Preparing fertile ground: How does the quality of business environments affect MSE growth?

We study how the quality of local business environments help explain growth outcomes of micro and small enterprise microfinance clients by drawing on long-term nationwide administrative data and a policy shock in Cambodia. The staggered launch of Special Economic Zones, which we link to positive shocks to the business environment on both the demand side and supply side, leads to significantly increased employment in MSEs located in these SEZs, compared to enterprises in contextually similar districts but that are unexposed to an SEZ. Key channels explaining the improved growth outcomes include expanded access to external markets for the enterprises’ goods and services, more dynamic labour environments, and improved credit terms and conditions. To broaden the relevance of our findings, we combine data from prominent empirical studies on microfinance and demonstrate how related business conditions from the enterprise growth literature help explain differences in client business outcomes found in their results. Policy implications are that a key segment of microfinance borrowers can significantly benefit from opportunities provided by local business environments and that governments and lenders can play active roles in facilitating improved outcomes for their MSEs

Social Exclusion, Ambiguity and (IR)rationality

This working paper extends the methodology of non-smooth affective portfolio theory (APT) for eliciting (IR)rational preferences of investors endowed with continuous quasilinear utility functions, where assets are portfolios of risky and ambiguous state-contingent claims. The elicitation is a solution of the affective Afriat inequalities;see technical appendix 1. Solving the smooth affective Afriat inequalities is Np-hard; see technical appendices 2, 3, and 4. The proposed extension is a methodology for the elicitation of (IR)rational preferences of individuals endowed with random continuous quasilinear utility functions defined over finite subsets of discrete social goods as a refutable model of social exclusion in the incomplete markets for social goods; see technical appendices 5 and 6. The methods of elicitation are generalized estimating equations (GEE) and alternating logistic regression (ALR); see technical appendices; 7 and 8

Management of environmental and social risks and topics in the banking sector - An empirical investigation

This paper investigates how environmental and social (E&S) risks and topics (i. e. E&S issues that are important in terms of adaptation to a changing business environment) are integrated in the banking sector. Despite banks’ key role in steering financial flows towards sustainable development, little is currently known as to whether and how banks integrate E&S aspects into their management control systems and whether this integration translates into E&S performance. Building on prior studies in the environmental management control literature, we design a conceptual model in which we link contextual factors, a proactive strategy approach, E&S management controls, and E&S performance. Following common practice in the banking sector, we differentiate between two paths of E&S management controls: risk management (value protection) and topic management (value creation). Based on survey data for a small sample of 50 European banks, we find evidence that contextual factors, reflected in the perceived power and legitimacy of clients, voluntary standard setters and NGOs, are positively related to a proactive strategy approach. This proactive strategy translates into both topic and risk management. Yet, in the next step, only topic management is positively related to the E&S performance of a bank, but not risk management

Well-being and coping of adolescents and young adults with ADHD symptoms and the role of selected protective factors

Ausgehend von einem entwicklungspsychopathologischen Ansatz wurde in der vorliegenden Arbeit der Zusammenhang zwischen ADHS-Symptomen und Wohlbefinden (im Sinne der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität) sowie Anforderungsbewältigung bei einer Stichprobe von 907 Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen (M = 17.69; SD = 1.66; 58.9 % weiblich) untersucht. Zudem wurde die mögliche Pufferwirkung von ausgewählten Schutzfaktoren (Kompetenzerleben und emotionale Unterstützung) auf das emotionale Wohlbefinden unter Berücksichtigung der ADHS-Symptomatik analysiert. Ergänzend zur quantitativen Erhebung wurden drei episodische Interviews mit von ADHS betroffenen Jugendlichen (zwei Berufsschülerinnen und ein Gymnasialschüler) geführt. Regressionsanalysen legen den Schluss nahe, dass ADHS-Symptome einen substanziellen negativen Effekt auf das Wohlbefinden sowie die Anforderungsbewältigung im Jugendalter haben. Es gibt Hinweise darauf, dass negative Konsequenzen bereits bei Jugendlichen mit subklinischer Symptomatik auftreten können. Weiter scheinen das eigene Kompetenzerleben, das Vorhandensein emotionaler Unterstützung durch nahe Bezugspersonen sowie durch Mitschülerinnen und Mitschüler den negativen Effekt der Symptome auf das emotionale Wohlbefinden teilweise zu kompensieren vermögen. Die ergänzende qualitative Untersuchung liefert u. a. Hinweise darauf, dass sich ungünstige Lern- und Arbeitsbedingungen in Schule und Betrieb hinderlich auf die Anforderungsbewältigung bei Betroffenen auswirken. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf umfassende Auswirkungen der ADHS-Symptomatik bei Betroffenen im Jugend- und jungen Erwachsenenalter hin und unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit einen Blick auf Betroffene in diesen Altersphasen zu richten.Based on a developmental psychopathological approach, the present study examined the relationship between ADHD symptoms and well-being (in terms of health-related quality of life) and coping with demands in a sample of 907 adolescents and young adults (M = 17.69; SD = 1.66; 58.9% female). In addition, the possible buffering effect of selected protective factors (perceived competence and emotional support) on emotional well-being was analyzed, taking into account ADHD symptomatology. Complementing the quantitative survey, three episodic interviews were conducted with adolescents affected by ADHD (two female students from vocational education and training [VET] schools and one male student from Baccalaureate school). Regression analyses suggest that ADHD symptoms have a substantial negative effect on well-being as well as coping with demands in adolescence. In some cases, those affected with symptoms in the subclinical range are already impaired. Furthermore, the perceived competence and the presence of emotional support from close relatives and classmates seem to partially compensate for the negative effect of symptoms on emotional well-being. The supplementary qualitative study provides indications that unfavorable learning and working conditions at school and at work have an impeding effect on the ability of those affected to cope with demands. The results point to the comprehensive effects of ADHD symptoms in adolescents and young adults and underline the need to focus on ADHD sufferers in these age groups

