bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Br...Br and van der Waals interactions along a homologous series: crystal packing of 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dialkoxybenzenes
Authors: Suarez Sebastián A. , Muller Federico , Gutiérrez Suburu Matías E. , Fonrouge Ana , Baggio Ricardo F. , Cukiernik Fabio D.
Published: September 2016

The crystalline structures of four homologues of the 1,2-dibromo-4,5-dialkoxybenzene series [Br2C6H2(OCnH2n + 1)2forn= 2, 12, 14 and 18] have been solved by means of single-crystal crystallography. Comparison along the series, including the previously reportedn= 10 andn= 16 derivatives, shows a clear metric trend (bandcessentially fixed along the series andagrowing linearly withn), in spite of some subtle differences in space groups and/or packing modes. A uniform packing pattern for the aliphatic chains has been found for then= 12 to 18 homologues, which slightly differs from that of then= 10 derivative. The crystalline structures of all the higher homologues (n= 10–18) seem to arise from van der Waals interchain interactions and, to a lesser extent, type II Br...Br interactions. The dominant role of interchain interactions provides direct structural support for the usual interpretation of melting point trends like that found along this series.Atoms in Molecules(AIM) analysis allows a comparison of the relative magnitude of the interchain and Br...Br interactions, an analysis validated by the measured melting enthalpies.
Glycine zinc sulfate pentahydrate: redetermination at 10 K from time-of-flight neutron Laue diffraction
Authors: Fortes A. Dominic , Howard Christopher M. , Wood Ian G. , Gutmann Matthias J.
Published: September 2016

Single crystals of glycine zinc sulfate pentahydrate [systematic name: hexaaquazinc tetraaquadiglycinezinc bis(sulfate)], [Zn(H2O)6][Zn(C2H5NO2)2(H2O)4](SO4)2, have been grown by isothermal evaporation from aqueous solution at room temperature and characterized by single-crystal neutron diffraction. The unit cell contains two unique ZnO6 octahedra on sites of symmetry -1 and two SO4 tetrahedra with site symmetry 1; the octahedra comprise one [tetraaqua-diglycine zinc]2+ ion (centred on one Zn atom) and one [hexaaquazinc]2+ ion (centred on the other Zn atom); the glycine zwitterion, NH3
+CH2COO−, adopts a monodentate coordination to the first Zn atom. All other atoms sit on general positions of site symmetry 1. Glycine forms centrosymmetric closed cyclic dimers due to N—H...O hydrogen bonds between the amine and carboxylate groups of adjacent zwitterions and exhibits torsion angles varying from ideal planarity by no more than 1.2°, the smallest values for any known glycine zwitterion not otherwise constrained by a mirror plane. This work confirms the H-atom locations estimated in three earlier single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies with the addition of independently refined fractional coordinates and Uij
parameters, which provide accurate internuclear X—H (X = N, O) bond lengths and consequently a more accurate and precise depiction of the hydrogen-bond framework.
A non-solvated form of [(Z)-O-methyl-N-(2-methylphenyl)thiocarbamato-κS](triphenylphosphane-κP)gold(I): crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Yeo Chien Ing , Tan Sang Loon , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: September 2016

The title compound, [Au(C9H10NOS)(C18H15P)], features a near linear P—Au—S arrangement defined by phosphane P and thiolate S atoms with the minor distortion from the ideal [P—Au—S is 177.61 (2)°] being traced in part to the close intramolecular approach of an O atom [Au...O = 3.040 (2) Å]. The packing features supramolecular layers lying parallel to (011) sustained by a combination of C—H...π and π–π [inter-centroid distance = 3.8033 (17) Å] interactions. The molecular structure and packing are compared with those determined for a previously reported hemi-methanol solvate [Kuan et al. (2008). CrystEngComm, 10, 548–564]. Relatively minor differences are noted in the conformations of the rings in the Au-containing molecules. A Hirshfeld surface analysis confirms the similarity in the packing with the most notable differences relating to the formation of C—H...S contacts between the constituents of the solvate.
Crystal structures of the two epimers from the unusual thermal C6-epimerization of 5-oxo-1,2,3,5,5a,6,7,9b-octahydro-7,9a-epoxypyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindole-6-carboxylic acid, 5a(RS),6(SR),7(RS),9a(SR),9b(SR) and 5a(RS),6(RS),7(RS),9a(SR),9b(SR)
Authors: Poplevin Dmitry S. , Zubkov Fedor I. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: September 2016

