New Academic Papers On Vietnam 2012 PDF

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Some new academic papers

on development issues in Vietnam
Contents
2012 May 1 issue .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
2012 April 15 issue ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
2012 April 1 issue ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
2012 March 15 issue .................................................................................................................................................. 39
2012 March 1 issue .................................................................................................................................................... 48
2012 February15 issue .............................................................................................................................................. 63
2012 February1 issue ................................................................................................................................................ 73
2012 January15 issue................................................................................................................................................ 83
2012 January1 issue .................................................................................................................................................. 95

1

2012 May 1 issue

Links provided hereunder are accessible on WB intranet only, except otherwise specified. Please contact VDIC
librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org if you need full text of the article/s listed below, for private study, scholarship or
research purposes. We can only provide full text of those without the note “Fee may apply”.
Agriculture, Structural Change and Socially Responsible Development in China and Vietnam.
Tisdell, Clement A. University of Queensland, School of Economics, Economic Theory, Applications and Issues
Working Papers 65, April 2012.
Abstract (excerpt): The gradualism of economic reforms in China and Vietnam (especially in China, which has led
the way in this regard) has been commented on favourably by many analysts studying transitional economies. Early
market reforms in China and Vietnam were constrained by political considerations and consequently, began in
agriculture and in China’s case, in rural areas with the development of town-and-village enterprises as well. It is
argued that at the time when the reforms began, they were socially responsible. However, they have created a legacy
which has resulted in agricultural land disputes and many town-and-village enterprises now face new economic
challenges resulting in social conflict as the structure of China’s economy alters and greater market competition
occurs. A further relevant policy issue which is discussed is whether commercial industrialised farming should be
encouraged at the expense of the existing predominantly small-scale household farming in China and Vietnam. At
present, titles to agricultural land continue to be held by village councils and villagers only have conditional user
rights to the land allocated to them. These rights can be taken away by village councils and the use of the land
involved can be reallocated which has been increasingly necessary with structural economic change in China and
Vietnam. Some villagers believe that their land is taken unfairly and that they are not adequately compensated for its
loss. Why this problem exists and the difficulties of solving it are given particular consideration. Free full text
http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/123022.
An insight into the patent systems of fast developing ASEAN countries.

Tuan Anh Vu. World Patent Information, Volume 34, Issue 2, June 2012, Pages 134–142.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe the patentsystems of fastdevelopingASEANcountries (Indonesia,
Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) and understand the factors that drive the demand for patents
in these countries. Patentsystems in these countries have now been strengthened to a large extent, the number of
patent applications has increased substantially, although at a very different pace across countries. The policy features
that seem to be associated with a strong increase in demand for patents are: i) policies aiming at attracting FDI; ii) low
relative costs (or fees); and iii) a relatively low quality of the examination processes. The significant differences in the
patentsystems of these fastdevelopingcountries echo to some extent the differences observed between the
patentsystems in Europe, the USA and Japan. Free working paper version
https://dipot.ulb.ac.be/dspace/bitstream/2013/93396/1/wp11030.pdf.
Assessing the Welfare Effects of Microfinance in Vietnam: Empirical Results from a Quasi-Experimental
Survey.
Son Nghiem, Tim Coelli & Prasada Rao. Journal of Development Studies, Available online: 18 Apr 2012.
Abstract: This article analyses the effects of NGO microfinance programmes on household welfare in Vietnam. Data
on 470 households across 25 villages were collected using a quasi-experimental survey approach to overcome any
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self-selection bias. The sample was designed so that member households of microfinance programmes were compared
with non-member households with similar characteristics. The analysis shows no significant effects of participation in
NGO microfinance on household welfare, proxied by income and consumption per adult equivalent. Full text is
available upon request. Fee may apply.
Commercial maize production in fragile uplands of Vietnam: how to reduce poverty while protecting the
environment?
Alwin Keil, Camille Saint-Macary, Manfred Zeller. Paper prepared for the International Conference “Sustainable
Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas”, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April 2012.
Abstract (excerpt): Income growth and urbanization in developing countries have enlarged markets for high-value
agricultural commodities, offering opportunities for poverty alleviation in rural areas if farmers are linked to such
markets (World Bank 2007: 124). However, lacking access to physical, financial, and human capital, as well as
infrastructure and institutions may limit the ability of the poor to participate in and benefit from respective
commercial agricultural activities (von Braun, 1995; Barrett et al., 2001; Minot et al., 2006; World Bank, 2007).
There may further be a trade-off between short-term wealth enhancing effects of intensive commercial agriculture and
adverse long-term effects on farmers’ livelihoods due to natural resource degradation (World Bank 2007: 180).
Hence, policy interventions are needed that reduce poverty and protect the environment, whereby the challenge lies in
jointly achieving both goals (World Bank, 2007: 192). We address this challenge using the case of commercial maize
production in an ecologically fragile area of northern Vietnam… Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Copula Model Dependency Between Oil Prices and Stock Markets: Evidence from China and Vietnam.
Cuong Nguyen, M. Ishaq Bhatti. Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, In Press,
Accepted Manuscript, Available online 18 April 2012.
Abstract: The uncertainty of a country's economy, especially emerging economies, is partially due to the fluctuating of
oil prices. There is also a growing concern about the relationship between oil price and stock markets in developing
countries due to their heavy dependence on oil prices co-movements. This paper attempts to understand the
relationship between China and Vietnam markets using nonparametric (chi- and K- plots) and parametric (copula)
methods. We observe that the left tail dependency between international oil prices and Vietnam's stock market while
Chinese market shows opposite results. These findings provide a new insight into the behavior between oil prices and
stock markets, thus leading to meaningful implications for policy makers, investors and risk managers dealing with
these two markets. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy-
wb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S1042443112000248?v=s5.
Corruption, growth, and governance: Private vs. state-owned firms in Vietnam.

Thuy Thu Nguyen, Mathijs A. van Dijk. Journal of Banking & Finance, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available
online 16 April 2012.
Abstract: We provide a firm-level analysis of the relation between corruption and growth for private firms and state-
owned enterprises (SOEs) in Vietnam. We obtain three different measures of the perceived corruption severity from a
2005 survey among 741 private firms and 133 SOEs. We find that corruption hampers the growth of Vietnam’s
private sector, but is not detrimental for growth in the state sector. We document significant differences in the
corruption severity across 24 provinces in Vietnam that can be explained by the quality of provincial public
governance (such as the costs of new business entry, land access, and private sector development policies). Our results
suggest that corruption may harm economic growth because it favors the state sector at the expense of the private
sector and that improving the quality of local public governance can help to mitigate corruption and stimulate
economic growth. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy-
wb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S0378426612000891?v=s5.
Decomposing the Labor Market Earnings Inequality: The Public and Private Sectors in Vietnam, 1993–2006.
Clément Imbert. World Bank Economic Review, First published online April 19, 2012.
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Abstract: In contrast with the typical transition to a market economy, earnings inequality in Vietnam between 1993
and 2006 appears to have decreased, and the earnings gap in favor of public employees appears to have widened. We
use a comparative advantage model to disentangle the effect of sorting workers across sectors from the effect of the
differences in returns to workers' skills. The selection of the best workers into the public sector is clearly an important
component of the explanation for the public-private sector earnings gap, but the widening of this gap over time is
primarily due to changes in the compensation patterns. We find that in the 1990s, public employees were underpaid
compared with their earning potential in the private sector, whereas in the early 2000s, public employees earned
similar returns to their comparative advantage in the public and private sectors. The increasing homogeneity in returns
to skills in the Vietnamese labor market appears to explain both the increase in the public-private pay gap and the
decrease in overall inequality. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Determinants Of Household Access To Formal Credit In The Rural Areas Of The Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
Vuong Quoc, Duy. MPRA Paper 38202, 2012 Mar.
Abstract: This paper investigates the factors affecting the access of rural individual and group-based households to
formal credit in the Mekong Delta (MD), Vietnam. Poverty levels in the Mekong Delta have declined significantly
over the last decades, but in the rural areas they remain significant. If it is assumed that access to credit is a suitable
vehicle for poverty alleviation, it is necessary to assess the way households decide on borrowing. This paper identifies
the determinants of the decision to borrow and of the amount that is borrowed by using the double hurdle model and
the Heckman selection model. Data used in this paper were obtained from a survey of 325 rural households,
conducted between May and October 2009. The results indicate that household capital endowments, marital status,
family size, distance to the market centre, and location affect both the probability and the amount of asking for credit.
Free full text http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/38202/.
Economic Impacts of International Migration and Remittances on Household Welfare in Vietnam.

Cuong Nguyen, Daniel Mont. International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 11 Iss: 2 (2012).
Abstract:
Purpose - The objective of the paper is to examine the impact of international remittances on different household
welfare indicators including child education, assets, durable goods, and reservation wages of other working age
household members. It examines how international remittances are spent for production and consumption by
receiving households.
Design/methodology/approach - This paper uses fixed-effect regressions to estimate the impact of international
remittances on household spending in Vietnam using Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys 2006 and 2008.
Findings - We find that most of international remittances are spent on housing and land, debt repayment and saving. A
small proportion of remittances are used to buy durable goods. Remittances are not spent in production as well as
living consumptions. The effect of international remittances on consumption-based poverty is very limited.
Originality/value - The findings from this paper suggest that current international remittances are not an effective
measure for poverty reduction in the short-run in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Children in Vietnam in Relation to Antibiotic Resistance.

Thi Viet Ha Nguyen, Carina Bengtsson, Li Yin, Gia Khanh Nguyen, Thi Thu Ha Hoang, Dac Cam Phung, Mikael
Sörberg, Marta Granström. Helicobacter, Early View, Article first published online: 20 APR 2012.
Abstract:
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-- Background: Low Helicobacter pylori eradication rates are common in pediatric trials especially in developing
countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of antibiotic resistance, drug dosage, and administration
frequency on treatment outcome for children in Vietnam.
-- Materials and Methods: Antibiotics resistance of H. pylori was analyzed by the Etest in 222 pretreatment isolates
from children 3–15 years of age who were originally recruited in a randomized trial with two treatment regiments:
lansoprazole with amoxicillin and either clarithromycin (LAC) or metronidazole (LAM) in two weight groups with
once- or twice-daily administration. The study design was an observational study embedded in a randomized trial.
-- Results: The overall resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin was 50.9%, 65.3%, and 0.5%,
respectively. In LAC, eradication was linked to the strains being susceptible to clarithromycin (78.2% vs 29.3%, p =
.0001). Twice-daily dosage of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) and clarithromycin was more effective for eradication than
once-daily dosage for resistant strains (50.0% vs 14.7%, p = .004) and tended to be so also for sensitive strains (87.5%
vs 65.2%, p = .051). Exact antibiotic dose per body weight resulted in more eradication for resistant strains (45.3% vs
8.0%, p = .006). These differences were less pronounced for the LAM regimen, with twice-daily PPI versus once
daily for resistant strains resulting in 69.2% and 50.0% eradication (p = .096), respectively.
-- Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori clarithromycin resistance was unexpectedly high in young children in Vietnam.
Clarithromycin resistance was an important cause for eradication treatment failure. Twice-daily administration and
exact antibiotic dosing resulted in more eradicated infections when the strains were antibiotic resistant, which has
implications for the study design in pediatric H. pylori eradication trials. Full text is available upon request. Fee may
apply.
Fate of pesticides in paddy rice farming systems in NWVietnam.

Thomas Gut, Marc Lamers, Nguyen Van Vien, Thilo Streck. Paper prepared for the International Conference
“Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas”, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April
2012.
Abstract: During the past decades, paddy rice production in Vietnam has undergone a major intensification due to
population growth and increasing export-market orientation. As a consequence, the amount of applied pesticides has
been tripled during the last decade [FAO 2011]. Recent studies from major rice cultivating regions in Europe and
Japan indicate that considerable fractions of applied pesticides are lost from the target area to surface water
compartments, such as lakes or rivers (e.g. NUMABE and NAGAHORA, 2006). Other studies indicate that a
considerable fraction of applied pesticides is prone to infiltrate into deeper soil layers and potentially pollute
groundwater aquifers (e.g. PAPADOPOULOU-MOURKIDOU, E. et al, 2003). LAMERS et al. (2011) recently
showed for the watershed under study that both surface- and groundwater pollution by pesticides poses a serious
environmental problem. In remote areas of NW-Vietnam, surface- and groundwater is multiply re-used for domestic
purposes, thus strengthening the need for quantifying and forecasting pesticide losses to groundwater and surface
water from paddy rice fields. However, for south-east Asia in general and Vietnam in particular, studies focusing on
the fate of pesticides in paddy rice regions are limited.
-- The aim of the present study is to quantify and analyse the fate of pesticides in paddy rice farming systems in the
Chieng Khoi watershed, NW-Vietnam. In 2010, we installed gauging stations at an upstream, midstream and
downstream position of the watershed. At each station we measured discharge and we automatically sampled water
for pesticide analyses in four consecutive rice cropping seasons in 2010 and 2011. Furthermore, we conducted field
surveys among up to 145 rice farmers to gain knowledge on the application practices in each season. To assess the
occurrence of groundwater pollution by pesticides, 16 representative wells and one natural spring have been sampled
once per week during two consecutive rice cropping seasons in 2010. All water samples were immediately transported
to the field laboratory in Yen Chau and stored at 4 °C until further transport to Hanoi. In Hanoi, the samples have
been analysed in certified laboratories for the most commonly applied pesticides according to the field surveys among
farmer households (Imidacloprid, Fenitrothion, Fenobucarb, Trichlorfon and Cypermethrin). Key results indicate that
according to their physico-chemical properties significant fractions of the applied mass of pesticides were lost from
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the paddy fields to the receiving stream and to groundwater aquifers, respectively. High concentrations of pesticides
were found in both surface and groundwater during all seasons. Peak concentrations for imidacloprid of up to 0.69
µg/l for surface water and up to 4.0 µg/l for groundwater, respectively. The field surveys revealed a high and quickly
changing variety of applied pesticides. While imidacloprid was one of the most commonly applied pesticides in both
years, the importance of other applied pesticides varied from year to year.
-- In our presentation we will focus on the experimental setup and key results indicating that under the current
management practice pesticide use in paddy fields poses a serious environmental problem in northern Vietnam. Full
text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Firm-Level Corruption in Vietnam.

John Rand and Finn Tarp. Economic Development and Cultural Change , Vol. 60, No. 3 (April 2012), pp. 571-595.
Abstract: This article uses panel data from a survey of small- and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam to uncover
which firms pay bribes and which do not. We also study how bribe paying evolved between 2005 and 2007 and test
how the determinants of bribes changed between the two years. Three sets of insights emerge. First, bribe incidence is
highly associated with firm-level differences in visibility, sunk costs, ability to pay, and some, but not all, types of
interaction with public officials. Second, the magnitudes of bribes are distinctly higher for firms, which get
preferential tax benefits and government contracts. Third, the observed decrease in bribe incidence between 2005 and
2007 is largely driven by significant behavioral changes. These behavioral changes seem to be associated with policy
initiatives to improve law enforcement and increased media focus on punitive actions against corruption. Free
working paper version http://www.wider.unu.edu/stc/repec/pdfs/wp2010/wp2010-16.pdf.
Flood forecasting and early warning for river basins in central Vietnam.
Do Hoai NAM, Keiko UDO and Akira MANO. Journal of Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Ser. B1 (Hydraulic
Engineering), Vol. 67 (2011) , No. 4 pp.I_7-I_12.
Abstract: This paper presents the extension of the previous work on the development of short-term flood forecast
model using rainfall downscaled from the global NWP outputs. The proposed downscale method has considered
physically based corrections to the NWP outputs for optimization of parameters used for calibration phases using
artificial neural network (ANN). Downscaled rainfall was then used as inputs to the modified super tank model for
runoff forecast. Model uncertainties were quantified against forecast lead-times in order to integrate forecast results
into the existing alarm levels for early flood warning. Results showed that flood forecasts based on the downscaled
rainfall by ANN outperformed those using multiple linear regression methods. Though it showed larger uncertainties
along with the forecast lead-times, the model can provide reliable forecasts up to 18-hour ahead. It has demonstrated
an added value in flood forecasting and warning practices for river basins in Central Vietnam. Free full text
http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jscejhe/67/4/67_I_7/_article.
Global Health Services to develop hospital in Vietnam.

By: GREENE, JAY. Crain's Detroit Business, 2/27/2012, Vol. 28 Issue 9, p0017-0017, 1p;
Abstract: The article reports that the consulting and management company Global Health Services Inc. has signed a
contract to design hospital, medical spa, and hotel in Vietnam. It mentions that Global Health has also planned several
smaller private international hospital projects in Bangladesh. According to the president Patricia Williams, his
company will build a new medical city that will house a hospital, medical academic center, and wellness center. Full
text http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=72698998&site=ehost-live
Heavy Metal Concentration in Sediments of the Nhue River and its Water-Irrigated Farmland Soil in the
Suburbs of Hanoi, Vietnam.
Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, Masami Ohtsubo, Takahiro Higashi & Motohei Kanayama. Soil and Sediment
Contamination: An International Journal, Volume 21, Issue 3, 2012, pages 364-381.
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Abstract: The heavy metal pollution of sediment in the Nhue River, which receives wastewater from the To Lich and
Kim Nguu River system, was investigated together with the effects of use of this water for irrigation of the
surrounding farmland. Eighty soil samples and 40 sediment samples were collected from six locations in the Nhue
River and two locations in the To Lich River for chemical and physical analyses. The results showed that the
sediments in the Nhue River are heavily polluted by metals (71–420 mg/kg for Cu, 77–433 mg/kg for Pb, 150–350
mg/kg for Zn, 0.7–8.7 mg/kg for Cd, 80– 583 mg/kg for Cr, and 32–70 mg/kg for Ni). There were positive
correlations between heavy metal concentration and both clay and organic matter contents in the sediment samples.
The concentrations of all metals in soil samples were much higher than the background levels in the farmland, Cd, Cu,
and Pb, exceeding Vietnamese standards for agricultural grounds. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
High prevalence of antibiotic resistance in commensal Escherichia coli among children in rural Vietnam.
Oliver James Dyar, Nguyen Quynh Hoa, Nguyen V Trung, Ho D Phuc, Mattias Larsson, Nguyen TK Chuc, Cecilia
Stalsby Lundborg. BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:92.
Abstract:
-- Background: Commensal bacteria represent an important reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes. Few community-
based studies of antibiotic resistance in commensal bacteria have been conducted in Southeast Asia. We investigated
the prevalence of resistance in commensal Escherichia coli in preschool children in rural Vietnam, and factors
associated with carriage of resistant bacteria.
-- Methods: We tested isolates of E. coli from faecal samples of 818 children aged 6-60 months living in FilaBavi, a
demographic surveillance site near Hanoi. Daily antibiotic use data was collected for participating children for three
weeks prior to sampling and analysed with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics extracted from FilaBavi’s
re-census survey 2007. Descriptive statistics were generated, and a logistic regression model was used to identify
contributions of the examined factors.
-- Results: High prevalences of resistance were found to tetracycline (74%), co-trimoxazole (68%), ampicillin (65%),
chloramphenicol (40%), and nalidixic acid (27%). Two isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Sixty percent of
isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics. Recent sulphonamide use was associated with co-trimoxazole
resistance [OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.8-5.7], and beta-lactam use with ampicillin resistance [OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.4]. Isolates
from children aged 6-23 months were more likely to be resistant to ampicillin [OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.4] and co-
trimoxazole [OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.0]. Associations were identified between geographical areas and tetracycline and
ampicillin resistance.
-- Conclusions: We present high prevalence of carriage of commensal E. coli resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
The identified associations with recent antibiotic use, age, and geographical location might contribute to our
understanding of carriage of antibiotic resistant commensal bacteria. Free full text
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2334-12-92.pdf.
Identifying the Public Administration Reform Performance through the Lens of Provincial Competitiveness
Index and GDP Per Capita in Vietnam.
Thai Thanh Ha, Le Thi Van Hanh. Modern Economy, 2012, 3, 11-15.
ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to test the hypothesis of whether the public administration reform (PAR) and
provincial competitiveness could be causally linked to the GDP welfare per capita in Vietnam. By adopting the factor
analysis and then the natural logarithm linear regression, the author found out that there were causality linkages
between those above mentioned parameters. Namely, legal institutions were the main huddles for GDP per head,
while public administration reform services and public services delivery exert positive impacts on GDP per capita.
The dynamism of provincial leadership was also positively influential to the GDP outcome for Vietnamese citizens.
Conclusions and recommendations were drawn for Vietnamese policy makers to modernize the public
administration reform process. Full text is available upon request. [Ha-Hanh-2012.pdf].
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Investing in the field: Positionalities in money and gift exchange in Vietnam.

Jamie Gillen. Geoforum, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 17 April 2012.
Abstract: This paper contributes to the existing literature on positionality, ethics, research design, and the politics of
the field by sketching power relations between an American researcher and Vietnamese respondents in Vietnam. I
illustrate how two types of investments, financial compensation and gift exchange, “live” in the field as arbitrators of
power relations between researcher and respondent. Specifically, I argue that financial and symbolic investments are
important yet neglected aspects of the fieldwork experience for both investigators and research subjects because they
allow both parties to deploy and negotiate multiple positionalities in the field. In sum, the paper makes three points: it
outlines the multiple positionalities at play as scholars plan and execute their research; it introduces the concept of
investment to field methods, with a focus on financial compensation and gift giving; and it demonstrates investment’s
role in the negotiation of power between researcher and respondent. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy-
wb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S0016718512000632.
Labour-Management Relationships in Transitional Economies: Convergence or Divergence in Vietnam and

Indonesia?
Collins, Ngan; Nankervis, Alan; Sitalaksmi, Sari; Warner, Malcolm. Asia Pacific Business Review, July 2011, v. 17,
iss. 3, pp. 361-77.
Abstract: Western labour-management relationships (both formal and informal), their respective rights, obligations
and negotiating frameworks, have been well- established, understood, and supported by a complex set of associated
legislation for decades. However, in many developing countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia, historical, socio-
cultural, ideological, or political factors constrained the development of such formalized employee relations until very
recent times. This paper explores the different paths taken by Vietnam and Indonesia towards a modern employee
relations system, with its concomitant positive and adverse consequences. Full text
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eoh&AN=1285638&site=ehost-live.
Measuring the Performance of the Banking System Case of Vietnam (1990-2010).

Dang-Thanh Ngo. Journal of Applied Finance & Banking, vol.2, no.2, 2012, 289-312.
Abstract: Banking is the core of the financial system which has important role in attracting deposits to provide credits
to borrowers, services to customers and booting the economic development. This paper applied a modified DEA
window analysis to analyze the performance changes through time of the Vietnamese banking system in the 1990-
2010 periods. The research suggests that this performance is decreasing through the time as the size of the banking
sector increases; financial market is more liberate, and when the World and regional economies are problematic.
While the banking system is running at two-third of its capacity, it has limited contribution to the economy.
Therefore, continuing to develop and restructuring the banking system in Vietnam is important now and then. Using
tighten monetary and/or loosen fiscal policy can be seen as a solution for improving the performance of the
Vietnamese banking system. Free full text http://www.scienpress.com/Upload/JAFB/Vol%202_2_10.pdf.
Micronutrient Deficits Are Still Public Health Issues among Women and Young Children in Vietnam.
Arnaud Laillou, Thuy Van Pham, Nga Thuy Tran, Hop Thi Le, Frank Wieringa, Fabian Rohner, Sonia Fortin, Mai
Bach Le, Do Thanh Tran, Regina Moench-Pfanner, Jacques Berger. PLoS ONE 7(4) 2012.
Abstract:
-- Background: The 2000 Vietnamese National Nutrition Survey showed that the population's dietary intake had
improved since 1987. However, inequalities were found in food consumption between socioeconomic groups. As no
national data exist on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, a survey was conducted in 2010 to assess the
micronutrient status of randomly selected 1526 women of reproductive age and 586 children aged 6–75 mo.
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-- Principal Findings: In women, according to international thresholds, prevalence of zinc deficiency (ZnD,
67.2±2.6%) and vitamin B12 deficiency (11.7±1.7%) represented public health problems, whereas prevalence of
anemia (11.6±1.0%) and iron deficiency (ID, 13.7±1.1%) were considered low, and folate (<3%) and vitamin A
(VAD, <2%) deficiencies were considered negligible. However, many women had marginal folate (25.1%) and
vitamin A status (13.6%). Moreover, overweight (BMI≥23 kg/m2 for Asian population) or underweight occurred in
20% of women respectively highlighting the double burden of malnutrition. In children, a similar pattern was
observed for ZnD (51.9±3.5%), anemia (9.1±1.4%) and ID (12.9±1.5%) whereas prevalence of marginal vitamin A
status was also high (47.3±2.2%). There was a significant effect of age on anemia and ID prevalence, with the
youngest age group (6–17 mo) having the highest risk for anemia, ID, ZnD and marginal vitamin A status as
compared to other groups. Moreover, the poorest groups of population had a higher risk for zinc, anemia and ID.
-- Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia and ID in Vietnam has been markedly reduced over the last decade, but a
large part of the population is still at risk for other deficiencies such as zinc, vitamin A, folate and vitamin B12
especially the youngest children aged 6–17 mo. Consequently specific interventions to improve food diversity and
quality should be implemented, among them food fortification of staple foods and condiments and improvement of
complementary feeding. Free full text
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0034906.
Mismatches between Climate Vulnerability and Mitigation Policies in Vietnam.

Pam McElwee.
Inntroduction (excerpt): Our research project was designed to tackle this problem by examining the development and
implementation of REDD and REDD-like payments for environmental services (PES) in the country of Vietnam.
Vietnam is one of a few countries undergoing preparations for REDD through both the World Bank’s Forest Carbon
Partnership Facility (FCPF) and the United Nations’ REDD Readiness program (UN-REDD), as well as several NGO
supported REDD projects (sponsored by WWF, SNV and local NGOs) and private companies (including Honda and
IKEA). Additionally, Vietnam is likely to be one of the most vulnerable nations in the world to climate change, due to
its long coastline (>3000 km), dependence on agriculture (~70% of its population is rural), and low levels of
development (per capita income in rural areas area still relatively low compared to neighboring countries in Asia).
Vietnam is in some ways typical of the landscape of challenges that REDD will face across Southeast Asia, which is
dominated by smallholders and indigenous peoples living in and around tropical forests, often with insecure land
tenure, and there are great pressures for land conversion from a number of cash crop commodities, such as coffee,
rubber, and oil palm. Poor overall forest governance, and pressures from illegal logging and poor enforcement of
existing laws characterize most of the SEA region, and Vietnam is no exception. Without attention to the existing
social vulnerabilities that underpin resource use within Vietnam, new policies for climate mitigation like REDD run
the risk of exacerbating inequalities. Thus an understanding of how REDD policies might alter land-use frameworks
is necessary before such large-scale global programs get underway. Free full text
http://environment.yale.edu/tri/uploads/McElwee%20Paper.pdf.
‘New socialization’ or discontinuation of the state extension system’s services in Vietnam?.

Thai Thi Minh, Volker Hoffmann. Paper prepared for the International Conference “Sustainable Land Use and Rural
Development in Mountain Areas”, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April 2012.
Abstract: In spite of the massive studies on Vietnam’s extension system (i.e.: Shanks et al., 2003; Golettiet al., 2007;
Minh et al., 2011), an analysis of ‘socialization’ of extension tasks has not yet appeared in mainstream literature.
‘Socialization’ of extension (xa hoi hoa khuyen nong) in Vietnam has been promoted in the Government’s policies
since the early 2000s. In the Vietnamese conception, ‘socialization’ has broader meanings associated with the desired
interactions between government, society and the individual (Shanks et al., 2003). Thus, ‘socialization’ of extension
means that extension is in fact the responsibility of the society as a whole and that all organisations have a part in
increasing production, improving technologies, and spreading production knowledge (Beckman, 2002). Given the
context of Decree 02/2010/ND-CP on extension launched 8 January 2010, the implementation of a ‘new socialization’
has been strongly focused towards more ‘privatisation’. Based on secondary data from existing scientific literature
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and the Government’s policy as well as primary data collected from semi-structured interviews with extension
officers and staff from different levels, this paper analyses the process of ‘socialization’ and its recent changes in
Vietnam’s extension system during the last ten years.
-- Results show that ‘socialization’ has been currently shifted from ‘mobilization to ‘privatisation’ since the
enforcement of Decree 02 and Circular 38/2011/TT-BNGPTNT. The ‘mobilization’ has been used to simulate capital
and human resources from private sector, non-governmental organizations and individuals towards extension work. It
has sought for voluntary participation and contributions of non-governmental organizations such as donor
communities, NGOs, and private companies. It has enhanced the collaboration between the governmental extension
system and mass organizations such as Women’s union, Farmers’ Union, Fatherland front Union, and Youth Union…
Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
On the sources of risk preferences in rural Vietnam.

Dang, Duc Anh. Preliminary draft, April 2012.
Abstract: In this paper, I provide a new empirical evidence that natural environment can shape individual risk
preferences. By combining historical data on climate variation and contemporary survey questions on risk aversion, I
find that risk aversion is significantly different for people who live in areas that have suffered high frequency of
natural disaster. In particular, individuals highly affected by climate volatility show a long term risk aversion. Free
full text http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/38058/1/MPRA_paper_38058.pdf.
Potential collaboration with the private sector for the provision of ambulatory care in the Mekong region,
Vietnam.
Ha Anh Duc, Lora L. Sabin, Le Quang Cuong, Duong Duc Thien and Rich Feeley III. Glob Health Action 2012, 5:
10126.
Abstract:
-- Background: Over the past two decades, health insurance in Vietnam has expanded nationwide. Concurrently,
Vietnam’s private health sector has developed rapidly and become an increasingly integral part of the health system.
To date, however, little is understood regarding the potential for expanding public-private partnerships to improve
health care access and outcomes in Vietnam.
-- Objective: To explore possibilities for public-private collaboration in the provision of ambulatory care at the
primary level in the Mekong region, Vietnam.
-- Design: We employed a mixed methods research approach. Qualitative methods included focus group discussions
with health officials and in-depth interviews with managers of private health facilities. Quantitative methods
encompassed facility assessments, and exit surveys of clients at the same private facilities.
-- Results: Discussions with health officials indicated generally favorable attitudes towards partnerships with private
providers. Concerns were also voiced, regarding the over- and irrational use of antibiotics, and in terms of limited
capacity for regulation, monitoring, and quality assurance. Private facility managers expressed a willingness to
collaborate in the provision of ambulatory care, and private providers facilites were relatively well staffed and
equipped. The client surveys indicated that 80% of clients first sought treatment at a private facility, even though most
lived closer to a public provider. This choice was motivated mainly by perceptions of quality of care. Clients who
reported seeking care at both a public and private facility were more satisfied with the latter.
-- Conclusions: Public-private collaboration in the provision of ambulatory care at the primary level in Vietnam has
substantial potential for improving access to quality services. We recommend that such collaboration be explored by
Vietnamese policy-makers. If implemented, we strongly urge attention to effectively managing such partnerships,
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establishing a quality assurance system, and strengthening regulatory mechanisms. Free full text
http://www.globalhealthaction.net/index.php/gha/article/view/10126.
Poverty Reduction Strategies in an Ethnic Minority Community: Multiple Definitions of Poverty among
Khmer Villagers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
Truong Ngoc Thuy. Asian Social Science Vol. 8, No. 6; May 2012.
Abstract: The Khmer people are one of four groups in the Mekong delta making up around 1.3 million of the total
population of 86 million in Vietnam. They account for a large proportion of the poor compared to other group, with
53% considered falling under the poverty line (General Census of population and housing, 2009). Several national
programs have been carried out to improve the lives of poor Khmer people. In An Giang province, in particular,
where the majority of Khmer people live with 35% recorded poor, an agricultural development policy, a Government
Program 134 (Note 1), and resolution 25 (Note 2) have been implemented, including agricultural modernization,
house building, and saving credits.
-- Based on the field data collected from three months’ ethnography in a Khmer farming village in An Giang
province, this paper argues that different social actors have multi-facet definitions and measurement of poverty.
Khmer’s notion of being poor/well-off show little variation; they refer to define it by their own impoverished situation
as due to a low level of income, coming from poor households (inherited/generational poverty), lack of sustainable
work, low or no level of education, and lack of agricultural land. In particular, the latter factor is seen as an important
reason for their poverty, according to their own definition. Further, there is emerging consensus among development
professionals in Vietnam that poverty correlates with ethnic minority status due to low education, which leads a lack
of involvement in business, an inability to manage their family finances, and a reluctance to apply for official jobs.--
To the extent that Khmer people are living in poor circumstance, this paper also debates that state interventions may
bring both advantages and disadvantages to the poor, such as agricultural modernization policy and saving credits for
husbandry. Moreover, their livelihood practices lack dynamism, complexity, and diversity compared to poor
Vietnamese people, due to their tradition and language barriers. Compared with poor Vietnamese, Khmers seem to be
more excluded, more vulnerable, and insecure in attempting to move out of their poverty. Free full text
http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/view/16554.
Productivity Growth, Technological Progress, and Efficiency Change in Vietnamese Manufacturing Industries:
A Stochastic Frontier Approach.
Nguyen Khac Minh, Pham Van Khanh, Nguyen Thi Minh, Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh. Open Journal of Statistics, 2012,
2, 224-235.
ABSTRACT: This study applies a stochastic frontier production approach to decompose the sources of total
productivity (TFP) growth into technical progress and changes in technical efficiency of 8057 firms in Vietnamese
manufacturing indus-tries during 2003-2007. Using both total manufacturing industry and sub-manufacturing
industrial regressions, the analysis focuses on the trend of technological progress (TP) and technical efficiency change
(TEC), and the role of productivity change in economic growth. According to the estimated results, the annual
technical progress for the manufacturing industry and sub-manufacturing industries are calculated directly from the
estimated parameters of the translog stochastic frontier production function by taking a partial derivative of output
with respect to time t. The aver-age technical changes in manufacturing industry and sub-manufacturing industries are
positive, with an average techni-cal change about 5.2%, 5.8%, 5.4%, 11.8%, 4.6%, 4.1%, 7.3%, 4.8%, 4.8% and 4.8%
for total sample, food products & beverages, textile & wearing apparel, footwear, paper & products, industrial
chemicals, rubber & plastic products, non- metallic mineral, basic & fabricated metal and other sub-industries,
respectively. Total TFP in the manufacturing sector has grown at the annual rate of 0.052, although the rate of growth
decreased continuously during the sample period. For the sub-industry estimates during the sample period, TFP grew
fastest in the footwear sub-industry, with annual average growth rate of 11.8%, followed by the rubber & plastic
products with a rate of 7.3%, and the food products & beverages with a rate of 5.8% per annum. Full text is available
upon request. [Nguyen Khac Minh et al 2012.pdf]
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Property tax reform in Vietnam: Options, direction and evaluation.

William J. McCluskey, Hong-Loan Trinh. Land Use Policy, Volume 30, Issue 1, January 2013, Pages 276–285.
Abstract: Vietnam has seen significant economic growth over the past decade resulting in the need to develop
solutions to finance infrastructure in its cities. Own revenue sources for cities are largely based on fees and charges
and a form of property taxation from agricultural and non-agricultural land which is based on rice productivity. This
paper analyses current land based revenue sources and concludes that these sources are unsustainable, lack buoyancy
and represent a declining revenue base. Whilst the paper advocates a recurrent property tax based on land values
empirical analysis provides some evidence that the government's proposal for a land based tax has several structural
problems that will directly affect revenue buoyancy. However, the proposed land tax is at least a positive and
important step in developing a sustainable revenue source for city and local governments. Full text
http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy-wb.imf.org/science/article/pii/S0264837712000415.
Reaching a Universal Health Insurance in Viet Nam: Challenges and the Role of Government.
Long, Giang Thanh. Asia-Pacific Development Journal, June 2011, v. 18, iss. 1, pp. 47-72.
Abstract: Given the level of economic development in Viet Nam, the country's health sector is quite impressive. The
country has now set its sights establishing universal health insurance coverage by 2015. This article aims to, first,
describe the current health-care system in Viet Nam accompanied by a number of challenges the country faces in
delivering and financing health-related services, and then provides some policy discussions on how to achieve this
ambitious plan. The article also stresses the important role in attaining universal health insurance coverage by
providing quality services and guaranteeing financial protection for both health-care suppliers and consumers. Full
Reducing Tariffs According to WTO Accession Rules: The Case of Vietnam.

Henrik Barslund Fosse, Pascalis Raimondos-Moller. Review of Development Economics, Vol. 16, Issue 2, pp. 331-
341, 2012.
Abstract: When Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007 it was granted an accession period up
to 2014. During this period tariffs would have to fall according to the accession agreement. This paper evaluates this
2007–2014 trade liberalization by building an applied general equilibrium model and calibrating it to the Vietnamese
data. The model pays careful attention to the fact that Vietnam has many state‐owned enterprises. The model
simulations show that the WTO tariff reductions will reduce overall welfare. Moreover, the biggest loss will take
place among the poor rural households in Vietnam. This paper proposes other tariff reforms that will both raise
overall welfare and reduce income inequality. Free working paper version http://www.cesifo-
group.de/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/1212109.PDF.
Regional Development Along Economic Corridors: Southern Coastal And Northern Sub-Corridors In
Vietnam.
Phi Vinh Tuong. in: Emerging Economic Corridors in the Mekong Region (BRC Research Report No.8). Edited by
ISHIDA Masami. Bangkok Research Center, IDE-JETRO, Bangkok, Thailand, 2012.
Contents: Introduction -- 1. Overview -- 2. Southern Coastal Sub-corridor and the Development of Provinces in
Vietnam -- 3. Northern Sub-corridor and the Development of Gia Lai and Binh Dinh Provinces -- Conclusion. Free
full text http://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Download/Brc/08.html.
Review on the most popular anaerobic digester models in the Mekong Delta.
Vo Chau Ngan Nguyen, Trung Hieu Phan, Hoang Nam Vo. Journal of Vietnamese Environment, North America, 2,
Apr. 2012.
Abstract: In Vietnam, the research and application of biogas technology were given a considerable attention in past 30
years. There is several biogas plant models apply in the suburban and rural areas where most people’s life is based on
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animal husbandry. Each biogas plant model own strong points or weakness that adapt to detail circumstances. The
biogas plants play a key role within the VACB farming system especially in the Mekong Delta where produce more
than 50% of yearly national agriculture production. This paper gives a comprehensive overview on the popular biogas
models in the Mekong Delta through its development history. Knowing on the presented biogas technology in the
Mekong Delta will lead the biogas-related organizations or private on biogas development at this region. Free full text
http://www.openaccess.tu-dresden.de/ojs/index.php/jve/article/view/24/14.
The impact of increasing rice and maize prices on household income in North Vietnam.
Susanne Ufer, Alwin Keil, Manfred Zeller. Paper prepared for the International Conference “Sustainable Land Use
and Rural Development in Mountain Areas”, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April 2012.
Abstract: Rural households in low income countries are affected by price volatility of agricultural commodities both
through its impact on consumption expenditures and income. This study investigates both the extent of net income
shocks related to volatile food crop prices as well as households’ response to income and consumption risk through a
household level survey in Yen Chau district in North Vietnam covering the period from 2006 to 2010, which was
characterized by massive fluctuations of world food prices. -- The research covers the two major crops grown in the
area, paddy cultivated for subsistence needs and maize as the primary cash crop, which constitute, on average,
approximately 8.5% of total consumption expenditures and 65% of total household cash income, respectively. -- In a
first step the impact of rising rice and maize consumer and producer prices on household income was assessed using
the Net Benefit Ratio (DEATON, 1989; MINOT and GOLETTI, 2000). -- In the past five years, rice consumer prices
increased by 15-percent and maize producer prices by 27-percent annually, on average. The joint effect of rising rice
and maize prices on net household income was plus 13-percent per year, on average. Hence, all households benefited
to a larger extent from rising maize producer prices. In the same period, fertiliser prices increased by 10-percent and
seed prices by 19-percent annually, on average. Maize price development in most of the years has been sufficient to
either keep net maize income at the same level or to even improve net maize income year by year. Net maize income
in real terms was highly volatile, with a rise of 60-percent in 2007, a decrease of 17-percent the year after and an
increase of 8- and 23-percent in 2009 and 2010, respectively . -- In a second step households’ resilience to the maize
income decline in 2008 was analyzed using an OLS regression model which employs an asset based approach linking
households’ capital endowment with the stability of their consumption expenditures. -- The regression results show
that the maize income decline of 2008 did not translate into decreased consumption expenditures compared to the year
before. Only few households applied specific measures to cope with the income depression. Yet, options for farmers
to adapt to maize price fluctuations remain limited. For example, many farmers have to sell their maize soon after the
harvest to avoid severe post-harvest losses, in remote areas, which are not well-connected to main roads, maize prices
are rather low, and prices paid for inputs by using a loan are more expensive than the direct price. Although increasing
maize producer prices could outweigh the impact of rising rice consumer prices on household income and maize net
revenue increased despite sharply rising input costs the high specialisation in maize production is a relative risky
income strategy given the high input intensity and the large maize income fluctuations observed. Therefore, policies
are needed that improve the rural infrastructure and market environment to support the adaptive capacity of
households and their risk management strategies, and that foster income diversification in the long run. Full text is
The Impact of Status Orientations on Purchase Preference for Foreign Products in Vietnam, and Implications
for Policy and Society.
By: Mai, Nguyen Thi Tuyet; Smith, Kirk. Journal of Macromarketing, Mar2012, Vol. 32 Issue 1, p52-60, 9p;
Abstract: In this article, the authors examine the impact of status orientations on consumer purchase preferences for
foreign products, an emerging disposition in Vietnam. Both qualitative (in-depth interviews and focus groups) and
quantitative methods (survey with urban Vietnamese consumers) were employed in this investigation. The results of
structural equation modeling (SEM) provided empirical evidence for the positive influence of modern status
orientation (MSO) on willingness to buy imported products. Traditional status orientation (TSO) was found not to be
a predictor of willingness to buy. Consistent with the findings from literature, consumer ethnocentrism was negatively
related to willingness to buy imported products. Implications for public policy and marketers pertaining to the
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emerging proclivity of status-seeking foreign purchase and the social motives underlying this phenomenon are
provided. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
The Law of the Family in Vietnam: Assessing the Marriage and Family Law of Vietnam.
Thomas J. Walsh. California Western International Law Journal 2011 VOL 42; NUMB 1, page(s) 61-122.
Excerpt: I. Introduction: It is a virtual truism of human history that in war the biggest victims are the weakest
segments of society - the children, the widows, the elderly. The war waged between the Vietnamese and the French,
and subsequently between the Vietnamese and the Americans, lasted for thirty years. It started as a struggle of
colonialists versus anti-colonialists and evolved into a frontline conflict in the worldwide struggle of communist
nations versus non-communist nations. Despite Vietnam's ultimate victory in that conflict, such a lengthy struggle
impacted countless families and several generations of children by the loss of parents, grandparents, children, siblings,
and extended family. In a society so structured around the extended family, such a loss was devastating to a people
trying to put their nation in order. In a nation so experienced in the tragedies of war, their ability to "set their hearts
right" and secure the well-being of their families must be called into question. -- Yet in the face of all this recent
tragedy, the country of Vietnam has sought to do just that. Twenty-five years after the end of the conflict with the
United States, Vietnam's legislature enacted the Marriage and Family Law of 2000. This law is a comprehensive piece
of legislation intended to secure the well-being of the Vietnamese family in an ever-changing world. It seeks to deal
with virtually every phase of the family experience. This piece of legislation is very much a reflection of Vietnamese
society as ... Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
The Organizational Support of Oversea Expatriates in Global Manufacturing Environment: the Case of
Taiwanese Companies in Vietnam.
Yi-Tzu Chung and Chenter Ho. International Journal of e-Education, e-Business, e-Management and e-Learning, Vol.
2, No. 2, April 2012.
Abstract—Due to the fierce competition globally, most of the manufacturing companies seek for low cost
manufacturing resources globally to keep their competitiveness. In most of the cases, the core management team of
these manufacturing factories is consisted of expatriates from other countries. The retention of these expatriate is one
of the most troublesome issues in human resource management in these companies. In this paper, the effects of
organizational supports on the retention of expatriates were studied. We collected information through survey of more
than 50 Taiwanese companies in Vietnam and interviewed 10 executive managers who are working at Taiwanese
companies in Vietnam. After analyzing the results of survey and interviews, the finding of this research are: 1. The
perceived organizational supporting: expatriate trainings mostly focus on technical skills but not skills on crossing
cultural barriers and other living information. 2. The perceived organizational supporting has positive effect on the
oversea adjustment. 3. The oversea adjustment has positive effect to their intention to stay in Vietnam. 4. The
perceived organizational supporting is showing positively influencing to their intention to stay in Vietnam. The
oversea adjustment is a mediating factor between the perceived organizational supporting and their intention to stay in
Vietnam. -- The results of this research suggest that holistic support from the company is a key factor for expatriate to
stay comfortable in Vietnam. That would also be the key to the successful business of the company in Vietnam. Free
full text http://www.ijeeee.org/Papers/103-Z00086CZ01012.pdf.
Towards sustainable beef enterprises in the northwest highlands of Vietnam.

