bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordinating cell polarity and cell cycle progression: what can we learn from flies and worms?
Authors: Noatynska Anna , Tavernier Nicolas , Gotta Monica , Pintard Lionel
Published: August 2013

Spatio-temporal coordination of events during cell division is crucial for animal development. In recent years, emerging data have strengthened the notion that tight coupling of cell cycle progression and cell polarity in dividing cells is crucial for asymmetric cell division and ultimately for metazoan development. Although it is acknowledged that such coupling exists, the molecular mechanisms linking the cell cycle and cell polarity machineries are still under investigation. Key cell cycle regulators control cell polarity, and thus influence cell fate determination and/or differentiation, whereas some factors involved in cell polarity regulate cell cycle timing and proliferation potential. The scope of this review is to discuss the data linking cell polarity and cell cycle progression, and the importance of such coupling for asymmetric cell division. Because studies in model organisms such asCaenorhabditis elegansandDrosophila melanogasterhave started to reveal the molecular mechanisms of this coordination, we will concentrate on these two systems. We review examples of molecular mechanisms suggesting a coupling between cell polarity and cell cycle progression.
Risk measurement framework
Authors: Yeung Ruth M.W. , Yee Wallace M.S.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Adapting from the extant literature, this paper aims to present an empirical framework of risk measurement in the context of food safety risk in overseas destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 715 respondents visiting Macau in October 2008 by using intercept method. Principal component analysis followed by confirmatory factor analysis were utilised for data analysis.

Findings

The research yielded 12 factors, of which five factors, namely Dread, Framing effect, Controllable, Regulation and Past experience measure risk characteristics; two factors, namely Uncertainty and Consequence measure tourist risk perception, and five factors, namely Travel information, Safety assurance, Destination reputation, Marketing activities and Precaution measure risk reduction, especially related to food safety risk in international destinations.

Practical implications

The tourist industry should understand more specifically what tourists want to know so as to devise appropriate communication management strategies at the international destination.

Originality/value

The risk measurement framework provides an insight for the development of an instrument to assess the social and economic impact on tourist perception of international travel risk.
COO labeling as a tool for pepper differentiation in Germany
Authors: Klöckner Heike , Langen Nina , Hartmann Monika
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Country of Origin (COO) labeling has been shown in several studies to be an important extrinsic cue for consumers in their quality evaluation of food products such as olive oil, wine or tea. COO has not been discussed in the context of pepper; however pepper's quality highly depends on the heritage. This paper aims to explore this aspect.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in an organic grocery store in Bonn, Germany. The first part of the face to face interviews at the point‐of‐sale were carried out for understanding consumers' attitudes towards different extrinsic quality cues. The second part covered the product‐country‐image of pepper as well as consumers' knowledge regarding COO and pepper quality. Third, the contingent valuation method is used to analyze organic consumers' willingness to pay (WTP). Fourth a blind‐tasting of black pepper from different origins and production methods was conducted.

Findings

The study reveals that organic consumers are able to experience taste differences due to COO though only a minority expects those taste differences. Thus, also concerned and involved consumers are not sufficiently informed on COO information to rely on their purchase decision of pepper. As a result consumers are not willing to pay a significant higher price for COO labeled pepper.

Originality/value

This study is the first which combines face‐to‐face interviews regarding attitudes, image and knowledge with a blind tasting of pepper and an investigation of consumers' WTP for pepper from different origins and processing characteristics.
Left isn't always right: placement of pictorial and textual package elements
Authors: Otterbring Tobias , Shams Poja , Wästlund Erik , Gustafsson Anders
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the positioning of textual and pictorial design elements on a package affects visual attention (detection time) toward these element types.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has a 3×2 (stimulus×location) between‐subjects design. One pictorial and two textual package elements, located on the top right‐ or top left‐hand side of a package, were used as stimuli. Visual attention was measured by eye‐tracking. A total of 199 university students participated. The data were analysed using a two‐way ANOVA and a Pearson's chi‐square analysis with standardised residuals.

Findings

The results show that in order to receive the most direct attention, textual elements should be on the left‐hand side of a package, whereas pictorial elements should be on the right‐hand side. This is inconsistent with previous design directions (based on recall), suggesting the opposite element organisation.