The isomeric title compounds, C12H13NO4 (Ia) and C12H13NO4 (IIa), the products of an usual thermal C6-epimerization of 5-oxo-1,2,3,5,5a,6,7,9b-octahydro-7,9a-epoxypyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindole-6-carboxylic acid, represent the two different diastereomers and have very similar molecular geometries. The molecules of both compounds comprise a fused tetracyclic system containing four five-membered rings (pyrrolidine, pyrrolidinone, dihydrofuran and tetrahydrofuran), all of which adopt the usual envelope conformations. The dihedral angle between the basal planes of the pyrrolidine and pyrrolidinone rings are 14.3 (2) and 16.50 (11)°, respectively, for (Ia) and (IIa). The nitrogen atom has a slightly pyramidalized geometry [bond-angle sum = 355.9 and 355.3°, for (Ia) and (IIa)], respectively. In the crystal of (Ia), molecules form zigzag-like hydrogen-bonded chains along [010] through strong O—H...O hydrogen bonds and are further linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds into complex two-tier layers parallel to (100). Unlike (Ia), the crystal of (IIa) contains centrosymmetric cyclic hydrogen-bonded dimers [graph set R
2
2(14)], formed through strong O—H...O hydrogen bonds and are further linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds into ribbons extending across [101].
Butyl 2-[(azidocarbonyl)amino]benzoate
Authors: Yassine Hasna , Khouili Mostafa , Hafid Abderrafia , Mentre Olivier , Ketatni El Mostafa
Published: September 2016

The title compound, C12H14N4O3, is planar with an r.m.s deviation of 0.025 Å from the plane through all 19 non-hydrogen atoms. An intramolecular N—H...O interaction closes anS(6) ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...π and weak offset π–π stacking interactions [inter-centroid distance = 3.614 (2) Å], forming undulating sheets parallel to (001).
Underlying values and competencies of public and private sector managers
Authors: Darling Sean D. , Cunningham J. Barton
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify unique values and competencies linked to private and public sector environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on critical incident interviews with a sample of senior leaders who had experience in both the public and private sectors.

Findings

The findings illustrate distinct public and private sector relevant competencies that reflect the unique values of their organizations and the character of the organization’s environments. This paper suggests a range of distinct public sector competencies including: managing competing interests, managing the political environment, communicating in a political environment, interpersonal motivational skills, adding value for clients, and impact assessment in decision-making. These were very different than those identified as critical for the private sector environment: business acumen, visionary leadership, marketing communication, market acumen, interpersonal communication, client service, and timely and opportunistic decision-making. Private sector competencies reflect private sector environments where goals need to be specifically defined and implemented in a timely manner related to making a profit and surviving in a competitive environment. Public sector competencies are driven by environments exhibiting more complex and unresolvable problems and the need to respond to conflicting publics and serving the public good while surviving in a political environment.

Originality/value

A key message of this study is that competency frameworks need to be connected to the organization’s unique environments and the values that managers are seeking to achieve. This is particularly important for public organizations that have more complex and changing environments.
The special library: applicability and usefulness of the MLIS in non-traditional library settings
Authors: Crumpton Breanne Erin , Porter-Fyke Emily
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the versatility of the MLIS degree through the lens of special libraries in terms of education, core competencies and benefits. Special libraries show the value of the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree in preparing professionals to work across institutional boundaries in non-library and non-educational organizations and bring their services to the populace in sometimes unexpected places.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first conducted a literature review of special librarians and their skillsets, as well as how to properly define “special library”. They then examined different MLIS programs geared toward special libraries and how library schools prepare special librarians to benefit their organizations.

Findings

The conclusion drawn is that possession of an MLIS degree lends a special librarian more credence in the execution of their duties because they have been educated in how to best benefit their institution. While additional subject expertise is an advantage to the special librarian, the skills learned in MLIS degree programs provide an essential foundation.

Originality/value

This is a collaborative view that brings together outside research regarding various types of special libraries and the librarians that work in them in an effort to illustrate the value of the MLIS degree in an original way.
Making connections while earning an MLIS
Authors: Loor Sarah , Crumpton Michael A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to discuss a collaboration with a non-profit organization conducted as part of the Real Learning Connections project at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The authors discuss their experiences working with a non-profit partner from outside the university and the benefits gained from collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a reflection based on the personal experiences of the authors as collaborators in the project.

