Dưới đây là một số bài báo khoa học công bố công trình nghiên cứu về các vấn đề liên quan tới phát triển tại Việt Nam bằng tiếng Anh. Tài liệu do Ngân hàng thế giới tổng hợp.
**Agriculture and rural development
Valuation of Non-Marketed Agricultural Ecosystem Services, and Food Security in Southeast Asia.
Valuation of Non-Marketed Agricultural Ecosystem Services, and Food Security in Southeast Asia.
Ryohei Kada. in: Sustainable Living with Environmental Risks, Springer Japan, 2014, pp. 111-121.Abstract: Food security, closely linked with environmental issues, has become one of the most important issues in the twenty-first century. In recent decades especially, ecological degradation has been spreading, and is negatively affecting food supply and food safety conditions in many Southeast Asian countries. Such degradation can include sedimentation, reduced water quality, and frequent flood occurrence, many of which are enhanced by climate change impacts. Based on an international research project conducted by RIHN (Research Institute for Humanity and Nature) in collaboration with Yokohama National University and the University of the Philippines, we discuss the recent changes in food risks and the factors contributing to expansion of such risks in Southeast Asia. Our study demonstrates that non-marketed ecosystem services from sustainable agricultural land use can provide significant economic value, and developing a mechanism to pay for ecosystem services is crucial in enhancing sustainable agricultural development. [Kada-2014.pdf]. Free full text http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-
4-431-54804-1_10. Can Smallholders Engage in Tree Plantations? An Entitlements Analysis from Vietnam.
Can Smallholders Engage in Tree Plantations? An Entitlements Analysis from Vietnam.
Thomas Sikor and Jacopo Alessandro Baggio. World Development, 2014.Abstract: Tree plantations have expanded rapidly at the global scale. This paper examines the possibilities for smallholders to engage in plantations as a potential means for poverty alleviation. The paper analyzes the possibilities through an empirical study of household tree growing in rural Vietnam, with a focus on differences in the capacities of households to gain land endowments and translate endowments into tree entitlements. Employing Heckman regression models and qualitative institutional analyses, the paper finds that better-off households are more likely to possess forestland, grow trees, and invest in plantations than poor ones. In addition, land, plantations, and investment tend to be larger for the better-off than the poor. Better-off households are in a better position to engage in tree plantations due to, among other factors, the institutional mechanisms differentiating household access to land and finance. [sci-dir].
Tenure and Forest Income: Observations from a Global Study on Forests and Poverty.
Tenure and Forest Income: Observations from a Global Study on Forests and Poverty.
Pamela Jagger, Martin K. Luckert and others. World Development, 2014.Abstract: We explore the relationship between tenure and forest income in 271 villages throughout the tropics. We find that state-owned forests generate more forest income than private and community-owned forests both per household and per hectare. We explore whether forest income varies according to the extent of rule enforcement, and congruence (i.e., overlap of user rights between owners and users). We find negative associations between enforcement and smallholder forest income for state-owned and community forests, and positive associations for privately owned forests. Where user rights are limited to formal owners we find negative associations for state-owned forests. Overlapping user rights are positively associated with forest income for community forests. Our findings suggest that policy reforms emphasizing enforcement and reducing overlapping claims to forest resources should consider possible negative implications for smallholder forest income. [sci-dir].
**Financial sector
Comparing Parametric and Non-parametric Early Warning Systems for Currency Crises in Emerging Market Economies.
Comparing Parametric and Non-parametric Early Warning Systems for Currency Crises in Emerging Market Economies.
Fabio Comelli. Review of International Economics, 2014.Abstract: This paper compares in-sample and out-of-sample performances of parametric and non-parametric early warning systems (EWS) for currency crises in emerging economies. The parametric EWS achieves superior out-of-sample results compared with the non-parametric EWS. The policymaker faces a trade-off when using EWS: greater cautiousness allows the policymaker to correctly call more crisis episodes, but this comes at the cost of issuing more false alarms. The benefit of correctly calling more currency crises needs to be traded off against the cost of issuing more false alarms and of implementing corrective policies prematurely. [wiley].
Integration of the ASEAN Banking Sector.
Integration of the ASEAN Banking Sector.
Takashi Yamanaka. Institute for International Monetary Affairs (IIMA), 2013, volume 1.Abstract: —
ASEAN has set it as its aim to create an economic community by 2015. To achieve it, the integration of financial sector is indispensable, especially that of banking sector which constitutes the basis for the real economy. –
The stage of development of a banking sector is widely varying in the ASEAN member states. Further, although soundness of the banks has much improved after the Asian currency crisis, their efficiency has been low with their international competitiveness remaining weak because of their small size. –
The integration of banking sectors in ASEAN will contribute to an enlargement of bank size through expansion of their customer base. It is also expected to promote lowering of price for bank services, thus helping to foster an “inclusive growth” in the region. –
Taking into consideration the differing stages of development of their financial sectors, the ASEAN authorities have allowed the member states to take different approach to the integration in terms of their time spans and procedures. This means that their aim is not a complete integration such as seen in the EU but rather a semi-integration to be completed in a framework that extends up to 2020. Even at that time, many rules and regulations will be kept in the hand of national supervisors, although more and more ASEAN banks will be doing business intra-regionally across the ASEAN countries. –
The move for the financial integration has been rather slow on the side of the authorities, but on an individual bank level, preparation has started in the banks in anticipation of the future creation of an economic community and the integration of banking sectors. Banks in Malaysia and Singapore are most active in going outward, while those in Thailand focusing on Greater Mekong Sub-region. On the other hand, banks in Indonesia and Philippines defensively attach their importance on strengthening their domestic networks. –
To integrate ASEAN banking sectors which widely differ in their development phase is a long-lasting difficult task. Even the target of semi-integration set for 2020 has been faceing with many challenges and problems including i) need to accelerate the integration, ii) overcoming the difference in their development stages, iii) dealing with the risks that will accompany the integration, and iv) strengthening of regional cooperation. Free full text http://www.iima.or.jp/Docs/
newsletter/2014/NL2014No_1_e. pdf. The microfinance sector in Vietnam: An overview of its present state and future prospects.
The microfinance sector in Vietnam: An overview of its present state and future prospects.
Raquel Marbán-Flores. Local Economy, 2014.Abstract: The microfinance sector in Vietnam is appealing for study, due both to the type of institutions operating in it and its impressive growth rates. This article aims to explain the current situation of the sector as well as to point out the main obstacles that could slow down this growth. This is firstly done through an analysis of available published data. Given that these data provide a limited perspective of the actual situation, comprehensive field work was carried out based on surveys and in some cases direct interviews with the different agents operating in the Vietnamese microfinance sector. Special consideration was given to indicators associated with the possible introduction of innovations enabled by Information and Communications Technologies.
**Economic development
Budget deficit, money growth and inflation: Empirical evidence from Vietnam.
Budget deficit, money growth and inflation: Empirical evidence from Vietnam.
Hoang Van Khieu. MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich Germany, 2014.Abstract: This study empirically examines the nexus among budget deficit, money supply and inflation by using a monthly data set from January 1995 to December 2012 and a SVAR model with five endogenous variables, inflation, money growth, budget deficit growth, real GDP growth and interest rate. Since real GDP and budget deficit are unavailable on the monthly basis, we interpolate those series using Chow and Lin’s (1971) annualized approach from their annual series. Overall, we found that money growth has positive effects on inflation while budget deficit growth has no impact on money growth and therefore inflation. In addition, budget deficit is autonomous from shocks to other variables. The estimation results also reveal that the State Bank of Vietnam implemented tightening monetary policy in response to positive shocks to inflation by reducing money growth but the response was relatively slow because it took three months for the monetary authority to fully react to such shocks. Finally, interest rate was not an effective instrument for fighting inflation but it was significantly and positively influenced by inflation. Free full text http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.
de/54488/. De-industrialisation, comparative economic performance and FDI inflows in emerging economies.