Originality/value

Previous research has focused on recall (whether respondents remember having seen package elements) or preference (whether respondents prefer a package based on element positioning). The focus of the present study determined whether respondents actually saw the different elements on a package, and how long it took them to detect such elements. Detection time for certain element types can be viewed as a new and complementary way of evaluating the position of package elements. The paper also addresses whether preference is a result of easy information acquisition.
Materials flow for different lubricants during cold forming
Authors: Sahin Mumin , Çetinarslan Cem , Misirili Cenk
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Barreling contour variations on the free surfaces of cylindrical upset specimen are to handle measuring for different upsetting reductions and different lubrication conditions in this study. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The materials flow for various materials using different lubricants in upsetting was investigated in this study. SAE 1020 steel, commercially pure copper and CuZn40Pb2 brass were used as the test materials. Upsetting process was applied to the cylindrical specimens using flat end dies. Three types of lubricants, namely grease, graphite and SAE 40 oil, were used in this study. Experiments were performed using a hydraulic press, which has 5 mm/s ram speed, and with a capacity of 150 metric tons.

Findings

Variations of barrel radius change clearly with increasing deformation ratio depending on lubricant type. Radius values are different to each other for SAE 1020, Cu and brass specimens. It was understood that surface roughness effect is negligible at material types. The highest radius values were obtained for the brass among all the materials for the same deformation ratio. The materials flow is hard for brass specimens because of its brittleness which is due to cold drawing so its barrel radii are high. On the contrary, SAE 1020 and copper are more suitable for the plastic deformation. As shown in the Figures, the higher radius values were obtained especially with grease lubricant for brass specimens.

Research limitations/implications

It would be interesting to search material flow for different materials and lubricants. It could be a good idea for future work could be concentrated material flow on upsetting using different lubricants.

Practical limitations

The friction at the faces of contact retards the plastic flow of metals and the surfaces and in its vicinity. A conical wedge of a relatively undeformed metal is formed immediately below it, while the rest of the cylinder metal suffers high strain hardening and bulges out in the form of a barrel. This demonstrates that the metal flows most easily towards the nearest free surface which is the point of least resistance. However, the use of lubricants reduces the degree of bulging and under the conditions of ideal lubrication, the bulging can be brought down to zero.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is to contribute and fulfil the detailed the dependency of barrel radius on material type by upsetting of specimen of various materials using different lubricants that are being studied so far in the literature.
Pattern recognition based surface roughness prediction in turning hybrid metal matrix composite using random forest algorithm
Authors: Radhika N. , Babudeva Senapathi S. , Subramaniam R. , Subramany Rahul , Vishnu K.N.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is surface roughness prediction using pattern recognition for the aluminium hybrid metal matrix composite (HMMC).

Design/methodology/approach

Hybrid composites were manufactured using liquid metallurgy technique. The cast HMMC was machined using an industrial CNC turning centre and the machining vibration signals were acquired using an accelerometer. The acquired signals were processed and used to build a machine learning model for predicting surface finish based on the tool signature.

Findings

The authors established a technique for predicting and monitoring the surface quality during machining using a low cost accelerometer. It is capable of being integrated with the machine controller for online warning of deviations in surface roughness. The system is reconfigurable for any machining condition with a very short training period. The use of this model facilitates online surface roughness monitoring, avoiding the need for costly measuring equipment.

Originality/value

The model developed is innovative and not reported widely to the best of the authors' knowledge. The use of accelerometer‐based surface roughness prediction and control is an innovative approach for automation of machining process monitoring. These can be integrated into any existing machining centre as a standalone system or can be integrated into the CNC controller like Fanuc or Siemens.
Friction heat conduction and entransy of friction lining
Authors: Peng Yuxing , Zhencai Zhu , Tong Minming , Guoan Chen , Shao Xingguo , Ma Wan , Li Yilei
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the friction heat conduction and entransy of two friction linings in the high‐speed slide accident of a mine friction hoist.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the dynamic thermophysical properties were analyzed and their fitting equations were also obtained. Additionally, the dynamic heat partition ratio was obtained according to the dynamic thermophysical properties. Then, a simple method was developed to solve the temperature rise of friction lining. Finally, based on the theoretical model of temperature rise, the entransy of friction lining with respect to T and t were gained.

Findings

The error of temperature rise between simulation result and experiment result is less than 7 per cent, which proves that the theoretical model is correct. The entransy decreases with the temperature below 40°C and it increases after 40°C. The entransy of lining K is a little higher than that of lining G within 19 s, but the entransy of lining G is much higher than lining K after 19 s and the entransy difference gets great gradually. It is indicated that the lining K has good heat‐resistant property which is of great benefit to the tribological property of friction lining.