Findings

Through their experience with the Real Learning Connections project, the authors found that collaborating with a non-profit organization provides a unique opportunity for library school students to learn practical skills while also providing value to the non-profit organization in the form of expertise in information services.

Originality/value

This piece discusses the benefits of collaboration from the perspective of both an Library and Information Studies (LIS) student and a professional librarian, as well as considering the experiences of an external non-profit organization.
Firm and country specific determinants of capital structure in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Chipeta Chimwemwe , Deressa Chera
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of firm- and country-specific factors on the dynamics of capital structure for a new data set of firms in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data estimation techniques are carried out on a set of 412 firms from 12 countries within Sub-Saharan Africa.

Findings

The results show that firm- and country-specific factors play an important role in the choice of debt for firms in Sub-Saharan Africa. First, firm profitability is the most common significant predictor of capital structure for firms in Sub-Saharan Africa. The significance and magnitude of profitability coefficients is more pronounced in countries with the least developed banking and stock markets and the weakest legal systems. Second, the rule of law in Nigeria and Zimbabwe provides avenues for firms in these countries to increase their debt maturity structures. The choice of debt for firms in Ghana is significantly influenced by the strength of the legal rights, the time to enforce a contract and the cost of contract enforcement. Third, capital structure adjustment speeds in all the sampled countries are relatively slow, possibly due to the market imperfections associated with the underdeveloped financial markets of Sub-Saharan Africa. Lastly, firms in the most developed stock markets of Sub-Saharan Africa tend to have lower mean debt ratios and faster capital structure adjustment speeds. Similarly, firms in countries with strong legal mechanisms tend to have higher mean long-term debt ratios and faster capital structure adjustment speeds.

Originality/value

This paper explores the influence of firm-level and country-specific factors on the dynamics of capital structure for a new data set that was previously ignored in the literature.
The influence of institutional factors on MNC’s triple bottom-line reporting
Authors: Urban Boris , Hwindingwi Rutendo
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Recognising the rapid institutional changes multinational corporations (MNCs) face in emerging markets, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of various institutional factors on their triple bottom-line (TBL) reporting. The study builds on existing research where it has been noted that international business theory needs to adapt to the changes in the global economy, particularly the need to recognise the influence of several contingent variables in African emerging markets (AEMs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study design was cross-sectional where a survey was administered to MNCs operating in four leading countries situated in key economic regions in Africa. Following validity and reliability testing, hypotheses were tested using regression analysis.

Findings

Findings show that an independent judiciary system and an adequate national security system were found to have a positive and significant influence on the MNC’s TBL reporting. These institutional factors highlight the perceived importance of “law and order” for MNCs in AEMs.

Research limitations/implications

Policy implications relate to the need for specific and targeted interventions aimed at improving institutional factors in AEMs.

Originality/value

Instead of focusing on the internationalisation of AEM firms, the study took a different approach by focusing instead on countries previously under researched and how MNCs are affected by the institutional regimes in these AEMs.
Entrepreneurs adoption of information system innovation
Authors: Moghavvemi Sedigheh , Mohd Salleh Noor Akma , Standing Craig
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore technology acceptance and use behavior of IS innovations by entrepreneurs. To measure the perception of IS innovations by entrepreneurs the authors review unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and the entrepreneurial potential model, empirically compare the two models, develop a new model that integrates elements from the two models, and then empirically validate the new model (technology adoption decision and use (TADU)) in a technology acceptance context.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used to test the hypothesis are collected from 1,200 entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The research model was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that perceived desirability and perceived feasibility have significant effects on entrepreneurs’ intention to adopt and use innovations. Propensity to use is an important factor that has a significant effect on individual behavior. The precipitating events that happen in the time lag between intention and behavior will disrupt entrepreneurs’ inertia and induce a change in their behavior, encouraging them to seek the best opportunity available.

Practical implications

Understanding the individual, technological, and environmental factors that significantly affect IT adoption behavior can support policy makers in providing guidance on the adoption and usage of IT innovations by entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study proposes a TADU model with six core determinants of intention and usage – perceived desirability, perceived feasibility, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions and two new moderators, precipitating events and the propensity to act.
How customers’ offline experience affects the adoption of online banking
Authors: Estrella-Ramon Antonia , Sánchez-Pérez Manuel , Swinnen Gilbert
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of customers’ offline transaction behaviour in the form of loyalty and cross-buying on the adoption of self-service technology innovations by non-business customers in the context of online banking.

