bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Capsicum Gene Inhibits Host-Specific Disease Resistance to Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Reeves Gregory , Monroy-Barbosa Ariadna , Bosland Paul W.
Published: April 2013

A novel disease resistance inhibitor gene (inhibitor of P. capsici resistance [Ipcr]), found in the chile pepper (Capsicum annuum) variety ‘New Mexico Capsicum Accession 10399’ (NMCA10399), inhibits resistance to Phytophthora capsici but not to other species of Phytophthora. When a highly P. capsici-resistant variety was hybridized with NMCA10399, the resultant F1 populations, when screened, were completely susceptible to P. capsici for root rot and foliar blight disease syndromes, despite the dominance inheritance of P. capsici resistance in chile pepper. The F2 population displayed a 3:13 resistant-to-susceptible (R:S) ratio. The testcross population displayed a 1:1 R:S ratio, and a backcross population to NMCA10399 displayed complete susceptibility. These results demonstrate the presence of a single dominant inhibitor gene affecting P. capsici resistance in chile pepper. Moreover, when lines carrying the Ipcr gene were challenged against six Phytophthora spp., the nonhost resistance was not overcome. Therefore, the Ipcr gene is interfering with host-specific resistance but not the pathogen- or microbe-associated molecular pattern nonhost responses.
An alternative interpretation of the Viking sundial artefact: an instrument to determine latitude and local noon
Authors: Bernáth Balázs , Blahó Miklós , Egri Ádám , András Barta , Horváth Gábor
Published: April 2013

An eleventh century artefact, a fragment of a compass dial found at Uunartoq in Greenland, is widely accepted as proof of the ability of Vikings to navigate with sun-compasses. The artefact is half of a wooden compass dial bearing deliberately incised lines that were interpreted as gnomonic lines valid on the day of equinox and near the summer solstice at the 61st latitude. Supposed loose markings of cardinal directions and several unexplained scratches are visible on this find. We offer here a new possible interpretation that some of these scratches might be fundamental lines of a geometrical construction process used for forming the gnomonic lines. Our hypothesis renders the cardinal directions to be precisely marked in the dial and assigns exact dates to both gnomonic lines. We reinterpret the artefact as a combination of sun-compass and sun shadow board designed for appointing local solar noon and the length of the noon shadow at open sea, playing a role analogous to that of a late-mediaeval backstaff. Greenland occurrence of geometrical construction of gnomonic lines, a known cultural asset of ancient European people, may denote that mediaeval Norse people not only shared in European culture, but used its achievements, even in the utmost frontiers.
Employers’ use of older workers in the recession
Authors: Beck Vanessa
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the degree to which there have been changes during the recession in the behaviour of employers with regards to their employment of older workers. The paper aims to show that there has been substantial change since the last recession and that there are, potentially, significant developments still occurring.

Design/methodology/approach

A small group of employers from a range of sectors were interviewed twice, once at the outset of the (first) recession and once towards its end.

Findings

The situation for older workers in employment is better than in previous recessions, mainly because employers are less likely to resort to redundancies for workers of all ages. Instead, a range of flexible working options are being utilised, including flexible retirement and adjustments to work processes. In the main the flexibility was instituted and controlled by the organisations. Employers are looking for alternative strategies to deal with a shift in control over the retirement process as a result of the abolishment of the default retirement age.

Research limitations/implications

The research was undertaken with a small sample, which has implications for the generalizability of the results. Although it would be difficult to further investigate the developments of employer behaviour during the recession, the long‐term implications and the effects of the recession, in particular on older workers, are yet to emerge.

Originality/value

The paper shows a new development in dealing with older workers during a recession.
Unemployment benefits and immigration: evidence from the EU
Authors: Giulietti Corrado , Guzi Martin , Kahanec Martin , Zimmermann Klaus F.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Economic theory predicts that unemployment benefits may increase expected income and reduce its volatility, thereby attracting immigrants to countries which implement such programs. This article aims to explore whether and how changes in countries’ unemployment benefit spending (UBS) affect immigration.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected for 19 European countries over the period 1993‐2008. The relationship between immigration flows and UBS is first tested using the OLS technique. Instrumental variable (IV) and generalised method of moments (GMM) are then used to address reverse causality.

Findings

While the OLS estimates suggest the existence of a moderate within‐country welfare magnet effect for the inflows of non‐EU immigrants, the IV approach reveals that the impact is substantially smaller and statistically insignificant when GMM techniques are implemented.

