bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracellular trafficking of yeast telomerase components
Authors: Teixeira M. Teresa , Förstemann Klaus , Gasser Susan M , Lingner Joachim
Published: July 2002

Telomerase uses an internal RNA moiety as template for the synthesis of telomere repeats. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the telomerase holoenzyme contains the telomerase reverse transcriptase subunit Est2p, the telomerase RNA moiety TLC1, the telomerase associated proteins Est1p and Est3p, and Sm proteins. Here we assess telomerase assembly by determining the localization of telomerase components. We found that Est1p, Est2p and TLC1 can migrate independently of each other to the nucleus. With limiting amounts of TLC1, overexpressed Est1p and Est2p accumulated in the nucleolus, whereas enzymatically active Est2p–TLC1 complexes are distributed over the entire nucleus. The distribution to the nucleoplasm depended on the specific interaction between Est2p and TLC1 but was independent of Est1p and Est3p. Altogether, our results suggest a role of the nucleolus in telomerase biogenesis. We also describe experiments that support a transient cytoplasmic localization of TLC1 RNA.
The binding site of the RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) on EBER1 RNA from Epstein–Barr virus
Authors: Vuyisich Momchilo , Spanggord Richard J , Beal Peter A
Published: July 2002

The RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) is an interferon‐induced, RNA‐activated enzyme that phosphorylates the eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, rendering the translation machinery inactive. Viruses have developed strategies for preventing the action of PKR, one of which is the production of small RNAs that inhibit the enzyme. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) encodes EBER1, a 167 nucleotide non‐coding RNA that is constitutively expressed by the EBV‐infected cells. EBER1 binds PKR in vitro and has been shown to prevent inhibition of translation by PKR in vitro. We used affinity cleavage by the EDTA·Fe‐modified double‐stranded RNA‐binding domain (dsRBD) of PKR to show that stem–loop IV (nucleotides 87–123) of EBER1 makes specific contacts with the dsRBD. To further demonstrate the specificity of this interaction, we generated a deletion mutant of EBER1, comprising only stem–loop IV (mEBER1). Cleavage patterns produced on mEBER1 by the bound dsRBD were remarkably similar to those found on full‐length EBER1. Using cleavage data from two different dsRBD mutants, we present a model of the interaction of PKR dsRBD and mEBER1.
Introduction
Authors: Roberts Keith , Chua Nam-Hai
Published: July 2002

This is an auspicious time for plant cell biology. We have the recent genome sequence of the model plant Arabidopsis, together with powerful new sets of tools that include functional genomics and the dynamic imaging of green fluorescent protein (GFP)–conjugated proteins by confocal microscopy. We are well placed indeed for uncovering the ways in which all genes act out their roles within individual cells. It is the combinatorial properties of these individual cells that underpin both the higherorder processes of plant growth and development and of plant evolution. At a crucial level in the hierarchy of explanations and structures, between the linear DNA sequence at one extreme and whole plant phenomena at the other, lies the cell. It is to this cellular level, to the irreducible unit of life, that this collection of papers is addressed, literally ‘between genome and plant’. Most of the major conceptual advances in our understanding of cell biology have come from work with animal and fungal systems. The ways in which membranes create dynamic compartments within cells and the role of the cytoskeleton in providing an ordering framework are familiar from the textbooks. But plant cells have special features.
Close, stable homolog juxtaposition during meiosis in budding yeast is dependent on meiotic recombination, occurs independently of synapsis, and is distinct from DSB-independent pairing contacts
Authors: Peoples Tamara L. , Dean Eric , Gonzalez Oscar , Lambourne Lindsey , Burgess Sean M.
Published: July 2002

A site-specific recombination system that probes the relative probabilities that pairs of chromosomal loci collide with one another in living cells of budding yeast was used to explore the relative contributions of pairing, recombination, synaptonemal complex formation, and telomere clustering to the close juxtaposition of homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis. The level of Cre-mediated recombination between a pair of loxP sites located at an allelic position on homologous chromosomes was 13-fold greater than that between a pair of loxP sites located at ectopic positions on nonhomologous chromosomes. Mutations affecting meiotic recombination initiation and the processing of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) into single-end invasions (SEIs) reduced the levels of allelic Cre-mediated recombination levels by three- to sixfold. The severity of Cre/loxP phenotypes is presented in contrast to relatively weak DSB-independent pairing defects as assayed using fluorescence in situ hybridization for these mutants. Mutations affecting synaptonemal complex (SC) formation or crossover control gave wild-type levels of allelic Cre-mediated recombination. A delay in attaining maximum levels of allelic Cre-mediated recombination was observed for a mutant defective in telomere clustering. None of the mutants affected ectopic levels of recombination. These data suggest that stable, close homolog juxtaposition in yeast is distinct from pre-DSB pairing interactions, requires both DSB and SEI formation, but does not depend on crossovers or SC.
C. elegans EOR-1/PLZF and EOR-2 positively regulate Ras and Wnt signaling and function redundantly with LIN-25 and the SUR-2 Mediator component
Authors: Howard Robyn M. , Sundaram Meera V.
Published: July 2002

