bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sinorhizobium versus Ensifer: may a taxonomy subcommittee of the ICSP contradict the Judicial Commission?
Authors: Young J. M.
Published: May 2010

In response to a Request for an Opinion, the Judicial Commission (Opinion 84) confirmed the earlier synonym, Ensifer, as the correct name for the genus better known as Sinorhizobium. The Judicial Commission considered that this decision would not cause sufficient confusion to justify the conservation of the latter name. The Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Agrobacterium and Rhizobium of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP) publicly disagreed with this conclusion. Was it justified in doing this?
Functional investigation of methanol dehydrogenase-like protein XoxF in Methylobacterium extorquens AM1
Authors: Schmidt Sabrina , Christen Philipp , Kiefer Patrick , Vorholt Julia A.
Published: May 2010

Methanol dehydrogenase-like protein XoxF of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 exhibits a sequence identity of 50 % to the catalytic subunit MxaF of periplasmic methanol dehydrogenase in the same organism. The latter has been characterized in detail, identified as a pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent protein, and shown to be essential for growth in the presence of methanol in this methylotrophic model bacterium. In contrast, the function of XoxF in M. extorquens AM1 has not yet been elucidated, and a phenotype remained to be described for a xoxF mutant. Here, we found that a xoxF mutant is less competitive than the wild-type during colonization of the phyllosphere of Arabidopsis thaliana, indicating a function for XoxF during plant colonization. A comparison of the growth parameters of the M. extorquens AM1 xoxF mutant with those of the wild-type during exponential growth revealed a reduced methanol uptake rate and a reduced growth rate for the xoxF mutant of about 30 %. Experiments with cells starved for carbon revealed that methanol oxidation in the xoxF mutant occurs less rapidly compared with the wild-type, especially in the first minutes after methanol addition. A distinct phenotype for the xoxF mutant was also observed when formate and CO2 production were measured after the addition of methanol or formaldehyde to starved cells. The wild-type, but not the xoxF mutant, accumulated formate upon substrate addition and had a 1 h lag in CO2 production under the experimental conditions. Determination of the kinetic properties of the purified enzyme showed a conversion capacity for both formaldehyde and methanol. The results suggest that XoxF is involved in one-carbon metabolism in M. extorquens AM1.
Identification of Arabidopsis Mutants Impaired in the Systemic Regulation of Root Nitrate Uptake by the Nitrogen Status of the Plant
Authors: Girin Thomas , El-Kafafi El-Sayed , Widiez Thomas , Erban Alexander , Hubberten Hans-Michael , Kopka Joachim , Hoefgen Rainer , Gojon Alain , Lepetit Marc
Published: May 2010

Nitrate uptake by the roots is under systemic feedback repression by high nitrogen (N) status of the whole plant. The NRT2.1 gene, which encodes a NO3  − transporter involved in high-affinity root uptake, is a major target of this N signaling mechanism. Using transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants expressing the pNRT2.1::LUC reporter gene (NL line), we performed a genetic screen to isolate mutants altered in the NRT2.1 response to high N provision. Three hni (for high nitrogen insensitive) mutants belonging to three genetic loci and related to single and recessive mutations were selected. Compared to NL plants, these mutants display reduced down-regulation of both NRT2.1 expression and high-affinity NO3  − influx under repressive conditions. Split-root experiments demonstrated that this is associated with an almost complete suppression of systemic repression of pNRT2.1 activity by high N status of the whole plant. Other mechanisms related to N and carbon nutrition regulating NRT2.1 or involved in the control of root SO4  − uptake by the plant sulfur status are not or are slightly affected. The hni mutations did not lead to significant changes in total N and NO3  − contents of the tissues, indicating that hni mutants are more likely regulatory mutants rather than assimilatory mutants. Nevertheless, hni mutations induce changes in amino acid, organic acid, and sugars pools, suggesting a possible role of these metabolites in the control of NO3  − uptake by the plant N status. Altogether, our data indicate that the three hni mutants define a new class of N signaling mutants specifically impaired in the systemic feedback repression of root NO3  − uptake.
Two Medicago truncatula Half-ABC Transporters Are Essential for Arbuscule Development in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis
Authors: Zhang Quan , Blaylock Laura A. , Harrison Maria J.
Published: May 2010