Research limitations/implications

Since information on the immigrants’ country of origin is not available, it is not possible to exclude that for immigrants coming from certain areas, unemployment benefits constitute a strong incentive to immigrate. This hypothesis awaits further research, once detailed data is available.

Originality/value

This paper complements previous literature on immigration and welfare by exploring the endogenous nature of welfare spending. The empirical results provide insights into the interaction between immigration and welfare policies.
Did we learn everything we need to know in school?
Authors: Yarbrough Landry Amy , Hearld Larry R.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of different workplace learning models in healthcare organizations and examine whether these learning styles and activities differ across hierarchical level.

Design/methodology/approach

Results of a survey of US healthcare executives and executive‐track employees were analyzed (n=492). The survey asked for information on workplace learning style, hierarchical position, and workplace learning opportunities.

Findings

Employees at all levels of the organization report learning in a variety of ways in the workplace, including through transmission, experience, communities of practice, competence, and activity. However, employees at lower hierarchical levels report fewer workplace learning opportunities than those at higher levels.

Research limitations/implications

The study utilizes cross‐sectional data on healthcare executives who are relatively homogenous with regard to race and gender.

Practical implications

The results of the study are positive in that a variety of workplace learning opportunities are available to executives and executive‐track employees. However, placing more emphasis on the development of director and manager level employees would further enhance the talent pool for executive level leadership in US hospitals.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates differences in learning styles and opportunities for learning across hierarchical level.
Marketing innovation: a resource‐based view of international and local firms
Authors: Gupta Suraksha , Malhotra Naresh
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a model for fostering innovation in marketing by virtue of the competitiveness that is an outcome of the collaboration between international and local firms working together in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the case of an international brand and local firms in an emerging economy to illustrate and support the proposed framework.

Findings

The extant literature on competitiveness advocates the fit between business partners in association based on mutual value creation. This paper adopts a resource‐based view to support this approach. It contributes to knowledge about emerging markets by reflecting on the benefits gained by both international firms and local firms that are based in emerging markets as partners in association for business purposes.

Practical implications

The study draws on managerial practices and existing literature to develop a conceptual framework that explains how a resource‐based association drives individual competitiveness, and how the integration of the competitiveness of both partners facilitates innovation in marketing.

Originality/value

This study uses a resource‐based view to explain the relationship between an international brand and its resellers in emerging markets. It contributes to the business‐to‐business marketing literature that discusses innovation as an important outcome of collaboration between international firms and their local business customer firms in emerging markets.
Strategic re‐structuring by born‐globals using outward and inward‐oriented activity
Authors: Freeman Susan , Deligonul Seyda , Cavusgil Tamer
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Current conceptualizations of born‐globals lack a full theoretical explanation of strategic re‐structuring through the use of outward and inward‐oriented activity and the processes of de‐internationalization and re‐internationalization. Strategy and internationalization processes are created by entrepreneurial behaviour. If one wants to understand various international behaviours and strategic changes in firms one needs to focus on entrepreneurs – individual managers. The purpose of this paper is to unify the theoretical framework on born‐globals by addressing two questions. How do managers move through the de‐internationalization (exit) to re‐internationalization (re‐entry) process? How do they choose their patterns of internationalization?

Design/methodology/approach

To address these research gaps, this study draws on 26 in‐depth interviews with senior managers across nine Australian born‐globals.

Findings

Moving between outward and inward‐oriented activity as they de‐internationalize and re‐internationalize is used as proactive strategic re‐structuring by born‐global managers for survival during periods of global economic decline or changing competitive conditions.

Originality/value

This study provides new theoretical insights where the entrepreneur is central to the internationalization process and provides practical implications for those involved in international business and marketing.
Service orientation and dynamic capabilities in Chinese companies
Authors: Fearon Colm , Yang Jian , McLaughlin Heather , Duysters Geert M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and reflect upon some of the major (quality) issues concerning supply chain management (SCM) for Chinese companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw upon the literature, especially the theoretical perspectives of service orientation and dynamic capabilities, develop a macro‐analysis of SCM issues within a conceptual framework and posit ideas for further research. Discussion and reflection of interview findings is interwoven with the literature and on‐going case study analysis.

