The legal liability of auditors in Germany

The European Union tried to harmonize the qualifications of auditors in member states through the Eighth Company Law Directive. However, other aspects of the regulation of auditors have not been dealt with in EC directives and show a wide diversity. Rules concerning the liability of auditors are one example of this diversity. Germany provides an extreme example in the case of this liability problem, since it is operating with a capped liability and providing third parties with only few possibilities to sue an auditor. This limited liability is probably one reason for a small number of cases. The purpose of this article is to describe and to review critically the German system of auditor's liability, and to identify specific environmental German factors which might explain the current system.     

Fairness quality: a conceptual model and multiple-item scale for assessing firms’ fairness – an exploratory study

Abstract

Scholars suggest that fairness is a precursor to ethical firm behaviour. Existing research suggests that (1) commonly used single-item fairness measures lack reliability and validity, and (2) single-item scales do not contribute to understanding fairness as a multidimensional concept. Using the means-end framework, we develop a measure of fairness quality (FQ) of service experience. We conceptualise, construct, refine and test the FQ scale over multiple stages of data collection. Using the soft-laddering interviewing technique, we initially explore FQ attributes. Subsequently, we design and conduct two surveys to test the FQ measure. The final scale contains 18 items in four dimensions: transparency, associations, moderations and process. The FQ scale demonstrates good psychometric properties, passing all reliability and validity tests. The scale extends existing research on fairness and provides a new conceptualisation of FQ. Marketers are encouraged to manage their FQ systematically to stimulate social and ethical behaviour. We present theoretical and managerial implications, with future research directions.     

Böhm-Bawerk,Jevons and the 'Austrian' theory of capital: 'a quite different relation'

The paper examines the relationship between the interest theories of Jevons and Böhm-Bawerk. Although their results can easily be reconciled mathematically, Böhm-Bawerk's ‘misunderstanding’ of the Jevonian formula reveals a fundamental difference concerning their derivation. Despite their formal similarity, the two models exhibit a different conceptual architecture and thus also attach quite different meanings to the concept of the interest rate. Rather than trying to reconcile them, the paper suggests to analyse their relationship as part of an entire transformation, which can be equally traced between the value and price theories of the two authors.     

Corporate Responsibilities for Access to Medicines

Today there is a growing wave of demands being placed upon the pharmaceutical industry to contribute to improved access to medicines for poor patients in the developing countries.¹ This article aims to contribute to the development of a systematic approach and broad consensus about shared benchmarks for good corporate practices in this area. A consensus corridor on what constitutes an appropriate portfolio of␣corporate responsibilities for access to medicines – especially under conditions of ‘failing states’ and ‘market failure’² – is not only in the interest of the world’s poor, but also of corporations that want to contribute to the solution of one of the most significant social problems of our time.     

CURRENT GLOBAL WARMING ALARMISM AND THE MONT PELERIN SOCIETY'S LONG‐TERM AGENDA1

In a speech to the Mont Pelerin Society, the President of the Czech Republic argued that environmentalism, and climate alarmism in particular, is a vehicle for advocating, drafting and implementing large‐scale government intervention and an unprecedented suppression of human freedom.     

按需喷墨印刷用油墨的性能研究

本文主要对压电驱动DOD微型供墨系统中的基于聚乙烯（3，4-乙烯二氧噻吩）／聚苯乙烯磺酸盐（PEDOT／PSS）等不同聚合材料油墨进行详细研究。根据油墨的流变特性和印刷系统的机械特性得到特性值，通过特性值可以预测给定印刷系统中聚合油墨的运行情况。除印刷适性外，还研究了不同油墨对有机场效应晶体管的电子特性的影响。