bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Smad action turnover switch operated by WW domain readers of a phosphoserine code
Authors: Aragón Eric , Goerner Nina , Zaromytidou Alexia-Ileana , Xi Qiaoran , Escobedo Albert , Massagué Joan , Macias Maria J.
Published: June 2011

When directed to the nucleus by TGF-β or BMP signals, Smad proteins undergo cyclin-dependent kinase 8/9 (CDK8/9) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) phosphorylations that mediate the binding of YAP and Pin1 for transcriptional action, and of ubiquitin ligases Smurf1 and Nedd4L for Smad destruction. Here we demonstrate that there is an order of events—Smad activation first and destruction later—and that it is controlled by a switch in the recognition of Smad phosphoserines by WW domains in their binding partners. In the BMP pathway, Smad1 phosphorylation by CDK8/9 creates binding sites for the WW domains of YAP, and subsequent phosphorylation by GSK3 switches off YAP binding and adds binding sites for Smurf1 WW domains. Similarly, in the TGF-β pathway, Smad3 phosphorylation by CDK8/9 creates binding sites for Pin1 and GSK3, then adds sites to enhance Nedd4L binding. Thus, a Smad phosphoserine code and a set of WW domain code readers provide an efficient solution to the problem of coupling TGF-β signal delivery to turnover of the Smad signal transducers.
Deep small RNA sequencing from the nematodeAscarisreveals conservation, functional diversification, and novel developmental profiles
Authors: Wang Jianbin , Czech Benjamin , Crunk Amanda , Wallace Adam , Mitreva Makedonka , Hannon Gregory J. , Davis Richard E.
Published: June 2011

Eukaryotic cells express several classes of small RNAs that regulate gene expression and ensure genome maintenance. Endogenous siRNAs (endo-siRNAs) and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) mainly control gene and transposon expression in the germline, while microRNAs (miRNAs) generally function in post-transcriptional gene silencing in both somatic and germline cells. To provide an evolutionary and developmental perspective on small RNA pathways in nematodes, we identified and characterized known and novel small RNA classes through gametogenesis and embryo development in the parasitic nematodeAscaris suumand compared them with known small RNAs ofCaenorhabditis elegans. piRNAs, Piwi-clade Argonautes, and other proteins associated with the piRNA pathway have been lost inAscaris. miRNAs are synthesized immediately after fertilization in utero, before pronuclear fusion, and before the first cleavage of the zygote. This is the earliest expression of small RNAs ever described at a developmental stage long thought to be transcriptionally quiescent. A comparison of the two classes ofAscarisendo-siRNAs, 22G-RNAs and 26G-RNAs, to those inC. elegans, suggests great diversification and plasticity in the use of small RNA pathways during spermatogenesis in different nematodes. Our data reveal conserved characteristics of nematode small RNAs as well as features unique toAscaristhat illustrate significant flexibility in the use of small RNAs pathways, some of which are likely an adaptation toAscaris' life cycle and parasitism.
Contributions of dorsal striatal subregions to spatial alternation behavior
Authors: Moussa Roula , Poucet Bruno , Amalric Marianne , Sargolini Francesca
Published: June 2011

Considerable evidence has shown a clear dissociation between the dorsomedial (DMS) and the dorsolateral (DLS) striatum in instrumental conditioning. In particular, DMS activity is necessary to form action-outcome associations, whereas the DLS is required for developing habitual behavior. However, few studies have investigated whether a similar dissociation exists in more complex goal-directed learning processes. The present study examined the role of the two structures in such complex learning by analyzing the effects of excitotoxic DMS and DLS lesions during the acquisition and extinction of spatial alternation behavior, in a continuous alternation T-maze task. We demonstrate that DMS and DLS lesions have opposite effects, the former impairing and the latter improving animal performance during learning and extinction. DMS lesions may impair the acquisition of spatial alternation behavior by disrupting the signal necessary to link a goal with a specific spatial sequence. In contrast, DLS lesions may accelerate goal-driven strategies by minimizing the influence of external stimuli on the response, thus increasing the impact of action-reward contingencies. Taken together, these results suggest that DMS- and DLS-mediated learning strategies develop in parallel and compete for the control of the behavioral response early in learning.
Separate but interacting recognition memory systems for different senses: The role of the rat perirhinal cortex
Authors: Albasser Mathieu M. , Amin Eman , Iordanova Mihaela D. , Brown Malcolm W. , Pearce John M. , Aggleton John P.
Published: June 2011