Findings

In conjunction with the conceptual framework, the influence of government, improving relationships throughGuanxiand developing overall logistics capacity are identified as important dynamic capabilities for Chinese companies. Specific SCM issues such as: the role of distributors; regional supply networks; and information sharing are also identified and discussed. The authors suggest ideas for further research based on the discussion presented.

Research limitations/implications

Given the relatively small number of qualitative SCM studies in recent years concerning China, an exploratory discussion and reflection of key issues from a macro‐analytical perspective is important. However, no empirical findings, propositions, or hypotheses were developed as part of the current thought‐piece. Nevertheless, the insight gained from the conceptual framework and ideas posited are useful for developing a future research agenda.

Originality/value

The paper has been written in response to calls for a wider understanding and reflection of the quality issues associated with the development of SCM in China.
An attributional perspective of aggression in organizations
Authors: Brees Jeremy R. , Mackey Jeremy , Martinko Mark J.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper emphasizes that employee attributional processing is a vital element in understanding employee aggression in organizations. The purpose of this paper is to summarize attributional perspectives and integrate recent theoretical advances into a comprehensive model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper achieved its objectives by reviewing and integrating research and theories on aggression, cognitive processing, and attribution processes to explain how employee aggression unfolds in the workplace. Propositions are suggested.

Findings

It was found that early conceptualizations proposing that employee attributions and attribution styles would play important and significant roles in predicting employee aggression were supported by recent research enabling theoretical advancements.

Originality/value

Over the last 15 years, research advances show how attributions influence employee aggression. This paper integrates recent theoretical advances with prior empirical evidence and provides a comprehensive model exhibiting how attributions influence aggression in the workplace.
Project Health: evaluation of a project‐based health education program
Authors: Zusevics Kaija L. , Lemke Melissa A. , Harley Amy E. , Florsheim Paul
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Milwaukee has very high rates of risky sexual behavior and low rates of academic achievement among adolescents. Milwaukee school representatives partnered with researchers to create and implement an innovative project‐based learning (PBL) high school health curriculum to engage students in school. This health education program, Project Health (PH), aimed to engage Milwaukee Public Schools high school students, by PBL, into the urban health classroom. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the curriculum on student engagement and document the process of implementing this program, in order to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas of needed improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Student engagement was measured with an 18‐item scale at three time points in intervention and control schools. Attendance data were collected by tracking the number of days students were absent from school the semester the curriculum was implemented. Analysis of covariance was used to test whether students in PH classes were more engaged and if they had fewer absences than students in the control classes. The process evaluation included interviews with teachers, focus groups with high school students, and focus groups with teaching assistants. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to extract key themes and categories across all data.

Findings

Students in the intervention health class were significantly less absent from school than control students. However, they were not more engaged than their peers in control schools as measured by a student engagement scale. Various components of the PBL teaching approach used in the Project Health high school curriculum were viewed as positive by health educators, students, and teaching assistants. Results indicate that PBL used in health education may increase school attendance.

Originality/value

This study was original in that it documented how a novel health education program that incorporated PBL can positively impact urban students’ school attendance. It also highlighted the process of implementing this program from the vantage point of students, assistants, and health education.
Workplace conflict and employee well‐being
Authors: Sonnentag Sabine , Unger Dana , Nägel Inga J.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address the relation between task and relationship conflicts at work and employee well‐being. It seeks to examine psychological detachment from work during off‐job time as a moderator in the relation between conflicts and well‐being.

Design/methodology/approach

In a field study, 291 white‐collar employees completed survey measures of task conflicts, relationship conflicts, psychological detachment from work during off‐job time, and well‐being. Control variables included workload and job control.

Findings

Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that employees experiencing high levels of task conflicts and high levels of relationship conflicts report poorer well‐being. As predicted, psychological detachment from work mitigated the negative relation between relationship conflicts and well‐being. Contrary to expectations, psychological detachment failed to moderate the relation between task conflicts and well‐being.

Practical implications

The study suggests that employees should be encouraged to disengage mentally from work during leisure time.

