A two-stage unrelated randomized response model for estimating a rare sensitive attribute in probability proportional to size sampling using Poisson distribution

This paper describes the estimating procedures of mean number of entities that possess a rare sensitive attribute using the Mangat (1992) randomized device, when the population consists of some clusters and the population is again stratified with some clusters in each stratum. Unbiased estimation procedures for the mean number of individuals have been discussed and their properties are described when the parameter of a rare unrelated attribute is assumed to be known and unknown. An empirical study is carried out to show the dominance of the proposed estimator over Lee et al. (2013) estimator.     

Corporate growth,sustainability and business ethics in twenty-first century

Journal of Management and Governance -     

Estimation and prediction for Chen distribution with bathtub shape under progressive censoring

We consider estimation of the unknown parameters of Chen distribution [Chen Z. A new two-parameter lifetime distribution with bathtub shape or increasing failure rate function. Statist Probab Lett. 2000;49:155–161] with bathtub shape using progressive-censored samples. We obtain maximum likelihood estimates by making use of an expectation–maximization algorithm. Different Bayes estimates are derived under squared error and balanced squared error loss functions. It is observed that the associated posterior distribution appears in an intractable form. So we have used an approximation method to compute these estimates. A Metropolis–Hasting algorithm is also proposed and some more approximate Bayes estimates are obtained. Asymptotic confidence interval is constructed using observed Fisher information matrix. Bootstrap intervals are proposed as well. Sample generated from MH algorithm are further used in the construction of HPD intervals. Finally, we have obtained prediction intervals and estimates for future observations in one- and two-sample situations. A numerical study is conducted to compare the performance of proposed methods using simulations. Finally, we analyse real data sets for illustration purposes.     

Emergence of a ‘new public sphere’ in Bangladesh: the interactive dynamics between news television,citizens and the state

The consideration of media as the watchdog of democracy is prolific in the context of Bangladesh. The emergence of private satellite television with its potential to broadcast news enables discursive space within the contested politico-social setup. The visibility aspect, variations and liveliness of news bulletins brought by the private television channels created an appeal among the viewers signifying the mediated culture. An attempt to examine the interactive dynamic between the media, public and politics offers new ground for exploring the communication and culture. This paper examines the control and contestation of domestic private televisions by unravelling the interface with audiences and the state. It shows an enmeshed trajectory of politics and rise of television news-making culture that provides new aspects to understand the relation between media and democracy. Further, it argues for an emergence of localised public sphere by underscoring the engagement of audiences with television news. It locates the new, mediated public sphere beyond the television set, in the locations where multiple actions of viewing, interacting and interpreting enable a discursive space which is politically active and meaningful.     

An autopsy-based evaluation of deaths of homeless unknown persons (HUPs)

Background: India is a significant host to homeless unknown persons (HUPs) and subsequently to their untimely deaths due to various reasons. The autopsy-based evaluation has been always important in knowing the exact reasons behind it. Objective: To know about the epidemiological mortality profile such as magnitude, cause and manner of death, seasonality, and year-wise distribution of their untimely and unattended deaths. Materials and Methods: A retrospective autopsy-based evaluation of unnatural deaths among HUPs was done at LHMC, New Delhi for a total duration of 5 years (January 2006 to December 2010). Results: Out of 749 cases in the study group in this duration, 536 deaths have been caused due to some natural events and 213 due to some unnatural events. Among the natural deaths, the pulmonary pathology did contribute for 509 cases. Conclusion: The study population is a vulnerable segment of the society which often suffers the extreme adversity of natural and unnatural events in the form of their deaths. It is a significant host to the pulmonary infections that often spread to the other segments of the society at the point of contact. Thereby it deserves an urgent public health intervention and a policy response for the same for the well-being of HUPs and the general public at large.     

Lifecycle-consistent female labor supply with nonlinear taxes: evidence from unobserved effects panel data models with censoring,selection and endogeneity

This paper uses the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) from 1979 to 2007 to estimate within-period lifecycle-consistent labor supply elasticities of US females in a two-stage budgeting framework. The paper combines a variety of econometric approaches to estimate unobserved effects panel data models with censoring, selection and endogeneity. The paper finds evidence of substantial upward bias in estimated wage elasticities from pooled panel models which do not account for unobserved effects, as fixed effects and correlated random effects (CRE) specifications yield smaller elasticities. Estimates are also somewhat sensitive to using a lifecycle-consistent specification versus a standard static model. The lifecycle-consistent wage elasticity from a CRE model with instrumental variables is 0.56 on the extensive margin and 0.31 on the intensive margin for an overall wage elasticity of 0.87. The standard static model, on the other hand, yields a wage elasticity of 0.46 on the extensive margin and 0.13 on the intensive margin for an overall elasticity of 0.59.     

Determinants and barriers to lean implementation in food-processing SMEs – a multiple case analysis

This study explored contextual or determining factors and their impacts on lean manufacturing in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in food-processing industries. In order to get an in-depth insight into the real situation at the work floor, this study adopted a multiple-case-study research approach. The inherent characteristics of food industries, such as mandatory quality assurance requirements, low shelf life of food products, and the extremely volatile demand and supply presented barriers to lean manufacturing adoption. In addition, the challenges of ‘change’ in an SME environment are distinct from those faced by large organizations. The small size of the plant, the traditional setup, and inflexible layout make it difficult to implement lean manufacturing in food-processing SMEs. The knowledge of contextual factors influencing lean manufacturing adoption in food processing SMEs will be a contribution to current knowledge. Many studies have explored lean constructs and tools, while far fewer have explored the crucial element of actually implementing these. The study will also help practitioners to anticipate potential obstacles and take proper measures to deal with them during lean implementation.