Practical implications

The authors' study provides a fundamental basis for developing a new friction lining with good heat‐resistant property, and it also brings forward a new quantitative method to evaluate the heat‐transfer capability of friction materials.

Originality/value

A simple method was introduced to calculate the temperature rise of friction lining with the consideration of dynamic thermophysical properties and dynamic heat partition ratio. And the entransy of friction lining was obtained to evaluate the heat‐transfer capability of friction linings quantitatively.
Factors affecting consumers’ perception of electronic payment: an empirical analysis
Authors: Ming‐Yen Teoh Wendy , Choy Chong Siong , Lin Binshan , Wei Chua Jiat
Published: August 2013

Purpose

In view of the promising growth of e‐payment in Malaysia, this study aims to discover the factors influencing perception towards electronic payment (e‐payment) from the Malaysian consumers’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature indicates that factors such as benefits, trust, self‐efficacy, ease of use, and security influence consumers’ perception towards e‐payment. A self‐reporting questionnaire was developed and disseminated to 200 respondents, out of which 183 valid responses were considered for further statistical analysis.

Findings

The multiple linear regression results reveal that benefits, self‐efficacy, and ease of use exert significant influences on consumers’ perception towards e‐payment. However, the insignificant results obtained for trust and security warrant further investigation.

Research limitations/implications

This study proposes five factors for measuring consumers’ perception towards e‐payment which is replicable across different economies. However, the small sample size raises the issue of generalizability which future studies should seek to address.

Practical implications

The use of e‐payment by the majority of respondents confirms that there is a great potential for future expansion of such payment devices. The challenge is to ensure that it continues to meet consumers’ expectations which will subsequently lead to its increased adoption and use.

Originality/value

This study has advanced knowledge for it has provided information on the current state of e‐payment acceptance and use, particularly among Malaysians. The significant factors identified are beneficial to the policy maker, banking institutions, online transaction facilities providers, and software developers as they develop strategies directed at increasing e‐payment acceptance and use.
The effects of knowledge management capabilities and partnership attributes on the stage‐based e‐business diffusion
Authors: Lin Hsiu‐Fen
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This study aims to develop a research model to examine the antecedents of three stages of electronic business (e‐business) diffusion (including e‐business initiation, implementation and assimilation). The research model features knowledge management (KM) capabilities (knowledge acquisition, knowledge storage, knowledge dissemination, and knowledge protection), and partnership attributes (partner interdependence, partner trust, and partner commitment) as prominent antecedents of stage‐based e‐business diffusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Data gathered from 398 firms were employed to test the relationships between the research model constructs using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.

Findings

The results reveal that the factors for KM capabilities and partnership attributes have different impacts on three stages of e‐business diffusion. In particular, knowledge dissemination has a positive effect on all three e‐business diffusion stages, demonstrating its importance in the decision to shape e‐business diffusion. Moreover, the findings show that three partnership attributes are important enablers during the whole e‐business diffusion process.

Practical implications

In the context of e‐business, knowledge dissemination activities occur not only within firms, but also between firms and their business partners. Knowledge dissemination enables employees to develop novel solutions to problems that significantly improve on current practices. Hence, the increasing importance of the field of knowledge dissemination is primarily attributed to promotion of successful e‐business activities and increased level of e‐business implementation.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study aims to provide a research model that is capable of understanding the determinants of the stage‐based e‐business diffusion. From a managerial perspective, the findings of this study provide valuable guidelines to policy‐makers and practitioners in implementing e‐business and accelerating e‐business diffusion.
ICT as a catalyst for service business orientation
Authors: Kowalkowski Christian , Kindström Daniel , Gebauer Heiko
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a key enabler for new product‐ and process‐oriented services. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how ICT can enable service differentiation and, in doing so, act as a catalyst for a service business orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a qualitative, multi‐case research design with eight multinational goods manufacturers.

Findings

The paper identifies two distinct types of service‐oriented differentiation: services in support of the product (SSP) and services in support of the client's actions (SSC). The study finds that SSC have the largest positive impact on firms' service business orientation.

Research limitations/implications

Western firms in a limited sample of industries are studied. Furthermore, the service business orientation construct does not include any measurements of service profitability or impact on overall competitive advantage.