Originality/value

This study links research on workplace conflicts with research on recovery processes. It tests the moderator effect of psychological detachment from work on the association between workplace conflicts and well‐being.
Optimization of positioning system of FDM machine design using analytical approach
Authors: Wesley Machado Cunico Marlon , de Carvalho Jonas
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the conception of the positioning system of fused deposition modeling (FDM) machines, optimising design parameter and components accuracy to decrease mechanical errors of equipment, which, consequently, results in the increase of parts accuracy. This paper also reports studies related to analytical estimation of machine errors, describing a theoretical model which was used for the multivariable study. Additionally, an alternative conception is proposed, according with the result of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

For elaboration of the numerical model of equipment, the authors have focused on conception of first generation of FDM, specifying as design parameters, timing belt stiffness, linear bearing clearance, and accuracy grade of ball screw housing, support and pulley. In order to identify the main effect of each design parameter for the final error of machine, the authors have applied a multivariable method in addition to identifying the error budget of model. Also indicated are the two factors that promote more errors, undergoing a proposal of conception which consists in replacing one component of machine.

Findings

With reference to the evaluation of the numerical model, equivalency was found between the resultant error of model and the current FDM accuracy. The result of multivariable study identified the main causes of errors in machine, implying on an optimized solution which decreases the initial error in 69 μm. Similarly, the evaluation of the proposed conception resulted in the reduction of general error in almost 20 μm, even though the worst case was studied for this comparison.

Originality/value

Although the number of applications for additive manufacturing has been growing in recent years, implying an increase of demand for high precision parts, there are still several challenges to be overcome, such as the improvement of equipment. For that reason, the motivation of this work concerns the contribution for development of new equipment, as well the improvement of current technologies. Furthermore, the authors' focus was the reduction of mechanical errors through an analytical approach.
Comparison of different post processing technologies for SLM generated 316l steel parts
Authors: Löber Lukas , Flache Christoph , Petters Romy , Kühn Uta , Eckert Jürgen
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare different post processing techniques for improving the high surface roughness (SR) characteristic of parts generated by selected laser melting (SLM).

Design/methodology/approach

Test parts were built by SLM and their surface was characterized via SEM and optical measurements. The surface of the as‐generated parts was then modified by grinding, sand blasting and electrolytic and plasma polishing to reduce the SR.

Findings

The change of the SR after the different surface treatments was quantified and compared. The effectiveness and usability of the post processing techniques and their combinations were determined. The results indicate that some of the post processes are only usable for simple structures.

Research limitations/implications

The amount of abrasion induced by the different surface treatments was not quantified. A major focus of future work should deal with this issue.

Practical implications

The surface quality of parts with simple geometry can be enhanced by simple methods such as grinding. Complex parts need more advanced techniques, such as electrolytic polishing.

Originality/value

The effect of different post processing techniques for improving the surface roughness of SLM‐generated parts has been analyzed for the first time. This paper can help to improve the SR of parts produced by SLM.
An integrated cost‐model for selective laser melting (SLM)
Authors: Rickenbacher L. , Spierings A. , Wegener K.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The integration of additive manufacturing (AM) processes into a production environment requires a cost‐model that allows the precise estimation of the total cost per part, although the part might be produced in the same build job together with other parts of different sizes, complexities and quantities. Several cost‐models have been proposed in the past, but most of them are not able to calculate the costs for each single part in a mixed build job or are not suitable for Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The purpose of this paper is to develop a cost model, including all pre‐ and post‐processing steps linked to SLM.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on collected data and the generic cost model of Alexander et al., an adapted model was developed for the SLM process including all required pre‐ and post‐processes. Each process was analysed and modelled in detail, allowing an evaluation of the influences of the different geometries on the cost of each part.

Findings

By simultaneously building up multiple parts, the manufacturing as well as the set‐up time and therefore the total cost per part can be significantly reduced. In the presented case study a cost reduction of 41 per cent can be achieved in average.

Originality/value

Using different cost allocation algorithms, the developed cost model enables a precise determination of total cost per part avoiding that any geometry is preferred in simultaneous manufacture. This helps to optimize build jobs and to manufacture SLM parts more economically by pooling parts from different projects, whereas the cost per part can still be precisely determined.
An approach to quantifying social justice in selected developing countries
Authors: Helmy Heba E.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to prove that any attempt to implement social justice in its present undefined form is unattainable, and to successfully achieve social justice, the term should be quantified by an appropriate index; accordingly, the first objective of this paper is to make an attempt to construct an appropriate social justice index. The second objective is to quantify this index for a number of developing countries so that a government with low value of social justice index can make policy for achieving an appropriate level of social justice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper constructs a new composite index for social justice for 40 mostly developing countries by selecting six subindicators, each of which represents one aspect or dimension of social justice. The values of the subindicators are then normalized and the final composite index is formed from the weighted average of the subindicators.

