Short note for paper published in Issue 2, Volume 9: ‘Characteristics and risk factors for accidental injury in Canada 1986-1996 …’

This paper addresses two observational studies, of the use of a blender and a chip pan, and a study of the accident statistics regarding these two types of products. The aim is to understand risk in product use and the process of risk perception as displayed by product users. Consideration is given to the way information from both observational studies and accident statistics can support design in order to improve the safety of product users.     

Adolescent homicide victimization in Johannesburg,South Africa: incidence and epidemiological characteristics (2001–2009)

This study describes the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of adolescent homicides (15–19 years) in Johannesburg, South Africa. A retrospective population-based study was conducted on cases drawn from the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System. A total of 590 adolescent homicides were registered for 2001–2009 corresponding to an average annual homicide rate of 23.4/100,000. The average annual rate was 39.8/100,000 for males and 7.9/100,000 for females. Black and coloured adolescents had the highest homicide rates. There was a considerable decline in the firearm homicide rates over the study period. In contrast, sharp instrument and blunt force homicides increased. Public places were the predominant scenes for male deaths, while female homicides occurred primarily in residential locations. Most male homicides took place over weekend nights. Alcohol was a prominent feature of homicides. The high homicide rates reported in this study underscore the need to develop interventions directed specifically at adolescents. Prevention efforts are required to pay particular attention to black and coloured adolescent males, and to address the availability of weapons and alcohol use among adolescents.     

Management control systems,trust and risk in inter-organisational relationships: The case of Francisco González de la Sierra and its partner Rivas y Cantallops (1847–1864)

This article is intended: (1) to provide evidence about the practices in the nineteenth century of inter-organisational relationships when parties accepted sharing performance risks; and (2) to contribute to reducing the gap about the trust–control system dynamic interaction and its effect on risk through empirically analysing a non-contemporary setting. Our study analyses the ongoing relationship of a small commercial company with its main partner during the period 1847–1864, and examines the formal systems used by the company to monitor and coordinate its partner's activity and the evolution of inter-firm trust throughout the whole life cycle of this relationship.     

Economic and Social Power in Spain: corporate networks of banks,utilities and other large companies (1917–2009)

The evolution trend of the Spanish network has not differed essentially from the path of other Western European corporate networks, but the configuration and factors that explain it have a specific pattern in accordance with their economic and social characteristics. The exchange of directors among the largest banks and utilities in Spain was one of the instruments used to consolidate its hegemonic position and to limit competition in other sectors. Network analysis confirms the existence of a crony capitalism, created in a context of institutional weakness and dominance of undemocratic political systems. The extractive elite used the network boards to restrict competition in key economic sectors, at the expense of the economic development of the country, until the liberalisation of the domestic market and its integration into the global economy.