Nguyen, Q and Vu, C and Dinh, T and Lane, PA and Ives, SW. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference
on Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, 16-18 April 2012, Hohenheim University,
Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract: In Vietnam, approximately 5% of cattle are in the North West region, increasing from 149,510 head in 2006
to 191,300 head in 2010 (Son La Statistic year book 2010). About 90% of these cattle are found on small household
farms and the remainder in commercial operations (National Livestock Department’s report for 2001 – 2005). In order
to establish a baseline for comparing and evaluating sustainable production practices to overcome technical and
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market constraints to the emergence of profitable beef enterprises in the northwest highlands, a survey was conducted
in two communes in La province. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Value chain appraisal for an action research approach to sustainable and profitable beef enterprises in the
North West highlands of Vietnam.
Pham, THT and Dao, TH and Trinh, VT and Bonney, L and Ives, SW. Proceedings of the Sustainable Land Use and
Rural Development in Mountain Areas Conference, 16-18 April 2012, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract: Cattle production in the North West highlands of Vietnam is considered a potential income source in the
context of increasing domestic market demand for beef. Demand for high quality product from supermarket and
specialty shops has also increased concomitant with an increase in food safety awareness from illegal imports.
Consequently, farmers face many challenges in production and marketing as most of them are smallholder in minority
ethnic groups living in disadvantaged conditions. In current supply chains, live-cattle selling and transporting from
production area to end-market results in spot transactions, with no recognition of supply source. In 2011, a rapid value
chain appraisal was undertaken in Son La province to provide information for designing interventions to overcoming
technical and market constraints to the emergence of profitable beef enterprises in the North-western highlands of
Vietnam. As a result, "a value chain" is created from "traditional supply chain", from a shared vision and common
goals to meet specific market objectives through satisfying the needs of consumers undertaken by small- farmers and
other stakeholders (Hobbs et al., 2000). The overall objective was to provide information of the whole chain to all
stakeholders (farmers, collectors, slaughter houses, local authorities and agencies) and facilitate their participation in
intervention design for sustainable and profitable beef enterprises in Son La province. Full text is available upon
request. Fee may apply.
Vietnam Works Hard to Power Economic Growth.

By: Patel, Sonal. Power, Mar2012, Vol. 156 Issue 3, p52-59, 7p;
Abstract: The article reports on the effort of Vietnam to increase its economic growth in power sector. It mentions that
Vietnam is set to expand its financing and vendor base, ensuring future fuel supplies and also attracts foreign
investment. Further it mentions that Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) will restructure the power sector and invite
domestic and foreign investors to capitalize on increasing energy demand. Full text
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=73798722&site=ehost-live.
Vietnam's SCIC: a gradualist approach to sovereign wealth funds.

Duc-Tho (Tom) Nguyen, Tran-Phuc Nguyen, Jeremy D K Nguyen. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy. London:
2012. Vol. 17, Iss. 2; pg. 268.
Abstract: Vietnam's State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) was established in 2005, with the primary goal of
helping the authorities to make, under market conditions, the most of state capital investments in business enterprises.
To date, SCIC has had to grapple mainly with facilitating the 'equitization' (that is privatization) of large numbers of
state-owned enterprises. As yet it is still too early to make a firm assessment of SCIC's performance with regard to
either of the above objectives. Nevertheless, a discernable picture has begun to emerge, in which SCIC appears to
have been a typical example of Vietnam's gradualist approach in transitioning to a more market-oriented economic
system: the pace of change may have been slow and uneven, but there are clear indications of movements toward the
end goal. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Water regime in paddy rice systems in Vietnam: Importance of infiltration and bund flow.
Nadja Reinhardt, Thomas Gut, Marc Lamers, Thilo Streck. Paper prepared for the International Conference
“Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas”, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, 16-18 April
2012.
Abstract: In northern Vietnam, high population growth, resettlement programs and consequent land scarcity
(Heidhues et al., 2007) have led to an intensification of rice cultivation in Vietnam during the last decades.
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Consequently, the amount of applied pesticides in paddy rice cultivation has tremendously increased. For paddy rice
cultivation, however, there is concern that pesticides are lost from their target area possessing a serious environmental
threat contaminating surface- and groundwater, both of which are typically used for domestic purposes. In northern
Vietnam, many irrigated paddy systems include fish ponds in which small-scale farmers raise fish to produce
additional income and food. Especially in rural areas, fish can be considered as the main protein source for the local
population. Therefore main pathways of water losses should be identified and the significance of preferential flow for
the translocation of pesticides should be analysed. Janssen and Lennartz already investigated deep percolation in
paddy rice fields as well as water flow pathways through bunds in paddy fields in Southeast China (Janssen and
Lennartz, 2007; Janssen and Lennartz, 2008; Janssen and Lennartz, 2008). Until now, water loss investigations from
paddy rice fields in Northern Vietnam have not been carried out. The current study is filling this gap.
-- In 2011, we investigated four paddy fields located in the Chieng Khoi watershed, northern Vietnam. The chosen
paddy fields meet the following criteria: (i) direct adjacency of fish pond and paddy field, (ii) available information on
the age of the field and the bunds, (iii) known management practice and (iv) the exclusion of intercropping. The
experimental set up was as follows: Double ring infiltrometer tests were carried out to determine infiltration rates
from both paddy fields and bunds. Spatial and temporal replications were made. To identify potential lateral pathways
through the bunds we conducted tracer tests using chloride and Brilliant Blue, a dye tracer typically used in soil water
studies. After the experiments, the bund was dug up ten-centimetrewise and water pathways (macropores) were
observed visually.
-- As already reported by Tuong et al. (1994), main water losses from paddy fields take place through the bunds in
dependence on macropores and consequentially on preferential flow. Via dye tracer tests, we proved that most lateral
losses takes place via macroporic bund flow. Bund flow occurred in all investigated bunds independent of the bunds´
age and morphology. The distribution of macropores was regulated by the amount of plant roots and the activity of
animals. Within the fields no water or very sparse water was lost through deep percolation. The presence of a plough
pan and very high groundwater levels inhibited infiltration. To sum up, the knowledge gained from this study can help
to improve food security of the indigenous population in Vietnam as it provides a better understanding of transport
pathways of agrochemicals. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Why do corporate codes of conduct fail? Women workers and clothing supply chains in Vietnam.
Dong Hoang, Bryn Jones. Global Social Policy April 2012 12: 67-85.
Abstract: Despite criticisms of their derivation and implementation, corporate codes of conduct (CoCs) continue to
dominate debates on Corporate Social Responsibility and the informal regulation of worker exploitation and abuse by
‘sweatshops’ supplying northern multinational corporations (MNCs). Through analytical interrogation of existing
literature and empirical evidence from Vietnamese case studies, two propositions are made to clarify the poor
performance of CoCs. It is argued, firstly, that the extent of the control of MNCs over their subcontracting suppliers is
misconceived and over-estimated because supply chains function more like networks than the hierarchies assumed by
‘principal-agent’ preconceptions. Conceptualizing such relationships instead as networks of conflicting political and
economic imperatives amongst various sets of actors generates a second proposition derived from our case studies.
The factory workers, their subcontractor employers, intermediary vendors and even the MNCs seeking CoC
commitments, have convergent interests in violating key aspects of the codes and deceiving their auditors. The
analysis evaluates the residual value of CoCs in light of these constraints and the options for improving labour
regulation, with particular reference to the plight of disadvantaged women workers. Full text is available upon
Wind Energy Potential in Vietnam.

Van-Tan Tran, Tsai-Hsiang Chen, and Ting-Yen Hsieh. From Proceeding (768) Power and Energy Systems - 2012.
Abstract: In this paper, the wind data were collected hourly during period 2001-2010 at eight locations in Vietnam.
The wind power potential at eight locations spread through the country was carried out by using the Weibull
distribution function. The study uses the maximum likelihood method to calculate shade parameter k and scale
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parameter A (m/s). The shade parameter k varies between 1.2 and 2.37, while the scale parameter A changes from 3.2
m/s to 11.8 m/s. The results showed that the annual mean wind speed v (m/s) in Nha Trang, Ca Mau, and Quy Nhon
are 11.15 m/s, 10.14 m/s, and 9.13 m/s, respectively. The wind farm with five wind turbine generators (one Bonus
turbine of 1 MW and four Bonus turbines of 2 MW) are used to point out that Nha trang is the best zone for
developing wind farms in Vietnam. The study supports the database for the future research on the wind energy in
Vietnam and in the over the world. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
World Heritage Listing and Implications for Tourism: The Case of Hue, Vietnam.
Jo Vu and Quynh-Du Ton-That. in: Strategies for Tourism Industry - Micro and Macro Perspectives. Editor: Murat
Kasimoglu and Handan Aydin. InTech, April, 2012.
Introduction excerpt: This chapter examines the attractions that Huế offers to tourists, including the complex of
monuments inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. It provides an outline of the historical significance of the
monuments and the friction that arises at the intersection of heritage and history. It notes the impact of the listing on
the prominence of Hue as a tourist destination, which in turn helped to restore and revitalise its cultural assets. The
general strategy adopted by Hue’s tourism authorities is to showcase the monuments to tourists for their aesthetics
appeal, and to revive past cultural practices as a representation of Hue identity. The chapter then looks beyond the
aesthetics and examines the historical and spiritual significance of the monuments in an attempt to explore ways in
which the city’s cultural heritage could be more deeply integrated into heritage tourism. Free full text
http://www.intechopen.com/books/strategies-for-tourism-industry-micro-and-macro-perspectives.
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2012 April 15 issue

A new approach for municipal solid waste governance aiming to become green city bases on a sound material –
cycle society initiative in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Ngo Thi Lan Phuong, Yoshiro Higano and Helmut Yabar. in: Design for Innovative Value Towards a Sustainable
Society, Springer, 2012, pp. 1094-1099.
Abstract: This study aims to analyze the Japanese Sound materialcycle society (SMCS) model in compatible
condition with current municipal solid waste (MSW) in Hanoi, Vietnam at the first step: waste classification. About
household waste, author cooperated with some workers, officers and experts in Hanoi Urban Environment Company
(URENCO) in 3Rs (ReduceReuseRecyle) project in 4 main wards of Hanoi: Phan Chu Trinh, Lang Ha, Nguyen Du
and Thanh Cong. This project supplies collection containers for households and public places for separate waste at
source with 3 categories: Organic waste, Inorganic waste and Recyclables. In comparison with old state, household
waste at these places are classified properly with higher value for recyclable and organic waste. About waste from
commercial activities, author conducted a sitestudy in some big and media size super markets, shopping malls, open
markets and restaurants about waste classification at source. Author interviewed collectors and directly classified and
measured the composition of waste in 2 weeks with collectors. The author also went to Nam Son sanitary landfill site,
the biggest MSW treatment facility of the North in Soc son (Hanoi) to survey the real situation of MSW when it is
buried. The capacity and environmental impacts from landfill activities are also quantified. The output of this study is
to identify MSW composition and material cycle aim to increase composting and recyclable material amount, quantify
the reduction in landfill load and propose some policies to improve local people awareness for better MSW
governance. Basing on collected data from these activities, author expects to propose a new scenario for MSW
treatment by using Integrated Waste Management Model (IWM2) to improve the current situation aiming to build a
cleangreenbeautiful Hanoi as local government target. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
A Study on the Pollution Control Policy for Industrial Waste Water in Hanoi City, Vietnam.
Nguyen Trung Thuan and Yoshiro Higano. in: Design for Innovative Value Towards a Sustainable Society, Springer,
2012, pp. 1118-1122.
Abstract: The development industrial production of Hanoi City has lead to water pollution by discharging untreated
waste water. The study focused on the relationship between industrial production and emission of COD and Metals.
Based on industrial production data and I-O table of targeted industrial sectors, simulation is used to describe that
relationship. Simulation result indicates feasible solutions for reduction of pollutants, increase investment in waste
water treatment in Hanoi City. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Agent Orange: Health and Environmental Issues in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
Susan Hammond, Arnold Schecter. In: Dioxins and Health: Including Other Persistent Organic Pollutants and
Endocrine Disruptors, Third Edition, 2012, chapter 15.
Summary: This chapter contains sections titled: -- Introduction -- History of Military Use of Herbicides -- Exposed
and Potentially Exposed Populations in Vietnam -- Dioxin Contamination and “Hot Spots” -- Early Studies -- Postwar
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International Research Cooperation -- Dioxin “Hot Spots” -- Mitigation Efforts -- Remediation at the DA Nang Base -
- U. S. Government Support at DA Nang -- Bien HOA and its Airbase -- PHU Cat Airbase -- Agent Orange in
Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam -- Health Impacts of Agent Orange/Dioxin -- Veterans and Agent Orange --
Vietnamese and Health Studies -- Support for Vietnamese Believed to be Affected by Agent Orange/Dioxin --
Conclusions -- References. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
An empirical Study of Determinants of E-commerce Adoption in SMEs in Vietnam an economy in transition.

LE Van Huy, Frantz ROWE, Duane TRUEX, Minh Q. HUYNH. Journal of Global Information Management (JGIM)
v 20(3) Jul-Sep 2012, In Press Accepted for Publication.
ABSTRACT: Experts and business pundits forecasted drastic changes in Vietnam’s fledgling ecommerce when the
Southeast Asian country became an official member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007. Over the last
few years, as part of the Reform– called Doi moi– some Vietnamese enterprises have adopted e-commerce and
already benefitted from it. In this research, we build and test a model of e-commerce adoption including numerous
internal and external factors identified in theoretical and empirical studies. The final sample of 926 small and
medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam includes both adopter and non-adopter firms. The policy implications of this
study on promoting e-commerce adoption by SMEs in transition economies, such as Vietnam, are discussed. Free full
text http://www3.cis.gsu.edu/dtruex/courses/IB8710/Articles/Vietnan-EC-JGIM-accepted-031212.pdf. [LE Van Huy
et al 2012.pdf]
Benefit-incidence analysis: are government health expenditures more pro-rich than we think?
Adam Wagstaff. Health Economics. York: Apr 2012. Vol. 21, Iss. 4; pg. 351.
Abstract: Authors of benefit-incidence analyses (BIA) have to impute subsidies using assumptions about the
relationship between unobserved subsidies 'captured' by the household and what can be observed at the household and
aggregate levels. This paper shows that one of the two assumptions used in BIA studies to date will necessarily
produce a more pro-rich (or less pro-poor) picture of government health spending than the other, depending on
whether utilization is more pro-rich or pro-poor than fees paid to public providers. Both assumptions have their
disadvantages, and the paper suggests a couple of alternatives that explicitly link fees paid to the costliness of care. It
shows that in the most likely case where fees are distributed in a more pro-rich fashion than utilization, the two
traditional assumptions will produce less pro-rich distributions of subsidies than the two new alternatives. Also
considered are three complications that arise in BIA studies, including factoring in social health insurance. The paper's
theoretical results are illustrated with an empirical BIA for Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may
apply.
Business Education in the Emerging Economy of Vietnam: 20 Years of Expectations, Illusions, and Lessons.
Vuong, Quan Hoang; Tran, Tri Dung; Napier, Nancy K.; Dau, Thuy Ha. Symposium on Global Business and
Management Education Innovation in Emerging and Developing Countries, Georgia Tech - 2012, pp. 1 - 28.
ABSTRACT: Vietnam, like many fast growing emerging economies, especially ones that have begun a shift from
planned to market oriented economic systems, has encountered shifts in expectations and unexpected illusions that
affect its management education. In this paper, we review briefly key trends and transition points in the country’s
history, how they may have affected business education, and consider their implications and directions and needs for
the future of education. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Capability development of local communities for project sustainability in afforestation/reforestation clean

development mechanism.
Makino Yamada Yamanoshita, Masahiro Amano. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change.
Dordrecht: Apr 2012. Vol. 17, Iss. 4; pg. 425.
Abstract: It has been recognized that the involvement of local community is essential to ensure the sustainability of
A/R CDM (afforestation/reforestation clean development mechanism) project. This study verifies if the risks of non-
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permanence and leakage are addressed in a registered small scale A/R CDM project in Vietnam. Workshops,
interviews, and a questionnaire survey of local villagers revealed that the project has caused a shortage of land for
conventional activities such as grazing, fuel wood collection and shifting cultivation, and consequently posed the risks
of project non-permanence and leakage. It is suggested that participation of all stakeholders in the community to the
A/R CDM project beyond existing land tenure and adequate carbon benefit sharing according to the level of
contribution to the project are required to reduce the risk of non permanence. To ensure the participation, the
community should have capability such as consensus building and collective action. Leakage would be minimized if
the community has alternative measures to the conventional activities before starting the project. We argue that it is
necessary to first develop a community's capabilities in the readiness phase of any A/R CDM project in order to
reduce the risks for the project sustainability, and that new sources of funding are needed for this purpose. Full text is
Comparing Support Vector Regression and Statistical Linear Regression for Predicting Poverty Incidence in
Vietnam.
Cornelius Senf and Tobia Lakes. in: Bridging the Geographic Information Sciences (Lecture Notes in Geoinformation
and Cartography) 2012, Part 5, pp. 251-265.
Abstract: Urban and rural poverty are key issues of the Millennium Development Goals and much research is done on
how to reduce poverty sustainable and long-ranging. However, smallscalepovertymaps at full spatial and
temporalcoverage are fundamentallynecessary but rare. Some small scale poverty mapping methods have been
developed in past years, but these methods often rely on data which has to be collected in resource intensive field
work. We therefore compare two statistical data mining tools, Support Vector Regression and Linear Regression, to
scale Vietnamese poverty data from a coarser training to smaller scaled testing set. The Support Vector Regression
performedworse than the Linear Regression model with feature subset. However, the Support Vector Regression
model showed a more systematic error which might be corrected more easily than the error of the Linear Regression
approach. Furthermore, both models showed dependency on spatial effects. Hence, integration of spatial information
might increase the success of future models and turn data mining approaches into valuable tools for poverty mapping
on small scales. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Do Connections Matter? Individual Social Capital and Credit Constraints in Vietnam.

Quoc Hoang Dinh, Thomas Bernhard Dufhues and Gertrud Buchenrieder. European Journal of Development
Research, advance online publication 12 April 2012.
Abstract: We analyze the effects of network-based social capital on easing the credit constraints of rural households,
using zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis. In the context of development economics, the data
collection approach used, which originates from the field of sociology, is innovative, insofar as a personal network
survey was carried out to measure the individual social capital of rural households. We define four social capital
variables according to tie strength and social distance between the respondent and his/her network members, resulting
in four different social capital variables: (i) bonding (strong ties to persons of similar social standing); (ii) bridging
(weak ties to persons of similar social standing); (iii) bonding-link (strong ties to persons of higher social standing);
and (iv) bridging-link (weak ties to persons of higher social standing). Econometric analysis suggests that strong ties
to persons of higher social standing can reduce the magnitude of credit constraints. Full text is available upon request.
Fee may apply.
Effects of cross-cultural and language training on expatriates’ adjustment and job performance in Vietnam.
Yu-Lin Wang, Emma Tran. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources. Early View, Article first published online: 4
APR 2012.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships among pre-departure cross-cultural training, post-
arrival cross-cultural training, language training, expatriates’ adjustment (general, interaction, work), and job
performance. Questionnaire data were collected from 114 expatriates and their supervisors, who evaluated the
expatriate's job performance in Vietnam. The results indicates that pre-departure cross-cultural training, post-arrival
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cross-cultural training, and language training all are positively associated with general, interaction, and work
adjustment ability. An expatriate's interaction and work adjustment have significant impacts on job performance; they
partially mediate the relationship between training and job performance. Post-arrival cross-cultural training has the
strongest impact on expatriate general and work adjustment. Language training is most significant for interaction
adjustment. Of the three types, post-arrival cross-cultural training plays the most critical role in expatriate adjustment.
Limitations and recommendations for future research are presented at the end of the paper. Full text is available upon
Elderly people in Vietnam at present time.

Nguyen Thanh Binh. International J. Soc. Sci. & Education, 2012 Vol. 2 Issue 3.
Abstract: By using the statistics from the 2009 Vietnam population and housing census as well as Vietnam Household
Living Standard Survey in recent years, we could conclude that the proportion of old people is rising sharply in almost
countries all over the world. Vietnam is not an exception. The number of elderly people increased yearly. By the year
2008, with the elderly population of 11%, Vietnam population starts ageing. The ageing population is focused mainly
in the age groups 60 - 64 and 65 - 69. There are more elderly females than males. Most aged Vietnamese people are
married or widows/widowers. They are involved in various forms of economic activities to earn income. A majority
of elderly Vietnamese is literate, but only a minority of them professes a religion. Vietnamese elderly people mainly
live in rural areas. Free full text
http://www.ijsse.com/sites/default/files/issues/2012/Volume%202%20Issue%203,%202012/Paper-27/Paper-27.pdf.
Evaluation Study of Long-Term Development Co-operation between Vietnam and Sweden.

Mark McGillivray, David Carpenter, Stewart Norup. Sida Evaluation 2012:2.
Foreword (excerpt): This report is one of three reports commissioned by Sida to an independent team to review the
development co-operation to countries in Asia, (also Sri Lanka and Laos), where Sweden is, or has, phased out. It
summarises experiences and lessons of this co-operation. This report was predated by an earlier, preparatory phase in
2009 that was to comprehensively document and describe this co-operation. It is also complemented by a synthesis
report, which not only compiles the lessons and summarises the three country reports, but also comparatively analyses
the conclusions and lessons. The relationship between Sweden and Vietnam, which has evolved over more than 40
years, has very much been based on development co-operation. This evaluation provides an overview of the years
between 1969 and 2011. Sweden has been involved in many areas during this time, from the early years in health,
humanitarian support and forestry to research, human rights and democracy and anti-corruption in the later years. The
evaluators conclude that Swedish development co-operation contributed to lifting millions of Vietnamese out of
poverty. This is a bold statement, but important here are the lessons that allow the consultant to make such a
statement. This includes co-operation with the government, which also trusted Sweden to lead the work in anti-
corruption, but also initiate other politically sensitive democracy programs. The evaluators highlight Sweden’s
“special” relationship with Vietnam as decisive in forging what they consider to be a successful development co-
operation program, that was responsive to the development needs of the country, effective and efficient delivery of
aid, and that assisted in providing the conditions for sustained poverty reduction, as demonstrated especially by
Sweden’s support to Vietnam’s extensive economic reforms. The report clearly shows that Sweden has been
appreciated for this. Free full text
http://www.sida.se/Global/About%20Sida/Sida%20Utv%C3%A4rderingar/C721722_SIDA61468en_SE_2012-
2_Vietnam_inlaga_C3.pdf.
Examining Relationships between Culture, Creativity and Business Stage in an Emerging Market: A
Categorical Data Analysis of Vietnam’s Data Set.
Vuong, Q.H., N.K. Napier, and T.D. Tran, 2012. ULB CEB Working Paper Series, WP-CEB No. 12/006, Universite
Libre de Bruxelles, Solvay Brussels School of Economics & Management.
Abstract: In this article, we offer a new way of exploring relationships between three different dimensions of a
business operation, namely the stage of business development, the methods of creativity and the major cultural values.
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Although separately, each of these has gained enormous attention from the management research community,
evidenced by a large volume of research studies, there have been not many studies that attempt to describe the logic
that connect these three important aspects of a business; let alone empirical evidences that support any significant
relationships among these variables. The paper also provides a data set and an empirical investigation on that data set,
using a categorical data analysis, to conclude that examinations of these possible relationships are meaningful and
possible for seemingly unquantifiable information. The results also show that the most significant category among all
creativity methods employed in Vietnamese enterprises is the “creative disciplines” rule in the “entrepreneurial
phase,” while in general creative disciplines have played a critical role in explaining the structure of our data sample,
for both stages of development in our consideration. Free full text
http://opeconomica.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/wp12006.pdf.
Financial Development and the Determinants of Capital Structure in Vietnam.

Dzung Nguyen, Ivan Diaz-Rainey, Andros Gregoriou. SSRN Feb 2012.
Abstract: This paper explores the capital structure of listed Vietnamese companies in the broader context of financial
development (the recent expansion of domestic equity and debt capital markets). Accordingly, the paper provides the
first insights into the capital structure of listed companies in one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia-Pacific
region and in an economy that has experienced rapid change in recent years. We employ a panel GMM (generalized
method of moments) system estimator to analyse the determinants of the capital structure of 116 non-financial firms
listed on either the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange or the Hanoi Stock Exchange for the period 2007-2010. From this
analysis we conclude that despite the emergence in recent years of equity and (to a lesser extent) corporate debt
capital markets, the capital structure of Vietnamese enterprises are still dominated by the use of short-term financing
sources. Further, our results show that state controlled enterprises continue to have preferential access to finance and
that high growth firms still rely principally on external debt rather than equity issuance. These results indicate that
policymakers need to continue to pursue policies that will deepen capital markets and ensure that bank finance is
allocated on a purely commercial basis. Free full text
https://sites.google.com/site/gsvuong/Home/cabinet/Financial%20Development%20and%20the%20Determinants%20
of%20Capital%20Structure%20in%20Vietnam.pdf.
Getting to the Real Story: What Vietnamese business people wish foreigners understood about doing business
in emerging and transition countries like Vietnam before they start.
Nancy K. Napier, and Vuong Quan Hoang (2011). International Journal of Human Resources Development and
Management, Vol. 11, Nos. 2-3, pp. 208-220.
Abstract: Knowledge sharing typically examines organisational transfer of knowledge, often from headquarters to
subsidiaries, from developed country sites to emerging country sites, or from host to local employees. Yet, recent
research, such as Prahalad’s Bottom of the Pyramid, raises the question of reverse transfer of knowledge, or whether
knowledge could and should be transferred from local sites to home country sites within an organisation. As several
emerging economies build their capabilities in knowledge, research and development, marketing, and the like, it only
makes sense to consider what type of knowledge and how to transfer it in reverse or bi-directional manners. This
reflection paper takes one step back in the process. Rather than focusing on what knowledge transfer may make sense
within an organisation, we consider, through a series of small case studies and experience, what types of knowledge
are important for foreigners to know at the initial stages of engagement abroad as they consider whether to do
business in an emerging country. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Grassroots Democracy in Rural Vietnam: A Gramscian Analysis.

Antonio J Tortosa. Socialism and Democracy. New York: Mar 2012. Vol. 26, Iss. 1; pg. 103, 25 pgs.
Abstract: Dang Phong and Beresford (1998: 85) have called this process of relative withering away of the CPV "
statization," whose main feature has been an endeavor towards separation of roles within the state machinery. [...] the
concept of "rule by law" as compared to the liberal constitutional rule of law rests upon two major issues currently
coexisting in the Vietnamese political and administrative system, i.e. the CPVs commitment to building and enforcing
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a comprehensive legal framework, and the Party's determination to continue being the leading force of the State and
society. Full text is available upon request. [Tortosa 2012.pdf]
I Will Divorce if You Don’t Give Me More Children, Especially Sons: Evidence from a Vietnam.
Cuong Nguyen and Anh Tran. Prelimimary draft.
Abstract: Although divorces place millions of women from poor countries into hardship, we know little about this
issue and its causes. This paper shows that the lack of children is a leading cause for divorce. We use twins and
gender of firstborns as instruments to estimate the effect of the number of children and the existence of a son on
mother’ marital statuses. The 2009 Vietnam Population Census shows the divorce rate is 1.76 percent. We find two
effects of the lack of children on the parents’ divorce. First, an additional child reduces the divorce rate by 0.66
percentage point (equivalent to 37% of the population divorce rate). Second, the existence of at least a son reduces the
divorce rate by 0.54 percentage point (equivalent to 30% of the population divorce rate). This massive magnitudes
suggest areas for intervention to improve women’s welfare and control the population growth. Full text is available
upon request. [Cuong&Anh 2012.pdf]
Impact of Third-Party Enforcement of Contracts in Agricultural Markets–A Field Experiment in Vietnam.

Christoph Saenger, Maximo Torero and Matin Qaim. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Germany; International
Food Policy Research Institute, USA. April 2012.
Abstract: Asymmetry of information is a fundamental problem in economics. Especially in emerging markets for high
value agricultural products in developing countries production contracts remain incomplete if quality attributes
measured by the buying company are unobservable for selling smallholders. Opportunistic buyers would report lower
than actual output quality, negatively affecting farmers’ compensation given it is directly linked to quality. When
farmers factor in the buyer’s opportunistic behavior, underinvestment may occur, negatively affecting farm
productivity. Using the example of the Vietnamese dairy industry, a field experiment is conducted in which contracts
are enforced for randomly selected dairy farmers by providing them with the opportunity to independently verify milk
testing results. Farm-level output data is complemented with information from two rounds of extensive household
surveys conducted before and at the end of the intervention. We find a 10 percent higher use of inputs for treatment
farmers compared to their peers in the control group also resulting in significantly higher dairy output; welfare levels
increase for specific subgroup. As the buying company had not underreported output quality despite the existing
information asymmetry, third-party enforcement helped the company to credibly signal its fair type to farmers,
leading to a Pareto improvement in the supply chain. While producers benefit directly from higher farm productivity,
buying companies are better off due to lower per-unit transaction costs when procuring the farm output. Free full text
http://ipl.econ.duke.edu/bread/papers/0312/Impact_of_Third-
Party_Enforcement_of_Contracts_Saenger_et_al_APR2012L.pdf.
Indicators for Assessing Marine Protected Areas - the Case of the Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area in
Vietnam.
Quach Thi Khanh Ngoc, Claire W. Armstrong And Nguyen Thi Kim Anh. Asian Fisheries Science, Volume 25, No 1,
Pages 52-65.
Abstract: Although marine protected areas have existed in Vietnam for 10 years and there are some separate
assessments of biological or social aspects, few comprehensive evaluations of the management effectiveness have
been carried out. This paper presents some easily accessible ecological, economic and social indicators for marine
protected areas and discusses them for the case of the Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area (NTB-MPA) as an
example, by putting together data from a number of different sources. The outcome is that the creation of the NTB-
MPA provides some social benefits for stakeholders by improving livelihoods for MPA residents, but could not
achieve the conservation objectives targeted for 2005. Free full text
http://www.asianfisheriessociety.org/modules/library/singlefile.php?cid=221&lid=956&term1=*&term2=.
Land Cover Dynamics (1990-2002) in Binh Thuan Province, Southern Central Vietnam.
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Hountondji YC, De Longueville F, Ozer P. International Journal of Asian Social Science 2012, Vol.2, No.3, pp. 336-
349.
Abstract This paper describes the use of satellite imageries and GIS data for identifying key environmental
characteristics of Binh Thuan Province in south central Vietnam and for detecting the major changes patterns within
this region. Landsat TM (1990) and Landsat ETM+ (2002) imageries were used to classify the study area into seven
land use and land cover (LULC) classes. A post-classification comparison analysis was used to quantify and illustrate
the various LULC conversions that took place over the 12-year span of time. Results showed that a steady growth in
population has caused extensive changes of land cover throughout the area. The maps also indicate that the loss of
woody land (forest) and the extension of wetlands (irrigated area), combined with built-up encroachment, remains one
of the most serious environmental problems facing the Binh Thuan Province today. The post-classification change
detection analysis showed that critical habitats accounted for nearly 38.5% of the intensive study area between 1990
and 2002 while 61.5% remained stable. Results also showed over the 12-year span, approximately 1151.2 km²
(115.120 ha) forest were converted respectively to brush, irrigated area (wetlands), cropland and built-up. This is an
overall average decrease of 9594 hectares of forested area per year. Throughout the study area, districts most affected
by forest conversion to another land cover are: Bac Bihn (2798 ha/year), Than Linh (2717 ha/year), Ham Thuan Nam
(1601 ha/year) and Ham Thuan Bac (1524 ha/year). Based on the identified causes of these changes, we made policy
recommendations for better management of land use and land cover. Free full text
http://orbi.ulg.ac.be/bitstream/2268/116012/1/IJASS,%202(3),PP.336-349%5B1%5D.pdf.
Potential Vietnamese consumers' perceptions of organic foods.

Thien T. Truong, Matthew H.T. Yap, Elizabeth M. Ineson. British Food Journal. Bradford: 2012. Vol. 114, Iss. 4; pg.
529.
Abstract:
Purpose - This paper aims to identify and analyse potential Vietnamese consumers' perceptions of organic foods.
Design/methodology/approach - A deductive approach of reasoning was employed to address the positivism research
philosophy through the survey research strategy. Quantitative data were collected from 264 potential Vietnamese
consumers through a self-administered structured questionnaire and analysed using frequencies, descriptive statistics,
chi squared test, principal components analysis, t-tests and a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
Findings - Potential Vietnamese consumers' willingness to purchase organic foods was linked positively to health and
safety whilst the females appreciated their nutritional value. Environmental and sustainability concerns did not
influence purchasing decisions. Because of their perceived superior quality, potential Vietnamese consumers were not
price sensitive towards organic foods.
Research limitations/implications - This study lacks the qualitative depth and the employment of quota sampling
technique to select respondents may impact external validity.
Practical implications - The findings can benefit organic foods sellers and retailers in developing appropriate sales and
marketing strategies by differentiating between organic foods and conventional foods to target and attract potential
Vietnamese consumers, and to expand the existing organic foods market in Vietnam.
Originality/value - The present paper supplements the knowledge gap by identifying and analysing potential
Vietnamese consumers' perceptions of organic foods in order to assist organic foods sellers and retailers to understand
potential Vietnamese consumers and expand their organic foods market in Vietnam. Full text is available upon
Social Capital, Network Effects and Savings in Rural Vietnam.

Carol Newman, Finn Tarp and Katleen Van Den Broeck. UNU/WIDER Working Paper No. 2012/39, April 2012.
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Abstract: Information failures are a major barrier to formal financial saving in low income countries. Households in
rural communities often lack the information necessary to set up formal deposit accounts or are uncertain about the
returns to saving formally. In this paper, we explore the extent to which social networks in rural Vietnam can play a
role in increasing formal savings where knowledge gaps exist. Networks are defined as active membership of
women’s unions and the quality of networks is measured by the level of formal savings observed among group
members. We find that membership of high quality networks leads to higher levels of saving in formal financial
institutions. Free full text http://www.wider.unu.edu/publications/working-papers/2012/en_GB/wp2012-
039/_files/87440191299649715/default/wp2012-039.pdf.
The entrepreneurial facets as precursor to Vietnam’s economic renovation in 1986.

Vuong Q.H., Dam V.N., Van Houtte D., Tran T.D. (2011). The IUP Journal of Entrepreneurship Development, Vol.
VIII, No. 4, pp.1-42.
Abstract: In this research, we aim to develop a conceptual framework to assess the entrepreneurial properties of the
Vietnamese reform, known as Doi Moi, even before the kickoff of Doi Moi policy itself. We argued that unlike many
other scholars’ assertion, economic crisis and harsh realities were neither necessary nor sufficient conditions for the
reform to take place, but the entrepreurial elements and undertaking were, at least for case of Vietnam’s reform.
Entrepreneurial process on the one hand sought for structural changes, kicked off innovation, and on the other its
induced outcome further invited changes and associated opportunities. The paper also concludes that an assessment of
possibility for the next stage of Doi Moi in should take into account the entrepreneurial factors of the economy, and
by predicting the emergence of new entrepreneurial facets in the next phase of economic development. Full text is
The long-term impact of war on health and wellbeing in Northern Vietnam: Some glimpses from a recent
survey.
B Teerawichitchainan and K Korinek. Soc Sci Med, March 14, 2012.
Abstract: War is deemed a major threat to public health; yet, the long-term effects of war on individual health have
rarely been examined in the context of developing countries. Based on data collected as a pilot follow-up to the
Vietnam Longitudinal Survey, this study examines current health profiles of northern Vietnamese war survivors who
entered early adulthood during the Vietnam War and now represent Vietnam's older adult population. To ascertain
how war and military service in the early life course may have had long-term impacts on health status of Vietnam's
current older adults, we compare multi-dimensional measures of health among veterans and nonveterans, and within
these groups, regardless of their military service, between combatants and noncombatants. Multivariate results suggest
that despite prolonged exposure to war, veterans and those who served in combat roles are not significantly different
from their civilian and noncombatant counterparts on most health outcomes later in life. This is in contrast to
American veterans who fought on the opposing side of the war. The near absence of differences in older adult health
among northern Vietnamese with varying degrees of war involvement might be explained by the encompassing extent
of war; the notion that time heals; and the hardiness and resilience against ill health that are by-products of shared
struggle in war and a victorious outcome. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
The Prospects for Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) in Vietnam: A Look at Three Payment Schemes.
Phuc Xuan To, Wolfram H. Dressler, Sango Mahanty, Thu Thuy Pham and Claudia Zingerli. Human Ecology,
published online 1 April 2012.
Abstract: Global conservation discourses and practices increasingly rely on market-based solutions to fulfill the dual
objective of forest conservation and economic development. Although varied, these interventions are premised on the
assumption that natural resources are most effectively managed and preserved while benefiting livelihoods if the
market-incentives of a liberalised economy are correctly in place. By examining three nationally supported payment
for ecosystem service (PES) schemes in Vietnam we show how insecure land tenure, high transaction costs and high
opportunity costs can undermine the long-term benefits of PES programmes for local households and, hence,
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potentially threaten their livelihood viability. In many cases, the income from PES programmes does not reach the
poor because of political and economic constraints. Local elite capture of PES benefits through the monopolization of
access to forestland and existing state forestry management are identified as key problems. We argue that as PES
schemes create a market for ecosystem services, such markets must be understood not simply as bald economic
exchanges between ‘rational actors’ but rather as exchanges embedded in particular socio-political and historical
contexts to support the sustainable use of forest resources and local livelihoods in Vietnam. Full text is available upon
Undesirable project management practices adopted to achieve project outcomes: a case study of Vietnam.
Florence Yean Yng Ling, Hoang Nga Tran. International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2012 -
Vol. 4, No.2 pp. 153 - 170.
Abstract: While Vietnam's construction industry offers many opportunities due to its strong economic growth, project
management has not been well entrenched. The objectives of this study are to determine the performance level of
Vietnam's projects; investigate undesirable PM practices adopted to achieve project outcomes; and provide
recommendations on the way forward for PM in Vietnam. The survey research method was adopted and a structured
questionnaire was used to collect data relating to PM practices that were adopted in construction projects. Their
performance levels in terms of cost, time, quality, profitability and satisfaction were also determined. The study found
that projects in Vietnam performed poorly in terms of time and cost outcomes. Using correlation analysis, undesirable
PM practices that are adopted were identified. These relate mainly to cost management and quality management
practices. Recommendations are provided to help Vietnamese firms to adopt appropriate PM practices to achieve
better performance outcomes. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Validation of the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents (ESSA) in Vietnam.

Thai Thanh Truc, Kim Xuan Loan, Nguyen Do Nguyen, Jason Dixon, Jiandong Sun, Michael Patrick Dunne. Asia-
Pacific Journal of Public Health, Published online before print April 11, 2012.
Abstract: Introduction. To date, there has been little systematic, quantitative research on the links between academic
pressure and mental health among adolescents in Asia, and none in Vietnam. In part, this is because of a lack of
appropriate tools to measure this complex phenomenon. This study was to validate the Educational Stress Scale for
Adolescents (ESSA), developed and tested in China, with the aim of fostering further research in Asia. Methods. A
total of 1283 students were recruited in 3 secondary schools and 3 high schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Anonymous, self-report questionnaires included the ESSA and previously validated measures of mental health.
Results. Among the 1226 questionnaires available, 54% of respondents were female. The mean age was 15.3 years.
Students reported substantial study burden. The ESSA had good internal consistency, and factorial validity and
concurrent validity were established. Conclusion. The ESSA is a suitable measure for school-based mental health
research in Asia. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Vietnam's SCIC: a gradualist approach to sovereign wealth funds.