Two different models (convergent and parallel) potentially describe how recognition memory, the ability to detect the re-occurrence of a stimulus, is organized across different senses. To contrast these two models, rats with or without perirhinal cortex lesions were compared across various conditions that controlled available information from specific sensory modalities. Intact rats not only showed visual, tactile, and olfactory recognition, but also overcame changes in the types of sensory information available between object sampling and subsequent object recognition, e.g., between sampling in the light and recognition in the dark, or vice versa. Perirhinal lesions severely impaired object recognition whenever visual cues were available, but spared olfactory recognition and tactile-based object recognition when tested in the dark. The perirhinal lesions also blocked the ability to recognize an object sampled in the light and then tested for recognition in the dark, or vice versa. The findings reveal parallel recognition systems for different senses reliant on distinct brain areas, e.g., perirhinal cortex for vision, but also show that: (1) recognition memory for multisensory stimuli involves competition between sensory systems and (2) perirhinal cortex lesions produce a bias to rely on vision, despite the presence of intact recognition memory systems serving other senses.
A Mechanistic Link betweenSTMandCUC1during Arabidopsis Development
Authors: Spinelli Silvana V. , Martin Ana Paula , Viola Ivana L. , Gonzalez Daniel H. , Palatnik Javier F.
Published: June 2011

The KNOXI transcription factor SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) is required to establish and maintain the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) apical meristem, yet little is known about its direct targets. Using different approaches we demonstrate that the induction of STM causes a significant up-regulation of the organ boundary gene CUP SHAPED COTYLEDON1 (CUC1), which is specific and independent of other meristem regulators. We further show that the regulation of CUC1 by STM is direct and identify putative binding sites in its promoter. Continuous expression of STM in Arabidopsis leaf primordia also causes the activation of CUC2-3, as well as microRNA MIR164a, which provides a negative feedback loop by posttranscriptionally regulating CUC1 and CUC2. The results bring new insights into the mechanistic links between KNOXI and CUC transcription factors and contribute to the understanding of the regulatory network controlled by STM.
The MedicagoFLOWERING LOCUS THomolog,MtFTa1, Is a Key Regulator of Flowering Time
Authors: Laurie Rebecca E. , Diwadkar Payal , Jaudal Mauren , Zhang Lulu , Hecht Valérie , Wen Jiangqi , Tadege Million , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Putterill Joanna , Weller James L. , Macknight Richard C.
Published: June 2011

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) genes encode proteins that function as the mobile floral signal, florigen. In this study, we characterized five FT-like genes from the model legume, Medicago (Medicago truncatula). The different FT genes showed distinct patterns of expression and responses to environmental cues. Three of the FT genes (MtFTa1, MtFTb1, and MtFTc) were able to complement the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ft-1 mutant, suggesting that they are capable of functioning as florigen. MtFTa1 is the only one of the FT genes that is up-regulated by both long days (LDs) and vernalization, conditions that promote Medicago flowering, and transgenic Medicago plants overexpressing the MtFTa1 gene flowered very rapidly. The key role MtFTa1 plays in regulating flowering was demonstrated by the identification of fta1 mutants that flowered significantly later in all conditions examined. fta1 mutants do not respond to vernalization but are still responsive to LDs, indicating that the induction of flowering by prolonged cold acts solely through MtFTa1, whereas photoperiodic induction of flowering involves other genes, possibly MtFTb1, which is only expressed in leaves under LD conditions and therefore might contribute to the photoperiodic regulation of flowering. The role of the MtFTc gene is unclear, as the ftc mutants did not have any obvious flowering-time or other phenotypes. Overall, this work reveals the diversity of the regulation and function of the Medicago FT family.
A Barley ROP GTPase ACTIVATING PROTEIN Associates with Microtubules and Regulates Entry of the Barley Powdery Mildew Fungus into Leaf Epidermal Cells
Authors: Hoefle Caroline , Huesmann Christina , Schultheiss Holger , Börnke Frederik , Hensel Götz , Kumlehn Jochen , Hückelhoven Ralph
Published: June 2011