Findings

The study quantified the levels of social justice in developing countries through a new social justice index and compared the ranking of some developing countries using the new index. The index also helped in identifying areas of social justice that need improvement and hence can improve the developing countries' scores in the social justice index.

Originality/value

The paper is valuable to policy makers in developing countries especially the Arab Spring countries in their pursuit for achieving social justice. Quantifying social justice clarifies exactly where such countries stand and the dimensions of social justice that need urgent action to improve their performance and thus their index scores.
Behaviour change strategies for energy efficiency in owner‐occupied housing
Authors: Bichard Erik , Thurairajah Nirooja
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Government policies in many countries are trying to accelerate conservation of energy as part of wider carbon management or energy security strategies. This paper aims to describe a trial that tested a behaviour change strategy that combined three different influencing components designed to motivate home owners to invest in energy‐saving measures in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was based on the findings from an earlier phase of the project and was further supported with a comprehensive literature review. Data collection was carried out using survey strategies, interviews and capturing the actions of the participating households. Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive statistical methods and the most appropriate software.

Findings

The project results reflected that a combination of information delivered at key moments in the decision‐making process, incentives, and norm‐based influences have the potential to help motivate owners of domestic property to invest in energy‐saving measures. However, this strategy needs to be delivered within the context of affordable materials and installer costs.

Research limitations/implications

The trial was designed to be a limited sample experiment that was commissioned as a proof of concept study. However, policy‐makers may require a larger sample and an extended period before the proposals are rolled out on a national scale.

Originality/value

Although there are many behaviour change studies, there are far fewer on pro‐environmental behaviour in relation to climate change. This study places an emphasis on non‐cash incentives as the central proposition and this cannot be found within the relevant knowledge domain. The trial was also original in the way it incorporated other influencers including norm‐based tactics and facilitation in a combined strategy with incentives.
Engaging global training program delivers high‐performance results
Authors: Jackson Rick , Stoneman Sue
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the impact of the DHL Express CIS Foundation program, a globally consistent learning program, which was developed and delivered to 100,000 employees in 220 countries in 42 languages in less than 18 months. The intention was to motivate, invigorate and inspire those employees to be the best that they could be,

Design/methodology/approach

Results‐driven learning and development agency NKD Learning created a breakthrough training program designed to invigorate employee engagement, instill a truly customer‐centric mindset and deliver measurable success to international company, DHL Express. The blended learning approach of the bespoke Certified International Specialist (CIS) Foundation Program included a one and a half day experiential event, supported by stand‐alone, hour‐long interactive training modules and painstakingly crafted trainer scripts – which could be easily adapted and translated into 42 languages and still be effective.

Findings

In less than 18 months, all 100,000 DHL Express employees had been through the CIS Foundation and all project deliverables had been achieved to agreed quality, cost and timeline standards. End of program feedback scores averaged 5.8 out of 6. Key employee opinion scores significantly exceeded the agreed targets for Strategy, Employee Engagement, and Learning & Development. The actual scores showed year‐on‐year increases of between 7 and 11 percent, compared to the 1 to 3 percent target increases.

Originality/value

The DHL Express CIS Foundation module course incorporates innovative learning methodologies and approaches, cutting‐edge film and animation support messaging, and hi‐impact learning materials.
The decision to trust boosts performance
Authors: Kervinen Anni
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Futurice is an international software design and development house that has grown from three to 150 people in 12 years. In the middle of the growth, people who earlier made perfectly rational and clever decisions independently started suddenly to make bad and unjustifiable decisions. The purpose of this paper is to examine the company strategy to improve decision making and overall performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at how the company responded by making all company information completely transparent to all its staff. All employees were recommended to make decisions concerning themselves and the work environment. Futurice became very active in fostering a sense of caring. The company also started actively to develop company strategy, vision, mission and short‐term goals with its employees.

Findings

The paper reveals that the chosen way has been successful. Futurice has been growing quickly in all its European offices and yet it is very profitable. People rarely leave the organization and customer satisfaction is also high.