Design/methodology/approach

This study extends the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, as well as the Technology Acceptance Model adapted to describe and model individual customer observed behaviours in the pre-adoption stage of the adoption process. The Log-logistic parametric survival model is applied using panel data for 1,357 randomly selected new customers from a bank.

Findings

Significant differences arise among customers’ behaviours related to periodicity of interactions with the bank and quantity of products involved in the interactions, as well as convenience and risk of the interactions. The results corroborate that those customers who are more likely to adopt the online banking faster show an offline behavioural pattern more related to higher periodicity of interactions and convenience, rather than a high number of products involved in their interactions, the use of high-risk products or the maintenance of a higher average monthly liabilities.

Originality/value

While previous research explaining the process of adoption of the online channel has mainly focused on the analysis of customers’ attitudes (i.e. customers’ perceptions) and demographics, in this research an additional explanation is proposed using customers’ offline transaction behaviours. In addition, there is a considerable amount of research about the adoption of new technologies, but there is a scarcity of studies looking specifically at the financial services and banking industry.
Multichannel integration quality, online perceived value and online purchase intention
Authors: Wu Jin-Feng , Chang Ya Ping
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of multichannel integration quality in enhancing online perceived value and online purchase intention via the online store operated by a land-based retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a research model based on the “quality-value-purchase” chain, with four dimensions of multichannel integration quality as antecedents and three dimensions of online perceived value as mediators of online purchase intention. Empirical data were collected from 390 multichannel shoppers and structured equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Among the four multichannel integration quality dimensions, transparency of service configuration, process consistency and business ties positively affect online purchase intention through online perceived value, whereas the effects of information consistency are not significant; process consistency exerts a stronger influence on online perceived value than business ties; the effect of online convenience on online purchase intention is weaker than that of online monetary savings and online hedonic value.

Research limitations/implications

The study identifies the theoretical principles of the relationships among multichannel integration quality, online perceived value and online perceived value in multichannel context. Based on these theoretical principles, this study will help researchers to better understand consumers’ online purchase intention and the creation of online perceived value in the integrated multichannel context.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can provide retailers with useful strategies to increase online purchase intention depending on improvement of multichannel integration quality and online perceived value.

Originality/value

This study provides a first study to empirically assess various types of online perceived value attached to multidimensional properties of multichannel integration quality and the corresponding effects on online purchase intention. Overall, the results offer insights of how land-based retailers could manage their online performance by integrating multiple channels and improving online perceived value.
Automatic recognition of males and females among web browser users based on behavioural patterns of peripherals usage
Authors: Kolakowska Agata , Landowska Agnieszka , Jarmolkowicz Pawel , Jarmolkowicz Michal , Sobota Krzysztof
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the question whether it is possible to recognise the gender of a web browser user on the basis of keystroke dynamics and mouse movements.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was organised in order to track mouse and keyboard usage using a special web browser plug-in. After collecting the data, a number of parameters describing the users’ keystrokes, mouse movements and clicks were calculated for each data sample. Then several machine learning methods were used to verify the stated research question.

Findings

The experiment showed that it is possible to recognise males and females on the basis of behavioural characteristics with an accuracy exceeding 70 per cent. The best results were obtained while using Bayesian networks.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation of the study was the restricted contextual information, i.e. neither the type of web page browsed nor the user activity was taken into account. Another is the narrow scope of the respondent group. Future work should focus on gathering data from more users covering a wider age range and should consider the context.

Practical implications

Automatic gender recognition could be used in profiling a user to create personalised websites or as an additional feature in automatic identification for security reasons. It might be also considered as a confirmation of declared gender in web-based surveys.

Social implications

As not all users perceive personalised ads and websites as beneficial, this application requires the analysis of a user perspective to provide value to the consumer without privacy violation.