Little is known about the function of host factors involved in disease susceptibility. The barley (Hordeum vulgare) ROP (RHO of plants) G-protein RACB is required for full susceptibility of the leaf epidermis to invasion by the biotrophic fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp hordei. Stable transgenic knockdown of RACB reduced the ability of barley to accommodate haustoria of B. graminis in intact epidermal leaf cells and to form hairs on the root epidermis, suggesting that RACB is a common element of root hair outgrowth and ingrowth of haustoria in leaf epidermal cells. We further identified a barley MICROTUBULE-ASSOCIATED ROP-GTPASE ACTIVATING PROTEIN (MAGAP1) interacting with RACB in yeast and in planta. Fluorescent MAGAP1 decorated cortical microtubules and was recruited by activated RACB to the cell periphery. Under fungal attack, MAGAP1-labeled microtubules built a polarized network at sites of successful defense. By contrast, microtubules loosened where the fungus succeeded in penetration. Genetic evidence suggests a function of MAGAP1 in limiting susceptibility to penetration by B. graminis. Additionally, MAGAP1 influenced the polar organization of cortical microtubules. These results add to our understanding of how intact plant cells accommodate fungal infection structures and suggest that RACB and MAGAP1 might be antagonistic players in cytoskeleton organization for fungal entry.
Employee management systems and organizational contexts: a population ecology approach
Authors: Bartram Timothy
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to construct a theoretical model of the characteristics and determinants of employee management configurations, simple management, personnel management and human resource management (HRM).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds upon work in HRM by integrating critical management, population ecology and industrial relations to develop a conceptual framework of the character of employee management and its determinants.

Findings

This framework represents an important step forward in thinking about the determinants and character of employee management systems.

Practical implications

A typology of six employee management configurations is established in both union and non‐unionised contexts. The paper critiques the universalistic approach to HRM. This paper offers an insight into the rationale of employee management techniques and its determinants.

Originality/value

Within the normative HRM literature there has been little discussion of the role of context in influencing the character of HRM or employee management generally. The paper seeks to explore, using population ecology theory, how context influences the characteristics of employee management.
Perceived equity and unionization propensity in China
Authors: Wang Lei
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between employees' perceived equity and their propensity to unionize in China and the moderating effect of tenure on the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 160 employees in a foreign‐invested company in China which had experienced a spontaneous labor strike seven months before the study.

Findings

The results supported the hypothesis regarding the relationship between workers' perceived equity and their unionization propensity in China. In addition, employee tenure was found to moderate this relationship such that the longer the tenure, the weaker the relationship between perceived equity and unionization propensity.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence of the external validity of the relationship between perceived equity and workers' unionization propensity in China. It also demonstrates the different roles employee tenure plays in the relationship. Specifically, senior workers were less likely to join spontaneous unions in China than junior workers when treatment was perceived to be unfair, a noteworthy contrast to existing research findings that senior workers in Western societies are more eager to get involved in union activities than junior workers.
Legal implications of helping students find employment
Authors: Elder Bruce , Sneed John
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the legal exposure faced by faculty if they are involved in helping students find jobs when they graduate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the current federal employment laws as they relate to activities that many faculty undertake in helping students find employment.

Findings

The candidate referral activities that faculty frequently engage in could result in them being classified as an employment agency making them subject to federal employment discrimination laws also faced by employers.

Practical implications

Universities should establish clear guidelines to instruct faculty on actions that can and those that should not be undertaken when helping students find employment.

Originality/value

Most faculty have no idea that their actions in assisting students find employment could result in potential legal exposure for themselves and their university. This paper offers suggestions to reduce the potential risks.
The WTO, marketing and innovativeness capabilities of Vietnamese firms
Authors: Nguyen Tho D. , Nguyen Trang T.M.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of Vietnamese firms' expectations of opportunities provided by the World Trade Organization (WTO) – expected WTO opportunities – on their marketing and innovativeness capabilities, and subsequently, on business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 323 Vietnamese firms in Ho Chi Minh City, a model incorporating expected WTO opportunities, marketing and innovativeness capabilities, and business performance by means of structural equation modeling was tested.

Findings

It was found that expected WTO opportunities had positive impacts on both marketing and innovativeness capabilities. Further, marketing and innovativeness capabilities underlie business performance of Vietnamese firms.

Research limitations/implications

A key limitation of this study is the examination of the impact of expected WTO on only two firm capabilities: marketing and innovativeness. There might be several other firm capabilities that may be affected by expected WTO such as entrepreneurial orientation and learning orientation.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that firms should be prepared to take advantage of the WTO: to evaluate its opportunities, as well as threats, in order to design and implement appropriate strategies for doing business in a new and challenging environment.

