bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing federal procurement reform: has the procurement pendulum stopped swinging?
Authors: Pegnato Joseph A.
Published: December 2018

Nearly $200 billion a year is funneled through the federal procurement system to buy everything from paper clips to stealth fighters. This procurement system can be thought of as an oscillating pendulum as it swings from one extreme of unresponsiveness to mission needs to the other extreme of hypersensitivity to mission. Out of a sense that the procurement pendulum had swung too far towards overregulation, two major procurement reform laws were passed: the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 and the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. Many observers suggest that these two laws have led to a revolution in the way the government buys. Are these reforms permanent? The view here is they are not because of various political forces.
A review of state procurement and contracting
Authors: Bartle John R. , Korosec Ronnie LaCourse
Published: December 2018

Are states effectively managing contracting and procurement activities? Are they striking the right balance between central administrative control and empowerment through delegation? How effective is training and monitoring? How do these practices compare to the principles of best practice? What role will information technology play in the future for procurement and contracting? As part of the Government Performance Project, budget, procurement, and contracting managers in 48 states were surveyed, providing descriptions of their procurement and contracting practices. There are numerous developments that speak to the practical details of contemporary public management. Five key findings are (1) information technology needs are challenging states, with some responding well, but others struggling, (2) in most states staff training needs to be improved, (3) restrictions prohibiting “best value” purchasing need to be removed, (4) states can learn from and improve practices by partnering with other governments and private organizations, and (5) most states use a hybrid of both centralized and decentralized management structures when it comes to contracting and procurement.
Assessing outsourcing potential in a state dot
Authors: Wilmot Chester G. , Deis Donald R. , Xu Rong
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this project was to develop a systematic, objective procedure to evaluate the potential to outsource functions and activities currently performed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD). A computer-based model was developed which evaluates the qualitative and cost aspects of contracting out activities and functions. The model was applied to three activities in the LaDOTD; highway markers, highway striping, and maintenance of rest areas. The results were in line with the expectations of officials who have experienced actual outsourcing of these activities. The model was constructed so that the perspectives it considers and the criterion on which outsourcing is assessed may be altered by the user to allow its use in a variety of settings.
The growth of e-procurement in american state governments: A model and empirical evidence
Authors: Reddick Christopher G.
Published: December 2018

This article examines the development of the Internet and electronic procurement or e-procurement in American state governments. I am interested in discerning the extent of adoption of e-procurement, especially as it relates to the use of the Internet in the procurement function. Specifically, eprocurement is examined with data from a national survey of state procurement officers. The first part of this article demonstrates an e-government growth model as a way of modeling the development of e-procurement. The second part examines the existing literature on e-procurement development and challenges associated with its implementation. The third part constructs an eprocurement index, which measures the adoption rate of electronic procurement in each of the states. This e-procurement index is tested against management, organizational, and economic predictor variables. The results of the eprocurement model indicated positive support for electronic procurement on state management capacity and IT management capacity, indicating that high performing management is a critical catalyst for e-procurement development.
A regression approach for estimating procurement cost
Authors: Moore Gary W. , White III Edward D.
Published: December 2018

Cost growth in Department of Defense (DoD) weapon systems continues to be a scrutinized area of concern. One way to minimize unexpected cost growth is to derive better and more realistic cost estimates. In this vein, cost estimators have many analytical tools to ply. Previous research has demonstrated the use of a two-step logistic and multiple regression methodology to aid in this endeavor. We investigate and expand this methodology to cost growth in procurement dollar accounts for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of DoD acquisition. We develop and present two salient statistical models for cost estimators to at least consider if not use in mitigating cost growth for existing and future government acquisition programs.
The e-procurement experience in italian universities
Authors: Barbieri Paolo , Zanoni Andrea
Published: December 2018

This study focuses on the main problems of the design and implementation of e-procurement in Italian Universities. We look at the main features of e-procurement in a university environment, through an analysis of various documents and reports, together with interviews with some of the key actors involved. The most important aspects of its adoption and the consequences for process management and organization itself are highlighted. The results of those phases of the project that have already been implemented (the "pilot projects") are discussed. We conclude by drawing up an overall assessment of the actual status of the project.
Performance-based contracting: Are we following the mandate?
Authors: Buchanan Natalia , Klingner Donald E.
Published: December 2018