In Caenorhabditis elegans, Ras/ERK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways cooperate to induce P12 and vulval cell fates in a Hox-dependent manner. Here we describe eor-1 and eor-2, two new positively acting nuclear components of the Ras and Wnt pathways. eor-1 and eor-2 act downstream or in parallel to ERK and function redundantly with the Mediator complex genesur-2 and the functionally related gene lin-25, such that removal of both eor-1/eor-2 and sur-2/lin-25mimics the removal of a main Ras pathway component. Furthermore, theeor-1 and eor-2 mutant backgrounds reveal an essential role for the Elk1-related gene lin-1. eor-1 andeor-2 also act downstream or in parallel to pry-1 Axin and therefore act at the convergence of the Ras and Wnt pathways.eor-1 encodes the ortholog of human PLZF, a BTB/zinc-finger transcription factor that is fused to RARα in acute promyelocytic leukemia. eor-2 encodes a novel protein. EOR-1/PLZF and EOR-2 appear to function closely together and cooperate with Hox genes to promote the expression of Ras- and Wnt-responsive genes. Further studies of eor-1 and eor-2 may provide insight into the roles of PLZF in normal development and leukemogenesis.
The Hippocampus and Memory of Verbal and Pictorial Material
Authors: Papanicolaou Andrew C. , Simos Panagiotis G. , Castillo Eduardo M. , Breier Joshua I. , Katz Jeffrey S. , Wright Anthony A.
Published: July 2002

Recognition of words and kaleidoscope pictures showed a double dissociation of left and right hippocampal activity using magnetic source imaging (MSI). MSI has advantages over alternative imaging techniques that measure hemodynamic changes for identifying regional changes in brain activity in real time and on an individual subject basis without the need for image subtraction. In this study, lists of words or kaleidoscope pictures were presented for memorization followed by tests of list items and foils during which brain activity was recorded. There was greater activation in the left than the right hippocampus with abstract nouns (e.g., relief) and greater activation in the right than the left hippocampus with kaleidoscope pictures. This dissociation was evident on a case by case basis. This study demonstrates the specialization of the two medial temporal lobe (MTL) regions, including the hippocampi, for mnemonic processing of verbal and pictorial items that are difficult to encode verbally.
Gibberellic Acid, Synthetic Auxins, and Ethylene Differentially Modulate α-l-Arabinofuranosidase Activities in Antisense 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Synthase Tomato Pericarp Discs
Authors: Sozzi Gabriel O. , Greve L. Carl , Prody Gerry A. , Labavitch John M.
Published: July 2002

α-l-Arabinofuranosidases (α-Afs) are plant enzymes capable of releasing terminal arabinofuranosyl residues from cell wall matrix polymers, as well as from different glycoconjugates. Three different α-Af isoforms were distinguished by size exclusion chromatography of protein extracts from control tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) and an ethylene synthesis-suppressed (ESS) line expressing an antisense 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic synthase transgene. α-Af I and II are active throughout fruit ontogeny. α-Af I is the first Zn-dependent cell wall enzyme isolated from tomato pericarp tissues, thus suggesting the involvement of zinc in fruit cell wall metabolism. This isoform is inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline, but remains stable in the presence of NaCl and sucrose. α-Af II activity accounts for over 80% of the total α-Af activity in 10-d-old fruit, but activity drops during ripening. In contrast, α-Af III is ethylene dependent and specifically active during ripening. α-Af I released monosaccharide arabinose from KOH-soluble polysaccharides from tomato cell walls, whereas α-Af II and III acted on Na2CO3-soluble pectins. Different α-Af isoform responses to gibberellic acid, synthetic auxins, and ethylene were followed by using a novel ESS mature-green tomato pericarp disc system. α-Af I and II activity increased when gibberellic acid or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was applied, whereas ethylene treatment enhanced only α-Af III activity. Results suggest that tomato α-Afs are encoded by a gene family under differential hormonal controls, and probably have different in vivo functions. The ESS pericarp explant system allows comprehensive studies involving effects of physiological levels of different growth regulators on gene expression and enzyme activity with negligible wound-induced ethylene production.
Transfer Specificity of Detergent-Solubilized Fenugreek Galactomannan Galactosyltransferase
Authors: Edwards Mary E. , Marshall Elaine , Gidley Michael J. , Reid J.S. Grant
Published: July 2002