De-industrialisation, comparative economic performance and FDI inflows in emerging economies.
Alina Kudina and Christos Pitelis. International Business Review, 2014.Abstract: We address calls to incorporate comparative political economy considerations into IB scholarship. In particular, we conceptualise and test empirically the hitherto unexplored relationship between de-industrialisation and relative performance of groups of countries, and FDI inflows in emerging economies. Using a panel dataset over the period 1996–2004 and employing conceptual and methodological innovations (not least the use of comparative independent variables), we find support for the ideas that relative de-industrialisation of developed economies will increase FDI inflows into emerging economies, while the relative under-performance of developed countries will reduce it. We also find that divergence in business cycles-de-coupling between the two groups of countries fosters FDI inflows in emerging economies. These help explain and predict recent changes in the global business landscape and inform public policy and managerial practice. [sci-dir].
Analysis of resource efficiency: A production frontier approach.
Analysis of resource efficiency: A production frontier approach.
Hoang Viet Ngu. Journal of Environmental Management, 2014, volume 137, pp. 128-136.Abstract: This article integrates the material/energy flow analysis into a production frontier framework to quantify resource efficiency (RE). The emergy content of natural resources instead of their mass content is used to construct aggregate inputs. Using the production frontier approach, aggregate inputs will be optimised relative to given output quantities to derive RE measures. This framework is superior to existing RE indicators currently used in the literature. Using the exergy/emergy content in constructing aggregate material or energy flows overcomes a criticism that mass content cannot be used to capture different quality of differing types of resources. Derived RE measures are both ‘qualitative’ and ‘quantitative’, whereas existing RE indicators are only qualitative. An empirical examination into the RE of 116 economies was undertaken to illustrate the practical applicability of the new framework. The results showed that economies, on average, could reduce the consumption of resources by more than 30% without any reduction in per capita gross domestic product (GDP). This calculation occurred after adjustments for differences in the purchasing power of national currencies. The existence of high variations in RE across economies was found to be positively correlated with participation of people in labour force, population density, urbanisation, and GDP growth over the past five years. The results also showed that economies of a higher income group achieved higher RE, and those economies that are more dependent on imports and primary industries would have lower RE performance. [sci-dir].
ASEAN and Its Problematic Treaty-Making Practice: Can International Organizations Conclude Treaties “on Behalf of” Their M…
ASEAN and Its Problematic Treaty-Making Practice: Can International Organizations Conclude Treaties “on Behalf of” Their Member States?
Zhida CHEN. Asian Journal of International Law, 2014, pp. 1-29.Abstract: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has, on various occasions, concluded treaties on behalf of its Member States. This raises some interesting questions: is ASEAN entitled to enter into treaties on behalf of its Member States; and if so, what should be the status of ASEAN and its Member States vis-à-vis the other party to the treaty? The issue is not one of whether the ASEAN Member States have consented to such a practice—it must be assumed that they have. Instead, the real issue is whether such treaty-making practice can and should be valid under international law, even if the Member States have consented for ASEAN to conclude these treaties on their behalf. This paper will argue that, under international law, ASEAN is entitled to conclude treaties on behalf of its Member States. [Cambridge Journal].
Exogenous Shocks and Growth Crises in Low-Income Countries: A Vulnerability Index.
Exogenous Shocks and Growth Crises in Low-Income Countries: A Vulnerability Index.
Era Dabla-Norris and Yasemin Bal Gündüz. World Development, 2014, volume 59, pp. 360-378.Abstract: This paper develops a new index which provides early warning signals of a growth crisis in the event of large external shocks in low-income countries (LICs). Multivariate regression analysis and a univariate signaling approach are used to map information from a parsimonious set of underlying policy, structural, and institutional indicators into a composite vulnerability index. Both the in-sample and out-of-sample predictive power of the index are high. In particular, it explains well the growth crises observed in LICs during the global financial crisis. [sci-dir]. Free full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/
science/article/pii/ S0305750X14000461. Games to Create Awareness and Design Policies for Transboundary Cooperation in River Basins: Lessons from the Shariva Game o…
Games to Create Awareness and Design Policies for Transboundary Cooperation in River Basins: Lessons from the Shariva Game of the Mekong River Commission.
W. Douven, M. L. Mul and others. Water Resources Management, 2014, pp. 1-17.Abstract: International river basins cover a vast majority of the land surface, international cooperation is therefore important for the proper management, and to assure equitable and effective use in the basins. Key elements to improve international cooperation are common understanding of the issues in the basin, understanding upstream-downstream impacts and sharing a common vision for the future. This article focuses on the role of games in international basin cooperation to create awareness and to support policy development. The paper analysed the effects of the game in creating awareness and upgrading knowledge amongst water and related professionals and in designing procedures for cooperation in transboundary river basins. This was analysed during the implementation of the game with 28 participants from the four Lower Mekong countries. The impact on creating awareness and upgrading knowledge was evaluated through the use of questionnaires and pre- and post evaluation questions and for the design of policies, a SWOT analysis was used to evaluate the usefulness of the policies and frameworks as well as to identify possible improvements to the framework. The game implementation proved to be an appropriate tool to provide a practical way for stakeholders to become acquainted with the administrative and technical tools available in the Lower Mekong Basin. Pre- and post test shows that participants gained substantial knowledge on transboundary cooperation and use of tools. The game was part of a longer training programme addressing all the issues, however, the participants gained additional knowledge and insight by playing the game, well above what they had learned during the earlier training workshops. Playing the game proved an important aspect in training and education of such complex systems. The study also shows the role games can play in policy analysis, in particular the way the game provided insight in the design of the policy and the development of procedures, and their function to review and update policies and procedures. A number of recommendations have been made to strengthen the role in both training and education as well as in design of procedures. [springer].
Re-Regulation in the Post-WTO Period? A Case Study of Vietnam’s Food Retailing Sector.
Re-Regulation in the Post-WTO Period? A Case Study of Vietnam’s Food Retailing Sector.
Hai T. H. Nguyen, Geoff Deverteuil and others. Growth and Change, 2014.Abstract: Academic interest on domestic regulatory (and re-regulatory) impacts of retail foreign direct investment remains surprisingly under-researched, despite high-profile campaigns, particularly in Southeast Asia, to rein in the expansion of retail transnational corporations. This paper focuses on the trends of re-regulation of foreign retailers, particularly in the food sector, in Vietnam before and after the accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007. The findings reveal a complex layering of regulation, some of it a holdover from the pre-2007 period and some of it occurring since WTO accession, in the form of the controversial Economic Needs Test. [wiley].
Relationship among Economic Growth, Internet Usage and Publication Productivity: Comparison among ASEAN and World’s Best Co…
Relationship among Economic Growth, Internet Usage and Publication Productivity: Comparison among ASEAN and World’s Best Countries.