In the symbiotic association of plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, the fungal symbiont resides in the root cortical cells where it delivers mineral nutrients to its plant host through branched hyphae called arbuscules. Here, we report a Medicago truncatula mutant, stunted arbuscule (str), in which arbuscule development is impaired and AM symbiosis fails. In contrast with legume symbiosis mutants reported previously, str shows a wild-type nodulation phenotype. STR was identified by positional cloning and encodes a half-size ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter of a subfamily (ABCG) whose roles in plants are largely unknown. STR is a representative of a novel clade in the ABCG subfamily, and its orthologs are highly conserved throughout the vascular plants but absent from Arabidopsis thaliana. The STR clade is unusual in that it lacks the taxon-specific diversification that is typical of the ABCG gene family. This distinct phylogenetic profile enabled the identification of a second AM symbiosis-induced half-transporter, STR2. Silencing of STR2 by RNA interference results in a stunted arbuscule phenotype identical to that of str. STR and STR2 are coexpressed constitutively in the vascular tissue, and expression is induced in cortical cells containing arbuscules. STR heterodimerizes with STR2, and the resulting transporter is located in the peri-arbuscular membrane where its activity is required for arbuscule development and consequently a functional AM symbiosis.
A mobile future for academic libraries
Authors: Lippincott Joan K.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Society may be on the verge of a revolutionary phase of mobile device use in higher education generally and in libraries in particular. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an examination of trends and technological developments in the area of mobile devices and a review of the potential of mobile devices, the paper analyzes the potential of mobile devices in academic libraries.

Findings

Most college students own cell phones and laptops and the capabilities of these and other devices are expanding.

Research limitations/implications

Libraries have the opportunity to extend new types of services to users of mobile devices and to develop, license, or otherwise make available scholarly content that is configured for mobile devices. Ideally, libraries will become part of an institutional planning process for the development of services for mobile devices.

Practical implications

The more pervasive use by students of smartphones, the uptake of e‐book readers, and the increasing use of mobile devices in some areas of the curriculum all have implications for libraries.

Social implications

Some writers in this area believe that the increased capabilities of mobile devices could lead to new forms of engagement with student learning; this possibility can be embraced by academic libraries that seek to be strong partners in the teaching and learning process of their institution.

Originality/value

The paper synthesizes developments and provides suggestions for the future.
Even an ocean away: developing Skype‐based reference for students studying abroad
Authors: Faye Cohen Sarah , Burkhardt Andy
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the development of a Skype‐based, study abroad reference service.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the criteria used for technology and situates the project in the literature on study abroad reference services.

Findings

Using Skype, a free video‐conferencing software, allows librarians to offer reference services to study abroad students effectively, easily, and without new technologies or significant cost.

Originality/value

The paper offers other librarians strategies for developing and launching similar programs and shares challenges encountered to prepare librarians for success in their own projects.
Text 4 answers: a collaborative service model
Authors: Luo Lili , Bell Lori
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to identify the benefits, challenges and effective methods of implementing and managing a collaborative text reference service.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the case study approach to examine the practice of the first nation‐wide collaborative text reference service My Info Quest and evaluate the effectiveness of the organization and operation of this collaboration.

Findings

Findings of the study indicate that librarians participating in My Info Quest are generally satisfied with the service organization and operation. However, more work is needed in the area of schedule accountability, communication and sustainability.

Originality/value

My Info Quest is the first collaborative text reference service in the nation. Through the detailed depiction and evaluation of My Info Quest's experience, the paper can help interested libraries to gain a better understanding of how to establish a collaborative text reference service and what challenges they will be facing.
Information seeking with Wikipedia on the iPod Touch
Authors: Hahn Jim
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a usability study which inquired into undergraduate student information seeking with Wikipedia on the iPod touch.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are drawn from iPod search logs and student survey responses. Search log data are coded with FRBR subject entities (group 3 entity sets) for analysis.

Findings

Students characterize the overall nature of information searched for with the Wikipedia app to be for recreational and for short factual information. Recreational searching as a way in which undergraduate students utilize mobile technology is an earlier finding of Wikipedia iPod usage, and is verified as a trend of undergraduate student search using the iPod. All undergraduate student participants of the Wikipedia app on a mobile interface report this tool as helping to become more efficient in their research. Students viewed Wikipedia articles about people and concepts more so than other article types.