The current experimental model for galactomannan biosynthesis in membrane-bound enzyme systems from developing legume-seed endosperms involves functional interaction between a GDP-mannose (Man) mannan synthase and a UDP-galactose (Gal) galactosyltransferase. The transfer specificity of the galactosyltransferase to the elongating mannan chain is critical in regulating the distribution and the degree of Gal substitution of the mannan backbone of the primary biosynthetic product. Detergent solubilization of the galactosyltransferase of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) with retention of activity permitted the partial purification of the enzyme and the cloning and sequencing of the corresponding cDNA with proof of functional identity. We now document the positional specificity of transfer of (14C)Gal from UDP-(14C)Gal to manno-oligosaccharide acceptors, chain lengths 5 to 8, catalyzed by the detergent-solubilized galactosyltransferase. Enzymatic fragmentation analyses of the labeled products showed that a single Gal residue was transferred per acceptor molecule, that the linkage was (1→6)-α, and that there was transfer to alternative Man residues within the acceptor molecules. Analysis of the relative frequencies of transfer to alternative Man residues within acceptor oligosaccharides of different chain length allowed the deduction of the substrate subsite recognition requirement of the galactosyltransferase. The enzyme has a principal recognition sequence of six Man residues, with transfer of Gal to the third Man residue from the nonreducing end of the sequence. These observations are incorporated into a refined model for enzyme interaction in galactomannan biosynthesis.
E‐mail surveillance in the UK workplace – a management consulting case study
Authors: Watson Geoff
Published: July 2002

Examines the utilisation of e‐mail scanning and surveillance technology by the management consulting business in the UK. Uses a questionnaire of UK management consulting firms to determine the uptake and substance of e‐mail policies, and the extent and nature of e‐mail monitoring implementation. Investigates the attitudes of management consulting employees towards e‐mail surveillance in a survey of work colleagues. Also considers e‐mail monitoring issues. Concludes that forms of workplace e‐mail monitoring are becoming more widespread. Awareness of the ramifications for worker privacy is growing, due partly to recent Government legislation. Finds that e‐mail policy adoption rates among management consultancies are comparatively low, as are levels of e‐mail scanning/surveillance software installation. Predicts that maintaining a fair balance between conflicting business and employee interests will be the key to determining the future direction of workplace e‐mail monitoring.
The market for electronic newspapers in the Arab world
Authors: AlShehri Fayez , Gunter Barrie
Published: July 2002

An online survey was conducted among 800 readers of Arab electronic newspapers resident in different parts of the world. The aim of the survey was to obtain baseline data about the readership for such newspapers, readers’ opinions about these publications, and antecedents of overall satisfaction with the services provided by these publications. Most readers of Arab online newspapers were male, students, professionals or business persons resident overseas, and were established, regular users of the Internet. For most, the Internet was regarded as an important news source and more than half the respondents claimed to read Arab online newspapers every day. Internet news was valued because it was readily available all the time, free of charge and provided a substitute for printed newspapers not available to them in their current location. The main problems were technical, linked to difficulty downloading or browsing content. The great majority (72 per cent) were satisfied with online newspapers. Frequency of reading electronic newspapers and overall satisfaction with online newspapers were predicted.
Mechanism of the action of zinc‐powder in anticorrosive coatings
Authors: Kalendová A.
Published: July 2002

The present work was directed to the study of mechanisms of the action of zinc powder as an anticorrosive pigment in coating compositions based on binders that are composed of a two‐component epoxy, a single‐component polyurethane, and epoxy‐ester resins. The results of the study have shown that neutralisation and barrier mechanisms contribute more than the electrochemical mechanism to the effectiveness of the anticorrosion protection. During the investigation, the results obtained in corrosion tests were evaluated by investigating the morphology of coatings by means of electron microscopy procedures.
Market potential for organic foods in Europe
Authors: Wier Mette , Calverley Carmen
Published: July 2002

Examines the potential of organic foods in European markets, focusing on consumer demand for organic foods and the possibilities for market expansion. Aims to assess potential sales, to identify the factors determining buying propensity, and to identify the main market barriers. Identifies the types of consumers who purchase organic foods, classifying them according to socio‐economic and demographic characteristics. Elucidates the motives for purchasing and the willingness to pay. Identifies the main market barriers and bottlenecks, and examins the potential for future expansion.
Farmers’ participation in agri‐environmental schemes in Greece
Authors: Damianos Dimitri , Giannakopoulos Nicholas
Published: July 2002

The present paper examines the factors influencing the farmers’ uptake of agri‐environmental measures. Empirical evidence from Thessaly, a prefecture in central Greece where the first agri‐environmental measures in Greece were applied, shows that several factors can affect the farmers’ decision to participate. These factors refer mainly to the socio‐economic and farm characteristics of the surveyed farmers. Agricultural education/training of the farmers, the farm’s economic size, participation by neighbors or relatives, age and general education, can influence participation in the agri‐environmental measures, and more precisely in the Nitrate Reduction program. These variables were found also to be the main factors responsible for the extent of participation in terms of land allocation.
Romanian consumers’ behaviour regarding organic food
Authors: Antoaneta Lubieniechi Simona
Published: July 2002