Originality/value

This is the first study of this type on Vietnam's entry into the WTO as an important event for Vietnamese firms. The findings of this study suggest expected WTO opportunities play an important role in strengthening marketing and innovativeness capabilities, and subsequently, on business performance.
The efficiency wages perspective to wage rigidity in the open economy: a survey
Authors: Stavrevska Vesna
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper was to establish the implications of globalisation for labour markets when efficiency wages create endogenous wage rigidity and to re‐examine the credibility of the arguments that call for deregulation, more wage flexibility and less social protection in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The role of efficiency wages is reviewed in the traditional international economics theory, new economic geography and the neo‐Schumpeterian perspective towards international competitiveness.

Findings

First, taking into account endogenous sources of wage rigidity has different implications for employment, inequality, regional growth convergence and the role of the welfare state in the context of international competitiveness, from those derived when assuming them away or taking them as imposed by labour market institutions. Second, policies that would substantially reduce social security or lead to cost‐cuts may have an adverse effect on effort and thus on productivity.

Originality/value

To the author's knowledge, this paper is the only review in the literature that concentrates on efficiency wages applied in international trade.
Immigrant location and network effects: the Helvetic case
Authors: Ukrayinchuk Nadiya , Jayet Hubert
Published: June 2011

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is try to answer the following question: to which extent the observed location pattern is driven by network effects or by traditional location factors, like the structure and behaviour of the local labour market, housing market, public goods, and local tax rates? Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses an econometric model derived from random utility maximization. This model is estimated on a panel of Helvetic labor market areas, using a two stages estimation method. The first stage allows the network effect to be estimated. In the second stage, it estimates the impact of standard location factors. Findings – The paper finds evidence of a very strong network effect. This network effect is a very important location factor and implies that a location may attract current immigrants mainly because it attracted previous immigrants, even if the traditional location factors are not a source of attractiveness. Research limitations/implications – The present study corroborates earlier work on the Italian case. There is still some work to be done for taking account of the highly localized nature of network externalities. Originality/value – The impact of network on migrants' behavior is a hotly debated issue. However, there is almost no analysis of this impact on migrants' location. Conversely, if the high level of concentration of immigrants is a well known stylized fact, there is almost no study of the factors explaining this concentration. The research starts filling these two gaps.
Globalisation and the emerging regional governance of labour rights
Authors: Deacon Bob , De Lombaerde Philippe , Macovei Maria Cristina , Schröder Sonja
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review the case for improved (supra‐national) regional social and labour policies in principle, assess the extent to which existing regional associations of governments and regional organizations are actually developing effective regional labour policies in different sub‐regions of Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, and finally explore the driving forces behind their development and suggest how they might be further enhanced.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares the emergence of regional policies concerning labour rights and migrant workers' rights across regions. A sample of more than 15 regional arrangements are then ranked on the basis of their commitment in these areas. Finally, correlations between these rankings and different indicators of (real) regional interdependence are looked at.

Findings

The paper shows that regional socio‐economic policies are gaining importance in different world regions, although speeds are varied and generally low. It is difficult, however, to find strong correlations with indicators of regional interdependence such as trade or migration.

Originality/value

The paper presents one of the first systematic accounts of the development of regional socio‐economic policies in different world regions. It shows at the same time that huge opportunities for new policy initiatives exist in this area.
Testing the performance of a new approach to measuring employee well‐being
Authors: Juniper Bridget , Bellamy Pat , White Nicola
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the performance of two generic scales designed to evaluate employee well‐being against a new well‐being scale constructed for a specific sector; call centres.

Design/methodology/approach

The method to develop the new scale is based on well‐established clinical models used to evaluate the well‐being of patients. Potential variables were confirmed using an item selection method known as impact analysis which places keen emphasis on the frequency and importance of variables according to employees themselves.

Findings

From a potential pool of 102 items, impact analysis confirmed 43 variables most strongly associated with adverse well‐being. These were distributed across eight separate dimensions. Content validity and internal reliability were satisfactory. The results showed that existing scales were substantially insensitive to aspects of work that were perceived to be important and troubling to call centre employees and could therefore provide incomplete accounts of employee well‐being.

Research limitations/implications

Confirmation of the assessment's measurement properties will be the subject of future studies. The generalisability of the findings to other call centres will also be investigated.

Practical implications

For employers and researchers wishing to evaluate and act on well‐being within a particular sector, this approach to measurement may offer a practical, parsimonious alternative to existing, generic options. Impact analysis also addresses criticisms of factor analysis when used in well‐being scale construction.