Originality/value

Undergraduate student mobile search log analysis over a specific type of information resource on the iPod Touch is an original usability project. Previous mobile search log analysis analyzes thousands of unknown users and millions of anonymous queries, where the devices used for searching are not always identifiable and trends about touch screens cannot be ascertained.
Measuring the impact of cultural diversity on desired mobile reference services
Authors: Hudson Alexia
Published: May 2010

Purpose:

This research aims to present evidence that cultural diversity influences students' desire to utilize library resources and reference services on their mobile devices.

Design/methodology/approach

A paper survey was administered voluntarily to undergraduate students to analyze how cultural diversity impacts the types of mobile device‐based reference services students desired and how likely they were to access librarians for live research assistance on their mobile devices.

Findings

The paper provides evidence that cultural diversity and gender impacts desired mobile device reference services among undergraduate students. White male and African American female students reported a higher likelihood and desire to access librarians for live assistance on their mobile devices. White females indicated, to a large extent, a desire to access e‐books and e‐magazines on their mobile devices more than any other group. Anecdotally, White females also preferred chat‐based reference inside Facebook.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to one campus college location of a Doctoral/Research University Extensive during the fall 2009 semester. Incorporating mobile devices in reference services has yet to fully evolve as an emerging field of study in librarianship.

Practical implications

Library and information science professionals will gain valuable insight into how cultural variances impact students' desired engagement with reference librarians, what types of mobile device‐based reference services undergraduate students prefer, and what factors influence their mobile device selection process.

Originality/value

The paper represents the first study that examines cultural diversity as a determinant in desired mobile device‐based reference services among undergraduates. The research also highlights possible directions for future qualitative and quantitative diversity research studies in library and information studies.
Mobile services in the Rector Gabriel Ferraté Library, Technical University of Catalonia
Authors: Codina Vila Miquel , Pérez Gálvez Andrés , Clavero Campos Javier
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compile and explain the mobile services developed by the Rector Gabriel Ferraté Library (BRGF) of the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), in Barcelona, Spain. From a larger amount of technological features that distinguish the BRGF, only those with a main mobile component are grouped here.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study perspective is used to give a detailed picture of the mobile services and features offered by the library in both the university and the Spanish technological contexts. The paper aims to show the effectiveness and potential to deliver library services through the preferred tools of a new generation of students.

Findings

Offering mobile services has amplified the use of the library in different ways and has improved the image of the library as a technological reference for users and librarians. From a general point of view, being ahead of the game has been revealed to be an appropriate strategy for the library when implementing new technological services.

Originality/value

The paper will be useful for libraries searching new and innovative technological channels to communicate and deliver their services. So far, there have been very few papers about mobile services in European libraries and very few Spanish libraries with a significant number of these services for their users.
Gender inequality in employment: Editors' introduction
Authors: Durbin Susan
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the relationship between thecausesof gender inequality in employment andpoliciesdesigned to eliminate or ameliorate it. When this is brought into focus, some fundamental shortcomings in policy emerge from the shadows. It also provides a thumbnail sketch of the four other papers that make up this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a theoretical reflection, with lessons for practice.

Findings

The paper: establishes that gender inequality in employment exists; considers the main causes of gender inequality in employment; and evaluates the effectiveness of the main policies dealing with these causes.

Practical implications

Policy makers must reflect far more thoroughly on the causes of gender inequality in employment, and tailor their policies to address them.

Originality/value

It is one of only a few papers dealing with the relationship between thecausesof gender inequality in employment andpoliciesdesigned to eliminate or ameliorate it.
Perspectives on diversity as the Gender and Diversity in Organizations Division celebrates its 25th anniversary
Authors: Fletcher Pinar O.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of a selection of the diversity‐related research presented at the Academy of Management's 2009 annual meeting.

Design/methodology/approach

The annual meeting of the Academy of Management is the largest annual gathering of management scholars with more than 10,000 attendees. The meeting provides a forum for sharing research through multiple paper sessions, panels, symposia and workshops. From these sessions, 12 papers on gender and diversity were selected and summarized in this report.

Findings

Empirical evidence presented confirms that weight, gender, age and race‐based discrimination persist in organizations. At times, these strands of diversity interact with each other in a complex way, complicating the process of stigmatization. Critical papers called for more inclusive research and alternative approaches on gender tokenism, work‐life interface and migrants.