Ecological agriculture is a modern agriculture with a high degree of economic efficiency and determines a new life philosophy at the producers’ and consumers’ level. At present, in Romania an intensive agriculture and an unintended biological agriculture is practised because of producers’ lack of money which does not allow them to buy the necessary chemical products. There are only a few ecological farms in Romania and their products are exported to a large extent. In the future the spreading of ecological farms and of ecological agriculture will succeed in creating the conditions for an institutional framework which takes into account the regional ecological situation. The institutional framework must stimulate and sustain the Romanian agricultural producers in the development of this agriculture type, because there is an important external demand and, in addition, through educating Romanian consumers.
The Rise of Discount:
Authors: Kaas Philippe
Published: July 2002

Discount is on the rise, as a retail format, as a product concept and as
a behaviour. It has already made deep inroads on the Continent and will
inevitably invade the UK too. The rapid development of discount formats
– and of discount propositions within mainstream formats – is both the
source and the result of overcapacity and the increasing commodity
nature of the retail offering. Argues that Private Label profitability
is likely to be squeezed between the new price‐based propositions and
the strong national and international brands, which are fighting to
maintain their share. Retailers will have to increase their efforts on
Private Label and move their offering in two parallel directions:
price‐driven propositions (designed for cost) and value‐driven
propositions (to compete with brands). Manufacturers, in turn, will
suffer unless they take initiatives to help retailers meet the growing
challenge imposed by tertiary brand developments.
Food Law and Functional Foods
Authors: Cockbill C.A.
Published: July 2002

Functional foods comprise a wide range of foodstuffs which are generally
specially designed or reformulated to meet the needs of individuals who
are going to put special demands on their physical capabilities.
Functional foods must comply with general food law and food‐labelling
requirements. Describes EC requirements for foods which make particular
nutritional claims. Presents labelling requirements for health and
nutritional claims. Considers that further legislation aimed
specifically at functional foods is unnecessary.
Measuring the Fat Content of Beef
Authors: Seaman Claire E.A. , Hughes Alan H. , Hinks Charles E. , Hunter E.A. , Parry Doreen A.
Published: July 2002

The fat content of beef is of considerable importance, both
nutritionally and in terms of its perceived effects on eating qualities.
Several methods of evaluating the fat content of beef carcasses and beef
longissimus dorsi were compared, including chemical assay of the fat
content of beef L.dorsi, carcass measurements made in the slaughterhouse
and the dissection of a sample rib joint. The reliability of techniques
used to measure fat content is very important and it is critical that
different techniques which are thought to estimate the same parameter,
i.e. total fat content, should in fact produce comparable results. The
results from this study indicate, however, that the measurements of
carcass fat made at slaughter and dissection agree well, although much
lower levels of agreement were achieved between the carcass fat
measurements and the chemical determination of the fat content in the
L.dorsi. Discusses possible reasons for this.
Nutrition Labelling
Authors: Shannon Bill
Published: July 2002

The EC Nutrition Labelling Rules Directive has lost sight of the primary
consumer need, which is to provide information in a way that the
consumer can understand and act on. Recent research shows that the
official format is confusing, and can be positively misleading. As a
minimum improvement, some form of “verbal banding” is required to help
consumers choose between foods on the basis of their contribution to a
healthy diet. Suggests, however, that the EC Labelling Rules really are
too complicated, and should be replaced with a simple system giving
calories and fat per serving, supported by an education programme which
informs consumers what their minimum fat intake should be, related to
their target energy intake.
Do Distinct Class Preferences for Foods Exist?
Authors: Tomlinson Mark
Published: July 2002

Reports an analysis of class preferences for certain foodstuffs in the
UK. Multivariate analysis of the UK Family Expenditure Survey is used to
show that distinct factors operate in choice of food purchase dependent
on a person′s social class. Relying on Bourdieu′s Distinction thesis as
the theoretical basis, a scale of tastes for certain foods is arrived at
using discriminant analysis. This builds on work already reported in the
BFJ.
Poland′s fruit industry in transition
Authors: Faesel Uwe , Hill Roy
Published: July 2002

