bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resting-state network dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Badhwar AmanPreet , Tam Angela , Dansereau Christian , Orban Pierre , Hoffstaedter Felix , Bellec Pierre
Published: February 2017

INTRODUCTION

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) literature to examine consistency of functional connectivity alterations in AD dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI).

METHODS

Studies were screened using a standardized procedure. Multiresolution statistics were performed to assess the spatial consistency of findings across studies.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies were included (1,363 participants, average 40 per study). Consistent alterations in connectivity were found in the default-mode, salience and limbic networks in patients with AD dementia, MCI, or in both groups. We also identified a bias in the literature towards specific examination of the default-mode network.

DISCUSSION

Convergent evidence across the literature supports the use of resting-state connectivity as a biomarker of AD. The locations of consistent alterations suggest that metabolically expensive hub regions in the brain might be an early target of AD.
The power of a multivariate approach to genome-wide association studies: an example withDrosophila melanogasterwing shape
Authors: Pitchers William , Nye Jessica , Márquez Eladio J. , Kowalski Alycia , Dworkin Ian , Houle David
Published: February 2017

Due to the complexity of genotype-phenotype relationships, simultaneous analyses of genomic associations with multiple traits will be more powerful and more informative than a series of univariate analyses. In most cases, however, studies of genotype-phenotype relationships have analyzed only one trait at a time, even as the rapid advances in molecular tools have expanded our view of the genotype to include whole genomes. Here, we report the results of a fully integrated multivariate genome-wide association analysis of the shape of theDrosophila melanogasterwing in the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel. Genotypic effects on wing shape were highly correlated between two different labs. We found 2,396 significant SNPs using a 5% FDR cutoff in the multivariate analyses, but just 4 significant SNPs in univariate analyses of scores on the first 20 principal component axes. A key advantage of multivariate analysis is that the direction of the estimated phenotypic effect is much more informative than a univariate one. Exploiting this feature, we show that the directions of effects were on average replicable in an unrelated panel of inbred lines. Effects of knockdowns of genes implicated in the initial screen were on average more similar than expected under a null model. Association studies that take a phenomic approach in considering many traits simultaneously are an important complement to the power of genomics. Multivariate analyses of such data are more powerful, more informative, and allow the unbiased study of pleiotropy.
The Rise of the Middle Author: Investigating Collaboration and Division of Labor in Biomedical Research using Partial Alphabetical Authorship
Authors: Mongeon Philippe , Smith Elise , Joyal Bruno , Larivière Vincent
Published: February 2017

Contemporary biomedical research is performed by increasingly large teams. As a consequence, an increasingly large number of individuals are being listed as authors in the byline of biomedical articles, which complicates the proper attribution of credit and responsibility to individual authors for their work. Typically, more importance is given to the first and last authors of biomedical papers, and the others (the middle authors) are considered to have made smaller contributions. However, we argue that this distinction between first, middle and last authors does not properly reflect the actual division of labor and does not allow a fair allocation of credit among the members of the research teams. In this paper, we use partial alphabetical authorship to divide the authors of all biomedical articles in the Web of Science published over the 1980-2015 period in three groups: primary authors, middle authors, and supervisory authors. We show that alphabetical ordering of middle authors is frequent in biomedical research, and that the prevalence of this practice is positively correlated with the number of authors in the bylines. We also find that, for articles with 7 or more authors, the average proportion of team members in each group is independent of the team size, more than half of the authors being middle authors. This suggests that growth in authors’ lists are not due to an increase in secondary contributions but, rather, in equivalent increases of all types of roles and contributions. Nevertheless, we show that the relative contribution of middle authors to the overall production of knowledge in the biomedical field as increased dramatically over the last 35 years.
A minimal set of internal control genes for gene expression studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Palve Vinayak , Pareek Manisha , Krishnan Neeraja M , Siddappa Gangotri , Suresh Amritha , Kuriakose Moni Abraham , Panda Binay
Published: February 2017

Background

Selection of the right reference gene(s) is crucial in the analysis and interpretation of gene expression data. In head and neck cancer, studies evaluating the efficacy of internal reference genes are rare. Here, we present data for a minimal set of candidates as internal control genes for gene expression studies in head and neck cancer.