Originality/value

The papers summarized in this report offer new insights on dimensions of diversity previously explored and identify new avenues for future diversity research.
Beyond the market/non‐market divide: a total social organisation of labour perspective
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to move beyond the market/non‐market divide and to recognise the plurality of labour practices in societies by adopting a variant of what Glucksmann calls “a total social organisation of labour” approach.

Design/methodology/approach

To transcend the conventional depiction of separate market and non‐market spheres, this paper adopts a total social organisation of labour approach which recognises a multiplicity of labour practices existing on a spectrum from market to non‐market practices crosscut by another spectrum from wholly monetised to wholly non‐monetised practices. This conceptual lens is employed to analyse the results of 861 face‐to‐face interviews on the labour practices used in affluent and deprived urban and rural English localities.

Findings

The outcome is to reveal the multifarious labour practices in these English localities along with how both work cultures and the nature of individual labour practices vary socio‐spatially. While affluent and rural populations draw more on an array of market‐oriented and monetised labour practices, deprived populations and urban localities are found to rely more on a range of non‐market and non‐monetised labour practices, and all labour practices are more likely to be conducted out of necessity in deprived and urban populations and out of choice in affluent and rural populations.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only provides a snapshot survey. It does not show the changes taking place over time.

Practical implications

It reveals how it is mistaken to privilege the development of labour practices in the formal market economy and displays the feasibility of, and possibilities for, alternative futures beyond market hegemony.

Originality/value

The paper transcends the market/non‐market dualism and proposes an alternative conceptual framework to capture the multifarious labour practices in societies.
Social finance: commerce and community in developing countries
Authors: Jones John F.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper adopts the conceptual framework of institutional analysis and development (IAD). The main focus is on the “commons,” a general term referring to a resource shared by a group of people or a community who are possibly vulnerable to social dilemmas. In this paper, the vulnerable are communities in developing countries; the resource is economic and social wellbeing; the dilemma is how this wellbeing can be shared. Social finance, among others actions, might be a means of reaching a favorable outcome. The purpose of this paper is to identify institutions in the developing world where a commons approach is attempted.

Design/methodology/approach

A major part of the research consists of examining knowledge, specifically digital knowledge, as a commons, and then looking at situations in developing countries where information and communication technology plays a prominent role. The spotlight is on the widespread use of cell phones to meet social, business, and service needs. The paper is designed to observe and report on the competing or converging concerns of profit‐making enterprises and impoverished communities. The role of social finance in promoting prosperity and higher living standards lies at the heart of social finance. At once, a conceptual and empirical issue, a case study of mobile banking in sub‐Saharan Africa is presented to achieve an understanding of a commons dependent on digital knowledge.

Findings

While the data generally revealed that telecom's technical innovation results in an overall economic and social gain for developing countries, the precise financial effect of mobile telephony is less‐easily demonstrated, as might be expected with so many variables to be considered.

Originality/value

The value of IAD is uniquely manifest in the institutional analysis of mobile telephony in a developing region, namely, sub‐Saharan Africa. The knowledge commons of shared ownership and self‐governance is shown to benefit all parties without hindering financial gain or the common good.
Economic impact of natural disasters' fatalities
Authors: Padli Jaharudin , Shah Habibullah Muzafar , Baharom A.H.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the meaningful relationship between the economic impact of the natural disaster and economic condition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employed cross‐sectional analysis to investigate the relationship between economic condition namely, gross domestic product per capita (GDPpc); gross domestic product per capita squared (GDPpc2); government consumption ratio to GDP (gc); ratio of M2 over GDP(M2); years of schooling attainment (sc); land area and finally; population and the economic impact of natural disasters, whereby ten types of natural disasters were chosen. The degree to which the human and economic losses due to these ten natural disasters were measured by, the variables selected are, number of killed; total affected; and ratio of total damage to GDP. Three different points of time were regressed, namely, 1985, 1995, and 2005 covering 73 countries.

Findings

Results clearly indicate that there seems to be meaningful relationship between the economic impact of natural disasters and economic conditions.

Practical implications

The paper provides some evidence on the important role of economic condition in minimizing the impact of natural disasters.