This paper evaluates an Air Force performance-based service contract against the contracts that were prescriptive in the past. Department of Defense mandated that all service contracts be performance-based by 2005. The goal of the paper is to determine whether this contract, after becoming performance-based, is achieving greater cost savings and better outcomes for government, contractor, and taxpayers. The paper assesses the contract performance standards and how they are measured. The authors analyze the language of the Statement of Work (SOW) before and after it became performance-based. The contractor’s performance is evaluated. Positive incentives are identified and described. Finally, the paper addresses risk assessment issues.
Public procurement and innovation: towards a taxonomy
Authors: Hommen Leif , Rolfstam Max
Published: December 2018

The role of public procurement as an instrument to stimulate innovation has been increasingly emphasized by European policymakers. This perspective raises demand for the understanding of public procurement as an activity taking place in a variety of different procurement contexts and as an act of innovation. Accordingly, this paper proposes a taxonomy of public procurement and innovation, combining interactive learning and evolutionary perspectives on innovation processes to account for the broad range of different ‘interaction environments’ or ‘resource interfaces’ in which government or public sector organizations may act as lead users of innovations. On this basis, the taxonomy draws practical policy implications for the design of programmes and initiatives for the public procurement of innovations.
An asymmetric learning in complex public-private projects
Authors: Zheng Jurong , Caldwell Nigel
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates how symmetrical learning activity is, between the public client and the private contractor in the contracting and operation of complex, long-term infrastructure projects. Drawing on empirical material from two United Kingdom (UK) private finance initiative (PFI) cases, the paper analyses differences in the absorptive capacity and learning capability between parties. It suggests the private contractor appears to be better equipped to acquire, embed and renew their learning. These findings reflect less than 5 years of a 30-year contract, suggesting a skewed (imbalanced) relationship, where the contractor gains more learning capabilities than the client. The paper concludes with implications for management practice and suggestions for future research directions.
Procurement planning and accountability of local government procurement systems in developing countries: evidence from uganda
Authors: Basheka Benon C.
Published: December 2018

The contribution of planning in facilitating an efficient and effective performance of public sector organizations is generally undisputed in both developed and developing countries. Its contribution can be at both central and local government levels of public sector management. This article examines the relationship between procurement planning and accountability of local government procurement systems in Uganda. The findings arose from a study that was conducted among 99 local government stakeholders selected from 11 Districts of Uganda, using a correlation research design. The data was analyzed using principal component factor analysis that aimed at identifying the critical components of procurement planning and accountable local governments systems in Uganda. Consequently, correlation analysis to establish the direction and magnitude to which the two variables were related was conducted and results are presented. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between procurement planning and accountable local government procurement systems in Uganda. These results are compared to international research findings, and suggestions are offered for management, policy making, future research and efficient accountable local government operations.
An economic approach to public procurement
Authors: Ho Chen Tsong
Published: December 2018

Award systems play the central role in public procurement, since they determine what is considered by the contracting authority as ‘the most economically advantageous tender.’ Many award systems that are used in practice have serious shortcomings, which are caused by the use of relative scores. In this article, the consequences of those shortcomings are demonstrated, using examples from real procurement procedures and case law. The examples are analyzed with methods from econometrics, social choice theory and game theory.
Does e-procurement save the state money?
Authors: Singer Marcos , Konstantinidis Garo , Roubik Eduardo , Beffermann Eduardo
Published: December 2018

Scientific literature reports scarce evidence of whether Internetbased procurement systems improve the efficiency of State purchases. We propose a methodology to estimate savings in: (i) the centralization of administrative tasks, and (ii) price differentials due to a larger number of contractors and suppliers bidding on contracts. We test our methods with ChileCompra, the Chilean e-procurement agency. During 2007, 885 Chilean State agencies used this system to purchase US$4.5 billion in products and services. Our preliminary results show price reductions of 2.65% and administrative cost savings of 0.28%-0.38% between 2006 and 2007.
Ethics in public procurement: buying public trust
Authors: Hunsaker Kelly
Published: December 2018

No procurement professional wants their name featured in the negative headlines. Ethics is a significant issue when it comes to public procurement. Public procurement professionals must keep abreast of not only the laws that govern their practice, but be keenly aware of the need for transparency in the way they conduct their transactions. The modern public procurement department is faced with agency growth, ambiguity in performance measurement, and keeping pace with modern procurement trends. This article will present what an agency can do to thwart potential ethics violations before they occur in the hopes of creating a more positive public image.
Optimizing the size of public-private partnership contracts in the water sector: implications from an estimated cost function of private operators
Authors: Iimi Atsushi
Published: December 2018