Methods

We analyzed data from multiple sources (in housewhole-genome gene expression microarrays,n=21; TCGA RNA-seq,n=42, and published gene expression studies in head and neck tumors from literature) to come up with a set of genes (discovery set) for their stable expression across tumor and normal tissues. We then performed independent validation of their expression using qPCR in 14 tumor:normal pairs. Genes in the discovery set were ranked using four different algorithms (BestKeeper, geNorm, NormFinder, and comparative delta Ct) and a web-based comparative tool, RefFinder, for their stability and variance in expression across tissues.

Results

Our analyses resulted in 18 genes (discovery set) that had lowest variance and high level of expression across tumor and normal samples. Independent experimental validation and analyses with multiple tools resulted in top ranked five genes (RPL30, RPL27, PSMC5, OAZ1andMTCH1) out of which,RPL30(60S ribosomal protein L30) andRPL27(60S ribosomal protein L27), performed best and were abundantly expressed across tumor and normal tissues.

Conclusions

RPL30andRPL27are stably expressed in HNSCC and should be used as internal control genes in gene expression in head and neck tumors studies.
Biological invasions in rodent communities: from ecological interactions to zoonotic bacterial infection issues
Authors: Diagne Christophe , Galan M. , Tamisier Lucie , d’Ambrosio Jonathan , Dalecky Ambroise , Bâ Khalilou , Kane Mamadou , Niang Youssoupha , Diallo Mamoudou , Sow Aliou , Tatard C. , Loiseau A. , Fossati-Gaschignard O. , Sembène Mbacké , Cosson Jean-François , Charbonnel Nathalie , Brouat Carine
Published: February 2017

Several hypotheses (such as ‘enemy release’, ‘novel weapon’, ‘spillback’ and ‘dilution/density effect’) suggest changes in host-parasite ecological interactions during biological invasion events. Such changes can impact both invasion process outcome and the dynamics of exotic and/or endemic zoonotic diseases. To evaluate these predictions, we investigated the ongoing invasions of the house mouseMus musculus domesticus, and the black rat,Rattus rattus, in Senegal (West Africa). We focused on zoonotic bacterial communities depicted using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing approach in both invasive and native rodents sampled along two well-defined invasion routes. Overall, this study provided new ecological evidence connecting parasitism and rodent invasion process, with diverse potential roles of zoonotic bacteria in the invasion success. Our results also highlighted the main factors that lie behind bacterial community structure in commensal rodents. Further experimental studies as well as comparative spatio-temporal surveys are necessary to decipher the actual role of zoonotic bacteria in these invasions. Our data also gave new support for the difficulty to predict the direction in which the relationship between biodiversity changes and disease risk could go. These results should be used as a basis for public health prevention services to design reservoir monitoring strategies based on multiple pathogen surveillance.
Synthetic DNA templates for the production ofin situhybridization probes
Authors: Jarvis B. Rodney , Condie Brian G.
Published: February 2017

Generating RNA riboprobes forin situhybridization generally requires the use of plasmids, which must be grown in bacteria, isolated, purified, and linearized prior toin vitrotranscription. Here we report a simple method for generating DNA templates for thein vitrotranscription of RNA probes from synthetic DNA (IDT gBlocks). Each synthetic DNA template contains sequences corresponding to the target mRNA flanked by bacteriophage promoters. Amplification of the template by a single round of PCR and subsequentin vitrotranscription results in production of high quality RNA probes forin situhybridization.
An oscillopathic approach to developmental dyslexia: from genes to speech processing
Authors: Jiménez-Bravo Miguel , Marrero Victoria , Benítez-Burraco Antonio
Published: February 2017

Developmental dyslexia is a heterogeneous condition entailing problems with reading and spelling. Several genes have been linked or associated to the disease, many of which contribute to the development and function of brain areas that are important for auditory and phonological processing. Nonetheless, a clear link between genes, the brain, and the symptoms of dyslexia is still pending. The goal of this paper is contributing to bridge this gap. With this aim, we have focused on how the dyslexic brain fails to process speech sounds and reading cues. We have adopted an oscillatory perspective, according to which dyslexia results from a deficient integration of different brain rhythms during reading/spellings tasks. Moreover, we show that some candidates for this condition are related to brain rhythms. This approach should help gain a better understanding of the aetiology and the clinical presentation of developmental dyslexia, but also achieve an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
Targeting RNA for processing or destruction by the eukaryotic RNA exosome and its cofactors
Authors: Zinder John C. , Lima Christopher D.
Published: February 2017