Originality/value

The findings suggest support for a new approach to measuring the well‐being of sector specific workers that is based on clinical evaluation practices.
Ecological systems approaches to sustainability and organizational development
Authors: Sisaye Seleshi
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The ecological framework focuses on ecosystems, natural resources, agricultural practices, geographical locations, conservation and environmental management. Recently, ecology has provided the underlying framework for sustainability development and reporting. This paper aims to relate the ecological approach to the environmental and conservation objectives embedded in sustainability development and reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper argues that sustainability reporting is an organizational development and management program that has to be studied within the context of ecological ethics. It examines the evolution of sustainability reporting in relation to triple bottom line (TBL) accounting systems prepared to report the economic, social and environmental objectives of organizations.

Findings

The paper shows that sustainability is a question that transcends several disciplines, including accounting and sociology. While sustainability has been within the domain of sociology (human ecology) and ecological anthropology, recently the subject has attracted researchers from other disciplines, notably from accounting and business management. This paper notes that sustainability development will continue to be of importance to financial accounting reports. TBL reporting has become a competitive advantage for many business organizations for sustained profitability and growth.

Research limitations/implications

The paper examines how governmental and corporations' natural resources conservation efforts have shaped the disclosure of environmental and social information in sustainability accounting reports. It applies theories of functionalism, institutional legitimacy, adaptation, incremental and transformational growth strategies from the organizational ecology and sociology literature to study the evolution of sustainability development and reporting.

Practical implications

Accounting has benefited from sociological theory and methods of research. It highlights the importance of ecological issues in shaping the preparation of sustainability reporting in accounting systems, a subject of interest to practitioners and accounting researchers.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the few attempts to relate ecology and sustainability to accounting reports. It integrates the sociological and organizational development literature related to ecology to advance behavioral accounting research in sustainability reporting beyond current social and environmental issues.
Welfare, exclusion and rough sleeping in Liverpool
Authors: Kinsella Clare
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the relationship between rough sleepers, welfare and policy in the city of Liverpool, taking Liverpool City Council's Homelessness Strategy 2008‐2011 as a starting point. The paper takes as its premise the notion of rough sleepers as among the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, and questions how well they are protected by policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used is analysis and contextualisation of the strategy document in terms of welfare and criminological perspectives.

Findings

The paper posits that the city's European Capital of Culture Status for 2008 has acted as a springboard for further consumerist and regeneration‐driven aspirations, facilitated by restriction of entitlement to access city space for groups such as rough sleepers. The piece explores responses to rough sleepers and other “undesirable” city centre space users in Liverpool and contends that their behaviour and activities are criminalised. Ultimately, it is argued that the city, whilst it prioritises its goal of becoming a “world‐class city”, fails to deliver in terms of its welfare obligations.

Originality/value

It is argued that the failure of the strategy to adequately consider the direct needs of rough sleepers renders them subject to other approaches, namely criminalisation. The article is valuable to both academics interested in aspects of social justice and practitioners engaged in policy making, in that it highlights some of the ways in which policy can fail to meet its basic requirements.
Taking advantage: informal social mechanisms and equal opportunities policies
Authors: Taylor‐Gooby Peter
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how factors including class position, education, social network membership and cultural capital contribute to the intergenerational transmission of class advantage for women and men in different European welfare states.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the European Social Survey round 1 data.

Findings

Education is the dominant institutional mechanism for reproduction of privilege, but social network membership plays an important subsidiary role. The contribution of membership is highly gendered, even in the overtly more open social democratic and liberal societies.

Research limitations/implications

There were data limitations in ESS: no time‐series data, and no data on wealth.

Practical implications

The findings are of particular policy relevance at a time when reform programmes are stressing individual opportunity and shifting responsibility from state to citizen, so that informal pathways to the reproduction of privilege become more significant. These include network membership, contacts and cultural capital.

Social implications

The research indicates the importance of social network membership and sheds light on how this works to the advantage of middle and upper class groups and men in different European countries.

Originality/value

No other studies have used these data to explore these issues to the author's knowledge, and one needs to understand more about these issues in the context of current concerns about inequality and opportunity.
Mining's relocation culture
Authors: Allan Julaine
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Good social relationships and connections to place are key aspects of work‐life balance that are rarely considered by employers because of a focus on the work part of the dichotomy. In response to this omission, this paper aims to investigate women's experiences of frequent relocations due to their partner's employment in the mining industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with 20 women, who had partners employed in the mining industry. Thematic analysis focussed on participants' individual stories of relocation to identify common and divergent experiences.