In public-private partnership (PPP) contracts of water utilities, of particular concern is lack of market competition. This paper focuses on the size of contracts. If governments design a large-scale transaction, economies of scale in service operation can be expected, but competition in auctions may be compromised. For small contracts many firms will apply, but at the cost of scale diseconomies in operation. The estimated cost function of PPP water utilities indicates that economies of scale exist but diminish quickly as production increases. There is no rationale for more than 300 million cubic meters of water service concessions under a single package, taking a risk of little competition. Conversely, less than 50 million cubic meters of concessions are too small; the bundling approach is required.
Operating performance and corporate governance of supplier companies to governmental agencies
Authors: Ngo Thanh
Published: December 2018

This paper examines operating performance and corporate governance of 181 companies over the period 2003- 2008 (563 firm-year observations), whose customers are governmental agencies, and contrasts their performance to that of companies that have no governmental customers. The sample firms are classified into firms whose customers are (1) domestic governmental agencies, (2) foreign governmental agencies, (3) state governmental agencies, or (4) different combinations of the 3 types. The results show that firms that supply domestic and/or foreign government customers have significantly higher operating income, profit margin and return on asset and lower operating expenses than firms that supply state government customers and than their matched industry peers who do not supply any government customers. These government-supplier firms have lower managerial ownership than their industry peers which suggests potential room for agency problems to develop. Firms that supply domestic and/or foreign government customers have significantly lower executive compensation than firms that supply state government customers and than their matched industry peers.
Do the baby and the bathwater deserve the same fate? An exploratory study of collaborative pricing in the U.S. department of defense
Authors: Hawkins Timothy G. , Cuskey Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2018

Alpha contracting is a collaborative effort between a buyer and supplier during contract formation to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborative efforts between the United States Department of Defense and its suppliers have recently been scrutinized. Although several benefits of Alpha contracting are identified within the literature, the phenomenon is not ubiquitous nor is it well understood. Using the case study methodology, this research explores Alpha Contracting to define success and to identify its contributing factors. Additionally, this research identifies antecedents for and consequences of use, variations of the processes employed, and some misuse. The study culminates in the development of a conceptual model of collaborative pricing, and provides five recommendations for enhanced use.
E-Procurement: Myth or Reality
Authors: McCue Clifford , Roman Alexandru V.
Published: December 2018

Governments across the globe appear to identify and tout technology as a way to transform how they govern. Public procurement is at the forefront of most reform efforts given that it plays a significant role in promoting accountability and transparency. This study relies on survey data of procurement professionals to delineate the current status of eprocurement implementation in United States and Canada. Findings suggest that digitalized public procurement has not yet led to significant transformative changes. Unsuitability of software platforms, organizational resistance, lack of strategic systemsʼ integration and failure to involve public procurement professionals in the design of e-procurement systems were identified as the primary obstacles of effectively implementing digital procurement. These findings suggest that in order to capitalize on the potentially transformative nature of ICT in procurement, policymakers, system designers, and procurement professionals must take an active role in both the design of the software and its adoption across political, institutional and behavioral domains.
Public contract writing systems: A house divided
Authors: Lloyd Robert E.
Published: December 2018

This paper examines automated contract writing systems, a vital aspect of public procurement which has replaced the more manual methods of drafting of contracts used in the past. Using the system of the U.S. federal government as an illustration, the various components of a contract writing system are detailed and discussed, distinguishing contract writing from eprocurement and demonstrating how a bifurcated approach has been adopted for contracting automation. The larger implications of this dual nature are analyzed along with misconceptions about contract writing systems and the contrast between the perspectives of procurement versus finance. Future research devoted more to cross-disciplinary issues and human factors affecting contract writing, rather than just systems development issues, may offer an opportunity to improve the effectiveness of public procurement automation.
After katrina: Comparisons of post-disaster public procurement approaches and outcomes in the new orleans area
Authors: Atkinson Christopher L. , K. Sapat Alka
Published: December 2018

