bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women's employment in the institutional and cultural context
Authors: Pfau‐Effinger Birgit
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how cross‐national differences in the employment rates of women with children under age three can be explained. It argues that not only differences in welfare‐state family policies, but also differences in the gender culture contribute to the explanation of such differences.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the theoretical approach of the “gender arrangement” which conceptualizes the ways in which family policies and culture interact, together with social and economic factors, in their impact on gendered social practices. It then analyses the differences in the employment rates of women with children under age three in six European countries, and how these are influenced by family policies, the gender culture and the labour‐market situation in the specific country, using data from international surveys as well as country case studies from an international EU‐Project.

Findings

The findings show that differences in family policies alone do not explain cross‐national differences in the employment rates of mothers with children below age three. They support the argument that an explanation requires consideration of a more complex framework of factors, to which culture certainly contributes substantially.

Originality/value

The role that culture may have in the explanation of the employment of mothers with children in contrast to the role of family policies is still a contested issue. Empirical studies which support the assumption that culture matters in this explanation are still rare. This relates particularly also to the employment of women with children below age three. In this group, cross‐national differences in these women's employment rates are particularly high. The paper introduces theoretical and methodological elaborations in this regard.
Trends and social divisions in maternal employment patterns following maternity leave in the UK
Authors: Fagan Colette , Norman Helen
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the social divisions in maternal employment patterns post‐childbirth, recorded by earlier studies have persisted for a later cohort of mothers that had a pregnancy in the early 2000s, in the context of an expansion of childcare and other improvements in reconciliation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal data from the UK's Millennium Cohort Study are analysed using logistic regression.

Findings

It was found that mothers are more likely to be employed, and employed full‐time, when their child is aged three if they were employed during the pregnancy and resumed employment within nine months of the birth. The mothers' occupational class, ethnicity, household composition and the working hours of a partner also have independent associations with the probability of maternal employment once the child is aged three.

Research limitations/implications

The authors would expect these results to be modified – but not overturned – in a different national setting, for example where childcare services are more extensive or part‐time employment is less common.

Originality/value

These new longitudinal survey results for a recent cohort of mothers in the UK demonstrate that resumption of employment following maternity leave is pivotal for women's subsequent employment integration. Yet maternal employment trajectories remain shaped by social inequalities. Both results are important for informing debates about reconciliation policy for the pre‐school years, including monitoring the impact of the recession on the employment integration of women following childbirth.
Strategies to promote lesson study in developing countries
Authors: Saito Eisuke
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the developmental stages of lesson study for learning community (LSLC) and to clarify the measures necessary for promoting the progress of LSLC, targeting consultants working on educational development projects for developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is organised as a conceptual paper. First, LSLC is positioned in the context of literature on school reform, then an explanation of the LSLC framework and the LSLC developmental stages is offered.

Findings

LSLC is a systemic school reform activity based on lesson study. However, unlike lesson study models in international literature, the entire school is involved from the very beginning and observation and joint reflection are focused upon across subject boundaries. There are five stages in LSLC development, from confusion at the initial stage to sustainment.

Practical implications

Using LSLC, teachers learn how to respond to children and how to enhance the quality of students’ learning through mutual observation and reflection. Because of the tendency for teachers to focus on teaching methods and techniques, consultants first have to allow teachers to pay more attention to children. As they become able to describe children and their learning in lessons, it becomes important to let them discuss enhancing the quality of learning.

Originality/value

LSLC is a very new approach to school reform and lesson study. Thus, despite the existing literature on LSLC cases in developing countries, few theoretical explanations have been undertaken. This paper targets professional consultants in developing countries and aims to provide a detailed explanation from a conceptual perspective.
Human resource management and total quality management linkage – rhetoric and reality
Authors: Daoud Abu‐Doleh Jamal
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices on the implementation of total quality management (TQM) practices, on the one hand, and to investigate the impacts of HRM and TQM practices on the organizational quality performance, on the other.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey designed to be answered by human resource managers and quality managers. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.

Findings

HRM practices such as training and development, employee career planning, and recruiting and selection had the greatest significant influences on the implementation of TQM. The results of the study also reveal that HRM practices and TQM practices have a significant effect on organizational quality performance, especially employee quality awareness, customer satisfaction, and company image.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of the study was not large enough to permit the use of any sophisticated statistical analysis. Further research should be considered in order to gather more information about HRM and TQM linkages in different business industries.