Originality/value

Behavioural characteristics, such as mouse movements and keystroke dynamics, have already been used for user authentication and emotion recognition, but applying these data to gender recognition is an original idea.
The temporal evolution of the normalized web distance
Authors: Perez-Garcia Lorena , Jan Broekaert  , Note Nicole
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether the temporal evolution of the normalized web distance (NWD) between significant terms concerning, e.g., a case of online activism can be used as a meta-data technique to measure evolution over time of, e.g., progress or decline of social empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

The NWD between two terms has been identified as a quantitative measure for semantic proximity, ascertaining a defining relation between them. A trend analysis is made by performing on the internet a time window restrained series measurement of NWD of all combinations of key-terms and classifier-terms. Case defining key-terms, positive and negative discourse polarizing classifier-terms, and neutral classifier-terms for negative control need to be determined by discourse analysis of information on a targeted case. An example of NWD evolution from 1994 until 2013 is presented to measure the empowerment effects of the Wirikuta online movement on the Huichol people in Mexico.

Findings

The application of the NWD temporal evolution method to the Wirikuta case shows a slight but significant semantic change of the key-terms with respect to some of the positive and negative classifier-terms. The neutral classifier correctly shows no significant distance variation, as required for valid application of the method. The method provides indications for a complex image of empowerment of the Huichol identity.

Research limitations/implications

The accuracy of the method is limited due to short-term and between-user variability of the search tool’s page counts. More reliable access to a web-index will be required for more accurate NWD-based trend analysis.

Practical implications

The monitoring of temporal NWD evolution provides a potential tool for more comprehensive trend description compared to classical frequency based methods.

Originality/value

Trend analysis is key to internet research, to which the temporal NWD method provides an innovative contribution.
Drivers of Twitter as a strategic communication tool for non-profit organizations
Authors: Gálvez-Rodríguez María del Mar , Caba-Pérez Carmen , López-Godoy Manuel
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In view of the increased impact of social media, non-profit organizations (NPOs) should review their management model for stakeholder relationships. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of factors on the use of Twitter by NPOs as a mechanism for disclosing information and dialogue with their stakeholders, and in particular: “donor dependence,” “fundraising expenses,” “organizational age,” “organizational size,” “online community size,” “network activity” and “board size.”

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of Twitter use as a strategic communication tool was conducted and a multivariable linear regression analysis was performed.

Findings

Smaller organizations and those with a larger online community are the most interested in implementing Twitter as a one or two-way communication strategy. Likewise, the NPOs with the highest degree of donor dependence strive most in the use of contents of Twitter as one-way communication mechanism.

Social implications

This study contributes to a better understanding of social media implementation in the NPO sector and advances the identification of the main causes that motivate NPOs to improve their accountability through social media.

Originality/value

The paper’s subject is relatively innovative due to the scarce studies focussing on social media used by NPOs. In spite of the advantages offered by Twitter, few studies have specifically addressed NPOs’ current use of this platform, and fewer still have analyzed the factors that motivate them to use this tool.
Antecedents of attitudes toward eWOM communication: differences across channels
Authors: Gvili Yaniv , Levy Shalom
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Despite the extensive academic interest in electronic word of mouth (eWOM) communication, consumer attitudes toward eWOM communication have been neglected. The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for attitudes toward eWOM communication across digital channels.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a web-based survey on seven major digital communication channels. ANOVA was applied in order to analyze their differences. In addition, structural equation modeling was used to test the eWOM attitude model, using a sample of 864 participants who have had prior experience with the channels under study.

Findings

Findings indicate that both attitude toward eWOM and its antecedents significantly differ across channels. Additionally, a path analysis model reveals that the original integrated model applies to eWOM communications. Yet, in the case of eWOM, irritating messages may be positively related to attitude toward the channel, and credibility serves as a mediator of message value.

Research limitations/implications

This paper supports the notion that attitude toward eWOM communication significantly differs across media channels. Future research should examine additional implications of attitude toward eWOM, and explore new and evolving channels.

Practical implications

Practitioners should adjust their eWOM media strategy to their objectives; blogs and social networks are more effective for brand attitude formation, whereas web forums enhance message credibility.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research study that tests attitudinal differences toward eWOM across digital channels. As such, it contributes to the understanding of people’s perception of these platforms.
Designing new business models: blue sky thinking and testing
Authors: Wrigley Cara , Bucolo Sam , Straker Karla
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In what is going to be an uncertain and rapidly evolving global economic landscape, it is clear that firms will have to become more adaptive and responsive to changes within their marketplace. To do this, businesses will not only need to engage in business model experimentation but also look to embrace business model innovation as a core competency and a means for sustained competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper outlines how a design process of experimenting and prototyping can apply to the design of business models through the case study of hypothetical luggage company Packright.