The eukaryotic RNA exosome is an essential and conserved protein complex that can degrade or process RNA substrates in the 3′-to-5′ direction. Since its discovery nearly two decades ago, studies have focused on determining how the exosome, along with associated cofactors, achieves the demanding task of targeting particular RNAs for degradation and/or processing in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. In this review, we highlight recent advances that have illuminated roles for the RNA exosome and its cofactors in specific biological pathways, alongside studies that attempted to dissect these activities through structural and biochemical characterization of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA exosome complexes.
Nanoparticle migration effects at film boiling of nanofluids over a vertical plate
Authors: Malvandi Amir , Heysiattalab Saeed , Ghasemi Amirmahdi , Ganji D.D. , Pop Ioan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically investigate the effects of nanoparticle migration on the heat transfer enhancement at film boiling of nanofluids. The modified Buongiorno model is used for modeling the nanofluids to observe the effects of nanoparticle migration.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations including continuity, momentum, energy and nanoparticle continuity are transformed to ordinary ones and solved numerically. For nanoparticle distribution, an analytical expression has been found. The results have been obtained for different parameters, including the Brownian motion to thermophoretic diffusion NBT, saturation nanoparticle volume fraction ϕsat and normal temperature difference.

Findings

A closed-form expression for nanoparticle distribution is obtained, and it is indicated that nanoparticle migration significantly affects the flow fields and thermophysical properties of nanofluids. It was shown that temperature gradient at heated wall grows as the migration of nanoparticles increases, which has positive effects on the heat transfer rate. However, decrement of thermal conductivity at heated wall because of nanoparticle depletion plays a negative role in heat transfer enhancement. In fact, there is a tradeoff between thermal conductivity reduction and an increment in temperature gradient at the wall, which determines the net enhancement/deterioration of the heat transfer rate.

Research limitations/implications

Flow has been assumed to be laminar, and the vapor temperature is constant such that boiling is the only heat transfer mechanism between the liquid-vapor interface. Also, the shear stress at the liquid-vapor interface is assumed to be negligible. The film thickness is small relative to the plate length to justify the boundary layer assumptions. Inertia forces are neglected relative to shear stress forces.

Practical implications

Outcomes of the present study are suitable for several heat exchange purposes such as evaporation and condensation in heat pipes, immersion, microchannel cooling of microelectronics and crystal growth.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper has three aspects: modeling the film boiling of nanofluids considering the effects of nanoparticle migration; how it influences the cooling performance; and an analytical expression for the nanoparticle distribution at film boiling of nanofluids.
Natural convection in a triangular cavity filled with a micropolar fluid
Authors: Sheremet Mikhail , Grosan Teodor , Pop Ioan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study steady natural convection flow and heat transfer in a triangular cavity filled with a micropolar fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

It is assumed that the left inclined wall is heated, whereas the other walls are cooled and maintained at constant temperatures. All four walls of the cavity are assumed to be rigid and impermeable. The micropolar fluid is considered to satisfy the Boussinesq approximation. The governing equations and boundary conditions are solved using the finite difference method of the second order accuracy over a wide range of the Rayleigh number, Prandtl number, vortex viscosity parameter and two values of micro-gyration parameter, namely, strong concentration (n = 0) and week concentration (n = 0.5).

Findings

The results are presented in the form of streamlines, isotherms, vorticity contours and variations of average Nusselt number and fluid flow rate depending on the Rayleigh number, Prandtl number, vortex viscosity parameter and micro-gyration parameter. The flow field and temperature distribution in the cavity are affected by these parameters. The heat transfer rate into the cavity is decreasing upon the raise of the vortex viscosity parameter.

Originality/value

This work studies the effects of vortex viscosity parameter and micro-gyration parameter in a triangular cavity filled with a micropolar fluid on the fluid flow and heat transfer. This study might be useful to flows of biological fluids in thin vessels, polymeric suspensions, liquid crystals, slurries, colloidal suspensions, exotic lubricants; for the design of solar collectors, room ventilation systems and electronic cooling systems; and so on.
Investigation on compound field of electrospinning and melt blowing for producing nanofibers
Authors: Meng Kai
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the combination of electrospinning and melt blowing in theory, which may be a good way to produce nanofibers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the electrostatic field and the air flow field were numerical simulated and analyzed, the compound field of which was also discussed.

Findings

It is pointed out that the air flow angle will be a key factor to produce nanofibers in the compound process of electrospinning and melt blowing.

