bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-cell analysis of Crohn’s disease lesions identifies a pathogenic cellular module associated with resistance to anti-TNF therapy
Authors: Martin JC , Boschetti G , Chang C , Ungaro R , Giri M , Chuang LS , Nayar S , Greenstein A , Dubinsky M. , Walker L , Leader A , Fine JS , Whitehurst CE , Mbow L , Kugathasan S , Denson L.A. , Hyams J. , Friedman JR , Desai P , Ko HM , Laface I , Akturk Guray , Schadt EE , Gnjatic S , Rahman A , Merad M , Cho JH , Kenigsberg E
Published: December 2018

Clinical benefits to cytokine blockade in ileal Crohn’s disease (iCD) have been limited to a subset of patients. Whether cellular and molecular heterogeneity contributes to variability in treatment responses has been unclear. Using single cell technologies combining scRNAseq, CyTOF and multiplex tissue imaging, we mapped the cellular landscape of inflamed ileum lesions, adjacent non-inflamed ileum and matched circulating blood cells of iCD patients. In inflamed tissues, we identified a pathogenic module characterized by an inflammatory mononuclear phagocyte (Inf.MNP)-associated cellular response organized around inflammatory macrophages and mature dendritic cells in a subset of iCD patients. We confirmed the Inf.MNP-associated cellular response in 4 independent iCD cohorts (n=441) and showed that presence of this pathogenic module at diagnosis correlated with primary resistance to anti-TNF therapy. Single cell mapping of iCD tissues identifies a complex cellular signature of anti-TNF resistance thereby revealing novel biomarkers of treatment response and tailored therapeutic opportunities.
Critical dynamics are a homeostatic set point of cortical networks in vivo
Authors: Ma Zhengyu , Turrigiano Gina G. , Wessel Ralf , Hengen Keith B.
Published: December 2018

The brain is constantly challenged by severely destabilizing forces: proteins turn over rapidly, Hebbian modifications alter and introduce positive feedback into networks, and environments change over many timescales. Homeostatic plasticity mechanisms, which operate via negative feedback, are believed to compensate for these changes and constrain neuronal activity to a firing rate (FR) set point1,2,3. For decades, it has been widely assumed that activity in neural networks is robust as a direct result of the widespread expression of FR homeostasis1,4. Here we reveal that network dynamics are stabilized independent of excitatory FR homeostasis and that cortical networks actively self-organize around an ideal computational regime.

We continuously tracked network spiking activity in the visual cortex (V1) of freely behaving rats for nine days. We found that, under baseline conditions, networks of excitatory neurons are robustly organized around criticality, a regime known to maximize information capacity and dynamic range. Monocular deprivation (MD) revealed a dissociation of excitatory FRs and network dynamics. MD immediately and severely disrupted network organization, which returned precisely to criticality over 48h. In contrast, both the excitatory FR drop and the subsequent FR recovery trailed the timecourse of network changes by more than 30h. Model investigations suggest a role for inhibitory neurons in maintaining critical dynamics. Collectively, these results show that complex activity in cortical circuits is actively maintained near criticality and that this organization is not explained by previously identified mechanisms of pyramidal neuron FR homeostasis.
Anti-silencing factor Epe1 associates with SAGA to regulate transcription within heterochromatin
Authors: Bao Kehan , Shan Chun-Min , Moresco James , Yates John , Jia Songtao
Published: December 2018

Heterochromatin is a highly condensed form of chromatin that silences gene transcription. Although high levels of transcriptional activities disrupt heterochromatin, transcription of repetitive DNA elements and subsequent processing of the transcripts by the RNAi machinery are required for heterochromatin assembly. In fission yeast, a JmjC domain protein, Epe1, promotes transcription of DNA repeats to facilitate heterochromatin formation, but overexpression of Epe1 leads to heterochromatin defects. However, the molecular function of Epe1 is not well understood. By screening the fission yeast deletion library, we found that heterochromatin defects associated with Epe1 overexpression are alleviated by mutations of the SAGA histone acetyltransferase complex. Overexpressed Epe1 associates with SAGA and recruits SAGA to heterochromatin regions, which leads to increased histone acetylation, transcription of repeats, and the disruption of heterochromatin. At its normal expression levels, Epe1 also associates with SAGA, albeit weakly. Such interaction regulates histone acetylation levels at heterochromatin and promotes transcription of repeats for heterochromatin assembly. Our results also suggest that increases of certain chromatin protein levels, which frequently occur in cancer cells, might strengthen relatively weak interactions to affect the epigenetic landscape.
Collection development practice in Indian Institute of Technology libraries of Eastern India: a study
Authors: Gulnaz  , Fatima Nishat
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the situation of collection development and management of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and IIT Patna libraries. This research includes other areas of collection development, i.e. collection development policy, acquisition of resources, selection of resources and budget allocation. The collection management includes accessibility, stock verification, shelf arrangement, weeding out and library security of IIT Guwahati and IIT Patna Central Libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was sent to the librarians via e-mail, which includes 20 questions with 103 preferences.