Examines the development of Poland′s fruit industry up to 1990,
followed by the situation since that year, in which legislative reforms
were introduced, mainly to break up state monopolies and to privatize
state assets. Analyses the Polish fruit industry in the light of the
resultant shift from a sellers′ to a buyers′ market, discussing the grower, wholesaling, processing and exporting sectors, and
finally the role of marketing in exporting. Conducts a SWOT analysis of
the industry, as a result of which makes recommendations for: increasing
growers′ influence on exports; introducing a new wholesale marketing system; improving processing equipment; rationalizing
exportprocedures to the advantage of domestic competition. Sees
the current transport and communication set‐ups as significant problems.
Concludes that, although the temptation is to follow the capitalist
route and opt for the smaller enterprise as an exporting unit, the old
Communist‐style large state enterprise is still the ideal vehicle for
selling fruit of Poland′s calibre abroad.
New product development: North American ingredient supplier′s role
Authors: Hood Larry L. , Lundy Raymond J. , Johnson Donald C.
Published: July 2002

In North America, food processing is one of the largest industries. Expenditures for food and beverage consumption in the USA alone, total approximately $500 billion, 70 per cent of which is estimated to account for products consumed in the home. Total food sales to North American consumers accounts for about 8 per cent of the gross domestic product, even when omitting the value of services and products derived from ingredient suppliers and equipment manufacturers.
Consumer perceptions in Eastern European food markets
Authors: Baron P.J. , Mueller R.D.
Published: July 2002

Conducts a small‐scale consumer survey in Bulgaria and the Czech
Republic. Examines consumer preferences with respect to product and
distribution characteristics of food. Finds product characteristics to
be more important than service characteristics. Furthermore, customers
have a strong preference for imported foods, but exaggerate the market
share, and are mainly impressed by the presentation and packaging
superiority.
Considering research, practice and policy issues
Authors: Curtice Lisa , Hobbiss Ann , Jack Frances , Landman Jackie , McKie Linda , Stitti Sean
Published: July 2002

Presents the debates conducted during themed workshops. Considers
the implications of historical and consumption factors alongside
research questions. The themes considered include dietary change, low
income households, health education, food industry and government
policies. Concludes that there is a need for a continuing and wide
ranging debate to assess and evaluate structural, regional and local
activities and policies.
Eat a breakfast and eat well
Authors: Hobbiss Ann , Mahdavi Reza
Published: July 2002

Thirty‐eight adults completed a ten‐week dietary intervention
survey designed to increase the amounts of starch and non‐milk intrinsic
sugars in their diet. They were instructed to eat more cereal, fruit and
vegetable foods and each person was provided with a weekly basket of
appropriate foods following an initial nutritional assessment.
Information about how to incorporate such foods into their diet was kept
to the minimum. An evaluation of the procedure indicated that eating a
breakfast featured as a key activity in the success of increasing
cereal, fruit and vegetable consumption. Activities to implement the
Health of the Nation dietary guidelines could focus on promoting
the consumption of a breakfast in the home, schools and workplace.
Strategic assessment: the importance of branding in the European beer market
Authors: Vrontis Demetris
Published: July 2002

Seeks to emphasise the importance of branding in the European beer market. Attention is consigned to assessing the implications of effective branding within the context of the overall marketing strategies of brewers. To facilitate a comprehension of this, studies of three key players in the European beer market ‐ Bass plc, Carlsberg A/S, Heineken NV ‐ are utilised to exemplify the issues outlined. Practical applications of the product life cycle (PLC), and Boston Consulting Group Matrix (BCG) are then employed to illustrate the role of branding in product management within the competitive beer market. Reference to the European beer market is given at the beginning, as it facilitates a better understanding of the industry as a whole.
The centenary of the British Food Journal, 1899‐1999 – changing issues in food safety regulation and nutrition
Authors: Collins Edward , Oddy Derek J.
Published: July 2002

Describes the life history of the British Food Journal, its changing editorial team, ownership and editorial focus. The authors have used much wider source material than the archives of the journal, now in its 100th year. The journal was always closely identified with the safety of food, its adulteration and the government’s duty to safeguard the public. The second section reviews the profession and role of the public analyst, in particular the history and development of the Society of Public Analysts. The next and longest section of the monograph is devoted to an interesting examination of food safety, nutrition and food manufacturing issues over the last 100 years. Many of the points raised are illustrated by excerpts from papers written in BFJ and included as Appendices to the monograph. Food irradiation was first raised as a subject in the journal in 1928! Bread and milk as staples in the British diet are looked at in some detail in terms of their ingredients and health properties. Some appendices have been included just for interest and provide brief snapshots of some of the main food concerns of the time, e.g. The Pure Food Society, the food we eat, food poisoning, a world food policy, the packaging of foods, food hygiene. Plus ça change ...
The effective deployment of e‐learning
Authors: Young Kevin
Published: July 2002

Considers the issues faced by training and HR managers wanting to use electronic distribution of training courses and materials. Provides strategies that will embrace the disparate technologies that will exist throughout an organization and be ready to accept new technologies as they appear. Gives an example of a training deployment strategy that allows flexibility for both technology and user needs and preferences.
What’s keeping you awake at night? The need to match training to the hard business realities
Authors: van Maurik John
Published: July 2002