Hossein Gholizadeh, Hadi Salehi and others. Modern Applied Science, 2014, volume 8, number 2.Abstract: Publication productivity, as measured by the number of papers, has been regarded as one of the main indicators of reputation of countries and institutions. Nevertheless, the relationship among research publications, economic growth and World Wide Web in ASEAN countries is still unclear. The main intention of this study was to identify publication productivity among ASEAN and the world’s top ten countries in the last 16 years (1996-2011). This study also aimed at finding the relationship among publication, gross domestic product (GDP) and internet usage. Furthermore, the publication trend in the 10 first Malaysian universities was evaluated for the same periods. Scopus database was used to find the overall documents, overall citations, citations per document and international collaboration from 1996 to 2011 for each country. The World Bank database (World Data Bank) was used to collect the data for GDP and the number of internet users. Moreover, to evaluate 10 top Malaysian universities, the number of published articles, conferences, reviews, and letters for the same periods was collected. The results of this study showed significant differences among ASEAN and top 10 countries regarding publication productivity. Moreover, a positive and significant relationship was observed between indices, GDP and internet usage for these countries. Surprisingly, international collaboration had a significant and negative relationship with economic growth. Malaysia had fewer citations per document (7.64) and international collaboration (36.9%) among ASEAN countries. In conclusion, international collaboration between academic institutes and researchers is influenced by economic growth and access to internet in the countries. Furthermore, publication trends in ASEAN countries are promising. However, policy makers and science managers should try to find different ways to increase the quality of the research publication and to raise citation per document. [Gholizadeh-etal-2014.pdf].
Estimating Vietnam’s income mobility in 2004 – 2008: a test – retest correlation approach.
Estimating Vietnam’s income mobility in 2004 – 2008: a test – retest correlation approach.
Paul Glewwe and Khoa Vu. Tạp chí phát triển KH&CN, 2013, volume 16, number 1.Abstract: The economic growth of Vietnam in the 1990s has been a popular topic among the economists because there are many aspects of it are subjected to development studies. This paper attempts to explore one of these aspects, the income mobility of the economy, during the period 2004-2008 by estimating expenditure mobility, using Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey (VHLSS) data. This is done by applying a methodology that Heise (1969) developed in his work on test-retest correlations, to reduce the classical upward bias due to measurement errors. We estimate the mobility to be 0.035 to 0.092 which indicate a low mobility in Vietnam. This estimation allows us to draw out some implications about income inequality in Vietnam. [Glewwe&Khoa-2013.pdf]. Free full texthttp://www.vjol.info/index.
php/JSTD/article/viewFile/ 15352/13785. **Education and training
Changing pedagogies: Vietnamese case from international perspectives.
Changing pedagogies: Vietnamese case from international perspectives.
Duong Thi Hong Hieu. Ho Chi Minh City University of Science – Journal of Science, 2013.Abstract: From exploring learning theories, this article analyses and evaluates the orientation presented in Vietnamese MOET (Ministry of Education and Training) guideline documents for the nearest high school curricula and textbooks reforming. From that, the article presents some conclusions about the missing aspects which can affect the way teachers interpret and use the new approach in their teaching practice. [Hieu-2014.pdf]. Free full text http://www.vjol.info/index.
php/sphcm/article/viewFile/ 15281/13717. **Environment
An integrated food web model to test the impact of fisheries management scenarios on the coastal ecosystem of Vietnam.
An integrated food web model to test the impact of fisheries management scenarios on the coastal ecosystem of Vietnam.
Pham Viet Anh, Frederik De Laender and others. Ocean & Coastal Management, 2014, volume 92, pp. 74-86.Abstract: We developed a model for the coastal marine ecosystem of Vietnam to evaluate interactions between fisheries and the food web, using fisheries data from 2000 to 2005. Comparing the maximum trophic level of fish estimated by the model (4.195) and the mean trophic level of the catch (3.712) indicates that fisheries have been harvesting high trophic level species. Using the model, we found that maintaining the fishing effort at the 2000–2005 level puts the coastal marine resources at risk as the biomasses of ten out of twelve stocks decline by 5–20% in a 15 years period. A 20% fishing effort reduction of fish and shrimp trawling or gillnet and purse seine fishing still resulted in 10% biomass reductions of several key functional groups. Reducing fishing effort for all fisheries by 10% increased the biomass of almost all groups in the ecosystem up to 14% (large demersal fish). Meeting social and economic, but not ecological constraints required an increase from 4 to 8.5-fold in fishing effort and resulted in the collapses of sea turtle, tuna, small pelagic fish and cephalopods. When only meeting ecological constraints, fishing efforts reduced for four out of the eight fisheries, e.g. a 95% reduction was recommended for the gillnet fishery. A trade-off scenario indicated that achieving economic, social and ecological goals was possible by four-fold increase of traditional small-scale fisheries (e.g. handline), combined with 20–65% reductions of fish trawl and purse seine fisheries. [sci-dir].
Mechanism of Social Vulnerability to Industrial Pollution in Peri-Urban Danang City, Vietnam.
Mechanism of Social Vulnerability to Industrial Pollution in Peri-Urban Danang City, Vietnam.
Pham Thi Bich Ngoc. International Journal of Environmental Science & Development, 2014, volume 5, number 1, pp. 37-44.Abstract: Industrial development has been defined as the key development paradigm in Vietnam which brings to the country both opportunity and challenge. Although economic growth has been introduced to Danang city since the Hoa Khanh Industrial Zone (HKIZ) was set up, local communities around the HKIZ, such as Hong Phuoc village – the study sites have become more vulnerable due to the industrialization process. In the research, observations, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect primary data. The study founds that the community is vulnerable because the HKIZ has made them lack access to local resources, such as livable space, land resources, job and diversity sources of income. The community health is at risk while they lack access to the better healthcare systems. Therefore, the development of industrial activities has given little priority to the maintenance of local livelihoods. [ebsco].
Small-scale household biogas digesters: An option for global warming mitigation or a potential climate bomb?
Small-scale household biogas digesters: An option for global warming mitigation or a potential climate bomb?
Sander Bruun, Lars Stoumann Jensen and others. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2014, volume 33, pp. 736-741.Abstract: There are a number of advantages to small-scale biogas production on farms, including savings on firewood or fossil fuels and reductions in odour and greenhouse gas emissions. For these reasons, governments and development aid agencies have supported the installation of biogas digesters. However, biogas digesters are often poorly managed and there is a lack of proper distribution systems for biogas. This results in methane being released inadvertently through leaks in digesters and tubing, and intentionally when production exceeds demand. As methane has a global warming potential 25 times greater than that of carbon dioxide, this compromises the environmental advantages of digesters. Calculations performed in this paper indicate that the break-even point at which the released methane has as great an impact on global warming as the fuel that has been replaced occurs when between 3% and 51% of the produced biogas is released, depending on the type of fuel that has been replaced. The limited information available as regards methane leaking from small-scale biogas digesters in developing countries indicates that emissions may be as high as 40%. With the best estimates of global numbers of small-scale digesters and their biogas production, this corresponds to methane losses of 4.5 Tg yr−1 or about 1% of global emissions or 10% as much as emissions from rice production. Further poliferation of small-scale digesters could therefore contribute significantly to global emissions of methane. It is therefore important that governments and development aid agencies place stricter requirements on digester maintenance and biogas handling before incentives are created and legislation introduced for the installation of small-scale biogas digesters. [sci-dir].
Stakeholder Participation and Knowledge Sharing in Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Vietnam.
Stakeholder Participation and Knowledge Sharing in Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Vietnam.