Findings

Present research has found that there is a difference in newly established IIT Patna library and old IIT Guwahati library in some aspects of collection development. In the library of IIT Patna, library committee is responsible for collection development policy as well as recommender of resource selection, whereas in IIT Guwahati library advisory committee is responsible for collection development policy and selection of resources on the recommendation of faculty members. The IIT Patna library is not facing any problem, while IIT Guwahati library facing many problems i.e., lack of funds, information explosion and literature scattered. The RFID is used in IIT Patna library, while in IIT Guwahati library it is under process.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the collection development policies undertaken in IIT Patna and IIT Guwahati in eastern India. The research questions are limited to the theme only. Therefore, the findings of the study are not valid for an in-depth study.

Practical implications

The study has great importance for librarians of IITs which have recently established in India. The findings and suggestions can serve as groundwork and could help to solve some common problems that had been faced by them.

Originality/value

This is a comparative study of IIT Guwahati and IIT Patna libraries in eastern India. The collection development aspects, i.e. selection, acquisition, finance and collection management, play a vital role in the collection development to serve their users. The study can serve as a base for future studies in other academic and special libraries.
Government R&D subsidies, intellectual property rights protection and innovation
Authors: Deng Ping , Lu Hao , Hong Jin , Chen Qiong , Yang Yang
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether a complementary effect exists between government R&D subsidies (GRSs) and intellectual property rights (IPR) protection on innovation performance in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in China. This paper also attempts to understand whether this complementary effect is significantly different across China’s eastern, central and western regions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample comprised 28 provinces involved in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in China from 2003 to 2014. Ordinary least squares was used to test the complementary effects of GRSs and IPR protection on innovation performance. The seemingly unrelated estimation test was also applied to ascertain whether differences existed between the eastern and western regions.

Findings

A complementary effect between GRSs and IPR protection in terms of improving the innovation of pharmaceutical manufacturers was found to exist only in eastern and western regions. There was no significant difference in the complementary effect between GRSs and IPR protection in terms of improving innovation among the three regions. Without considering the interaction effect of GRSs and IPR protection, the GRSs were negatively associated with innovation in the eastern region, but positively related to the innovation in central region.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on government policies and innovation by incorporating the interaction effect of GRSs and IPR protection on innovation in the context of a high-tech industry (pharmaceutical manufacturing) in an emerging economy (China). It also explores the internal differences in the influence of this complementary effect on innovation in an emerging economy, enriching the institution-based view.
Data flows and national security: a conceptual framework to assess restrictions on data flows under GATS security exception
Authors: Ferracane Martina Francesca
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the national security implications of a potential for a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute on data flow restrictions. It proposes a basic conceptual framework to assess data flows’ restrictions under General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) security exception.

Design/methodology/approach

If a case were to be brought before the WTO dispute settlement, the defender could support its case by invoking the security exception. This paper analyzes three main arguments that could be brought up: protection from cyber espionage, protection from cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and access to data needed to prevent terrorist threats. These three cases are analyzed both legally and technically to assess the relevance of restrictions on data flows under GATS security exception. This analysis can, more generally, inform the debate on the protection of national security in the digital era.

Findings

In the three cases, restrictions on data considered critical for national security might raise the cost of certain attacks. However, the risks would remain pervasive and national security would not be significantly enhanced both legally and technically. The implementation of good security standards and encryption techniques appears to be a more effective way to ensure a better response to cyber threats. All in all, it will be important to investigate on a case by case basis whether the scope of the measure (sectors and data covered) is considered proportionate and whether the measure in question in practice reduces the exposure of the country to cyber espionage, cyberattacks and terrorist threats.