Practical implications

The HRM system and TQM system should be aligned with corporate strategy to ensure that HRM and TQM practices are in congruence with each other. Also, there should be evidence of existence of an integrated system for assessing the success of these practices.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the linkage between HRM and TQM practices, focusing on Jordan. Therefore, this paper offers some useful suggestions that may lead to translating quality rhetoric into concrete business practice.
On the operation and maintenance practices of wind power asset
Authors: El‐Thalji Idriss , Liyanage Jayantha P.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the operation and maintenance practices within wind power applications and to clarify practical needs as gaps between researchers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper collects, categorizes, and analyzes the published literature of both researchers and practitioners systematically.

Findings

The paper defines significant issues in operation and maintenance of wind energy related to: site and seasonal asset disturbances; stakeholders’ requirements trade‐off; dependability and asset deterioration challenges; diagnostic, prognostic and information and communication technologies (ICTs) applications; and maintenance optimization models. Within each category, the gaps and further research needs have been extracted with respect to both an academic and industrial perspective.

Practical implications

The use of wind energy is growing rapidly and the associated practices related to maintenance and asset management are still lacking. Therefore, the literature review of operation and maintenance is a necessity to uncover the holistic issues and interrelationships of what has so far been published as detailed and fragmented topics to specific issues. Wind energy assets represent modern renewable energy assets which are affected by environmental disturbances, rapid technological development, rapid scaling‐up processes, the stochastic and dynamic nature of operations and degradation, the integrity and interoperability of system‐to‐support.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive review of research contributions and industrial development efforts. That will be useful to the life cycle stakeholders in both academia and industry in understanding the maintenance problem and solution space within the wind energy context.
Measuring employee readiness for knowledge management using intention to be involved with KM SECI processes
Authors: Shahriza Abdul Karim Nor , Jalaldeen Mohamed Razi Mohamed , Mohamed Norshidah
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the concept of knowledge management (KM) readiness using intention to be involved in the KM processes concept. These processes comprised of socialisation, externalisation, combination, and internalisation (SECI processes). The research also attempts to measure and validate the concept using data collected from the Sri Lankan telecommunication industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the established KM SECI process measures adopted and adapted, instruments were administered using a survey research methodology approach on 313 executives working in the selected organizations in the Sri Lankan telecommunication industry. A confirmatory factor analysis technique was performed to verify and validate the measurement model of the intention to be involved in KM processes model. Based on the revised measurement model, the level of intention to be involved in the KM SECI processes within the industry was then reported.

Findings

The research finding provides the revised measurement model for employees' intention to be involved in KM SECI processes. All four variables of the intention to be involved in KM SECI processes emerged as significant and reliable measures for KM readiness. The finding also indicates the positive level of intention among the employees in the Sri Lankan telecommunication industry to be involved in KM processes.

Originality/value

The research provides a unique perspective of KM readiness, which is not much covered in the KM literature. The measurement produced can be used as a research tool for more exploratory and explanatory research in KM and, as an evaluative tool for employee readiness in ensuring the success of KM initiatives in organizations. The confirmed and validated set of measurement items can be used to measure the extent to which employees are ready to be involved with KM processes. Through the validated tool, more research can be conducted to explore the antecedents of such readiness perception.
Common European Sales Law
Authors: DiMatteo Larry A.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This article seeks to take a critical look at the proposed Common European Sales Law (CESL).

Design/methodology/approach

The article looks at the rationales given to support the enactment of the CESL. The approach is critical in nature seeking to vet the plausibility of the rationales given for a new regulation The article also takes a critical look at the CESL's structure and trilogy of coverage – sale of goods, supply of digital content, and supply of services.

Findings

The article exposes some of the shortcomings of the CESL and the dangers to substantive private law of crafting a regulation based on political feasibility.

Research limitations/implications

The CESL as proposed offers some innovative ideas in areas of the bifurcation of businesses into large and small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as rules covering digital content and the supply of trade‐related services. In the end, the analysis suggests a more thorough review is needed to better understand the CESL's interrelationship with the Convention on Contracts for the International Sales Law (CISG) and EU consumer protection law.