… To be hidden does not mean to be merely revealed – Part 1: Artistic research on hidden curriculum

This text revisits the long-term project Hidden Curriculum, initiated by Annette Krauss. The project addresses unquestioned routines, hierarchies of knowledge (part 1), and the role of the body in learning processes (part 2) from the perspective of secondary/high school education (in the research on a hidden curriculum). A deeper analysis of educational studies on the phenomenon of ‘hidden curriculum’ in relation to the feminist and critical pedagogies of bell hooks, Paulo Freire, and Jacques Rancière brings forward important insights generated through the artistic research within hidden curriculum. The aim of this text is to address academic canons, corporeality, and investigate everyday norms through revisiting the framework, results, and processes of the collaborative research into hidden curriculum with secondary high school students

Transition from low-threshold vocational education and training to work in Switzerland: factors influencing objective and subjective career success

Context: There are currently two low-threshold vocational education and training (VET) options in Switzerland for young people at risk: A two-year programme for a Federal VET certificate and a practical training programme designed for young people with special needs. In the present study, we looked at transitions from these programmes to the labour market. Possible influences on objective and subjective indicators of career success, such as social background, personal disposition, and training, were considered. Methods: Data were collected from 418 apprentices in the French- and German-speaking parts of Switzerland at three measurement points: t1, at the beginning of training; t2, upon completion of training; and t3, 10 months later. Participants responded to a written questionnaire. Findings: Ten months after completing their apprenticeships, the majority of participating young people were either employed or continuing their education. Results of the multinomial logistic and linear regressions showed a differentiated, rather than uniform, picture depending on the criteria for career success. The background factors of gender and school (9th grade) were associated with objective success after the apprenticeship ended but not with subjective career success (hypothesis 1). For the variables concerning person disposition and agency (hypothesis 2), we found two plausible associations: A positive attitude towards life helped with unemployment avoidance and a highly self-rated school performance was associated with later satisfaction. As predicted in hypothesis 3, situational factors related to the VET company and school showed a number of significant but sometimes weak associations with objective and subjective career success. Additionally, competencies and support of VET trainers related to continuance in the learned profession. Conclusions: The career development paths of young people are influenced by various background and personality factors, as well as the training situation. VET trainers should be aware of their crucial role and understand how their interventions affect apprentices’ self-perceptions and perceptions of their learned professions, which consequently influence their motivations and career aspirations. The situation at the VET school (as a learning and social place) is equally important, especially because of the aim to increase permeability for further training. Young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) are of particular concern. Even though this group is smaller in Switzerland than in most other countries, a number of problematic symptoms can be detected during apprenticeship that point to the need for the prevention of a later NEET status. (DIPF/Orig.