Practical implications

To various extents, successful firms are likely to pursue both SSP and SSC differentiation traits through ICT. The two options are interdependent and the framework presented helps managers to understand both key specificities and their interrelatedness.

Originality/value

The study contributes to theory on service strategies by specifically focusing on the enabling role of ICT for new services and its effects on each of the three dimensions of the service business orientation construct.
Sales activity systematization and performance: differences between product and service firms
Authors: Parvinen Petri , Aspara Jaakko , Kajalo Sami , Hietanen Joel
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact that systematization of sales activities through sales process management has, at the firm level, on profitable sales growth in business‐to‐business (B2B) companies. The research aims to compare companies focusing on service offerings to those focusing on product offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data.

Findings

Despite the emergence of service‐dominant logic, B2B service and product companies still differ in how sales process management contributes to firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that differences between service and product firms in their sales process management stem from the different underlying modes of interaction. The findings are generalizable to B2B companies.

Practical implications

The findings help businesses differentiate between productive sales process management practices in product and service firms.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the wider need of operationalizing ideas about sales process management at the level of organizations and business units.
Knowledge translation in healthcare
Authors: Oborn Eivor , Barrett Michael , Racko Girts
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The authors draw selectively on theories of learning and knowledge, which currently have received little attention from knowledge translation (KT) researchers, and suggest how they might usefully inform future development of the KT literature. The purpose of this paper is to provide conceptual tools and strategies for the growing number of managers, clinicians and decision makers navigating this arena.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a narrative review to synthesise two streams of literature and examine evolving conceptual landscape concerning knowledge translation over the previous three decades. Conceptual mapping was used iteratively to develop and synthesise the literature. Iterative feedback from relevant research and practice stakeholder groups was used to focus and strengthen the review.

Findings

KT has been conceptualised along three competing frames; one focusing on linear (largely unidirectional) transfer of knowledge; one focusing on KT as a social process; and another that seeks to more fully incorporate contextual issues in understanding research implementation. Three overlapping themes are found in the management literature that inform these debates in the health literature, namely knowledge boundaries, organisational learning and absorptive capacity. Literature on knowledge boundaries problematizes the nature of boundaries and the stickiness of knowledge. Organisational learning conceptualises the need for organisational wide systems to facilitate learning processes; it also draws on a more expansive view of knowledge. Absorptive capacity focuses at the firm level on the role of developing organisational capabilities that enable the identification, assimilation and use of new knowledge to enable innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights the need to consider KT processes at multiple levels, including individual, organisational and strategic levels. These are important not only for research but also have practical implications for individuals and organisations involved in KT processes.

Originality/value

This review summarises and integrates two largely separate literature streams on knowledge translation – namely health services research and management scholarship. In addition to outlining and organising the conceptual landscape around knowledge transfer, the paper contributes by highlighting how management literature on knowledge and learning theories might inform health services research on knowledge translation.
Engaging physicians in organisational improvement work
Authors: Bååthe Fredrik , Erik Norbäck Lars
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To improve health‐care delivery from within, managers need to engage physicians in organisational development work. Physicians and managers have different mindsets/professional identities which hinder effective communication. The aim of this paper is to explore how managers can transform this situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' interview study reveals physicians' own perspective on engagement for organisational improvement. They discuss identities from three theoretical perspectives and explore the mindsets of physicians and managers. They also explore the need to modify professional identities and how this can be achieved.

Findings

If managers want physicians to engage in improvements, they must learn to understand and appreciate physician identity. This might challenge managers' identity. The paper shows how managers – primarily in a Swedish context – could act to facilitate physician engagement. This in turn might challenge physician identity.

Research limitations/implications

Studies from the western world show a coherent picture of professional identities, despite structural differences in national health‐care systems. The paper argues, therefore, that the results can be relevant to many other health‐care systems and settings.

Originality/value

The paper provides an alternative to the prevailing managerial control perspective. The alternative is simple, yet complex and challenging, and as the authors understand it, necessary for health care to evolve, from within.
Dissemination of performance information and continuous improvement
Authors: Lemire Marc , Demers‐Payette Olivier , Jefferson‐Falardeau Justin
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Developing a performance measure and reporting the results to support decision making at an individual level has yielded poor results in many health systems. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the factors associated with the dissemination of performance information that generate and support continuous improvement in health organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic data collection strategy that includes empirical and theoretical research published from 1980 to 2010, both qualitative and quantitative, was performed on Web of Science, Current Contents, EMBASE and MEDLINE. A narrative synthesis method was used to iteratively detail explicative processes that underlie the intervention. A classification and synthesis framework was developed, drawing on knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) literature. The sample consisted of 114 articles, including seven systematic or exhaustive reviews.