Practical implications

Further analysis is needed and unanswered questions need to be answered prior to the enactment of the CESL into law. A practical first step would to begin with a more targeted law focused on internet trading and licensing contracts.

Originality/value

This article questions the rationales given for the enactment of an ambitious new regulation covering disparate areas of sale of goods, supplying (licensing) of digital content, trade‐related services, and consumer protection. It further questions the rationality and practicality of the creation of the designation of SMEs as types of businesses in need of extra protections not currently provided by contract law's general policing doctrines.
The legitimacy of foreign investors
Authors: Kaya Ayse , Walker James T.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This article aims to analyze individual attitudes toward the impact of multinational enterprises (MNEs) on local businesses. These individual attitudes are important in understanding voters' preferences, which studies show to affect governmental policies. MNEs' market entry location decisions are conditioned by the host's political environment. Moreover, MNEs' attempts to attain legitimacy in their host contexts ultimately affect their bottom line, so how the public perceive MNEs matters.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a large‐scale data set, the paper carefully delineates between a set of potential mechanisms influencing individual attitudes to globalization in the context of individuals' attitudes toward the impact of MNEs on local businesses.

Findings

The article demonstrates that there is remarkable heterogeneity and complexity in individual attitudes toward the impact of MNEs on local businesses and that these attitudes differ across regions and across countries. It is found that better educated individuals, those employed in the private sector, and those who do not have nationalistic tendencies are more likely to consider that MNEs are not harming local firms, while the opposite holds for those who are employed in “less skilled” occupations, such as those working in plants or in elementary occupations. The article also provides evidence that individuals' attitudes are determined by more than the labor market calculations these individuals might have. In fact, the socializing influence of education and the socializing impact of the individuals' type/sector of occupation also significantly determine the individual attitudes under study.

Originality/value

This area of research remains substantially under‐developed in the literature that analyzes individual attitudes toward globalization, which focuses on individual attitudes toward trade and immigration. Thus, the article not only aims to broaden the work on individual attitudes toward globalization, but it also aims to facilitate further discussion on the specific topic of individual attitudes toward MNEs.
Assessment of effective factors in ERP acceptance
Authors: Allahyari Akbar , Ramazani Morteza
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Employment and performance of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems process is a technical‐social change affecting strategic and operational levels of a company and therefore its performance will fulfil expected productivity of the organization using these systems. Therefore, it is necessary to examine effective factors in ERP acceptance before its performance. This study aims to investigate the effective factors in ERP acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research considered 14 key effective factors in ERP acceptance in LME companies. The research method was descriptive and a survey was carried out. In order to obtain the research goals statistical methods, descriptive‐deductive, have been utilized in this study. The author used the Friedman test to score research variables and the Mann‐Whitney test to examine the current gap between manufacturing‐service companies.

Findings

The results of the research indicate the acceptance of ERP in the integration of applications, integration of information systems, increase in demands for real and on‐time information, information generation for decision‐making and ultimately for costs.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on employment and performance of ERP systems.
Effects of fuel efficiency improvements in personal transportation
Authors: Menon Balagopal G. , Mahanty Biswajit
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of the effects of fuel efficiency improvements on four‐wheeler ownership, fuel consumption, fuel imports and emissions for personal transportation in the context of India. The paper also aims to measure the rebound effect induced by this policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on a system dynamics model to analyse the problem. A causal loop model was developed initially, which was transformed to a stock and flow diagram. Simulation was carried out to capture the effects of fuel efficiency improvements in the four‐wheeler sector of India.

Findings

The study has revealed that a policy of fuel efficiency improvements is favourable to the Indian four‐wheeler sector growth, but this policy could result in an increase in fuel consumption and therefore a corresponding increase in the fuel imports and emissions in the country. This policy also induces direct rebound effect that adds up to the already alarming fuel consumption levels.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to four‐wheeler passenger cars in India and gasoline as the transport fuel.