Findings

Themes identified included the role of industry practices and expectations in supporting relocation; personal strengths and strategies developed over time; individual and family needs during relocation; the impact of life stage on decisions about relocation and the important aspects of place.

Research limitations/implications

Mining has a relocation culture common to those involved in the industry. While this culture presents challenges, most of the participants in this study also found benefits in moving often and had developed strategies to cope with relocation upheaval. Participants expanded their social relationships, adding to community resources of the places they lived in by participating in social and cultural events.

Practical implications

Relocation disrupts workforce stability and cohesion desired by industry. Understanding relocation culture is one way family members survive in the industry. It is critical for the mining industry to acknowledge the life part of work‐life balance.

Originality/value

The paper conceptualises relocation as a significant part of the mining industry's culture creating mining families as itinerant. This is the first paper that examines family experiences and social relationships, external to the industry they are connected to. The finding that family members of mining industry employees are very likely to live in remote locations at some point is new. The way these individuals can be used as resource in deprived locations requires further exploration.
Learning to count: a challenge facing trade unions in their educational role
Authors: Lee Bill , Cassell Catherine
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are to explain how the need arose for trade unions to develop accounting systems to monitor learning outcomes and to illuminate how trade unions rose to that challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi‐structured interview study of the full‐time educational officers of a number of the UK trade unions produced transcripts that were analysed using template analysis and were supplemented by collection of documentary evidence from the trade unions and interviews and documents from related organizations.

Findings

Trade unions are starting to compile extensive information about the learning opportunities that they are facilitating.

Practical implications

Information produced by the trade union's accounting systems highlights the value of the government's investment in the union learning fund (ULF).

Originality/value

This is the only study to address the systems of monitoring developed by trade unions in response to the receipt of funds from the ULF in the UK.
Marketising social protection in Europe: two distinct paths and their impact on social inequalities
Authors: Frericks Patricia
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Currently, different experiments in (partially) outsourcing public social protection to the market are observed. This paper seeks to identify two very different paths to outsourcing social protection: fragmentation of social protection on the one hand (in personal savings accounts) and amalgamation of social protection on the other (in life‐course savings schemes).

Design/methodology/approach

This study is theoretically based on the combination of three concepts which allow changes in social citizenship to be analyzed by means of social policy change and changes in resource flows. First, on the concept of life‐course regimes as put forward by Kohli; second, on the concept of social citizenship as proposed by Marshall; and third, on the concept of flows of resources related to these rights. The theoretical and methodological linkage of these concepts was first applied by Frericks.

Findings

These very different concepts of outsourcing social protection have implications for social inequalities, new insecurities and foreseeable under‐insurance. This is because, on the one hand, social protection redesign changes the obligatory character of social insurance, and on the other, it changes the social construction of the “adequately” protected which may no longer correspond to the factual situation of various groups of citizens.

Originality/value

The outlines of upcoming gaps in social protection, however, cannot adequately be grasped by the differentiation between “insiders” and “outsiders” of welfare systems. Although these gaps are related to status, they are more the result of life‐course trajectories, life‐course timing and age, implying that both the two current policy paths change intra‐ as well as inter‐generational differences in social protection. The characteristics of the two policy concepts and their foreseeable implications for social inequalities are analysed.
The relationship between multidimensional organizational culture and performance
Authors: Prajogo Daniel I. , McDermott Christopher M.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the four cultural dimensions of the competing values framework (CVF) (group, developmental, hierarchical, and rational cultures) and four types of performance: product quality, process quality, product innovation, and process innovation. Theoretically, this represents the contrasts among the four quadrants of CVF in terms of their respective outcomes, with quality and innovation reflecting the contrast between control and flexibility orientations, and product and process reflecting the contrast between external and internal orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 194 middle and senior managers of Australian firms who had knowledge of past and present organizational practices relating to quality and innovation‐related aspects in the organization.

Findings

Developmental culture was found to be the strongest predictor among the four cultural dimensions, as it shows relationships with three of the performance measures: product quality, product innovation, and process innovation. Rational culture shows a relationship with product quality, and along with group and hierarchical cultures, it also plays a role in predicting process quality.