Bieke Abelshausen, Tom Vanwing and others. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2014, volume 116, pp. 1792-1796.Abstract: Literature on knowledge sharing, participation and social learning argues that a lack of consensus on the definitions and interpretations of these terminologies is created by the complexity of natural resource management. This lack of consensus has led to a wide variety of interpretations, definitions and reviews of existing terminology. This variety is researched for this article and placed in relation to results from an empirical research on knowledge sharing and participation in Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Vietnam. [sci-dir].
**Governance
Myths of Political Independence, or How Not to Solve the Corruption Problem: Lessons for Vietnam.
Myths of Political Independence, or How Not to Solve the Corruption Problem: Lessons for Vietnam.
Martin Painter. Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies, 2014.Abstract: Corruption is widely identified as a critical problem for developing economies and is also viewed as a priority issue by international organisations and donors. Governments such as Vietnam place anti-corruption high on their policy agenda. However, external observers regularly criticise them for not meeting their targets. The problem with the critique is that it mostly places the blame on implementation failures when the issue is as much a design failure. Templates for anti-corruption success in fact misread the practical lessons. One element of the standard template, the need for an ‘independent’ anti-corruption enforcement system, misreads the meaning and empirical reality of ‘independence’. Evidence is presented from Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia to show that their anti-corruption agencies are ‘independent’ more in the sense that they are powerful, rather than in the sense that they are apolitical. The lesson for Vietnam is that misleading design principles such as ‘political independence’ are a distraction from the task of strengthening the anti-corruption law enforcement system. [wiley].
Social Networks of Corruption in the Vietnamese and Lao Cross-Border Timber Trade.
Social Networks of Corruption in the Vietnamese and Lao Cross-Border Timber Trade.
Phuc Xuan To, Sango Mahanty and Wolfram Dressler. Anthropological Forum, 2014, pp. 1-21.Abstract: Although corruption is a core issue in discourses on Southeast Asian states and the region’s illegal timber trade, its specific meanings, characteristics, and role are poorly understood. Our ethnographic study of corruption and timber trade in the lower Mekong uncovers the relationships, dealings, and networks that enable illegal timber flows. We follow the disputed case of a shipment of high-value timber that originated in Laos and was seized by Vietnamese seaport customs officials in 2011. By examining the actors involved and their efforts to obtain the release of the timber, we reveal the complex and networked nature of relationships from local to national levels that enable illicit rosewood trade from Laos to Vietnam and onward from Vietnamese ports. At the same time, interactions between timber traders and state officials highlight the recursive relationship between ?private? and ?state? actors, and the scope for mobility between these categories. Our analysis challenges the current international and national emphasis on law enforcement as a means to tackle illegal logging. Instead, policy would be better founded on a more holistic and nuanced understanding of the socio-political relationships that characterise and perpetuate corruption across these multiple scales. [t&f].
**Health
Antibiotic therapy for inpatients with community-acq uired pneumonia in a developing country.
Antibiotic therapy for inpatients with community-acquired pneumonia in a developing country.
Hieu T. Trinh, Phuong H. Hoang and others. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, 2014.Abstract:
Purpose The aim of this study was to identify antibiotic prescription patterns for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Vietnam.
Methods Medical records for CAP adult patients admitted to 10 hospitals across the country were randomly selected from admission lists during the peak pneumonia season. CAP cases were identified from manual record reviews by clinical pharmacists. Data was collected using a standard data collection tool including patient clinical features on admission, comorbidities, microbiological culture results, and antibiotic regimens. Pneumonia severity was estimated using the CURB-65 score.
Results A total of 649 medical records for adult patients (55.2% male and 52.3% urban residents, median age 68 years) met the selection criteria for CAP. Pneumonia severity was assessed as mild (64.1% of patients), moderate (23.0%), and severe (9.2%). Antibiotics were most frequently administered intravenously (93.4%) and as combination therapy (dual therapy 54.4%, monotherapy 42.5%, and triple therapy 3.1% of patients) regardless of CAP severity. Third-generation cephalosporins were used most frequently (29.3% as monotherapy and 40.4% as combination therapy). Third-generation cephalosporins were most commonly combined with penicillins and/or quinolones.
Conclusions This first nationwide study provides a baseline profile of antibiotic use in the treatment of CAP. Third-generation cephalosporins were widely used for initial empirical management of CAP, often in combination with quinolones, regardless of CAP severity. The study will assist in providing an evidence base to inform new national antibiotic guidelines for CAP management and will contribute locally relevant data for the national master plan addressing antibiotic resistance and the development of educational interventions to improve CAP management. [Wiley].
Continuous Medical Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound: Asian Experience.
Continuous Medical Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound: Asian Experience.
Ritsuko K. Pooh. Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2014, volume 8, number 1, pp. 65-71.Abstract: Ultrasound is the most commonly used diagnostic modality in Obstetrics and Gynecology. However, sonographic imaging is greatly influenced by individual technique and knowledge rather than ultrasound equipment. Ultrasound imaging requires not only basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, reproductive medicine and imaging interpretation, but also scanning skills. In Japan, two types of Ian Donald courses have been held: basic and advanced courses. Live scan demonstration and hands-on sessions have been introduced in 2006. From 2006, China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Vietnam, Korea and Thailand established Ian Donald branches one after another. Ian Donald Inter-university School of Medical Ultrasound provides the most comprehensive, practical and systematic theoretical/ practical courses. For better efficacy, distance learning should be implemented. [Pooh-2014.pdf]. Free full texthttp://www.jaypeejournals.com/
eJournals/ShowText.aspx?ID= 5529&Type=FREE&TYP=TOP&IN=_ eJournals/images/JPLOGO.gif& IID=420&Value=2&isPDF=YES. Dental caries and oral hygiene status among 6-8 years old schoolchildren in Hanoi and Langson cities, Vietnam.
Dental caries and oral hygiene status among 6-8 years old schoolchildren in Hanoi and Langson cities, Vietnam.
Hien Loc, Yaowaluk Ngeonwiwatkul and others. Mahidol Dental Journal, 2014, volume 34, number 1.Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine dental caries, oral hygiene and access to dental care among 6-8 year-old schoolchildren dwelling in Langson and Hanoi cities. — Materials and Methods: This study was secondary data analysis from Vietnam Five Cities Oral Health Survey (VFCOHS) in 2010. Schoolchildren’s oral health was examined using WHO oral survey methods. This study focused on 1,488 schoolchildren aged 6-8 year-old from Northern cities in the VFCOHS data namely Langson (highland) and Hanoi (metropolitan) cities. The study was approved by the Ethical Research Committee from Mahidol University. — Results: Out of 1,488 schoolchildren, 888 from Langson cities and 600 from Hanoi, there were 91.3% affected by caries. In primary dentition, highland schoolchildren had caries prevalence of 93.8% and experience (dmfs = decayed, missing and filled surfaces) of 14.50 (SD=12.14) whereas metropolitan schoolchildren had caries prevalence of 87.5% and dmfs of 6.73 (SD=8.02). In permanent dentition, highland schoolchildren had caries prevalence of 10.1% and DMFS of 0.46 (SD=1.63) while metropolitan schoolchildren had caries prevalence of 19.3% and DMFS of 0.79 (SD=1.91). Findings indicated that schoolchildren with poor and fair oral hygiene had caries twice more than schoolchildren with good oral hygiene (OR 2.09, CI 95%=1.08-4.06). Moreover, highland schoolchildren had higher untreated caries than their counterpart (OR 1.9, CI 95%=1.34-2.71). In addition, all of permanent carious teeth were untreated. — Conclusion: This study was revealed differences of access to dental care between metropolitan and highland cities and confirmed that oral hygiene related to dental caries. [Hien-etal-2014.pdf]. Free full text http://www.dt.mahidol.ac.th/
division/offeducation/ education_1_6/wittayasarn/34- 2557/DentalJ_34-1.pdf#page=18. A duration analysis of the role of cigarette prices on smoking initiation and cessation in developing countries.