Originality/value

This paper represents a contribution to the literature because it is the first paper to address systematically the issue of data flows and national security in the context of a GATS dispute and because it provides a unique perspective that looks both at legal and technical arguments.
Design-driven innovation: a systematic literature review
Authors: De Goey Heleen , Hilletofth Per , Eriksson Lars
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The concept design-driven innovation focuses on innovating product meanings. It has been studied from a variety of perspectives and contexts since the early 2000s. However, a complete overview of the literature published in this area is currently missing. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how design-driven innovation contributes to value creation in product development.

Design/methodology/approach

In this systematic literature review, 57 papers and book chapters that cover design-driven innovation were identified and analyzed. An iterative coding process was followed to derive five facets of design-driven innovation that contribute to value creation.

Findings

Design-driven innovation creates value by focusing on the intangible values of products. The following five facets of design-driven innovation that contribute to value creation were identified: development of new product meanings, knowledge generation, actors and collaborations, capabilities and process. These facets and their interrelations are presented in a theoretical framework.

Practical implications

The main practical implication of this study is that it is now clear that the five facets of design-driven innovation are interrelated and reinforce each other. Therefore, companies need to approach design-driven innovation from a holistic perspective.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to theory by presenting the theoretical framework that provides an overview of available knowledge and that creates a context for future research.
The moderating effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between supervisor conflict and employees’ counterproductive work behaviors
Authors: Ma Jie , Liu Cong
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Research concludes that supervisor conflict is a primary antecedent of employee counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs). However, previous studies mainly focused on direct supervisor conflict, with indirect supervisor conflict understudied. To fill the research gap, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between indirect supervisor conflict and employee CWBs and the buffering effect of emotional intelligence on indirect supervisor conflict–CWB relationships in two studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used time-lagged design (Study 1) and longitudinal design (Study 2) with multisource data to test the theoretical model presented in this study.

Findings

The positive relationship between indirect supervisor conflict and CWBs were consistently supported with self-report CWBs but not with coworker-report CWBs. SEA and OEA were found to buffer the indirect supervisor conflict–CWB relationships with both self-report and coworker-report CWBs.

Originality/value

The study suggests that while covert and implicit, indirect supervisor conflict could drive employees to engage in CWBs that impose a threat to organization and its members. The emotional-appraisal aspect of emotional intelligence (i.e. SEA and OEA) could help employees to better cope with indirect supervisor conflict and mitigate employees’ engagement in CWBs.
Student–university identification and loyalty through social responsibility
Authors: El-Kassar Abdul-Nasser , Makki Dania , Gonzalez-Perez Maria Alejandra
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the value of university social responsibility (USR) by investigating its impact on student–university identification and student loyalty. It also examines the mediating effect of student–university identification and the moderating effect of the perceived importance of USR. A comparative study is also conducted between students from two diverse cultural backgrounds.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was administered to students of universities in two different emerging markets economies (Lebanon and Colombia). The collected data were tested by applying descriptive techniques, cluster analysis and partial least square structural equation modeling with multi-group analysis using SmartPLS3.0 software.

Findings

The findings revealed that USR affects student loyalty both directly and indirectly through student–university identification.

Research limitations/implications

Assessing the model through a more varied sample population from different cultural backgrounds would entail more universal results and the ability to generalize the causality relationship between USR and student identification and loyalty.

Originality/value

This study is a valuable addition to the scarce literature on USR and its interplay with student–university identification. It presents USR as a vital marketing tool to achieve student identification and loyalty, being key factors that impact student enrollment and retention. It also translates into a competitive advantage for higher education institutions to overcome the fierce competition in the educational market. Additionally, this research can be considered a laboratory for theory testing and theory building due to its unique context and original primary data.
Continuing professional development: policies, practices and future directions
Authors: Masoumi Davoud , Hatami Javad , Pourkaremi Javad
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on mapping the ways in which HE institutions enhance faculty members’ professional development. More precisely, by introducing a case from one of the well-established universities in Iran, the authors aim to examine the focus of faculty development (FD) activities and how FD is conducted, with a view to shedding light on the challenges of and disparities between faculty roles and areas of FD in higher education (HE) in Iran as a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to explore and map the characteristics of FD and analyse the trends that Iranian HE institutions are experiencing in this area, a sequential explanatory multiple sources design, consisting of two distinct phases, was implemented (Creswell, 2012). In this design, the documents regarding the faculty professional development (decisions, agreements, The Job Structure Memorandum, and relevant documents and policies at the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and the studied HE institution) were analysed first. Next, field records were collected by means of a series semi-structured interviews with faculty members in the given HE setting.