Hurricane Katrina remains the “most destructive disaster in U.S. history” (Farber & Chen, 2006). The purpose of this article is to examine the public procurement practices followed by local government officials in and around New Orleans within the context of Hurricane Katrina, and define impacts of disaster on procurement processes. Original and primary data drawn from interviews with officials working in and with public procurement are used to examine the role of institutional culture and practices which encourage or constrain active, responsible behavior. We find that this behavior influences the quality, including the transparency and fairness, of purchasing responses.
“Best value for money” in procurement
Authors: Dimitri Nicola
Published: December 2018

A gradual change on how to evaluate successful procurement, in both the private and the public sector has occurred in recent years. Indeed, in so far as economic efficiency is concerned from a price-only criterion for measuring success, decisions have shifted to a multi-criteria approach where various dimensions of quality, as well as price, are considered. The most common way to express such a shift is to say that procurement should deliver “best value for money” (BVM). That is, to award the contract, both monetary and non-monetary components of an offer are to be considered. Whether in competitive bidding or negotiations, BVM is typically formalized by a scoring formula, namely a rule for assigning dimensionless numbers to different elements of an offer, often expressed in different units of measurement. The contract would then be awarded according to the total score obtained by a bid. The main goal of this paper is to present a critical overview of some main themes related to the notion of BVM, discussing few typical forms of scoring rules as a way to formalize the procurer's preferences.
Public policy and financial management through eprocurement: A practice oriented normative model for maximizing transformative impacts
Authors: Roman Alexandru V.
Published: December 2018

Scholars have suggested that the current dynamics within the provision of public services have shaped traditional administration into governance by contract. Under such conditions, restructuring public procurement, specifically within the technological capabilities available within e-procurement, has often been associated with manifold positive financial and policy outcomes. The supposed benefits of digitalizing public procurement are legion, yet they are often assumed and rarely grounded in hard evidence. Based on the results of a survey of procurement specialists (n=499), this article suggests that in its current form e-procurement adoption is failing to uphold the transformative benefits that it is regularly attributed within popular discourse. An extensive literature review is undertaken in order to construct practical understandings of the factors that could explain the rather disappointing early developments. The paper offers a practice oriented normative model that would increase the probability of achieving transformative dynamics as a result of e-procurement adoption.
An exploration of knowledge-based factors affecting procurement compliance
Authors: Hawkins Timothy G. , Muir William A.
Published: December 2018

Public procurement officials are bound by extensive policies, procedures, and laws. However, procurement professionals perpetually struggle to comply with these vast requirements — particularly in the acquisition of services. The purpose of this research is to explore knowledge-based factors affecting compliance of service contracts. A regression model using data acquired via survey from 219 U.S. Government procurement professionals reveals that the extent of compliance is affected by buyer experience, personnel turnover, the sufficiency with which service requirements are defined, post-award buyer-supplier communication, and the sufficiency of procurement lead time. From these results, implications for practice and theory are drawn. The study concludes with a discussion of limitations and directions for future research.
Theory in public procurement research
Authors: Flynn Anthony , Davis Paul
Published: December 2018

This paper examines the role of theory in public procurement research. Theoretical rigour is integral to management science, yet little is known on the extent and form of theory in public procurement. With the field starting to mature, addressing this issue is timely. From conducting a systematic literature review we find that 29 percent of articles are theoretically grounded, with the incidence of theory having increased in recent years. Economic, sociological, psychological, and management theories are all in evidence, but micro-economic theories predominate. Our findings also show that survey reporting and case studies account for almost half of all studies; procurement research is focused on organizational-level aspects more than regulatory-policy issues or public buyers; and studies to date have largely emanated from the North American and European regions. The contribution of this paper lies in clarifying the theoretical underpinnings of public procurement. Out of this we highlight the need for greater theoretical rigour, point to the under-use and even absence of theories that could have high validity and utility, and suggest a narrowing of research foci.
Public procurement in the european union: The case for national threshold values
Authors: Molander Per
Published: December 2018

The single-most important parameter of a public procurement system is the threshold above which the framework applies. The optimization problem consists of finding a reasonable trade-off between the gains from public procurement and the administrative costs associated with procurement rules. In the present study, based on a sample of central and local government procurement operations in Sweden, an optimal threshold value in the range of 5,000—6,000 EUR is computed based on the requirement that the average gain should supersede the average cost. If a larger proportion of procurements is required to gain from the regulation imposed, a threshold value of 20,000—25,000 EUR should apply. The general conclusion is that there are strong arguments for maintaining procurement rules below the European Union threshold.
Small and medium-sized enterprises policies in public procurement: Time for a rethink?1
Authors: Nicholas Caroline , Fruhmann Michael
Published: December 2018