A duration analysis of the role of cigarette prices on smoking initiation and cessation in developing countries.
Deliana Kostova, FrankJ Chaloupka and Ce Shang. The European Journal of Health Economics, 2014, pp. 1-10.Abstract: This study evaluates the impact of cigarette prices on smoking initiation and cessation among adults in two pooled samples of 6 low- to lower-middle income countries (LMICs) and 8 upper-middle income countries (UMICs). We find that, while higher prices reduce smoking across the board, this reduction occurs through different behavioral mechanisms in lower versus higher income countries. Specifically, cigarette prices reduce smoking rates by deterring initiation in LMICs while in UMICs they act primarily by promoting cessation. Because current smoking rates are relatively lower in LMICs and relatively higher in UMICs, this differential mechanism underscores the adaptability of tobacco prices as a tool for regulating tobacco use across countries at different levels of development; it shows that prices can be used to sustain the relatively low rates of smoking in LMICs by preventing entry of new smokers, and can reduce the relatively high rates of smoking in UMICs by encouraging exit of existing smokers. Using split-population duration models and controlling for fixed and time-varying unobserved country characteristics, we estimate that the price elasticity of initiation in LMICs is −0.74 and the price elasticity of cessation in UMICs is 0.51. [springer].
Early-Childhood Growth Faltering, Post-Infancy Recovery and Educational Outcomes in Late Childhood: Evidence from Vietnam.
Early-Childhood Growth Faltering, Post-Infancy Recovery and Educational Outcomes in Late Childhood: Evidence from Vietnam.
Jere R. Behrman and Le Thuc Duc. GCC 14-04. GCC Working Paper Series, 2014.Abstract: We use longitudinal data on over 1,500 children born in 2001 in Vietnam to study the impact of early childhood stunting on height, lagging in schooling progression and cognitive outcomes in late childhood (age 8-10 years). Our preferred estimates utilize 2SLS estimators to control for the endogenous determination of early childhood stunting and also include control for child sex and birth order, mother’s height and BMI, household socioeconomic status, and community characteristics. These estimates indicate that deficits in height-for-age at age 12 months have negative impacts on height in late childhood but not on schooling and cognitive outcomes in late childhood. The children who were stunted or moderately stunted at age 12 months display significant catch-up growth, recovering half of their deficits in height-for-age by age 8 years. Socioeconomic status in infancy has negative effects on both stunting in infancy and poor subsequent educational outcomes in late childhood, which result in significant associations between stunting in infancy and some subsequent educational outcomes in late childhood – but not causal effects once there is control for the endogenous determination of early childhood height deficits.
The effect of a clinical pharmacist-led training programme on intravenous medication errors: a controlled before and after s…
The effect of a clinical pharmacist-led training programme on intravenous medication errors: a controlled before and after study.
Huong-Thao Nguyen, Hong-Tham Pham and others. BMJ Quality & Safety, 2014, volume 23, number 4, pp. 319-324.Abstract: —
Background: Little is known about interventions to reduce intravenous medication administration errors in hospitals, especially in low- and middle-income countries. –
Objective: To assess the effect of a clinical pharmacist-led training programme on clinically relevant errors during intravenous medication preparation and administration in a Vietnamese hospital. –
Methods: A controlled before and after study with baseline and follow-up measurements was conducted in an intensive care unit (ICU) and a post-surgical unit (PSU). The intervention comprised lectures, practical ward-based teaching sessions and protocols/guidelines, and was conducted by a clinical pharmacist and a nurse. Data on intravenous medication preparation and administration errors were collected by direct observation 12 h/day for seven consecutive days. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess the effect of the intervention on the prevalence of clinically relevant erroneous doses, corrected for confounding factors. –
Results: 1204 intravenous doses were included, 516 during the baseline period (236 on ICU and 280 on PSU) and 688 during the follow-up period (407 on ICU and 281 on PSU). The prevalence of clinically relevant erroneous doses decreased significantly on the intervention ward (ICU) from 64.0% to 48.9% (p<0.001) but was unchanged on the control ward (PSU) (57.9% vs 64.1%; p=0.132). GEE analysis showed that doses on the intervention ward were 2.60 (1.27–5.31) times less likely to have clinically relevant errors (p=0.013). –
Conclusions: The pharmacist-led training programme was effective, but the error rate remained relatively high. Further quality improvement strategies are needed, including changes to the working environment and promotion of a safety culture.
Enterovirus 71 related severe hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks in South-East Asia: current situation and ongoing chall…
Enterovirus 71 related severe hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks in South-East Asia: current situation and ongoing challenges.
Saraswathy Sabanathan, Le Van Tan and others. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2014.Introduction: In early 2012, doctors in Cambodia noticed high numbers of infants and young children presenting with a severe and unusual illness. The striking features of the disease were an initial encephalitic presentation followed by a rapidly fatal destructive alveolar pneumonia, alarming experienced clinicians. Between April and July 2012 a total of 78 children were affected, 54 of whom died. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) was identified as the causative organism, possibly aggravated by malnutrition and uncontrolled use of steroids.1 EV71 is one of the pathogens associated with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). It was responsible for large HFMD outbreaks in Taiwan (1.5 million cases) and Malaysia (Sarawak, 2628 cases) in the late 1990s. In 2008 and 2011 large outbreaks were also described in China (490 000 cases) and Vietnam (110 000 cases).2 The recent Cambodian outbreak further demonstrates the emergence and spread of serious EV71 related disease in the South-East Asian region over the last two decades. Free full texthttp://jech.bmj.com/content/
early/2014/03/19/jech-2014- 203836.short. Health Communication Campaigns in Developing Countries.
Health Communication Campaigns in Developing Countries.
Suruchi Sood, Corrinne Shefner-Rogers and Joanna Skinner. Journal of Creative Communications, 2014, volume 9, number 1, pp. 67-84.Abstract: Despite a lack of scholarly consensus on the effectiveness of health communication campaigns, there is general agreement that communication interventions are necessary to bring about and maintain large-scale behaviour and social change. Designing, implementing and evaluating health communication campaigns is a complex task with myriad challenges, multiplied manifold in developing country settings. The purpose of this article is to examine key elements of health communication campaigns in developing countries. A review of published literature revealed 43 articles and five books with chapters discussing developing country campaigns. The project locations indicated a wide geographical dispersion. The campaigns reviewed ranged from multinational initiatives to programmes confined to specific cities or villages. The health issues tackled in the manuscripts were reflective of the health goals articulated in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. A relatively small proportion of the reviewed literature discussed the use of theory as a framework or foundation for the intervention(s); individual-level behaviour change theories were the most commonly used. The selected campaigns utilized a range of mass media, community mobilization, and interpersonal communication strategies, and often employed multiple strategies and communication channels. A set of recommendations is presented to further our understanding of communication campaigns in developing country settings.
Investigation of Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis Virus Transmission in Hanam, Viet Nam.
Investigation of Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis Virus Transmission in Hanam, Viet Nam.