Originality/value

The paper incorporates a comprehensive list of explanatory variables in accounting for natural disaster fatalities.
Who are the children going to school in Urban Punjab (Pakistan)?
Authors: Azid Toseef , Ejaz Ali Khan Rana
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the demand side determinants of schooling of Pakistani urban children and the factors affecting boys and girls' schooling separately.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study using the non‐linear maximum likelihood probability (probit) function on primary data.

Findings

Besides other variables it has been observed that the poverty remains an important determinant of school participation. Poor households keep their children out of school due to their inability to afford the cost of schooling.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of this study a socio‐economic policy can be formulated for a developing country like Pakistan.

Practical implications

A development policy can be formulated on the basis of this research for the enhancement of human resource development for a developing and an orthodox economy like Pakistan.

Originality/value

The paper is beneficial to the researchers, policy makers, and social scientists for the enhancement of the level of social welfare through its findings.
From information to learning commons: campus planning highlights
Authors: Somerville Mary M. , Brar Navjit
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to highlight elements of and assumptions for an inclusive planning process which guided the transformation of an information commons into a learning commons over a six‐year period. It aims to present case study within the context of the North American higher education environment, in which this example illustrates the shift from a teaching to a learning orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

The report illustrates the efficacy of a highly participatory and inclusive planning process which integrates ideas generated by campus stakeholders and beneficiaries – students, professors, and administrators – to redirect campus library activities from service to learning outcomes. The culminating Science Café example suggests the potential of repurposing space, revitalizing relationships, and re‐energizing programming within an academic library.

Findings

The case study illustrates the impact of participatory (re)design of library priorities. It demonstrates the new insights produced through expanded campus decision‐making processes. Conference paper and journal article references provide detailed descriptions of consultation and research elements of this six‐year initiative.

Originality/value

The paper provides a campus planning framework for an inclusive learning commons initiative. References to detailed reports in conference presentations, book chapters, and journal papers published in Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America offer transferable guidance for convening campus conversations to repurpose library facilities. This topic is timely, as information and learning commons – originating over 15 years ago in North America – are of growing interest internationally.
European information users
Authors: Lúcia Terra Ana
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present some results from research undertaken into the information behaviour of European Documentation Centre (EDC) users. It will reflect on the practices of a group of 234 users of 55 EDCs covering 21 Member States of the European Union (EU), used to access European information.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to collect the data presented here, five questionnaires were sent to users in all the EDCs in Finland, Ireland, Hungary and Portugal. In the remaining EU countries, five questionnaires were sent to two EDCs chosen at random. The questionnaires were sent by post, following telephone contact with the EDC managers.

Findings

Factors determining access to information on the European Union and the frequency of this access are identified. The information providers most commonly used to access European information and the information sources considered the most reliable by respondents were also analysed. Another area of analysis concerns the factors cited by respondents as facilitating access to information on Europe or, conversely, making it more difficult to access. Parallel with this, the aspects of accessing information on EU that are valued most by users will also be assessed.

Research limitations/implications

Questionnaires had to be used, as the intention was to cover a very extensive geographical area. However, in opting for closed questions, it is acknowledged that standard responses have been obtained with no scope for capturing the individual circumstances of each respondent, thus making a qualitative approach difficult.

Originality/value

This is the first piece of academic research into the EDCs and their users, which aimed to cover all Member States of the EU.
Trashy tags: problematic tags in LibraryThing
Authors: Thomas Marliese , Caudle Dana M. , Schmitz Cecilia
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative analysis of the “messiness” of the social tags in folksonomies to see how useful they might be for general search and retrieval in library catalogs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study harvested tags for ten books from LibraryThing measuring characteristics which would hinder search and retrieval in library catalogs.

Findings

Because there are no rules governing the way people tag, folksonomies suffer from a certain degree of messiness and inconsistency. More than a third of this messiness is in the form of tag variations followed by tags containing non‐alphabetic characters. The other types of messiness measured were less significant, making tag variations the most prominent hindrance to search and retrieval.

Originality/value

The paper supplies quantitative support for giving users guidance for creating tags in a library catalog. However, libraries should remember that part of the attraction of social tagging is its open and self‐created environment and that too many rules and regulations may discourage participation.
ALA Midwinter: a first‐timer's viewpoint
Authors: Jones Darcel B.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the American Library Association Midwinter Conference held in Boston in January 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a first time conference attendee's description of the issues, content, networking, speakers and participants of this conference. The future and purpose of libraries are discussed.

