locations, portable ladders are widely used as a substitute for work platforms when working at heights in homes and industrial sites. However, accidents continue to occur in industrial sites owing to structural instabilities of ladders and the negligence of safety measures by users. To prevent accidents involving workers using portable ladders, it is important to encourage workers to use them correctly through laws and regulations; however, establishing effective preventive measures that go beyond regulations can increase acceptance in industrial sites and maximize the effect of reducing industrial accidents. Therefore, this study conducts a fact-finding survey and portable safety ladder product analysis and collects stakeholder opinions to develop a Korean-style safety ladder that can replace step ladders with a high risk of accidents.

• Journal of Information Technology Services
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.39-54
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• 2024

This study explores the barriers to using health and medical data in research and development (R&D) within the healthcare industry and suggests ways to enhance data utilization. As artificial intelligence technology drives transformative changes across industries, there is an increased demand for robust health and medical data, highlighting its critical economic value and utility in fostering innovation. Using qualitative analysis through Grounded Theory, the study involves ten R&D professionals from healthcare industry, including both medical centers and corporations, using surveys and in-depth interviews to gather diverse experiences and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in health and medical data use. Key findings point to legislative, regulatory, and data quality and integration issues, as well as complexities in patient data access and usage. Technological limitations and inadequate data governance frameworks also emerge as significant obstacles. Recommendations focus on improving regulatory frameworks, enhancing data standardization and quality, and fostering stronger partnerships between data custodians and users. The study concludes that overcoming these obstacles requires a comprehensive strategy involving legislative changes, improved technological infrastructure, and increased stakeholder collaboration. Implementing these recommendations could greatly enhance health and medical data utilization in R&D, significantly advancing medical science and patient care services.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute Of Construction Engineering and Management
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• 2006.11a
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• pp.58-63
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• 2006

In the recent years, the government pay more interested in BTL projects, this led to rapid growth of BTL projects. But the project stakeholder has encountered with some problems during initial phase. As a result, a distinct need has emerged for analysis of risk factors for BTL projects. Based on real cases, this study resulted in risk factors influencing every phases and grouped risk factors into each phase. In addition, this study also perform sensitivity analysis in order to know how risk factors affect to BTL projects. Moreover, the result of this study can be used as a tools for anyone who study or encounter the same problems in the future. The paper can be used as standards for risk assignment that occur between competent authorities and private enterprises.