This paper will consider the rationale and effectiveness of SMEsupport policies in the award of public procurement (PP) contracts. One group of economic justifications for SME policies derives from the notion that awarding PP contracts to SMEs (and micro-enterprises) encourages innovation, entrepreneurship and so contributes to job creation, economic growth and can support local and regional developments to the benefit of wider society. The link between SMEs, innovation and economic growth has often been assumed in PP policy-making. While some studies show higher growth rates in small than larger firms, others indicate, to the contrary, that many micro and small enterprises, and particularly informal businesses, are not actively seeking to grow. This paper will assess how effective SME policies may be, and questions the extent to which they are properly evaluated.
Public procurement of innovation policy: Competition regulation, market structure and dominant design
Authors: Wan Ruyi
Published: December 2018

Recently, industry policy researchers have been more interested in public procurement, as a “demand side” policy approach. The mainstream exclusively targeted public procurement demand to push innovation and furthermore leads to the “first mover strategy.” This paper points out that procurement decisions are likely to have a broader innovation impacts, and mostly via their influence on intermediate outcomes such as the structure of industrial competition. In this paper, the author explores the specific features of public procurement as a competition shaping instrument, and conducts an empirical study to measure the correlations among the competition regulation of procurement contracts awarding, industry competition structure and dominant design cultivation efficiency.
Rethinking contract design: Why incorporating non-legal drivers of contractual behavior in contracts may lead to better results in complex defense systems procurement
Authors: Kamminga Peter
Published: December 2018

Defense acquisition programs are plagued by surging delays and cost overruns. In particular, contract management of defense acquisition programs has been identified as 'high risk' - and threatening to project results. This article examines how contracts, as legal mechanisms, may be disruptive and obstruct cooperation between the DoD and contractors. The main observation this article makes is that tensions between the norms set forth in contracts and other non-legal norms can become a major reason for problems in defense procurement. It explains why these tensions may undermine cooperative behavior between contractors and the DoD and can become a source of disappointing acquisition program results. A framework is provided for identifying such tensions, and contract design principles are proposed to enhance cooperation and eliminate these tensions when drafting contracts for defense acquisition and other complex programs.
Stability properties in department of defense contracts: Answering the controversy
Authors: Petter Jacob L. , Ritschel Jonathan D. , White Edward D.
Published: December 2018

Delineating where stability occurs in a contract provides the window of opportunity for procurement officials to positively affect cost and schedule outcomes. While the concept of a Cost Performance Index (CPI) "stability rule" has been routinely cited by Earned Value Management (EVM) authors since the early 1990's, more recent research questions the veracity of this stability rule. This paper resolves the controversy by demonstrating that the definition of stability matters. We find a morphing of the stability definition over time, with three separate definitions permeating the literature. Next, an analysis of Department of Defense contracts for both cost and schedule stability properties finds that the veracity of the stability rule is intricately tied to the definition used.
Public infrastructure procurement: A review of adversarial and non-adversarial contracting methods
Authors: Regan Michael , Love Peter E.D. , Jim Jim
Published: December 2018

Adversarial contracting methods are used for most public infrastructure procurement and timely delivery on budget remains a problem. In the past 20 years, OECD countries have adopted a number of alternative procurement methods that are based on collaborative principles including public private partnerships, long-term outsourcing arrangements and relationship/alliance contracts. We review the theoretical principles that operate for both adversarial and collaborative contracting methods. We identify the characteristics of non-adversarial contracting methods such as the output specification, qualitative selection criteria, the alignment of incentives, discrete allocation of residual control rights, life cycle costing, and risk-weighted value for money measurement that are delivering better procurement outcomes for government.
The role of accountability in federal acquisition: A search for context
Authors: Fox Dan , Morris John C.
Published: December 2018

The issue of accountability in the federal government’s acquisition process has been the topic of much discussion and investigation. While few argue that accountability is unimportant, it remains largely unexplored in the context of the acquisition process. This paper seeks to examine the acquisition process in some detail, and analyze the role of accountability in that process. We conclude with some broader observations about accountability in federal acquisition, and directions for future research.
The case of the panama canal expansion: Pacta sunt servanda versus rebus sic stantibus in public works procurement
Authors: González Francisco L. Hernández
Published: December 2018