Findings

This major conference covered many topical issues and themes that are applicable to librarians and information professionals both in the USA and internationally. It facilitated many valuable networking opportunities.

Originality/value

The paper is a conference report of value to librarians and information professionals, as the different themes apply to the various aspects of the library and information professions and networking.
ReSearcher Suite: selection and implementation – the hosted option
Authors: Walker‐Headon Niamh
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of the selection process used to select the ReSearcher Suite, and its implementation including an outline of why and how the suite was implemented at the Library in the Institute of Technology in Tallaght.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study – single site.

Findings

The Simon Frasier University (SFU) hosted ReSearcher Suite (with support) provides an open source solution for open URL linking integrated with inter‐library loan submission, federated searching, knowledge base, coverage data, and A‐Z listings for journals and databases. While it does not have the full integration with the library management system that a vendor supplied product would, the functionality is strong enough on the user end to offer a viable alternative.

Practical implications

Provides a start point for similar projects.

Originality/value

The site studied is an international customer for SFU, while the suite is still in beta. The option to have open source software hosted by the developing institution is of interest.
New e-sources, new models: reinventing library approaches to providing access
Authors: Soules Aline
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose that librarians consider new ways of working in order to manage new types of electronic sources.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a literature survey, readings outside the literature, and observations in the field.

Findings

Librarians need to think out of the box, change how they structure their organizations and work, and cede more control to users.

Research limitations/implications

This is an opinion piece urging librarians to think differently.

Practical implications

If librarians could think out of the box, give up their traditional organizational lines, and cede more control to users, managing new forms of electronic resources would be easier.

Social implications

Changing ways of thinking is a long, difficult process.

Originality/value

This paper was originally presented at the IFLA conference in Milan in August 2009.
The global and the local: Arabian Gulf States and imagery in annual reports
Authors: Kamla Rania , Roberts Clare
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine GCC companies' use of visual images to interplay modernity and globalism with tradition, Islam and local culture. The analysis aims to bring attention to the way that businesses in the GCC use visual images to engage with or influence debates in their societies concerning the tension between modernity, globalisation and traditional values in the Arab‐Islamic world.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is critical and discursive and based on a close reading of the visual images reported in the 2005 annual reports of companies listed on GCC stock markets.

Findings

The analysis suggests that GCC companies on many occasions used visual images to depict and represent the possibility of a successful profitable, modern and global business that is also sympathetic to tradition and operates within the framework of Islamic principles.

Originality/value

While visual images are increasingly used in companies' annual reports they have been largely ignored in accounting research. Furthermore, when this research manifests, it has been concerned with investigating Anglo‐American and Western contexts. This paper instead emphasises the significance of researching the use of visual images in a variety of contexts and locations. It critically and contextually explores the use of visual images in a largely unexplored, non‐Western and a significantly Islamic context.
Accounting and visual cultural studies: potentialities, challenges and prospects
Authors: Brown Judy
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the potential of visual cultural studies (VCS) to inform and extend research on “accounting and the visual”.

Design/methodology/approach

A VCS framework is utilized: to draw together and organize work on “accounting and the visual”; and to illustrate how concepts and empirical studies from VCS can develop and extend accounting research.

Findings

The “visual culture turn” in the social sciences has generated considerable theorizing and empirical research pertinent to accounting research. In particular, it can deepen studies of accounting visuality – accounting's visibilities, invisibilities and ways of seeing – and stimulate new imag(in)ings.

Practical implications

The paper introduces accounting researchers to questions, topics, concepts and debates in the VCS field and illustrates how accounting and VCS research can mutually inform each other and foster interpretive/critical accounting projects.