Findings

Results showed that dissemination in itself is not enough to produce improvement initiatives. Successful dissemination depends on various factors, which influence the way collective actors react to performance information such as the clarity of objectives, the relationships between stakeholders, the system's governance and the available incentives.

Research limitations/implications

This review was limited to the process of knowledge dissemination in health systems and its utilization by users at the health organization level. Issues related to improvement initiatives deserve more attention.

Practical implications

Knowledge dissemination goes beyond better communication and should be considered as carefully as the measurement of performance. Choices pertaining to intervention should be continuously prompted by the concern to support organizational action.

Originality/value

While considerable attention was paid to the public reporting of performance information, this review sheds some light on a more promising avenue for changes and improvements, notably in public health systems.
Ascribing emotion to reasonable use in accelerated cancer services
Authors: Roelsgaard Obling Anne
Published: August 2013

Purpose

A recurrent theme in medical sociology has been the juxtaposition of emotion with scientific rationality in the delivery of health care services. However, apart from addressing this juxtaposition very little is said about the complex intertwinement of “emotional” and “rational” practices which makes up professionals' own day‐to‐day work experiences – and how these experiences are influenced by present ways of organising health care. This paper aims to explore the ways that hospital doctors relate emotions to their understanding of professional medical work and how they respond to recent organisational changes within the field.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a small series of semi‐structured interviews (n=14) with doctors from a public teaching hospital in Denmark, the paper adopts a constructivist framework to analyse personal biographies of health professionals' working lives.

Findings

The doctors represented rich accounts of professional medical work, which includes an understanding of what a doctor should feel and how he/she should make him/herself emotionally available to others. However, the impetus for making this appearance was not left unaffected by recent new public management reforms and attempts to accelerate the delivery of services.

Practical implications

The organisation of cancer services into a work system, which consists of a set of tasks broken down into narrow jobs, underestimates the emotional components of patient‐doctor encounters. This makes the creation and maintenance of a genuine patient‐doctor relationship difficult and the result is feelings of a failed encounter on behalf of the doctor.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that recent rearrangements of cancer services complicate doctors' ability to incorporate emotion into a stream of medical care in a “rational” way. This is shown to challenge their professional ethos and the forms emotional engagement takes in medical practice.
Selection and use of KOHA software in two private Nigerian universities
Authors: Ogbenege Janet , Adetimirin Airen
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Software has played a crucial role in the management of library operations. Nigerian university libraries are embarking on automation by adopting different library software but many fail due to the wrong selection of software and improper management of the automation project. The paper aims to examine the selection and use of KOHA software in two private Nigerian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling was used to select 255 respondents made up of two systems librarians, eight heads of library units and 245 faculty. Data were collected through questionnaire, interview and observation.

Findings

KOHA was selected because of integration, ease of use, accessibility, flexibility and feasibility study was carried out. The software was not maximally used in both universities (RU: 49 percent, BU: 64.3 percent).

Originality/value

This paper investigates the factors used for selection of the software, level of use and challenges to its use. It is relevant to university libraries because it emphasises the need to carry out in‐depth feasibility study before the adoption of software to increase the effectiveness of their libraries.
An assessment of the status of open access resources in Kenyan university libraries
Authors: Milimo Wasike Jotham
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the use of open access (OA) resources in Kenyan university libraries with the gist of the discussions being the status of the universities in the implementation of OA, usefulness, challenges and recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed descriptive research by engaging respondents in formal interviews and brief discussions. It also reviewed existing related literature on OA resources with specific reference to four university libraries in Kenya.

Findings

Kenya as a developing country is still at the intermediate stage of embracing OA. The university libraries are among the forefront institutions helping in the adoption of OA for research, empowerment, education and information. However, compared to other universities in Africa, Kenyan universities are far many steps ahead in embracing OA.

Research limitations/implications

The study limited itself to descriptive survey supported by face to face interviews, informal discussions and literature. This may not give 100 percentage accurate results for the study. However, the triangulation of the instruments were sufficient enough to have credible study findings.