Originality/value

The paper offers a system dynamics model that can aid the government, vehicle manufacturers, and environment protection groups to further analyse policies regarding fuel efficiency improvements, fuel price adjustments, four‐wheeler ownership, energy consumption and emission, and to obtain some useful policy insights before those policies are implemented.
Interventions for mitigating indoor‐air pollution in Nigeria: a cost‐benefit analysis
Authors: Isihak Salisu , Akpan Uduak , Adeleye Monsuru
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the costs and benefits of interventions to reduce indoor‐air pollution arising from the use of solid biomass fuels for cooking and heating in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use cost‐benefit analysis and assess two intervention scenarios: providing access to improved stoves; and providing access to cleaner fuels (liquefied petroleum gas – LPG – burners). Both intervention scenarios are compared with the current situation, i.e. the “business as usual” scenario where there is no attempt to reduce the present level of exposure to indoor‐air pollution from solid fuel use.

Findings

The result shows that the cost‐benefit ratio of the stove intervention is 0.388 while that of LPG is 0.371.

Practical implications

While providing access to cleaner fuels (LPG) has a larger health impact on the population than improved stoves, the low income level of the participants will favor the stove option because of the lower recurrent cost which is usually borne by the participants. From a public health point of view, there is need for a continued emphasis on the promotion of improved stoves to reduce exposure in households using solid fuels until everyone can have access to cleaner fuels. Furthermore, since choice of cooking technologies is influenced by income level, the intervention policy should be implemented alongside other socio‐economic development programmes.

Originality/value

The paper bridges the knowledge gap with respect to the indoor‐air pollution issue in Nigeria. It offers policy makers an insight into the potential net benefit of intervening to reduce indoor‐air pollution arising from the use of solid biomass fuels in Nigeria.
Exploring the relationship between corporate social responsibility, law and development in an African context
Authors: Okoye Adaeze
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the problematic question of government's role in ensuring corporate social responsibility in an African context. This question may initially appear paradoxical yet it is becoming increasingly relevant in the face of linkages between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and development. The article uses the example of Nigeria's attempt to pass a CSR bill mandating contributions towards development to identify several questions arising in such contexts. It advises a contextual approach to identifying CSR objectives and recognises the need for frameworks which law can provide.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts a conceptual approach analysing the current debates about CSR and its linkage with development as well as the implications and issues raised by the attempted CSR law.

Findings

The main findings suggest that though CSR in general refers to business and society relationships, its content and targets need to be defined in context. Attempts to pass mandatory CSR laws (even where they do not succeed), hint at the need to concretise objectives particularly where CSR is linked to development. This can be done through frameworks which include the use of law in all its forms.

Originality/value

This article identifies a new direction that CSR may be taking in developing countries. It uses the Nigerian example to show that larger questions are looming for CSR, especially in connection with development. While current attempts to adopt a structured approach to CSR through legislation may not be wholly successful, they cannot be entirely ignored as this suggests the need for frameworks and concrete objectives in an African context like Nigeria.
Political risk insurance, CSR and the mining sector
Authors: Webb Kernaghan
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The aims of this paper are: to explore the nature of political risk insurance (PRI) contracts as a form of regulation in the context of mining projects in developing countries; to examine how PRI providers factor corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and practices of applicants in their initial decisions to provide PRI; to examine how CSR criteria are reflected in the terms of PRI contracts; to understand how failure to exercise good CSR practices by recipients of PRI affects insurance coverage; to shed light on how good CSR practices which minimize risk to companies and communities can be or are rewarded through PRI contracts; to identify opportunities for reform.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts a conceptual approach through analysis of the practical effects and public policy implications associated with use of PRI contracts as a regulatory mechanism to promote good CSR practices.

Findings

PRI contracts represent a form of proactive risk management used by investors. Because of the significant regulatory effect of the CSR provisions of PRI contracts provided by state‐based agencies, there is considerable potential for and value associated with greater transparency in the implementation of such contracts.

Originality/value

This article sheds light on the regulatory dimensions associated with the CSR provisions of PRI contracts. This represents a new contribution to the literature on CSR contracts, which until this point has focused largely on the CSR aspects of supply chain contracts.
Who has the final say?
Authors: He Ling‐Yun , Xie Wen‐Si
Published: August 2012

Purpose

There is a distinct separation of price discovery from pricing power in China's sugar spot and futures markets. The purpose of this paper is to identify the reasons and provide plausible explanations for this stylized phenomenon. Therefore, the research may deepen the understandings of the operational mechanisms and internal efficiency of China's sugar spot and futures markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the historical spot and futures price time series from China's sugar spot market and China's Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange (CZCE) within a co‐integration framework.