Coping of adolescents and young adults with ADHD symptoms in school and workplace

In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Anforderungsbewältigung von Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen mit unterschiedlich ausgeprägter ADHS-Symptomatik quantitativ und qualitativ untersucht. 907 Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene zwischen 14 und 24 Jahren aus Berufsschulen und Gymnasien in der Deutschschweiz wurden im Klassen-verband schriftlich befragt. Ergänzend dazu wurden drei episodische Interviews mit von ADHS betroffenen Jugend-lichen geführt. Die Ergebnisse legen den Schluss nahe, dass Betroffene grössere Schwierigkeiten in der schulischen und beruflichen Anforderungsbewältigung aufweisen als unauffällige Jugendliche und dass sich u.a. ungünstige Lern- und Arbeitsbedingungen in Schule und Betrieb hinderlich auf die Anforderungsbewältigung auswirken können. (DIPF/Orig.)In the present study, the ability of adolescents and young adults with varying degrees of ADHD symptoms to cope with demands was investigated with quantitative and qualitative methods. 907 adolescents and young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 years from vocational and baccalaureate schools in the German-speaking part of Switzerland were asked to fill out a questionnaire in class. In addition, three episodic interviews were conducted with adolescents affected by ADHD. The results suggest that those affected have greater difficulties in coping with academic and occupational demands than unaffected adolescents and that, among other things, unfavourable learning and working conditions at school and in the workplace can have an inhibiting effect on coping with demands. (DIPF/Orig.

Vorzeitige Lehrabbrüche in dem Bildungsgang im schweizerischen Berufsbildungssystem im Hinblick auf Eignung

This contribution examines premature interruption of training (PIT) through the lens of fit between the training and the trainees. To do so, it explores early indicators of PIT and the reasons cited by young people for training interruption. Using quantitative and qualitative approaches, 628 questionnaires were handed out, and 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted. All participants were enrolled in the 2-year apprenticeship leading to a Federal Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificate, a low-threshold training track in the Swiss VET system. The findings reveal which elements are involved in poor fit and how they may contribute to PIT. (DIPF/Orig.)Dieser Beitrag untersucht vorzeitige Lehrabbrüche im Hinblick auf Eignung von Ausbildung und Auszubildenden. Zu diesem Zweck wurden sowohl Frühindikatoren als auch die von den Jugendlichen angegebenen Gründe für den Abbruch untersucht. Unter Verwendung eines quantitativen und qualitativen Ansatzes wurden 628 Fragebögen ausgeteilt und 31 halbstandardisierte Interviews geführt. Alle Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer befanden sich in der zweijährigen Lehre zum eidgenössischen Berufsattest, einem niederschwelligen Bildungsgang im schweizerischen Berufsbildungssystem. Die Ergebnisse zeigen auf, welche Elemente von einer schlechten Eignung betroffen sind und wie diese zu einem vorzeitigen Lehrabbruch bei tragen können. (DIPF/Orig.

Cellular Uptake But Low Permeation of Human Calcitonin-Derived Cell Penetrating Peptides and Tat(47-57) Through Well-Differentiated Epithelial Models

Purpose. To investigate whether cell penetrating peptides (CPP) derived from human calcitonin (hCT) possess, in addition to cellular uptake, the capacity to deliver their cargo through epithelial barriers. Methods. Cellular uptake of hCT(9-32) and permeation of six hCT-derived peptides, namely, hCT(9-32), hCT(12-32), hCT(15-32), hCT(18-32), hCT(21-32), and a random sequence of hCT(9-32) were evaluated in fully organized confluent Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK), Calu-3, and TR146 cell culture models. For comparison, Tat(47-57) and penetratin(43-58) were investigated. The peptides were N-terminally labeled with carboxyfluorescein (CF). Uptake in the well-differentiated epithelial models was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), whereas permeation through the models was analyzed by reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC. Results. In MDCK epithelium hCT(9-32), Tat(47-57) and penetratin(43-58) demonstrated punctuated cytoplasmic distribution. In Calu-3, Tat(47-57) and penetratin(43-58) were simultaneously localized in a punctuated cytoplasmic and paracellular distribution, whereas hCT(9-32) showed strict paracellular distribution. By contrast, in TR146 cells, Tat(47-57) was located strictly paracellularily, whereas penetratin(43-58) showed a punctuated cytoplasmic pattern and hCT(9-32) both. The transepithelial permeability of all tested peptides and their cargo was lower than that of paracellular markers. Conclusions. The CPP uptake pattern depends on both the type of peptide and the cell culture model. In general, the investigated CPP have no apparent potential for systemic drug delivery across epithelia. Nevertheless, distinct patterns of cellular distribution may offer a potential for localized epithelial deliver