Practical implications

OA to information is not a simple technological issue. It raises issues of information policies, such as availability, reliability, infrastructure, technical knowledge, legal barriers and production/creation. As the Kenyan Government enhances its efforts in going digital, universities and especially the libraries have become key stakeholders in the arranging and availing of this information through OA. It is therefore important to review the gains made and the challenges encountered by Kenyan university libraries in as far as OA is concerned.

Originality/value

This paper discusses OA status in university libraries in Kenya, which is a new development in the information cycles in Africa.
Individual and organizational determinants of turnover intent
Authors: Flint Douglas , Haley Lynn M. , McNally Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply social exchange theory to predict the effects of procedural and interpersonal justice on turnover intentions. Specifically, it is predicted that organizational commitment mediates the effects of procedural justice on turnover intentions and that supervisory commitment mediates the effect of interpersonal justice on turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were administered to 212 call center employees to measure the effects of procedural justice, interpersonal justice, organizational commitment, supervisory commitment and turnover intentions. Mediation effects were tested using Baron and Kenny's methodology.

Findings

Support was found for a partial mediation effect of organizational commitment on the effect of procedural justice on turnover intentions; and for a full mediation effect of supervisory commitment on the effect of interpersonal justice on turnover intentions.

Practical implications

Reduction of turnover is a major problem for the call center industry, as considerable resources are spent training new employees. This research suggests that turnover intentions can be reduced by addressing problems with organizational procedures and with the treatment of employees by supervisors.

Originality/value

The findings of this study replicate the mediation effects of organizational commitment on the effect of procedural justice on turnover intentions in call centers. In addition, this is the first study of its kind to show the mediation effects of supervisory commitment on the effect of interpersonal justice on turnover intentions.
Testing universalistic and contingency HRM assumptions across job levels
Authors: Clinton Michael , Guest David E.
Published: August 2013

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the broad debate regarding universalistic and contingency perspectives of human resource management (HRM). Design/methodology/approach – Building on recent evidence of HRM differentiation within organisations, the present article studies variation in experienced HR practices across job level and whether the impact of HR practices on commitment, intention to quit and well‐being across job level is best explained by universalistic or contingency claims. Findings – Both studies found that employees in higher job levels report a greater number of HR practices. Findings further indicated that the associations between HR practices and the three outcomes were largely invariant across job level, thus supporting universalistic notions of HRM across job levels. Research limitations/implications – Data from both studies were cross‐sectional and single‐source, thus limiting causal inferences. More generally, there is a need to better understand HR differentiation within organisations and whether it offers an effective HR strategy. Originality/value – Few studies have examined systematic variation in HR practices across employee groups and universalistic/contingency arguments within organisations. The studies presented are among the first to offer an evaluative as well as descriptive analysis of the issues under investigation.
Towards a social model approach?
Authors: Bingham Cecilie , Clarke Linda , Michielsens Elisabeth , Van de Meer Marc
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Based on the nursing occupation within the UK and The Netherlands' health sectors, which are both highly regulated with policies to increase inclusiveness, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the interplay between employment conditions and policy measures at sectoral level, in order to identify how these both facilitate and limit employment participation for disabled workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was exploratory in character using qualitative and comparative methods within a case study approach. It draws on statistical data, document analysis, focus group discussion and interviews with key actors in the health sectors in both countries.

Findings

Whether the social or medical model predominates, their combined use encourages the employment of disabled persons in the health sector. Arguably the social model, focusing on structural changes, can be seen as more enabling. The Dutch comparison shows that encouraging a sector‐specific approach, with increased social partnership dialogue, facilitates the implementation of the social model, resulting in sectorally‐appropriate enabling measures.

Practical implications

This research highlights the need for a sector‐specific approach to disability policy, with development of sectoral monitoring data and evaluation of impact by the social partners.

Originality/value

While previous academic research focused on the aggregated (national) level only, this research investigates the interplay between training, employment, working conditions and policy measures at sectoral and occupational levels, with a view to identifying their influence on employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The role of legitimacy in social enterprise‐corporate collaboration
Authors: Huybrechts Benjamin , Nicholls Alex
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This article aims to explore the role of organisational legitimacy in understanding the emergence and development of “cross‐sector collaboration” between social enterprises and corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

An in‐depth case study of a long‐standing but fragile partnership between a UK‐based Fair Trade social enterprise and a large corporate retailer provides exploratory findings on the role of legitimacy at different stages of the collaboration process.