Findings

It is found that China's sugar spot market has the pricing power, even though the futures market leads the spot market in price discovery. The phenomenon of observed separation of price discovery in spot market from pricing power in futures market may be caused by: irrational speculation in CZCE sugar futures market; oligopoly and local government politics; or the operational efficiency of the wholesale spot market, especially for its comparative advantages of information accessibility in the sugar producing areas. The results are compared with other empirical findings in many other commodities markets to obtain deeper understandings.

Originality/value

The paper uncovers and provides the earliest econometric evidence of the observed stylized phenomenon and also provides plausible explanations for this phenomenon.
Probabilistic sensitivity analysis of a laser peening fatigue life enhancement process
Authors: Singh Gulshan , Cortina Miguel , Millwater Harry , Clauer Allan
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate probabilistic and regional importance sensitivities of fatigue life, with respect to the laser peening (LP) parameters applied to a Titanium turbine disk.

Design/methodology/approach

The sensitivities were calculated from Monte Carlo (MC) analysis of 21,000 simulations and probabilistic sensitivity methods.

Findings

The probabilistic sensitivity results indicate that the peak pressure and the mid‐span are the most important variables. The regional importance sensitivity results indicate that probability of failure is the most sensitive to the left tail of peak pressure and middle region of mid‐span and the fatigue life mean is the most sensitive to the left tails of the peak pressure and the mid‐span.

Practical implications

The sensitivity results of this research indicate that more time and energy should be focused on managing peak pressure and mid‐span, as compared to the remaining variables, to design and improve the laser peening process.

Originality/value

The paper presents four sensitivity analysis approaches which were formulated and employed to estimate fatigue life sensitivities with respect to the LP variables.
Mental health and challenging behaviour: an overview of research and practice
Authors: Thakker Yogesh , Bamidele Kunle , Ali Afia , Hassiotis Angela
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the current evidence base in understanding the relationship between mental health and challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses how challenging behaviour is associated with psychiatric disorders. Common aetiological factors between challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorders and diagnostic issues are considered. The article ends with a review of the assessment and management of challenging behaviour within the context of mental health.

Findings

Several studies have highlighted common aetiological factors that are responsible for challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorders in people with intellectual disabilities, and although there is an overlap in the symptoms, both are thought to be different phenomena. Treatment of the psychiatric disorder should ameliorate the challenging behaviour, although a functional analysis of the behaviour may still be required in order to understand the purpose of the behaviour. There is evidence for a range of different treatment approaches.

Originality/value

The article will assist professionals working with people with intellectual disabilities to understand the complex relationship between mental health and challenging behaviour. It also gives guidance on principles of management of people with complex mental health and behavioural needs.
Editor's perspective
Authors: Khilji Shaista E. , Matthews Candice D.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper (editorial) is to take a stock of the research focused upon South Asia, in order to evaluate if it has produced useful results, and to discuss its future directions as per the scope and mission of the South Asian Journal of Global Business Research. In view of pleas for greater attention to context effects, the authors use the concept of contextualization as the basis for analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative content analysis of research published in 21 top‐tier business journals is employed, including a total of 96 articles focusing upon South Asia or any South Asian country.

Findings

A contextualization typology is presented, related to purpose (whether context guides the research or not) and methodology (whether new or old framework and/or scales are used) and continuum of attention to contextualizations for hypotheses and/or research questions, and research findings in order to discuss the status of published South Asian research.

Research limitations/implications

The authors discuss limitations of their philosophical underpinning and epistemological standing that have influenced their analytical approach and results.

Originality/value

This paper presents a contextualization typology as a starting point to discuss contextualization in international business theory and practice. The paper also provides directions for future research for scholars interested in South Asian research.
Personal perspective
Authors: Jenkins Antoinette C.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share a personal perspective on the 2012 Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) International Research Conference in the Americas held in Denver, Colorado. It explores the author's reflection on her experiences attending AHRD conference sessions related to companies based in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The author's reflection was based on participant observations from a constructionist perspective.

Findings

This paper argued that attending AHRD conference sessions related to South Asia enhanced the author's worldview.