Practical implications

The results provide key insights for managers to appropriately understand the fit between the culture and the strategic direction of the firm. The findings also encourage firms to appreciate the balanced view on what seems to be multiple cultural characteristics within the same organization.

Originality/value

By simultaneously examining the relationships between different cultural dimensions and different types of performance, this paper extends the previous empirical studies which linked CVF with a specific measure of performance.
Managing global network operations along the engineering value chain
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Gregory Mike
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to improve understanding of how to manage global network operations from an engineering perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a theory building approach based on case studies. Grounded in the existing literature, the theoretical framework was refined and enriched through nine in‐depth case studies in the industry sectors of aerospace, automotives, defence and electrics and electronics.

Findings

This paper demonstrates the main value creation mechanisms of global network operations along the engineering value chain. Typical organisational features to support the value creation mechanisms are captured, and the key issues in engineering network design and operations are presented with an overall framework.

Practical implications

Evidenced by a series of pilot applications, outputs of this research can help companies to improve the performance of their current engineering networks and design new engineering networks to better support their global businesses and customers in a systematic way.

Originality/value

Issues about the design and operations of global engineering networks (GEN) are poorly understood in the existing literature in contrast to their apparent importance in value creation and realisation. To address this knowledge gap, this paper introduces the concept of engineering value chain to highlight the potential of a value chain approach to the exploration of engineering activities in a complex business context. At the same time, it develops an overall framework for managing GEN along the engineering value chain. This improves our understanding of engineering in industrial value chains and extends the theoretical understanding of GEN through integrating the engineering network theories and the value chain concepts.
Understanding brand identity confusion
Authors: Srivastava R.K.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The brand increasingly is becoming the key source of differentiation that guides customer purchase choice. It is the focal point around which an organization defines how it will uniquely deliver value to the customer for a profit. The main aim of this research is to unveil the consumer perception about Cinthol and to understand the importance of brand identity of a product and the factors influencing it.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive study was conducted in the age group of 21‐55 years to ascertain the perception change in the brand identity of Cinthol, its brand personality, its awareness levels, its usage pattern, its promotional campaigns and the factors influencing the buying behavior of the consumers.

Findings

It was also observed that most of the respondents identified Cinthol as a family soap closely followed by male soap, though the difference between the two was not significant. Company is projecting this brand as male's soap overall satisfaction and loyalty, hence the ultimate outcomes.

Practical implications

The view presented in this paper is drawn from the marketing research perspective but question raised should be of great interest to practitioner as well. The work outlined should provide a marketing manager with a clear view and understanding of brand identity and image.

Originality/value

This brand identity and brand image study should help the brand to assess the impact of change in brand personality. Frequent changes may affect the brand image due to identity crisis.
Brand equity in higher education
Authors: Mourad Maha , Ennew Christine , Kortam Wael
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The potential to provide customers with information about experience and credence qualities in advance of purchase has resulted in widespread recognition of the significance of brands in relation to consumer choice in the service sector. Arguably, what is of particular significance in this process is brand equity – the value that the consumer ascribes to the brand. The main objective of this research is to enhance academic understanding of brand equity in the higher education (HE) sector and explore the implications for management practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data collected via a self‐completion survey are used to test a model of brand equity in the context of HE. The empirical setting is Egypt which, following liberalization, has a mixture of public and private provision and an increasingly competitive environment. It provides an example of an emerging market where building brand equity is likely to be an important component of organizational strategy.

Findings

The results provide partial support for the proposed conceptual model, with image‐related determinants of brand equity being far more significant than awareness‐related determinants.

Practical implications

For those involved in marketing service brands, the asymmetric impact of various determinants of brand equity provides guidance on how and where to focus marketing efforts.

Originality/value

The distinctive contribution of this research arises from the examination of brand equity in the context of an emerging service sector market with a mix of public and private provision.
The key role of opportunism in business relationships
Authors: Mysen Tore , Svensson Göran , Payan Janice M.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the key role of opportunism in business relationships relative to environment uncertainty (i.e. competitive intensity and market turbulence), bonding structure (i.e. specific assets and dependence), and relationship quality (i.e. trust and commitment).

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, informants were contacted by phone and a total of 581 surveys were mailed to small‐ and medium‐sized manufacturers asking them to answer questions about their suppliers. In total, 212 surveys were returned generating a response rate of 36.5 percent. To test the measurement properties and hypothesized relationships between the constructs in focus, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used.