Duc-Tho (Tom) Nguyen, Tran-Phuc Nguyen, Jeremy D K Nguyen. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy. London:
2012. Vol. 17, Iss. 2; pg. 268.
Abstract: Vietnam's State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) was established in 2005, with the primary goal of
helping the authorities to make, under market conditions, the most of state capital investments in business enterprises.
To date, SCIC has had to grapple mainly with facilitating the 'equitization' (that is privatization) of large numbers of
state-owned enterprises. As yet it is still too early to make a firm assessment of SCIC's performance with regard to
either of the above objectives. Nevertheless, a discernable picture has begun to emerge, in which SCIC appears to
have been a typical example of Vietnam's gradualist approach in transitioning to a more market-oriented economic
system: the pace of change may have been slow and uneven, but there are clear indications of movements toward the
end goal. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Wasteful growth and the growth of waste – Which development path for Vietnam?
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Daniel Bladh. Asian Journal of Research in Social Science & Humanities, Vol.2 Issue 4, April 2012.
ABSTRACT: It is widely acknowledged that Vietnam has had a high level of economical growth for a long time now.
The country has seen a significant expansion of the industrial base, change of consumption patterns as well as a high
rate of urbanization. This has been understood as part of modernization and adaptation to the global economy, but one
of the negative consequences is the growing amount of waste. This amount is expected to increase even further while
the capacity to handle waste has not been developed accordingly. The government of the country has adopted an
ambitious plan on waste management with a vision up to 2050, but so far enforcement is lacking. There is also an
urgent need to question the traditional growth model as a too one-dimensional understanding of development. This
would be a way to structurally address growing waste generation taking into consideration the broader socio-
economical frame as to enable a development path that is sustainable in a truly holistic meaning. Free full text
http://www.aijsh.org/setup/socialscience/paper159.pdf.
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2012 April 1 issue

Antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella serovars isolated from retail pork and chicken meat in North
Vietnam.
Truong Ha Thai, Takuya Hirai, Nguyen Thi Lan, Ryoji Yamaguchi. International Journal of Food Microbiology, In
Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 22 March 2012.
Abstract: The spread of antibiotic resistance via meat poses a serious public health concerns. During 2007–2009, a
total of 586 retail meat samples (318 pork and 268 chicken meats) were collected from three provinces (Bac Ninh, Ha
Noi and Ha Tay) of North Vietnam to determine the prevalence of Salmonella. Isolates were characterized by
serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Approximately 39.6% (n = 126) of pork and 42.9% (n = 115) of
chicken samples were Salmonella-positive, and 14 Salmonella serovars were identified. Anatum (15.8%) was the
most common serovar, followed by Infantis (13.3%), Emek (10.4%), Derby and Rissen (9.5%), Typhimurium (9.1%),
Reading (7.5%) and London (6.2%). The isolation frequency of serovars Enteritidis, Albany, Hadar, Weltevreden,
Newport and Blockey ranged from 1.2% - 5.8%. Resistance to at least one antibiotic agent was detected in 78.4% of
isolates (n = 189) and the most frequent resistance were to tetracycline (58.5%), sulphonamides (58.1%),
streptomycin (47.3%), ampicillin (39.8%), chloramphenicol (37.3%), trimethoprim (34.0%) and nalidixic acid
(27.8%). No Salmonella isolates were resistant to ceftazidime. Chicken isolates had higher resistance to antibiotic
agents than pork isolates (P < 0.05). It showed that 159 Salmonella isolates belong to the 14 serovars were multidrug
resistant (MDR) and 50 MDR patterns were found. This study indicated that Salmonella serovars isolated from retail
meat samples were resistant to multiple antibiotics and this resistance was widespread among different serovars. The
widespread resistance may have arisen from misuse or overuse of antibiotics during animal husbandry in North
Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Applying Data Mining in Money Laundering Detection for the Vietnamese Banking Industry.
Dang Khoa Cao and Phuc Do. Intelligent Information and Database Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science,
2012, Volume 7197/2012, 207-216.
Abstract: The applying of data mining techniques in banking is growing significantly. The volume of transaction data
in banking is huge and contains a lot of useful information. Detecting money laundering is one of the most valuable
information which we can discover from transaction data. This paper will propose the approaches on money
laundering detection techniques by using clustering techniques (a technique of data mining) on money transferring
data of banking system. Besides, we present an implemented system for detecting money laundering in Viet Nam’s
banking industry by using CLOPE algorithm. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Aquifer system for potential groundwater resources in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Duong Du Bui, Akira Kawamura, Thanh Ngoc Tong, Hideo Amaguchi, Thu Minh Trinh. Hydrological Processes,
Volume 26, Issue 6, pages 932–946, 15 March 2012.
Abstract: Predictions in Ungauged Basins (PUB) mainly focus on surface water, but there are much higher prediction
uncertainties inherent in groundwater. Hanoi depends entirely on groundwater for its domestic water supply.
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However, the characteristics of the entire Hanoi aquifer system remain poorly understood due to the lack of available
data. Recently, we were nominated to construct a hydrogeological database. Using the valuable data contained in this
database, this paper comprehensively analyzed the best number of 240 boreholes including well logs and their
hydrogeological parameters obtained from pumping tests for the first time in order to identify the entire Hanoi aquifer
system and characterize the hydrogeological conditions for potential groundwater resources. Great efforts have been
made to establish and analyze the hydrogeological maps, cross sections and the isopach maps of main aquifers’
thickness and transmissibility. As for the results, we found that groundwater mainly exists in the topmost Holocene
unconfined aquifer and the shallow Pleistocene confined aquifer (PCA), while cleft and karst water exists in the
Neogene water bearing layer and the Mesozoic fractured zones. These aquifers are adequately, quantitatively
characterized and evaluated from the viewpoint of potential groundwater resources. We found the PCA serving as the
highest groundwater potential and the most important aquifer for the water supply. The findings are indispensable for
further groundwater analyses contributing to ensuring the sustainable groundwater development not only in Hanoi but
also in poorly gauged or ungauged neighboring basins. Full text is available upon request. [Duong Du Bui etal
2012.pdf].
Are daughters always the losers in the chore war? Evidence using household and twin data from Vietnam.
Tien Manh Vu. OSIPP Discussion Paper: DP-2012-E-002, March 15, 2012.
Abstract: This paper examines the gender gap in the division of housework in Vietnam among the household heads’
children who are not married and still reside in the family home. We find that in a typical day, a daughter has a higher
probability of undertaking some housework and for some 9.66 to 17.94 minutes longer than would an equivalent son.
Among siblings in two-child families, a daughter who has a brother has the largest gender gap. However, once we
control for differences in genetic endowment, with both twins involved in at least some housework, male–female
twins spend approximately the same amount of time on housework. In a mutual decision-making scenario, among
siblings in two-child families, an elder daughter would shoulder housework for the other sibling while the reverse
holds for younger sisters, but only where the children are 20 years of age or younger. In addition, we find that besides
sharing the family total housework load, one minute spent on housework by the mother inspires a 0.0481–0.298
minute increase in the time spent on housework by her daughter. Free full text http://www.osipp.osaka-
u.ac.jp/archives/DP/2012/DP2012E002.pdf.
Basic occupational health services in Vietnam.

Nguyen Bich Diep. Paper prepared for the 30th Congress of the International Commission on Occupational Health
(ICOH), Cancun, Mexico, March 18 to March 23, 2012.
Abstract:
-- Introduction: Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) are most needed for countries and sectors that do not
have services at all or which are seriously underserved. This paper described the current situation of BOHS in
Vietnam in terms of policy, human resources, infrastructure, contents and coverage of BOHS through a national
survey on providing BOHS at different levels over the country. The legislative documents were reviewed.
-- Methods: 1590 facilities were investigated by questionnaires and a walkthrough was conducted in some specific
preventive medicine facilities and OSH inspection departments at different levels. The workshop and group
discussion were organized to discuss the needs of building capacities for preventive medicine facilities in BOHS
provision.
-- Results: The results showed that in general the policy almost covered all regulations related to providing BOHS.
Vietnam has a complete occupational health network from national level to grass root level in providing BOHS to
workers in which the provincial preventive medicine facilities and different industry ministerial occupational health
centers were the key organizations providing BOHS to enterprises and employees. Their capacities of providing
BOHS were working environment monitoring, workers’health surveillance (including pre-employment, periodic
health examinations, occupational disease detection), OSH and first aid trainings, OSH information and propaganda,
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etc. There was lack of competent human resources related to BOHS. The BOHS coverage was low at different levels.
At provincial level, the BOHS coverage was from 2.1-13% of enterprises and 3.7-32.8% of workers whereas at the
industrial branches/sectors there was higher by 2-5 times. The contents and activities of BOHS in aspects of working
environment surveillance, workers’ health surveillance, information, training, injury prevention, etc were all included
as stipulated in ILO Convention No. 161 and ILO Recommendation No. 171.
-- Discussion: There were needs for strengthening BOHS capacities for all organizations providing BOHS at different
levels and in all aspects. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Can Efficient Technology Transfer Be Achieved through a Hybrid Corporate Culture? A Study on Japanese
Manufacturing Subsidiaries in Vietnam.
Nguyen Thi Duc Nguyen, Chikako Takanashi, Atsushi Aoyama. International Journal of Business and Management
Vol. 7, No. 7; April 2012.
Abstract: This study aims to explore the positive manners of dealing with cultural differences to efficiently implement
technology transfer for Japanese subsidiaries in Vietnam. Based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, the study,
which employed qualitative data collection approaches, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and
observations, was conducted at thirteen Japanese manufacturing subsidiaries in Vietnam. The data were further
analyzed using Adler’s framework on intercultural interaction synergy. The results were: (1) Differences between
Vietnamese and Japanese management existing in implementing technology transfer are traced back to each national
culture fundamental, mainly lie on dimensions of Collectivism and Power Distance; and (2) strategic activities
directly convincing Vietnamese staff behaviors and addressing the mindset of Japanese and Vietnamese staff were
taken to minimize the above differences. This study proposes the working framework towards hybrid corporate
culture that flexibly incorporates local practices while maintaining core Japanese management. It can help achieve
efficiently technology transfer performance for Japanese firms doing business in developing countries, especially
Vietnam. Free full text http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijbm/article/download/14776/10778.
Commodification of Volunteer Tourism: a Comparative Study of Volunteer Tourists in Vietnam and in

Thailand.
Nathalie Coren, Tim Gray. The International Journal of Tourism Research. Bognor Regis: May/Jun 2012. Vol. 14, Iss.
3; pg. 222.
Abstract: Volunteer tourism (VT) has often been depicted as a means of avoiding the commodification of tourism
(and even ecotourism) by ensuring that local communities benefit from VT, both environmentally and economically,
and that there is authentic engagement by the tourists with indigent people and their cultures. However, critics have
questioned this claim, arguing that VT has become little different from tourism and ecotourism, entailing
commodification by providing profit for VT organizations rather than for local communities and consuming rather
than respecting local environments and cultures. This study tests these claims and counterclaims by a comparative
analysis of two VT experiences, one in Vietnam and the other in Thailand. The findings of the study are that although
each cohort of volunteer tourists (VTs) exhibited elements of both decommodification and commodification, on a
continuum of decommodification and commodification, the Vietnam VTs were closer to the decommodification node,
whereas the Thailand VTs were closer to the commodification node. In part, this was because the Vietnam VT project
was pitched more towards conservation research, whereas the Thailand VT project was pitched more towards vacation
conservation. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Cooperation in coffee markets: the case of Vietnam and Colombia.

Maria-Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez, Santiago Gutierrez-Viana. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging
Economies, Vol. 2 Iss: 1 (2012).
Abstract:
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-- Purpose: This cross-country study compares Colombia and Vietnam, two of the major coffee exporting countries in
the world, in terms of their infrastructures, the roles of external shocks, technology adoption at different stages of
production, added value, positioning in both domestic and global markets, internationalisation patterns, marketing and
branding innovations, regulatory frameworks, and policy environments. This study also explores other aspects linked
to production, and marketing strategies that open niche markets like speciality coffees, and socially-, labour- and
environmentally- responsible trade. Furthermore, it identifies opportunities of cooperation and competition between
these two countries.
-- Design/methodology/approach - Using value chain analysis as primary research method, this paper identifies links
and dynamics in the value chains that have been developed in the coffee industry in both countries to improve
competitiveness, increase sustainability, and respond to market demands.
-- Findings - Using value chain analysis, it was found that Colombia and Vietnam produce different types of coffee,
they both have implemented diverse strategies in order to be more competitive in domestic and foreign markets via
product differentiation. These differences make explicit room for cooperation between these two countries in an
international environment where fierce competition persists.
-- Research limitations/implications - This cross-country study is limited to compare Colombia and Vietnam, and it is
limited to identify links and dynamics in the value chains that have been developed in the coffee industry in both
countries to improve competitiveness, increase sustainability, and respond to market demands.
-- Originality/value - Cooperation between producing countries is an under-researched subject. These findings will be
useful both for policy makers in coffee producing countries and agribusiness researchers. Full text is available upon
Do Minimum Wage Increases Cause Inflation? Evidence from Vietnam.

Nguyen Viet Cuong. ASEAN Economic Bulletin , Vol. 28, No. 3 (15 December 2011).
Abstract: It is often argued that minimum wage increases can lead to increased inflation. This paper examines the
impact of minimum wage increases on inflation in Vietnam during the 1994-2008 period. Inflation is measured by a
monthly overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) and a monthly food CPI. It is found that the minimum wage increases
did not increase inflation. Since the minimum wage increases often took place one or two months before the
Vietnamese New Year festivals, observed increases in monthly inflation after the minimum wage increases were
caused by increased consumption demand during the New Year festivals, not by the minimum wage increases. Free
working paper full text http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/36750/1/MPRA_paper_36750.pdf.
Drinking and Driving in Vietnam: Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices.

Nhan T. Tran, Abdulgafoor M. Bachani, V. Cuong Pham, Jeffrey C. Lunnen, Youngji Jo, Jonathon Passmore, Phuong
N. Nguyen & Adnan A. Hyder. Traffic Injury Prevention, Volume 13, Supplement 1, 2012, pages 37-43. Special
Issue: Public Health Burden of Road Traffic Injuries: An Assessment from Ten Low and Middle Income Countries.
Abstract:
-- Objective: Injuries are among the 10 leading causes of death for all ages in Vietnam, and road traffic fatalities
account for approximately half of those deaths. Despite having what is considered to be one of the most stringent
alcohol legislations in the region, alcohol involvement in road traffic crashes remains high. This study aims to
illustrate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices around alcohol use and drinking and driving by age and sex in 3
provinces in Vietnam.
-- Methods: This study was conducted between January and February 2011, surveying randomly selected road users
over the age of 17 years at gas stations in 3 provinces: Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, and Bac Giang, Vietnam. Data were
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collected for one week at each gas station. A knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) survey was administered in 7
time blocks of 90 min throughout the day, from 07:30 am to 9:30 pm.
-- Results: There were a total of 633 respondents almost evenly divided among the 3 provinces. Males accounted for
69.1 percent of respondents; the majority were 36 years of age or younger. Despite the belief that drinking and driving
will increase the risk of a crash, a significant proportion of respondents (44.9%) reported drinking and driving; 56.7
percent admitted to drinking and driving within the last month. Drinking and driving was more common among
males, with approximately 60.2 percent indicating a history of drinking and driving. This proportion was particularly
high among males aged 17 to 26 (71.4%). It was found that preferred alternatives to drinking and driving when
available were leaving with a nondrinker (42%), resting until “feeling conscious” (23%), and drinking less (20%).
-- Conclusions: This study shows that, in general, alcohol use and drinking and driving remain a problem in Vietnam,
a major concern given that the country is rapidly motorizing and likewise increasing the likelihood of road traffic
crashes in the absence of effective interventions. To target drinking and driving in Vietnam we call for a multifaceted
approach, including social marketing and public education campaigns, enhanced enforcement, and programs that
either limit the number of drinks to drivers or young individuals or those that provide alternatives to drinking and
driving. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Effects of climate change and human activities on inflow into the Hoabinh Reservoir in the Red River basin.
J. Wang, H. Ishidaira, Z.X. Xu. Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 13, 2012, Pages 1688–1698.
Abstract: Impacts of vegetation change on streamflow have long been an issue for concern and climate variability can
also greatly affect streamflow. Climate change refers to the persistent change in climate over long periods of time due
to either natural or as a result of human activity. It is very important to quantify the contribution of climate change and
human activities on the change of streamflow and provide a scientific basis for future land conservation planning and
river ecological conservation. In this study, non-parametric Pettitt mutation method was employed to detect trends and
changes in annual streamflow for the period of 1961 to 2008 in the Da River Basin (55000km2), which is the most
important tributary of Red River. An upward trend was found in annual streamflow, with an abrupt change identified
in 1993 at the Laichau and Tabu stations in the upstream of the Hoa Binh Reservoir. In addition, the Normalized
Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from 1981 to 2006 was used to detect vegetation change in the past 26
years. The difference between average annual accumulated NDVI during before and after 1993 and linear slope of
annual accumulated NDVI from 1982 to 2006 was calculated. The discharge data was divided into a baseline period
(before 1993) and a period of change. Sensitivity-based method and model simulation method were then proposed to
separate different effects from climate and human activities. Results indicated that the streamflow is more sensitive to
precipitation than potential evaportransportation (PET). Effects of climate variability on streamflow estimated using
the sensitivity-based method was weak in the downsream catchment of Tabu station, and strong in the upstream
catchment of Laichau station, where the climate effects accounted for about 30% of total streamflow changes. Effects
of human activities on streamflow accounted for about 60% both in the Laichau and Tabu catchments. Human
activities are the main factor to affect the changes of inflow into the Hoa Binh Reservoir, and climate change also
plays an important role. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy-
Evolution of Tourism Approaches for Poverty Reduction Impact in SNV Asia: Cases from Lao PDR, Bhutan
and Vietnam.
John Hummel, Tara Gujadhur & Nanda Ritsma. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, available online: 12 Mar
2012.
Abstract: Development agencies are facing a growing demand to demonstrate larger impacts on poverty, which has
resulted in a questioning of tourism as an effective intervention strategy. Tourism has been employed as an agent of
economic development, job creation, and environmental and cultural conservation. However, critics have cited a
dearth of evidence of tourism's contribution to poverty reduction. SNV Asia responded to this impetus in the last
decade. The article provides a review of approaches to reach more development impact. Cases from Lao PDR, Bhutan
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and Vietnam show how SNV's way of working changed. It demonstrates how SNV involved the private sector, and
how the organization adjusted its impact measurement systems. However, assessing development impact remained
challenging. SNV decided to focus on select sectors that showed most development impact, and phases out from
tourism. The article proposes not to move away, but find pragmatic approaches to increase tourism benefits for
communities. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Experience of Low Mood and Suicidal Behaviors Among Adolescents in Vietnam: Findings from Two National
Population-Based Surveys.
Minh Thi Hong Le, Huong Thanh Nguyen, Thach Duc Tran, Jane R.W. Fisher. Journal of Adolescent Health, In
Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 30 March 2012.
Abstract:
-- Purpose: To date, no population-based data about experiences of low mood and suicidal behaviors among
adolescents in Vietnam have been published in the English peer-reviewed literature. The aim was to establish the
prevalence of self-reported symptoms of low mood, acts of self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and their correlates
among adolescents from two national population-based surveys, Survey Assessment of Vietnamese Youth (SAVY) I
(2003–2004) and II (2009–2010).
-- Methods: Data from the subset of participants aged 14–19 years from the two structured SAVYs were analyzed.
Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to test for between-group comparisons. Multiple logistic regressions
were performed to determine factors associated with low mood and suicidal ideation. A weighting factor was used in
all analyses.
-- Results: Prevalence of experiences of low mood was 34.06% in SAVY I and 37.34% in SAVY II; prevalence of
suicidal behaviors was 5.28% (SAVY I) and 12.21% (SAVY II). Significant risk factors were being female, an ethnic
minority, illiterate, or exposed to violence; perceiving study load as too heavy; following a religion other than
Buddhism; or living in wealthier families. Better family cohesion protected adolescents from these unfavorable
outcomes. Alcohol use co-occurred significantly with experiences of low mood and suicidal behaviors.
-- Conclusions: Self-reported lifetime experiences of low mood are common among Vietnamese adolescents, with
signs of an increasing trend. Suicidal behaviors are less prevalent than in other settings but are also increasing. Further
research is warranted to elucidate these findings and to inform interventions to optimize the mental health of
adolescents in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Impact of global climate change and desertification on the environment and society in Southern Centre of
Vietnam (a case study in Binh Thuan province). Climate today and tomorrow: state of play and perception.
Pierre OZER. 2012.
Abstract: The Province of Binh Thuan is the driest area of Vietnam. It is felt as being affected by desertification
processes that are mainly resulting from the ongoing „climate change‟, especially shortening rainfall. But has climate,
and especially precipitations, really changed in recent years? Or is the recent increase of agricultural activities with
higher water needs may explain such perception of a changing climate? In the collection of four papers presented
hereafter, we try to answer to these questions.
-- Yet, the first paper investigates recent trends in precipitation and temperatures using daily data from the weather
station of Phan Thiet. It appears that the area did not experience any significant precipitation decrease (rainfall have,
at the contrary, globally increased) but a very significant increase in temperature.
-- The second paper focuses on future climate projections (that is 2046-2065 and 2081-2100 compared to historical
data 1970-1999). It shows that the Province of Binh Thuan will face an increase of mean temperature of about 1.6°C
(over 2046-2065) and 2.5°C (over 2081-2100) and an increase of extreme temperatures and extreme rainfall events.
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However, no significant changes about the evolution of the annual amount of precipitation were found. It also
indicates that the dry season is likely to be longer in 2046-2065 owing to a delay in the onset of the rainy season (up
to 15 days) accompanied by an earlier end of the rainy season (up to 30 days).
-- The third paper explores recent land use and land cover changes in the Province of Binh Thuan. Comparisons of the
land cover maps reveal that a steady growth in population has caused extensive changes of land cover throughout the
area. The maps also indicate that the loss of woody land (forest) and the extension of irrigated area, combined with
built-up encroachment, remains one of the most serious environmental problems today. Yet, results showed over the
12-year span, approximately 115,120 ha of forests were converted respectively to brush, irrigated area, cropland and
built-up. This is an overall average decrease of approximately 9,594 ha of forested area per year. Based on the
identified causes of these changes, we made policy recommendations for better management of land use and land
cover. Such results show that water needs are always increasing due to the extension of irrigated areas.
-- The last paper concludes with a case study of a fishing village disappearing as a result of shoreline erosion. It shows
that the term “climate change” is misused probably because it is easier to blame a global issue rather than the local
mismanagement of natural resources, the lack of land use planning and the nonexistence of policies focused on natural
hazard management in the uncontrolled construction the seaside resort of Mui Ne.
-- This reflexion about the wrong perception of climate change which may cause several economic problems could be
extended to water availability which may not be sufficient to support recent developments of irrigated agriculture.
Understanding current problems may help developing adaptation strategies in the next decades. Further research is
needed to understand such perception of climate change, especially when knowing that future climate may be really
affected by an increase of extreme rainfall events and an extended dry season. Free full text
http://orbi.ulg.ac.be/handle/2268/114696.
Integrating data-driven ecological models in an expert-based decision support system for water management in
the Du river basin (Vietnam).
Thu Huong Hoang, Ans Mouton, Koen Lock, Niels De Pauw and Peter L. M. Goethals. Environmental Monitoring
and Assessment, published online 15 March 2012.
Abstract: In this study, classification trees were combined with the Water Framework Directive (WFD)-Explorer, a
modular toolbox that supports integrated water management in a river basin to evaluate the impact of different
restoration measures on river ecology. First, the WFD-Explorer toolbox analysed the effect of different restoration
options on the abiotic river characteristics based on the water and substance balance embedded in the simulation
environment. Based on these abiotic characteristics, the biological index Biological Monitoring Working Party for
Vietnam was then predicted by classification trees that were trained on biological and abiotic data collected in the Du
river basin in northern Vietnam. The ecological status of streams in the basin ranged from nearly pristine headwaters
to severely impacted river stretches. Elimination of point sources from ore extraction and decentralised domestic
wastewater treatment proved to be the most effective measures to improve the ecological condition of the Du river
basin. The combination of the WFD-Explorer results with data-driven models enabled model application in a situation
where expert knowledge was lacking. Consequently, this approach appeared promising for decision support in the
context of river restoration and conservation management. Full text is available upon request. [Thu Huong Hoang etal
2012.pdf].
Married men's first time experiences of early childbearing and their role in sexual and reproductive decision
making: a qualitative study from rural Vietnam.
Marie Klingberg-Allvina, Vanja Berggren, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Bharati Bijay & Annika Johansson. Culture, Health
& Sexuality: An International Journal for Research, Intervention and Care, Volume 14, Issue 4, 2012, pages 449-461.
Abstract: Male partners' involvement in women's sexual and reproductive health has been increasingly emphasised in
international health. A qualitative approach with open-ended qualitative interviews was used to explore young,
married men's first time experiences of early childbearing, their sexual and reproductive decision making and the
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meanings they make of their role as husbands and fathers. The results offer a nuanced picture of the men's
vulnerability in becoming young fathers and having to assume their role as family decision-makers, while still being
inexperienced in matters related to the health of their wives and newborn child. Constraints to gender equality and
traditional norms and values continue to pose barriers to both young men and women making independent decisions
in relation to marriage and childbearing. Men's involvement is necessary in healthcare programmes designed to
improve women's sexual and reproductive health and the health of the newborn. Young, first-time fathers, in
particular, need support and empowerment. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Resistance versus resilience approaches in road planning and design in delta areas: Mekong floodplains in
Cambodia and Vietnam.
Wim Douven, Joost Buurman, Lindsay Beevers, Henk Verheijc, Marc Goichot, Ngoc Anh Nguyen, Hong Tien
Truong & Huynh Minh Ngoc. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Available online: 20 Mar 2012.
Abstract: Engineering works in river basins that explicitly take into account floodplain hydraulic processes and
dynamics, demonstrate a move towards more sustainable development in riparian areas. In this paper, this concept is
applied to road planning and design in floodplains. The paper suggests that although a resilience strategy might
require higher initial investments than a resistance strategy, in the longer term it will result in lower costs in terms of
road damage and ecological damage. Results are presented from four cases in the Mekong floodplains where different
strategies towards road planning, varying in resilience, have been assessed for their hydraulic, ecological, social and
economic impacts based on a combination of modelling results, expert judgement and secondary data sources. The
study finds that, with the exception of extreme cases, the impact of roads has a limited impact on the floodplain
hydraulics. However, even small changes in flood dynamics (arrival of the peak, duration) may have large ecological
impacts, especially if cumulative impacts of more road developments are taken into account. The results illustrate that
road planning and design in floodplains is a complicated task that requires an integrated approach. Full text is
Role of Supply Chains in Adopting Product Related Environmental Regulations: Case Studies of Vietnam.
by MICHIDA Etsuyo, NABESHIMA Kaoru. IDE-JETRO Discussion Papers No.343, March 2012.
ABSTRACT: This paper shows some findings how product related environmental regulations, especially those that
relate to management of chemical substances affect firms in Asia. Interviews were conducted for some firms in
Vietnam that are part of global supply chains of electrical and electronic, furniture, and plastic industries. The global
supply chains with MNC lead firms have helped local firms in developing countries to adopt technical PRERs
overseas. On the other hand, indigenous firms that do not belong to global value chains might face hurdles to keep
exporting to the regulated markets. PRERs could become a barrier for firms that attempt to the regulated markets
without supports by MNC lead firms. Free full text http://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Download/Dp/343.html.
Seasonality in the Vietnam Stock Index.

H. Swint Friday and Nhung Hoang. Prepared for the International Conference on Management, Economics and Social
Sciences (ICMESS'2011) Bangkok Dec., 2011.
Abstract: This study examines seasonality in the Vietnam Stock Market Index over 10 years, since the market’s
establishment on July 28th, 2000 until December 31st, 2010. The study found significant positive returns in April and
significant negative returns in July for the VN-Index. Also, the “Halloween Effect” or “Go away in May come back
Halloween Day” effect is observed in the Vietnam Stock Market Index. The authors posit these results are partially
driven by the rainy season in Vietnam where monthly rainfall reaches up to 1000 mm. Free full text
http://psrcentre.org/images/extraimages/1211834.pdf.
Social capital and loan repayment performance in Northern Vietnam.

Thomas Dufhues, Gertrud Buchenrieder, Hoang Dinh Quoc. Agricultural Economics, Article first published online:
27 MAR 2012.
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Abstract: This study analyses the effects of social capital on the loan repayment behavior of borrowers in Vietnam. In
the context of agricultural economics, an innovative data collection approach is used that originates from the field of
sociology. A personal network survey is carried out to measure the individual social capital of borrowers. Social
capital variables are defined according to tie strength (bonding/bridging) and social distance (linking) between the
respondent and his/her network member. Social capital has a significant and positive influence on the rescheduling of
loans. However, we find no significant evidence for an effect of social capital on late payment of principal or interest.
Son Preference, Sex Selection, and Kinship in Vietnam.

Christophe Z. Guilmoto. Population and Development Review, Volume 38, Issue 1, pages 31–54, March 2012.
Abstract: This article examines the recent rise in the sex ratio at birth in Vietnam and relates its emergence to kinship
systems and ethnic composition using 2009 census micro-data. Presentation of the main socioeconomic and ethnic
differentials in birth masculinity is followed by a review of the three intermediate factors leading to increases in the
sex ratio at birth: prenatal technology, declining fertility, and gender bias. An indirect measurement of fertility
behavior is used to demonstrate the close association between levels of the sex ratio at birth and the intensity of son
preference. Data on household composition indicate that Vietnam is characterized by the co-existence of kinship
patterns typical of East and Southeast Asia. Son preference in Vietnam is found to be related to the prevalence of
more traditional patrilineal systems. The article concludes by considering the implications of the cultural dimensions
of prenatal sex selection for policy responses and for the likely future change in the sex ratio at birth. Full text is
The Drink Driving Situation in Vietnam.

Luu Bich Ngoc, Nguyen Thi Thieng & Nguyen Lan Huong. Traffic Injury Prevention, Volume 13, Issue 2, 2012,
pages 109-114.
Abstract:
-- Objective: To identify the extent and nature of the problem and the main contributing factors to drink driving
crashes; determine the current mechanisms in place, particularly in terms of legislation and its enforcement; and
identify baseline data and relevant stakeholders.
-- Methods: The situational assessment was based on the collection of secondary data from available reports and
documents, in-depth interviews with key representatives at a central level, and field surveys in provinces.
-- Results: Vietnam has experienced phenomenal growth in motor vehicles, especially motorcycles, in the last decade
(400%). This initially led to an increase in deaths from road crashes, but since 2006 the number has stayed fairly level
according to police statistics. However, comparisons with health data suggest that the number of deaths is much
higher and there are clearly a number of problems with the relevant data systems. Data on the percentage of drivers
exceeding legal limits are not available, but police statistics indicated that drinking alcohol was a contributory factor
in 7 percent of motor vehicle crashes. This is likely to be an underestimate, because the police and health services do
not have the equipment to measure the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of all drivers in crashes. Motorcycle
riders and young people are in the high-risk groups. There are strict BAC limits starting at over zero and severe
punishments for drunk drivers involved in serious crashes. However, the police do not have adequate manpower or
equipment to conduct regular and frequent roadside checking for drivers who have been drinking. There have also
been a number of education programs on road safety including drinking and driving, but these have not included
sustained and intensive campaigns targeting the high-risk groups. The National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC) is
responsible for coordinating the relevant agencies but there is still a problem with lack of information sharing between
agencies.
-- Conclusions: This study completed a comprehensive situational assessment that examined the problem of drinking
and driving and identified some of the weaknesses in the current prevention system. Vietnam currently has 2
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international projects on road safety and it is hoped that these together with support from the International Center for
Alcohol Policies (ICAP) Global Actions program will provide opportunities for strengthening drinking and drive
prevention initiatives by improving the road crash and injury database, building the capacity of the key organizations,
strengthening the coordination mechanisms, and implementing and evaluating trial drink-drive interventions. Full text
is available upon request. Fee may apply.
The effect of participatory community communication on HIV preventive behaviors among ethnic minority
youth in central Vietnam.
Huy V Nguyen, Giang M Le, Son M Nguyen, Mai N Tran, Nguyet M Ha. BMC Public Health 2012, 12:170.
Abstract:
-- Background: In Vietnam, socially marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities in mountainous areas are often
difficult to engage in HIV research and prevention programs. This intervention study aimed to estimate the effect of
participatory community communication (PCC) on changing HIV preventive ideation and behavior among ethnic
minority youth in a rural district from central Vietnam.
-- Methods: In a cross-sectional survey after the PCC intervention, using a structured questionnaire, 800 ethnic
minority youth were approached for face-to-face interviews. Propensity score matching (PSM) technique was then
utilized to match these participants into two groups - intervention and control – for estimating the effect of the PCC.
-- Results: HIV preventive knowledge and ideation tended to increase as the level of recall changed accordingly. The
campaign had a significant indirect effect on condom use through its effect on ideation or perceptions. When
intervention and control group statistically equivalently reached in terms of individual and social characteristics by
PSM, proportions of displaying HIV preventive knowledge, ideation and condom use were significantly higher in
intervention group than in matched control counterparts, accounting for net differences of 7.4%, 12.7% and 5%,
respectively, and can be translated into the number of 210; 361 and 142 ethnic minority youth in the population.
-- Conclusions: The study informs public health implications both theoretically and practically to guide effective HIV
control programs for marginalized communities in resources-constrained settings like rural Vietnam and similar
contexts of developing countries. Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-12-170.pdf.
The Epidemiology of Interpandemic and Pandemic Influenza in Vietnam, 2007–2010: The Ha Nam Household
Cohort Study I.
Peter Horby, Le Quynh Mai, Annette Fox, Pham Quang Thai, Nguyen Thi Thu Yen, Le Thi Thanh, Nguyen Le
Khanh Hang, Tran Nhu Duong, Dang Dinh Thoang, Jeremy Farrar, Marcel Wolbers and Nguyen Tran Hien. Americn
Journal of Epidemiology, First published online: March 12, 2012.
Abstract: Prospective community-based studies have provided fundamental insights into the epidemiology of
influenza in temperate regions, but few comparable studies have been undertaken in the tropics. The authors
conducted prospective influenza surveillance and intermittent seroprevalence surveys in a household-based cohort in
Vietnam between December 2007 and April 2010, resulting in 1,793 person-seasons of influenza surveillance. Age-
and sex-standardized estimates of the risk of acquiring any influenza infection per season in persons 5 years of age or
older were 21.1% (95% confidence interval: 17.4, 24.7) in season 1, 26.4% (95% confidence interval: 22.6, 30.2) in
season 2, and 17.0% (95% confidence interval: 13.6, 20.4) in season 3. Some individuals experienced multiple
episodes of infection with different influenza types/subtypes in the same season (n = 27) or reinfection with the same
subtype in different seasons (n = 22). The highest risk of influenza infection was in persons 5–9 years old, in whom
the risk of influenza infection per season was 41.8%. Although the highest infection risk was in school-aged children,
there were important heterogeneities in the age of infection by subtype and season. These heterogeneities could
influence the impact of school closure and childhood vaccination on influenza transmission in tropical areas, such as
Vietnam. Free full text http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/03/11/aje.kws121.abstract.
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The Role of Family in Educating-Socializing Children: The Case of Vietnam.

Nguyen Thanh Binh. Current Research Journal of Biological Sciences 4(2): 173-181, 2012.
Abstract: Vietnamese families are the first, primary and deciding factor in educating-socializing each person. It is
through families that people can learn the standards, values approved by the society. Families are the first human
group, which people are raised, looked after, educated and grown up. During childhood, children live in families and
learn a lot by observing and teaching, and know what is wrong or right, should or shouldn’t . In Vietnamese families,
fathers and mothers play the most important role in educating children. Fathers symbolize intelligence, will, and
family discipline to unite children-especially sons. Mothers who are often careful, close to children everyday, find out
and timely shape misleading, and better at raising children lifestyle. With tender and tactful attitude, mothers convert,
persuade and teach children to love even when they grow up. Free full text http://www.maxwellsci.com/print/crjss/v4-
173-181.pdf.
Uncertainty in climate change impacts on streamflow in Be River Catchment, Vietnam.

Dao Nguyen Khoi, Tadashi Suetsugi. Water and Environment Journal, Early View, Article first published online: 8
MAR 2012.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the uncertainty in climate change impacts on streamflow in Be River Catchment.
Uncertainty associated with GCM structure from a subset of CMIP3 (CCCMA CGCM3.1, CSIRO Mk30, IPSL CM4,
MPI ECHAM5, NCAR CCSM3.0, UKMO HadGEM1, and UKMO HadCM3), SRES emission scenarios (A1B, A2,
B1, and B2), and prescribed increases in global mean temperature (0.5°C to 6°C) using SWAT model is investigated.
For prescribed warming scenarios using HadCM3, linear decreases in mean annual streamflow range from 3.1 to
16.7%. Differences in projected annual streamflow between SRES emission scenarios using HadCM3 are small
(−5.6% to −4.6%). Under the A1B scenario and 2°C increase in global mean temperature using seven GCMs, there is
substantial disparity, by −2.9–25.5% and −8.3–19.1%, respectively. It is generally reasonable to conclude that GCM
structure-related uncertainty is greater than that associated with the emission scenarios and climate sensitivity. Full
text is available upon request. [Dao Nguyen Khoi&Suetsugi-2012.pdf].
Vietnam in 2011: Questions of Domestic Sovereignty.

Adam Fforde. Asian Survey, Vol. 52, No. 1 (January/February 2012) (pp. 176-185).
Abstract: Tensions in the international arena are linked here to problems in contemporary Vietnam. Eroding domestic
political authority is related to the lack of political reconstruction to suit a market economy and an increasingly open
society. At the close of 2011, it appears that there is as yet no clear path forward. Full text
http://www.jstor.org.libproxy-wb.imf.org/stable/pdfplus/10.1525/as.2012.52.1.176.pdf?acceptTC=true.
Which Entrepreneurs Bribe and What Do They Get From It? Exploratory Evidence From Vietnam.
By: de Jong, Gjalt; Tu, Phan Anh; van Ees, Hans. Entrepreneurship: Theory & Practice, Mar2012, Vol. 36 Issue 2,
p323-345, 23p;
Abstract: This article investigates whether bribery in emerging economies matters and whether such bribery has a
diminishing return to performance. Bribery allows entrepreneurs to develop and foster a network of informal
relationships with public officials, and reap the accompanying benefits; but it may also have disadvantages, such as an
inefficient allocation of resources. The relationship between bribery and performance was estimated using unique data
derived from a survey of 606 Vietnamese entrepreneurs. We controlled for various entrepreneurial, organizational,
and industrial characteristics. The exploratory results provide support for a hill-shaped non-monotonic relationship
between bribery and revenues. Full text
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=73321355&site=ehost-live. [de Jong-etal-
2012.pdf]
Women Micro-Enterprise Entrepreneurs in Vietnam: Does More Active Economic Participation Increase
Social Empowerment?
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Pham Thi Ngoc Anh, Peter Knorringa, Thanh Dam Truong, Veronica Bayangos. Paper prepared for the Conference
"Rethinking development in an age of scarcity and uncertainty: New values, voices and alliances for increased
resilience", 19-22 September 2011, University of York.
Abstract: many interventions to assist women to become entrepreneurs are at least partly based on the implicit
assumption that increased economic participation will also strengthen women’s social empowerment. This empirical
study explicitly investigates whether such increased economic participation of women entrepreneurs indeed improves
their position in other domains such as family decision- making, social position in the household and health. Data
obtained from a survey of 270 women entrepreneurs running micro-enterprises in Vietnam, reveals that more active
and successful economic participation does not necessarily translate into higher levels of empowerment and
wellbeing. Women entrepreneurs who spend more time and effort on developing their business, and therefore less
time on their family, seem in fact to end up with a weaker position in decision-making about family matters. To
understand better where and when increased economic participation may well translate into more gender equality in
social domains, more attention is required on the socially embedded nature of the action of women's entrepreneurs in
intra-household relations. Free full text http://eadi.org/gc2011/knorringa-479.pdf.
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2012 March 15 issue

A Firm Analysis Level of Supporting Industries in Hanoi City-Vietnam: Application of Resource-based View
and Industrial Organization.
Nham Phong Tuan, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai. International Journal of Business and Management Vol. 7, No. 5; March
2012.
Abstract: This paper focuses on applying the resource-based view (RBV) of firms and industrial organization (IO) of
strategic management field to explain performance in supporting industries in Hanoi - Vietnam. Specifically, we
based our research on the integrated framework of RBV and IO and reviewed previous empirical researches before
deciding on testing relationships among organizational capabilities, industry effects, competitive advantage and
performance. A multivariate analysis of survey responses of 102 firms belonging to supporting industries in Hanoi
city - Vietnam indicates that the firm’s organizational capabilities contribute to its competitive advantage that in turn,
affects its performance and mediates the organizational capabilities-performance relationship, and that industry effects
have both direct and indirect impact on competitive advantages. These findings have considerable implications for
academics as well as practitioners. Finally, this study also provides directions for future research. Free full text
http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijbm/article/viewFile/13091/10431.
A rising tide of primary school standards—The role of data systems in improving equitable access for all to
quality education in Vietnam.
Ian Attfield, Binh Thanh Vu. International Journal of Educational Development, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available
online 2 March 2012.
Abstract: The approach taken over the past decade to introduce minimum primary school standards in Vietnam is
reviewed, with annual school audits that measured both input (quality) and output indicators. -- It describes a
successful, context specific approach in which flexible data systems were used to support the evolution and adoption
of a new set of standards. A rich multiyear data set has enabled impact analysis, equitable investment planning and
test hypotheses on the variables within the ‘black box’ of a classroom that influence learning. -- Institutional
challenges presented in mainstreaming and evolving standards are contrasted with international best practice on
raising standards. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy-
Adjusting to trade policy: Evidence from U.S. antidumping duties on Vietnamese catfish.
Irene Brambilla, Guido Porto, Alessandro Tarozzi. The Review of Economics and Statistics. Cambridge: Feb 2012.
Vol. 94, Iss. 1; pg. 304.
Abstract: In 2003, after claims of dumping, the United States imposed heavy tariffs on Vietnamese catfish, which led
to a collapse of imports. We use panel data to explore household responses in the catfish-producing Mekong delta
between 2002 and 2004 and find that income growth was significantly slower among households relatively more
involved in catfish farming in 2002. This is explained by a relative decline in both catfish income and revenues from
other miscellaneous farm activities. Labor supply did not adjust, most likely because of off-farm employment
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limitations. Households more exposed to the shock reduced the share of investment assigned to catfish while
substituting into agriculture. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
An empirical Study of Determinants of E-commerce Adoption in SMEs in Vietnam: the case of a transition
economy.
LE Van Huy, Frantz ROWE, Duane TRUEX, Minh Q. HUYNH.
ABSTRACT: Experts and business pundits forecasted drastic changes in Vietnam’s fledgling ecommerce when the
Southeast Asian country became an official member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007. Over the last
few years, as part of the Reform– called Doi moi– some Vietnamese enterprises have adopted e-commerce and
already benefitted from it. In this research, we build and test a model of e-commerce adoption including numerous
internal and external factors identified in theoretical and empirical studies. The final sample of 926 small and
medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam includes both adopter and non-adopter firms. The policy implications of this
study on promoting e-commerce adoption by SMEs in transition economies, such as Vietnam, are discussed. Free full
text http://www3.cis.gsu.edu/dtruex/courses/IB8710/Articles/Vietnam-ec-110811-dtmh-revision.pdf.
Analysis of ASEAN Economic Change, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Trends and International Trade With
NAFTA.
Since Sankrusme. Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge. Hollywood: Mar 2012. Vol. 17, Iss. 2; pg.
50, 8 pgs.
Abstract: This study will be taking a detailed look at the status of some of the many nations that comprise the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping, which includes Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Singapore, and the Philippines. The purpose of the study is
to analyze economic change with ASEAN, consumer behavior, and marketing trends, including international trade
between Thailand and ASEAN, Thailand and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), ASEAN and
NAFTA using both qualitative and descriptive research methods. The results demonstrate that, as much as these
nations expend time and money on mutual cooperation and on fostering trade and economic development between
them, the truth remains that they are all very fierce competitors, with many ASEAN member states producing the
same goods for export. This study focuses on the consumer, his habits and behavior, and what impact this has on each
country's economy and the health of the others. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Attitude toward and Consumption of Fish in Vietnam.