Findings

The analysis of the collected data brought to the surface three themes, namely, FD: policies and procedures, faculties professional development in practice, and associated challenges and future prospects. These initial findings helped to understand if and how FD activities occur as well as map the challenges and complexities in faculties’ CPD in Iranian HE. Further, it discusses possible solutions to develop relevant and practical professional development.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is partly limited to a group of faculty members’ experiences and reflections on FD in one Iranian HE institution. Conducting additional surveys and observations with a large sample of the faculties and students may verify and consolidate the findings of the study and contribute to further insights on the ways faculties’ professional development can be transformed.

Practical implications

Taking into account the findings of the study, a dynamic framework for continued professional development of faculties in Iran is developed.

Originality/value

The findings of the study present valuable insights into the FD procedures, challenges and paradoxes that seem to shape FD in Iranian HE institutions. Moreover, the findings indicated much-needed structural modifications to simplify and harmonise the policies and procedures to harness profession development. To conclude, the initiatives and action plans that may contribute to FD and reshape the Iranian HE landscape is discussed. The applications and implications are also relevant for similar HE systems in developing countries.
The linkage between knowledge management practices and organization based projects for better learning outcome
Authors: Upadhyay Parijat , Paul Manas
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to understand and reflect upon issues, which can help in producing better industry-ready students graduating from business schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines research conducted in the area of knowledge management (KM) and proposes a conceptual framework that can be used by academic institutions to engage students and prepare them for industry needs so that they are better industry-ready graduates. A case study based approach has been adopted in this study.

Findings

In line with the literature-based analysis, a framework for better industry ready students has been proposed, illustrating the linkage between KM, learning from organization-based projects, industry feedback and inputs from international accreditation bodies in higher education.

Originality/value

This paper has provided a comprehensive framework that contributes to the understanding and refining the academic processes in a business school setting with the help of learning from academic KM process. Such a framework has not been previously developed by previous researchers.
Parents’ involvement, identification and alertness and their children’s functioning in school
Authors: Ben-Tov Shoshana , Romi Shlomo
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between parents’ involvement related to their alertness of what happens in school and their identification with school and their children’s attitudes toward school, social adjustment, self-efficacy and academic achievements.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were answered by 339 parents and 343 students, and yielded 34 parents whose levels of identification with school and alertness were low, and 57 parents whose levels were high. 10; path analysis was used (structural equation model). The theoretical model was tested by a software AMOS 7.0.

Findings

Involvement characterized by low identification and alertness predicted a direct, significant and negative relationship with children’s self-efficacy; alertness predicted a direct, significant and negative relationship with self-efficacy. The group with high identification and alertness predicted a direct, significant and positive relationship of their identification with children’s self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is recommended because of the small sample in this study. In addition, especially it is recommended to add to the study parents whose identification is low and their alertness is high.

Practical implications

The way to solve problems is not by mutual accusations, but by trusting each other. Parents and school must create useful communication channels and forums for straightening out issues and find solution through cooperation.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that parents’ alienation from school is a predictor of their children’s negative functioning in school. This document is intended for school principals, educational staff and parents to improve students’ functioning.
Energy efficiency of Iran buildings: a SWOT-ANP approach
Authors: Khojaste-Sarakhsi M. , Ghodsypour Seyed Hassan , Fatemi Ghomi S.M.T. , Dashtaki-Hesari H.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of energy efficiency improvement of Iran building sector and develop strategies based on them and finally prioritize these strategies according to experts’ judgments. This SWOT analysis is developed based on a detailed study in Iran energy market along with consulting with several energy specialists and has not been conducted before.

Design/methodology/approach

Since SWOT analysis is not capable to rank the developed strategies, analytical network process method is applied to prioritize them according to experts’ judgments. Results are compared with the results of the hierarchical network process (AHP).

Findings

Numerical results show that modification of the energy tariff system is the most important strategy. Besides this strategy, four other ones are related to the role of government in Iran energy market, while the remaining ones can be accomplished by domestic or international companies. They are about worn out appliances, inefficient buildings and inefficient lighting systems.