Findings

The results supported all six hypotheses. The principal findings are competitive intensity leads to market turbulence and market turbulence, in turn, is positively associated with opportunism; specific assets leads to dependence and dependence is, in turn, positively associated with opportunism; and supplier opportunism is negatively associated with both trust and commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The research model tests a sample of business relationships between small‐ and medium‐sized manufacturers and their suppliers in Norway. Findings may not be generalized to larger companies in other countries.

Practical implications

The results are of interest to manufacturing executives since they provide a framework of contextual variables and relational characteristics that need to be considered in corporate efforts to control supplier opportunism.

Originality/value

This study is unique in testing key constructs of two important theories of business marketing – transaction cost analysis and social exchange theory (i.e. relationship quality) rarely, if ever, used in the same empirical study.
The state of the surveying profession in Africa: a Ghanaian perspective
Authors: Obeng‐Odoom Franklin , Ameyaw Stephen
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which the process of becoming a surveyor in Ghana mirrors a broad conception of professionalism.

Design/methodology/approach

The work is grounded in field research in the form of interviews/survey conducted by the authors in Ghana. The sample is drawn in such a way that the work benefits from the experiences of people at different levels of surveying training.

Findings

The study reveals that professional surveying training in Ghana is effective but narrow: senior surveyors do provide mentoring to probationers, but they engage in poor labour practices; probationers do obtain professional training, but many of their expectations are not met. While there are both costs and benefits to the mentors and mentees, the study finds that, on balance, the process of professionalisation is designed to favour a few owners of surveying firms.

Practical implications

It is the intention of the authors that this work would contribute to a process of “conscientisation”. The paper provides part of the basis for young surveyors to reject being passive recipients of instruction to becoming active workers and professionals who have a deep awareness of the social reality which shapes their professional lives and understand how they can reshape that reality.

Originality/value

This research work is the first study of the state of professionalism and work conditions of surveyors in Ghana. The study sheds light on the conditions under which surveyors work and shows how professional they are. On the one hand, this study provides the opportunity for prospective surveyors in Ghana to reflect on their aspiration before embarking on that “journey”. On the other hand, it gives practising surveyors a basis for reflecting on how the profession can be improved.
Incursion of non‐professionals into property management practice in Nigeria
Authors: Tunde Oladokun Timothy , Ojo Olatoye
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The paper seeks to identify the factors that are responsible for the incursion of non‐professionals, otherwise called quacks, into property management practice in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected with the aid of questionnaires served on 270 estate surveying firms based in the study area. The proportion method was used to determine the factors that are significantly responsible for the daily incursion of non‐professionals whose activities have negatively affected real estate investment in the country.

Findings

The result shows that the high income derivable from property management practice is a major factor. Other factors in their perceived order of importance include provision of unsatisfactory and less than standard service by estate surveyors, lack of confidence by clients on the estate surveyor to evict erring tenants and shortage of qualified personnel.

Research limitations/implications

Obtaining the perception of practitioners could subject the findings of the study to bias. Further research targeted at the clients of property management services will provide a balanced view.

Originality/value

The findings from this study will provide professional bodies and policy makers with data to curb the activities of quacks and enhance the practice of real estate management.
Competing in global niche markets: the case of Macquarie Bank
Authors: Gordon Cameron
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This article aims to examine a value creation model employed by Macquarie Bank, a worldwide leader in private infrastructure finance. The Macquarie case is interesting because the firm has internationalized by developing a unique market expertise; transformed this expertise into a set of core capabilities; and leveraged both of these components within a structure of corporate entrepreneurship. As such the Macquarie case may offer a new hybrid model for financial services globalization. However, the turbulent events surrounding the sub‐prime crisis have shown the limits of the model and raise questions about the sustainability of strategies that use leveraging as a central component.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a detailed case study which employs close reading and analysis of secondary data, primarily corporate documents, academic articles and press interviews and reports about the firm.

Findings

Macquarie offers a unique blend of niche marketing and international scale operations. The replicability of its strategy by others is unclear, although some general lessons can be drawn. Some of these are cautionary given the risks inherent in the bank's approach.

Practical implications

The Macquarie experience suggests that inefficiencies in financial markets have been much more common than orthodox financial theory suggests since the firm has advanced by identifying and exploiting such inefficiencies. At the same time, there is the question of what the firm does as these inefficiencies become exhausted.

Originality/value

There have been few academic studies of the Macquarie business model. This article is one of the first.