Originality/value

The combination of electrostatic force and air drawing force may be a good way to produce nanofibers when the material is high viscosity melt. Air jets with high temperature and high velocity will provide favorable conditions for attenuating the polymer jet. The flow angle of the air jets effect the whole attenuation force exerted to the polymer jet and should be selected properly.
Numerical analyses for improved terminal velocity of deep water torpedo anchor
Authors: Soh Boonping , Pao William , Chen XiaoHui
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the effects of manipulation of a torpedo’s geometries to attain higher terminal velocity. The parameters of interest include geometric changes of the original design, as well as sea water properties that reflect water depth in South China Sea.

Design/methodology/approach

The research make use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, FLUENT, to solve viscous incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with two equations k-epsilon turbulent model. The calculated drag coefficient is subsequently used to calculate the maximum attainable terminal velocity of the torpedo.

Findings

It was found that the terminal velocity can be improved by sharper tip angle, greater aspect ratio, greater diameter ratio and optimum rear angle at 30°. Sensitivity of drag coefficient toward each of the parameters is established in this paper.

Originality/value

The paper, in addition to verifying the importance of aspect ratio, has also established the tip angle, diameter ratio and rear angle of the torpedo as important geometric aspects that could be tuned to improve its terminal velocity.
A direct solution of temperature field and physical quantities for the nonlinear porous fin problem
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to target the solution of nonlinear porous fin problem. In contrast to the various complicated numerical or analytical approximate procedures existing in the literature used to approximate the temperature field over a porous fin, this study outlines a direct method based on series expansion of the temperature in the vicinity of the mounted surface, eventually requiring no numerical treatment at all to resolve the temperature field.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a direct method based on series expansion of the temperature in the vicinity of the mounted surface, eventually requiring no numerical treatment at all to resolve the temperature field.

Findings

Explicit closed-form formulae for the fin tip temperature as well as for the heat transfer rate, hence for the fin efficiency, which are functions of the porosity parameter and Biot number, are provided. The thresholds and the convergence regions regarding the physical parameters of the resulting approximations are easy to determine from the residual formula.

Originality/value

The novelty of the method is that the accuracy of the solution is controllable and can be gained up to any significant digit of desire by increasing the number of terms in the series solution.
A new approximate analytical technique for dual solutions of nonlinear differential equations arising in mixed convection heat transfer in a porous medium
Authors: Abbasbandy S. , Shivanian Elyas , Vajravelu K. , Kumar Sunil
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new approximate analytical procedure to obtain dual solutions of nonlinear differential equations arising in mixed convection flow in a semi-infinite domain. This method, which is based on Padé-approximation and homotopy–Padé technique, is applied to a model of magnetohydrodynamic Falkner–Skan flow as well. These examples indicate that the method can be successfully applied to solve nonlinear differential equations arising in science and engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

Homotopy–Padé method.

Findings

The main focus of the paper is on the prediction of the multiplicity of the solutions, however we have calculated multiple (dual) solutions of the model problem namely, mixed convection heat transfer in a porous medium.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conjecture here that the combination of traditional–Pade and Hankel–Pade generates a useful procedure to predict multiple solutions and to calculate prescribed parameter with acceptable accuracy as well. Validation of this conjecture for other further examples is a challenging research opportunity.

Social implications

Dual solutions of nonlinear differential equations arising in mixed convection flow in a semi-infinite domain.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors are using two modified methods.
Linking satisfaction to credit card decisions: an application of the Wallet Allocation Rule
Authors: Aksoy Lerzan , Keiningham Timothy L. , Buoye Alexander , Ball Joan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key drivers of share of wallet for credit cards issued by either a credit union (CU) or bank using a Wallet Allocation Rule (WAR) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey approach engaging 1,649 current CU members at nine CUs regarding their use of 3,487 different credit cards is employed. Binary logistic regression is used to discriminate when CU issued vs bank issued credit cards are perceived to be “best” by their owners.

Findings

This research indicates the key drivers differ significantly when CU members prefer a CU-issued credit card vs a bank-issued credit card. For example, CU-issued credit cards are attractive to some CU members because of prior relationships with the CU and offering lower interest rates on revolving balances. By contrast, customers who choose a bank-issued credit card are much more likely to be driven by the rewards offered on the card.