The Panama Canal expansion is one of the most important public works projects in recent times. Both the awarding of the contract and its execution have been surrounded by intense controversy. The situation came to a head in February 2014 when the contractor halted construction work due to the canal authority’s failure to maintain the economic balance of the contract. This article explains the circumstances surrounding this dispute and analyses the causes and consequences of modifications to the contract. These are classic problems that affect all public procurement systems. The lessons drawn from this extraordinary case are valid for other legal systems
An integrated approach for supplier selection in military critical application items
Authors: Nikou Christodoulos , Moschuris Socrates J.
Published: December 2018

Supplier selection for defence procurement is a crucial function of a Ministry of Defence. The Ministry spends huge amounts of money each year to procure a vast array of equipment, goods and services. The ongoing financial crisis demands less subjective and more cost-saving methods for selecting a supplier. The approach advocated in this article integrates Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Goal Programming (GP) in order to combine conflicting criteria to select the best suppliers and allocate optimum order quantities among them. This paper presents a model close to real-world situations. Findings demonstrate that cost savings is a feasible result along with a viable combination of conflicting criteria in the suppliers' selection area.
International trade protectionist policies and in-state preferences: A link
Authors: Abutabenjeh Sawsan , Gordon Stephen B. , Mengistu Berhanu
Published: December 2018

By implementing various forms of preference policies, countries around the world intervene in their economies for their own political and economic purposes. Likewise, twenty-five states in the U.S. have implemented in-state preference policies (NASPO, 2012) to protect and support their own vendors from out-of-state competition to achieve similar purposes. The purpose of this paper is to show the connection between protectionist public policy instruments noted in the international trade literature and the in-state preference policies within the United States. This paper argues that the reasons and the rationales for adopting these preference policies in international trade and the states' contexts are similar. Given the similarity in policy outcomes, the paper further argues that the international trade literature provides an overarching explanation to help understand what states could expect in applying in-state preference policies.
A comparative study of formulas for choosing the economically most advantageous tender
Authors: Stilger Przemyslaw S. , Siderius Jan , Raaij Erik M. Van
Published: December 2018

Choosing the best bid is a central step in any tendering process. If the award criterion is the economically most advantageous tender (EMAT), this involves scoring bids on price and quality and ranking them. Scores are calculated using a bid evaluation formula that takes as inputs price and quality, and their respective weights. The choice of formula critically affects which bid wins. We study 38 such formulas and discuss several of their aspects, such as how much the outcome of a tender depends on which formula is being used, relative versus absolute scoring, ranking paradox, iso-utility curves, protection against a winner with an extremely high price, and how a formula reflects the weights of price and quality. Based on these analyses, we summarize the (dis)advantages and risks of certain formulas and provide associated warnings when applying certain formulas in practice.
Analyzing buyer behavior when selecting green criteria in public procurement
Authors: Igarashi Mieko , Boer Luitzen de , Pfuhl Gerit
Published: December 2018

Given the complexity of green public procurement, decisions are likely to be driven by bounded rationality. However, we know little about what determines supplier selection criteria in any given situation. This study explores buyer behavior when considering environmental criteria. We first conducted interviews and identified 12 operational procedures used by buyers. We then developed a survey to explore the use of these procedures. Our quantitative analysis suggests that public buyers are motivated by their belief that they can make a difference. This is independent of buyers' experience or gender. However, their occupational position and the nature of a procurement seem to influence how buyers seek information about environmental criteria and which information source(s) they use. The data suggest that four specific decision-making heuristics are associated with the selected operational procedures.
Reflecting on the role of universities in the fight against corruption
Authors: Hauser Christian
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Corruption continues to ravage societies around the world. The fight against corruption can be fruitful only if approached from multiple standpoints. Thus, corruption must also be approached from an academic and educational perspective. The purpose of this paper is to provide a good practice example of how universities and business schools can take actions to align themselves with the international sustainability and anticorruption agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The six principles of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) provide a framework for higher education institutions to address corruption-related issues. This paper presents the case story of the Swiss-based University of Applied Sciences HTW Chur, which developed an academic working agenda on corruption-related topics based on the principles of the PRME.