Annette Fox, Stephen Whitehead and others. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2014.Abstract: This study investigated whether a large dengue epidemic that struck Hanoi in 2009 also affected a nearby semirural area. Seroconversion (dengue virus-reactive immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was high during 2009 compared with 2008, but neutralization assays showed that it was caused by both dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus infections. The findings highlight the importance of continued Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination and dengue surveillance. Free full texthttp://www.ajtmh.org/content/
early/2014/03/06/ajtmh.13- 0077.abstract. A New Paradigm for Disease Surveillance in Vietnam.
A New Paradigm for Disease Surveillance in Vietnam.
Lindsay B. Katona, Joseph M. Rosen and others. Telemedicine and e-Health, 2014.Abstract: Medical surveillance data from all government health clinics in Vietnam are currently collected through a slow, paper-driven process. Short message service (SMS) technology delivered through mobile phones offers a simple solution to improving the speed through which disease surveillance information can be collected. Identifying health concerns earlier with this mobile-based disease surveillance system has the potential to improve the care for patients seen at community health clinics as well as predict more quickly that a medical emergency, such as a pandemic, will occur. Thus, we piloted the feasibility of an SMS-based disease surveillance system designed for healthcare workers in Vietnam to directly report disease information on diarrhea and influenza-like illness to a central data repository using their mobile phones and an intuitive, user-friendly platform. This article reports data from 1,579 patient data entries in 20 Vietnamese health clinics during a 6-month period.
Regional Differences in the Growing Incidence of Dengue Fever in Vietnam Explained by Weather Variability.
Regional Differences in the Growing Incidence of Dengue Fever in Vietnam Explained by Weather Variability.
Vu Ha Hai, Junko Okumura and others. Tropical Medicine and Health, 2014, volume 42, number 1, pp. 25-33.Abstract: Dengue fever is a major health problem in Vietnam, but its incidence differs from province to province. To understand this at the local level, we assessed the effect of four weather components (humidity, rainfall, temperature and sunshine) on the number of dengue cases in nine provinces of Vietnam. Monthly data from 1999 to 2009 were analysed by time-series regression using negative binomial models. A test for heterogeneity was applied to assess the weather-dengue association in the provinces. Those associations were significantly heterogeneous (for temperature, humidity, and sunshine: P < 0.001 heterogeneity test; for rainfall: P = 0.018 heterogeneity test). This confirms that weather components strongly affect dengue transmission at a lag time of 0 to 3 months, with considerable variation in their influence among different areas in Vietnam. This finding may promote the strategic prevention of dengue disease by suggesting specific plans at the local level, rather than a nationally unified approach. [Hai-etal-2014.pdf]. Free full texthttps://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/
article/tmh/42/1/42_2013-24/_ article. Sexual history taking in general practice: managing sexually transmitted infections for female sex workers by doctors and as…
Sexual history taking in general practice: managing sexually transmitted infections for female sex workers by doctors and assistant doctors in Vietnam.
Khoi Do, Victor Minichiello and others. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 2014.Abstract: Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Vietnam have been increasing. Control of STIs among female sex workers (FSWs) is important in controlling the epidemic. Effective STI control requires that physicians are skilful in taking sexual history for FSW patients.Method Three hundred and seventy-one physicians responded to a survey conducted in three provinces in Vietnam. The respondents were asked whether they asked FSW patients about their sexual history and information asked during sexual history taking. The respondents were also asked about their barriers for taking sexual history.Results Over one-fourth (27%) respondents always, over half (54%) respondents sometimes and 19% respondents never obtained a sexual history from FSW patients. Multivariable analysis revealed that factors associated with always taking a sexual history were being doctor, training in STIs and working at provincial level facilities. Physician’s discomfort was found to be inversely associated with training on communication with patients, seeing 15 or fewer patients a week, working at provincial level facilities.Conclusions Issues in sexual history taking among FSW patients in general practice in Vietnam were identified. These issues can help STI control for FSW patients and need due attention in order to improve STI management in Vietnam.
“Socialization of Health Care” in Vietnam: What Is It and What Are Its Pros and Cons?
“Socialization of Health Care” in Vietnam: What Is It and What Are Its Pros and Cons?
Nguyen X. Thanh, Bach X. Tran and others. Value in Health Regional Issues, 2014, volume 3, pp. 24-26.Abstract: In this article, we discuss about pros and cons associated with two main policies: the development of private clinics/hospitals, and the financial autonomy in public hospitals, including partial privatization of public hospitals (i.e., private investors partnering with public hospitals to purchase hi-tech diagnostic equipment). [sci-dir].
Knowledge of HIV and factors associated with attitudes towards HIV among final-year medical students at Hanoi medical univer…
Knowledge of HIV and factors associated with attitudes towards HIV among final-year medical students at Hanoi medical university in Vietnam.
Platten Michael, Ha Pham and Huy Nguyen. BMC Public Health, 2014, volume 14, number 1, p. 265.Abstract:
BACKGROUND:The success of HIV care strongly depends upon skills of the healthcare worker. Vietnam has a punitive history towards HIV and even though this has changed recently, persons living with HIV are still facing discrimination. The objective of this paper is to assess the gaps in knowledge of HIV and factors associated with discriminatory attitudes towards persons living with HIV among medical students in order to improve medical training.
METHODS:In a cross-sectional quantitative study using a structured questionnaire, 200 final-year medical students at Hanoi Medical University were approached for data collection in May of 2012. Descriptive statistics (percentages) were used to present four HIV knowledge tests. Linear regression models were examined to highlight factors that are associated with general attitudes towards HIV and attitudes towards HIV in a clinical setting.
RESULTS:Although students performed overall well in the knowledge category of HIV discrimination and stigma, there were several gaps in knowledge of HIV, including the categories of HIV-related basic sciences, prevention, and care and treatment. Knowledge of stigma and discrimination was a significant positive predictor of General non-prejudicial attitude to HIV and AIDS (beta = 0.186, P < 0.01) and Non-discriminatory attitude to HIV and AIDS at work (beta = 0.188, P < 0.01). Training on methadone treatment was found to be a significant positive predictor (beta = 0.168, P < 0.05) while family size was negatively associated (beta = -0.170, P < 0.05) with General non-prejudicial attitude to HIV and AIDS.
CONCLUSIONS:The study suggests a need for incorporating HIV training into the core curricula for medical students. As persons who inject drugs carry a proportionately high burden of HIV in Vietnam, it is also important to include methadone training for students. Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/
1471-2458/14/265. The Three-Level Approach: A Framework for Ensuring Medicines Quality in Limited-Resource Countries.
The Three-Level Approach: A Framework for Ensuring Medicines Quality in Limited-Resource Countries.
Victor S Pribluda, Adrian Barojas and others. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, 2014, volume 3, number 1.Abstract: Regulators from countries at all levels of income struggle to protect the public from the dangers of poor-quality (counterfeit and substandard) medicines. In particular countries with limited resources are at higher risk because of weak regulations, insufficient personnel, or laboratories with poor infrastructure and a lack of equipment required to perform quality control analysis. A systematic approach is needed to address these gaps. –
A stepwise process was used to design medicine quality monitoring programs in numerous countries in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. The experience gained in these countries resulted in the development of the Three-level Approach for performing quality control of medicines throughout the supply chain. —
The approach consists of three successive, complementary, and increasingly complex levels of analysis: The first level includes visual and physical inspection to assess package and insert conditions and information as well as the physical characteristics of the actual medicines. The second level consists of rapid analytical tests that assess a limited number of quality attributes and can easily be performed in the field by trained personnel. The third level involves quality control testing according to the product’s registration specifications and is performed in an appropriate laboratory setting by experienced and trained analysts. —
The Three-level Approach offers regulators in limited resource countries, a cost-effective high-throughput methodology for quality monitoring that produces valid and trustworthy results. The approach strengthens medicines quality assurance systems by allowing better regulation of the pharmaceutical market, which ultimately reduces the prevalence of poor-quality medicines. [Pribluda-etal-2014.pdf]. Free full text http://www.omicsgroup.org/
journals/the-threelevel- approach-a-framework-for- ensuring-medicines-quality-in- limitedresource-countries- 2167-7689.1000117.pdf. The Association between Awareness of Sexual Behavior and Cognitive Social Capital among High School Students in Vietnam.