Originality/value

The SWOT analysis and the developed strategies can provide an insight into the improvement of buildings’ energy efficiency in Iran and some similar countries. All the developed strategies have two sides. One is the regulatory and supporting role of the government and the other is about the investment and implementation considerations. As most of the required rules have been established, the ground is prepared for domestic or international investors to start or develop their energy-related businesses in Iran market.
Preference shares: analysis of Sharīʿah issues
Authors: Mohamad Shamsiah , Ahmed Mezbah Uddin , Badri Mohd Bahroddin
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the different features of preference shares from accounting and Sharīʿah perspectives. It also aims to study Sharīʿah issues arising from preference shares and to subsequently propose solutions for identified issues that will help in structuring Islamic preference shares.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a qualitative method by analyzing relevant documents and literature to understand the subject matter and Sharīʿah-related issues.

Findings

The paper finds that several features of conventional preference shares, such as capital guarantee, loss sharing disproportionate to capital contribution, fixed profit, profit guarantee and waiver of rights before realization of profit, make them a Sharīʿah non-compliant instrument.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is conceptual in nature; however, it provides directions for future empirical research.

Originality/value

The paper provides a practicable solution to structure Sharīʿah-compliant preference shares.
Challenges of developing a takāful retirement annuity plan in Malaysia
Authors: Soualhi Younes
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the challenges facing the development of a takāful retirement annuity plan in Malaysia. It also aims at exploring a new platform to re-launch the same product after being withdrawn from the Malaysian annuity market a few years ago.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a qualitative approach to address the possible challenges hindering the development of a takāful retirement annuity plan in Malaysia. The research will not discuss the Sharīʿah issues deemed settled in previous researches but will only focus on technical challenges related to the instruments of investment and prudential measures.

Findings

The research found that various challenges face the development of a takāful annuity plan in Malaysia. Some of those challenges are the downsizing of the ṣukūk market, the shortage of long-term ṣukūk, longevity risk and risk-based capitalization. The research found that there is a need for a diversified portfolio of securities instead of solely using ṣukūk as an investment instrument in this product.

Originality/value

Re-launching the takāful annuity plan in Malaysia requires the identification of actual challenges facing the development of such a product. The product purported to be re-launched would benefit a large segment of retirees who do not have enough savings during the retirement age. The introduction of such a product will also expand the takāful market in annuities, which remains untapped.
Contra trading in Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad: a Sharīʿah and legal appraisal
Authors: Kasri Noor Suhaida , Lukman Burhanuddin
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the practice of contra trading in Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Through a critical examination of the practice, it aims to discuss the issues from the angles of Sharīʿah and Malaysian common law.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a qualitative research methodology. The information on the practice of contra trading is obtained through the Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad’s website and literature as well as series of meetings and discussions held with Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. In comprehending and dissecting the Sharīʿah and legal issues, classical along with contemporary Sharīʿah literature including local and international Sharīʿah advisory bodies’ resolutions and standards have been referred to. The Sharīʿah analysis of these issues is further supported by reference to the statute and by-laws of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad as well as other related legal literature.

Findings

This paper finds that contra trading involves a real sale and purchase of shares; the shares are not taken into the possession of the contra trader, neither physically nor constructively; the liability of shares is not transferred to the contra trader; though the practice of profiting in contra trading may contradict the prohibition on profiting without bearing liability, the permissibility of contra trading could still be argued from the contextual approach of public interest (maṣlaḥah) and needs (hājah); and contra trading is not gambling.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited in its analysis to only Sharīʿah and legal perspectives. It does not cover a thorough empirical and quantitative investigation that would measure the extent of the public needs for contra trading and the real benefits that contra trading brings about to the society in the long run. Such studies will further demonstrate whether contra trading deserves a relaxation from the strict Sharīʿah ruling thus affirming the issue of permissibility of contra trading. Moving forward, this paper recommends ways to address the predicaments faced in the contra trading practices as well important research areas that could be taken up in future.