While there are many training programmes on change management, how often do these and other training programmes actually reflect the changes that constantly occur in the business, social and economic environments? While a number of issues may cause acute concern to both business leaders and those who buy training; this article contends that very few training interventions actually address them or offer answers to the implied problems within them. It charts the investigation into these key issues by one training provider, MDA, and its subsequent tailoring of approach, both to the marketing and delivery of customised solutions. It also describes its work in developing and tailoring business simulations to generate highly realistic situations that ensure participants address and confront topical situations.
Book Aid International – Relieving the Book Crisis in
Developing Countries
Authors: Blue Sophie
Published: July 2002

The Ranfurly Library Service recently changed its name to Book Aid
International. Describes the activities of the charity with particular
emphasis on matching books supplied with specific requirements within
developing countries. Gives specific examples of aid projects providing
books to different requirements within developing countries and of the
importance of the aid to those countries.
Quality Indicators in Academic Publishing
Authors: Day Abby , Peters John
Published: July 2002

Describes the process and outputs of the findings to date in a
research project to determine quality in academic business journal
publishing, sponsored by a major academic publishing house. Describes
the refereeing/review process for journal articles, a study of quality
indicators in established “academic” journals, and the same
in “practitioner” journals. Draws conclusions for quality
improvement in the journals surveyed based on the findings. Draws
conclusions for other researchers and publishers.
A study of the effect on online searching of CD index in a science
and engineering library
Authors: Siddiqui Moid A.
Published: July 2002

Studies the effect of eight CD indexes on online searching through
statistical data of online searching conducted for the faculty, graduate
students and researchers before and after acquisition of CD indexes.
Findings indicate considerable decline in online searching use due to CD
indexes, saving a large amount of money. Discusses the impact of CD
indexes on staffing in the reference department.
Is the future of MARC assured?
Authors: Kokabi Mortaza
Published: July 2002

The machine‐readable catalogue (MARC) is now more than 20 years old. It has been, and still is, criticized from different points of view. Reviews some of the positive and negative opinions on MARC, as expressed by different sectors of the profession, and studies the future of MARC in relation to technological innovations. Concludes that MARC remains a valuable means of communicating bibliographical information.
Performance information for Scottish public library authorities
Authors: Midwinter Arthur , McVicar Murray
Published: July 2002

Discusses the difficulties in trying to assess performance levels of public libraries and argues that indicators can only provide a useful tool for public librarians if the limitations of comparative analysis are recognized. Performance measurement has in the past suffered from a crude political concern with measurement and league tables. The Accounts Commission for Scotland has published its first “result” for Scottish Council Services and has been refreshingly honest about the limitations of these traditional performance indicators, arguing that while they are an important element of decision making in the policy process, they can never be a totally comprehensive or decisive factor. Suggests that authorities could seek to assist in developing a more representative set of indicators for the modern public library service.
The British Library: the cost is counted
Authors: Day Alan
Published: July 2002

Relates the story of public indignation at the British Library’s attempt to secure lottery funds for an extension to the St Pancras building. Follows the Library’s struggle to maintain services in the light of the Government’s 1996‐97 funding levels. Examines in detail the National Audit Office’s (NAO) Progress in Completing the New British Library. Investigates how the cost of St Pancras escalated to £496 million. Summarizes press reaction to the NAO report. The British Library at no time had any management or contractual responsibility for the construction of its new building.
The company’s Web site: different configurations, evolutionary path
Authors: Azzone Giovanni , Bianchi Raffaella , Noci Giuliano
Published: July 2002

The Internet and World Wide Web are creating new business opportunities, in particular increasing the performance of communication, sales and post‐sales. In surfing the Web it is possible to see several tools a company can implement on its site: among them, description of products and strategy; online sale; market research; and support. Different companies structure their site using different combinations of tools, and not all at the same time. This shows that there is not a single configuration for a company’s Web site. Deals with these issues and in particular, through an empirical research, it identifies different configurations of a company’s Web site and verifies the existence of a development path in a company’s Web site.
Implementing NAGPRA: the effective management of legislated change in museums
Authors: Abraham Morris , Sullivan Tim , Griffin Des
Published: July 2002

A survey of 19 museums across the USA sought to identify the change processes associated with the effective management of a specific case of legislated change imposed by The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act 1990 (NAGPRA). Interviews were also conducted with a sample of these museums to understand further the change process adopted. It was hypothesised that those organisations which were perceived by respondents to have achieved successful change outcomes, would have managed the change transition in accordance with generic change principles in the change literature, regardless of the legislated nature of the change. The findings provided strong support for these general principles of effective change management in situations where the organisation has little choice about the change initiative. However the legislated nature of the change and the initial lack of understanding of its scope and implications produced some deviations from these general principles, particularly with respect to the dimensions of visioning, participation and allocation of resources to the change program.
Quantitative and qualitative decision‐making methods in simulation modelling
Authors: Eldabi Tillal , Irani Zahir , Paul Ray J. , Love Peter E.D.
Published: July 2002