The Association between Awareness of Sexual Behavior and Cognitive Social Capital among High School Students in Vietnam.
Kaori Watanabe, Yoshihiro Kaneko and others. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2014, volume 4, pp. 116-122.Abstract: —
Background: Globally, adolescent sexual behavior is a major health concern and the focus of many researches. However, negative attitude towards premarital sex and sense of community belonging have not been examined in relation to adolescent sexual behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine whether these two factors are associated with adolescent sexual behavior. –
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1672 eleventh grade students from three public high schools in Hanoi, Vietnam. Participants’ sense of community belonging and negative attitude towards premarital sex were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. We performed multiple logistic regression analyses to examine associations between the cognitive social capital concepts, such as a sense of community belonging. –
Results: 92.3% of students agreed with a sense of community belonging, but only 14.1% of students accepted premarital sex. A high sense of community belonging was significantly associated with negative attitude towards premarital sex OR (95% CI), male 3.16 (2.3 – 4.34), female 8.77 (5.38 – 14.29). After adjusting for a sense of community belonging, the association disappeared between acceptance of premarital sex and sexual experience of peers, proper time to wear a condom, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale score. –
Conclusion: Cognitive social capital, such as sense of community belonging, was associated with negative attitude towards premarital sex. Therefore, cognitive social capital concepts should be included in sexual behavior and health promotions, especially with adolescents. [Watanabe-etal-2014.pdf]. Free full text http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/
ojpm.2014.43016. **ICT for development
A case analysis of ICT for knowledge transfer in small businesses in Vietnam.
A case analysis of ICT for knowledge transfer in small businesses in Vietnam.
Toan Nguyen and Stephen Burgess. International Journal of Information Management, 2014.Abstract: Small businesses face numerous issues in regard to the management of their knowledge, including potential loss of knowledge due to high employee turnover and the willingness and ability of employees to share their knowledge. This case study examines two small ICT companies in Vietnam to determine how knowledge transfer was conducted with and without the use of ICT. A knowledge transfer framework for small businesses was used as a lens to analyse the results. The findings showed differences in knowledge transfer approaches in both cases. It was observed that employees whose jobs required less flexibility needed more explicit knowledge, but if their working procedures were more flexible they were more likely to need tacit knowledge. Tacit knowledge was mainly transferred by non-ICT methods, with explicit knowledge being transferred via a combination of methods. The cases differed in regard to the existence of knowledge transfer guidelines – as well as the willingness and ability of employees to share knowledge with others in the business. Both case businesses lacked appropriate measures to determine the level of success of knowledge transfer activities. [sci-dir].
**Energy
Causal relationship between trade openness, economic growth and energy consumption: A panel data analysis of Asian countries.
Causal relationship between trade openness, economic growth and energy consumption: A panel data analysis of Asian countries.
Samia Nasreen and Sofia Anwar. Energy Policy, 2014.Abstract: This paper explores the causal relationship between economic growth, trade openness and energy consumption using data of 15 Asian countries. The study covers the period of 1980–2011. We have applied panel cointegration and causality approaches to examine the long-run and causal relationship between variables. Empirical results confirm the presence of cointegration between variables. The impact of economic growth and trade openness on energy consumption is found to be positive. The panel Granger causality analysis reveals the bidirectional causality between economic growth and energy consumption, trade openness and energy consumption. [sci-dir].
The role of CSR in promoting companies’ energy-saving actions in two Asian cities.
The role of CSR in promoting companies’ energy-saving actions in two Asian cities.
Shiro Hori, Mami Shinozaki and others. Energy Policy, 2014.Abstract: In Asian developing countries, energy saving has become a crucial issue in sustainable development. However, in countries that possess weak government regulations and market mechanisms, industries are expected to save energy voluntarily. Therefore, corporate social responsibility (CSR) can serve as an important incentive to encourage companies to take voluntary actions. In this paper, we analyze CSR recognition and energy-saving actions taken by companies located in two Asian cities. The results of a questionnaire survey revealed that a positive relation exists between CSR recognition and energy saving. In developing countries, CSR develops based on concerns expressed by local cultures and communities. This indicates that the positive relationships that exist between CSR and energy-saving actions reflect the social norms of these communities. The results suggest that policies that encourage companies to enhance their CSR activities in society can serve as effective incentives to encourage energy-saving actions. [sci-dir].
Schedule Delays in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Petrochemical Projects in Vietnam: A Qualitative Research Study.
Schedule Delays in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Petrochemical Projects in Vietnam: A Qualitative Research Study.
Linh Hong Pham and Harimurti Hadikusumo. International Journal of Energy Sector Management, 2014, volume 8, number 1.Abstract:
Purpose – Petrochemical projects play a very important role in the economic development of Vietnam. For the past ten years, many large-scale petrochemical plants have been developed using the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) project delivery system for completing the project faster. However, many projects have suffered from schedule delays. In order to solve the delay problem, a clear understanding of the EPC business model and its delays problems are studied in this research. A qualitative research method by using Case Study on selected EPC Projects was adopted. This paper defines the current business models used in the Vietnamese petrochemical industry and explores the root cause of delays. –
Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology used in this study is multiple case studies by purposive sampling on EPC projects. This is chosen due to the limited number of EPC projects in petrochemical in Vietnam and to obtain schedule delay factors from both delayed and on-time projects. In this purposive sampling, the researcher decided on what needs to know and sets out to find the people who can and are willing to share their information (Bernard, 2002). From each projects, project manager and project engineer were interviewed to understand the delay factors in their EPC projects. Data from the interview were analyzed by using “pattern coding” described by Miles and Huberman (1994, p.94). Then, cross-case analysis was used to identify the common and unique factors occurring in each case. By comparing the three cases, we can identify the delay factors in EPC petrochemical in Vietnam. –
Findings – By interviewing t he Management Level Officers in 3 cases and performing exploratory work on the secondary data, it was observed that the local and foreign contractors of EPC projects in Vietnam have generally similar business process. Then the codes were grounded based on the EPC business process, and subjected to the cross case analysis. The root cause of problems in each phase were provided.
Originality/value – the paper fulfills an identified root cause of EPC projects in Vietnam. [Emerald].
**Labor
Impact of Wage on Human Resource Management in Period of Crisis: The Case of Viet Nam Firm.
Impact of Wage on Human Resource Management in Period of Crisis: The Case of Viet Nam Firm.
Nguyen Thi Lac Thu and Xiao Xiang. Australian Journal of Business and Management Research, 2013, volume 3, number 9, pp. 16-25.Abstract: Human resource also known as an employee is the most important factor in the development of the organization. Therefore, the role of human resource management (HRM) in each organization also need excite employees realize their important position in the organization. Thus encourage their dedication in order to enhance operational performance of the organization. Besides that, the operation of HRM is also to create the balance between employee interest and organization’s interest. One of the important factors which the employees concern is wage. So, HRM and wage is related. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the relationship between the HRM and working efficiency based on the wage in a period of crisis in Viet Nam. Therefore, we selected Huong Giang’s travel company (HG Co) as objects to research on that relationship. [Thu&Xiang-2013.pdf]. Free full text http://www.ajbmr.com/
articlepdf/aus-29-148i03n9a2. pdf. Toward an Integrated ASEAN Labor Market Prospects and Challenges for CLMV Countries.