Practical implications

Using the WAR key driver approach, managers can identify differentiating attributes that influence customers’ perceptions of their rank vis-à-vis competition and thereby grow share.

Originality/value

This research provides a significant contribution to both the banking literature and the scientific literature by examining the robustness of a relative metrics approach within the retail banking and CU market. It represents the first empirical analysis of a WAR key driver approach in the scientific literature.
Efficiency of Qatari banking industry: an empirical investigation
Authors: Abdul-Wahab Abdul-Hamid , Haron Razali
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the efficiency of the banking sector in Qatar. The paper utilizes 15 banks comprising Islamic, conventional and foreign banks for the duration of 2007 to 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique is applied to compute technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency. Also, Malmquist productivity index (MPI) is used to identify the sources of productive efficiencies of the banks.

Findings

The results suggest that Qatari banks are operating below optimum performance and thus there is still room for improvement. While conventional banks are the most efficient in Qatar in terms of technical and pure technical efficiencies, Islamic banks are most efficient in terms of scale efficiency. Besides, pure technical inefficiency dominated scale inefficiency in the Qatari banking sector. Moreover, as compared to the Islamic banks, conventional and foreign banks recorded a reduction in average technical efficiency during the duration of the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. In terms of productivity progress, all the Qatari banks were experiencing a decline in productivity mainly attributed to less technological innovation in the banking sector of Qatar.

Research limitations/implications

Most of the banks in Qatar do not have published data before 2007 and after 2011.

Practical implications

There is less technological innovation in the banking sector of Qatar. Hence, bank managers in Qatar should focus on educating customers about modern banking technologies and other innovative banking services in Qatar.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering effort in the application of DEA and MPI to study about the banking sector in Qatar.
Determinants of co-creation in banking services
Authors: Mainardes Emerson Wagner , Teixeira Aridelmo , Romano Paula Cristina da Silveira
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that favor the activity of co-creation with customers in the banking sector. The way in which consumers co-create with banking organizations was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The “dialogue, access, risk and transparency” model was employed with the variables dialogue, access, risk assessment and transparency, as per Prahalad and Ramaswamy (2004). The final data sample accounted for 265 clients of a large Brazilian bank and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results indicated a significant and positive association with access, risk assessment and transparency when the bank co-created with these clients. Dialogue did not appear significantly affect to the co-creative process between clients and the bank.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted with customers of only one major Brazilian bank. The authors recommend that the same study is conducted in other retail banks, investment banks and smaller banks, with a specialized focus. Limitations notwithstanding, the outstanding findings of this research relate to customer perceptions, which, it should be noted, do not necessarily reflect the totality of the relationship between client and bank.

Originality/value

Understanding co-creation in the banking sector is a new learning perspective on consumer behavior and interactions within the service production process. The justification and relevance of this study derive from the construction of this knowledge and the scarcity of empirical work in this area.
The project-space model: enhancing sensemaking
Authors: van der Hoorn Bronte , Whitty Stephen Jonathan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the project-space model as positively influencing sensemaking in the project context. There is currently minimal discussion of the tools used by project managers, teams and stakeholders to build their map of the project terrain or to make sense of a project’s status. However, such sensemaking is critical to ongoing decision making and aligning action in any project.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses framework analysis to examine the results of a completed action research case study that utilised a tool: the project-space model. Three frameworks are then utilised as an investigative lens to examine how the project-space model influenced sensemaking.

Findings

The project-space model is found to enhance sensemaking within the case study. Specifically, its visual nature, the focus it brings to the plurality of experience and the need for plausibility rather than precision in understanding.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a single case study. Further studies could be undertaken to confirm extensibility.

Practical implications

The project-space model is identified as having a favourable impact on sensemaking in the case study project. There is a need to consider what other tools are currently used or could be used by project teams to enhance sensemaking.

Originality/value

Empirical, contextualised case study research highlighting the value of the project-space model as a sensemaking tool. Contribution to evidence on the efficacy of the project-space model as a useful tool for project managers.
Is there only one way of project management theorizing, or are there multiple sector-specific project management domains?
Authors: Artto Karlos A. , Gemünden Hans Georg , Walker Derek , Peippo-Lavikka Pirjo
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Many literature reviews on project management (PM) research are limited to studies published only in PM journals but some reviews do expand their analysis on PM research published also in journals belonging to the management studies field. However, the authors found no previous literature reviews comparing the PM content in different sectors outside the management studies field. Therefore, the analysis and findings of PM content derived from the sector-specific engineering and technology-focused journals are new. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze PM content in nine different sectors, where each sector and its inherent research is connected to specific engineering, technological, or industry-related disciplines. The authors conduct an evidence-informed literature review on PM knowledge in the distinct literatures of these nine sectors. The period of analysis is 24 years from 1986-2009. The authors discuss potential consequences of the findings’ sector-specificity for future PM domain development.