Originality/value

This paper provides an in-depth investigation of the practice of contra trading at the Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad from the angles of Sharīʿah and common law.
The goods and services tax (GST) on takāful products: a critical Sharīʿah appraisal
Authors: Lukman Burhanuddin , Elatrash Saba’ Radwan Jamal
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to ascertain the Sharīʿah (Islamic law) stance on the imposition of goods and services tax (GST) on tabarruʿ-based takāful (donation-based Islamic insurance) products in Malaysia. The paper aims to do so by analysing the philosophy, purposes and structure of GST on takāful products and comparing the imposition of GST on tabarruʿ-based takāful with its imposition on conventional insurance while probing into the Sharīʿah texts and opinions of classical and contemporary scholars about taxation in Islam.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a qualitative research methodology. In addition to the literature and text on websites, the information on how GST is applied in practice is also obtained through interviews, discussions and documents from takāful operators. To determine the Sharīʿah position on GST, reference has been made to classical and contemporary Sharīʿah literature, including local and international Sharīʿah advisory bodies’ resolutions and standards.

Findings

This study finds that a strict interpretation of Sharīʿah does not allow for the imposition of GST; however, there is still room for the government to justify it using a broader interpretation of maṣlaḥah (public interest). Takāful has become a need for the society and is subscribed to by all income groups, and not only by the rich. Hence, the government should consider exempting takāful products from GST. The basis of tabarruʿ in takāful does not provide conclusive Sharīʿah evidence for takāful to be exempted from GST.

Originality/value

This research paves the way for the industry to propose further measures on GST for takāful products such as the exemption of GST on the tabarruʿ amount or imposition of a zero rate of GST on the relevant takāful fees and charges that are currently burdensome to consumers.
Inducing Brazilian manufacturing SMEs productivity with Lean tools
Authors: Dresch Aline , Veit Douglas Rafael , Lima Pedro Nascimento de , Lacerda Daniel Pacheco , Collatto Dalila Cisco
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method for assisting micro and small companies of the industrial sector with the adoption of Lean practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the method construction steps, which used a design science research approach.

Findings

This research led to the structuring of a method for implementing Lean Manufacturing tools in micro and small companies of the industrial sector. The developed method contributed to the knowledge in Lean Manufacturing by systematizing its tools in a heuristic approach that can be applied to an operation using overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) as a guiding indicator.

Practical implications

This method can be used to guide the implementation of Lean tools in SMEs industries.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the adoption of an operation-focused approach only (rather than an approach that begins with the mapping of an entire process) and the use of OEE as the basis for prioritization of improvements to be performed and operational control.
Effective performance management of local governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Janjua Altamash , Attique Farrukh , Raza Adil , Akbar Waqar
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Effective performance management of local governments is essential for efficient service delivery to the citizens. This is especially true for developing countries where performance management of public sector is severely lacking. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a pioneering and effective performance management framework that has been implemented in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the design and implementation of the system in light of relevant research work. Latest digital technologies including smartphone applications and social media have been used to make the system effective and responsive to the needs of the citizens and sustainable in the long term.

Findings

The impact of the system includes a drastic reduction in polio infection cases by 90 percent in the province and the successful completion of one of the biggest afforestation campaigns in the world in recent years. In addition, noteworthy improvements in public health, education and municipal services have also been achieved through this system in a province that has a population of 30.5 m.

Research limitations/implications

The paper uses field data to highlight the positive impact of the system which has been operational for more than two years now.

Practical implications

The strong positive impact of the system supports the case for implementation of similar public sector reforms in other developing countries.

Social implications

The implementation of the system has resulted in significant improvements in social sector service delivery.

Originality/value

There is very limited literature available on successful performance management reforms in the public sector of the developing world. Therefore, this case study can be a very important resource.
Defining a data-driven maintenance policy: an application to an oil refinery plant
Authors: Antomarioni Sara , Bevilacqua Maurizio , Potena Domenico , Diamantini Claudia
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is developing a data-driven maintenance policy through the analysis of vast amount of data and its application to an oil refinery plant. The maintenance policy, analyzing data regarding sub-plant stoppages and components breakdowns within a defined time interval, supports the decision maker in determining whether it is better to perform predictive maintenance or corrective interventions on the basis of probability measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

The formalism applied to pursue this aim is association rules mining since it allows to discover the existence of relationships between sub-plant stoppages and components breakdowns.