Originality/value

This case study gives HR professionals looking to improve employee decision making an example of a successful strategy.
Chinese multinationals in Denmark
Authors: Li‐Ying Jason , Stucchi Tamara , Visholm Anne , Solvig Jansen Joanna
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain in detail the strategic asset‐seeking OFDIs of Chinese firms in Denmark through a theoretical lens that combines the updated OLI (Ownership, Location, Internalization) paradigm and the internalization theory. Meanwhile, the authors hope to unveil the unique characteristics of firm specific advantages (FSAs, including O and I advantages) and country specific advantages (CSAs, including L advantages).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors chose two case firms that just started investing and a third one that was in the process of preparing investment in Denmark. Primary data were collected by semi‐structured interviews in English at various locations in late 2009 and early 2010. The three Chinese firms in this study share a common primary objective in their strategic orientation of OFDIs. That is to seek strategic assets that are complementary and critical to augment their existing FSAs.

Findings

Rugman stated that strategic asset‐seeking OFDIs are supposed to have high levels of FSAs and CSAs. This study presents a more detailed analysis regarding the O, L and I advantages that Chinese investing firms in Denmark are perceived to possess. It was found that these Chinese investing firms had high levels of Oa and Oi but Ot was largely absent; furthermore, although Lr was obviously appreciated in Denmark, Li presented a mixed picture. The paper also found that internalization advantages were only able to be realized when investing firms were good at utilizing networking and guanxi, which were largely derived from their prior Oi advantages.

Originality/value

Few have analyzed strategic asset‐seeking OFDIs made by emerging markets based on the FSA/CSA matrix that combines the OLI paradigm and the internalization theory. This study pursued this research endeavor by enriching a refined framework that connects the OLI paradigm, which recognizes multiple dimensions of O advantages and an institutional perspective, to the internalization theory, which converts O and I advantages into FSAs and associates L advantages with CSAs.
Temporary project network and innovation: research on the Italian regional wine industry
Authors: Pezzillo Iacono Mario , Esposito Vincenza , Berni Alessia
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This study aims at exploring the characteristics of the Temporary Project Networks (TPNs) in small and medium‐sized wine producing enterprises, both from a theoretical and an empirical perspective. It aims to discuss different types of temporary inter‐firm collaboration clusters both in terms of structural/organizational features and in terms of innovation tasks development. It also aims to develop an empirically derived taxonomy of TPNs within the Sannio wine industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the literature supporting the argument that the act of innovating is related strongly with the creation of new knowledge. In particular, the knowledge‐based theory places primary emphasis on inter‐organizational knowledge exchanges in explaining enhanced knowledge creation toward better innovative outcomes. The design of forms of coordination between companies is investigated with reference to TPNs, a form of collaboration that has been less investigated in the literature, especially with respect to small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The survey concerned 40 SMEs operating in wine production in Sannio, one of the most promising areas of the Campania region and the entire Italian economic system. The research is based on the use of different quantitative instruments (administration of structured questionnaires and statistical analysis) and qualitative instruments (semi‐structured interviews of management, analysis of information material, reports as well as planning documents of the companies involved in the analysis). A cluster analysis has been carried out to identify TPN typologies.

Findings

The study finds that the different kinds of inter‐organizational collaborations lead to two‐cluster solutions that refer to two of the TPNs models formalised by Bakkeret al.The findings add to the view that there is variation in types of project network and go against the often held idea that temporary projects are by definition short‐termed and focused on non‐routine tasks.

Originality/value

The study was able to expand the understanding of TPNs and innovation in two respects. First, it should be noted that only a few studies have adopted the TPN framework to investigate the inter‐organizational coordination mechanisms among SMEs. This study could usefully find its place in this literature gap, thus contributing to develop a typological research in order to identify TPN clusters with homogeneous distinctive characteristics. Secondly, the study has an explorative role of analysis, which can be useful for generating research hypotheses in future works, connecting the features of TPNs with the development of innovation processes.
Special issue on organizational mechanisms for effective knowledge creation in projects
Authors: Canonico Paolo , Söderlund Jonas , De Nito Ernesto , Mangia Gianluigi
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Knowledge creation is increasingly singled out as an important activity in a wide range of sectors. At the same time, projects are considered to be thelociwhere much of knowledge creation takes place. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the current issues within this area and point out a few directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a literature review and a summary of the papers included in the special issue. The aim of the literature review consists in pointing out the key themes in the continuing debate on knowledge creation in projects.