Findings

The perspective on different origins of PM leads to a meta-level PM concept covering several different PM domains, each with its own sector specific and separated development path.

Research limitations/implications

The literature analysis purposefully excluded PM journals and management studies, and the authors focused only on sector-specific engineering and technology-focused journals that represent knowledge and wisdom of different PM contents in nine sectors.

Practical implications

The findings have significant potential to contribute to scholarly discussion on the development of a universal PM theory. For applicability across sectors, the authors suggest a modular PM theory with different sector-specific modules for knowledge, concepts, and underlying assumptions.

Originality/value

Currently, this discussion has been mainly focused on theorizing concepts and approaches in management studies only. This study expands the understanding to engineering and technology-focused journals across nine industry sectors/domains.
Going back to the roots of W.A. Shewhart (and further) and introduction of a new CPD cycle
Authors: Saier Martin Christopher
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Investigating the beginning of project management (app. 30 BC) with a focus on business models similar to the “PDCA” cycle, the purpose of this paper is to find an approach which could be used as a new standard procedure for the eradication of projects in Lean project management.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on literature research of models similar to Walter A. Shehwart’s three-step and Edward W. Deming’s four-step (PDC(A)) wheel, the investigated models are interconnected to form a new concept which represents an innovative cycle logic proposed to be applied in Lean project management. This new cycle logic is rolled out on three different levels, which are transferred from the Lean management hoshin kanri model to Lean project management. In addition to literature research, semi-structured interviews were performed to get an indication as to the integration of Lean management (with a focus on PDCA) in project management today.

Findings

It was found that the “Check Plan Do” cycle is a Lean variant of the “Plan Do Check Act” model that is already used in consulting projects in practice, partially appears in project management standards, in governance models of ambulance, fire services, human aid and military forces and in quality management models of Six Sigma, design for Six Sigma and an excellence model of the European Foundation for Quality Management. To ensure continuous improvement it was found that the new CPD cycle can be used on different “planning” levels in analogy to the hoshin kanri logic.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, a discussion as to how the PDCA cycle can be adapted to Lean project management, considering the implication of business models similar to the PDCA wheel, has not yet been conducted within the field of project management.
Governing value creation in construction project: a new model
Authors: Hjelmbrekke Hallgrim , Klakegg Ole Jonny , Lohne Jardar
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the concepts of business models and project governance can enhance value creation in building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on theory derived from management literature, the authors outline a framework combining a project’s business case and governance functions with the business model of the design team. This was tested in two major projects and evaluated in three expert workshops.

Findings

The research reveals that the business model of the design team focus on efficiency rather than on the client’s strategic objectives. This entails a need for project governance functions. The framework presented shows promising capability of aligning the project with client strategy. The authors believe there is significant value in transferring these ideas and knowledge across national boundaries.

Practical implications

The research identifies a gap between business objectives and outcome. The value creation approach in the client organisation diminishes into the way project governance is implemented in some projects. The conceptual framework provides the industry with a new tool for improving its knowledge and practice.

Originality/value

First governance model derived from strategy theory that combines strategy and governance in one holistic model.
The use of performance measurement in universities
Authors: Alach Zhivan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the degree of maturity in performance measurement in a national group of universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A model for identifying the level of performance measurement maturity in an organisation was identified; this model consisted of seven constructs. A survey consisting of Likert-scale items derived from the maturity model was then administered to academic and administrative staff at New Zealand’s eight universities.

Findings

The survey showed a relatively high use of performance measurement (usage index 3.47/5), and strong alignment of strategy and performance measurement (strategy index 3.95/5). Research output measures were the most commonly used by academics, whereas measures relating to community service and third role activities were used least. Multiple significant differences between academics and administrators were identified, with the degree of support for performance measurement a particular area of contrast. The overall degree of performance measurement maturity identified was higher than found in similar studies utilising documentary methods.