Findings

The application of the maintenance policy to a three-year case highlighted that the extracted rules depend on both the kind of stoppage and the timeframe considered, hence different maintenance strategies are suggested.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that data mining (DM) tools, like association rules (AR), can provide a valuable support to maintenance processes. In particular, the described policy can be generalized and applied both to other refineries and to other continuous production systems.
Seeking and sharing information dialogically
Authors: Savolainen Reijo
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Drawing on the ideas of conversation analysis (CA), the purpose of this paper is to elaborate the picture of dialogical information seeking and sharing. To this end, information seeking and sharing are approached as interactive online talk occurring in an asynchronous discussion forum.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework is based on the elaboration of Schegloff’s model for sequence organisation in spoken conversation. As a result, ten categories constitutive of asynchronous online talk were identified. It was further examined how online talk of this type is structured by expanded question – answers adjacency pairs and how such pairs are constitutive of dialogical information seeking and sharing. This question was explored by scrutinising 20 discussion threads downloaded from a do-it-yourself related online forum.

Findings

Four ideal typical patterns of asynchronous online talk were identified. Answering the question is a basic pattern of online talk, based on the provision of responses to an individual request. Specifying the answer, broadening the discussion topic and challenging the answer represent more sophisticated patterns incorporating post-expansions of diverse kind.

Research limitations/implications

As the study focusses on four patterns constitutive of online talk occurring in a particular domain, the findings cannot be generalised to depict the phenomena of dialogical information interaction as a whole. Further research is needed to scrutiny the particular features of asynchronous online talk in the context of dialogical information interaction.

Originality/value

The paper pioneers by examining the potential of CA in the micro-level study of dialogical information seeking and sharing structured by expanded adjacency pairs. The findings also identify the limitations of the conversation analytic methodology in the study of asynchronous online discourse.
Public purchasing: who’s minding the store?
Authors: McCue Clifford P. , Gianakis Gerasimos A.
Published: December 2018

The public sector purchasing function continues to face growing pressures to reform current purchasing processes. Yet, little is known about the abilities of purchasing professionals to adapt to this rapidly changing environment. This article identifies the critical job duties and work responsibilities of government purchasing buyers and officers in an attempt to determine if they currently posses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully adapt to increased pressures for reform.
Managing the italian healthcare system: the viewpoint of the purchasing and marketing office
Authors: Vagnoni Emidia
Published: December 2018

Beginning in the early 1990s, reform of the Italian Healthcare Service (NHS) led to a controlled competition system. Consequently, managers had to face a new institutional framework, one which was characterized by the following elements: citizens’ choice of the healthcare organizations to deliver the services they need; the integration of public healthcare organizations’ supply with private accredited organizations; the distinction between producing and purchasing organizations. Consequently, management of the purchasing and marketing functions can have a key role in the new situation. By presenting an analysis of national, regional, and local regulations and case analysis, this paper points out the main aspects concerning procurement policy in the Italian NHS. The implications for the internal market mechanism, the Purchasing and Marketing office’s role, and the activities implemented in order to contribute to a wide range of decisions are considered.
The use of qualifications-based selection in public procurement: A survey research
Authors: Qiao Yuhua , Cummings Glenn
Published: December 2018

Public agencies have started to shift away from the traditional lowest responsive and responsible bid to other approaches in purchasing certain items and services. These alternative approaches emphasize the quality of the products and the qualifications of the vendors. The purpose of this article is to explore the use qualifications-based selection (QBS) and other non-traditional source selection methods in public procurement processes. An online survey was sent out to 1665 members of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, and a mail survey sent a random sample to 300 American Public Works Association members. The survey results show that while the traditional lowest responsive and responsible bidding is still the dominant selection method when all procurement is considered, QBS and other non-traditional methods have gained wide acceptance and use in public agencies, especially for the purchase of professional services and information technology.
The impact of public firms commercialisation on purchasing management
Authors: Ancarani Alessandro
Published: December 2018