Discrete event simulation (DES) is widely known to be a quantitative research tool. A simulation modelling process is mainly based on feeding quantitative data into a model to produce quantitative results in a structured sequential process. Qualitative approaches to research take a less structured approach with more of an inclination towards judgmental and expert knowledge rather than hard data. In this paper the authors suggest that DES can be employed as both a qualitative and quantitative research tool. The paper demonstrates how simulation may represent both stances either separately or combined. This is based on the fact that the basic objectives of simulation are either for understanding – which needs a qualitative perspective – or performance measurement – which a needs quantitative perspective. Traditional quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed showing how DES might cope with the weaknesses of both stances. A structure for using DES as a combined research methodology is proposed.
The misplaced origin of just‐in‐time production methods
Authors: Petersen Peter B.
Published: July 2002

Just‐in‐time (JIT) production methods were popularized by the excellent results achieved by Japanese industry. When it became evident during the 1970s that the Japanese were gaining markets previously dominated by Americans, there was considerable interest in learning how Japanese industry operates. Then, during the early 1980s, Toyota’s highly effective JIT production system had a particular appeal to Americans who were trying to understand Japanese production methods. While Taichi Ohno, creator of Toyota’s production system, credits Henry Ford as the originator, it is now known that Ernest Kanzler, one of Ford’s subordinates, played a major role in developing JIT production methods. This article reports Ford’s and Kanzler’s contributions and explores the possible influence that Frederick W. Taylor may have had on the development of this approach at the Ford Motor Company.
Cycles of organisational learning: a conceptual approach
Authors: Murray Peter
Published: July 2002

Notes that, in an environment of rapid change, organisational learning theory appears to offer much for organisations trying to grapple with change and growth. However, not all theorists agree on the methodologies of organisational learning, and there is little consensus about how organisations achieve both change and growth simultaneously. The paper attempts to expand the simplistic idea that organisational learning is an adaptive approach supported by individualized and stand‐alone strategies of learning and demonstrates how various conventions of learning can be understood as integrated learning cycles, from which organisations can chart new paradigms of learning in practice. Current theories of organizational learning are imbued with their own sense of history making, clever manifestos that support a workshop or case study approach, and questionable rather than empirical validations of an internally consistent phenomenon. Existing theories of learning, however, are valuable to the extent that they collectively represent a community of practice from which scholars and practitioners benefit. New conceptual approaches are needed, however, to link current practices and empirical observation, so that individualized approaches to organizational learning can be integrated.
Rationalizing corporate downsizing with long‐term profitability – an empirical focus
Authors: Palliam Ralph , Karake Shalhoub Zeinab
Published: July 2002

This research empirically tests the rationale of corporate downsizing of employees as a cost reduction strategy on the long‐run profitability of a corporation. The sample for this study consisted of 185 large publicly‐held US‐based corporations which announced their intentions to downsize during the period 1990‐1992. Over the subsequent ten‐year period (1992‐2001) their returns on investment were obtained and the empirical relationship between downsizing and long‐run profitability was determined. Whether organizations that undergo this type of change appear to be better off than they were before they implemented the process was the focus of this study. The study ascertained that downsizing does not appear to be in the best long‐term interest of the corporation, its employees, or its shareholders, and that the massive job cuts did not lead to strong sustained gains in the price of the stock. Many organizational benefits fail to develop as expected and the benefits are elusive. The findings of this study suggest downsizing does not engender a long‐run productivity gain and it fails as a method to boost shareholder value.
Forecasting: The Key to Managerial Decision Making
Authors: Waddell Dianne , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: July 2002

The successful businesses of the future are being created today by
individuals and teams in tune with fast‐moving technologies, new markets
and changing lifestyles. New disciplines have sprung up, new professions
are born and new skills are in demand. There is a need to blend the new
skills with those of the older professions. Many business decisions
involve forecasting. In recent years its scope has expanded well beyond
technical aspects. Addresses a broader set of managerial concerns
through down‐to‐earth descriptions of forecasting, its advantages and
limitations, and its role in the managerial decision‐making process.
Uses a case study to demonstrate the application of a forecasting
method.
Measuring Your Way to Profit
Authors: Bititci Umit S.
Published: July 2002

The traditional cost accounting‐based business performance measures used
today fail to provide adequate support to allow the use of modern
management techniques and development of optimum business and functional
strategies. Although these traditional techniques have a certain value
they must be supported by alternative non‐financial performance measures
which promote organizational integration by ensuring that all strategic
and operational activities are streamlined towards common objectives.
Describes, with case studies, a methodology which leads to development
of an integrated set of performance measures on which measurable
business and functional strategies may be developed. The methodology
described has been proven through a number of industrial consultancy
assignments and results in considerable benefits.
Expansionary Processes of the Small Business
Authors: Helms Marilyn M. , Renfrow Troy W.
Published: July 2002