Findings

The case story shares the actions that HTW Chur has taken and the benefits that have resulted from the university’s work. The findings show that to address corruption-related issues, scholars from the university took actions related to four principles in the PRME: method, research, partnership and dialogue. Furthermore, the results indicate that in addition to the university itself, public and private institutions have also profited from the actions taken.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is founded on a single case story; thus, the usual limitations of this research design apply.

Practical implications

It becomes apparent that the needs of the private sector in the fight against corruption could be addressed by engaging in and strengthening partnerships with universities. Thus, it seems beneficial to develop guidelines and standards to facilitate collaborations and dialogue in a participatory and transparent way.

Originality/value

The paper provides a good practice example of how universities can take actions to align themselves with the international sustainability and anticorruption agenda.
The defensible deletion of government email
Authors: Lappin James , Jackson Tom , Matthews Graham , Onojeharho Ejovwoke
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Two rival approaches to email have emerged from information governance thought: the defensible deletion approach, in which emails are routinely deleted from email accounts after a set period of time; and the Capstone approach, in which the email accounts of important government officials are selected for permanent preservation. This paper aims to assess the extent to which the defensible deletion approach, when used in conjunction with efforts to move important emails into corporate records systems, will meet the needs of originating government departments and of wider society.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper forms the first stage of a realist evaluation of policy towards UK government email.

Findings

The explanation advanced in this paper predicts that the routine deletion of email from email accounts will work for government departments even where business email is inconsistently or haphazardly captured into records systems, provided officials have access to their own emails for a long enough period to satisfy their individual operational requirements. However the routine deletion of email from email accounts will work for wider society only if and when business email is consistently captured into other systems.

Originality/value

The paper looks at the policy of The National Archives (TNA) towards UK government email and maps it against the approaches present in records management and information governance thought. It argues that TNA’s policy is best characterised as a defensible deletion approach. The paper proposes a realist explanation as to how defensible deletion policies towards email work in a government context.
Global synthesis of temperature sensitivity of soil organic carbon decomposition: Latitudinal patterns and mechanisms
Authors: Wang Qingkui , Zhao Xuechao , Chen Longchi , Yang Qingpeng , Chen Shi , Zhang Weidong
Published: December 2018

The response of soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition to global warming is a potentially major source of uncertainty in climate prediction. However, the magnitude and direction of SOC cycle feedbacks under climate warming remain uncertain because of the knowledge gap about the global‐scale spatial pattern and temperature sensitivity (Q10) mechanism of SOC decomposition.

Here, we collected data of Q10 and corresponding soil variables from 81 peer‐reviewed papers using laboratory incubation to explore how Q10 varied among different ecosystems at the global scale and whether labile and recalcitrant SOC pools had equal Q10 values.

Q10 with a global average of 2.41 substantially varied among different ecosystems, ranging from the highest in cropland soils (2.76) and the lowest in wetland soils (1.84). Hump‐shaped correlations of Q10 values with the maximum at SOC = 190 g/kg and the minimum at clay = 37% were observed. However, the main influencing factors of Q10 differed among various ecosystems. Q10 values showed a clear decrease with increasing incubation temperature but no significant decrease above 25°C. In general, labile SOC was less sensitive than recalcitrant SOC to warming. Structural equation model analyses showed that total N and SOC accounted for 53% and 46%, respectively, of the variation in Q10 of labile SOC and recalcitrant SOC. This finding suggested that Q10 values of labile and recalcitrant SOC pools had different controlling factors.

Our findings highlighted the importance of Q10’s variations in ecosystem types and the response of recalcitrant SOC to warming in predicting the soil C cycling and its feedback to climate change. Therefore, ecosystem type and difference in Q10 of labile and recalcitrant SOC should be considered to precisely predict the soil C dynamics under global warming.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Effects of Whole and Malted Quinoa Flour Addition on Gluten‐Free Muffins Quality
Authors: Miranda‐Villa Patricia P. , Mufari Jesica R. , Bergesse Antonella E. , Calandri Edgardo L.
Published: December 2018