Originality/value

This paper offers the personal perspective of an American doctoral student based on her observations as an attendee of AHRD conference sessions focused on business issues in South Asia.
Balancing growth and innovation in Indian biotech firms
Authors: Khilji Shaista E. , Mroczkowski Tomasz , Assudani Rashmi
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Biotech companies are generally faced with the paradoxes of simultaneously managing growth and innovation, as well as addressing explorative and exploitative aspects of innovation. Scholars have urged them to re‐evaluate their business model. The purpose of this paper is to explore how biotech companies in emerging economies address these paradoxes, focusing upon the nascent biotech industry in India, in order to investigate their growth and innovation patterns, as well as identify the challenges that they may face.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative data collection, using in‐depth interviews with representatives of organizations that deal directly with improving the quality of the business environment for biotech industry in India, as well as biotech entrepreneurs and leaders were undertaken. A total of 13 interviews provided insights related to innovation and growth that is discussed in the paper.

Findings

Data indicate that Indian biotech companies are ambidextrous and have managed to transcend the aforementioned paradoxes by developing and maintaining distinct organizational capabilities. They were found to pursue an integrated model of efficiency and innovation and utilize both exploitative and explorative aspects of innovation to fuel growth and innovation. The authors also found evidence of some of the characteristics of the “India Way”, proposed by Cappelli et al.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conclude that Indian companies offer an opportunity for learning for American biotech companies with respect to building new competencies and balancing growth and innovation in today's competitive environment.

Originality/value

Despite being labeled as the “industry of the decade”, biotechnology has been neglected in technology and innovation literature. It is hoped that the paper's findings will generate interest in the study of biotech industries in emerging economies, to help scholars develop interesting new theoretical models of innovation and aid managers in coping with the innovation and change paradoxes that they are faced with in developing new products and services.
BoP at ten: evolution and a new lens
Authors: Follman Joe
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the first ten years of research on the Bottom (or Base) of the Pyramid (BoP) strategy of providing products and services to billions of the world's poor. Conceptions of BoP have shifted significantly, but the nature and implications of these shifts have not been adequately explored. The paper asks: What is the present conception of BoP, how and why has it evolved since 2002, and what are differences and concordances between first‐ and second‐generation understandings? What would an integrative perspective on BoP include, and how can it be applied?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review of peer‐reviewed journal articles and books on BoP.

Findings

It is found that ten years of research have rapidly advanced the definition of BoP, from a way for multinational corporations to profit by selling to the poor to how collaborative networks – including local firms and NGOs – engage with the poor to design, produce, distribute, and sell goods and services. An emerging consensus is that successful BoP ventures must use an integrative approach in key areas: understanding distinctions among poverty levels, focusing on BoP need to create customized products and services at low prices, collaboration with local organizations, engagement of BoP populations as producers and not just consumers, and applying a reciprocal shared value concept (Porter and Kramer) to ensure products and services provide real economic and social benefits to both the company and members of the BoP.

Originality/value

The paper's suggested integrative approach reframes the BoP discussion as a meso approach of using effective strategies in complementary ways, as does the application of the shared value framework for BoP initiatives.
Modelling building stock energy use and carbon emission scenarios
Authors: Foliente Greg , Seo Seongwon
Published: August 2012

Purpose

A systematic approach is needed to engage a broad range of stakeholders to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy use in the building sector. The purpose of this paper is to develop a systems‐based bottom‐up approach for this purpose, and to demonstrate its application in a case study of office building stock in the State of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework for the general method is developed based on a cross‐typology matrix of energy consumption and supply on the one hand, and intervention schemes or policy instruments on the other. This is then tested and demonstrated using a case study of commercial office building stock, with building energy demand calculated using a validated computer energy simulation tool for a representative set of office buildings within a local government area (LGA). The energy consumption and associated GHG emissions are then aggregated up from LGA to the whole State. The impact projections of different intervention schemes are compared and mapped spatially across the State.

Findings

Results have demonstrated the significance and capability of the proposed approach, in allowing quantitative comparisons of the relative effectiveness of a specific set of regulatory, technical and behavioral scenario settings on the spatial distribution and trends in energy consumption and GHG emissions of the NSW office building stock to 2020.

Research limitations/implications

Further case studies involving mixed building types and specific building types with greater granularity of modelling details, energy use and supply options, and spatial resolution are needed.