Findings

The findings highlight how pragmatic and moral legitimacy are mobilised by the social enterprise to justify collaboration throughout three major stages: the very decision of cross‐sector collaboration; the choice of the partner and the framing of the partnership; and the evolution of the collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

While Fair Trade is not the only sector in which social enterprise‐corporate partnerships take place, it has been a pioneering domain revealing the potential as well as the challenges of such partnerships. Taking into account the role of legitimacy throughout the collaborative process is crucial both for comprehensive research and for informed practice.

Originality/value

Although it is documented by a single case study, this paper opens new research avenues to examine social enterprise‐corporate collaborations by developing a “non‐functionalist” view of such collaborations and showing the importance of legitimacy in understanding why and how they emerge, develop and sometimes fail.
The ambiguities of (social) value creation: towards an extended understanding of entrepreneurial value creation for society
Authors: Lautermann Christian
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question the supposed self‐evidence of a core category in the social entrepreneurship literature: “social value creation”. By criticizing the taken‐for‐granted use of the dichotomy “social vs business” the paper aims to develop a multi‐dimensional approach that conceptualizes the creative entrepreneurial process as generating several forms of value for individuals and society.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proceeds in two steps. First, the shortcomings of the “social vs business” dichotomy are revealed by analyzing its common yet mostly unquestioned use on several levels of inquiry. Then, some conceptual ideas from institutional theory and virtue business ethics are used to sketch a framework for the “social” dimensions of entrepreneurial value creation.

Findings

The result of the discussion is a coherent set of conceptual pairs, each characterizing two important aspects of “social” value beyond the utilitarian mainstream. In this respect, the paper gives an overview of potentially useful categories which could help to fill the conceptual void resulting from the vagueness of the “social value creation” concept.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed categories are not exhaustive, as a brief outlook on further ambiguities of value creation shows. Nevertheless, they are an attempt to point out the fruitfulness of virtue business ethics to developing an extended understanding of entrepreneurial value creation for society. An important consequence is an uncommon view on what is the range of relevant examples of social entrepreneurship in the first place.

Originality/value

The paper offers novel, possibly more adequate categories for dealing with the societal and ethical qualities of entrepreneurial value creation. Eventually, it can lead future research to maybe less obvious, but equally important, expressions of social entrepreneurship.
HR team achieves large scale start‐up at GEOAmey
Authors: Fox Katy
Published: August 2013

Purpose

GEOAmey was founded in early 2011 as a result of a joint venture between GEO Group and Amey plc, with the sole purpose of bidding for the Ministry of Justice's prisoner escorting contracts (PECs), which were up for renewal. GEOAmey was awarded three of four available contracts, which meant that GEOAmey would be contracted to provide prisoner escorting services across England and Wales and would have to be fully mobile at the start of the contract in August 2011. This case aims to demonstrate how the company achieved the necessary transformation in such a short space of time.

Design/methodology/approach

The case presented the HR team with an exceptional brief, requiring it to implement a full‐scale HR program for a 3,500‐strong workforce in just five months. To accomplish this, the team applied a combination of progressive and traditional HR methods. Several approaches were taken, from organizing nationwide road shows where employees to be transferred from other providers could engage with their new employer, to creating and delivering bespoke training programs.

Findings

GEOAmey became a company capable of generating almost £100 million a year in revenue overnight and much of this can be attributed to the efforts of the HR team during the five‐month transition phase between conception and realization. It is highly likely that without the industry and dedication of the HR team in the face of hugely challenging circumstances, the establishment of GEOAmey may not have been successfully completed in time for commencement of its contract with the Ministry of Justice.

Practical implications

As a result of this intricate and widespread initiative, GEOAmey was in a position whereby on the first day of its formal existence, all of its officers were trained, uniformed and ready to carry out 12,500 prisoner movements a week.

Originality/value

The operation documented in the paper highlights that through careful management and a flexible program of tailored employee engagement it is possible to build workforce affinity with a new company extremely quickly.
Spanish savings banks' social commitment: just pretty words?
Authors: Escobar Pérez Bernabé , del Mar Miras Rodríguez María
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the impact of the economic crisis on the level of social commitment of the Spanish savings banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the information provided by Spanish savings banks (SSBs) for 2004‐2009. In particular, it analyses the evolution of the welfare fund, the financial results, and the ratio between the welfare fund and the financial results variables for each of the SBs, to go more thoroughly into how the welfare fund is distributed.