Purchasing management has been recently focused by public organisations aiming to maximise its contribution to operations. Such an aspect has been emphasised by the impacts of on going commercialisation process in the network public service sector. This paper provides evidence of changes in purchasing management behaviour in public firms in the water supply sector. In particular, in Italy the firms, after a first phase of increasing attention to purchasing management and suppliers selection, slowly has come back to a clerical approach, maintaining an “arms-length” relationship with suppliers. A model for describing the oscillation of purchasing management within the firms is presented and an explanation of such an oscillation is suggested in terms of flow of power between technical management and political managers.
A simulation approach to in-house versus contracted out cost comparisons
Authors: Deis Donald R. , Schneider Helmut , Wilmot Chester G. , Coates Charles H.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this project was to compare the cost of transportation engineering design services provided by private contractors versus services provided by state transportation agency staff for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD). Due to shrinking budgets, staff cuts, and a trend toward privatization, state transportation agencies now outsource the majority of the services they provide. The merits of doing so, however, have been difficult to discern for lack of “apples-to-apples” comparisons. For engineering design services, this problem is particularly acute due to the uniqueness of many projects (e.g., a bridge over the Mississippi river). A simulation approach was used in this study to make “apples-to-apples” comparisons for 39 design projects, 22 in-house projects and 17 consultant projects. For each in-house design project, the cost was estimated had the work been done by a consulting firm. Similarly, for each consultant design project, the cost was estimated had the work been done by in-house staff. The result of the study was that in-house design costs were cheaper by an average of 17 to 19 percent.
How many vendors does it take to screw down a price? a primer on competition
Authors: Keisler Jeffrey M. , Buehring William A.
Published: December 2018

When creating a private market to provide a public good, government agencies can influence the market's competitive characteristics. Markets have predictable, often counter-intuitive, behaviors. Attempts to foster competition can increase or decrease costs, depending on the specific details of the procurement situation and the specific implementation. We modeled impacts of competition where there are economies of scale and government is obligated to purchase a fixed total quantity of a good. This model estimates cost savings from several alternative plans for a buyer exploring competitive procurement. The results indicate the approximate magnitude of changes in cost that would be associated with changes in the market structure within which such procurement occurs.
Government procurement as a policy tool in south africa
Authors: Bolton Phoebe
Published: December 2018

Prior to 1994, the government procurement system in South Africa favoured large and established businesses and it was very difficult for newly established business to enter the procurement system. In 1994, however, government procurement was granted constitutional status, and was recognised as a means of addressing past discriminatory policies and practices. This paper critically analyses the way in which provision has been made in legislation for the use of procurement as a policy tool. It is argued that the use of procurement as a policy tool in South Africa is justified. On the whole, the primary legislation dealing with the use of procurement as a policy tool offers an adequate effect to the constitutionally prescribed use of procurement as a policy tool.
Procurement issues in performance-based contracts: The world bank experience with output-based aid subsidies
Authors: Tineo Luis
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on the World Bank's emerging experience with a promising application of performance-based contracts: Output-Based Aid (OBA) subsidies. OBA is the provision of subsidies for the delivery of and access to social or infrastructure services. Under OBA, subsidy payments are tied to measurable performing outputs, leaving the specific methods of achieving these outputs to the service provider's discretion. While creating better risk allocation, more value for users and contracting agencies, and fewer opportunities for corruption than traditional methods, OBA schemes raise new procurement issues that need to be reconciled in order to achieve optimal results. An issue this paper explores is the tension between the need that contracts be "expenditure-based" with the "performance-based" nature of OBA subsidies.
Emergency contracting in the us federal government
Authors: Drabkin David , Thai Khi V.
Published: December 2018

Emergency contracting has risen to the fore in both interest and importance in the US since September 11, 2001 (9/11). Most recently, the US government's response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita piqued the interest of both the Executive and Legislative branches of the US government and their respective oversight bodies. This paper briefly reviews the literature of emergency contracting with special focus on the statutory and regulatory framework for emergency contracting, identifies some contracting solutions established by the US government to deal more effectively with emergency contracting, and pinpoints some problems faced by emergency contracting agencies and anomalies of their emergency contracting practices.
Public procurement and contracting in bangladesh: An analysys of the perceptions of civil servants
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul
Published: December 2018

This paper analyzes the perceptions of Bangladeshi civil servants towards public procurement and contracting practices in Bangladesh. The interview method was used in the study to analyze the perceptions of the Bangladeshi civil servants towards public procurement and contract-related issues in Bangladesh. The study reveals that civil servants of Bangladesh have diverse and varying perceptions towards public procurement and contracting practices in Bangladesh, even though they share some commonalities. The results of the survey demonstrate that a majority of the civil servants are in general familiar with public purchasing in Bangladesh. While earlier research depicted that almost all the civil servants in the US public agencies were found quite familiar with contracting and outsourcing, this study shows that less than a moderate percentage of the civil servants of Bangladesh is quite or pretty familiar with contracting and/or outsourcing.