Nguyen Tien Thong & Svein Ottar Olsen. Journal of Food Products Marketing, Volume 18, Issue 2, 2012, pages 79-
95.
Abstract: This study uses theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as a conceptual framework to investigate the attitude and
intention toward the consumption of fish in a cross-sectional survey of Vietnamese consumers. Structural equation
modelling (SEM) is used to test the reliability, validity, and relationships in the proposed model. The results show that
the variation in the frequency of fish consumption is significantly explained by intention and perceived behavioural
control. Intention to consume fish is significantly determined by subjective norms and attitude toward consuming fish
as a meal. Perceived behavioural control is significantly related to fish consumption, but not to the intention to
consume fish, indicating that there may be a difference between perceived control and actual control. At the specific-
belief level, the study found that negative affect, perceived quality, and price are significant indicators that explain
60% of the variation in attitude. Perceived price, time needed to cook and prepare fish as a meal, and the availability
of fresh fish are important factors explaining 63% of the variation of the perceived control over fish consumption. The
study also provides some managerial implications and suggestions for the seafood sector to expand the domestic
markets and gives recommendations for future research. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Can rural health insurance improve equity in health care utilization? A comparison between China and
Vietnam.
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Xiaoyun Liu, Shenglan Tang, Baorong Yu, Nguyen Khanh Phuong, Fei Yan, Duong Duc Thien, Rachel Tolhurst.
International Journal for Equity in Health 2012, 11:10.
Abstract:
-- Introduction: Health care financing reforms in both China and Vietnam have resulted in greater financial
difficulties in accessing health care, especially for the rural poor. Both countries have been developing rural health
insurance for decades. This study aims to evaluate and compare equity in access to health care in rural health
insurance system in the two countries.
-- Methods: Household survey and qualitative study were conducted in 6 counties in China and 4 districts in Vietnam.
Health insurance policy and its impact on utilization of outpatient and inpatient service were analyzed and compared
to measure equity in access to health care.
-- Results: In China, Health insurance membership had no significant impact on outpatient service utilization, while
was associated with higher utilization of inpatient services, especially for the higher income group. Health insurance
members in Vietnam had higher utilization rates of both outpatient and inpatient services than the non-members, with
higher use among the lower than higher income groups. Qualitative results show that bureaucratic obstacles, low
reimbursement rates, and poor service quality were the main barriers for members to use health insurance.
-- Conclusions: China has achieved high population coverage rate over a short time period, starting with a limited
benefit package. However, poor people have less benefit from NCMS in terms of health service utilization. Compared
to China, Vietnam health insurance system is doing better in equity in health service utilization within the health
insurance members. However with low population coverage, a large proportion of population cannot enjoy the health
insurance benefit. Mutual learning would help China and Vietnam address these challenges, and improve their policy
design to promote equitable and sustainable health insurance. Free full text
http://www.equityhealthj.com/content/pdf/1475-9276-11-10.pdf.
Chopping for chips: An analysis of wood flows from smallholder plantations in Vietnam.
Nguyen Quang Tan. Bulletin CIFOR Working Paper 2011 No. 65.
Abstract: This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the wood flows from smallholder plantations to
industrial buyers in the Binh Dinh and Phu Tho provinces of Vietnam. It describes the actors involved in the market
chains, their respective roles, the value added to the wood in the market chain and the distribution of costs and
benefits. Various differences between the two provinces exist. In Binh Dinh, wood flows are relatively direct and the
market price information is transparent. There are various end-buyers but most are buying bark-clean logs. The
division of labour is clear among actors. Plantation wood brings substantial income for the tree growers, yet there is
great potential to improve their income through better marketing. In the Phu Tho province, the situation is more
complex with various levels of intermediaries. The most striking difference is that most actors have poor access to
price information, even in the wholesale market. Markets are more varied with four main types of wood; the most
prominent are woodchips and bark-clean logs. The end-buyer market of these products is dominated by Bai Bang
Paper Mill because it is located close to the tree growers. At site level, the division of labour is not as clear as in Binh
Dinh. The farm gate price in Phu Tho is much lower than the price in Binh Dinh, thus tree growers in Phu Tho have a
lower income from wood sales. Plantation wood plays an important part in local livelihoods, but there is still room for
improvement. Free full text http://www.cifor.org/nc/online-library/browse/view-publication/publication/3473.html.
Current status of agricultural production in Vietnam.

LüRongHua; Gao GuoQing; Li DanTing; Tran, V. Q.; Liu KaiQiang; Tang MaoYan; Tang QiZhan; Zhou Hang; Liu
Zhong. Journal of Southern Agriculture 2011 Vol. 42 No. 5 pp. 562-565.
Abstract: The present article summarizes the geographical locations and climatic conditions of Vietnam. According to
the topography and soil characteristics and climatic conditions of Vietnam, it could be divided into six agro-ecological
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zones, viz., Red River Plain, mountain areas of northern Vietnam, north-central and central coastal areas, Central
Highlands, southeast Vietnam and Jiulong River Plain. The article also reviews the current status of 13 crops'
production in Vietnam including corn, paddy rice, cassava, sweet potato, sugarcane, peanut, soybean, tea, coffee,
rubber, pepper, cashew and coconut. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Determinants of FDI into China and Vietnam: A comparative study.

Thi-Hong-Hanh Pham. LEMNA - Université de Nantes, 2012/05.
Abstract: Since the inception of economic reforms, China in 1978 and Vietnam in 1986, both countries have become
successful examples of transition to a market economy. Over their courses of reform, attracting substantial and rising
amounts of inward FDI has been a key focus of their market-oriented policy reforms. Yet, the last two decades have
experienced a widening gap in inward FDI between these two countries even though the context and characteristics of
their economic reform are relatively similar. Therefore, this paper aims to address the question "What has caused the
substantial gap in FDI inflows between China and Vietnam?" through a comparative study of the FDI determinants. In
other words, this paper revisits the determinants of FDI into China and Vietnam by employing an augmented gravity
model and using a panel dataset containing information on bilateral FDI and a large set of acroeconomic variables
over the period 1994-2008. The main finding is that the widening gap in inward FDI flows between China and
Vietnam can be explained by two broad sets of main factors: one related to institutions and another to domestic
macroeconomic stability. Free full text http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00671568/.
Do collective property rights make sense? Insights from central Vietnam.

Melissa Marschke, Derek Armitage, Le Van An, Truong Van Tuyen, Hein Mallee. International journal of the
commons, vol 5, no 2, 2011.
Abstract: We draw on empirical results from three case studies of property rights change across forest and fisheries
ecosystems in central Vietnam to investigate the circumstances under which collective property rights may make
sense. A generic property rights framework was used to examine the bundles of rights and associated rights holders in
each case, and to assess these arrangements with regard to their contextual fit, legitimacy and enforceability. The
cases illustrate the interactions between private and collective rights to lands and resources, and the trade-offs inherent
with different mixes of rights. Free full text http://www.thecommonsjournal.org/index.php/ijc/article/view/334/254.
'DOING FAMILY': Female migrants and family transition in rural Vietnam.

Vu Thi Thao, Jytte Agergaard. Asian Population Studies. Abingdon: 2012. Vol. 8, Iss. 1; pg. 103.
Abstract: Drawing on a case study of married female migrants from two rural villages of Hung Yen province to Hanoi
City, Vietnam, this paper investigates the implications of female migration on gender roles and relations within
families. The paper shows that wives' migration changes gender roles and relations within the family. Being on the
move, migrant wives become the main breadwinners while their husbands left behind take on the role of carers. The
migrant wives acquire a stronger voice in family matters and a strong sense of pride, worthiness and earned respect,
whereas their husbands experience a loss of power. However, these changing gender roles and relations rarely result
in family fragmentations; instead, families are still being sustained as migrant wives 'do family'. By 'doing family',
they can exploit their increasing power in an acceptable manner, so that patriarchal family ideals are not openly
confronted. This paper provides a more nuanced understanding of the implications of female migration on families,
i.e. the simultaneity of the reproduction of and the change in gender roles and relations within families. Full text is
Evaluation of the Vietnamese A6 mortality reporting system: injury as a cause of death.

Mark R Stevenson, Le Tran Ngoan, Dang Viet Hung, Nguyen Thi Huong Tu, Anh Luong Mai, Rebecca Q Ivers,
Hoang Thanh Huong. Injury Prevention, Accepted 17 January 2012, Published Online First 23 February 2012.
Abstract:
43
-- Background: Despite the fact that the A6 mortality reporting system has been operating for almost 20 years in
Vietnam, there has been no systematic evaluation of the system. This study assesses the completeness, sensitivity and
positive predictive value of the system in relation to injury related mortality.
-- Methods: Evaluation of the A6 system was undertaken in three (geographically distributed) provinces in Vietnam.
Deaths identified in the A6 system were compared with deaths identified by an independent consensus panel to
determine the per cent completeness of the A6 system. Verbal autopsies (VA) were conducted for all identified deaths
from the consensus panels, and the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the A6 system were assessed using the
VAs as the reference.
-- Results: 5273 deaths were identified from the A6 system with a further 340 cases identified by the independent
consensus panel (total n=5613). Injury related deaths accounted for 13.6% (n=763) of all deaths with an overall injury
mortality rate of 55.3 per 100 000 person years. The per cent completeness of the A6 system in relation to injury
deaths was 93.9% with a sensitivity of 75.4%, specificity of 98.4% and positive predictive value of 88.4%.
-- Conclusions: The A6 mortality reporting system is embedded within the commune health system and is the lead
mortality reporting system for the Ministry of Health. The system performs well in relation to its completeness and
classification of injury related deaths. With further enhancements and ongoing support from government and donor
agencies, the A6 system will be a valuable resource for identifying and planning preventive strategies targeting the
leading causes of injury related deaths in Vietnam. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Exposure to second-hand smoke at home and its associated factors: findings from the Global Adult Tobacco
Use survey in Vietnam, 2010.
Hoang Van Minh, Kim Bao Giang, Le Thi Thanh Xuan, Pham Thi Quynh Nga, Phan Thi Hai, Nguyen Thac Minh,
Nguyen The Quan and Jason Hsia. Cancer Causes and Control, Online First, 1 Jan 2012.
Abstract:
-- Objective: The paper describes the pattern of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) at home among the adult
population of Vietnam and examines associated socio-demographic factors.
-- Methods : A total of 11,142 households were selected for this survey using a two-phase sampling design analogous
with three-stage stratified cluster sampling. The dependent variable was the status of exposure to SHS at home.
Independent variables included gender, age, occupation, asset-based wealth quintile, ethnicity, marital status,
residence. Logistic regression modelling was performed to examine the association with relevant factors of patterns of
exposure to second-hand smoke among non-smokers.
-- Results: Of adults aged 15 years and above (representing approximately 47 million people) 73.1% reported they
were exposed to SHS at home at least monthly. Considering non-smokers only, the prevalence of exposure to SHS at
home was 67.6% (equivalent to approximately 33 million non-smokers). The significant correlates of the status of
exposure to SHS at home among non-smokers were female gender, ethnic minority, low education, and lack of
smoking restriction at home.
-- Conclusion: The study showed that a high percentage of people are exposed to second-hand smoke at home.
Disadvantaged people were more likely than the better-off to be exposed to SHS at home. Full text is available upon
Gender differences in quality of life outcomes of HIV/AIDS treatment in the latent feminization of HIV
epidemics in Vietnam.
Bach Xuan Tran, Arto Ohinmaa, Long Thanh Nguyen, Pauline Oosterhoff, Phu Xuan Vu, Tam Van Vu & Mattias
Larsson. AIDS Care: Psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV, available online: 01 Mar 2012.
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Abstract: Understanding gender-specific predictors of Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL) outcomes of HIV/AIDS
treatment is necessary in the latent feminization of HIV epidemics in Vietnam. This study assessed HRQL and its
predictors among men and women with HIV/AIDS. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 155 patients (36.8%
women, mean age=31.4) registering for antiretroviral treatment (ART) at Vietnam-Sweden Uong Bi General Hospital,
Quang Ninh Province. The Vietnamese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life HIV brief version
(WHOQOL-HIV BREF) was developed. Factor analysis was applied to assess the construct validity of the
measurement. Six major domains of the Vietnamese WHOQOL-HIV BREF were determined, namely physical;
performance; morbidity; environment; psychological; and social support. Internal consistency reliability of the six
domains ranged from 0.52 to 0.71. Multivariate linear regression models, constructed using step-wise forward
selection, determined different predictors of HRQL domain scores in men and women with HIV/AIDS. The results
showed that men reported higher scores or better in Morbidity (p=0.02), Environment (p=0.07) and Psychological
dimensions (p=0.02); meanwhile, women had higher scores in Performance (p=0.09). Alcohol and injection drug use
negatively predicted HRQL outcomes in both men and women. Employment was associated with better performance
in men, and better physical but poorer environment status in women. Female patients who have a child experienced
decrements in social support, psychological, environment, and performance. Findings of this study highlight the need
to develop comprehensive interventions for HIV/AIDS patients, including HIV/AIDS treatment support and gender-
specific impact mitigation interventions strategies. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Improving access to quality clinical nurse teaching — A partnership between Australia and Vietnam.
T. Harvey, P. Calleja, D. Phan Thi. Nurse Education Today, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 28 February
2012.
Summary: Until recently, standards to guide nursing education and practice in Vietnam were nonexistent. This paper
describes the development and implementation of a clinical teaching capacity building project piloted in Hanoi,
Vietnam. The project was part of a multi-component capacity building program designed to improve nurse education
in Vietnam. Objectives of the project were to develop a collaborative clinically-based teaching model that encourages
evidence-based, student-centred clinical learning. The model incorporated strategies to promote development of
nursing practice to meet national competency standards. -- Thirty nurse teachers from two organisations in Hanoi
participated in the program. These participants attended three workshops, and completed applied assessments, where
participants implemented concepts from each workshop. The assessment tasks were planning, implementing and
evaluating clinical teaching. On completion of the workshops, twenty participants undertook a study tour in Australia
to refine the teaching model and develop an action plan for model implementation in both organisations, with an aim
to disseminate the model across Vietnam. -- Significant changes accredited to this project have been noted on an
individual and organisational level. Dissemination of this clinical teaching model has commenced in Ho Chi Minh,
with further plans for more in-depth dissemination to occur throughout the country. Full text is available upon request.
Fee may apply.
Inland Capture Fisheries and Large River Systems: A Political Economy of Mekong Fisheries.
CHRISTOPHER SNEDDON, COLEEN FOX. Journal of Agrarian Change. Oxford: Apr/Jul 2012. Vol. 12, Iss. 2-3;
pg. 279.
Abstract: This paper examines the political economy of the freshwater, inland fisheries in the Mekong River basin,
which are among the most productive and diverse in the world. Yet the remarkably productive fisheries of the basin,
and the livelihoods of rural people this production supports, are increasingly confronting a series of threats related to
hydropower development and other socio-ecological processes. These threats are in turn driven by long-standing
efforts to transform the Mekong basin - shared by China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam - through
water resource development into a more vigorous source of regional economic development through appropriation of
the basin's biophysical processes. Building on recent work on Mekong development, we highlight the biophysical and
political-economic conflicts - and subsequent marginalization and devaluation of fisheries-based livelihoods - that
emerge from long-held proposals to transform the basin into an engine of development. Full text is available upon
45
Internal vs. International Migration : Impacts of Remittances on Schooling and Child Labour in Vietnam.
by Michele Binci, Gianna Claudia Giannelli. February 2012. Paper presented in June 2011 at the XXV Conference of
the European Society for Population Economics in Hangzhou (China) and in September 2011 at the Conference of
Italian Labour Economists in Milan.
Abstract: This paper intends to contribute to the literature on the effects of internal and international remittances on
schooling and child labour. . Using the information gathered in the 1992/93 and 1997/98 Vietnam Living Standards
Surveys (VLSS), we examine separately the incidence of child labour and school attendance rates in remittance
recipient households, as compared to households where this income source is absent. We apply OLS regression for
the two cross-sections and a fixed-effects linear regression for the panel analysis, using the average characteristics of
children in each household. Our results indicate that a child belonging to a remittance recipient household has a lower
probability of working and a greater probability of going to school. Although international remittances are found to
have a stronger beneficial impact than domestic ones in the crosssectional analysis, the panel analysis reverses this
result, showing that the only significant impact stems from domestic remittances. Free full text
http://www.dse.unifi.it/upload/sub/seminari/Binci_Giannelli.pdf.
Jackfruit in Vietnam.
Nguyen Quoc Hung. in: The jackfruit, 2011, pp. 463-474.
Abstract: Jackfruit is one of the fruits now grown in almost all the provinces from North to South in Vietnam and has
great potential for development in the future. Jackfruit has great diversity with large differences in yield, fruit size,
skin colour, pulp colours, ratio of edible part etc. Some selected lines have fruits with an average of 10-12 kg with
yellow, firm, brittle and sweet pulp. The edible part is over 35-40% and yield obtained is from 30-40 fruits/tree of 6-7
years old. In Northern provinces, jackfruit is divided into two major groups, namely "Mit dai" which has firm, brittle
and sweet pulp and "Mit mat" which has soft, succulent pulp when ripe. In Southern provinces, jackfruit is divided
into two major groups namely "Mit ta" and "Mit To nu". In the processed products from jackfruit, dried jackfruits are
preferred by domestic consumers and export markets. Due to their high profitability, growing area of jackfruit has
been quickly expanding in recent years and the total area of jackfruit in 2009 is estimated to reach 50,000 ha in the
whole country. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Land Reform and Farm Production in the Northern Uplands of Vietnam.

Trung Thanh Nguyen. Asian Economic Journal, Volume 26, Issue 1, pages 43–61, March 2012.
Abstract: Economic theory suggests that increased tenure security will lead to increased productivity. However,
existing literature on the relationship between land tenure and land productivity provides inconclusive evidence. The
present paper analyzes the impact of land reform on chemical fertilizer use and land productivity of rural farms in the
Northern Uplands of Vietnam using a panel dataset collected before and after land reform. The results show that land
reform has positive effects on both chemical fertilizer use and land productivity, but the level of influence is different
between land privatization and land titling. Relevant policy implications are thus derived for the promotion of farm
production in the region. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8381.2011.02067.x/full. [Trung
Thanh Nguyen 2012.pdf]
Multidimensional child poverty in Vietnam.

Keetit Roelen and Fanziska Gassman. in Global Child Poverty and Well-Being: Measurement, Concepts, Policy and
Action. Policy Press, 2012.
Introduction (excerpt): Since the Doi Moi (renovation) reform policies came into place in the late 1980s, Vietnam has
experienced a period of outstanding economic growth, accompanied by a large reduction in poverty. Central planning
was replaced by free market-oriented economic policies, including great changes in the agricultural sector, private
business and employment development, foreign trade and social sector policies, creating business and entrepreneurial
opportunities for Vietnamese people as well as for foreigners. The reforms proved to be greatly beneficial for
Vietnam’s economic performance, with average economic growth rates of 6.9% from 1988 to 1994 and 7.4% from
46
1994 to 2000 (Glewwe, 2004). Furthermore, monetary poverty was also substantially reduced, from 58% in 1993 to
19.5% in 2004 (VASS, 2006). These poverty figures can be further disaggregated for various demographic groups and
are often presented by region, gender and ethnicity. However, representation per age group is less common and, as a
consequence, little is known about the state of child poverty in Vietnam. This chapter therefore presents a detailed
multidimensional child poverty analysis, using a country-specific and child-focused approach. -- The remainder of the
chapter is structured as follow: first, we look at the child poverty approach for Vietnam in more detail. Second, the
data and methodology are put forward. An extensive empirical analysis follows, providing insights into the
multidimensional aspects of child poverty in Vietnam. Finally, we draw a number of conclusions. Full text is
Program impact evaluation using a matching method with panel data.

Viet Cuong Nguyen. Statistics in Medicine. New York: Mar 15, 2012. Vol. 31, Iss. 6; pg. 577.
Abstract: Difference-in-differences with matching is a popular method to measure the impact of an intervention in
health and social sciences. This method requires baseline data, that is, data before interventions, which are not always
available in reality. Instead, panel data with two time periods are often collected after interventions begin. In this
paper, a simple matching method is proposed to measure the impact of an intervention using two-period panel data
after the intervention. The method is illustrated by the measurement of the effect of health insurance in Vietnam using
household panel data. Full text is available upon request. [Cuong Viet Nguyen 2012.pdf].
REDD+ politics in the media: a case study from Vietnam.

Pham Thu Pham. CIFOR Working Paper 2011 No. 53.
Abstract: This study highlighted three factors that influence the media in reporting on REDD+ in Vietnam. It
highlights three factors that influence the media in reporting on REDD+ in Vietnam. The study also intends to identify
how REDD+ debates are framed in the policy domain, what concerns and claims are expressed in these, how different
narratives about REDD+ relate to each other, and how these are used by actors representing different interests to
strengthen political coalitions. The report is structured in four parts: part 1 establishes the relevance of this study and
provides an overview of REDD+ and the role of the media in Vietnam; part 2 presents the methodology used in
compiling and coding media coverage of REDD+; part 3 presents the results of the study; and part 4 discusses the
result of the analysis and offers recommendations. Free full text http://www.cifor.org/nc/online-library/browse/view-
publication/publication/3389.html.
School meal program in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam: reality and future plan.
Le DS. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012;21(1):139-43.
Abstract: The socio-economic status in Vietnam has developed during the past decades. People become busier for
work, and thus they do not have enough time to prepare meal for their children. The school meal program, organized
by Department of Education, was first implemented at a kindergarten in 1977, which has been extended to elementary
school since 1980. Up to date, 100% of kindergarten and approximately 90% of elementary schools have school meal
programs. The purposes of this program are to provide appropriate meals for students, and to serve as education and
communication tool for students. About 90% of school meals are prepared in the school's kitchen and the rest are
provided by food companies. The weekly menu provides approximately 30% of recommended dietary allowances
(RDA) for students. To date, there has been is no official dietitian training school in Vietnam. The head of school
kitchen, who is not dietitian, is required to participate in a short-term training course, where s/he learns basic nutrition,
nutrition requirements and food hygiene and safety. The food companies, which provide meals to school, must be
approved for the hygiene and safety condition by the Human Health Services De-partment of Ho Chi Minh City. In
the next plan of national nutrition strategy, establishing dietitian training schools will be prioritized. In addition, the
regular nutritional surveillance for school-aged students will be introduced in school system thus we can develop and
evaluate the school meal program in terms of nutrients, food safety and nutrition education. Full text is available upon
47
The lexicographic preference for a son: evidence from household data in Vietnam.
Tien Manh Vu. Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University Public, OSIPP Discussion Paper: DP-
2012-E-01, February 23, 2012.
Abstract: This paper examines son preferences by specifying sex composition by birth order of existing children as
key independent variables. The results indicate a lexicographic preference for a son by mothers aged 50 years and
older. Mothers without a son are also under substantial pressure to bear more children and shorten their birth spacing.
However, once a family includes a son, parents do not consider sex composition over other decisions on family size
and fertility timing. It would appear that the preference for a son is relatively stronger for some birth orders in the
northern regions of Vietnam but slightly weaker in the Central Highlands and South Central Coast. In addition, while
women are important in the Vietnamese labor force, the level of preference for sons does not differ across income at
lower birth orders. We also obtain mixed results for son preferences if we include mothers less than 50 years of age in
our analysis. Free full text http://www.osipp.osaka-u.ac.jp/archives/DP/2012/DP2012E001.pdf.
The Mixed Blessings of National Integration: New Perspectives on Development in Vietnam's Northern
Uplands.
Rupert Friederichsen. East Asia : An International Quarterly. Brunswick: Mar 2012. Vol. 29, Iss. 1; pg. 43.
Abstract: The ethnic minorities of Southeast Asia's uplands, including those of Vietnam, tend to be portrayed as
excluded from national society and locked into poverty, environmental degradation and positions of subjugation.
Recent debates about Southeast Asian uplands-lowlands relations have questioned this discourse by highlighting the
diversity of experiences, the agency of ethnic minority groups, and uplanders' strategies of state evasion. This article
finds that the integration of the uplands into the Vietnamese polity should be understood as an ongoing struggle
between nation-building and state expansion characterised by grand visions on the one hand, and incomplete policy
implementation and uplanders' ambiguous stance towards integration on the other. Full text is available upon request.
Fee may apply.
Water resources management under future development and climate change impacts in the Upper Srepok
River Basin, Central Highlands of Vietnam.
Tran Van Ty, Kengo Sunada and Yutaka Ichikawa. Water Policy In Press, Uncorrected Proof, Available online 1
March 2012.
ABSTRACT: This study aimed to assess the impacts of future development and climate change on the water balance
in the Upper Srepok River Basin, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. A hydrological model was calibrated and
validated to model the rainfall–runoff process. Estimates of the water demand of different water sectors were based on
the functional relationships between water and productive uses. The estimates were input into a calibrated basin
management model for simulation. The climate projections were downscaled to the studied basin. Future land use was
predicted using a GIS-based logistic regression approach. The water balance was examined under various developed
scenarios. The results show a relatively high current annual irrigation water deficit at a basin scale; some sub-basins
suffer from water shortage, especially during dry seasons and dry years. All water use sectors will be affected to some
extent under the impacts of future development and water supply policies. When the new water policy is introduced,
the deficits of irrigation and environmental flow are reduced while the power deficit is increased. Considering climate
change impact, the annual water deficits are reduced. However, the temporal and spatial variations of rainfall make
future water deficits more severe during the dry seasons and dry years. Full text is available upon request. Fee may
apply.
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2012 March 1 issue

A model for sustainable development of child mental health infrastructure in the lmic world: Vietnam as a case
example.
Weiss, Bahr;Ngo, Victoria Khanh;Dang, Hoang-Minh;Pollack, Amie;Trung, Lam T.;Tran, Cong V.;Tran, Nam
T.;Sang, David L.;Do, Khanh N. International Perspectives in Psychology: Research, Practice, Consultation, Vol 1(1),
Jan 2012, 63-77.
Abstract: Children and adolescents are among the highest need populations in regards to mental health support,
especially in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Yet resources in LMIC for prevention and treatment of
mental health problems are limited, in particular for children and adolescents. In this article, we discuss a model for
development of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) resources in LMIC that has guided a 10-year initiative
focused on development of CAMH treatment and research infrastructure in Vietnam. We first review the need for
development of mental health resources for children and adolescents in general, and then in Vietnam. We next present
the model that guided our program as it developed, focused on the twin Capacity Development Goals of efficacy and
sustainability, and the Capacity Development Targets used to move toward these goals. Finally, we discuss our
CAMH development initiative in Vietnam, the center of which has been development of a graduate program in
clinical psychology at Vietnam National University, linking program activities to this model. Full text is available
upon request. Fee may apply.
An evaluation of occupational accidents in the wooden furniture industry – A regional study in South East
Asia.
Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, Florin Ioras, Ioan Vasile Abrudan. Safety Science, Volume 50, Issue 5, June 2012, Pages
1190–1195.
Abstract: Studies on the rate of occupational accidents among workers in the wooden furniture industry is sparse,
although the industry is deemed to be highly accident prone. Therefore, the rate of occupational accidents among
workers in the wooden furniture industry in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam were studied, in 240 furniture
manufacturing factories, using a structured questionnaire. The findings of the study suggest that contract workers are
less prone to occupational accidents compared to their permanent counterparts, and hence, are more productive.
Further, the results also revealed that the contract workers have a more positive attitude towards the work, and hence,
pick up the essentials of safe working practices quickly. It must therefore be recognized that the “production oriented
mentality” prevalent in the wooden furniture industry, which has been argued to compromise occupational safety and
health standards in the industry may be debatable. In this context, it is essential for the policy makers to re-examine
the employment of contract workers for the furniture manufacturing industry, as changing the psycho-economic
parameters of the industry may be warranted before the industry is deemed attractive to a permanent workforce. Full
Antibiotic use in Vietnamese hospitals: A multicenter point-prevalence study.

Truong Anh Thu, Mahbubur Rahman, Susan Coffin, Harun-Or-Rashid, Junichi Sakamoto, Nguyen Viet Hung.
American Journal of Infection Control, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 16 February 2012.
49
Abstract:
-- Background: Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing appears to be common worldwide and is contributing to the
selection of resistant organisms. This study examined the prevalence of antibiotic prescription and the appropriateness
of indications for these prescriptions in 36 representative general hospitals across Vietnam.
-- Methods: A point-prevalence study was performed between February and December 2008. All inpatients on the day
of the survey were included in the analysis. Standard published guidelines were used to evaluate the appropriateness
of indications for antibiotic prescription.
-- Results: On the day of the study, 5,104 of 7,571 patients (67.4%) were receiving antibiotic therapy. The antibiotic
prescription rate was highest in surgery wards (93.2%) and lowest in medical wards (48.2%). Of the 5,104 patients
receiving antibiotics, the most commonly prescribed agents were cephalosporins (70.2%), penicillins (21.6%), and
aminoglycosides (18.9%). Approximately one-third of the patients (1,573 of 5,104) had an inappropriate indication
for prescription. Risk factors independently associated with inappropriate indication for antibiotic prescription were
seen in hospitals at the national level, obstetrics and gynecology departments, and surgical wards.
-- Conclusions: Our data indicate a high rate of antibiotic use in Vietnamese hospitals, and also a high prevalence of
inappropriate indications for antibiotic prescriptions. These findings suggest important areas for intervention and
implementation of antibiotic stewardship policies in Vietnamese hospitals. Full text is available upon request. Fee
may apply.
Application of PGIS and Zonation for conserving saola species in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam provinces,
Vietnam.
Luong Van Duc, Ho Dac Thai Hoang, Nicholas Michael Wilkinson, Ong Dinh Bao Tri. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE,
Hue University, Vol. 67, No. 4A, 2011.
Abstract: Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam provinces are recognized by the scientists as an important area for Saola
which is an endemic species. However Saola is being on the brink of extinction as a result of hunting and demands for
timber as well as non-timber products. This paper presents some studied results on applying PGIS and Zonation
conservation planning model in researching the distribution and predicting the priority zones of Saola species in Saola
landscape that locates along the southern of Thua Thien Hue and the northern of Quang Nam landscape frontier.
Community mapping results revealed the quantity distribution of Saola, Zonation then indicated the priority zones for
Saola. From this finding, the robust patrol routes for conserving this species were identified with the area of
74845.75ha. Free full text http://www.hueuni.edu.vn/hueuni/issue_file/67A_4.pdf.
Assessing the sustainability challenges for electricity industries in ASEAN newly industrialising countries.
Peerapat Vithayasrichareon, Iain F. MacGill, Thanawat Nakawiro. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
Volume 16, Issue 4, May 2012, Pages 2217–2233.
Abstract: Rapid social and economic progress in fast developing countries such that among the countries in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have driven substantial growth in electricity consumption in this
region. Whilst this represents significant societal and economic development, it has potentially growing adverse
environmental impacts. This raises a concern on sustainable development in the electricity sector in this region. This
study evaluates key sustainability challenges in the electricity industries in the five largest energy consumers in
ASEAN: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The 3A's energy sustainability objectives:
Accessibility, Availability and Acceptability are used as the sustainability analytical framework. This study also
draws together a set of associated indicators and criteria within the analytical framework to analyse the status of the
electricity industries in these countries. The analysis shows that key sustainability challenges in the ASEAN-5 are
attributable to satisfying rapid demand growth; enhancing security of electricity supply; and mitigating the increase in
CO2 emissions from electricity generation. Given the promising resource and technical potential in this region,
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renewable energy emerges as a favourable option to address these challenges; however, increasing the share of
renewable energy in electricity generation requires considerable policy support. This study suggests that there is an
opportunity for the ASEAN countries to strengthen regional collaborations through experience and resource sharing to
enhance sustainability in the electricity industries. This study also highlights some of the key issues facing the
electricity industry, and the need for new generation investment decision support tools which can address these issues.
Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032112000202.
Business Angel Investing in Emerging Economies: Policy Implications for Southeast Asia.
William Scheela, Edmundo Isidro, Thawatchai Jittrapanun, Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Janti Gunawan. Paper submitted
to Kauffman Foundation’s International Research and Policy Roundtable, Liverpool UK, March 11-12, 2012.
Introduction: We are studying the impact that informal private investors, also called business angels (BAs) have on
the creation of entrepreneurial firms in the emerging economies of Southeast Asia. We have determined that BAs in
Thailand and the Philippines support the funding and development of early-stage, high-growth potential,
entrepreneurial ventures in spite of the lack of fully-developed legal and financial institutions needed to support both
formal and informal venture capital investing in emerging economies (Scheela & Jittrapanun, 2010; Scheela & Isidro,
2009). We will integrate the findings of these two field studies to develop policy implications for financing high-
growth entrepreneurial ventures in emerging economies.
-- We are now expanding our research to Indonesia (Gunawan, Scheela, Wessiani & Luthifiyah, 2011) and Vietnam,
focusing on the same challenge facing private equity investors (BAs and venture capitalists) operating in most
emerging economies: How do business angel investors survive in an emerging economy, which lacks fully-developed
institutions necessary to support private equity investors. These two projects are work-in-progress field studies and we
will include our preliminary findings in order to further develop policy implications.
-- The format of this paper is a follows: first, we will provide an overview of BA investing; second, we will introduce
institutional theory as our theoretical framework, which will enable us to better understand the challenges of private
equity investing in emerging economies; third, we will examine BA investing in emerging economies; finally, we will
develop Policy recommendations for financing early-stage, high-growth ventures. Free full text
http://sites.kauffman.org/irpr/resources/Scheela,%20William%20-
%20Business%20Angel%20Investing%20in%20Emerging%20Economies.pdf
Cigarette Smoking and Drinking Behavior of Migrant Adolescents and Young Adults in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Liem T. Nguyen, Zarah Rahman, Mark R. Emerson, Minh H. Nguyen, Laurie Schwab Zabin. Journal of Adolescent
Health, Volume 50, Issue 3, Supplement, March 2012, Pages S61–S67.
Abstract:
-- Purpose: There has been a large migration from rural to urban areas in much of the developing world. In the past,
this was less true in Vietnam, which remains largely agricultural; however, since the 1990s, economic reforms and
loosening of government policies that had previously limited movement have led to a large increase in this rural to
urban population movement. Risky health behaviors have been found among migrants in many other settings. The
purpose of this research was to determine whether migrant adolescents and young adults in the city of Hanoi are more
or less likely than local ones to engage in cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking health risk behaviors, to identify
factors associated with these behaviors, and to suggest interventions to reduce these health risk behaviors among the
study population.
-- Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 4,550 adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years was conducted in urban
Hanoi in 2006. This study examines current use of cigarettes and alcohol by migration status using multivariate
logistic regressions.
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-- Results: Cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol are male phenomena. The prevalence of cigarette smoking and
alcohol drinking is high among adolescents and young adults in Hanoi and is more common among migrants who
came from rural areas of other provinces than nonmigrants in the city. However, multivariate analysis revealed that
migrants were neither more likely to smoke cigarettes nor drink alcohol than nonmigrants after controlling for other
factors, such as age, full-time worker status, depression, and having close friends who smoke and/or drink.
-- Conclusions: The results suggest that interventions aiming at smoking and/or drinking reduction should pay more
attention to adolescents, especially males, changing health risk behaviors at school and at work, and peer influence
than their migration status. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Combination of Theory of Planned Behavior and Motivation: An Exploratory Study of Potential Beach-based
Resorts in Vietnam.
Grace C. L. Chiena, I-Yin Yen & Phu-Quy Hoang. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, Available online: 13
Jan 2012.
Abstract: The decision-making process of travel destination choice is very complex. Understanding why people travel
and what factors influence tourists' travel intentions has been paid much attention by tourism scholars. This study
attempted to examine the predictive power of theory of planned behavior (TPB) with the addition of past behavior and
travel motivation in predicting behavioral intention of choosing a beach-based resort in Vietnam. Data were collected
in three cities in both northern and southern Vietnam from the end of January to post-middle of March 2010 with the
participation of 327 international tourists. In general, the results aligned with previous studies which supported the
applicability of the TPB model. Attitude and subjective norm but not perceived behavioral control was found to have
made a made a significant contribution to the prediction of intention. The findings also indicated both extension
factors had considerable impact on behavioral intention of choosing a beach-based resort in Vietnam. Implications
and suggestions for future studies were also provided in the last part of the study. Full text is available upon request.
Fee may apply.
Confronting corruption in the health sector in Vietnam: Patterns and prospects.

Taryn Vian, Derick W. Brinkerhoff, Frank G. Feeley, Matthieu Salomon, Nguyen Thi Kieu Vien. Public
Administration and Development, Special Issue: Retribution, restitution, or a culture of rejection – re-assessing
approaches to corruption, Volume 32, Issue 1, pages 49–63, February 2012.
SUMMARY: Corruption in Vietnam is a national concern that could derail health sector goals for equity, access and
quality. Yet, there is little research on vulnerabilities to corruption or associated factors at the sectoral level. This
article examines current patterns and risks of corruption in Vietnam's health sector and reviews strategies for
addressing corruption in the future. The article builds on the findings and discussion at the sixth Anti-Corruption
Dialogue between the Vietnamese government and the international donor community. Development partners,
government agencies, Vietnamese and international non-governmental organisations, media representatives and other
stakeholders explored what is known about important problems such as informal payments, procurement corruption
and health insurance fraud. The participants proposed corruption-reduction interventions in the areas of administrative
oversight, transparency initiatives and civil society participation and health reforms to change incentives. The analysis
assesses the prospects for success of these interventions, given the Vietnamese institutional context, and draws
conclusions relevant to addressing health sector corruption in other countries. Full text
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pad.1607/abstract.
Decomposing the Ethnic Gap in Rural Vietnam, 1993-2004.

Baulch, Bob; Pham, Hung T.; Reilly, Barry. Oxford Development Studies, Volume 40, Number 1, 1 March 2012 , pp.
87-117(31).
Abstract: This paper examines and decomposes the gap in per capita expenditures between majority and minority
ethnic groups in rural Vietnam between 1993 and 2004. Over this period, the real expenditure gap between rural Kinh
and Chinese-headed households and those headed by ethnic minorities increased by 14.6%. Approximately two-fifths
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of the mean gap is found to be due to differences in household endowments (in particular demographic structure and
education), and at least half due to differences in returns to these endowments. Geographic variables explain less than
one-fifth of the gap. Over half of the increase in the mean gap is linked to temporal changes in unobservable factors,
and less than a quarter to the majority's endowments improving more rapidly than those of the minorities. Broadly
similar findings are detected using quantile regression analysis. These findings raise important questions concerning
the drivers of the disadvantage faced by Vietnam's ethnic minorities. Full text is available upon request. Fee may
apply.
Development of Modeling System to Simulate Hydrodynamic and Environmental Quantities in the Hai Phong
Estuary, Vietnam.
Cuong, Nguyen Kim; Van Uu, Dinh; Motohiko, Umeyama. Proceedings of the 34th World Congress of the
International Association for Hydro- Environment Research and Engineering: 33rd Hydrology and Water Resources
Symposium and 10th Conference on Hydraulics in Water Engineering.
Abstract: In this study, a hydrodynamic model was developed to simulate tidal currents in the Hai Phong estuary,
Vietnam. Three-dimensional thermo-dynamic primitive equations were used to investigate current velocity, water
level, and the sediment transport. A special computing procedure was applied to the river boundaries because the tidal
range in the area is approximately 4 m. We tested the effects of each quantity against the observed data during the dry
season. The deposited and resuspended rates were confirmed by analytical shear stress solution in the wave-current
coexisting field. This study was extended to study turbidity in the Do Son beach area. Full text is available upon
Educating Systems Thinking for Sustainability: Experience with a Developing Country.

By: Nguyen, Nam C.; Graham, Doug; Ross, Helen; Maani, Kambiz; Bosch, Ockie. Systems Research & Behavioral
Science, Jan/Feb2012, Vol. 29 Issue 1, p14-29, 16p;
Abstract: This paper describes an approach to teaching systems thinking and associated capacity building for a team
of professionals and managers from a developing country (Vietnam), engaged in the sustainable management of a
world biosphere reserve. Vietnamese environmental and development managers and UNESCO were attracted to a
systems approach to managing the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve because it offered a way to address components of
sustainability holistically, while transcending organisational and disciplinary 'silos'. Key features of the training
approach include learning as a group of professionals, with senior organisational support and commitment to apply
systems approaches in the workplace; enjoyable adult learning approaches tailored to the needs of participants;
complementing teaching of systems thinking and techniques with participatory methods for working with the
participants in developing solutions to their sustainability issues; and building in evaluation at every stage, through
participatory methods taught in the course. The paper highlights the importance of teaching systems thinking and
provides an example curriculum and teaching strategy based on adult learning principles. Full text
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=70360333&site=ehost-live
Evolution of Competition in Vietnam Industries over the Recent Economic Transition.

Tinh Doan. Economics Discussion Papers, No 2012-12, Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
Abstract: Understanding the degree and evolution of competition across industries is an important step towards
understanding the impact of economic reform and competition on economic growth in Vietnam during the economic
transition. In this paper, the author investigates the evolution of competition in Vietnam during the economic
transition using the price-cost margin (PCM) or mark-up that has been widely applied in the economic literature and
the profit elasticity (PE) recently developed by Boone in his paper Competition (2000). This paper provides the first
empirical study of intensity and evolution of competition across selected industries in Vietnam in the last decade
using firm-level data from the Vietnam Enterprise Census (VEC) conducted annually since 2000 by the Vietnam
General Statistical Office (GSO). Free full text http://www.economics-
ejournal.org/economics/discussionpapers/2012-12.
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Examining Relationships between Culture, Creativity and Business Stage in an Emerging Market: A
Categorical Data Analysis of Vietnam’s Data Set.
Quan Hoang Vuong, Nancy K. Napier, and Tri Dung Tran. Université Libre de Bruxelles - Solvay Brussels School of
Economics and Management, Centre Emile Bernheim. CEB Working Paper N° 12/006, 2012.
Summary: In this article, we offer a new way of exploring relationships between three different dimensions of a
business operation, namely the stage of business development, the methods of creativity and the major cultural values.
Although separately, each of these has gained enormous attention from the management research community,
evidenced by a large volume of research studies, there have been not many studies that attempt to describe the logic
that connect these three important aspects of a business; let alone empirical evidences that support any significant
relationships among these variables. The paper also provides a data set and an empirical investigation on that data set,
using a categorical data analysis, to conclude that examinations of these possible relationships are meaningful and
possible for seemingly unquantifiable information. The results also show that the most significant category among all
creativity methods employed in Vietnamese enterprises is the “creative disciplines” rule in the “entrepreneurial
phase,” while in general creative disciplines have played a critical role in explaining the structure of our data sample,
for both stages of development in our consideration. Free full text
https://dipot.ulb.ac.be/dspace/bitstream/2013/109525/1/wp12006.pdf.
Factors associated with antenatal care adequacy in rural and urban contexts-results from two health and
demographic surveillance sites in Vietnam.
Toan K Tran, Karin Gottvall, Hinh D Nguyen, Henry Ascher, Max Petzold. BMC Health Services Research 2012,
12:40.
-- Background: Antenatal Care (ANC) is universally considered important for women and children. This study aims to
identify factors, demographic, social and economic, possibly associated with three ANC indicators: number of visits,
timing of visits and content of services. The aim is also to compare the patterns of association of such factors between
one rural and one urban context in northern Vietnam.
-- Methods: Totally 2,132 pregnant women were followed from identification of pregnancy until birth in two Health
and Demographic Surveillance Sites (HDSS). Information was obtained through quarterly face to face interviews.
-- Results: Living in the rural area was significantly associated with lower adequate use of ANC compared to living in
the urban area, both regarding quantity (number and timing of visits) and content. Low education, living in poor
households and exclusively using private sector ANC in both sites and self employment, becoming pregnant before 25
years of age and living in poor communities in the rural area turned out to increase the risk for overall inadequate
ANC. High risk pregnancy could not be demonstrated to be associated with ANC adequacy in either site. The medical
content of services offered was often inadequate, in relation to the national recommendations, especially in the private
sector.
-- Conclusion: Low education, low economic status, exclusive use of private ANC and living in rural areas were main
factors associated with risk for overall inadequate ANC use as related to the national recommendations. Therefore,
interventions focussing on poor and less educated women, especially in rural areas should be prioritized. They should
focus the importance of early attendance of ANC and sufficient use of core services. Financial support for poor and
near poor women should be considered. Providers of ANC should be educated and otherwise influenced to provide
sufficient core services. Adherence to ANC content guidelines must be improved through enhanced supervision,
particularly in the private sector. Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6963-12-40.pdf.
Family health consequences of modernisation programmes in Black Thai communities.