Originality/value

Performance measurement in higher education is a controversial subject and there has been relatively little research into the basics of how, and how well, universities utilise the approach. This exploratory study helps fill the gap and provides a basis for more detailed research.
Socio-cultural environments and emerging economy entrepreneurship
Authors: Anggadwita Grisna , Luturlean Bachruddin Saleh , Ramadani Veland , Ratten Vanessa
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Women entrepreneurship has been growing and contributing significantly to economic activities, and it may also reduce unemployment, especially in developing countries. Many women entrepreneurs have begun to experience problems, including within their socio-cultural environment, in the beginning of or when they run their businesses. Among those developing countries, Indonesia has been recognized as having diverse ethnic groups, traditions, religions and languages. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the socio-cultural environment affects women entrepreneurs in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims at exploring the impact of the socio-cultural environment on entrepreneurial behavior, including the involvement of women in entrepreneurial activities in Indonesia as a multicultural country. A theoretical framework is empirically tested to identify the impact of the socio-culture environment on behavior and on women entrepreneurial activity through an integrated analysis.

Findings

A quantitative method with a causal descriptive approach is used in this study. The data are analyzed by using a descriptive statistics with the structural equation modeling technique. This study is intended to focus on women entrepreneurs in micro, small and medium enterprises in Bandung, Indonesia. A total of 210 women entrepreneurs have participated in this study. Practical implications include useful information for women entrepreneurs to overcome the impact of the socio-cultural environment in their entrepreneurial activities, and suggest insights for future research.

Originality/value

The development of women entrepreneurship in emerging economies may continuously face challenges, particularly in countries with multicultural attributes.
Relational models and engagement: an attachment theory perspective
Authors: Byrne Zinta , Albert Lumina , Manning Steven , Desir Rosemond
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Researchers have explored contextual antecedents influencing engagement at work; yet, theory and empirical evidence suggest some individuals are more or less engaged than others. Using a relational framework based on attachment theory, the purpose of this paper is to suggest that relational models influence engagement through their influence on psychological availability and psychological safety. Study 1 examined whether attachment influences variability in engagement. Study 2 examined whether these effects could be replicated, and whether attachment influences engagement via individuals’ psychological availability and safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Two field studies using online self-report surveys (Study 1 n=203; Study 2 n=709).

Findings

Attachment-avoidance and attachment-anxiety were independently associated with lower levels of engagement, and psychological conditions mediated these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Relational models explain predictable variability in engagement. Employees’ ability to engage may be constrained or facilitated by their stable relational models of attachment.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few examining individual differences in engagement.
Passive leadership: relationships with trust and justice perceptions
Authors: Holtz Brian C. , Hu Biyun
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Despite its prevalence in organizations, passive leadership has received scant research attention compared to more active forms of leadership. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the significant impact that passive leadership can have on two core constructs in the organizational sciences – trust and perceptions of fairness.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through self-report questionnaires (n=192), using a three-wave survey methodology in order to provide temporal separation between the predictor, mediator, and outcome variables.

Findings

Passive leadership was negatively associated with cognition-based trust. Further, passive leadership exerted a negative indirect effect on employee perceptions of justice, through cognition-based trust.

Research limitations/implications

Although this research was explicitly interested in employee perceptions, the use of self-report measures may be considered a study limitation.

Practical implications

This study underscores that passive leadership may represent a serious impediment to effective supervisor-employee relations. Employees do not trust supervisors who display a passive leadership style and a lack of trust can lead employees to perceive the supervisor as unfair.

Originality/value

This study contributes new insights into the psychological effects of passive leadership behavior by demonstrating the potential role of passive leadership in shaping employee perceptions of trust and fairness.
Delegation outcomes: perceptions of leaders and follower’s satisfaction
Authors: Drescher Gesche
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among delegation, employees’ perceptions of leader’s performance and likeability and follower’s job satisfaction. These variables are significantly associated with leader influence.

Design/methodology/approach

To test how employees evaluate delegation, an experimental study (study 1:n=304) and a longitudinal field questionnaire (study 2:n=109) were implemented.

