Whether and How Network Structure Shapes the Value of Firm Capabilities?

This study examines how firm performance is driven jointly by individual firm-specific capabilities and the characteristics of networks in which firms are embedded. By using business groups in emerging economies as the organizational lens and adopting stochastic frontier estimation to measure firm capabilities, we find that the value of a firm�s capability is contingent upon the structure and the content of the intra-group network in which it is embedded. Specifically, we find that a dense intra-group network is likely to make innovative capability more valuable, although this effect varies across different types of network ties. While a dense network of intra-group buyer-supplier ties and equity ties enhances the value of innovative capability, a dense network of intra-group directorship ties does not influence the efficacy of a firm�s innovative capability

Business groups in Emerging Economies: Introduction to the Special Issue

The �existence, �ubiquity �and �remarkable �dynamics �of �business �groups �in � emerging �markets �has �stimulated �a �large �amount �of �research, �which �has �investigated �the � reasons �for �the �emergence �of �groups, �their �ownership �structure, �their �differentiation � and �vertical �integration �patterns, �and �their �economic �performance. �However, �there �is � still �more �limited �evidence �about �business �groups� �strategies, �i.e. �how �groups �organize � their �business �activities �and �what �makes �them �more � (or �less) �successful �than � independent �enterprises. �This �Special �Issue �collects �new �research �on �economic �groups � network �and �internationalization �strategies

Role of computed tomography in acute pancreatitis and its complications among age groups

Objective: To determine value of CT scan in diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, its complications and to correlate with severity among different age groups.Methods: The study was carried out from August 2001 to August 2002 at the Radiology Department, Aga Khan University Hospital. A total of 40 patients (33 male and 7 female) with age range from 16-71 years were divided in three groups. Group I was less than 40 years (12 patients), Group II was between 40-60 years (17 patients), and Group III was more than 60 years (11 patients). CT scans were assessed for pancreatic necrosis and its complications. CT Severity Index (CTSI) was calculated according to Balthazar\u27s method.Results: In 17 patients with mild pancreatitis, 5 had necrosis involving one-third of pancreas. In 13 patients with severe pancreatitis, 8 had necrosis involving more than half of the pancreas and 5 had necrosis involving half of the pancreas. No significant correlation was demonstrated between moderate pancreatitis and degree of necrosis. Thirty patients had complications, 8 had mild CTSI, 9 had moderate CTSI and 13 patients had severe CTSI.CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated a relationship between CTSI and severity of pancreatic damage and incidence of complications

Performance of substantial vs symbolic restructuring in emerging economies

[Extract] Corporate restructuring involves firms making changes to their portfolios and their organizational and financial structures, and is often conducted through a sequence of asset divestment, asset acquisition, asset swapping, and ownership restructuring. It is one of the most important aspects of transitional economies because the extent of the restructuring and its effect on firm performance is a fundamental determinant of economic growth (Djankov & Murrell, 2002)

Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy: results and complications

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is usually difficult in patients with malignant involvement of oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus. Flouroscopic guided insertion of Gastrostomy catheter with Gastropexy have gained acceptance because it is easy and less time consuming as well as less invasive as compare to surgical procedure. This study was done to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous placement of gastrostomy with gastropexy using imaging guidance in patients with oropharyngeal and esophageal cancers.Methods: Over five years, 105 patients were referred to our department for percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy. In five patients the procedure was not performed because of overlying viscera and high position of stomach. We performed 100 gastrostomies with gastropexy procedures using seldinger technique.Results: Success rate for percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy was 100%. No major complication had occurred. There were 11 minor complications occurred including 4 stomal infection, 3 catheter obstruction, one peritonism and three were extensive pneumoperitoneum. Stomal infection and catheter obstruction were not related to procedure. So, our true minor complications were only 4 (4%) which is comparable to literature.CONCLUSION: Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy is an effective and safe procedure for enteric access of nutrition in patients with oral, pharyngeal and esophageal cancer where percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is difficult