Pauline Oosterhoff, Joanna White & Thi Huong Nguyen. Culture, Health & Sexuality: An International Journal for
Research, Intervention and Care, Volume 13, Supplement 2, 2011, pages S217-S233.
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Abstract: Southeast Asian governments implement ambitious programmes to reduce population growth and maternal
mortality in areas with large minority ethnic populations. Although some of these programmes introduce new social
and health practices that meet their broader aims, they may pay inadequate attention to the protective and medically
beneficial aspects of traditional practices. This study examined the decline of temporary matrilocality (zu kuay)
among the Black Thai in Dien Bien, Vietnam, as a response to policies adopted under the government programme of
Doi Moi (‘modernisation’). The patrilocal, patrilinear cultural norms of the majority ethnic Kinh people were
promoted and zu kuay discouraged at a time when heroin availability increased dramatically but harm reduction
programmes were not yet in place. This historical coincidence appears to have heightened certain Thai women's
vulnerability to marriages with HIV-positive injecting drug users. Policies and guidelines on marriage and
reproductive health should take into account the role of minority ethnic traditions, as well as local health-seeking
practices, in order not only to improve reproductive programmes but also to reduce HIV vulnerability. Full text is
Health System Resource Gaps and Associated Mortality from Pandemic Influenza across Six Asian Territories.
James W. Rudge, Piya Hanvoravongchai, Ralf Krumkamp, Irwin Chavez, Wiku Adisasmito, Pham Ngoc Chau,
Bounlay Phommasak, Weerasak Putthasri, Chin-Shui Shih, Mart Stein, Aura Timen, Sok Touch, Ralf Reintjes,
Richard Coker. PLoS ONE 7(2): 2012.
Abstract:
-- Background: Southeast Asia has been the focus of considerable investment in pandemic influenza preparedness.
Given the wide variation in socio-economic conditions, health system capacity across the region is likely to impact to
varying degrees on pandemic mitigation operations. We aimed to estimate and compare the resource gaps, and
potential mortalities associated with those gaps, for responding to pandemic influenza within and between six
territories in Asia.
-- Methods and Findings: We collected health system resource data from Cambodia, Indonesia (Jakarta and Bali), Lao
PDR, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. We applied a mathematical transmission model to simulate a “mild-to-
moderate” pandemic influenza scenario to estimate resource needs, gaps, and attributable mortalities at province level
within each territory. The results show that wide variations exist in resource capacities between and within the six
territories, with substantial mortalities predicted as a result of resource gaps (referred to here as “avoidable”
mortalities), particularly in poorer areas. Severe nationwide shortages of mechanical ventilators were estimated to be a
major cause of avoidable mortalities in all territories except Taiwan. Other resources (oseltamivir, hospital beds and
human resources) are inequitably distributed within countries. Estimates of resource gaps and avoidable mortalities
were highly sensitive to model parameters defining the transmissibility and clinical severity of the pandemic scenario.
However, geographic patterns observed within and across territories remained similar for the range of parameter
values explored.
-- Conclusions: The findings have important implications for where (both geographically and in terms of which
resource types) investment is most needed, and the potential impact of resource mobilization for mitigating the
disease burden of an influenza pandemic. Effective mobilization of resources across administrative boundaries could
go some way towards minimizing avoidable deaths. Free full text
Influence of paddy rice terraces on soil erosion of a small watershed in a hilly area of Northern Vietnam.
Van Trinh Mai, Herman van Keulen, Rudi Hessel, Coen Ritsema, Reimund Roetter and Thai Phien. Paddy and Water
Environment, Accepted article, published online 21 Feb 2012.
Abstract: Soil erosion is the main cause of soil degradation in northern Vietnam. In this study, soil erosion was
measured in 2 m2 field plots, a 19.1-ha sub-watershed, and a 248.9-ha main watershed in Tam Quan commune, Tam
Duong district, northern Vietnam during 2 years, i.e., 2004–2005. The main watershed includes lowland paddy fields,
and is representative for watersheds in the northern Vietnamese landscape. Soil erosion was measured for eight
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events, at all the three scales to increase our understanding of erosional processes and to assess the effects of paddy
fields within the main watershed. The results show that total discharge and sediment yield in both sub-watershed and
main watershed were much lower than those in the field plots. Total discharge per unit area in the main watershed was
higher than in the sub-watershed, because during the growing season, the paddies are filled with water and any rainfall
on them therefore becomes runoff. Sediment yield in the main watershed fluctuated, depending on the soil erosion
contribution from many sub-watersheds. Annual rainfalls in 2004 and 2005 were 1,172 and 1,560 mm, respectively,
resulting in corresponding total discharges of 54 and 332 mm and total soil losses of 163 and 1,722 kg ha−1 year−1.
High runoff volumes occurred in July, August, and September, but April, June, the last 10 days of September and
October, were the susceptible periods for soil erosion in the study area because of low plant cover and many
agricultural activities during these periods. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Intellectual property system with a heart? Patents and public health in Malaysia and some Asean countries.
Abdul Ghani Azmi, Ida Madieha. The Law Review, 2011, pp. 412-439.
Abstract: Patents play a vital role in facilitating the creation of inventions to improve human life through the
development of new medicines, medical products and equipment. Despite that patents have often been accused of
being anti development especially in the context of patented drugs. Patented drugs are mostly more expensive than
generic drugs and thus have been alleged to be not widely accessible to the public. National and global patent laws
contain derogations from the strict rules for public health reasons. TRIPS allow the issuance of compulsary licences
and and government use in the case of national emergency. Parallel imports are also allowed to enable the cheapest
(original) drugs to be imported. Patents are by nature limited by duration, i.e. 20 years from the date of application,
after which the drug falls into the public domain. Research exceptions could be found in many national countries'
legislation. Patents are also territorial in nature and many drugs are deliberately not patented in some ASEAN
contries, giving the room for these countries to produce cheaper drugs. This paper explores the limitations and
flexibilities under the patent system in selected ASEAN countries which could be used as a support system for public
health. The provisions explored will be those relating to : (1) Bolar provision/Regulatory approval (2) Scientific
Research Exceptions (3) Compulsary licence (4) Government use (5) Parallel imports In addition, several other
provisions critical to public health are examined. They are as follows: (1) Clinical data provision (2) Patent extension
terms (3) Paragraph 6 system (4) Other relevant exceptions. The countries chosen are Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam,
Indonesia and Thailand. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Making a Living in Rural Vietnam from (Im)mobile Livelihoods: a Case ofWomen’s Migration.
Vu Thi Thao. Population, Space Place (Accepted 17 Jan 2012).
ABSTRACT: Women’s labour has come to play a remarkable role in Vietnam’s development since the introduction
of Đô? i Mℴ´i renovation in the 1980s. Although many rural households send their women members to cities to seek
an offfarm income, other households seem to be immobile. Drawing on a case study of women’s migration in two
rural villages located in the Red River Delta, this paper explores how mobility, immobility, and gendered life courses
interact in shaping household livelihoods. The findings highlight the intermingling of mobility and immobility in
constructing the livelihoods of both mover and stayer households over the gendered life course. Although women
work in the informal sector, their migration not only secures but also enhances household livelihoods. The paper also
reveals the diverse backgrounds of stayer households and their activeness in making a living. Given its emphasis on
gendered life courses, the paper provides a more nuanced understanding of the economic impacts of migration at the
household level. Free full text
http://nias.ku.dk/sites/default/files/news_files/(im)mobile%20livelihoods%20VuThiThao.pdf.
Manufacturing In China And Vietnam: A Perspective.

By: Ellyson, Scott. Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation, Nov2011, Vol. 72 Issue 10, p46-47, 2p, 2 Color
Photographs;
Abstract: The article discusses Vietnam's potential as a player in the global manufacturing market and aspects of
China's industrial growth. It is stated that as Vietnam and China continue to develop manufacturing expertise, their
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efforts can encourage Americans to revitalize their entrepreneurial leadership. Information is also given about the
company East West Manufacturing which plans, designs and implements offshore product manufacturing for original
equipment manufacturers and distributors. Full text
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bch&AN=67682605&site=ehost-live.
Multilevel Determinants of Colleges/Universities Enrolment in Vietnam: Evidences from the 15% Sample Data
of Population Census 2009.
Lan Thi Hoang Vu, Linh Cu Le and Nazeem Muhajarine. Social Indicators Research, Accepted article, published
online 18 Feb 2012.
Abstract: In an increasingly knowledge-based globalized world, higher education, advanced training and skill
development are critical priorities for Vietnam. This paper aims to estimate the participation in higher education and
its regional distribution in Vietnam, and to identify its determinants at the individual and contextual levels. Data used
were from Vietnam Population and Housing Census 2009 linked with Vietnam living standard survey 2009. The
participation rate overall in the colleges/universities among 19–22 year olds in Vietnam was 16.3%, but this rate
varied significantly across the provinces. Household socioeconomic status, gender, ethnic group, migrant status, and
urban/rural residence were significant individual level predictors of participation while indicator of fertility
stabilization, income distribution, and average education level were significant predictors at the contextual
(provincial) level. The results show that individual, social and regional inequalities are important impediments to
higher education participation among the Vietnam youth. The government needs to pay more attention to promoting
higher education and training in order to position Vietnam in the global economy. Full text
http://www.springerlink.com/content/xu8820078ht7830k/
Organisational culture and trust as organisational factors for corporate governance.

By: Tuan, Luu Trong. International Journal of Management & Enterprise Development, 2011, Vol. 11 Issue 2, p142-
162, 21p;
Abstract: The article presents a study that examines the effect of organisational culture on corporate governance and
organisational trust. It states that structural equation modelling was conducted on 286 out of 853 middle level
managers from listed companies at Hanoi Stock Exchange and Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange in Vietnam.
Results show that calculus-based trust and organisational culture types are inter-related while adhocracy culture
cultivates identification-based and knowledge-based trust. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Performance of different composting techniques in reducing oestrogens content in manure from livestock in a
Vietnamese setting.
Thi Anh Hong Le, Joachim Clemens and Thai Hoa Nguyen. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, published
online 15 February 2012.
Abstract: Steroid oestrogens (SE) are released by humans and animals into the environment. In the Mekong Delta
animal excrement is directly discharged into surface water and can pollute the water. Only a few animal production
sites are currently treating the excrement in either biogas plants or vermicomposting systems. The concentration of SE
in manures from pigs and cattle was monitored in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Fresh cow faeces had an oestrogen
concentration of 3.3 ng E2 eq/g dry weight. The SE concentration in effluent from biogas plants fed with animal
manures was 341 ng E2 eq/L. Most of the SE were in the solid phase (77.9–98.7%). Vermicomposting reduced SE to
95% of the original input. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Peri-Urbanisation and the Vulnerability of Populations to the Effects of Climate Change in Southern Vietnam:
Innovating Solutions in Research.
Abigaïl-Laure Kern, Jean-Claude Bolay and Loan Ngo Thanh. In: Technologies and Innovations for Development,
Springer 2012.
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Introduction: The economic capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), and its near periphery – as well as the
Mekong Delta region – rank amongst the areas which, on a global scale, will be the most exposed to climate change in
the next 30 years. This is due to three major phenomena: sea level rise, growing flood levels and flood intensity, and
the resurgence of cyclonic phenomena (Nicholls et al. 2008). The impact of climate change in Vietnam is already
tangible. For the last century, and in each decade, the sea level and temperature have increased respectively by 3 cm
and 0.1°C. And yet, it is the poorest populations living in the periphery of HCMC and in areas subject to strong urban
pressures in the Mekong Delta that are the most vulnerable to these changes.
-- However, ongoing actions in Vietnam to mitigate climate change as much on a local as on a national scale seem to
contribute only partially – given the lack of resources – to reduceing the vulnerability of these populations, due to the
many challenges that they still have to face in terms of access to information, governance, adaptation of public
policies and resource management.
-- This chaper introduces the original approach developed by two North-South research teams, in Switzerland and
Vietnam, in an attempt to meet the multi-faceted challenges confronted by this region’s inhabitants. Full text
http://www.springerlink.com/content/r2tnh57k71690522/.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Public Health: An Initial Exploration of Perceptions of PBL in Vietnam.
John W Grisham, Alexandra LC Martiniuk, Joel Negin, EP Wright. Asia Pac J Public Health February 14, 2012.
Abstract: Worldwide interest in problem-based learning (PBL) has grown in past decades. This article aims to
evaluate the perceived effectiveness, appropriateness, benefits, and challenges attributed to the use of PBL in public
health education in Vietnam with a view to providing recommendations for curricular design and future policy.
Methods. Teachers at 2 universities in Hanoi participated in group interviews, and students from these 2 universities
completed Likert-style questionnaires. Results. Students and teachers regarded PBL positively. However, there was
consensus that hybrid models that used PBL alongside other methods are probably the most beneficial for public
health education in Vietnam. Teachers discussed the educational and systematic advantages and difficulties associated
with PBL. Conclusion. Themes arising from this analysis may be helpful in guiding future research—namely,
regarding the application of PBL in low- and middle-income countries and in public health. Further exploration of the
use of PBL hybrid models is discussed. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Problems in Paper Recycling of Vietnam.

Nguyen Thi Diem Trang. In: Global Risk-Based Management of Chemical Additives I (The Handbook of
Environmental Chemistry, Volume 18), Springer, 2012, page(s) 153-166.
Abstract: Paper production can be considered as an important factor for the development of one country. On the way
of development, Vietnam has increased steadily in paper consumption; however, the paper production did not get to
the same speed. One of the reasons remains in input material which composes of wood or other agricultural fiber
sources and recovered paper. Statistical data on pulp and paper production have been taken into consideration.
Reasons for the low in recycling rate have been analyzed.
-- Moreover a picture of recovered paper in Vietnam has been drawn. In form of recycling villages, the recovered
paper production is operated completely by hand or by using simple tools. Data in emissions of additives, and the
impacts resulting from those emissions are lacking. Since recycled paper is used very popular in flow of domestic
consumption, this product has shown a big risk to the human health and the production is a big risk to the
environment. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
Sanitation behavior among schoolchildren in a multi- ethnic area of Northern rural Vietnam.
Le thi Thanh Xuan, Luu Ngoc Hoat, Thilde Rheinlander, Anders Dalsgaard, Flemming Konradsen. BMC Public
Health 2012, 12:140.
Abstract:
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-- Background: In Vietnam, efforts are underway to improve latrine use in rural and remote areas with particular focus
on increasing coverage of sanitation in schools. However, there is a lack of information on how the school program
affects latrine use by schoolchildren and at community level. This paper analyzes sanitation use among schoolchildren
in a multi-ethnic area to inform future school-based sanitation promotion programmes.
-- Methods: A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was applied during a 5 months period in six
primary and secondary schools and in the homes of schoolchildren in four different ethnic villages in Northern rural
Vietnam. Using a structured questionnaire, 319 children were interviewed face-to-face to collect quantitative data.
Qualitative methods included extensive observations at schools and in the homes of 20 children, a single day’s diary
writings of 234 children, in-depth interviews with children (20), their parents (20) and school staff (10), and focus
group discussions with parents (4) and teachers (6), and picture drawing with children (12).
-- Results: All surveyed schools had student latrines. However, the observed schoolchildren most commonly urinated
and defecated in the open. Main barriers for latrine use included inadequate number of latrines, limited accessibility to
latrines, lack of constant water supply in latrines and lack of latrine maintenance by school management. Programs
promoting latrine use for children were not conducted in either schools or communities and were not established as a
preferred social norm in such settings. Children perceived existing school latrines as unappealing and expressed a
wish to have basic, functional, clean, and colorful school latrines with privacy.
-- Conclusions: The paper shows that the current school based sanitation promotion is insufficient to change sanitation
behavior of school children irrespective of their ethnicity. It is important that schools, households and communities
work more closely together to increase use and uptake of latrine use among schoolchildren. Also, the contractors of
latrine facilities must work more closely with local school management when constructing latrines, including
identifying location, design and appropriate systems of water supply. A separate budget needs to be allocated to allow
the school to maintain the sanitation infrastructure and keep it hygienic and appealing for users. Free full text
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-12-140.pdf.
Shopping on the Web, Delivering on a Moped.

By: Einhorn, Bruce; K. Oanh Ha; Diep Ngoc Pham. Bloomberg Businessweek, 1/23/2012, Issue 4263, p38-39, 2p, 1
Color Photograph;
Abstract: The article focuses on the increase in online shopping and electronic commerce in Vietnam in 2012.
Information is provided on how daily deal websites such as NhomMua and Muachung have performed well due to the
large youth population that have Internet access. It is noted that Vietnam's mostly cash-based economy will have to
adapt to online payment options such as PayPal and e-wallet services. Free full text
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/vietnams-dotcom-boom-01192012.html.
Social Normative Beliefs About Smoking Among Vietnamese Adolescents.

Randy M. Page, Nguyen Thanh Huong, Hoang Khanh Chi, Truong Quang Tien. Asia Pac J Public Health January
2012 vol. 24 no. 1 68-81.
Abstract: Tobacco-related deaths in Vietnam are forecast to climb from 40 000 annually to 70 000 by 2030. Previous
research in Western nations has found social factors to be important determinants of adolescent smoking. Because
these factors remain unexplored in Vietnamese youth, the purpose of this study was to examine social normative
beliefs regarding smoking in a school-based sample of North Vietnamese adolescents and the association of these
factors with smoking behavior and susceptibility to smoking. Three measures of normative beliefs regarding smoking
were evaluated in cross-sectional surveys of secondary students. Of the 3 measures, parent/peer disapproval was the
most consistent normative belief associated with smoking behavior and susceptibility to smoking. Youth smoking
prevention programs should consider assessing and taking into account normative beliefs and develop strategies that
provide accurate information about the actual prevalence of smoking, the types of individuals who smoke, and
approval/disapproval of smoking by parents and peers. Full text is available upon request. Fee may apply.
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Street Food Policy In A Growing Economy: A Case Study Of Street Food Vendors In Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Pill, Alexandra J. (2011). ISP Collection. Paper 1147.
Abstract: Street food vending is a global phenomenon present in both the developed and developing worlds and it is
increasingly evident as countries continue to modernize, urbanize, and globalize. Street food policy is
interdisciplinary in nature, incorporating economic, social, cultural, and health dimensions in order to account for
urban planning, food safety, and tourism development. In Vietnam, street food is rampant, and in particular, in
Hanoi’s Old Quarter, street food vendors can be spotted on every street at all times of the day. This study explores the
role of street food vendors in Hanoi's Old Quarter from the vendor’s perspective. Complementing this ethnographic
approach, research further explores the ways current governmental policy and regulation impacts street food vendors
in Hanoi, Vietnam. Through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with ten street food vendors and
six policymakers and researchers involved in street food safety and street vending policy, this research examines the
current policy affecting street food vendors in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This research aims to contextualize the street
vending debate in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and explore the ways street vending policy can positively impact street
vendors while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly developing market economy. Free full text
http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/1147.
The benefits of migration.

By: Binci, Michele. Economic Affairs, Feb2012, Vol. 32 Issue 1, p4-9, 6p;
Abstract: This article focuses on the potential benefits of migration. Using the author's previous research on
remittances and return migration, some of the welfare gains that can stem from the migratory process are highlighted.
In the first part of the article, the impact of remittances on child well-being in Vietnam is investigated. Both the
incidence of child labour and school attendance rates in remittance recipient households are assessed. In the second
part of the article, the contribution made by Tunisian return migrants to the development of their country of origin is
examined. Both analyses suggest that, if certain conditions are met, migration can produce beneficial outcomes for the
people and the countries involved in the process. Full text
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pad.1607/abstract.
The burden of occupational injury: A 1-year prospective study in Xuan Tien Commune, Viet Nam.
Helen Marucci-Wellman, Tom B. Leamon, Ta Thi Tuyet Binh, Nguyen Bich Diep, David H. Wegman, David
Kriebel. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Volume 55, Issue 3, pages 205–216, March 2012.
Abstract:
-- Background: Developing nations carry a substantial portion of the global burden of injury, but without reliable
injury surveillance, there is no way to characterize or prioritize the causes of work-related injury for prevention.
-- Methods: Injury data from 52 treatment sites in the Xuan Tien Commune, Vietnam with over 10,000 inhabitants
were collected between January 1 and December 31, 2006. Injured residents were interviewed to determine work-
relatedness, relevant causes, disability, and burden.
-- Results: Five hundred four work-related injuries were reported from formal treatment sites (incidence rate of 87 per
1,000 FTE) with a mean lost work day of 11 days. Four thousand five hundred seventy-four lost work day equivalents
were estimated based on actual days lost to recover plus work days lost earning income to pay for medical costs,
accumulating a total direct burden to the community of 8,641 lost work day equivalents. Almost half of that burden
was caused by work in manufacturing. First aid boxes placed in 40 manufacturing enterprises yielded the 2nd highest
reporting source.
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-- Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility and value at the local level to build an active injury surveillance
system which could have a large impact on preventing the burden of injuries in workplaces in Vietnam. Full text is
The Effects of Price on Household Demand for Food and Calories in Poor Countries: Are Our Databases
Giving Reliable Estimates?
Gibson, John; Rozelle, Scott. Applied Economics, November 2011, v. 43, iss. 27, pp. 4021-31Publication Date:
November 2011
Abstract: Food price policy relies heavily on estimated price elasticities of food demand to help balance the nutritional
and economic objectives in poor countries. Economists use either unit values (ratios of household expenditure to
quantity purchased) or community prices (enumerated from vendors in local markets) as proxies for market prices
when estimating price elasticities with household survey data. Biases are believed to result from using unit values, due
to measurement error and quality effects, but evidence on this issue is lacking and even less is known about
community prices. This article provides an empirical evidence from Vietnam, which suggests that economists should
exercise caution when estimating price elasticities from household surveys. A 14-food demand system is estimated
alternatively with unit values or community prices, and the elasticity of calories with respect to rice prices is
calculated. This elasticity is more than twice as large (-0.54 versus -0.22) when community prices are used rather than
unit values. Hence, conclusions about the nutritional effects of rice price increases appear sensitive to data choices
made by economists. More generally, this discrepancy suggests that the household survey databases commonly used
by economists may not provide reliable estimates. Full text
www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00036841003781478.
The Impact of Health Insurance for Children: Evidence from Vietnam.

Cuong Viet Nguyen. Development and Policies Research Center (DEPOCEN), Working Papers No 33, 2012.
Abstract: Although there are numerous studies on impact evaluation of overall health insurance, little is known on the
impact of health insurance on health care utilization and out-of- pocket health care spending of children, especially in
developing countries. This paper measures the impact of child health insurance on health care utilization and spending
of children from 6 to 14 years old in Vietnam using two recent nationally representative surveys. Unlike previous
empirical studies which found a positive effect of health insurance on health care utilization in Vietnam, we did not
find a statistically significant effect of school health insurance as well as free health insurance for children on
outpatient health care contacts. However, the school health insurance and free health insurance help the insured
children decrease out-of-pocket spending per outpatient contact by around 14 and 26 percent, respectively. Free full
text http://depocenwp.org/upload/pubs/NguyenVietCuong/Impact%20of%20child%20health%20insurance%20-
%20DepocenWP.pdf.
Vietnam: Strategic Environmental Assessment on the Quang Nam Hydropower Plan.

Bruce Dunn, Jeremy Carew-Reid, Jiri Dusik, Pavit Ramachandran, Pham Anh Dung. In: Strategic Environmental
Assessment in Development Practice: A Review of Recent Experience. OECD Publishing 2012, Pages 29–34.
Introduction: In 2005, with the passing of the revised Law on Environmental Protection (LEP), a new era in
environmental assessment in Vietnam commenced, with the introduction of requirements for Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA) of a range of national, regional and provincial strategies and plans. The SEA of the Quang Nam
Province Hydropower Plan for 2006-15 provides a unique case study, as it was the first SEA undertaken following the
requirements of the revised LEP. Full text http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/strategic-environmental-
assessment-in-development-practice/vietnam-strategic-environmental-assessment-on-the-quang-nam-hydropower-
plan_9789264166745-7-en.
Vulnerability and Poverty Dynamics in Vietnam.

Imai, Katsushi S.; Gaiha, Raghav; Kang, Woojin. Applied Economics, November 2011, v. 43, iss. 25-27, pp. 3603-18.
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Abstract: Drawing upon the Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey (VHLSS) data that cover the whole of
Vietnam in 2002 and 2004, ex ante measures of vulnerability are constructed. These are then compared with static
indicators of poverty (i.e., the headcount ratio in a particular year). Detailed analyses of the panel data show that (i) in
general, vulnerability in 2002 translates into poverty in 2004; (ii) vulnerability of the poor tends to perpetuate their
poverty; and (iii) sections of the nonpoor but vulnerable slip into poverty. Durable reduction in poverty is conditional
on (i) accurate identification of the vulnerable, (ii) their sources of vulnerability, and (iii) design of social safety nets
that would enable the vulnerable to reduce risks and cope better with rapid integration of markets with the larger
global economy. Full text http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00036841003670754.
Who Needs What? A Case Study of Post-disaster Damage and Needs Assessment (DANA) in Vietnam.
Erin Hughey, Heather Bell, Michael Chatman. Risk, Hazards & Crisis in Public Policy: Vol. 2: Iss. 4. 2011.
Abstract: Disaster damages and losses cannot be wholly eliminated, and it is essential that communities develop
strategies to effectively respond when disaster strikes. Accurate accounting of damage and needs following a disaster
can help responders to match existing needs with available resources and assets. The goal of this study was to
determine the accuracy and completeness of existing damage and needs assessment (DANA) procedures in Vietnam.
Evaluations were made based on a review of available DANA records at the central and provincial government levels,
as well as on information collected through semi-structured interviews with provincial representatives. Provincial
level data were collected in five study provinces: Danang, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue.
Results indicate inconsistent DANA templates, procedures, and application. Recommendations include 1)
development of a consistent DANA policy; 2) adoption of a standardized methodology for DANA data collection and
reporting; and 3) development and implementation of standardized DANA training. Full text is available upon
request. [Hughey-etal-2011.pdf]
Willingness to use and pay for options of care for community-dwelling older people in rural Vietnam.
Le Van Hoi, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, Nguyen Van Tien, Dao Van Dung, Nguyen Thi Kim Chuc, Klas Goran Sahlen,
Lars Lindholm. BMC Health Services Research 2012, 12:36.
Abstract:
-- Background: The proportion of people in Vietnam who are 60 years and over has increased rapidly. The emigration
of young people and impact of other socioeconomic changes leave more elderly on their own and with less family
support. This study assesses the willingness to use and pay for different models of care for community-dwelling
elderly in rural Vietnam.
-- Methods: In 2007, people aged 60 and older and their family representatives, living in 2,240 households, were
randomly selected from the FilaBavi Demographic Surveillance Site. They were interviewed using structured
questionnaires to assess dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs), willingness to use and to pay for day care
centres, mobile care teams, and nursing centres. Respondent socioeconomic characteristics were extracted from the
FilaBavi repeated census. Percentages of those willing to use models and the average amount (with 95% confidence
intervals) they are willing to pay were estimated. Multivariate analyses were performed to measure the relationship of
willingness to use services with ADL index and socioeconomic factors. Four focus group discussions were conducted
to explore people’s perspectives on the use of services. The first discussion group was with the elderly. The second
discussion group was with their household members. Two other discussion groups included community association
representatives, one at the communal level and another at the village level.
-- Results: Use of mobile team care is the most requested service. The fewest respondents intend to use a nursing
centre. Households expect to use services for their elderly to a greater extent than do the elderly themselves.
Willingness to use services decreases when potential fees increase. The proportion of respondents who require that
services be free-of-charge is two to three times higher than the proportion willing to pay full cost. Households are
willing to pay more than the elderly for day care and nursing centres. The elderly are more willing to pay for mobile
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teams than are their households. Age group, sex, literacy, marital status, living arrangement, living area, working
status, poverty, household wealth and dependence in ADLs are factors related to willingness to use services.
-- Conclusions: Community-centric elderly care will be used and partly paid for by individuals if it is provided by the
government or associations. Capacity building for health professional networks and informal caregivers is essential
for developing formal care models. Additional support is needed for the most vulnerable elderly to access services.
Free full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6963-12-36.pdf.
Youth at Risk: Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts in Vietnam, China, and Taiwan.
Robert Blum, May Sudhinaraset, Mark R. Emerson. Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 50, Issue 3, Supplement,
March 2012, Pages S37–S44.
Abstract:
-- Purpose: Despite increasing rates of suicide among youth in Asian cultures, there is a lack of suicide data among
15–24 year-olds, and little is known about the risk and protective factors for suicidality. This study examines the
prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among 15–24 year-olds and identifies the sociodemographic correlates of
suicidality in Hanoi, Shanghai, and Taipei.
-- Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 17,016 youth aged 15–24 years was conducted in rural and urban areas of
Hanoi, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; and Taipei, Taiwan in 2006. Logistic regression was used to analyze correlates of
suicidal ideation and attempt across cities.
-- Results: The 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt was 8.4% and 2.5% across all three cities,
respectively. Suicidal ideation was highest in Taipei (17.0%), Shanghai (8.1%), and lowest in Hanoi (2.3%); similar
trends were found for suicidal attempts. Younger age cohorts (15–19 year-olds) and females were more likely to
report suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts compared with 20–24 year-olds and males. In multivariate logistic
regression results, across the three cities, female gender, younger age, family structure, parental support, family
history of suicide, migration status, and substance use were associated with suicidal ideation. Factors associated with
suicidal attempt included female gender, family history of suicide, parental support, and substance use.
-- Discussion: Suicidality is common among Asian youth, with highest levels reported in more industrialized cities.
.
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2012 February15 issue

A General Equilibrium Model for Energy Policy Evaluation using GTAP-E for Vietnam.
Long Do Dinh, Suduk Kim. Paper prepared for the 3rd IAEE (International Association for Energy Economics) Asian
Conference, Kyoto, Japan (February 20-22, 2012).
Abstract: In this paper, a computable general equilibrium model (CGE) using GTAP-E for Vietnam is presented based
on the GTAP Data Base version 7. The model is developed following the original structure of GTAP-E model
(Burniaux and Truong 2002) and the revised version of the GTAP-E model (Mc Dougall and Golub 2007). Further, as
a second step, a dynamic GTAP-E model is developed based on the theoretical structure of dynamic GTAP and the
GTAP-E model for Vietnam for the period of 2004-2025.The model is used to simulate the adoption of alternative
carbon tax for Vietnam for the based year of 2004 and for the period of 2008-2025. The economy-level and detailed
sector-specific effects are also examined considering energy intensive and non-intensive sectors. As a matter of fact,
this is the first simulation of energy-environmental policy for Vietnam using the updated version of the GTAP-E. Free
full text http://eneken.ieej.or.jp/3rd_IAEE_Asia/pdf/paper/059p.pdf
Application of ALOS imageries for monitoring coral health in coastal waters of Vietnam.
Tong Phuoc Hoang Sơn. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 2011.
ABSTRACT: Coral reef is one of marine habitats have high primary production but also is high sensitive. Due to
comfortable conditions in humid tropical region, coral reef in coastal waters of Vietnam sea develop very well with
their distribution stretch along from North to South areas. During the past several decades, coral reefs in many parts of
the world have been subjected to a series of bleaching events, including some coral reef areas in coastal waters of
Vietnam. This report present some experiences on the coral mapping in coastal area of Vietnam and results of
application for detection of evidences of bad status of coral health due to affect by natural disasters as well as
anthropogenic interventions. Free full text http://repository.tksc.jaxa.jp/help/pdf/SP-11-
007E/pdf/PI326_Tong_Phuoc_Hoang_Son.pdf.
Are Spatial Networks of Firms Random? Evidence from Vietnam.

Howard, Emma; Thijssen, Jacco. UNU-WIDER Working Paper 2011/87.
Abstract: We present a new approach for the empirical investigation of agglomeration patterns. We examine the
clustering of manufacturing firms by identifying patterns of spatial network formation that deviate from randomly
generated networks. Using firm-level panel data from Vietnam we calculate transitivity, a measure to determine the
strength of clustering of manufacturing firms. We then test whether the observed clustering of firms is greater than
that of a randomly generated network. Our findings suggest that the extent of clustering is over and above that which
can be attributed to the legal and regulatory framework, economic zoning, or population patterns. Free full text
http://www.wider.unu.edu/publications/working-papers/2011/en_GB/wp2011-087/.
Assessing damage of flood by using ALOS data in Thua Thien - Hue Province - Vietnam.
Tran Dinh Lan and Nguyen Van Thao. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 2011.
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SUMMARY: This study used ALOS satellite data for assessing damages from floods on October, 2nd, 2007
happened at Thua Thien Hue province in both flooded area and flooded level. Result shows that: flooded area covered
7 districts of Thu Thien Hue Province, included: Huong Thuy, Huong Tra, Phong Dien, Quang Dien, Phu Loc, Phu
Vang and Hue City, the highest flooded level reached to 5m. Landuse/cover types such as rural area, 2 crops rice, 1
rice crop + 1 vegetables crop, 2 rice crops + 1 vegetables crop, vegetables + industrial tree crops, urban area and
aquaculture ponds were flooded heavily both area and level more than other one. Free full text
http://repository.tksc.jaxa.jp/help/pdf/SP-11-007E/pdf/PI063_Tran_Dinh_Lan.pdf.
Benefit distribution across scales to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) in
Vietnam.
Minh Ha Hoang, Trong Hoan Do, Minh Thoa Pham, Meine van Noordwijk, Peter A. Minang. Land Use Policy, In
Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 31 January 2012.
Abstract: At very high policy levels, efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+)
are considered to be innovative and cost-effective ways to make forest more valuable standing than cut. In response to
climate change, international funding to support reductions in emissions needs to balance conservation and
development. The Government of Vietnam is currently coordinating the design of a comprehensive benefit-
distribution system, with the ambition to convert certified net emissions reductions into REDD+ revenue and
distribute it to local partners in a transparent, equitable and cost-effective manner. A pilot scheme is underway in Bac
Kan province. With forest cover of 56.6% and a poverty rate of 36.6%, Bac Kan is among the most heavily forested
and poorest provinces of Vietnam, making it a potential site for pioneering REDD+ schemes in the country.
-- Research questions were how to incorporate international, national and local stakeholders’ investments into any
distribution scheme; and how to sustain and manage an efficient, effective and equitable funding scheme for
environmental services, including REDD+ revenues. Multiple data collection and analytical methods (including
participatory approaches) were used to answer both research questions. Additionally, for the second question, we
employed cost-benefit, opportunity cost and economic analyses.
-- Three key concepts formed the research frame for this paper: (1) benefit-distribution systems; (2) reducing
emissions from deforestation and forest degradation plus conservation (REDD+); and (3) the broader concept of
payments or rewards for ecosystem services; as well as lessons learned from existing, similar schemes.
-- This results shows that an appropriate benefit-sharing system for REDD+ revenues can be developed in such a way
that meets international regulations as well as national and sub-national circumstances, particularly for the
environmental services’ providers who directly protect forests. Vietnam's payments for forest environmental services’
and integrated conservation schemes (where conservation and rural development are integrated) serve as a base for the
development of a REDD+ benefit-distribution system.
-- We discuss ways of bundling such schemes with REDD+ ‘service’ payments and income streams from forestry and
agroforestry ‘goods’ to provide short-term food-security/economic return and long-term environmental benefits. This
combination is expected to provide sustainable incentives, but further effort is needed in the use of participatory
methods and a ‘bottom-up’ approach to provide a strong base for an effective and equitable REDD+ mechanism at
landscape level. -- Experience drawn from Vietnam, in general, and in Bac Kan, in particular, can be replicated and
directly contribute to reducing carbon emissions globally. Full text
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837711001323.
Building a high-skilled economy: the new Vietnam.

Hanoi, Manpower Group, 2011.
Introduction: This research paper gives recommendations for how Vietnamese businesses can take a more active role
in workforce development; collaborate more effectively with schools and colleges to tackle weaknesses in the
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country’s education system; focus on career development and better work environments; and be more proactive in
anticipating and addressing likely skills shortages. Free full text
http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/MAN/1689686947x0x515827/43dc64a5-d4de-4bdc-93f3-
54ae964f1e29/BuildingAHigh-SkilledEconomy_TheNewVietnam_A4.pdf.
Developing Good Agricultural Practice Systems for Dragon Fruit Farmers and Exporters in Vietnam: an
Holistic Approach to Quality System Capacity Development for a Vietnamese Research Institute.
Rankin, M.K. Campbell, J.M. Hoang, N.H. Hoa, N.V. Chau, N.M. ACTA HORTICULTURAE 2011 NUMB 921,
page(s) 135-142.
Abstract: Declining prices for domestic products and loss of export markets for Vietnamese fruit and vegetables
during 2000-4 highlighted the challenges faced by Vietnam’s horticultural sector. During this time, producers of
dragon fruit witnessed a decline in prices by as much as 60%. While demand for dragon fruit was identified in higher
value markets in Europe and North America, regulatory requirements and consumer food safety concerns meant that
access to these markets was not possible unless Vietnamese growers could adopt internationally recognised quality
systems. However the implementation of these systems requires strong technical skills and knowledge in quality
system management by local facilitators in order to train and support industry stakeholders in a sustainable way. This
capacity did not exist within Vietnam until recently. In 2005, an Australian Government’s funded project began with
the overall objective to support the growth of the dragon fruit industry through the implementation of good
agricultural practice systems. A key component of the project was to provide adequate technical training and support
for Vietnamese extension/researchers to improve their capacity in farmer group and exporter quality management
training procedures. This paper outlines how formal training, mentoring and a learning-by-doing approach in
conjunction with the private sector has seen project team members emerge as the leading national quality system
specialists in their field. They have since demonstrated their capacity to extend these skills to other crops and have
begun to form commercial partnerships with industry to provide these services on a user-pays basis. Full text
Effects of Cooperative Learning on Students at An Giang University in Vietnam.

Van Dat Tran ; Ramon Lewis. International Education Studies, 2012, Volume: 5, Issue: 1.
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of jigsaw cooperative learning on the achievement and knowledge
retention of 80 final-year Vietnamese mathematics students, as well as reporting their attitudes toward this form of
learning. These tertiary students were divided into two matched groups of 40 to be taught by the same lecturer. In the
experimental group, jigsaw learning was employed, while in the control group, lecture-based teaching was used over
the six weeks of instruction. The results showed that students in the experimental group, who perceived their
instruction as more cooperative and more student-centered, had significantly greater improvement on both
achievement and retention measures than did the students in the control group. A survey revealed favorable responses
toward jigsaw learning. The major findings of this study support the effectiveness of jigsaw learning for students in
Vietnamese higher education institutions. Free full text http://www.doaj.org/doaj?func=abstract&id=946385.
Excellent Teacher Training at University of Education, Vietnam National University Hanoi.

Nguyen Thi My Loc (University of Education, Vietnam National University in Hanoi, Vietnam).
Abstract: This paper discusses the importance of excellent teachers, factors which impact on the quality of teacher
training in general, teacher training in Vietnam and the model of excellent teacher training at the University of
Education, Vietnam National University in Hanoi in particular. Free full text http://aadcice.hiroshima-
u.ac.jp/e/publications/sosho4_2-15.pdf
Families: An Inevitable Institution in Present Day Vietnam.