Based on a survey of small businesses, confirms the life cycle model of
growth and progression. Knowledge of the life cycle stages can assist
management in anticipating and capitalizing on changes which every small
business must face. The majority of small business respondents were in
the expansion/growth stage of development. The study also confirmed the
major components found within this development stage: ownership,
activity of sales; market share; capital assets/equipment; and
financing. Advice from outside sources, in particular from accountants
and/or CPAs, was also found to support an increase in small business
sales.
Managerial judgement in strategic marketing:
Authors: Brownlie Douglas , Spender Jason Christopher
Published: July 2002

Aims to delineate and explore the terrain of mainstream literature
on strategic marketing management. Draws attention to the important role
of judgement in almost everything that marketing managers do and for
organizations. Considers the orthodox treatment of uncertainty and
judgement in marketing management and strategy and concludes that it is
restrictive in that it presupposes an approach to strategic decision
making that is the exception, not the norm. Highlights the important
role of the personal development and learning of top marketing managers
as investments in the quality of marketing judgement.
Reporting for strategic control
Authors: Flitman Andrew
Published: July 2002

A common complaint about strategic plans is that, once developed, they tend to be largely forgotten until the next planning cycle. At that time a review is made of the progress to strategic goals. What is needed, however, is a reporting tool that actively tracks progress towards the strategic goals and encourages management and employees to achieve strategic success. Outlines a successful methodology which has been applied in around 20 organizations in Australia and South-east Asia. This methodology encompasses the design of strategic measures, through their timely reporting, utilizing the latest theories to maximize the quality of the information. All of this is achieved using readily available software tools and skills, thus minimizing implementation risk. Gives an example of implementation which clearly illustrates the benefits that can accrue from this methodology.
Organizing the capital budgeting process in large firms
Authors: Maccarrone Paolo
Published: July 2002

Describes how most studies of capital budgeting are based on financial theory. The development of very sophisticated analytical techniques has gained much popularity among managers as a result of their complexity, and low receptivity of the organizational context. Moreover, the process by which an investment proposal is analysed, evaluated and approved, is often viewed as separate from those relating to other investments, as well as from the other procedures and systems of the firm. Develops a conceptual framework for organizing the whole capital budgeting process, starting from the identification of investment proposals to the formal approval of a set of projects. Emphasis is given to the problem of integrating and co‐ordinating capital investment activities and to important linkages with the strategic planning process. The model is structured according to the principles of contingency theory. The process configuration depends on a set of exogenous variables which influence the choice of analytical tools and organizational patterns. The model serves as a reference framework for analysing the capital budgeting process of eight multinational companies headquartered in Italy. This analysis leads to some interesting findings about the attitude of managers towards some aspects of capital budgeting.
Strategic effectiveness and success: the learning challenge
Authors: Thompson John L.
Published: July 2002

Reinforces the argument that strategic and competitive success demands competence at three levels: content, change and learning. Notes that to achieve this, organizations must draw on a range of generic competences and develop an appropriate mix and measure, and that if they can achieve this they can become both competent and conscious of why they are competent and successful. Points out that this demands effective information management at a number of distinct levels, and the ability of the organization to manage both continuous and discontinuous change. Comments that the latter requires double‐loop learning and involves all members of the organization together with its external stakeholders, and that strategy, structure and style may need to be changed simultaneously. Concludes that the process of competence management must be underpinned by robust measurement, and that while organizations actively measure resource efficiencies, the extent to which they seek to measure all their strategic competences remains an issue.
Industry turbulence and information technology structure: an empirical investigation
Authors: Karake Zeinab A.
Published: July 2002

Examines ‐ in a study involving 92 large publicly‐held organizations ‐ the relationships between information technology (IT) structure, control and industry turbulence. Notes that despite the fact that some have called centralized systems electronic dinosaurs, many companies are turning to this traditional approach because it does offer one thing that decentralized systems generally lack, namely, control. Cites results indicating that information technology structure (centralized versus decentralized) is strongly related to management equity ownership, concentration of stock holdings, and the level of turbulence which firms face. Notes, for example, that an organization where top executives and managers own a relatively high percentage of the company’s stock possesses a more centralized IT structure than an organization with a relatively lower percentage of management ownership. Points out that this means that user departments in the latter have more control over their IT functions than do users in the former, but that, on the other hand, companies with high levels of stock concentration have more decentralized IT structures. In addition, concludes that the research revealed a statistically positive significant relationship between the level of turbulence firms face and the degree of IT centralization.