Findings

The results of study 1 showed that leader delegation leads to higher levels of perceived leader ability and performance. Study 2 replicated and extended these results. Mediation analyses revealed that leader likeability mediates the relationship between delegation and employee’s job satisfaction.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the meaning of delegation for leaders and organizations. By transferring responsibilities and decision-making responsibilities, leaders can improve their image among their employees and enhance job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study investigated employees’ perceptions of leaders with regard to performance-related and affective responses to delegation. The results are combined with findings on employee job satisfaction. The study fills an important gap in leadership research. Experimental data combined with field survey data show that the delegation of responsibilities is associated with positive impressions of leaders.
Psychological contract congruence, distributive justice, and commitment
Authors: Kim Si Hyun , Laffranchini Giacomo , Wagstaff Maria Fernanda , Jeung Wonho
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between congruence between employee and employer psychological contract fulfillment and commitment. The authors further studied how the relationship is moderated by distributive justice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted polynomial regression analyses with response surface methodology on two Korean samples.

Findings

Congruence between employee and employer psychological contract fulfillment was positively related to affective commitment and occupational commitment. Distributive justice moderated these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation was common method bias as a result of the cross-sectional nature of the study designs.

Practical implications

Employers must be vigilant not only with regard to fulfilling employees’ psychological contracts but also to doing this fairly.

Originality/value

The authors studied the interaction effect of distributive justice on the relationship between psychological contract congruence and commitment in Korea.
Factors affecting desire to negotiate again
Authors: Fleck Denise , Volkema Roger , Pereira Sergio , Vaccari Lara
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of negotiation process and outcome on an individual’s desire to negotiate again with the same counterpart.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 115 dyads representing two companies negotiating an eight-issue property leasing agreement via e-mail. Desire to negotiate again was regressed on demographic/personality, process, and outcome measures.

Findings

Reaching an agreement was found to be significantly related to desire to negotiate again, while the number of messages exchanged and the mean number of competitive tactics employed were positively and negatively associated with reaching an agreement, respectively. Further, perceived honesty of self and counterpart were also associated with an individual’s desire to negotiate again.

Originality/value

This study focuses on an aspect of real negotiations often overlooked by researchers – the likelihood of future encounters with the same party – and examines three categories of factors that could affect a party’s desire to negotiate with a counterpart again – demographic/personality, process, and outcome (actual and perceived).
Broadening brand engagement within the service-centric perspective
Authors: Seo Yuri , Kelleher Carol , Brodie Roderick J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

While extant service-centric research has largely focussed on managerial advantages, few studies have addressed how brand engagement emerges in the broader context of consumer lives. The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel intersubjective hermeneutic framework that bridges the socially constructed as well as the individualised meanings of brand engagement in the context of service research.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper adopts a theory-building approach based on recent developments in the service-centric marketing literature.

Findings

The authors offer a novel theoretical perspective that recognises the intersubjective and phenomenological nature of individual and collective consumer brand experiences, and show how such experiences emerge from socially constructed brand engagement practices using the co-constituting lens of value-in-use.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed conceptual framework invites further empirical and contextual investigations of intersubjective brand engagement in both online and offline contexts.

Originality/value

The contribution of this framework is twofold. First, the authors draw on the intersubjective orientation and hermeneutic framework to provide conceptual clarity in relation to the nature of brand engagement practices, brand experiences, and value-in-use, and discuss their interrelationships. Second, the authors address the nature of meaning ascribed to engagement beyond customer-firm-brand relationships, and discuss why any given consumer’s experience of brand engagement reflects a complex dialectic between socially constructed and individualised brand meanings. In doing so, the integrative framework recognises the interplay between the intersubjective and phenomenological natures of consumer brand experiences, and offers insights as to how these experiences are framed by broader socially constructed engagement practices.
Service excellence in the light of cultural diversity: the impact of metacognitive cultural intelligence
Authors: Lorenz Melanie P. , Ramsey Jase R. , Tariq Ayesha , Morrell Daniel L.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand when, how, and why service employees adapt the service encounter to meet the values and expectations of culturally disparate customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested the hypothesized framework utilizing a scenario-based experimental study. In total, a sample of 296 prospective restaurant service employees were asked to evaluate their willingness to adapt their behavior when faced with cultural differences as well as out group status. Furthermore, respondents were asked to assess their level of metacognitive cultural intelligence.

Findings

The authors found that both perceived cultural differences and out group status positively affect the service employee’s willingness to adapt their behavior. Further, cultural intelligence (CQ) positively moderates one of those two direct relationships.

Originality/value

The authors extend the literature on the service-adjustment process, as well as the managerial implications of service adjustment. The study is among the first to introduce the role of the service employees’ CQ in adaptation to an intercultural service encounter.