Nguyen Thanh Binh. IAMURE: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol 3, No 1 (2012).
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Abstract: Vietnam is undergoing the process of industrialization and modernization. Vietnamese families are also in
this transformation, too. The article focuses on analyzing definition of social institution from sociological point of
view, and finding some proof that family is indispensable in present day Vietnam as a special social institution. Free
full text http://ejournals.ph/index.php?journal=IAMURE&page=article&op=viewArticle&path%5B%5D=4618.
Financing household tree plantations in Vietnam: Current programmes and future options.
Sikor, Thomas. Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) Bogor, Indonesia, 2011.
Summary: Households require access to external finance to establish and manage commercial tree plantations. The
Government of Vietnam has recognised the benefits of giving households access to external finance for planting trees.
State reforestation programmes and the state-owned banking system offer households exceptional access to financial
support. Reforestation programmes and state-owned banks currently use different kinds of financial mechanisms to
provide finance to households. The financial mechanisms perform differently with regards to their sustainability,
leakage, access, cost to households, risk to households and match with finance requirements. No mechanism performs
better than the other mechanisms on all criteria. Vietnam’s policymakers thus face critical trade-offs when they design
finance programmes in support of household tree plantations. The first trade-off is between financial sustainability
and the provision of accessible, affordable and low-risk support. A mechanism that provides easily accessible support
at low cost and low risk entails transaction costs that make the programme dependant on continuing subsidies. The
second trade-off is between leakage and financial sustainability. A mechanism that includes systematic monitoring for
avoiding leakage incurs transaction costs that reduce its sustainability. The interests of Vietnam’s tree-planting
households and the Government of Vietnam may be best served by a loan-based approach coupled with suitable
monitoring of loan use. Free full text http://www.cifor.org/nc/online-library/browse/view-
publication/publication/3705.html.
From Red Peasants to REDD Presence: Forest Politics in Vietnam in an Age of Global Carbon Markets.
Pamela McElwee, draft, 2012.
Introduction: This paper explores recent developments in the use of payments for environmental services (PES) in
Vietnam, particularly for forest conservation, since 2007, and pilot REDD projects to reduce deforestation through the
development of global carbon markets that have expanded since 2009. Vietnam was actually the first country in
Southeast Asia to pass a national law promoting PES, despite a pessimistic report by the Center for International
Forestry Research (CIFOR) in 2005 that declared PES to be a “non-starter” due to the country’s long history of top-
down environmental management and poor system of private property rights (Wunder et al., 2005). PES is currently
one of the most popular tools by which disparate goals from poverty eradication to biodiversity conservation are being
pursued within Vietnam, with at least 19 different PES projects and 17 REDD pilot projects currently being
implemented or in planning stages. These projects’ sponsors include large donors like the World Bank and United
Nations Development Program (UNDP) who are working on forest carbon; conservation organizations like IUCN,
Birdlife International, and the World Wildlife Fund who are funding biodiversity valuation and marine and mangrove
protection through user fees; and development NGOs like Care International and SNV who are supporting payments
for watershed protection to upland ethnic minority households. Many of these disparate projects have emphasized a
win-win perspective that both poverty reduction and environmental conservation can be conjoined through PES; for
example, a USAID supported project document stated that PES “would help stimulate local economic growth, public-
private partnerships for biodiversity friendly economic activities, and increase financial support for environmental
protection.... Such a policy could reduce the costs of water and power production for urban areas, provide additional
income for thousands of poor families living in forest areas, and provide funds for meeting Vietnam’s National Forest
Management and Biodiversity Conservation Action policies” (USAID, 2009).
-- I look in this paper at how such optimistic scenarios belie fundamental intransigence in the forest politics sector,
which is resistant to change that might involve state retreat from forest planning, management and profits. I argue that
PES/REDD plans do not in fact reflect a "neoliberalization of nature” that might be predicted by a reading of the
critical geography literature in this area; PES/REDD has not been accompanied by patterns of privatization, retreat of
the state and decentralization of management, and commodification of nature. Rather than seeing PES/REDD as
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merely an extension of neoliberalism in forest politics, I argue in this paper that the case of Vietnam shows us that
forest politics remains a game of the state for the state. In the case of REDD, these policies simply extend the political
questions about the size, definition and management of forests to an additional supra-national level, all the while still
retaining a strong state role in on-the-ground implementation. Not surprisingly then, resistance to this takes often the
same forms as it has for many other permutations of forest politics.
-- Finally, the paper analyzes PES/REDD’s potential for success in tackling the underlying causes for forest
degradation in Vietnam, particularly how PES/REDD projects will deal with two major issues that have long plagued
the forest sector: uneven land tenure and the lack of a strong role for local people, especially ethnic minorities, in
forest management. In fact, due to limited forest areas in which these PES schemes could be tried and inadequate
attention to the dynamics involved in incorporating poor and ethnic minority communities into forest management, I
conclude that PES/REDD may simply replicate already existing patterns of institutionalized management of land and
commodities that are spatially uneven and socially unequal. Free full text
http://www.cis.yale.edu/agrarianstudies/colloqpapers/17mcelwee.pdf.
Learning organizations in higher education: An empirical evaluation within an international context.

Hong T. M. Bui, Yehuda Baruch. Management Learning, Published online before print December 28, 2011.
Abstract: We proposed and examined a learning organization framework in higher education within an international
context. Using a sample of 687 employees in the UK and Vietnam, we tested the relationships between personal
mastery, mental models, team learning, shared visions and systems thinking with their antecedents and outcomes. Our
findings support the suggested learning organization model. As predicted, these five variables partially mediate the
relationship between the antecedents and outcomes. We also found that employees in a collectivist culture were more
likely to be committed to the process of becoming learning organizations compared with those from an individualistic
culture. Full text available upon request. [Hong-Bui&Baruch-2012.pdf].
Manure management practices on biogas and non-biogas pig farms in developing countries – using livestock
farms in Vietnam as an example.
Cu Thi Thien Thu, Pham Hung Cuong, Le Thuy Hang, Nguyen Van Chao, Le Xuan Anh, Nguyen Xuan Trach, Sven
G. Sommer. Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 27, May 2012, Pages 64–71.
Abstract: This survey was carried out to study animal manure management on livestock farms with biogas technology
(biogas farms) and without (non-biogas farms) in the areas surrounding the Vietnamese cities Hanoi and Hue. The
objective of the study was to assess the contribution of biogas production to a better environment as well as to
recognize the problems with livestock manure management on small-scale farms. On all the farms included in the
study more than one manure management technology was used, i.e. composting, separation of manure, biogas
production and discharge of liquid manure to recipients such as public sewers or ponds. On biogas farms, most of the
manure collected was used for bio-digestion. The farmers used the fermented manure (digestate) as a source of
nutrients for crops, but on more than 50% of the interviewed biogas farms digestate was discharged to the
environment. On non-biogas farms, manure was in the form of slurry or it was separated into a liquid and a dry-
matter-rich solid fraction. The solid fraction from separation was used for composting and the liquid fraction usually
discharged to the environment. The survey revealed that there is a need to improve methods for transporting the
manure to the field, as transportation is the main barrier to recycling the liquid manure fraction. Farmers in developing
countries need financial and technical support to install biogas digesters and to overcome the problems involved in
utilizing the manure. Information about how to pre-treat manure before adding it to the digester is urgently needed. At
present too much water is used, and the high volume of slurry reduces the retention time and is a disincentive for
transporting and applying the digestate to fields. The users need to be informed about the risk of loss of methane to
the environment, how to prevent cooker corrosion and the discharge to recipients. In addition, the study reveals that in
developing countries manure management legislation needs to be tightened to control environmental pollution. Full
text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095965261200008X.
Medical education in Vietnam.

68
A. P. Fan, D. T. Tran, R. O. Kosik, G. A. Mandell, H. S. Hsu, Y. S. Chen. Medical Teacher 2012, Vol. 34, No. 2 ,
Pages 103-107.
Abstract:
-- Background: Vietnam is one of the most populous countries in Southeast Asia, yet it displays an unsettling lack of
doctors.
-- Aims: Medical education is an important factor contributing to this issue, yet little is known about the system
currently in place in Vietnam.
-- Methods: Through an extensive literary search of medical schools’ and Ministry of Health's data, we have examined
the current medical education system in Vietnam.
-- Results: At present, there are 12 medical universities, and the general curriculum at each university follows a
national framework but tends to vary from university to university. Medical training lasts either 4 or 6 years, with
competitive graduates attending residency programs following graduation. While examinations are required to
graduate, the lack of a national licensing exam makes it difficult to ensure that a nation-wide standard of quality
exists, both at the medical universities themselves as well as amongst the doctors graduating from them.
-- Conclusions: The development and institution of a national exam would introduce a standard of training throughout
Vietnam's medical education system. Further, a substantial portion of a doctor's education is in subjects that are
loosely related to medicine. When looking forward it will be important to evaluate whether or not these non-medical
subjects detract from the quality of medical training. Full text available upon request. [Fan-etal-2012].
Operational problems and chalenges in power system of Vietnam.

Hai, Ngo Son; Huu, Nguyen The. National Load Dispatch Centre of Vietnam. Paper prepared for the 2011 EPU-
CRIS International Conference on Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam 16-16 Nov. 2011, pages 1 - 5.
Abstract: The Vietnamese power system is growing rapidly both in terms of scale and complexity. The load growth
rate averages to 14% for the last 10 years. The development of the Extra High Voltage network of 500kV and
interconnections with neighboring grids are the main characteristic of such growths. However the fast growth rate also
brings problems in operating the network, for instance the short-circuit current becomes too high or the difficulties in
voltage regulation. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Past and Future of the Labor Force In Emerging Asian Economies.

Jinyoung Kim. Japan and the World Economy, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 4 February 2012.
Abstract: In this paper we investigate the determinants of past changes in the labor force of 12 emerging Asian
countries, and attempt to make projections of the labor force in those countries for the period 2010 − 2030. Results
from our regression analysis of the labor force indicate that the wage earnings elasticity of labor supply is negative,
albeit insignificant, for men and significantly positive for women, and it has a significantly positive association with
educational level and a negative one with age. We also find that per capita income shows a negative relationship with
the labor force in general for younger age groups and older age groups, and more capital-intensive countries have
smaller female labor force. Using extrapolation, the paper predicts that the labor force will increase in all 12 countries
during the first two decades of the period 2010 − 2030, but will eventually decline in China, Hong Kong, Singapore,
South Korea, and Taiwan. The paper also makes projections of the unemployment rate and the average working hours
in those countries. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092214251200014X.
Realizing Forest Rights in Vietnam: Addressing Issues in Community Forest Management.

Edited by Thomas Sikor and Nguyen Quang Tan. Hanoi, RECOFTC – The Center for People and Forests, July 2011.
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Introduction: In Vietnam, forests have been under state stewardship for a long time. Degradation of forest resources
under state management together with the high costs of forest protection has led to increased involvement of local
people in forest management. Since the early 1990s, the Government of Vietnam (GOV) has been promoting the
allocation of forest rights to local people as the foundation for development of community forest management (CFM).
The initiative, known as Forest Land Allocation (FLA), has been undertaken in various parts of the country, with
mixed results. This raises an important question: how can forestland allocation be improved so that community
forestry can both support local livelihoods and provide environmental protection?
-- With funding from the British Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the School of International
Development at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and RECOFTC – The Center for People and Forests, a small
initiative on “Property Reforms and Forest Rights in Vietnam” was undertaken. The initiative aims to identify key
issues influencing the success or failure of community forestry in various parts of the country and to discuss
implications for policies on forest management and rural development.
-- The document at hand is a product of a group of carefully selected researchers, policy experts, and practitioners
seeking to share their experiences and viewpoints based on previous or on-going work. It is by no means a
comprehensive discussion of all the issues related to community forest management in Vietnam. Nevertheless, it is
hoped that the issues brought up by the authors in the document will shed light on some of the important aspects of
community forest management in Vietnam and can serve as the starting point for further development of community
forest management in the new context in Vietnam. Free full text
http://dlc.dlib.indiana.edu/dlc/bitstream/handle/10535/7810/Realizing%20Forest%20Rights%20in%20VN_ESRC_18
8.pdf
Reevaluating Model Laws: Transplant and Change of Financial Law in Vietnam.

KANEKO Yuka. Journal of International Cooperation Studies, Vol.19, No.2-3, 2012.
Excerpts from introduction: ...It should be noted, however, that all aforementioned works in justifying and promoting
model laws commonly lack the evaluation on the substantial contents of the very models which they deal with. They
never refer to the question of what particular designs in their models either promote or harm the financial access,
and/or the ultimate goals of development. This article will attempt at an evaluation on the substance of model laws,
with a particular focus on a case of legal reform led by international donors in Vietnam. Free full text
http://www.research.kobe-u.ac.jp/gsics-publication/jics/kaneko_19-2&3.pdf.
Strategies of the poorest in local water conflict and cooperation – Evidence from Vietnam, Bolivia and Zambia.
Funder, M.; Bustamante, R.; Cossio, V.; Huong, P.T.M.; van Koppen, B.; Mweemba, C.; Nyambe, I.; Phuong, L.T.T.
and Skielboe, T. 2012. Water Alternatives 5(1): 20-36.
ABSTRACT: Media stories often speak of a future dominated by large-scale water wars. Rather less attention has
been paid to the way water conflicts play out at local levels and form part of people’s everyday lives. Based on case
study studies from Vietnam, Bolivia and Zambia, this paper examines the strategies of poor households in local water
conflicts. It is shown how such households may not only engage actively in collaborative water management but may
also apply risk aversion strategies when faced with powerful adversaries in conflict situations. It is further shown how
dependency relations between poor and wealthy households can reduce the scope of action for the poor in water
conflicts. As a result, poor households can be forced to abstain from defending their water resources in order to
maintain socio-economic and political ties with the very same households that oppose them in water conflicts. The
paper concludes by briefly discussing how the poorest can be supported in local water conflicts. This includes
ensuring that alternative spaces for expressing grievances exist and are accessible; facilitating that water sharing
agreements and rights are clearly stipulated and monitored; and working beyond water governance to reduce the
socio-economic dependency-relations of poor households. Full text available upon request. [Funder-etal-2012.pdf]
The Determinants and Long-term Projections of Saving Rates in Developing Asia.

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Charles Yuji Horioka. Japan and the World Economy, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 8 February
2012.
Abstract: In this paper, we present data on trends over time in domestic saving rates in twelve economies in
developing Asia during the 1966-2007 period and analyze the determinants of these trends. We find that domestic
saving rates in developing Asia have, in general, been high and rising but that there have been substantial differences
from economy to economy, that the main determinants of these trends appear to have been the age structure of the
population (especially the aged dependency ratio), income levels, and the level of financial sector development, and
that the impacts of income levels and the level of financial sector development are nonlinear (convex and concave,
respectively). We then project future trends in domestic saving rates in developing Asia for the 2011-2030 period
based on our estimation results and find that the domestic saving rate in developing Asia as a whole will remain
roughly constant during the next two decades despite rapid population aging in some economies in developing Asia
because population aging will occur much later in other economies and because the negative impact of population
aging on the domestic saving rate will be largely offset by the positive impact of higher income levels. Full text
The growth of non-state hospitals in Vietnam: Implications for policy and regulatory options.
Krishna Hort, Khuong Anh Tuan, Tran Thi Mai Oanh, Trinh Ngoc Thanh, Nguyen Hai Phong, Nguyen Thi Minh
Hieu. Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Working paper series number 15 | December 2011.
Introduction: This paper summarises the results of studies of the non-state hospital sector in Vietnam undertaken by
the Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Ministry of Health, Vietnam, with the support of the Health Policy and
Health Finance Knowledge Hub at the Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne. The paper forms
part of a broader examination of the role of non-state hospitals in middle income countries of Asia, with further in-
depth country studies also in Indonesia. The aim of these studies was to examine the recent growth of hospital
services in selected countries of the Asia-Pacific region, to identify factors contributing to and impacting on this
growth and to explore the potential regulatory and policy responses. This paper examines the findings from Vietnam
in the light of contemporary international literature and policy concerns. Free full text
http://www.ni.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/530564/HPHF_Hub_WP_No_15_non-
state_hospitals_in_Vietnam.pdf.
The Influence of Business Owner Ethics on the Vulnerability of Low-Income Labor Currently in Some
Industrial Cities of Vietnam.
Le Vinh Danh. Journal of Applied Business and Economics, 2011, 12(6).
Abstract: The business ethics of business owners directly affects the vulnerability of low-income laborers and their
benefits. Business in a global era can only be sustainable if profit targets and developmental strategies are adjusted by
the self-awareness of enterprises. These enterprises must respect business ethics to ensure a stable source of labor.
However, this cannot simply be calculated by self-awareness of the business owners, but also there must be some
supporting measures and sanctions. Free full text
http://www.tdt.edu.vn/images/stories/cac_bai_bao_cong_bo_qt/JABE_12_6_Master.pdf.
The Interrelationship between Formal and Informal Decentralization and its Impact on Sub-Central
Governance Performance: The Case of Vietnam.
Thanh Thuy Vu, Messaoud Zouikri, Bruno Deffains. CESIFO WORKING PAPER NO. 3714, JANUARY 2012.
Abstract: Formal and informal institutions are often viewed as complements or substitutes in empirical and theoretical
works. However, no evidence of complementarities or substitutes is found in our empirical analysis of the
interrelation between formal and informal decentralization across 64 provinces of Vietnam. This paper finds that the
formally decentralized system of public service supply is accommodating the informal one, but informal
decentralization in public order provision tends to compete with the existing ineffective formal system. This implies
that the central government needs to reorganize the system of decentralizing the provision of public goods/services
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and public in order to make informal institutions complementary rather than rival or free-riding on formal ones. Free
full text http://www.cesifo-group.de/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/1213472.PDF.
The removal of arsenic from water using natural iron oxide minerals.
Sonia Aredes, Bern Klein, , Marek Pawlik. Journal of Cleaner Production, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available
online 8 February 2012.
Abstract: The contamination of groundwater with arsenic is a serious health issue in many parts of the world.
Although iron has been shown to be effective at removal of arsenic from water, there has been no research to assess
the feasibility of using natural iron oxide minerals for water treatment. The successful treatment of water to remove
arsenic requires an understanding of arsenic chemistry and the physical-chemical interactions between arsenic and
iron oxide minerals. A study was conducted to evaluate hematite, magnetite, goethite and iron rich laterite soil as
arsenic adsorbents. Electroacoustic measurements were conducted to assess the nature of arsenic adsorption. Results
showed that arsenic adsorption occurred over the entire pH range tested (pH 4-11). The iso-electric point shifted due
to arsenic adsorption and this is a strong evidence of specific ion adsorption. This was supported by leaching tests that
indicated strong attachment of arsenic to the surface of iron oxide minerals. Adsorption tests showed that iron rich
laterite was most effective for arsenic removal, followed by goethite, magnetite and hematite. This was attributed to
the higher specific surface area of the respective minerals. The study also demonstrates a simple water treatment
method involving the use of low cost natural iron-oxide minerals for arsenic removal to meet drinking water
standards. Treatment of 100mL of water containing 20 ppm arsenic with 5 g of laterite reduced the arsenic level down
to 10 ppb within a period of 10 minutes. Full text
Training High Qualified Teachers in Vietnam: Challenges and Policy Issues.

Nguyen Chi Thanh (University of Education, Vietnam National University at Ha noi (VNU), Vietnam).
Abstract: In this paper we introduce first some characteristics of the educational system in Vietnam nowadays. e Ｗ
focus on the models of training teachers at different universities of education in Vietnam in general and the one in our
university in particular. We then identify the features which differentiate our model of training, a training of high
qualified teachers, with other models in the country. Our university, the University of Education, is experimenting
with two new procedures of educating secondary school teachers: “3 plus 1”’ and “4 plus 1”. The “3 plus 1”
procedure is designed for students who for the first three years follow basic study units at either the University of
Natural Sciences or the University of Social Sciences and Humanities which all belong to the VNU, and who for the
last year are provided with pedagogical knowledge, skills and teaching practice at the University of Education, VNU.
The “4 plus 1” procedure is for B.A./B.Sc holders registered with the University of Education for one year to be
offered pedagogical knowledge and practice teaching skills. This model represents both advantages and disadvantages
which will be discussed . Some challenges of this model will be also mentioned. Free full text
http://aadcice.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/j/publications/sosho4_2-16.pdf.
Vietnam’s Labour Relations and the Global Financial Crisis.

Collins, Ngan (2011). Research and Practice in Human Resource Management, 19(2), 60-70.
Abstract: Labour relations institutions and practices in Vietnam have changed since the economic reform that started
in late 1980s. Since joining to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2006, a new social imperative has emerged in
which the country sought to reconcile economic growth with the protection of labour conditions within this context in
which the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has been experienced. This study examines the challenges of complex labour
management relations in the new economic, political and social environment of the GFC in Vietnam. The paper
explores changing labour management relations by investigating the evolution of labour relations policy and practice
since Vietnam began its economic reform. During the transition from a planned to market economy, the former stable
relationship between managements and workers has been replaced by widespread labour disputes, and a proliferation
of labour strikes since the installation of GFC in 2008. These events have been due to a lack of regulations for labour
management relations, an inadequate compensation system and working conditions, and inefficient trade union
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practices. The paper concludes that the changes in labour management relations reflect the impact of the global crisis
on labour market diversity as well as the increasingly important role of trade unions in protecting workers' rights and
interests. A new model for unions is urgently needed for dealing with labour and employment issues at firm's level in
the new economic era. Free full text http://rphrm.curtin.edu.au/2011/issue2/vietnam.html.
Visiting Marriages and Remote Parenting: Changing Strategies of Rural–Urban Migrants to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Catherine Locke, Nguyen Thi Ngan Hoa & Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam. Journal of Development Studies, Volume 48,
Issue 1, 2012, pages 10-25.
Abstract: Despite the ongoing centrality of marriage and reproduction in Vietnam, family and spousal separation is an
increasing reality for many poor rural–urban migrants. We offer a social relational analysis of reproduction to explore
how migrant men and women in their peak child-bearing and child-rearing years negotiate conjugal strategies and
expectations. Labour migration for these poor men and women involves high costs for family relations, social
identities and emotional experiences which are strongly patterned by gender. This social relational analysis of
reproduction deepens analyses of changing marriage relations and studies of internal labour migration. Full text
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00220388.2011.629650.
WTO accession and equity-based entry modes in Vietnam.

Bih-lian Shieh and Tzong-chen Wu. Asian Business & Management, advance online publication 8 February 2012.
Abstract: It has been over 3 years since Vietnam became the 150th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
in January 2007. Does the choice of entry mode provide a means to handle institutional changes like WTO accession
in Vietnam? This study analyzes a sample of 2627 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) firms (including those from
Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, United States, Europe and China) established in Vietnam between 1992 and 2009 in
order to compare the influence on the determinants of equity-based entry mode before and after Vietnam's WTO
accession. Nine hypotheses were proposed and tested with regard to the determinants of the choice of entry mode –
Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) or Equity Joint Venture (EJV) – by FDI firms. The findings show that Vietnam's
WTO accession certainly has a significant impact on foreign firms’ market entry strategy in Vietnam. The results
provide strong evidence of a change in the determinants of equity-based entry modes. Full text available upon request.
Fee may apply.
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2012 February1 issue

Affirmative Action for Minorities to Go to Higher Education in Vietnam under Doi Moi: Through Analysis on
Group Structures of Minority University Students.
Ito, Miho. SOUTH EAST ASIAN STUDIES, KYOTO UNIVERSITY 2011 VOL 49; PART 2, page(s) 300-327.
Abstract: Several aspects of Vietnamese society and people have changed since the adoption of the Doi Moi policy at
the 6th Communist Party National Congress in 1986. It has led to a rapid spread of higher education all over the
country, including mountainous regions where many minority people live. Since the beginning of 1990s, The
Government of Vietnam and the Ministry of Education and Training have implemented some affirmative action
policies to increase the number of minority university students. This paper shows which minority students have
gained as a result of these affirmative action policies.
-- In the 1990s, a mass movement towards higher education, which had once been only available for a small number
of the elite, suddenly expanded, even to minorities in mountain regions. There were two main reasons why affirmative
action for minority students led to higher education. Firstly, the employment allotment system of the Vietnamese
government was abolished at the beginning of the Doi Moi period and people were able to choose the career paths
they wished for. Secondly, the change of the Vietnamese government’s minority policy aimed to give them a main
part in the administrative control in mountainous regions.
-- The findings herein, based on research undertaken at four major universities in Hanoi during 2004 to 2005 indicate
that affirmative action brought about two major consequences for minority behavior in relation to higher education.
Firstly, affirmative action helped minority children who live in undeveloped remote regions or who are “distant
minorities” from the center of national power and offer them opportunities to access university education. In fact,
some people have chosen to change their ethnic status in order to gain from the affirmative action policies. On the
other hand, students who have a particular ethnic background tend to proceed to universities more easily. This is
because affirmative action was not intended to equally expand learning opportunities to “all minorities,” but was also
based on the principle of competition to select and train future elite government officials for the mountainous regions.
Free full text (in Japanese only) http://repository.kulib.kyoto-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2433/152151/1/490206.pdf.
Assessing water reservoirs management and development in Northern Vietnam.

A. Castelletti, F. Pianosi, X. Quach, and R. Soncini-Sessa. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 16, 189–199, 2012.
Abstract. In many developing countries water is a key renewable resource to complement carbon-emitting energy
production and support food security in the face of demand pressure from fast-growing industrial production and
urbanization. To cope with undergoing changes, water resources development and management have to be
reconsidered by enlarging their scope across sectors and adopting effective tools to analyze current and projected
infrastructure potential and operation strategies. In this paper we use multi-objective deterministic and stochastic
optimization to assess the current reservoir operation and planned capacity expansion in the Red River Basin
(Northern Vietnam), and to evaluate the potential improvement by the adoption of a more sophisticated information
system. To reach this goal we analyze the historical operation of themajor controllable infrastructure in the basin, the
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HoaBinh reservoir on the Da River, explore reoperation options corresponding to different tradeoffs among the three
main objectives (hydropower production, flood control and water supply), using multi-objective optimization
techniques, namely Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm. Finally, we assess the structural system potential and the
need for capacity expansion by application of Deterministic Dynamic Programming. Results show that the current
operation can only be relatively improved by advanced optimization techniques, while investment should be put into
enlarging the system storage capacity and exploiting additional information to inform the operation. Free full text
http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/16/189/2012/hess-16-189-2012.pdf.
Attempting the Production of Public Goods through Microfinance: The Case of Water and Sanitation.
Philip Mader. Journal of Infrastructure Development December 2011 vol. 3 no. 2 153-170.
Abstract: This article critically evaluates attempts to create public goods via microfinance loans in reference to the
specific example of water and sanitation. The microfinancing of water and sanitation is a private business model
which requires households to privately recognise, internalise and capitalise the bene-fits from improved water and
sanitation. But household water and sanitation, being closely linked to underlying common pool resources, and being
merit goods, have strong public goods characteristics and therefore depend on collective solutions. Two cases, from
Vietnam and India, are presented and evaluated. Despite their dissimilar settings and designs, evidence is found that
both projects encountered similar and comparable problems at the collective level which individual microfinance
loans could not address. The problems encountered warn against an emergent micro-privatisation of water and
sanitation through microfinance. Free full text http://governancexborders.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/proof_joi.pdf;
Conference paper version http://www.mpifg.de/projects/govxborders/downloads/mader_2011.pdf.
Chinese firms in Vietnam: investment motives, institutional environment and human resource challenges.
Fang Lee Cooke, Zhaohong. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, Early View, Article first published online: 20
JAN 2012.
Abstract: Extant studies of HRM and industrial relations in multinational corporations (MNCs) have focused
primarily on MNCs from developed economies. Few studies have examined the investment strategy and labour
management practices of MNCs from emerging economies, such as China, in developing countries like Vietnam.
Adopting a combined theoretical framework for analysis, this study fills the research gap by examining the investment
motives, business strategy and management practices of three case study firms in the construction and light
manufacturing industries. It compares and contrasts the institutional supports for and barriers to these state-owned and
privately owned firms from both home and host countries. The paper argues that the role of institutional actors differs
across ownership forms and industrial sectors and that a multi-theoretical perspective, including in particular the
political economy perspective, is needed to study Chinese MNCs’ HRM practices in order to more fully understand
how the practices are shaped and perceived. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Decomposing Labor Market Earnings Inequality: Public and Private Sectors in Vietnam 1993-2006.
Clément Imbert. Paris School of Economics, November 9, 2011.
Abstract: This paper studies differences in earnings between public and private sector employees in Vietnam, and
their change during the transition towards market economy (1993-2006). We document a signi cant earnings gap in
favor of public employees, which widens after public sector reforms. We use a model of comparative advantage to
disentangle between changes in workers' selection into the public sector and changes in the public sector's wage-
setting, as compared to the private sector. We draw counterfactual distributions and show that while workers' sorting
is clearly important to explain the public-private sector earnings gap, the widening of this gap over time is mainly due
to changes in compensation patterns. We show that public employees in the 1990s are underpaid as compared to what
they would earn in the private sector, and that returns to their comparative advantage rises dramatically in the early
2000s. Our analysis highlights how institutional factors shape earnings inequality. Free full text
http://www.parisschoolofeconomics.eu/docs/imbert-clement/decomposing_earnings_inequality.pdf.
Disability measures as an indicator of poverty: A case study from Viet Nam.

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By: Palmer, Michael G.; Thuy, Nguyen Thi Minh; Quyen, Quach Thi Ngoc; Duy, Dang Sy; Van Huynh, Hoang;
Berry, Helen L.. Journal of International Development, Jan2012 Supplement, Vol. 24, pS53-S68, 16p; Published
online 21 June 2010 in Wiley Online Library.
Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between disability and poverty at a health-demographic surveillance
site in Viet Nam using alternative measures of disability severity. Analysis of the site population ( n = 65 400) is
combined with interviews of 27 households containing members with disabilities. Results show that disability severity
is positively associated with poverty. Results support recent efforts of the Vietnamese government to extend
programmes of social protection for households containing members with severe disabilities. However, a higher level
of disability targeting is required, both in terms of eligibility and of benefit levels. Full text
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jid.1715/pdf.
Efficiency of Rice Farming Households in Vietnam.

Linh Hoang Vu, (2012). International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 11 Iss: 1.
Abstract:
Purpose - This study estimates technical efficiency obtained from both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and
stochastic frontier approaches using household survey data for rice farming households in Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach - A bootstrap method is used to provide statistical precision of the DEA estimator.
Technical efficiency is modeled as a function of household and production factors.
Findings - The results from the deterministic, semi-parametric and parametric approaches indicate that among other
things, technical efficiency is significantly influenced by primary education and regional factors. In addition, scale
efficiency analysis shows that many farms in Vietnam are operating with less than optimal scale of operation.
Originality/value - The study is among the first that employ bootstrap method and compare estimates from both Data
Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier approaches. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Free Preliminary Draft http://www.cid.harvard.edu/neudc07/docs/neudc07_poster_vu.pdf.
Estimation of the potential of rice straw for ethanol production and the optimum facility size for different
regions in Vietnam.
Nhu Quynh Diep, Shinji Fujimoto, Tomoaki Minowa, Kinya Sakanishi, Nobukazu Nakagoshi. Applied Energy, In
Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 21 January 2012.
Abstract: To explore the potential for economical ethanol production from rice straw in Vietnam, this study estimated
the rice straw density that is available for ethanol production, delivery cost of the rice straw, and determined the
optimal facility size for different regions. The amount of rice straw annually generated is nearly 50 dry Mt year−1.
The rice straw available for ethanol production in regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 was estimated to be 69, 6.8, 14, 3.9, 12,
and 108 dry t km−2, respectively. The delivery cost of rice straw varied from 20.5 to 65.4 $ dry t−1, with a
transportation distance of 0 to 120 km. Regions 1 and 6 were estimated to be optimal locations for ethanol production,
with optimally-sized facilities of 112.5 and 195 ML year−1, respectively. The feedstock supply radius was 50 and 48
km for regions 1 and 6, respectively, with a total cost of feedstock and fixed cost of ethanol of 0.244 $ L−1 and 0.224
$ L−1, respectively. These results represented for the case study at present time. Naturally, the optimal plant size is
sensitive to the changes of various conditions. Thus, an equation for the calculation of the optimal feedstock supply
radius was developed with the involvement of various factors. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Evaluation of bamboo as an alternative cropping strategy in the northern central upland of Vietnam: Above-
ground carbon fixing capacity, accumulation of soil organic carbon, and socio-economic aspects.
Proyuth Ly, Didier Pillot, Patrice Lamballe, Andreas de Neergaard. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, Volume
149, 1 March 2012, Pages 80–90.
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Abstract: The mountains of northern Vietnam have lost significant forest cover during the last decades due to the
conversion from natural vegetation to cultivated land, leading to the depletion of soil organic matter and land
degradation. The study evaluated bamboo as an alternative cropping strategy in the northern central upland of
Vietnam. We analyzed above-ground carbon fixing capacity of bamboo, accumulation of soil organic carbon, and
socio-economic aspects as compared to other land use systems. Over the long term, a bamboo-based cropping system
compared favorably to several other land use alternatives in the area. Compared to cassava, rice and maize, bamboo
provides 49–89% higher average return to labor. Carbon content in bamboo's standing above-ground biomass is 17
tons ha−1, 18% of that of forest. The soil organic carbon pool under bamboo amounts to 92 tons ha−1 to 70 cm depth,
comparable to both forest and regenerated forest and 20% higher than land cultivated with cassava or maize. The
study reveals that a shift in land use from annual crops to bamboo provides an annual net gain of soil organic carbon
of approximately 0.44 tons ha−1. Such a shift is constrained however by income insecurity in the early stages of
plantation, because bamboo takes 3–4 years to mature and has a low return-per-area basis compared to annual cash
crops. The study suggests that a crucial incentive for farmers shifting to bamboo production may be to create
alternative off-farm income-generating activities which absorb the labor liberated by the labor extensive farming of
bamboo. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880911004397.
Fate of Pesticides in Combined Paddy Rice–Fish Pond Farming Systems in Northern Vietnam.
Maria Anyusheva, Marc Lamers, Nguyen La, Van Vien Nguyen, and Thilo Streck. Journal of Environmental Quality,
TECHNICAL REPORTS, Posted online 20 Jan. 2012.
Abstract: During the last decades, high population growth and exportoriented economics in Vietnam have led to a
tremendous intensification of rice production, which in turn has significantly increased the amount of pesticides
applied in rice cropping systems. Since pesticides are toxic by design, there is a natural concern on the impact of their
presence in the environment on human health and environmental quality. The present study was designed to examine
the water regime and fate of pesticides (fenitrothion, dimethoate) during two consecutive rice crop seasons in
combined paddy rice–fish pond farming systems in northern Vietnam. Major results revealed that 5 and 41%
(dimethoate), and 1 and 17% (fenitrothion) of the applied mass of pesticides were lost from the paddy field to the
adjacent fish pond during spring and summer crop seasons, respectively. The decrease of pesticide concentration in
paddy surface water was very rapid with dissipation half-life values of 0.3 to 0.8 and 0.2 d for dimethoate and
fenitrothion, respectively. Key factors controlling the transport of pesticides were water solubility and paddy water
management parameters, such as hydraulic residence time and water holding period. Risk assessment indicates that
the exposure to toxic levels of pesticides for aquaculture (Cyprinus carpio, Daphnia magna) is significant, at least
shortly after pesticide application. Free full text https://www.agronomy.org/publications/jeq/view/41-2/q11-0066.pdf.
Firm performance in a transitional economy: a case study of Vietnam's garment industry.

By: Vixathep, Souksavanh; Matsunaga, Nobuaki. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy, Feb2012, Vol. 17 Issue 1,
p74-93, 20p;
Abstract: Amid the global financial crisis and economic downturn, efficiency improvement is one of the essential
countermeasures for overcoming the hardship. Recognizing the role of the garment industry in Vietnam's economy,
the paper addresses the relationship among technical efficiency and firm structure, business activity, export
destination and location based on 2007 firm-level data. We find that high inefficiency exists in the Vietnam's garment
industry and there is much room for improvement. Product specialization and export markets would contribute to
efficiency enhancement in the short run. Also, garment firms located in Ho Chi Minh City, where competition is
fiercer than other production areas, tend to achieve higher efficiency performance. To a lesser extent, private
ownership and smaller firm size (small and medium-sized enterprise – SME) appear to be associated with higher
efficiency. These findings would give rise to promotion of business competition, market-supporting institutions and
nonstate ownership for the benefit of the garment industry as a whole. Full text available upon request. Fee may
apply.
Foreign direct investment in provinces: A spatial regression approach to FDI in Vietnam.

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Bulent Esiyok and Mehmet Ugur. University of Greenwich.
Abstract: Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into Vietnam have increased significantly in recent years, with
unequal distribution between provinces and regions. We aim to contribute to the literature on locational determinants
of FDI by accounting for spatial interdependence between 62 Vietnamese provinces from 2006-2009. For this
purpose, we estimate a spatial lag model using maximum likelihood estimation method. We report existence of spatial
dependence between provinces as well as spatial spill-over effects. The results are robust to different specifications for
weight matrices and inclusion of different explanatory variables and/or proxies. We also report that conventional
determinants of FDI such as market size, domestic investment, openness to trade, labour cost, education and
governance, etc. are significant and remain robust to inclusion of spatial interdependence. The sign of the spatial
dependence suggests that the distribution of FDI between provinces is subject to conglomeration effects. Free full text
http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/36145/1/Esiyok_Ugur_MRPA_paper.pdf.
Hygiene and sanitation promotion strategies among ethnic minority communities in Northern Vietnam: a
stakeholder analysis.
Thilde Rheinländer, Le Thi Thanh Xuan, Luu Ngoc Hoat, Anders Dalsgaard and Flemming Konradsen. Health Policy
Plan. (2012) First published online: January 17, 2012.
Abstract: Effective rural hygiene and sanitation promotion (RHSP) is a major challenge for many low-income
countries. This paper investigates strategies and stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities in RHSP implementation in a
multi-ethnic area of northern Vietnam, in order to identify lessons learned for future RHSP. A stakeholder analysis
was performed, based on 49 semi-structured individual interviews and one group interview with stakeholders in
RHSP in a northern province of Vietnam. Participants came from three sectors (agriculture, health and education),
unions supported by the Vietnamese government and from four administrative levels (village, commune, district and
province).
The study villages represented four ethnic minority groups including lowland and highland communities.
Stakeholders’ roles, responsibilities and promotion methods were outlined, and implementation constraints and
opportunities were identified and analysed using thematic content analysis. Effective RHSP in Vietnam is severely
constrained despite supporting policies and a multi-sectorial and multi-level framework. Four main barriers for
effective implementation of RHSP were identified: (1) weak inter-sectorial collaborations; (2) constraints faced by
frontline promoters; (3) almost exclusive information-based and passive promotion methods applied; and (4) context
unadjusted promotion strategies across ethnic groups, including a limited focus on socio-economic differences,
language barriers and gender roles in the target groups. Highland communities were identified as least targeted and
clearly in need of more intensive and effective RHSP. –
It is recommended that the Vietnamese government gives priority to increasing capacities of and collaboration among
stakeholders implementing RHSP activities. This should focus on frontline promoters to perform effective behaviour
change communication. It is also recommended to support more participatory and community-based initiatives, which
can address the complex socio-economic and cultural determinants of health in multi-ethnic population groups. These
lessons learned can improve future RHSP in Vietnam and are also of relevance for health promotion in other minority
population groups in the region and globally. Full text
http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/01/17/heapol.czr082.abstract.
Impact of Education and Network for Avian Influenza H5N1 in Human: Knowledge, Clinical Practice, and
Motivation on Medical Providers in Vietnam.
Toshie Manabe, Pham Thi Phuong Thuy, Koichiro Kudo, Vu Thi Tuong Van, Jin Takasaki, Nguyen Dang Tuan, Dao
Xuan Co, Dang Hung Minh, Shinyu Izumi, Nguyen Gia Binh, Ngo Quy Chau, Tran Thuy Hanh. PLoS ONE 7(1):
2012.
Abstract:
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-- Background: Knowledge, clinical practice, and professional motivation of medical providers relating to H5N1
infection have an important influence on care for H5N1 patients who require early diagnosis and early medical
intervention.
-- Methods/Principal Findings: Novel educational programs including training and workshops for medical providers
relating to H5N1 infection in Vietnam were originally created and implemented in 18 provincial hospitals in northern
Vietnam between 2008 and 2010. A self-administered, structured questionnaire survey was conducted in 8 provincial
hospitals where both educational training and workshops were previously provided. A total of 326 medical providers,
including physicians, nurses, and laboratory technicians who attended or did not attend original programs were
enrolled in the survey. Knowledge, clinical attitudes and practice (KAP), including motivation surrounding caring for
H5N1 patients, were evaluated. The study indicated a high level of knowledge and motivation in all professional
groups, with especially high levels in laboratory technicians. Conferences and educational programs were evaluated to
be the main scientific information resources for physicians, along with information from colleagues. The chest
radiographs and the initiation of antiviral treatment in the absence of RT-PCR result were identified as gaps in
education. Factors possibly influencing professional motivation for caring for H5N1 patients included healthcare
profession, the hospital where the respondents worked, age group, attendance at original educational programs and at
educational programs which were conducted by international health-related organizations.
-- Conclusions: Educational programs provide high knowledge and motivation for medical providers in Vietnam
caring for H5N1 patients. Additional educational programs related to chest radiographs and an initiation of treatment
in the absence of RT-PCR are needed. Networking is also necessary for sharing updated scientific information and
practical experiences. These enhanced KAPs by educational programs and integrated systems among hospitals should
result in appropriate care for H5N1 patients and may reduce morbidity and mortality. Free full text
Migration and Credit Constraints: Theory and Evidence from Vietnam.

Diep Phan. Review of Development Economics. Oxford: Feb 2012. Vol. 16, Iss. 1; pg. 31.
Abstract (Summary): The new economics of labor migration (NELM) frequently emphasizes the importance of
migration as a way for rural households to overcome credit constraints. If this hypothesis is correct, then the credit
constraint is a motivation for migration (a relaxation of this constraint would encourage less migration).
Conventionally, it is believed that migration is costly and has to be financed with borrowed capital, so the credit
constraint is a deterrent of migration (a relaxation of this constraint would encourage more migration). In this paper,
an agricultural household model is developed to study whether the credit constraint is a motivation for or a deterrent
to migration. The model's result confirms the NELM's hypothesis: for households with high demand for agricultural
investments and high net migration return, migration is used as a way to finance capital investments. Using data from
four provinces in Vietnam, preliminary evidence is found supporting this hypothesis. Full text available upon request.
Fee may apply.
Mosquitoes and Their Potential Predators in Rice Agroecosystems of the Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam.
Shin-Ya Ohba, T. T. Trang Huynh, Loan Luu Le, Huu Tran Ngoc, San Le Hoang, and Masahiro Takagi. Journal of
the American Mosquito Control Association 27(4):384-392, 2011.
Abstract: Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. gelidus, and Cx. quinquefasciatus, known vectors of Japanese encephalitis
(JE), are distributed in rice agroecosystems in Asian countries. Very few integrated studies on the breeding habitats of
rice-field mosquitoes, including JE vectors, have been conducted in Vietnam. We investigated the mosquito fauna and
potential predators in 8 rice growing areas in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, during the wet and dry
seasons of 2009. Mosquitoes and their predators were collected from a variety of aquatic habitats (rice fields, ponds,
wetlands, shrimp ponds, ditches, canals, and rivers). We collected 936 Culex spp. (354 Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, 240 Cx.
vishnui s.l., 189 Cx. fuscocephala, and 42 Cx. gelidus), 33 Uranotaenia, 25 Anopheles, and 9 Mimomyia (4 Mi.
chamberlaini) in the dry season. During the rainy season, we collected 1,232 Culex spp. (132 Cx. vishnui s.l., 66 Cx.
tritaeniorhynchus, 9 Cx. gelidus, 4 Cx. fuscocephala, and 2 Cx. bitaeniorhynchus), 236 Anopheles spp. (40 An. vagus
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and 1 An. sinensis), and 7 Uranotaenia (3 Ur. lateralis). Heteroptera such as Micronecta, Veliidae, and Pleidae were
abundant and widely distributed in both seasons. Based on a stepwise generalized linear model, the abundance of
mosquitoes and their predators in rice fields was high when the rice plant length was short and water depth was
shallow. Therefore, the use of insecticides during the earlier stages of rice growth should be avoided in order to
preserve the predator populations. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Reterritorialising rural handicrafts in Thailand and Vietnam: a view from the margins of the miracle.
Katherine V Gough, Jonathan Rigg. Environment and Planning A. Volume 44 (2012), Issue 1, Pages: 169-186.
Abstract: This paper explores the changing role and place of handicrafts in contemporary rural development
processes. Building on fieldwork conducted in four settlements in northern Thailand and Vietnam, we discuss how a
traditional sector is being reshaped under the forces of globalisation and what this means for the character of rural
livelihoods. This empirical analysis permits us to reflect on wider areas of debate within development and economic
geography. By examining the spatialities of production, we explore how the ‘place’ of handicrafts in the settlements is
being reshaped. We show how, although handicraft production retains an image of being part of a traditional sector
built around local skills and inputs, in reality the activities have become deterritorialised and are increasingly spatially
dispersed. Nonetheless, handicraft production remains economically and socially embedded and is helping to sustain
village economies both in situ and in distant locations. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Review on fuel economy standard and label for vehicle in selected ASEAN countries.
A.S. Silitonga, A.E. Atabania, T.M.I. Mahlia. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 16, Issue 3, April
2012, Pages 1683–1695.
Abstract: Sustainable supply of energy at affordable prices is vital to ensure the human development. ASEAN is
committed pursuing for a clean and green region with fully established mechanisms for sustainable development to
ensure the protection of regional environment, resources and the high quality of people's life. Nowadays, energy use
in the transportation sector represents an important issue in ASEAN countries. Therefore, it is believed that the
introduction of fuel economy standards and labels is the key to save energy in this sector. Fuel economy standards and
labels are relatively cheap measure to influence consumer behaviour and to induce car manufacturers to produce more
efficient vehicles. Fuel economy standards and labels for vehicle are being implemented in many countries around the
world to save fuel consumption and mitigate CO2 emission. This paper is a review on fuel economy standard and
labels for vehicle in some selected ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand
and Vietnam. It has been found that Singapore is the leading country in ASEAN that has implemented fuel economy
standards and labels. Moreover, it has been found that the implementation of cleaner fuels standard play a crucial role
in protecting public health and the environment from transportation sector emissions. The most common alternative
fuels used in ASEAN are biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, propane, hydrogen and natural gas. Full text
Rural and urban Vietnamese mothers utilization of healthcare resources for children under 6 years with
pneumonia and associated symptoms.
Linda M Kaljee, Dang Duc Anh, Truong Tan Minh, Le Huu Tho, et al. Journal of Behavioral Medicine. New York:
Aug 2011. Vol. 34, Iss. 4; pg. 254.
Abstract (Summary): Worldwide, pneumonia causes 14% of deaths among children and infants (ages 4 weeks to 5
years). UNICEF and WHO have established treatment guidelines to reduce risk of death from pneumonia including
caregiver symptom recognition, appropriate care, and use of antibiotics. In June 2008, cross-sectional survey data
were collected in Khanh Hoa Province Viet Nam with 329 mothers of children under 6 years. In relation to
pneumonia and associated symptoms (fever >38°C, strong cough, "fast or difficult" breathing), data were collected on
perceptions of symptom severity and child vulnerability, reported healthcare utilization including use of antibiotics,
sources of health information, and barriers to care. Pearson's chi square, independent t tests, and multinomial analysis
were conducted to assess different patterns of reported healthcare utilization in relation to residency (rural/urban),
mother's education, and household income. Outcomes include rural and urban residency-based patterns related to
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perceptions of child's vulnerability and symptom severity, health facility utilization and barriers to care, and reported
use of antibiotics during previous episodes of pneumonia. Implications include the need to target different healthcare
facilities in urban and rural Viet Nam in relation to education about symptoms of childhood pneumonia and associated
treatments. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Scaling up rural sanitation in Vietnam: political economy constraints and opportunities.