Findings

The evolution of the allocations to the welfare fund shows a significant decline in absolute numbers, as a logical consequence of the significant decrease in the financial results. However, a substantial WF/P ratio growth can be seen in 2008 – 27.81 per cent – and, above all, of 36.08 per cent in 2009. This has allowed a certain mitigation of the decline of the allocations. In addition, a change has taken place in the distribution of the welfare fund, the amount for health and social care being bigger than the amount spent on culture and leisure.

Social implications

This paper aims to highlight the impact that the process of mergers and acquisitions can have on the survival and the social commitment of the SBs.

Originality/value

The paper provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effect of the economic crisis on the social commitment of the Spanish savings banks.
A review: influence of nano particles reinforced on solder alloy
Authors: Efzan Mhd Noor Ervina , Singh Amares , Tze Chuan Yap
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Recently nanoparticles reinforced lead free solders are vastly developed in electronics packaging industry. Studies and investigations have been conducted to learn and investigate the types, properties, method, availability and importance of nanoparticles in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Mechanical properties, melting temperature and microstructural conditions are taken into major considerations in any of the preparation on nanoparticles and being reviewed in this paper. Segregation of the types of nanoparticles being added together with their properties is summarized in this paper. High temperature reliability is crucial in providing a good viable solder and hence addition of nanoparticles have been seen to give a positive outcome in this particular property.

Findings

This paper reviews on the beneficial of the various nanoparticles addition in the solder. Briefed explanations and the factors are revealed in this review.

Originality/value

This paper reviews on the beneficial of the various nanoparticles addition in the solder.
The Contribution of Daniel C. Dennett's Philosophy of Mind to French Cognitive Policy Analysis
Authors: Bertrand Frédéric
Published: August 2013

French cognitive policy analysis, with its frame of reference theory, assumes that meaning structures public action. The purpose of this article is to show, based on the work of Daniel C. Dennett, that the philosophy of mind may renew the analysis of the theoretical limitations encountered by the frame of reference theory. The soft realism concerning the existence of mental states which Dennett defends provides an opening for a dialogue between cognitive science and public policy analysis.
The politics of scorn in Syria and the agency of narrated involvement
Authors: Anderson Paul
Published: August 2013

Recent uprisings across the Arab world raise the question of how populations living under dictatorial regimes moved from apparent quiescence to active revolt. The question is particularly acute for Syria, where the Asad regime has ruled not simply through coercion, but also by enforcing a culture of everyday cynicism. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Aleppo in 2008‐9, I argue that everyday Syrian narratives that lament or scorn the self are a way of radically identifying oneself with a contemptible situation, and inviting that fact to be witnessed and empathized with. I term the radical identification enacted in these narratives ‘involvement’. In order to understand why these narratives do not merely reproduce a cynical political culture in the same way that private mockery of the regime does, I propose a model of agency that develops the theme of authentic voice. I argue that the self‐scorning voice sounds authentically through the combined agency of the involved subject and the empathetic witness. By enacting involvement, narratives that scorn and lament the self defy the culture of political cynicism and prepare the ground for revolt.
Omarakana revisited, or ‘do dual organizations exist?’ in theTrobriands
Authors: Mosko Mark S.
Published: August 2013

Omarakana is arguably the most renowned village in the Trobriand and anthropological worlds. It is the very centre and wellspring of theNorthKiriwinan universe and thus a sacred site, serving as the home of theTabalu chiefly paramountcy. For us anthropologists, it is ground zero for our field methodology, thanks to Malinowski's pioneering research, and probably Melanesia's most hierarchical polity. Ironically, though, very little is actually known ethnographically aboutOmarakana's spatial layout. In this article I seek to compensate for that deficiency, arguing thatOmarakana's seemingly concentric contours encode transformations of indigenous symbolism involving recurrent metaphors drawn from at least three conjoined semantic contexts of wide distribution across the Austronesian sphere and beyond: the double bisection of ‘male’ versus ‘female’; the botanical imagery of ‘base’, ‘body’, ‘tip’, and ‘fruit’; and various elements of ‘canoe’ symbolism. This alternative view ofOmarakana's spatio‐temporal plan sheds new light on various additional dimensions ofTrobriand sociality and cosmology while elaborating classic and contemporary anthropological theories of dualism.