Gluten‐free flours based products present technological difficulties in their preparation, the texture is very different in comparison to products that contain gluten and their nutritional quality is often deficient due to the use of starches and refined flours, which provide high energy density and low nutritional value. The aim of this research was to assess the effects of addition both whole and malted quinoa flours on the physical, nutritional and sensory characteristics of gluten‐free muffins. Different formulations were assessed: with 100% rice flour and with a 30% replacement for whole or malted quinoa flour. Proximate composition analysis, baking associated weight loss, size, specific volume, crumb structure, texture profile and consumer test sensory analysis were tested on the samples. Quinoa flours produced an increase of between 12% and 18% on protein, 8% to 18% on minerals and 22% to 25% on amino acids, in comparison to samples that contained only rice flour (used as reference). Technological and sensory improvements on the quality of assessed muffins were also associated to quinoa flours addition. 24 hr‐malted quinoa flour added muffins had moisture, height, volume and firmness that were close to the reference ones. On all samples, small cells (0.002 to 0.005 cm2) were predominant on crumb structure and sensory evaluation resulted on similar outcomes for color and texture. However, the formula with 24 hours‐malted quinoa flour had the best scored on taste and smell.

Practical Applications

Adding whole or malted quinoa flours to formulations of gluten‐free products improves their nutritional and technological characteristics. These new products not only widen food variety for people with celiac disease but also increase the added value of quinoa grains, which motivates its production and industrialization.
SYMMACHUS' VARRO: LATIN LETTERS IN LATE ANTIQUITY
Authors: SALZMAN MICHELE RENEE
Published: December 2018

Symmachus opened his first book of letters by writing to his father Avianius, whom he depicted as a ‘new Varro’ writing learned epigrams on seven famous men in imitation of Varro's lost work, the Hebdomades. Symmachus was not alone in using Varro's work as an intertext. Based on my study of allusions to Varro and his works by late-fourth and fifth-century writers, I argue that Christian polemicists renewed their attacks on the Augustan scholar in the last decades of the fourth century. Consequently, Symmachusȧ choice of Varro was a forceful response in support of Roman religious as well as literary traditions in the late 380s or early 390s, the period in which I would date the dissemination of the first book of Symmachus' letters and the conceptualization of his seven-book letter collection.
A review of the role of parasites in the ecology of reptiles and amphibians
Authors: Bower Deborah S. , Brannelly Laura A. , McDonald Cait A. , Webb Rebecca J. , Greenspan Sasha E. , Vickers Mathew , Gardner Michael G. , Greenlees Matthew J.
Published: December 2018

A great diversity of parasites, from viruses and bacteria to a range of remarkable eukaryotic organisms, exploit reptile and amphibian hosts. Recent increases in the emergence of infectious disease have revealed the importance of understanding the effects of interactions between hosts and their parasites. Here we review the effects of parasite infection on a range of demographic, behavioural, genomic and physiological factors in reptile and amphibian species. Reviewing these parasite roles collectively, and prioritising areas for research, advances our ecological understanding and guides direction for conservation in a time of rapid species decline. Poorly resolved systems include Gymnophionan amphibians and Crocodilian hosts, in addition to viral and bacterial parasites. Future research should seek to understand processes enabling population recovery and examining synergistic interactions of parasites with fragmentation, climate change and other processes that threaten species persistence.
Using the RE‐AIM framework to evaluate the implementation of integrated community case management in Kenya
Authors: Onono Maricianah , Abdi Mohammed , Opondo Isaya , Okung'u Jane , Asadhi Elijah , Nyamai Rachel , Karimurio Lydia , Okoth Peter , Qazi Shamim Ahmad
Published: December 2018

Aim

To evaluate an integrated community case management programme for sick children aged 2 to 59 months in western Kenya using the Research, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework.

Methods

This was a prospective observational research project conducted between December 2013 and February 2016. Outcome variables were measured before, during and at end of implementation using a series of surveys as well as by looking at routine service statistics.

Results

A total of 2604 community health workers were trained in 245 community units. The average post‐training knowledge level (73.5%) and retention rates (89.7) of trained community health workers was high. At the end of study, there was an increase in the proportion of children who received appropriate treatment for diarrhoea (49.2%), pneumonia (19.5%), malaria (16.4%) and vitamin A (51.5%) from baseline. Community health workers were able to assess, classify and treat sick children with a similar quality as that provided by facility‐based healthcare workers (>85% concordance).

Conclusion

Based on the RE‐AIM metrics, our results demonstrate promising practical approaches and outcomes of a large‐scale implementation of integrated community case management in western Kenya. The findings have important implications for future design and expansion of the programme in Kenya.