Daniel Harris, Michelle Kooy and Pham Quang Nam. ODI Working Paper 341, 2012. Overseas Development
Institute, December 2011.
Executive summary (excerpt): This paper presents the findings of one of two country case studies conducted as part of
a broader project entitled ‘Analysing the governance and political economy of water and sanitation service delivery’
commissioned by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The objective of the research project is
to develop the utility of political economy analysis (PEA) for the water supply and sanitation (WSS) sector, with a
focus on improving the operational impact of DFID (and other donor) country programming.
-- While the objective of the case study is therefore to inform the development of DFID’s approach to sector-level
political economy analysis, the paper and the research that underpins the paper have been undertaken with the primary
goal of working with the staff of the DFID-Vietnam country office to think through the implications of a problem-
driven political economy analysis approach for addressing the issues encountered in their work.
-- Extensive consultation with the DFID-Vietnam country office resulted in the conclusion that one of the main
conundrums faced by DFID staff working on issues of WSS is the simultaneous presence of persistently disappointing
outcomes in the rural sanitation subsector under the current policy paradigm and the limited uptake at scale of a
number of seemingly effective ‘innovative approaches’ that have been piloted with donor support. This puzzle is
particularly salient given the country’s overall development achievements and specifically given achievements within
the sector in increasing access to urban sanitation and rural and urban water supply. Free full text
http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/7550.pdf.
Social Determinants of Long Lasting Insecticidal Hammock-Use Among the Ra-Glai Ethnic Minority in
Vietnam: Implications for Forest Malaria Control.
Koen Peeters Grietens, Xa Nguyen Xuan, Joan Muela Ribera, Thang Ngo Duc, Wim van Bortel, Nhat Truong Ba, Ky
Pham Van, Hung Le Xuan, Umberto D'Alessandro, Annette Erhart. PLoS ONE 7(1): e29991, 2012.
Abstract:
-- Background: Long-lasting insecticidal hammocks (LLIHs) are being evaluated as an additional malaria prevention
tool in settings where standard control strategies have a limited impact. This is the case among the Ra-glai ethnic
minority communities of Ninh Thuan, one of the forested and mountainous provinces of Central Vietnam where
malaria morbidity persist due to the sylvatic nature of the main malaria vector An. dirus and the dependence of the
population on the forest for subsistence - as is the case for many impoverished ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia.
-- Methods: A social science study was carried out ancillary to a community-based cluster randomized trial on the
effectiveness of LLIHs to control forest malaria. The social science research strategy consisted of a mixed methods
study triangulating qualitative data from focused ethnography and quantitative data collected during a malariometric
cross-sectional survey on a random sample of 2,045 study participants.
-- Results: To meet work requirements during the labor intensive malaria transmission and rainy season, Ra-glai slash
and burn farmers combine living in government supported villages along the road with a second home at their fields
located in the forest. LLIH use was evaluated in both locations. During daytime, LLIH use at village level was
reported by 69.3% of all respondents, and in forest fields this was 73.2%. In the evening, 54.1% used the LLIHs in the
villages, while at the fields this was 20.7%. At night, LLIH use was minimal, regardless of the location (village 4.4%;
forest 6.4%).
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-- Discussion: Despite the free distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and LLIHs, around half the local
population remains largely unprotected when sleeping in their forest plot huts. In order to tackle forest malaria more
effectively, control policies should explicitly target forest fields where ethnic minority farmers are more vulnerable to
malaria. Free full text http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0029991.
Stress, Task, and Relationship Orientations of Vietnamese: An Examination of Gender, Age, and Government
Work Experience in the Asian Culture.
Lam D Nguyen, Bahaudin G Mujtaba. Competition Forum. Indiana: 2011. Vol. 9, Iss. 2; pg. 235, 12 pgs.
Abstract (Summary): Working adults are often socialized differently based on their gender, age, and work experience.
To explore the stress, task, and relationship orientations of people in the high-context culture of Vietnam, this study
collected data from 188 Vietnamese. It appears that they have similar scores on the relationship and task orientations.
The Vietnamese reported a high level of stress. Government work experience and education do appear to be a
significant factor in the difference of stress perception scores. In this paper, literature on high and low context cultures
is presented along with practical application, suggestions, and implications for future studies. Full text available upon
request. [Lam&Mujtaba2011.pdf]
Study on Vietnam Traffic Accident Situation via Data of Health Sector.

Nguyen Huu DUC, Duong Thi Mai HOA, Nguyen Thien HUONG and Nguyen Ngoc BAO. Journal of the Eastern
Asia Society for Transportation Studies, Vol. 9 (2011) pp.2011-2021.
Abstract: The traffic accident database is the sole important source outside of traffic police that could help effectively
to understand the traffic safety situation. For right usage, this study has clarified its special feature such as better
liability, difference of purpose, object and standard. The data of 2009 confirms the efforts to ensure the traffic safety
so that the fatalities are under control, but the seriousness of traffic accident is very high. Especially, the study has
proposed a methodology to find out the Correction Factor of the number of accident sufferer. Based on the corrected
value, it could reconfirm that the number of injured published by traffic police is unrealistically low. It shows the
underreporting level is about 63 times. It proved that the corrected data are quite in concordance with a rule from the
Vietnamese Injury Pyramid that for each fatality, there are 58 injuries at difference seriousness. Free full text
http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/easts/9/0/9_2011/_article.
The Ri chicken breed and livelihoods in North Vietnam: characterization and prospects.
Nassim Moula, Do Duc Luc, Pham Kim Dang, Frédéric Farnir, Vu Dinh Ton, Dang Vu Binh, Pascal Leroy, Nicolas
Antoine-Moussiaux. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, Vol 112, No 1
(2011).
Abstract: For the last twenty years, the consumption of poultry meat has boomed in Vietnam as in the rest of the
developing world. Capital-intensive production has grown rapidly to satisfy this demand. Based on a few numbers of
genetically uniform strains, these systems threaten biodiversity. In Vietnam, both rural and urban households still
keep indigenous chickens as part of a diversified livelihood portfolio. In line with the national in situ conservation
strategy, this study approached the context of local poultry keeping in two rural and one suburban districts of
Northern Vietnam. It aimed at understanding households’ willingness, constraints and opportunities for practice
improvement, including breeds’ management. As the Ri chicken constitutes the large majority of backyard flocks, two
particular objectives of this study are the morpho-biometric characterisation of phenotypic diversity among
individuals classified as Ri by farmers and an assessment of their productive potential. Chicken was found to hold a
different place in livelihoods of the three districts with consequences on the management of genetic resources. The
most favourable conditions for improvement of the Ri breed was found in the rural district of Luong-Son, due to
market integration. In the more remote district of Ky-Son, living standards were lower and much would be gained
from Ri conservation. Ri breed was the most threatened in the suburban Gia-Lam district, where poultry was a minor
side-activity, lacking incentive for genetic management. From motives and constraints, tracks about breeding goals
are suggested. Further considerations about conservation, improvement, market integration and livelihoods are
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proposed. Free full text http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/viewFile/urn%3Anbn%3Ade%3Ahebis%3A34-

2011101139376/144.
The transfer of training and development practices in Japanese subsidiaries in Vietnam.

Anne Vo, Zeenobyah Hannif. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, Volume 50, Issue 1, pages 75–91, January
2012.
Abstract: This paper examines the interaction between ‘home-country’ and ‘host-country’ effects in determining
human resource management (HRM) policies and practices in multinational companies (MNCs) in the context of a
developing country. The paper is based on an investigation of the training and development strategies for local
managers of a sample of Japanese companies operating in Vietnam, and presents clear evidence of the transfer of
home-country practices. The sector emerges as a key variable in explaining variations in HRM patterns with a greater
number of comprehensive training and development programs recorded in automotive than in fast-moving consumer
goods (FMCG) industries. We also argue that developing host countries pose little in the way of formal constraint
mechanisms to the transfer of HRM practices, but the instability of the institutional environment and the weakness of
its subsystems suggest a complex and challenging situation for MNC operations, and inhibit their ability to maintain
their home-country HRM practices. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1744-
7941.2011.00007.x/pdf.
Transnational labour migration and the politics of care in the Southeast Asian family.
Lan Anh Hoang, Brenda S.A. Yeoh, , Anna Marie Wattie. Geoforum, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 12
January 2012.
Abstract: Recent increases in female labour migration in and from Asia have triggered a surge of interest in how the
absence of the mother and wife for extended periods of time affects the left-behind family, particularly children, in
labour-sending countries. While migration studies in the region have shown that the extended family, especially
female relatives, is often called on for support in childcare during the mother’s absence it is not yet clear how
childcare arrangements are made. Drawing on in-depth interviews with non-parent carers of left-behind children in
Indonesia and Vietnam, the paper aims to unveil complexities and nuances around care in the context of transnational
labour migration. In so doing it draws attention to the enduring influence of social norms on the organisation of family
life when women are increasingly drawn into the global labour market. By contrasting a predominantly patrilineal
East Asian family structure in Vietnam with what is often understood as a bilateral South-East Asian family structure
in Indonesia, the paper seeks to provide interesting comparative insights into the adaptive strategies that the
transnational family pursues in order to cope with the reproductive vacuum left behind by the migrant mother. Full
text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016718511002181.
Vietnam power system: Overview and challenges.

Dung, Hoang Tien; Tuan, Nguyen Anh; Thang, Nguyen The. This paper appears in: Science and Technology, 2011
EPU-CRIS International Conference on Issue Date: 16-16 Nov. 2011, page(s): 1 - 5. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Abstract: This article introduces typical features of Vietnam power system at present, future power generation and
transmission network development programs ensuring electricity supply for socio-economic development of the
country. It also presents challenges and opportunities in process of Vietnam power system development. Full text
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2012 January15 issue

Aid and Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam.

Chengang Wang and V. N. Balasubramanyam. Journal of Economic Integration, Volume 26, Number 4 / December
2011, Pages: 721 - 739.
Abstract: This short paper explores the complementarity between foreign aid and foreign direct investment (FDI).
Recent studies on aid concluded that aid should come to an end or be reduced with a radical modification of the terms
and conditions and FDI and trade should replace aid as the engine of development. In this paper, we argue that aid
complements FDI and advances the efficacy of FDI in promoting growth and development in the developing
countries. Using data from the provinces in Vietnam, the statistical analysis suggests that aid has a positive impact on
inflows of FDI and aid can complement FDI in promoting economic growth. Full text
http://sejong.metapress.com/media/64cr5a4mgp6vrj5f0e86/contributions/4/8/0/w/480w38w2pj65516l.pdf.
Assessing dietary exposure to cadmium in a metal recycling community in Vietnam: Age and gender aspects.
Ngo Duc Minh, Rupert Lloyd Hough, Le Thi Thuy, Ylva Nyberg, Le Bach Mai, Nguyen Cong Vinh, Nguyen Manh
Khai, Ingrid Öborn. Science of The Total Environment, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 8 January 2012.
Abstract: This study estimates the dietary exposure to cadmium (Cd), and associated potential health risks, for
individuals living and working in a metal recycling community (n = 132) in Vietnam in comparison to an agricultural
(reference) community (n = 130). Individual-level exposure to Cd was estimated through analysis of staple foodstuffs
combined with information from a food frequency questionnaire. Individual-level exposure estimates were compared
with published ‘safe’ doses to derive a Hazard Quotient (HQ) for each member of the study population. Looking at
the populations as a whole, there were no significant differences in the diets of the two villages. However,
significantly more rice was consumed by working age adults (18–60 years) in the recycling village compared to the
reference village (p < 0.001). Rice was the main staple food with individuals consuming 461 ± 162 g/d, followed by
water spinach (103 ± 51 kg/d). Concentrations of Cd in the studied foodstuffs were elevated in the metal recycling
village. Values of HQ exceeded unity for 87% of adult participants of the metal recycling community (39% had a HQ
> 3), while 20% of adult participants from the reference village had an HQ > 1. We found an elevated health risk from
dietary exposure to Cd in the metal recycling village compared to the reference community. WHO standard of 0.4 mg
Cd/kg rice may not be protective where people consume large amounts of rice/have relatively low body weight. Full
text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Atmospheric radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear reactor accident observed in Vietnam.
N.Q. Long, Y. Truong, P.D. Hien, N.T. Binh, L.N. Sieu, T.V. Giap, N.T. Phan. Journal of Environmental
Radioactivity, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 24 December 2011.
Abstract: Radionuclides from the reactor accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant were observed in
the surface air at stations in Hanoi, Dalat, and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Vietnam, about 4500 km southwest of
Japan, during the period from March 27 to April 22, 2011. The maximum activity concentrations in the air measured
at those three sites were 193, 33, and 37 µBq m−3 for 131I, 134Cs, and 137Cs, respectively. Peaks of radionuclide
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concentrations in the air corresponded to arrival of the air mass from Fukushima to Vietnam after traveling for 8 d
over the Pacific Ocean. Cesium-134 was detected with the 134Cs/137Cs activity ratio of about 0.85 in line with
observations made elsewhere. The 131I/137Cs activity ratio was observed to decrease exponentially with time as
expected from radioactive decay. The ratio at Dalat, where is 1500 m high, was higher than those at Hanoi and
HCMC in low lands, indicating the relative enrichment of the iodine in comparison to cesium at high altitudes. The
time-integrated surface air concentrations of the Fukushima-derived radionuclides in the Southeast Asia showed
exponential decrease with distance from Fukushima. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Land Birds in Northern Vietnam.

Tien Vu Thinh, Martin Gilbert, Napawan Bunpapong, Alongkorn Amonsin, Dung T. Nguyen, Paul F. Doherty Jr and
Kathryn P. Huyvaert. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, January 1, 2012, vol. 48 no. 1, pp. 195-200.
Abstract: Given a paucity of data on the occurrence of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in wild passerines and other
small terrestrial species in Southeast Asia and the importance of highly pathogenic Asian-strain H5N1 outbreaks in
humans and domestic poultry in these areas, we focused on surveillance for influenza A viral nucleic acids and
antibodies for AIVs in wild-caught birds in northern Vietnam. Four of 197 serum samples collected in 2007 from
Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus), Crow-billed Drongo (Dicrurus annectans), Buff-breasted Babbler
(Pellorneum tickelli), and Black-browed Fulvetta (Alcippe grotei) were antibody positive for the H5 subtype.
Fourteen of 193 samples collected in 2008 were positive for the influenza A viral M gene by real-time reverse
transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. These included samples from 10 Japanese White-eyes (Zosterops japonicus),
two Puff-throated Bulbuls (Alophoixus pallidus), one White-tailed Robin (Cinclidium leucurum), and one Striped Tit-
babbler (Macronous gularis). Almost all positive samples were from bird species that forage in flocks, including
Japanese White-eyes with an unusually high prevalence of 14.9%. We collected samples from birds from three habitat
types but detected no strong pattern in prevalence. Our results suggest that attention should be given to terrestrial
species, particularly flocking passerines, in AIV surveillance and monitoring programs. Full text available upon
Beneath the ‘methods debate’ in impact assessment: baring assumptions of a mixed methods impact
assessment in Vietnam.
Paul Shaffer. Journal of Development Effectiveness, Available online: 20 Dec 2011.
Abstract: The past decade has seen renewed interest in the use of mixed-method approaches across the social sciences
and in the field of impact assessment. This body of work has focused on questions of method with insufficient
attention devoted to foundational issues. The objective of the present article is to bare the foundational concepts that
guided a mixed-method impact assessment of the Hunger Eradication and Poverty Reduction (HEPR) programme in
Vietnam. Specifically, it shows how the applied methods used in the HEPR study rested on foundational differences
concerning: conceptions of causation and models of causal inferences (probabilities versus mechanisms); analytical
focus (outcomes versus processes) and external validity (empirical generalisation versus statistical inference); and
constituents of ‘objective’ knowledge (intersubjective observables versus perceptual data). Full text available upon
Biological monitoring of chlorpyrifos exposure to rice farmers in Vietnam.

Dung Tri Phung, Des Connell, Greg Miller, Mary Hodge, Renu Patel, Ron Cheng, Manel Abeyewardene, Cordia Chu.
Chemosphere, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 30 December 2011.
Abstract:
-- Chlorpyrifos is the most common organophosphate insecticide registered for use in Vietnam and is widely used in
agriculture, particularly rice farming. However, chlorpyrifos exposure to and adverse effects on farmers has not been
evaluated. In this study, biological monitoring of chlorpyrifos exposure in a group of rice farmers was conducted after
a typical application event using back-pack spraying.
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-- Urine samples (24 h) were collected from the rice farmers before and post insecticide application. Samples were
analysed for 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCP), the major urinary metabolite of chlorpyrifos, using an enzymatic pre-
treatment before extraction followed by HPLC–MS/MS. Absorbed Daily Dose (ADD) of chlorpyrifos for farmers
were then estimated from urinary TCP levels, expressed as µg g−1 creatinine. The analytical method for urinary TCP
had a low detection limit (0.6 µg L−1), acceptable recovery values (80–114%), and low relative percentage
differences in duplicate and repeated samples.
-- Post-application chlorpyrifos ADD of farmers varied from 0.4 to 94.2 µg kg−1 (body weight) d−1 with a mean of
19.4 µg kg−1 d−1 which was approximately 80-fold higher than the mean baseline exposure level (0.24 µg kg−1
d−1). Hazard Quotients (ratio of the mean ADD for rice farmers to acute oral reference dose) calculated using acute
oral reference doses recommended by United States and Australian agencies varied from 2.1 (Australian NRA), 4.2
(US EPA) to 6.9 (ATSDR).
-- Biological monitoring using HPLC–MS/MS analysis of urinary TCP (24 h) was found to be an effective method for
measuring chlorpyrifos exposure among farmers. This case study found that Vietnamese rice farmers had relatively
high exposures to chlorpyrifos after application, which were likely to have adverse health effects. Full text available
Business-State Relations in the Differentiated Private Sector in Vietnam: Access to Capital and Land.
Thomsen, Lotte. Asian Journal of Social Science, Volume 39, Number 5, 2011 , pp. 627-651(25).
Abstract: This paper examines private businesses' access to land and capital in Vietnam. It finds that the allocation of
these resources to private firms is still excessively state-driven and personalised, and examines the links that business
people of different ethnical and regional backgrounds have with the state and how this facilitates or hinders their
access to land and capital. Lacking relationships with the state may have profound consequences for unconnected
private enterprises, which are accordingly subject to uneven competition from connected ones. The paper suggests
that private businesses' uneven opportunities are basically a consequence of the general history of the country and the
role that individual business people have played in it, in such respects as having had former state-sector employment,
party membership, the “side“ they were on before and during the Vietnam War etc. In this, factors such as ethnicity,
origin and present location in either northern or southern Vietnam play an important part. Full text available upon
request.[Thomsen-2011.pdf]
Corporate social responsibility: A study on awareness of managers and consumers in Vietnam.

PHAM Duc Hieu. Journal of Accounting and Taxation Vol. 3(8), pp. 162-170, December 2011.
Abstract: This paper aims to examine how executives and managers from different Vietnamese enterprises represent
their awareness and their perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR), as well as whether the attitude of
Vietnamese consumers towards CSR is positive. Based on the quantitative analysis, the paper provides evidence that
while a large proportion of managers express a highly positive attitude towards CSR and its reporting, consumers’
perception is at low state and questionable. But the hypothesis testing shows that there seems to be a discrepancy
between what managers say they do and what they actually do. Nevertheless, the willingness to learn and gain more
knowledge about CSR found from the survey has drawn a bright future for CSR implementation and CSR disclosure
in Vietnam. Free full text http://www.academicjournals.org/jat/PDF/pdf2011/Dec/PHAM.pdf.
Drug policy in Vietnam: A decade of change?

Thu Vuong, Robert Ali, Simon Baldwin, Stephen Mills. International Journal of Drug Policy, In Press, Corrected
Proof, Available online 27 December 2011.
Abstract:
-- Background: Driven by the rapid spread of HIV, Vietnam's response to drug use has undergone significant
transformation in the past decade. This paper seeks to identify and analyse factors that prompted these changes and to
investigate their impact on the lives of people who use drugs.
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-- Method: This policy analysis is based on a review of Vietnamese Government documents, peer-reviewed
publications and the authors’ knowledge of and involvement in drug policy in Vietnam.
-- Results: The last decade has witnessed a progressive change in the mindset of political leaders in Vietnam around
illicit drug use and HIV issues. This has led to adoption of evidence-based interventions and the evolution of drug
policy that support the scale up of these interventions. However, HIV prevalence among drug users at 31.5% remains
high due to limited access to effective interventions and impediments caused by the compulsory treatment centre
system.
-- Conclusions: The twin epidemics of HIV and illicit drug use have commanded high-level political attention in
Vietnam. Significant policy changes have allowed the implementation of HIV prevention and drug dependence
treatment services. Nevertheless, inconsistencies between policies and a continued commitment to compulsory
treatment centres remain as major impediments to the provision of effective services to drug users. It is critical that
Vietnamese government agencies recognise the social and health consequences of policy conflicts and acknowledge
the relative ineffectiveness of centre-based compulsory treatment. In order to facilitate practical changes, the roles of
the three ministries directly charged with HIV and illicit drug use need to be harmonised to ensure common goals.
The participation of civil society in the policymaking process should also be encouraged. Finally, stronger links
between local evidence, policy and practice would increase the impact on HIV prevention and drug addiction
treatment programming. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Effects of alternating wetting and drying versus continuous flooding on fertilizer nitrogen fate in rice fields in
the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
Nguyen Minh Dong, Kristian K. Brandt, Jan Sørensen, Ngo Ngoc Hung, Chu Van Hach, Pham Sy Tan, Tage
Dalsgaard. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, In Press, Uncorrected Proof, Available online 8 January 2012.
Abstract: Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation is projected to replace continuous flooding (CF) irrigation
for rice production in parts of the Mekong delta area during the dry season. A dry season field experiment was
conducted in Mekong delta alluvial soil to compare N cycle processes and agronomic parameters under AWD and CF
water management schemes. 15N-labeled urea was applied in microplots to follow the fate of fertilizer N. The major
loss of fertilizer N occurred through ammonia volatilization amounting to 21% and 13% of the applied N in the AWD
and CF treatments, respectively. Ammonia volatilization was largely controlled by soil and floodwater pH which
determined the ratio. Irrespective of water management, 10–12% of the fertilizer N could be recovered from the top
soil (0–15 cm) after harvest, whereas 10% of fertilizer N accumulated in deeper soil horizons (15–50 cm). Even
though the loss of fertilizer N through nitrification-denitrification was 6 fold higher under AWD than CF (0.22 versus
0.04 g N m−2) it only removed 2.5% of the applied fertilizer and was thus quantitatively insignificant. Overall, net N
mineralization and potential nitrification in the top soil were stimulated by the AWD treatment, whereas the
difference in water management practice did not affect N uptake by the plants, aboveground biomass, or grain yield.
Fertilizer N contributed only around 20% of the N uptake by the plants probably because the soil was rich in N, which
was deposited during the preceding flooding season. Although based on data from one dry season crop only, our study
indicates that future implementation of AWD irrigation is unlikely to adversely affect crop yields by loss of fertilizer
N in intensive rice production systems in the Mekong delta. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Efficiency Measurement Using the Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Data Envelopment Analysis Methods: An
Application to the Vietnamese Ports.
Nguyen, H-O and Nguyen, H and Chin, A. Singapore Economic Review, 4-6 August 2011, Mandarin Orchard
Singapore, pp. 1-13.
Abstract: The economic development of Vietnam depends heavily on the maritime transport industry. It is observed
that the value of merchandise exports and imports exceed its gross domestic product. Intense competition among more
than one hundred ports in Vietnam demands efficient port management to maintain competitiveness. This study
applies both the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) methods in evaluating
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Vietnam’s ports’ efficiency. The results show that, while both methods provide useful and consistent measures of port
efficiency, there are significant differences between the actual efficiency indexes obtained from the two methods.
Building upon this result, further analysis is performed to gain more insights into the application of efficiency
measurement methods. Methodological implications are also discussed. Full text available upon request. [Oanh-
Nguyen-etal-2011].
Evaluation of strategies for utilizing rice husk based on life cycle cost analysis in relation to Greenhouse Gas
emissions in An Giang province, Vietnam.
Pham Thi Mai Thao, Kiyo H. Kurisu, Keisuke Hanaki. Biomass and Bioenergy, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available
online 30 December 2011.
Abstract: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of rice husk utilization, a life cycle cost analysis was conducted for 18
scenarios developed in a previous study. The allocation of fuels other than rice husks was decided on the basis of
current demand for and supply of rice husks. The production of rice husk briquettes is also discussed as a means of
circumventing problems arising from the bulk of the material. In the power generation scenarios, differences between
two generating capacities (5 and 30 MW) were analyzed. Costs savings are possible by using rice husk to replace
fossil fuels for cooking. With regard to power generation, operation on a 30-MW scale by combustion of all available
rice husk was identified as the most economically efficient scenario, followed by small-scale gasification scenarios (5
MW). The combustion of rice husk briquettes for power generation appeared to be less cost-efficient than direct
combustion, whereas large-scale gasification scenarios and pyrolysis scenarios give rise to increases in cost compared
with the baseline. When both GHG abatement and costs are taken into consideration, suitable scenarios that are
practicable involve the use of rice husk for cooking, for large-scale combustion power generation, and for small-scale
gasification. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
From National Security to Human Security: Population Policy Shifts in Vietnam.

Kathleen A. Tobin. in Human Security: Securing East Asia's future. Springer, 2012, pp. 59-74.
Abstract: In the history of Vietnam, population policy has taken various forms, first in relation to location and
migration and later in relation to birth control. The patterns in both Indochina and the Republic of Vietnam parallel
developments in other countries where dominant powers sought particular demographics and social and political
stability in the name of national security. In recent years, however, the shift toward protection of human security has
helped to influence varying perspectives on population, as has Doi Moi. This research was conducted within a
framework of historical population attitudes and directives in the United States, Latin America and the rest of the
world. To some degree what has happened in Vietnam reflects universal trends, but unique circumstances are outlined
here. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Group Forest Certification for Smallholders in Vietnam: An Early Test and Future Prospects.
Matthew R. Auer. Human Ecology, Published online: 6 Jan 2012.
Abstract: Forests in Vietnam are heavily utilized resources. Some 25 million people who live in and near forests
depend on timber and non-timber resources for subsistence and income. Vietnam’s timber processing industries,
which are in a steep growth phase, demand raw material from the nation’s forests, but that demand greatly outstrips
available, high quality supply. A national forest development strategy through 2020 calls for broad expansion of
plantation forests coupled with third-party forest certification. One type of forest certification, involving certification
of groups of smallholder farmers, is comparatively understudied. A recent effort to promote group forest certification
in Vietnam yielded measurable benefits to stakeholders, including enhanced income streams to plantation
smallholders. However, long-term challenges to group forest certification remain, including smallholders’ ability to
cover recurring costs for certification – costs that are subsidized by a bilateral donor. Vietnam’s recent experience
with group forest certification represents an early chapter in that nation’s ambitious plans to increase forest cover,
make forests more productive through plantation forestry, and improve forest management and market access through
forest certification. Full text http://www.springerlink.com/content/y847v62306038h83/.
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Herding Behaviour in an Emerging Stock Market: Empirical Evidence from Vietnam.

Tran Ngo My and Huy Huynh Truong. Research Journal of Business Management, 2011, Volume 5, Issue 2, Pages
51-76.
Abstract: This study examines the existence of herding behaviour in the Vietnamese stock market and the asymmetric
effects of herding that are conditional on the direction of market movements. The evidence supports the presence of
herding in the Vietnamese stock exchange with respect to different market periods and to alternative model
specifications. Investor herding in this very immature stock market can be explained by a set of micro-structure
characteristics typical of the Vietnamese stock market such as a lack of transparency in information and financial
management, the high magnitude of market volatility and thin trading. Since herding is thought to increase the
volatility of the market, the existence of herding may trigger some policy concerns about a potentially destabilizing
effect on the financial market. In addition, the study indicates that upward markets have less return dispersions than
downward markets. A possible implication of this finding is that investors in the Vietnamese stock market perform
more uniformly in rising markets than in declining markets. Free full text
http://www.medwelljournals.com/fulltext/?doi=rjbm.2011.51.76.
HIV risk among drug-using men who have sex with men, men selling sex, and transgender individuals in
Vietnam.
Bao Ngoc Vu, Kevin P Mulvey, Simon Baldwin, Son Thanh Nguyen. Culture, Health & Sexuality. London: 2012.
Vol. 14, Iss. 2; pg. 167.
Abstract: Knowledge about drug use and its association with HIV risk among men who have sex with men is limited.
Although the HIV epidemic among this population in Vietnam is increasingly acknowledged, understanding the
impact of drug use on the spread of HIV is largely lacking. Using qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus
group discussions with 93 drug users, 15 non-drug users and 9 community stakeholders, this analysis explores
emerging patterns of drug use and risk factors for engaging in risk behaviours among drug-using men having sex with
men, men selling sex and transgender individuals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Findings revealed that drug use is
shifting from heroin to ecstasy and ice. Drug users reported unsafe sex associated with drug use and men selling sex
were particularly at elevated risk because of using drugs as a tool for sex work and trading sex for drugs. These
findings are guiding development of programmes addressing unmet HIV-prevention needs in Vietnam. Full text
Identifying the Public Administration Reform Performance through the Lens of Provincial Competitiveness
Index and GDP Per Capita in Vietnam.
Thai Thanh Ha, Le Thi Van Hanh. Modern Economy, Vol.3 No.1, January 2012.
ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to test the hypothesis of whether the public administration reform (PAR) and
provincial competitiveness could be causally linked to the GDP welfare per capita in Vietnam. By adopting the factor
analysis and then the natural logarithm linear regression, the author found out that there were causality linkages
between those above mentioned parameters. Namely, legal institutions were the main huddles for GDP per head,
while public administration reform services and public services delivery exert positive impacts on GDP per capita.
The dynamism of provincial leadership was also positively influential to the GDP outcome for Vietnamese citizens.
Conclusions and recommendations were drawn for Vietnamese policy makers to modernize the public administration
reform process. Free full text http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=16801&publishStatus=2.
Ingredients to engender trust in construction project teams in Vietnam.

Florence Yean Yng Ling, Hoang Bao Tram Tran. Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Vol.
12 Iss: 1, pp.43 - 61 (2012).
Abstract:
Purpose – A construction project typically involves many participants such as owners, consultants, contractors,
subcontractors and suppliers. It is important for them to have harmonious relationships so that the project can be
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completed expeditiously. Trust is a critical factor to maintain harmonious relationships. The purpose of this paper is to
investigate the ingredients to bring about trust in construction project teams in Vietnam. The specific objectives were
to investigate the existence of personal trust, explore relationship between trust and project outcomes, and identify
attributes that help to improve trust.
Design/methodology/approach – This research employed questionnaire survey as the research method and collected
data via face-to-face and e-mail interviews. The sample comprised randomly selected construction practitioners in
Vietnam. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software.
Findings – The results showed that trust exists between members of construction project team members in Vietnam. It
was found that trust can leverage project quality and client satisfaction. In this regard, a number of factors were found
to be significantly important to the development of trust.
Research limitations/implications – The sample size was relatively small.
Practical implications – When operating in Vietnam, practitioners should adopt a long-term mindset so as to develop
trust. They should also select partners who have good reputations as these are more trustworthy.
Originality/value – This study contributes to knowledge by showing that trust exists between individuals participating
in construction projects in Vietnam and it leads to higher output quality and client satisfaction. Unique attributes to
increase trust in Vietnam were also uncovered. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Manure management practices on biogas and non-biogas pig farms in developing countries – using livestock
farms in Vietnam as an example.
Cu Thi Thien Thu, Pham Hung Cuong, Le Thuy Hang, Nguyen Van Chao, Le Xuan Anh. Journal of Cleaner
Production, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 10 January 2012.
Abstract: This survey was carried out to study animal manure management on livestock farms with biogas technology
(biogas farms) and without (non-biogas farms) in the areas surrounding the Vietnamese cities Hanoi and Hue. The
objective of the study was to assess the contribution of biogas production to a better environment as well as to
recognize the problems with livestock manure management on small-scale farms. On all the farms included in the
study more than one manure management technology was used, i.e. composting, separation of manure, biogas
production and discharge of liquid manure to recipients such as public sewers or ponds. On biogas farms, most of the
manure collected was used for bio-digestion. The farmers used the fermented manure (digestate) as a source of
nutrients for crops, but on more than 50 % of the interviewed biogas farms digestate was discharged to the
environment. On non-biogas farms, manure was in the form of slurry or it was separated into a liquid and a dry-
matter-rich solid fraction. The solid fraction from separation was used for composting and the liquid fraction usually
discharged to the environment. The survey revealed that there is a need to improve methods for transporting the
manure to the field, as transportation is the main barrier to recycling the liquid manure fraction. Farmers in developing
countries need financial and technical support to install biogas digesters and to overcome the problems involved in
utilizing the manure. Information about how to pre-treat manure before adding it to the digester is urgently needed. At
present too much water is used, and the high volume of slurry reduces the retention time and is a disincentive for
transporting and applying the digestate to fields. The users need to be informed about the risk of loss of methane to
the environment, how to prevent cooker corrosion and the discharge to recipients. In addition, the study reveals that in
developing countries manure management legislation needs to be tightened to control environmental pollution. Full
Market demand, green product innovation, and firm performance: Evidence from Vietnam motorcycle
industry.
Ru-jen Lin, Kim-hua Tan, Geng Yong. Journal of Cleaner Production, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available
online 10 January 2012.
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Abstract: This study examines how market demand affects green product innovation, and firm performance in the
context of Vietnamese motorcycle industry. The paper seeks to answer two key questions: (a) how does market
demand influence a firm’s green product innovation? and (b) how can green product innovation affects firm
performance? This study collected a total of 208 valid questionnaires from four leading foreign motorcycle firms in
Vietnam. The empirical findings show that market demand is positively correlated to both green product innovation
and firm performance; while green product innovation performance is also positively correlated to firm performance.
In addition, this study also categorizes three types of green product innovation and discusses their effects on market
demand and firm performance. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652612000029.
Potential of municipal solid waste in Hanoi for energy utilisation.

Trang Nguyen Thi Diem, Giang T H Nguyen, Sven Schulenberg, Bernd Bilitewski. in Waste to energy: Opportunities
and challenges for developing and transition economies. Springer, 2012, pp. 323-340.
Abstract: The integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) within the contextual framework of existing thermal
energy production systems has emerged as a promising and sustainable policy towards addressing the growing global
energy demand. Especially for developing countries, as they are characterized by decentralized energy systems,
locally available RES are a viable option for generating thermal energy. In this chapter, we provide a methodological
frame-work for integrating waste biomass into a portfolio of supply chains for the thermal energy production, by
presenting the relevant drivers for waste biomass usage making especially the case for developing countries, the
associated systems and the supply chain operations. A generic strategic optimization model is proposed for
determining the optimal mixture of energy sources for a specific region. This model could be employed by a system’s
regulator to conduct various ‘what-if’ analyses, in order to develop comprehensive effective policies that also
integrate waste biomass into the existing energy system. Finally, a real-world case study is presented, and interesting
managerial insights are discussed. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Problems of paper recycling in Vietnam.

Trang Nguyen Thi Diem. in Global risk-based management of chemical additives I: Production, use and
environmental occurrence. Springer, 2012, pp. 153-166.
Abstract: Paper production can be considered as an important factor for the development of one country. On the way
of development, Vietnam has increased steadily in paper consumption; however, the paper production did not get to
the same speed. One of the reasons remains in input material which composes of wood or other agricultural fiber
sources and recovered paper. Statistical data on pulp and paper production have been taken into consideration.
Reasons for the low in recycling rate have been analyzed. -- Moreover a picture of recovered paper in Vietnam has
been drawn. In form of recycling villages, the recovered paper production is operated completely by hand or by using
simple tools. Data in emissions of additives, and the impacts resulting from those emissions are lacking. Since
recycled paper is used very popular in flow of domestic consumption, this product has shown a big risk to the human
health and the production is a big risk to the environment. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Qualitative Study of an Operations Research Project to Engage Abused Women, Health Providers, and
Communities in Responding to Gender-Based Violence in Vietnam.
Sidney Ruth Schuler, Quach Thu Trang, Vu Song Ha, Hoang Tu Anh. Violence Against Women, Published online
before print January 11, 2012.
Abstract: This article describes an action research project designed to engage women, health providers, and
communities to respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in Vietnam. Based on results from in-depth interviews and
group discussions, it considers the extent to which the project approaches were empowering for abused women. The
results underscore the problems entailed in introducing systematic screening for gender-based violence into
government health facilities in the low-resource setting of Vietnam, the importance of combining ideational change
and rights components with support for abused women, and the difficulty of engaging male perpetrators. Full text
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Recent Avian Influenza Virus A/H5N1 Evolution in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Poultry from Farms in
Southern Vietnam, January-March 2010.
N. T. Long, T. T. Thanh, H. R. van Doorn, P. P. Vu, et al. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases: Series A. Berlin:
Dec 2011. Vol. 58, Iss. 6; pg. 537.
Abstract: We report 15 new avian influenza virus A/H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) sequences sampled from visibly sick
domestic poultry in southern Vietnam, between 1 January 2010 and 6 March 2010. These HA sequences form a new
sub-clade of the clade 1 H5N1 viruses that have been circulating in Vietnam since 2003/2004. The viruses are
characterized by a change from isoleucine to valine at position 514 (I514V) and are 1.8% divergent at the nucleotide
level from HA sequences sampled in Vietnam in 2007. Five new amino acid changes were observed at previously
identified antigenic sites, and three were located within structural elements of the receptor-binding domain. One new
mutation removed a potential N-linked glycosylation site, and a methionine insertion was observed in one virus at the
polybasic cleavage site. Five of these viruses were sampled from farms where poultry were vaccinated against H5N1,
but there was no association between observed amino acid changes and flock vaccination status. Despite the current
lack of evidence for antigenic drift or immune escape in Vietnamese H5N1 viruses, continued surveillance remains a
high priority. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
RUSLE approach to model suspended sediment load in the Lo river (Vietnam): effects of reservoirs and land
use changes.
Roberto Ranzi, Thanh Hung Le, Maria Cristina Rulli. Journal of Hydrology, In Press, Accepted Manuscript,
Available online 22 December 2011.
Abstract: This study addresses the problem of modelling sediment erosion at the catchment scale, in order to predict
the possible impact of reservoirs and land use changes on sediment load in South East Asia. The investigated basin is
the Lo river basin, (38165 km2 in Viet Tri), a left tributary of the Red River, where the Thac Ba and the recently built
Tuyen Quang reservoirs have already been changing downstream sediment load since 1971 and 2005 when they were,
respectively, in operations. The RUSLE equation is adopted in a distributed GIS framework to assess catchment
erosion, and is coupled with a sediment accumulation and routing scheme to model suspended sediment load in the Lo
basin at a monthly scale. Monthly precipitation were collected and used as input to the model. Suspended sediment
load data, measured at eight gauging stations in Vietnam, from 1959 to 2007, were compared with the model’s
simulated sediment yield. Resulting average Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency is 0.45, ranging from 0.33 to 0.62 and bias is
5% at Vu Quang, close to the basin outlet, and results 1.4% by averaging biases at the eight stations, thus confirming
that the model is adequate. Effects of reservoirs were analysed by modelling erosion and sediment yield passing from
natural to impounded conditions and resulted in a suspended sediment load reduction of about 95% and 75%
downstream, respectively, the Thac Ba reservoir in the Chay river and the Tuyen Quang reservoir in the Gam river.
Land use change scenarios, parameterized on the basis of observed land use changes in the impounded basin and
assuming that 20% of forest area is converted into rice and agricultural crops and 15% into bushes, shrubs and
meadows, are expected to induce a 28% increase of suspended sediment load which can compensate, at least in part,
sedimentation in reservoirs. Also agricultural and hillslope maintenance practices can modify sediment erosion in the
basin. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Scenario-based Impact Assessment of Land Use/Cover and Climate Changes on Water Resources and
Demand: A Case Study in the Srepok River Basin, Vietnam—Cambodia.
Tran Van Ty, Kengo Sunada, Yutaka Ichikawa and Satoru Oishi. Water Resources Management, published online: 11
Jan 2012.
Abstract: This study investigates an interdisciplinary scenario analysis to assess the potential impacts of climate, land
use/cover and population changes on future water availability and demand in the Srepok River basin, a trans-boundary
basin. Based on the output from a high-resolution Regional Climate Model (ECHAM 4, Scenarios A2 and B2)
developed by the Southeast Asia—System for Analysis, Research and Training (SEA-START) Regional Center,
future rainfall was downscaled to the study area and bias correction was carried out to generate the daily rainfall
series. Land use/cover change was quantified using a GIS-based logistic regression approach and future population
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was projected from the historical data. These changes, individually or in combination, were then input into the
calibrated hydrological model (HEC-HMS) to project future hydrological variables. The results reveal that surface
runoff will be increased with increased future rainfall. Land use/cover change is found to have the largest impact on
increased water demand, and thus reduced future water availability. The combined scenario shows an increasing level
of water stress at both the basin and sub-basin levels, especially in the dry season. Full text available upon request.
Fee may apply.
Small Machines in the Garden: Everyday technology and revolution in the Mekong Delta.
DAVID BIGGS. Modern Asian Studies. Cambridge: Jan 2012. Vol. 46, Iss. 1; pg. 47, 24 pgs.
Abstract: Twentieth-century industrialization in the agricultural landscapes of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam took a
very different form from other places, characterized less by a continuous spread of large-scale technology than by its
destruction in mid-century and the subsequent spread of small technology which powered scooters, water pumps, and
boats. The numbers of these portable motors, an everyday technology in 1960, rose from a few thousand units in 1963
to millions in the present day. The colonial and post-colonial state in Vietnam played a key role in the demise of large
technology and, ultimately, of the water infrastructure. Its failures during wartime spurred farmers to adopt cheap,
small engines to survive; however, the state's role was complex during this time. Several key factors, including the
influence of American aid programmes and the contributions of Taiwanese agricultural advisers, especially those
pushing high-yield rice, favoured the adoption of small engines. From an ecological viewpoint, the post-1960
explosion in the use of small motors, especially as water pumps, has brought people and states in Southeast Asia to an
ecological impasse as unrestricted use has impacted on water tables, salinity levels, and the long-term sustainability of
agriculture in many places. This paper examines the state's indirect role in shaping this silent revolution, and it
considers the political and ideological factors underpinning its history. Full text available upon request. Fee may
apply.
The Interplay of Human and Social Capital in Shaping Entrepreneurial Performance: The Case of Vietnam.
Enrico Santarelli, Hien Thu Tran. January 10, 2012. Quaderni DSE Working Paper No. 803.
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of human capital, social capital and their interaction on the performance
of 1,398 Vietnamese new-born firms. Operating profit is used as the measure of success. Human capital is captured by
individual-level professional education, start-up experience, and learning. Whereas the first two dimensions of human
capital are measured with traditional indicators, we define learning as ability to accumulate knowledge to conduct
innovation activities (new product introduction, product innovation and process innovation). Social capital is
measured as benefits obtained from personal strong-tie and weak-tie networks. Key findings are three-fold: human
capital strongly predicts firm success, with learning exerting a statistically significant positive impact on operating
profit; benefits from weak ties outweigh those from strong ties; interaction of human capital and social capital
displays a statistically significant positive effect on new-firm performance. Full text available upon request. Fee may
apply.
The Nature and Growth of Foreign Direct Investment and its Impact in Vietnam: A National Innovation
System Perspective.
Quynh Tho Nguyen, Angathevar Baskaran, Mammo Muchie Ngoc Nguyen. Research Center on Development and
International Relations (DIR), Aalborg University, Denmark, DIR research series working paper no. 148, 2011.
Abstract: In this paper we explore the possible relationship between the nature and characteristics of national system
of innovation (NSI) and the nature and shape of FDI inflow and outcomes. We adapt an NSI-FDI conceptual
framework that presents a taxonomy of NSIs as: well functioning/strong, relatively well functioning, and weak, and
try to relate each of them to corresponding FDI outcomes. Despite some data limitations, our study show that the
nature and characteristics of the NSI can impact on the nature and shape of FDI flows and outcomes in a particular
economy, other things being equal. Therefore, it is important particularly for developing countries to formulate
national policies to build systematically their NSI. Free full text http://vbn.aau.dk/files/58645358/DIR_wp_148.pdf.
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Transfer pricing comes of age in Vietnam.