Findings

The paper argues that research needs to be developed along the following lines: the preconditions of effective knowledge creation mechanisms; the organizational practices able to support knowledge creation mechanisms; the contribution of communities of practice to knowledge creation in projects; the role of time and timing in projects knowledge creation; and the challenges associated with inter‐organizational projects and knowledge creation.

Originality/value

This paper (and the special issue) provides an understanding of the context of knowledge creation, of the requirements that different contexts place on knowledge creation, and of the suitability of such mechanisms in peculiar contexts. These issues have received only limited attention to date in the project management literature.
Opportunity crime and the Great American Garage Sale
Authors: Vardalis James J. , Bowen Kendra N. , Waters‐Bland Shannon
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Due to several factors that include a declining economy, high unemployment, home down‐sizing trends and the aging population, the weekend private home sales have permeated every residential neighborhood in the country. Countless households have garage sales, and many times they contain items of considerable value. Little is known about this vast phenomenon and its potential for criminal opportunity. Based on a survey of North Texas residents that held a garage sale, the authors aimed to extract some important findings on a topic that has had little attention.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the exploratory nature of the study, descriptive statistics were utilized to provide insight into what takes place at garage sales. The areas of concentration in this research included the independent variables of the home garage sale environment and the dependent variables of theft and deviant behavior. Although several environmental factors were examined.

Findings

Findings included thefts, inquiry to buy guns, small organized groups working to distract watchers, changing prices, and attempting intimidation with inappropriate remarks.

Research limitations/implications

This research has several limitations that require explanation. First, the authors utilized a convenience sample by mailing to addresses from public newspapers. The study findings suggested that future research utilize a larger random sample of different areas over a longer period of time to increase generalizability.

Practical implications

The researchers realize that each state and city may be different from the area studied and may not be applicable to everyone. Nevertheless, this study highlights the need for, as well as provides the basis for, additional interest in determining crime at garage and yard sales.

Social implications

The study suggested offenders may be attracted into neighborhoods where, as strangers, they are not recognized as strangers therefore allowing them unrestricted access to communities.

Originality/value

Crime and associated criminal activity and yard sales have been overlooked. Not until they seem to permeate every neighborhood has anyone related them to crime. Little is known about this vast phenomenon and its potential for criminal opportunity.
Preventing alienation and social disorder with “Emotional Logic”
Authors: Griffiths Trevor
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on eight years of piloting an innovative, practical, lifelong learning intervention that improves emotional intelligence in families, schools, communities and workplaces in a unique way: each person gains insights to adjust constructively together to disappointments. “Emotional Logic” identifies a root cause in accumulating complex loss reactions that produces the destructive behaviour, self‐centredness and vengefulness seen in riots and other distress and tension reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

“Emotional Logic” is a teachable language technology, with a set of tools that safely maps emotional chaos. From this mapping, a learning plan is generated that guides self‐help action and improves communication at the right emotional level to promote co‐operation between people and prevent recurrences of distress reactions.

Findings

An outline of the wide range of piloting studies is given. Self‐respect, honesty, empathy and the capacity to make realistic decisions rapidly improve, leading to personal development with unpredictable outcomes.

Practical implications

Training for front‐line staff, managers and redundant health and social care workers could produce leaders for community‐based “Emotional Logic Learning Clubs” within nine months.

Social implications

Many young people cover a sense of shame and anxiety with bravado, or they withdraw into an existential depression. Learning Emotional Logic may improve both communication across generations, and understanding of the common humanity between different groups within our one British culture. The new emotional insights could help young people to resist being inappropriately led, and enable them instead to bring assertive order to situations.

Originality/value

The Emotional Logic tools are unique. Each person can safely map their emotional chaos during times of change, and link these feelings to values they had not named before.
Connecting the dots
Authors: Abban Rita , Omta S.W.F. (Onno) , Aheto John B.K. , Scholten V.E.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Most research on networks of exporting SMEs has been conducted in developed economies. The present paper aims to apply this concept to a developing economy arguing that there is a combination of internal firm factors (human and physical capital, social and management team networks) that will lead to higher (past) performance in terms of firm size given different contextual factors (such as institutions and supply chain complexity).

Design/methodology/approach

Ten SME case studies are analysed in the non‐traditional agricultural export (NTAE) sector in Ghana.

Findings

The findings suggest that performance is highest for those SMEs where the CEO has received tertiary level education and has export experience for over five years, which export directly (no use of traders), make extensive use of Ghana's export institutions, use export contracts and are members of SME associations.