Findings

Five meta-models with differing foci are illustrated as an accessible and provoking framework that provides a new logic to classifying, experimenting and prototyping business model designs.

Practical implications

These five meta-models provide a tangible starting point from which a business can begin to explore different perspectives and gain insights into the internal and external capabilities of their company.

Originality/value

This paper builds upon the emerging research and exploration into the importance and relevance of dynamic, design-driven approaches to the creation of innovative business models.
Writings on the bathroom wall
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The increasing incidence of for-profit corporations publicly expressing views on social, cultural and political issues is creating new reputational risks. This viewpoint aims to examine this problem and propose a range of practices for companies to adopt for minimizing this risk.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines a variety of recent cases of companies expressing public viewpoints to extract learnings about the range of potential stances to adopt to minimize reputation risk.

Findings

This analysis determined that there were four different paths for companies to take – radical behavior change, vocal activism, quiet engagement or strict neutrality – each with its own risks and benefits.

Practical implications

This paper offers practical advice to corporations about how and when they should adopt public stances on social, cultural and political issues in a way that minimizes reputation risk.

Social implications

As corporations become smarter about their public stances, activists and advocates seeking their support will need to make more compelling arguments to gain their endorsement.

Originality/value

While individual corporate controversies about public positions have been written, the author is unaware of any previous comprehensive risk analysis of the reputation risks of public positions by corporations on social, cultural and political issues or recommendations on how to handle the risks.
Getting to clarity: new ways to think about strategy
Authors: Dobni C. Brooke , Klassen Mark , Sands Drummond
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an opinion of current strategic thinking in North American organizations. By doing so, the paper presents a strategic model organizations can use that focuses on clarity.

Design/methodology/approach

The opinion and strategic framework was informed by authors’ research and consulting experiences over the past 10 years with leading companies across a variety of sectors.

Findings

Many organizations struggle with the strategic tradeoff between control, agility and risk and end up with complicated bureaucratic strategies. The strategic framework of clarity poses five questions that provides clear guidance for achieving focus.

Practical implications

Business leaders can apply the clarity framework to their existing strategic processes. By doing so, they can re-assess strategy and optimize their actions and outcomes to re-focus their strategic thinking in light of the new economy.

Originality/value

The paper offers a fresh perspective and opinion on strategy using familiar examples to executives. The clarity strategy framework provides executives with a simple but focused alternative to avoid strategic traps and learn from success and failure examples.
Wooing the new Chinese businesses: five short-term policies to attract direct investment
Authors: Ramasamy Bala , Yeung Matthew
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify location factors that Chinese managers look for when making internationalization decisions and how the factors stack up in perceived importance. Over the past ten years, Chinese enterprises have become more multi-national in nature. China’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) has been growing at a phenomenal rate. In 2012, China became the third largest investor, after the USA and Japan; and the largest investor among developing countries. How can host governments attract more of this Chinese capital? What are some short- to medium-term policies that host governments can initiate to make their respective nations attractive to Chinese companies?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider these questions by using a best-worst choice exercise among 114 senior corporate decision makers of Chinese companies who have or are planning to globalize. We rank 16 most common determinants that influence FDI location choice and evaluate their degree of importance.

Findings

The authors propose five “low hanging fruits” that policy makers should consider that could ensure their countries come within the radar of Chinese multi-nationals. These include promoting a clean and efficient business environment and strengthening/establishing political and economic relationships with China.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the methodology of the study that forces respondents to make a trade-off in their decisions, which in a way is closer to reality. The respondents are also actual decision makers in their companies with regards to international investment decisions.
FINRA rule amendment requires registration of associated persons who develop algorithmic trading strategies
Authors: Foley Michael T. , Angstadt Janet M. , Pazzol Ross , Van De Graaff James D.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To analyze a recently approved FINRA rule amendment that will require registration with FINRA of associated persons of FINRA-member firms who are primarily responsible for the design, development or significant modification of an algorithmic trading strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This article discusses the rationale and details of the proposed requirements.

Findings

The amended FINRA rule, particularly when combined with the SEC’s proposed amendments to Rule 15b9-1 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, will result in many individuals who currently are not subject to a FINRA registration requirement to pass a qualification examination and register.