Originality/value

The structured cross‐typology approach is a novel contribution to bottom‐up modelling approaches to designing and/or assessing the effectiveness of specific policy instruments, alone or in combination. It will enable policy makers, property portfolio owners, utility companies and building tenants to assess the broader impacts of their specific actions towards a common goal.
The measurement of carbon performance of construction activities
Authors: Ren Z. , Chrysostomou V. , Price T.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research project is to reduce the carbon emissions of construction processes by Measuring, Mapping, Modelling and Managing (4Ms) the carbon performance of construction activities. This particular paper presents the research work and major findings in the first two stages: measuring the carbon footprint of construction activities in building projects; and mapping the carbon emissions from construction activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A hotel project in South Wales was selected as a case study where the carbon emissions from six categories of construction activities (i.e. management, operations, visitors, deliveries, plant and utilities) were monitored by using carefully designed data collection methods throughout the construction process. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were adopted to distil and map the emissions with construction activities.

Findings

This study provides a benchmark for the carbon emissions from construction processes. The results show that construction activities generate more carbon than expected. Of the CO2 emitted, materials delivery, operational activities and plant operation account for more than 90 per cent of the total emissions. Activities from management, visitors and utilities only contributed 10 per cent of the CO2 emissions. Carbon emissions from construction processes can be best managed through project planning/scheduling where carbon emissions should be considered as a new criterion for project planning along with time, cost and quality.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations with the data collection methods adopted in this study. For example, the fuel/CO2 emission conversion rate for plant was obtained from online sources. This rate needs to be validated and adjusted on‐site with CO2 measurement gauges for different equipment. Similarly, the fuel efficiency adjusting rates for vehicles also need to be checked and verified constantly.

Practical implications

The on‐site carbon emission methods, the mapping approaches between the emission and construction activities, and the online system developed in this study (www.constructco2.com/default.aspx) are all embraced by the industry. So far, 76 projects have already subscripted to the online system.

Originality/value

This study developed a set of systematic and feasible approaches to measuring and analysing carbon emissions from construction activities. Unlike the existing studies which mainly focus on recording the carbon emissions on‐site, this research measured the emissions, and mapped the emissions with construction activities. The online system developed could analyse the data collected and support the contractor to decide in which aspects they should make effort to control the carbon emissions.
Identifying microarchitecture for sustainable design in Malaysia
Authors: Tazilan Azimin
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new approach in redefining and identifying microarchitecture (MCR) units in Malaysia. With case studies in the Langkawi Geopark area, it promotes better recognition of urban sustainability through classification, design and intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates empirically selected sites in Malaysia to understand the MCR typological uses. With findings from case studies, it follows a systematic approach in developing a conceptual classification model for MCR as an urban ecosystem to understand its structure, function, and metabolism patterns towards sustainability.

Findings

MCR terminology, identification and classification has been redefined for better design and planning practices to related stakeholders of MCR development.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new approach to sustainability by capturing the dynamic assessment and identification of MCR and its typoscape in Malaysia, using the Langkawi Geopark as a case study. It also presents a new practical classification analysis that should be of interest to users, the local authority, retailers, pedestrians, and stakeholders to develop better policies for the future.
The mentoring of women for medical career development
Authors: Petersen Renate , Eggert Angelika , Grümmer Ruth , Schara Ulrike , Sauerwein Wolfgang
Published: August 2012

Purpose

In Germany, scientific qualifications and an academic career in medical disciplines require mastering and balancing clinical, research and teaching activities. Systematic interdisciplinary human resource development is rare in German medical faculties. The purpose of this paper is to describe the MediMent programme, which is a model for systematic interdisciplinary support of early‐ and mid‐phase career development for medical academics. It comprises mentoring, training and networking modules tailored for pre‐ and post‐doctoral students at the Medical Faculty. It contributes to organisational development and reducing gender inequality by an affirmative action programme for women. The programme supports individual career‐building, teaches networking skills for an interdisciplinary workplace and assists in conflict resolution.

Design/methodology/approach

Mentors and mentees provided feedback via standardised forms. Additional open‐ended questions were interpreted by content analysis. Statistics were prepared using SPSS.

