An analysis of the relationships between international diversification, product diversification, firm resources and performance

There have been numerous studies that have examined the relationships between international diversification, product diversification, firm resources, and performance. However, these studies have largely ignored the interrelationships and the causal linkages among the variables in consideration It was the purpose of this study, to overcome these limitations and to provide a better understanding of how these variables are related to each other. We have studied a sample of 211 firms for a 6-year period between 1995-2000. The results of the analyses have provided some interesting results. First, international diversification has been found to have a positive effect on innovation assets rather than the other way around. Second, the results show innovation assets lead to higher performance with a time lag. Further, there is also support that firms with little or no product diversification are more likely to benefit from international diversification. Finally, product diversification has been found to lead to lower investments in innovation assets

Decision support framework for supply chain planning with flexible demand

The most challenging issue of today’s production management is certainly to manage networked organisations under an uncertain demand so that to provide a good service to the customer at low cost. In this article, a model of the decision making parameters involved in this management process is suggested, on the base of case studies. A mixed integer linear planning model embedded in a framework simulating a rolling horizon planning process is described on the base of this analysis. The model takes into account the capabilities of reaction of the planned system and of its environment (suppliers, subcontractors and customers), as well as the corresponding costs. The suggested simulation framework may assist the decision maker for coping with an uncertain or flexible demand, using various planning strategies. Some possible applications of this simulation framework are given in order to illustrate how it can help to solve various types of practical planning problems

Optimal geographic diversification and firm performance:evidence from the U.K.

This paper examines the relationship between multinationality and firm performance. The analysis is based on a sample of over 400 UK multinationals, and encompasses both service sector and manufacturing sector multinationals. This paper confirms the non-linear relationship between performance and multinationality that is reported elsewhere in the literature, but offers further analysis of this relationship. Specifically, by correcting for endogeneity in the investment decision, and for shocks in productivity across countries, the paper demonstrates that the returns to multinationality are greater than those that have been reported elsewhere, and persist to higher degrees of international diversification

Effect of autoclave sterilisation and heat activated sodium hypochlorite irrigation on the performance of nickel-titanium rotary files against cyclic fatigue

The present study aims to assess the impact of heat-activated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and/or autoclave sterilisation on the cyclic fatigue resistance (CFR) of heat-treated nickel-titanium rotary files used in root canal treatment. The CFR of One Curve (OC) files was evaluated under the following conditions: as received (Group 1; control), immersion in NaOCl at 23 ± 1ºC (Group 2), immersion in NaOCl at 60 ± 1ºC (Group 3), autoclave sterilisation at 135 1ºC (Group 4), combined treatment of autoclave sterilisation and immersion in NaOCl at 23 ± 1ºC (Group 5), and combined treatment of autoclave sterilisation and immersion in NaOCl at 60 ± 1ºC (Group 6). A simulated root canal in a zirconia block was utilised to test the performance of the files. All the types of treatments resulted in significant reductions in fracture resistance of the OC files. Immersion of the files in NaOCl at 23ºC revealed the smallest reduction, while combined treatment of autoclaving and immersion in NaOCl at 60ºC caused the greatest reduction. Autoclave sterilisation or exposure of OC files to 2.5% NaOCl adversely affect the cyclic fatigue life and increasing solution temperature or combined treatment caused additionally significant reduction in CFR

Multinationality and performance literature: a critical review and future research agenda

The literature on the relationship between the degree of multinationality (M) and performance (P) in the context of multinational enterprises (MNEs) has attracted a large volume of research in the past 50 years. Yet, the theoretical foundations and the empirical conclusions concerning the nature of M–P relationship vary greatly, thus call for a critical review and assessment. We examine 135 articles in 39 leading scholarly journals and classic books published during the period 1960–2015. We use an inductive approach and a qualitative content analysis methodology for our comprehensive and critical review of the literature. We incorporate international business, finance, and accounting perspectives in our analysis. We review the conceptualization and measurement of M, P, the findings on M–P relationships, methodologies, and geographic focus. We identify six key inconsistencies in the existing research, which cause ambiguity in the relevant findings. We make eight recommendations for future research to address these inconsistencies. Thus, our study contributes to the central debate in this research field

Complications of varicella in healthy children in Izmir, Turkey

WOS: 000229190200012PubMed ID: 15910454Background: The purpose of the paper was to evaluate the indications of hospital admissions and complications of varicella infection in immunologically healthy children. Methods: Between 1997 and 2001, patient records of children hospitalized due to varicella infection were reviewed. Incidence and clinical spectrum of complications and their distribution related to age and seasonal variations were analyzed. Results: A total of 178 immunocompetent children were hospitalized for varicella complications during the study period. This resulted in a crude incidence of 6.3/100 000 population at risk. All hospital admissions were due to accompanying complications. The majority of complications occurred in preschool-age children with a median age of 3 years. No gender predominance was found. The most frequent complications were infectious complications, which were observed in 79 children (44%). Superinfections of the skin were present in 24 patients. Pneumonia was observed in 59 children: 49 had bacterial, 10 had viral pneumonia. Pyogenic arthritis was seen in two children and one had concomitant osteomyelitis. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were recovered from two patients with invasive bacterial infections. A total of 68 (38%) neurologic complications were observed. Cerebellar ataxia was present in 24, encephalitis was present in 17. Infectious complications occurred more frequently in younger children (median age: 2 years), whereas neurologic complications occurred at an older age (median age: 6 years). Hematologic complications were seen in nine children. There was a seasonal distribution of complications with a peak in January. Conclusion: Complications of varicella requiring hospitalization in immunocompetent children are more frequent than previously thought