Originality/value

This article contains valuable information about important FINRA rule-making activity.
MSRB and FINRA issue joint notice cautioning broker-dealers and municipal advisors about bank loans
Authors: Huang Juliet H. , Burr James C. , Cosgrove Richard A. , Odem Nathan H.B.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To alert lenders, broker-dealers and municipal advisors to a joint regulatory notice from the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) regarding direct purchase or “bank loan” transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains the MSRB and FINRA notice, why the notice was issued, what lenders should know about the notice, what broker-dealers and municipal advisors should know about the notice, and what MSRB rules could apply to bank loans.

Findings

Firms should determine whether state and local government obligations acquired through bank loan transactions constitute municipal securities for federal securities law purposes.

Originality/value

Review of a recently issued regulatory notice by experienced municipal securities lawyers.
Whistling fast and furious: SEC and CFTC continue to issue awards
Authors: Srere Mark , Mammen Jennifer
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To analyze the recent Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) whistleblower awards and to evaluate what issues may be important for in-house counsel in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses the most recent whistleblower settlements and focuses on lessons learned for compliance.

Findings

The SEC continues to publicize substantial whistleblower awards in an effort to attract additional whistleblowers and gather information that may lead to successful enforcement actions. In addition, the CFTC, whose corresponding Whistleblower Program has been slow to issue awards has announced that it is ramping up its program.

Practical implications

Companies should ensure that they have vigorous compliance programs in place to prevent and detect potential securities violations and to respond immediately in order to mitigate penalties that may result from inadvertent violations.

Originality/value

This article identifies recent awards issued under Whistleblower Programs created under the Dodd-Frank Act and should be of interest to publicly traded companies and all entities regulated by the SEC and CFTC that may be targeted by potential whistleblowers.
SEC releases additional no-action letters on “substantial implementation” of shareholder proxy access proposals
Authors: Newell John , Hu An-Yen , Weber Bradley
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To explain a series of no-action letters recently released by the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance that help to clarify the circumstances in which a company may exclude shareholder proposals involving proxy access bylaw provisions from the company’s proxy statement.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains the background of competing proxy access bylaw provisions adopted or proposed by companies and proposed by shareholders, the “directly conflicts” test explained in SEC Staff Legal Bulletin 14H, and the “substantially implemented” guidelines implied in a series of no-action letters in February and March 2016. Explains the status of shareholder proxy access proposals as of Spring 2016.

Findings

Taken together with an earlier series of no-action letters released in February 2016 and Staff Legal Bulletin No. 14H, published in October 2015, companies considering the adoption of a proxy access bylaw provision now have a clearer understanding of when the Staff of the Division of Corporation Finance is likely to conclude that a company may appropriately exclude a proxy access shareholder proposal in favor of a proxy access provision adopted or proposed by a company.
No Harm Done – dispelling myths, giving hope and practical help for young people, parents and professionals affected by self-harm
Authors: Bush Marc
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The No Harm Done films provide hope and give support to those affected by self-harm. The accompanying digital packs dispel myths, answer frequently asked questions, provide practical advice and signpost to further help and support. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

YoungMinds employed its sector-leading expertise in youth and parent engagement. Both the films and digital packs were co-created with young people, parents and professionals, reflecting their real-life experiences of self-harm.

Findings

The project responded to young people who self-harm telling us they feel isolated, alone, in need of hope and help to counteract the negative and frightening messages widely available online. Parents confided they also feel isolated and that it is their fault their child is harming themselves. Teachers told us they see the signs but cannot bring themselves to say anything, and even if they want to, they cannot find the words to reach out to young people.

Originality/value

Quote from a professional “I personally found the No Harm Done short films to be incredibly valuable resources for my practice with young people. The way the films have been produced will make it a lot harder for young people that I work with to judge the action of self-harm given that there are no graphic harming words/stories and the films themselves do not come across as triggering. I feel enthusiastic that these films will encourage understanding and empathy from peers and spark conversation enabling those who have no knowledge around self-harm to be more accepting, open and supportive of those who have issues with self-harm.”
The influence of therapeutic horticulture on social integration
Authors: Howarth Michelle Louise , McQuarrie Cath , Withnell Neil , Smith Emma
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively evaluate the impact of therapeutic horticulture (TH) on social integration for people who have mental health problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative grounded theory approach captured the perceptions about TH from people with mental health problems. Data were collected using semi-structured focus group and interviews from a purposive sample (n=7) and were analysed using a constant comparative approach.