Toward an Integrated ASEAN Labor Market Prospects and Challenges for CLMV Countries.
Nguyễn Huy Hoàng. VNU Journal of Economics and Business, 2013, volume 29, number 5E, pp. 34-42.Abstract: Recently, at the 22nd ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting (ALMM) held in Cambodia in May 2012 with the theme “Enhancing social protection and skill development”, Prime Minister Hun Sen continued emphasizing the role of the integrated labor market among ASEAN member countries for building the ASEAN Community (AC) as well as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. The accomplishment of AEC would be considered as an important content to promote building an ASEAN labor market freer, more efficient and improving the competitiveness of member countries, especially for the less developed countries such as CLMV. However, an Integrated ASEAN Labor Market (IALM) would also pose some challenges for CLMV countries. In this context, this paper aims to focus on resolving the following two main questions: (1) What is the content of the ASEAN commitments for promoting an Integrated ASEAN Labor Market and the IALM would be a more complete market for free movement of skilled and professional labor within ASEAN countries?; (2) What are the prospects and challenges for CLMV countries? It is important to note here that in this paper, we focus only on a theoretical (not empirical) analysis of the integrated labor market in ASEAN and prospects as well as challenges for CLMV countries. Thus, the paper just provides theoretically analytical information and outcomes of the proposed research. Free full texthttp://ueb.edu.vn/Uploads/
file/tapchi_tbbt@ueb.edu.vn/ 2014/03/18/Bai%203.%20Nguyen% 20Huy%20Hoang_final.pdf. Wage Determination and Distribution in Urban China and Vietnam: A Comparative Analysis.
Wage Determination and Distribution in Urban China and Vietnam: A Comparative Analysis.
Lixin Cai and Amy Y. C. Liu. Journal of Comparative Economics, 2014.Abstract: Wages are higher in China than in Vietnam. Using data from the Chinese Household Income Project 2002 and the Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey 2002, this paper aims to understand the sources of the wage differences between the two countries. The decomposition results show that for men (women), differences in returns to observed wage determinants contribute more to the inter-country wage gap for most of the wage distribution (the part of the distribution beyond the 20th quantile). Differences in returns to industry are especially important contributor to the wage structure effect for males. For females, differences in the returns to education and experience are the important contributors to the wage structure effect at the middle of the wage distribution. At the low end of the female wage distribution, differences in the distribution of education and experience are the main factors. Despite the lower wages, the relatively lower skilled workforce and the less competitive industry, as a result of the less extensive ownership and trade reforms and slower pace of change in education policy, may erode Vietnam’s attractiveness. [sic-dir].
**Social development
The Tensions of Diasporic ‘Return’ Migration: How Class and Money Create Distance in the Vietnamese Transnational Family.
The Tensions of Diasporic ‘Return’ Migration: How Class and Money Create Distance in the Vietnamese Transnational Family.
Mytoan Nguyen-Akbar. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 2014, volume 43, number 2, pp. 176-201.Abstract: Propelled by the globalization of work opportunities in the Global South, thousands of Viet Kieu (overseas Vietnamese) 1.5- and second-generation migrants are “returning” to Vietnam to find skilled work. Through a global ethnography in urban Ho Chi Minh City, this article illustrates how these diasporic “returnees” negotiate their contentious relationship with their nonmigrating, often poorer extended family. My research contributes to the migrant gift giving and reciprocity literature by examining the many ways that “return” migration can create tensions and ambiguity within existing transnational family remittance relationships across borders. The increased presence of diasporic “return” migrants also prompts scholars to reconsider the durability of transnational family ties across the generations, as face-to-face encounters reveal how class, generation, age hierarchy, and gender can create micro-level axes of difference and distancing.
**Trade
Does Finance Really Matter for the Participation of SMEs in International Trade? Evidence from 8,080 East Asian Firms.
Does Finance Really Matter for the Participation of SMEs in International Trade? Evidence from 8,080 East Asian Firms.
Yothin Jinjarak, Paulo Jose Mutuc and Ganeshan Wignaraja. ADBI working paper 470, 2014.Abstract: This paper studies factors associated with firm participation in export markets, focusing primarily on firm size and access to credit, based on a survey sample comprising observations of 8,080 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) (with fewer than 100 employees) and non-SME firms in developing East Asian countries across sectors. The main findings suggest the interdependent relationships between export participation, firm size, and access to credit. SMEs participating in export markets tend to gain more access to credit, while potential scale economies (firm sizes) of SMEs are positively associated with participation in export markets. The estimation results also point to the supportive influences of foreign ownership, worker education, and production certification on export participation, and the positive effects of financial certification, managerial experience, and collateral/loan value on access to credit for SMEs. Free full text http://www.adbi.org/working-
paper/2014/03/28/6218.finance. matter.smes.trade/. Old Traps for New Players: Western Direct Retailing Investment in Emerging Asian Markets.
Old Traps for New Players: Western Direct Retailing Investment in Emerging Asian Markets.
Rujirutana Mandhachitara. International Review of Management and Marketing, 2014, volume 4, number 2, pp. 150-159.Abstract: This paper is intended to provide a heads-up to transnational corporate executives who have an interest in, or responsibility for, foreign direct investment positions. Until relatively recently, many emerging markets in Asia restrict foreign participation in their retail sectors. Without sufficient pre-market entry information, Asia was identified as a particularly attractive region for western direct retail investment (WDRI). Groceries and provisions (FMCG) shoppers were served only by the traditional overseas Chinese retail trade. The western chains, principally from the United States and Europe, came to Asia in waves and unexpectedly experienced very high rates of attrition, explained in part by an indigenous account-payable-to- suppliers system referred to as Buy 10, Sell 7, Pay 3, Profit 4 (BSPP). A specific geographical focus of this paper is Thailand where foreign retailing casualties have been bloody. The ongoing lessons for executives of WDRI in entering emerging markets are addressed, particularly in relation to hidden local accounting traps. The implications for western retail investors in India’s recently-liberalized market are also discussed. [Mandhachitara-2014.pdf].
**Water
Design of dual water supply system using rainwater and groundwater at arsenic contaminated area in Vietnam.
Design of dual water supply system using rainwater and groundwater at arsenic contaminated area in Vietnam.
Nguyen Duc Canh and Moo Young Han. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology—AQUA, 2014.Abstract: Fresh water, a renewable but limited resource, is scarce in many areas of the developing world. This paper proposes a dual water supply consisting of both rainwater and groundwater to provide sustainable water for an arsenic contaminated area. In this paper, a novel model has been developed based on rainfall variance. A rainwater harvesting (RWH) system can obtain optimal performance by changing the demand for water use according to rainfall. This model was then used to design a RWH system for Cukhe village. Using rainwater for potable purposes on dry days and for all purposes on rainy days is recommended. The cost of RWH systems is also analyzed. In order to achieve 100% reliability for a four-member-household, a RWH system should have a roof area of 100 m2. Additionally, a tank size of 2 m3 is recommended for overall cost efficiency. From the yearly water supply chart, it is recommended that rainwater be supplied for potable purposes only in January–April and October–December, while it should be supplied for all purposes in May–September. [myhan@snu.ac.kr].