Research limitations/implications

Policy makers in Sub Saharan governments in general and Ghanaian government officials in particular can use these findings to focus their policy on these types of SMEs.

Originality/value

Whereas most research on networks of exporting SMEs has been conducted in developed economies, this paper seeks to apply this concept to a developing economy. Policy makers and officials in government can use the findings to focus their policy on the types of SMEs where performance is highest.
Customer‐perceived relationship quality and satisfaction
Authors: Negi Rakshit , Ketema Eyob
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore and assess the contribution of relationship marketing constructs namely trust, commitment, communication, and conflict handling to perceived quality of customer relationship and satisfaction in an Ethiopian mobile communications perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive research approach was used, and a sample of 350 respondents was drawn using systematic random sampling technique. Multivariate analyses (factor and multiple regressions) were applied to test the theoretical framework set for the study.

Findings

All relationship marketing dimensions were found to be significant contributors to both relationship quality and customer satisfaction. Empirically, similar to other studies conducted in varying contexts, customer satisfaction was found to be a significant predictor of relationship quality in the Ethiopian mobile telecommunication sector.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the study is limited to the mobile service subscribers of Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation in Addis Ababa.

Practical implications

As the quality of firm‐customer relationship plays a key role in practising relationship marketing, understanding the way it operates in the corporation's context is of great relevance to facilitate long‐term customer relationships.

Originality/value

Since most of the previous studies target to see the contribution of basic relationship marketing constructs to firm‐customer relationship quality, this study explored their contribution in developing satisfied customers, and examined the role of satisfaction in bringing quality to firm‐customer relationships.
Preliminary reflections on the privatization policy in Nigeria
Authors: Etieyibo Edwin
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Like many developing countries, Nigeria embarked on the privatization of many of its state owned enterprises (SOEs) in the late 1980s. Although a number of stakeholders, for different reasons, are opposed to the divesture of many of the country's SOEs, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the agency charged with the responsibility of implementing the Nigerian policy on privatization and commercialization, has continued with the exercise. The first phase of the privatization programme began in 1988 under the Technical Committee on Privatization and Commercialization (TCPC) and ended in 1993, and the second phase began in 1998 under the BPE and is proceeding with full steam. As of last count about 400 SOEs have been divested both by the TCPC and BPE. This paper aims to reflect on the privatization policy in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper seeks to reflect on the privatization policy in Nigeria and examines some of the strengths/successes and weaknesses/failures of the exercise.

Findings

There are enormous benefits that Nigeria can reap from privatization if the exercise is done properly. This is possible if it addresses the major problems that confront it with regards to various aspects of the implementation of the sale of SOEs.

Originality/value

The paper reflects on privatization in Nigeria, proffers some way forward and points to some lessons for other African or developing countries that have embraced or are planning on embracing the policy.
Precipitation of alacranite (As8S9) by a novel As(V)‐respiring anaerobe strain MPA‐C3
Authors: Mumford Adam C. , Yee Nathan , Young Lily Y.
Published: April 2013

Strain MPA‐C3 was isolated by incubating arsenic‐bearing sediments under anaerobic, mesophilic conditions in minimal media with acetate as the sole source of energy and carbon, and As(V) as the sole electron acceptor. Following growth and the respiratory reduction of As(V) to As(III), a yellow precipitate formed in active cultures, while no precipitate was observed in autoclaved controls, or in uninoculated media supplemented with As(III). The precipitate was identified by X‐ray diffraction as alacranite, As8S9, a mineral previously only identified in hydrothermal environments. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that strain MPA‐C3 is a member of the Deferribacteres family, with relatively low (90%) identity to Denitrovibrio acetiphilus DSM 12809. The arsenate respiratory reductase gene, arrA, was sequenced, showing high homology to the arrA gene of Desulfitobacterium halfniense. In addition to As(V), strain MPA‐C3 utilizes NO3−, Se(VI), Se(IV), fumarate and Fe(III) as electron acceptors, and acetate, pyruvate, fructose and benzoate as sources of carbon and energy. Analysis of a draft genome sequence revealed multiple pathways for respiration and carbon utilization. The results of this work demonstrate that alacranite, a mineral previously thought to be formed only chemically under hydrothermal conditions, is precipitated under mesophilic conditions by the metabolically versatile strain MPA‐C3.