Anonymous. International Tax Review. London: Nov 2011.
Abstract: Transfer pricing activity has increased significantly in the past year in Vietnam with the government vowing
to take the issue more seriously and investigate companies that are repeatedly reporting losses in the country. With a
recent announcement of a pilot APA programme, tax experts discuss what this means for businesses operating in the
country. Full text available upon request. [Transfer pricing comes of age in Vietnam.doc]
Vietnam: Towards maintaining equilibrium with international competence in higher education and human
resources.
G. Jayachandra Reddy. Universal Journal of Education and General Studies Vol. 1(1) pp. 001-008, January, 2012.
Abstract: In context of globalization, no country can transform and feel itself comfortable with many of economic
issues. This is the predicament of developing countries, more so Vietnam, one of the emerging nations embarking
ambitious national goals. Vietnam has no alternative but to become a part of the ongoing world transition and
competitiveness for which it needs to lay foundation in terms of human resources (education), which play a significant
role in protecting their nation’s identity at the global level. Unfortunately, the levels, structure and standards of
education in Vietnam have become primary hurdles to overcome. Though, vigorous campaign and international
collaboration have brought in certain changes in the primary and secondary levels of education, these levels of
education could not meet the international standards or its requirements of human resources. Thus, there is an
imperative need to look into the higher education to promote competitive skilled human resources, initially, to serve
the national interests and then to look into the international scenario. In fact, a new dimension of economy
popularized as knowledge economy has also emerged, like industrial and agricultural economies. Gruesomely, the
huge gap between demand and supply of skilled labour which is largely due to an antiquated educational system and
the large quantities of foreign investments is the common scene in Vietnam. Such a ubiquitous demand for skilled
labour can be met with only an advanced system of education that could offer new technologies, technical know-how
and language skills, which are imperative for promoting new investment inflows into any country. This paper offers a
deep insight into Vietnam’s educational adjustments in a transitional context. Much attention has been paid to the
analysis of trends and patterns of education and the demand and supply of human resources in Vietnam. This paper
also tries to put forth certain recommendations on the key issues of international competence and cooperation in
promoting higher education and enhancing skilled human resources at domestic level for global competence. Free full
text http://universalresearchjournals.org/ujegs/pdf/2012/Jan/Reddy.pdf
Vietnamese Students Employability Skills.

Nguyen Minh Tuan. International Education Studies. Toronto: Nov 2011. Vol. 4, Iss. 4; pg. 175, 17 pgs.
Abstract: This paper attempts to investigate if the International University (IU) students' core competencies can meet
the requirements set by employers, what are the differences in core competencies in final year students (or
undergraduates), and how they view themselves compared with ex-students after one or two years in working
environment, how differences in levels of competencies which are expected to outperform the job expectations and
competencies possessed by ex-students, and any differences in levels of competencies self-rated by undergraduates
due to gender. Questionnaires, mean score comparison, independent-samples T-tests, paired-samples T-tests are used
to analyze data collected from 120 employers/managers in various companies/organizations in Ho Chi Minh City and
Binh Duong province, 105 ex-students, and 102 final year business students. The core competencies are drawn from
the behavioral competency dictionary of Organizational Readiness Office, Canada (2007). The research results can
provide good suggestions to IU in specific and other foreign invested universities in Vietnam to produce competent
students for the ever-changing labor market. Full text available upon request. [NguyenMinhTuan2011.pdf]
Winning through innovation and marketing: Lessons from Australia and Vietnam.
Aron O'Cass, Liem Viet Ngo. Industrial Marketing Management. New York: Nov 2011. Vol. 40, Iss. 8; pg. 1319.
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Abstract: We examine the role of innovation and marketing, two functional capabilities that have the capacity to play
a major role in creating superior marketplace performance in firms. Our study of the two capabilities and firms'
marketplace performance also takes into account the contribution of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and market
orientation (MO) to our focal functional capabilities and marketplace performance. The results of a study of firms in
Australia and Vietnam show innovation capability, marketing capability mediate the effects of the firm's MO on its
marketplace performance. The results also show that the interaction of innovation and marketing capabilities
significantly influences firms' marketplace performance more than they do individually. Finally, our results show that
MO partially mediates the relationship between EO and innovation and marketing capabilities. Full text available
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2012 January1 issue

A spatial impact assessment of human-induced intervention on hydrological regimes: a case study in the upper
Strepok River basin, Central Highlands of Vietnam.
Tran Van Ty, Kengo Sunada & Yutaka Ichikawa. International Journal of River Basin Management, Volume 9, Issue
2, 2011.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of human activity on hydrological regimes in the upper
Srepok River basin, Central Highlands of Vietnam. For this purpose, specific flow and water demand for each sub-
basin were first estimated and then input into the calibrated river basin management model (MIKE Basin) to generate
flow data. Future land use/cover was predicted using a geographic information system (GIS)-based logistic regression
approach and the population projected from historical data. The hydrologic impact of human intervention was
evaluated using the indicators of hydrologic alterations method and the range of variability approach under various
developed scenarios. The results show that the overall hydrologic alteration (HA) values are classified as being
moderate at all reaches; they generally increase from the upstream to the downstream reaches. Flow regimes have
been altered along the river under the accumulated impacts of the operations of cascade dams. However, the impacts
of land-use/cover change and population growth have been found to be greater at most of the reaches. The combined
scenario shows that the HA of the Srepok 3 dam downstream reach is highest (75.7%), followed by the downstream
reaches of Srepok 4 (65.8%) and Buon Koup dams (43.7%). Low flow, extreme flow, and frequency and rate of
change are found to be the most alterative indicators. When environmental flow is considered, the HA of all reaches
are reduced, and low and extreme flows are the most reductive indicators. It has been suggested that the trade-off
between instream and offstream objectives should be considered in water allocation. The results of this study would
be greatly important for future understanding of the human impact on hydrological regimes. Full text available upon
A Vietnamese and Australian cros-cultural field placement using community arts to heal and prevent child
trafficking.
Amanda Nickson, Catherine Briscoe, Skye Maconachie and Michael Brosowski. In Social work field education and
supervision across Asia Pacific. Edited by Carolyn Noble and Mark Henrickson, Sydney University Press, 2011.
Book introduction (from publisher): Social work programs and schools are flourishing in every corner of the globe,
but especially in east and south-east Asia. As social work extends its influence across the region, it includes an
increasing variety of theories and practices. Nevertheless, field education and supervision remain at the centre of any
social work program and are the cornerstones of professional development for the social worker. Field education
fosters international exchange and students can learn about international and cross-cultural social work. -- While we
celebrate this growth, it is important not only to explore the common factors, experiences and agreements but also to
identify differences and challenges. Social work field education and supervision across Asia Pacific, the second book
in the series on social work in the region, considers those challenges and brings together ideas, practices and recent
developments. Working in partnerships with colleagues and students across Asia Pacific, contributors explore their
field and supervision experiences through the cultural lenses of different countries and cultures.-- Social work
academics, field educators, supervisors and students of many nations will find this book helpful as the profession
96
takes on the challenge of working across languages, cultures and values in developing their vision for a more socially
inclusive world. The editors and contributors, who are engaged in a broad array of professional interests, hope that
readers will find this book both inspiring and challenging as they teach and learn from each other across Asia Pacific.
Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Actions for Sustainable Policy of Poverty Alleviation in the Informal and Non-Agricultural Sector in Rural
Areas in Vietnam.
Nguyen Tan Phat and Nguyen Tien Dung. Transition Studies Review, Volume 18, Number 2, 377-383.
Abstract: The fruit of fast poverty alleviation is considered Vietnam’s outstanding achievement in the economic
innovation period, although the overall rate estimated at 10.6% in 2010 is still high. Poverty in rural areas, especially
in the informal and non-agricultural sector, is several times higher than it is in cities. The fact that previous poverty
reduction programs hardly concentrated on the poor community working in this sector has influenced policy with
regard to the aspects of economy, social justice and the benefits of the policy enjoyed by the inhabitants. To reduce
poverty sustainably in the coming years, the Government needs to approach the problem from another angle which
focuses on the target object, the poor in the informal and non-agricultural sector in the countryside. Full text
http://www.springerlink.com/content/h3w7u61627216851/.
Adaptation to climate change for food security in the lower Mekong Basin.
Mohammed Mainuddin, Mac Kirby and Chu Thai Hoanh. Food Security, Volume 3, Number 4, 433-450.
Abstract: Variability in water cycles driven by climate change is considered likely to impact rice production in the
near future. Rice is the main staple food for the population in the lower Mekong Basin and the demand for food is
expected to grow due to increase in population. This paper examines the impact of climate change on rice production
in the lower Mekong Basin, evaluates some widely used adaptation options, and analyses their implications for overall
food security by 2050. Climate change data used in the study are the future climate projection for two IPCC SRES
scenarios, A2 and B2, based on ECHAM4 General Circulation Model downscaled to the Mekong region using the
PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impact Studies) system. In general, the results suggest that yield of rainfed
rice may increase significantly in the upper part of the basin in Laos and Thailand and may decrease in the lower part
of the basin in Cambodia and Vietnam. Irrigated rice may not be affected by climate change if increased irrigation
requirements are met. Negative impact on the yield of rainfed rice can be offset and net increase in yield can be
achieved by applying widely used adaptation options such as changing planting date, supplementary irrigation and
increased fertilizer input. Analysis of the projected production, considering population growth by 2050, suggests that
food security of the basin is unlikely to be threatened by the increased population and climate change, excluding
extreme events such as sea level rise and cyclones. Full text
http://www.springerlink.com/content/j875431mr61npg31/.
Are households’ poverty level in Mekong Delta of Vietnam affected by access to credit?
Vuong Quoc Duy.
Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of access to formal credit on household poverty in Mekong Delta (MD) –
Vietnam. The analysis is based on some indicators of household poverty such as households’ total assets, educational
costs, healthcare costs, food consumption, non-farm expenses, off-farm expenses and total income. Based on the
given indicators, a comparison is made between borrowers and non-borrowers in a sample of 325 households using
the Matching Methods. The findings suggest that the borrowers are better off in education expenditure, healthcare
expenses, and total income than those of nonborrowers. The results show that access to formal credit is likely to
reduce poverty levels among rural households in Mekong Delta. Free full text http://mpra.ub.uni-
muenchen.de/35412/1/Working_paper_are_the_households_poverty_levels_in_Mekong_Delta_of_Vietnam_affected
_by_access_to_credit.pdf.
Australian social work students in Vietnam: the collision of cultural difference.

Peter Garrity.
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In Social work field education and supervision across Asia Pacific. Edited by Carolyn Noble and Mark Henrickson,
Sydney University Press, 2011, pp 115-144.
Book introduction (from publisher): Social work programs and schools are flourishing in every corner of the globe,
but especially in east and south-east Asia. As social work extends its influence across the region, it includes an
increasing variety of theories and practices. Nevertheless, field education and supervision remain at the centre of any
social work program and are the cornerstones of professional development for the social worker. Field education
fosters international exchange and students can learn about international and cross-cultural social work.
-- While we celebrate this growth, it is important not only to explore the common factors, experiences and agreements
but also to identify differences and challenges. Social work field education and supervision across Asia Pacific, the
second book in the series on social work in the region, considers those challenges and brings together ideas, practices
and recent developments. Working in partnerships with colleagues and students across Asia Pacific, contributors
explore their field and supervision experiences through the cultural lenses of different countries and cultures.
-- Social work academics, field educators, supervisors and students of many nations will find this book helpful as the
profession takes on the challenge of working across languages, cultures and values in developing their vision for a
more socially inclusive world. The editors and contributors, who are engaged in a broad array of professional
interests, hope that readers will find this book both inspiring and challenging as they teach and learn from each other
across Asia Pacific. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Can Vietnamese upland farmers profit from high world market prices? A price transmission analysis.
Jonas Luckmann, Rico Ihle, Harald Grethe, Ulrich Kleinwechter. Paper prepared for presentation at the EAAE 2011
Congress Change and Uncertainty Challenges for Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources August 30 to September
2, 2011 ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Introduction: World market prices of many agricultural commodities have been subject to vast fluctuations in recent
years. The FAO food price index reached 213.5 in June 2008 and in January 2011 a new all time high of 231. Cereal
prices in particular soared. The FAO cereal price index more than doubled in comparison with 2006, reaching a value
of 274.3 in April 2008 and 245 in January 2011 (FAO, 2011). In general net food producers have been found to profit
from such a trend, whilst net food consumers are disadvantaged (see e.g. IVANIC and MARTIN, 2006). However, the
issue is more complex. The key question which needs to be answered is how prices transmit from the world market
level to the rural markets as this is the precondition for shocks to affect rural households in a positive or negative way.
This again depends to a large extend on the trade policy measures which are in place (e.g. tariffs, quotas, export
subsidies) and the market structure. Thus, conclusions on how word market prices affect rural households can only be
drawn for a specific country or region (WINTERS, 2002).
-- This study focuses on Viet Nam and here the mountainous northern region, where in the last years maize cropping
has become the predominant source of income for rural households. The further study is structured as follows: Section
2 describes the development of maize production and consumption over the last years. Section 3 introduces the
research methods. A dual approach is followed, consisting of key-person interviews and econometrical price
transmission analysis. In section 4 the results of the analysis are presented and finally section 5 offers some
concluding remarks. Free full text http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/114376/2/Luckmann_Jonas_636-1.pdf.
Case study 3: Improved beef production in central Vietnam.

Clare Leddin, Nguyen Xuan Ba, Nguyen Huu Van, Le Duc Ngoan and Peter Doyle. in Beef production in crop–
livestock systems: Simple approaches for complex problems. Editor: Bill Winter. Australian Centre for International
Agricultural Research (ACIAR) 2011, pp. 85-108.
Introduction: Improved cattle production in the lowlands of Vietnam’s central coast provinces (including Quang Ngai)
is important for increasing and diversifying farm income. This ACIAR-funded project10 aimed to build local research
capacity and improve profitability of cattle production in central Vietnam without displacing food crops or other
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important activities. The focus was on overcoming the nutrition constraints of profitable cattle finishing. The project
developed feeding strategies using formulated concentrate and tested them on-station and on-farm. The work led to
increased profitability per animal as a result of reduced concentrate costs, reduced time to finish animals and lower
associated labour inputs. Free full text
http://aciar.gov.au/files/node/13811/beef_production_in_crop_livestock_systems_simpl_98381.pdf
Case study 4: Building capacity for cattle production in Dong Giang district, Quang Nam province, Vietnam.
Nguyen Xuan Ba, Le Ngoc Tung, Le Duc Ngoan and Peter Doyle. in Beef production in crop–livestock systems:
Simple approaches for complex problems. Editor: Bill Winter. Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research (ACIAR) 2011, pp. 109-126.
Introduction: World Vision Vietnam implemented an Area Development Program in Dong Giang district in 1998,
with activities in health and nutrition, water sanitation, education and training, food security and livelihood.
Participatory planning indicated that the population of Co Tu and Kinh ethnic groups preferred to generate income
from livestock. In 2004, the Area Development Program Board formed a project management committee for cattle
production and implemented a project in which households can access credit to purchase livestock as a means of
generating income. ACIAR has supported this cattle production activity by supplying funds for Hue University of
Agriculture and Forestry staff training in project manag
ement and cattle husbandry13 and training on technical aspects of cattle husbandry. Free full text
http://aciar.gov.au/files/node/13811/beef_production_in_crop_livestock_systems_simpl_98381.pdf
Cost function and its use for intergovernmental educational transfers in Vietnam.
By: Nguyen-Hoang, Phuong. Education Economics, Feb2012, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p69-91, 23p;
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, although many cost function studies have been done in
developed countries, there has been no such study for the developing countries such as Vietnam. This paper will make
the first attempt at conducting a cost function analysis for Vietnam. Second, it also demonstrates how the results of
the cost function analysis can be used to potentially address two weaknesses of the current norms for
intergovernmental educational transfers in Vietnam. These norms neither are relevant for output-based budgeting
purposes nor fully account for factors influencing provinces' cost of delivering education. The cost function results
can be used for a more output-oriented and more adequate, thus more equitable, distribution of educational transfers.
Full text http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/routledg/cede/2012/00000020/00000001/art00005.
Determinants of efficiency in South East Asian banking.

Edward Gardener, Philip Molyneux, Hoai Nguyen-Linh. The Service Industries Journal. London: 2011. Vol. 31, Iss.
16; pg. 2693.
Abstract (Summary): This paper explores the efficiency of banks in five South East Asian countries (Indonesia,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) using the non-parametric data envelopment approach and Tobit
regression. The results indicate that efficiency has significantly declined over the period 1998-2004 indicating that the
post-1997 crisis restructuring had a negative influence on bank performance. In line with the established literature on
emerging markets, foreign banks appear to be more efficient than the domestic counterparts. However, state-owned
banks exhibited greater efficiency than their local private sector peers. Among country-level factors, national banking
development shows a strong and positive link with bank efficiency. The results are robust to different assumptions of
bank inputs, outputs, technological changes, and national banking convergence. Full text available upon request. Fee
may apply.
Economic Transition and Accounting System Reform in Vietnam.

By: Phuong, Nguyen Cong; Richard, Jacques. European Accounting Review, 2011, Vol. 20 Issue 4, p693-725, 33p;
Abstract: Since 1986, Vietnam has been reforming its economic system, moving from a centrally planned economy to
a market-oriented economy connected to the rest of the world. This process has been shaped by the tensions and
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power relationship between moderate and radical reformers and the interaction of their reform strategies. This paper
demonstrates that, unlike many reforms in former socialist countries, the Vietnamese accounting reform resulted from
both external pressures and internal needs. Because Vietnam switched from state capitalism to a type of mixed
capitalism, the country was in a position to adapt the former ‘socialist’ accounting system relatively ‘quietly’, moving
towards a private capitalist accounting model but preserving many fundamental peculiarities of the old system. The
maintenance of the old accounting structure can be explained by the continuity of the political, economic and social
environment. However, the transformation has also generated some difficulties due to adapting a private capitalist
accounting system to work in a state-dominated market economy. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Emerging Class Relations in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam: A Network Analysis.
By: PROTA, LAURA; BERESFORD, MELANIE. Journal of Agrarian Change, Jan2012, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p60-80,
21p;
Abstract: Neoclassical theory has not succeeded in explaining the relationship between increasing landlessness and
class differentiation in rural southern Vietnam. In this paper, we take a relational approach, using statistical techniques
from social network theory, to examine the governance structure of markets in a commune of Tra Vinh province in
the Mekong River Delta. We demonstrate that new opportunities provided by the process of market development are
accessible only to those households controlling the right bundles of resources in the core agricultural production and
trading system of the area. Further, industrial employment is available only to those who have, at some stage,
controlled land, while those who have never participated in the land and rice markets are confined to casual
agricultural labour. The governance structure, embedded informally in relatively stable market networks, therefore
reproduces class divisions. Full text http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1471-0366.2011.00334.x/abstract.
Firm Lobbying and EU Trade Policymaking: Reflections on the Anti-dumping Case against Chinese and
Vietnamese Shoes (2005-2011).
Eckhardt, Jappe. Journal of World Trade, October 2011, v. 45, iss. 5, pp. 965-91Publication Date: October 2011
Abstract: t is an accepted view in the trade policy literature that those who lose from external trade are much more
easily mobilized politically than those benefiting from it. As a consequence, the argument goes that there is an
overrepresentation of protectionist interests in the political arena and a persistent pressure on policymakers to shield
their markets from foreign competition. However, I argue that under certain circumstances, import-dependent firms
may very well be able and willing to mobilize politically and defend their anti-protectionist trade interests in the
political arena. I will use the recent European Union (EU) anti-dumping case against Chinese and Vietnamese shoes
to illustrate my argument. Full text available upon request.
Foreign Investment and Bribery: A Firm-Level Analysis of Corruption in Vietnam.

Dimitar Gueorguiev, Edmund Malesky. Journal of Asian Economics, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online
9 December 2011.
Abstract: Among the concerns faced by countries pondering the costs and benefits of greater economic openness to
international capital flows is the worry that new and powerful external actors will exert a corrupting influence on the
domestic economy. In this paper, we use a novel empirical strategy, drawn from research in experimental psychology,
to test the linkage between foreign direct investment (FDI) and corruption. The prevailing literature has produced
confused and contradictory results on this vital relationship due to errors in their measurement of corruption which are
correlated with FDI inflows. When a less biased operationalization is employed, we find clear evidence of corruption
during both registration and procurement procedures in Vietnam. The prevalence of corruption, however, is not
associated with inflows of FDI. On the contrary, one measure of economic openness appears to be the most important
driver of reductions in Vietnamese corruption: the wave of domestic legislation, which accompanied the country's
bilateral trade liberalization agreement with the United States (US-BTA), significantly reduced bribery during
business registration. Full text http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1049007811001102.
Groundwater investigation on sand dunes area in southern part of Vietnam by magnetic resonance sounding.
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Nguyen V Giang, Tang D Nam, Maksim Bano. Acta Geophysica. Dordrecht: Feb 2012. Vol. 60, Iss. 1; pg. 157.
Abstract (Summary): In the last five years, magnetic resonance sounding (MRS), as a non-invasive geophysical
method, has emerged as a new technique for ground water investigation in Vietnam. In this paper, we present the
general theoretical basis of this method together with acquisition, processing, and interpretation of the MRS data. We
show a case study of MRS surveys in sand dunes area in order to characterize aquifers situated in the southern part of
Vietnam. From the interpretation of MRS soundings we delimited an aquifer layer in the subsurface with strong
lateral variations for which we determined the depth at 44 m and water content between 3% and 9.5%. The
longitudinal relaxation constant T*^sub 1^ is about 250 m s, while the transverse relaxation T*^sub 2^ is between
150-200 m s. That indicates fine to medium grain size and thus low to medium hydraulic permeability. These results
are confirmed by the observations from the well LK1 between 45 to 70 m. The results of other MRS measurements
showed the presence of a low water bearing aquifer and were confirmed by the observations in two other wells. Full
Investigating Vietnam's Ornamental Bird Trade: Implications for Transmission of Zoonoses.

By: Edmunds, Kelly; Roberton, Scott; Few, Roger; Mahood, Simon; Bui, Phuong; Hunter, Paul; Bell, Diana.
EcoHealth, Mar2011, Vol. 8 Issue 1, p63-75, 13p;
Abstract: Global wildlife trade is financially lucrative, frequently illegal and increases the risk for zoonotic disease
transmission. This paper presents the first interdisciplinary study of Vietnam's illegal wild bird trade focussing on
those aspects which may contribute to the transmission of diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
(HPAI) H5N1. Comparing January 2009 data with that of May 2007, we found a five-fold increase to 9,117 birds on
sale in Hanoi. Ninety-five percent of Hanoian bird vendors appear unaware of trade regulations and across Vietnam
vendors buy birds sourced outside of their province. Approximately 25% of the species common to Vietnam's bird
trade are known to be HPAI H5N1 susceptible. The anthropogenic movement of birds within the trade chain and the
range of HPAI-susceptible species, often traded alongside poultry, increase the risk Vietnam's bird trade presents for
the transmission of pathogens such as HPAI H5N1. These results will assist in the control and monitoring of emerging
zoonotic diseases and conservation of Southeast Asia's avifauna. Full text
http://www.springerlink.com/content/r6474167w83u0250/fulltext.html.
Knowledge and Perceptions of HIV-Infected Patients Regarding HIV Transmission and Treatment in Ho Chi
Minh City, Vietnam.
Don Hoang, An T. Dinh, Nora Groce, Lynn E. Sullivan. Asia Pac J Public Health, Published online before print
December 23, 2011.
Abstract: Patient education concerning HIV and antiretroviral (ARV) medications is important for optimal outcomes.
The authors assessed the knowledge and perceptions of HIV-infected patients in an ARV education program in Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Of 185 patients, 64 (35%) receiving ARV medications, nearly 80% correctly answered
questions regarding HIV. Correct responses were associated with higher education (P < .05) and longer duration of
HIV diagnosis (P < .05). A lack of knowledge was observed in 40% of respondents who believed HIV and AIDS were
the same and 70% of respondents who believed ARV medications cured HIV. Greater embarrassment of living with
HIV was associated with female gender (P < .05) and lower education (P < .05). Patients were concerned over ARV
medication use (27%) and its side effects (38%). The study population’s knowledge of HIV/AIDS and ARV
medications, perceived stigmatization, and areas of knowledge deficits underscore the need for effective patient
education programs addressing poorly understood issues around HIV/AIDS. Full text available upon request. Fee may
apply.
Money farmers.
By: SINE, RICHARD; Chi Huyen Mai; Poole, Kate. Smart Money, Dec2011, Vol. 20 Issue 12, p52-57, 6p;
Abstract: The article discusses how the U.S. can learn from the methods of saving of countries like Vietnam and
Switzerland. It says that the U.S. has one of the worst rates of personal savings among the wealthy countries
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worldwide. According to the author, behavioral economists have encouraged employers to nudge employees into
investment plans or automatic savings to counter the effects of the privacy ethos. The hui ritual of saving in Vietnam
is also discussed. Free full text http://www.smartmoney.com/plan/banking/global-lessons-for-better-savings-habits-
1321295811862/.
Multi-agent Based Simulation of Traffic in Vietnam.

The Duy Bui, Duc Hai Ngo and Cong Tran. in Principles and Practice of Multi-Agent Systems: Lecture Notes in
Computer Science, 2012, Volume 7057/2012, 636-648.
Abstract: There is always need for a good simulation for traffic in Vietnam in order to help transportation planners to
improve the current traffic system. Over recent days, there has been severe traffic congestion in many streets of big
cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi and HoChiMinh city. There is an urgent need for measures to deal with increasing
congestions. The simulation of traffic in Vietnam is a hard problem due to two main reasons including: (1) the traffic
participants in Vietnam do not give way according to the rule; (2) the participants do not consider that when waiting
for the vehicles in front, stopping in the intersection is obstructing the traffic flow. In this paper, we propose a multi-
agent based simulation system for traffic in Vietnam to help transportation planners to find treatments to the problem
of congestion of the traffic system in Vietnam as well as to test new designs before committing resources to actually
building the transportation infrastructure. By allowing a user to design different road systems as well as to create
different simulation scenarios with different agent profiles, our system can simulate the dynamic of traffic in Vietnam
in different situations. Full text available upon request.
Nutrition agenda setting, policy formulation and implementation: lessons from the Mainstreaming Nutrition
Initiative.
David L Pelletier, Edward A Frongillo, Suzanne Gervais, Lesli Hoey, Purnima Menon, Tien Ngo, Rebecca J
Stoltzfus, A M Shamsir Ahmed and Tahmeed Ahmed. Health Policy Plan. (2012) 27 (1): 19-31.
Abstract: Undernutrition is the single largest contributor to the global burden of disease and can be addressed through
a number of highly efficacious interventions. Undernutrition generally has not received commensurate attention in
policy agendas at global and national levels, however, and implementing these efficacious interventions at a national
scale has proven difficult. This paper reports on the findings from studies in Bangladesh, Bolivia, Guatemala, Peru
and Vietnam which sought to identify the challenges in the policy process and ways to overcome them, notably with
respect to commitment, agenda setting, policy formulation and implementation. Data were collected through
participant observation, documents and interviews. Data collection, analysis and synthesis were guided by published
conceptual frameworks for understanding malnutrition, commitment, agenda setting and implementation capacities.
The experiences in these countries provide several insights for future efforts: (a) high-level political attention to
nutrition can be generated in a number of ways, but the generation of political commitment and system commitment
requires sustained efforts from policy entrepreneurs and champions; (b) mid-level actors from ministries and external
partners had great difficulty translating political windows of opportunity for nutrition into concrete operational plans,
due to capacity constraints, differing professional views of undernutrition and disagreements over interventions,
ownership, roles and responsibilities; and (c) the pace and quality of implementation was severely constrained in most
cases by weaknesses in human and organizational capacities from national to frontline levels. These findings deepen
our understanding of the factors that can influence commitment, agenda setting, policy formulation and
implementation. They also confirm and extend upon the growing recognition that the heavy investment to identify
efficacious nutrition interventions is unlikely to reduce the burden of undernutrition unless or until these systemic
capacity constraints are addressed, with an emphasis initially on strategic and management capacities. Full text
http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/1/19.full.pdf+html.
Parameter Identification for Two Conceptual Hydrological Models of Upper Dau Tieng River Watershed in
Vietnam.
Trieu Anh NGOC, Le Van CHINH, Kazuaki HIRAMATSU and Masayoshi HARADA. Journal - Faculty of
Agriculture, Kyushu University, 56 (2), 335–341 (2011).
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Abstract: Selection of hydrological models to calculate the rainfall runoff for a river watershed with particular
characteristics is not an easy task. Especially in recent years, there have been many conceptual hydrological models to
calculate rainfall runoff. The study and analysis of hydrological models that are applied under suitable conditions for
appropriate watersheds are necessary to improve the accuracy and applicability of each model. In this research, two
hydrological models, namely the Tank model and the NAM model, were used to model the rainfall runoff process of
the river system upstream of the Dau Tieng River watershed located along the upper Saigon River in southeast
Vietnam. Based on the relationship between model parameters and watershed characteristics, a set of preliminary
model parameters was found. The final estimation of the optimal parameters was carried out by calibration through
comparison between the simulated time series and the observed data of the overall water balance, overall hydrograph
shape, peak flows, and low flows. Free full text https://qir.kyushu-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2324/20329/1/p335.pdf.
Preventing the next Big Bang.

By: Mongelluzzo, Bill. Journal of Commerce 11/14/2011, Vol. 12 Issue 42, p34-35, 2p;
Abstract: The article reports that maritime industry employers and longshore unions are working together to prevent
the entry to U.S. seaports of potentially deadly refrigerated containers from Vietnam. An overview of the explosion of
four refrigerated containers at the Port of Kat Lai, Vietnam is provided. Some carriers have pulled out their containers
from service that underwent maintenance in Vietnam. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
Prospective analysis of the development of the national nutrition agenda in Vietnam from 2006 to 2008.
Karin Lapping, Edward A Frongillo, Lisa J Studdert, Purnima Menon, Jennifer Coates and Patrick Webb. Health
Policy Plan. (2012) 27 (1): 32-41.
Abstract: Improved understanding of how to advance national nutrition policy is critical to ensure greater policy
investments in nutrition. We used a participant-observer, change-agent model to prospectively study why and how
national nutrition policy advanced in Vietnam between 2006 and 2008. Our goal was to understand strategies used,
factors that shaped policy advancement, and the interaction of strategies with factors in this context. Data were
collected using questionnaires, informant interviews, programme visits, document reviews and documentation of key
events. For analysis, we created a chronology of events, examined strategies and actions used and their results by
event, coded interviews and summarized findings using a well-known framework for policy analysis. Our analysis
shows that the following elements were critical to bring greater attention to nutrition policy in this context: (1)
building a cohesive nutrition policy community through creation and support of an alliance; (2) clearly defining
internal and external frames for the nutrition problem; (3) using and creating high-profile internal and external policy
windows; and (4) capitalizing on cultural motivations and values. Findings indicate that that rapid nutrition policy
advancement is possible if purposeful, contextually sensitive strategies are used where favourable conditions exist, or
can be created. The participant-observer, change-agent model was successful in both contributing to policy
advancement and documenting it. Full text http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/1/32.full.pdf+html.
Urban Form and Accessibility to Jobs: A Comparison of Hanoi and Randstad Metropolitan Areas.
Pham Thi Hong Ha, Frans van den Bosch, Nguyen Ngoc Quang, Mark Zuidgeest. Environment and Urbanization
Asia, September 2011 vol. 2 no. 2, 265-285.
Abstract: Accessibility is a comprehensive performance measure for the integration between land use and transport
systems. In this research, two accessibility measures were applied to evaluate the integration between transport and
land use in Hanoi metropolitan area: Vietnam, which has a typical monocentric urban form in the current situation,
and Randstad metropolitan area, the Netherlands, which has a typical polycentric urban form. Job accessibility by
private and public transport was calculated using the traditional potential accessibility measure corrected for
competition of jobs. The results show there is a potential improvement of levels of accessibility in Hanoi through its
planned transition into a polycentric urban form. The results illustrate the complex relationship between urban and
regional planning and transport, and how spatial knowledge and geographic information system (GIS) tools can be
used to provide urban planners, transport planners and engineers in Hanoi with valuable information related to its
present plans of decentralization, and bring them together. Full text available upon request. Fee may apply.
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User fee exemption does not affect lower rates of hospital admission of girls in Vietnam.
Wolf-Peter Schmidt, Motoi Suzuki, Vu Dinh Thiem, Lay-Myint Yoshida, Toru Matsubayashi, Hideki Yanai, Le Huu
Tho, Dang Duc Anh and Koya Ariyoshi. Health Policy Plan. First published online: December 19, 2011.
Abstract: In many countries, girls have been reported to be less often admitted to hospital than boys. We studied the
influence of socio-economic factors, education and access to health care on girls’ and boys’ admission rates for
pneumonia, diarrhoea and dengue fever in south-central Vietnam. We explored whether the user fee exemption for
children under 6 years introduced in 2005 had an impact on girls’ admission rates.
-- In a cohort analysis, we used data from a large census in Khanh Hoa Province conducted in 2006, linked to hospital
admission records at individual level. We further analysed a cross-sectional health care utilization survey in a sample
of children reported ill at the census. There were 38 731 children under 6 years among a total census population of
353 891. Overall, girls under the age of 6 years were 29% less likely to be admitted to hospital than boys. The gender
differences in admission rates in children under 6 years were similar for diarrhoea, pneumonia and dengue. None of
the socio-economic and educational factors appeared to affect the gender difference. The user fee exemption starting
from October 2005 had no impact on the girls/boys rate ratio of admission. In conclusion, the higher hospital
admission rates of boys compared with girls in Vietnam are independent of socio-economic factors and user fees.
Higher susceptibility of boys to severe disease could explain part of the gender gap, but profound cultural norms and
beliefs may also have contributed to the findings. Full text
http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2011/12/18/heapol.czr079.full.pdf+html.
Working with the Vietnam Women's Union: Why a social-political organisation makes a good research
partner.
Abstract: Many project desire to “make a difference” and ultimately their success is determined by the practice,
change that it evokes at the end user. Research for development project, such as those commissioned by the Australian
Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), recognizes that the pathway to impact is long term. To
enhance the chances of success, partnerships need to be built that lead to project outputs being taken up and
propagates by existing systems and networks. In Vietnam, the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) is one example of an
existing network that can effectively do this. For the ACIAR Indigenous Vegetables project (AGB/2006/112) the
VWU is the lead partner in a project designed to develop and test models that improve the profitability of woman
farmer supplying indigenous vegetables into transforming markets. The project is also looking to develop effective
communication strategies for woman farmer that encourage practice change, in both the production and marketing of
their crop. This collaboration is an unusual one for ACIAR. Traditionally research partner, particularly lead partner
are agricultural institutions or University departments. The VWU is a social-political organization with goal that
include raising the capacity and knowledge of women, to affect gender equality. They operate on four administrative
levels within Vietnam-central, provincial, district and commune. This provides them with an extensive network
enabling them to integrate new information into existing systems and promote change at different levels. The use of
multidisciplinary teams has long being advocated in research for development work (Conway 1987, Grandstaff &
Grandstaff 1987). When they exist, typical team structures could be a bio-physical scientist, economist, social
scientist, a specialist depending on project need such as ecologist, marketing specialist, or climatologist. As a political
government organization the VWU has real power which can be utilized by the project to bring about practice change.
This paper uses the VWU as a case study and supports the inclusion of project partner with a community centred
advocacy role. Free full text
http://www.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/199188/EFS_Journal_vol7_n02.pdf#page=129.

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Some new academic papers

2012 April 15 issue ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

2012 April 1 issue ........................................................................................................................................................ 27

2012 March 15 issue .................................................................................................................................................. 39

2012 March 1 issue .................................................................................................................................................... 48

2012 February15 issue .............................................................................................................................................. 63

2012 February1 issue ................................................................................................................................................ 73

2012 January15 issue................................................................................................................................................ 83

2012 January1 issue .................................................................................................................................................. 95

Some new academic papers

2012 May 1 issue

An insight into the patent systems of fast developing ASEAN countries.

Corruption, growth, and governance: Private vs. state-owned firms in Vietnam.

Economic Impacts of International Migration and Remittances on Household Welfare in Vietnam.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Children in Vietnam in Relation to Antibiotic Resistance.

Fate of pesticides in paddy rice farming systems in NWVietnam.

Firm-Level Corruption in Vietnam.

Global Health Services to develop hospital in Vietnam.

Investing in the field: Positionalities in money and gift exchange in Vietnam.

Labour-Management Relationships in Transitional Economies: Convergence or Divergence in Vietnam and

Measuring the Performance of the Banking System Case of Vietnam (1990-2010).

Mismatches between Climate Vulnerability and Mitigation Policies in Vietnam.

‘New socialization’ or discontinuation of the state extension system’s services in Vietnam?.

On the sources of risk preferences in rural Vietnam.

Property tax reform in Vietnam: Options, direction and evaluation.

Reducing Tariffs According to WTO Accession Rules: The Case of Vietnam.

Towards sustainable beef enterprises in the northwest highlands of Vietnam.

Vietnam Works Hard to Power Economic Growth.

Vietnam's SCIC: a gradualist approach to sovereign wealth funds.

Wind Energy Potential in Vietnam.

Some new academic papers

2012 April 15 issue

An empirical Study of Determinants of E-commerce Adoption in SMEs in Vietnam an economy in transition.

Capability development of local communities for project sustainability in afforestation/reforestation clean

Do Connections Matter? Individual Social Capital and Credit Constraints in Vietnam.

Elderly people in Vietnam at present time.

Evaluation Study of Long-Term Development Co-operation between Vietnam and Sweden.

Financial Development and the Determinants of Capital Structure in Vietnam.

Grassroots Democracy in Rural Vietnam: A Gramscian Analysis.

Impact of Third-Party Enforcement of Contracts in Agricultural Markets–A Field Experiment in Vietnam.

Potential Vietnamese consumers' perceptions of organic foods.

Social Capital, Network Effects and Savings in Rural Vietnam.

The entrepreneurial facets as precursor to Vietnam’s economic renovation in 1986.

Validation of the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents (ESSA) in Vietnam.

Vietnam's SCIC: a gradualist approach to sovereign wealth funds.

Some new academic papers

2012 April 1 issue

Aquifer system for potential groundwater resources in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Basic occupational health services in Vietnam.

Commodification of Volunteer Tourism: a Comparative Study of Volunteer Tourists in Vietnam and in

Cooperation in coffee markets: the case of Vietnam and Colombia.

Do Minimum Wage Increases Cause Inflation? Evidence from Vietnam.

Drinking and Driving in Vietnam: Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices.

Seasonality in the Vietnam Stock Index.

Social capital and loan repayment performance in Northern Vietnam.

Son Preference, Sex Selection, and Kinship in Vietnam.

The Drink Driving Situation in Vietnam.

The Role of Family in Educating-Socializing Children: The Case of Vietnam.

Uncertainty in climate change impacts on streamflow in Be River Catchment, Vietnam.

Vietnam in 2011: Questions of Domestic Sovereignty.

Some new academic papers

2012 March 15 issue