Findings

Evaluation of the first six‐year programme run revealed several benefits, indicating the trio of mentoring, networking and the accompanying seminar series efficiently supports career development of young medical academics. Participating mentees felt they achieved career goals within the mentoring programme. Evaluations indicated a strong potential for future investment in the organisation through better training, improving institutional visibility and stimulating recruitment of excellent students.Originality/value – The success of the MediMent programme described in the paper recommends it for implementation at other institutions.
Sharing and developing knowledge products from Learning Study
Authors: Runesson Ulla , Gustafsson Gerd
Published: August 2012

Purpose

It has been proposed that lesson study creates joint and sharable knowledge products in terms of lesson plans that could be used and developed by other teachers in other school contexts (Morris and Hiebert). The purpose of this paper is to report on a study with the aim of examining how such a knowledge product produced in a Hong Kong school could be communicated and appropriated by a group of Swedish teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

A report from a successful Learning Study – a revised version of lesson study, based on a theoretical framework of learning – was brought to a group of three teachers. On the basis of this report, they planned and conducted two lessons in their own classes. The analysis draws on data from three of six video recorded lessons and was framed within a variation theory perspective. The focus of the analysis was on the object of learning.

Findings

It was found that the Swedish teachers used the documented Hong Kong lessons as a resource. They adapted the insights gained by the Hong Kong teachers to the specific group of learners and other conditions in the Swedish context.

Originality/value

The article is a contribution to the discussion about teachers as knowledge producers (c.f. Stenhouse).
Assessing group differences in biodiversity by simultaneously testing a user‐defined selection of diversity indices
Authors: Pallmann Philip , Schaarschmidt Frank , Hothorn Ludwig A. , Fischer Christiane , Nacke Heiko , Priesnitz Kai U. , Schork Nicholas J.
Published: August 2012

Comparing diversities between groups is a task biologists are frequently faced with, for example in ecological field trials or when dealing with metagenomics data. However, researchers often waver about which measure of diversity to choose as there is a multitude of approaches available. As Jost (2008, Molecular Ecology, 17, 4015) has pointed out, widely used measures such as the Shannon or Simpson index have undesirable properties which make them hard to compare and interpret. Many of the problems associated with the use of these ‘raw’ indices can be corrected by transforming them into ‘true’ diversity measures. We introduce a technique that allows the comparison of two or more groups of observations and simultaneously tests a user‐defined selection of a number of ‘true’ diversity measures. This procedure yields multiplicity‐adjusted P‐values according to the method of Westfall and Young (1993, Resampling‐Based Multiple Testing: Examples and Methods for p‐Value Adjustment, 49, 941), which ensures that the rate of false positives (type I error) does not rise when the number of groups and/or diversity indices is extended. Software is available in the R package ‘simboot’.
The multi‐kinase inhibitor TG02 overcomes signalling activation by survival factors to deplete MCL1 and XIAP and induce cell death in primary acute myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Pallis Monica , Abdul‐Aziz Amina , Burrows Francis , Seedhouse Claire , Grundy Martin , Russell Nigel
Published: August 2012

Summmary

The novel multi‐kinase inhibitor TG02 has selectivity against cell cycle and transcriptional cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) as well as fms‐like tyrosine kinase receptor‐3 (FLT3). Inhibition of transcriptional CDKs preferentially depletes short‐lived proteins such as MCL1. We evaluated the in vitro toxicity of TG02 to primary acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells in the presence of survival signalling pathway activation by cytokines and fibronectin. One hundred nanomolar TG02 induced a median decrease of 40% in bulk cell survival and 43% in the CD34+CD38−CD123+subset. A 90% inhibitory concentration of 500 nmol/l indicated that TG02 toxicity is not halted by protective cell cycle arrest. Samples with FLT3 internal tandem duplication were not preferentially targeted. By flow cytometry, TG02 treatment caused loss of RNA Polymerase II serine 2 phosphorylation in patient samples, which correlated strongly with BAX activation (R2=0·89), suggesting these as potential biomarkers for clinical studies. MCL1 and XIAP expression also decreased. Repeated brief exposure to TG02 in MOLM‐13 cells did not result in compensatory up‐regulation of survival protein expression. In conclusion, TG02 is potently cytotoxic towards CD34+CD38−CD123+ and bulk AML cells, despite protective signalling pathway activation. This antitumour activity is most likely mediated by dephosphorylation of RNA Polymerase II leading to depletion of survival molecules such as MCL1 and XIAP, with subsequent BAX activation and apoptosis.