Findings

Four key themes emerged from the analysis: “a space to grow”, “seeing the person”, “learning about each other through nature” and “connecting to nature and others”. The findings suggest that TH enabled participants to integrate socially, engage with nature and develop confidence.

Research limitations/implications

TH is a potential approach that can help combat social isolation. The findings from this research have implications for people working towards supporting people who are socially excluded. However, this was a pilot study with a small sample size of seven people with mental health problems, whilst four key themes emerged, the saturation of concepts rather than the sample size were saturated to provide an emic perspective of the phenomena.

Practical implications

TH provides a person centred approach that enables people with mental health problems to re-engage and connect with their fellow human beings. Using TH could help improve the public health and well-being of local communities through re-connecting people to the environment and reduce social isolation.

Social implications

TH embody the principles of empowerment, person centeredness and can support people with mental health problems to integrate socially.

Originality/value

There is limited evidence about the influence that TH have on mental health and social integration. The use of TH is an area that is gathering evidence and this small study highlights the perceived potential benefits of this approach.
Exercise of ownership rights and efficiency in state-owned enterprises: the case of Uruguay
Authors: Munyo Ignacio , Regent Pablo
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the relevance of the exercise of ownership rights on the management of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The author exploited a “natural experiment” observed in Uruguay. The author developed an empirical method that to compare the results of SOEs between two five-year presidential terms with de facto differences with regard to the exercise of ownership rights.

Findings

The author found evidence suggesting that the poor exercise of ownership rights has a negative impact on the results of SOEs.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study are based exclusively on the Uruguayan case and are limited to the comparison between two five-year terms.

Practical implications

A holding of SOEs that holds and exerts ownership rights emerges as a natural alternative to improve efficiency.

Originality/value

The exercise of ownership rights in SOEs has a significant impact on its performance indicators.
Store creativity, store potency, store performance, retailing
Authors: Rego Arménio , Reis Júnior Dálcio , Cunha Miguel Pina e , Stallbaum Gabriel
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to test whether retail stores’ creativity predicts several indicators of performance through stores’ potency.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 45 stores (n= 317 employees) of a Brazilian retail chain was included, and a group/store level of analysis was adopted. Performance was measured through objective measures. To reduce the risks of common method variance, group creativity and group potency were measured with data from different store members.

Findings

The findings show that store creativity predicts indicators of store performance through store potency.

Research limitations/implications

The study was carried out within a single organization, and the stores’ sample is small. Other causalities are plausible, and future studies should adopt a longitudinal design to test reciprocal effects between the variables of the study.

Practical implications

Cultivating creativity (via the selection of creative individuals and nurturing contextual conditions that encourage creativity) may have at least indirect effects on store performance.

Originality/value

While the few empirical studies relating group creativity (still an under-researched topic) and performance have mostly used subjective performance measures, this study uses objective measures.
Comparing multisource ratings: can I believe what they say about my leadership behaviour?
Authors: Vilkinas Tricia
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether the feedback managers receive from their work colleagues is based on a shared understanding of their leadership behaviours. This similarity in perception is called conceptual equivalence. The study also took into account the managers’ and their work colleagues’ expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 441 managers participated in a 360-degree feedback programme that sought responses from their bosses (n = 380), peers (n = 1,621) and subordinates (n = 1,680). The instrument used was the Competing Values Framework 16-item survey, which describes the leadership behaviours that managers must display to be effective. It also measures the behaviours they consider important. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the rating scores of the managers and the three hierarchical levels of their work colleagues to determine conceptual equivalence between self and work colleagues’ ratings. Conceptual models were formulated and compared by testing for factor form equivalence.

Findings

Conceptual equivalence was found across all rater groups for both leadership behaviours displayed and the importance of leadership behaviours.

Practical implications

This paper provides managers and human resource professionals with useful insights on how to improve the use of 360-degree feedback processes by ensuring that conceptual equivalence is established for feedback supplied by raters from different hierarchical levels. The findings also stress the importance of including expectations when receiving feedback on leadership behaviours.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the benefits of determining the conceptual equivalence of feedback received by managers from various work colleagues. A second contribution is the inclusion of expectations in the feedback process, as none of the previous work has included such a measure.