Originality/value

VCS can frame studies of “accounting and the visual” (i.e. affirm it as a distinct field, with rich interdisciplinary connections) with implications for developing and extending accounting research.
Analysing societal regulatory control systems with specific reference to higher education in England
Authors: Broadbent Jane , Gallop Carolyn , Laughlin Richard
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the nature of societal regulatory control systems developing an analytical framework drawing from Jurgen Habermas' notion of “steering” and an understanding of “performance management systems”. It seeks to provide a conceptual language of “relational” and “transactional” approaches to regulation both generally and in relation to higher education (HE). The paper aims to illustrate that different types of regulation are related to the different contexts in which they are developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper undertakes an in‐depth analysis of regulatory frameworks and financing at a general level and in the specific context of HE in England in order to analyse the nature of the processes of steering both empirically and conceptually. The paper ends with some evaluatory reflections on the conceptual framework and in relation to the regulatory processes of HE in the England following this change.

Findings

The paper argues that the societal regulatory requirements, of a “relational” or “transactional” form use financing as central tools of “steering”, both generally and in HE. In HE two dominant institutional steering media are identified: regional Funding Councils, (in England, the Higher Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE)) and the Research Councils (RC). Regulation of funding flows from the two bodies is described using the conceptual framework developed. HEFCE's regulations are more “relational” in nature relative to the RCs more “transactional” systems. Located in two different Government departments until June 2007, these two funding organisations were then brought together to form the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS); they are now (since June 2009) part of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (DBIS).

Originality/value

The paper provides a conceptual framework by which to understand regulation more generally and demonstrates the significance of this framework by providing new insights into the changing societal regulatory context of HE in England.
Stakeholder inclusivity in social and environmental report assurance
Authors: Rhianon Edgley Carla , Jones Michael John , Solomon Jill Frances
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the research was to discover the process of social and environmental report assurance (SERA) and thereby evaluate the benefits, extent of stakeholder inclusivity and/or managerial capture of SERA processes and the dynamics of SERA as it matures.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used semi‐structured interviews with 20 accountant and consultant assurors to derive data, which were then coded and analysed, resulting in the identification of four themes.

Findings

This paper provides interview evidence on the process of SERA, suggesting that, although there is still managerial capture of SERA, stakeholders are being increasingly included in the process as it matures. SERA is beginning to provide dual‐pronged benefits, adding value to management and stakeholders simultaneously. Through the lens of Freirian dialogic theory, it is found that SERA is starting to display some characteristics of a dialogical process, being stakeholder inclusive, demythologising and transformative, with assurors perceiving themselves as a “voice” for stakeholders. Consequently, SERA is becoming an important mechanism for driving forward more stakeholder‐inclusive SER, with the SERA process beginning to transform attitudes of management towards their stakeholders through more stakeholder‐led SER. However, there remain significant obstacles to dialogic SERA. The paper suggests these could be removed through educative and transformative processes driven by assurors.

Originality/value

Previous work on SERA has involved predominantly content‐based analysis on assurance statements. However, this paper investigates the details of the SERA process, for the first time using qualitative interview data.
Musings
Authors: Parker Lee
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to convey the experience of writer's block.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a poetic exposition.

Findings

The paper exemplifies the mental struggle of diagnosing causes and envisaging escape routes for rescuing creativity and writing ability.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests the commonly experienced dilemmas of both researchers and practising professionals and the thinking patterns that beset them.

Originality/value

The paper offers a window into the soul of the afflicted professional report writer and research author.
Patients' complaints at a large psychiatric hospital: can they lead to better patient services?
Authors: Haw Camilla , Collyer Jeanette , Sugarman Philip
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Little is known about complaints made by psychiatric patients. The aim of this study is to analyse complaints made by, or behalf of, inpatients at a large independent psychiatric hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

The hospital's complaints register was used to identify and study complaints made during 2006. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Findings

Of the 392 complaints, 39 per cent related to staff behaviour, 26 per cent to clinical matters, 18 per cent to the behaviour of other patients and the remaining 16 per cent to the physical environment and facilities. Action as a result of complaints was mainly taken at unit level but in 9 per cent of cases organisation‐wide improvements were made, for example to enrich patient treatment programmes, rectify staff shortages and improve the quality of meals.

Research limitations/implications

The study took place in a specialist hospital and so the findings cannot be generalised to the wider NHS. Important differences exist between complaints made in psychiatric as opposed to general hospital settings.

Practical implications

Complaints are a valuable source of organisational learning for mental health services.

Originality/value

Given the paucity of literature on complaints in psychiatry, this study describes some in detail the nature of patients' complaints and one organisation's actions to improve patient services as a result of these complaints.
An evaluation of near‐patient testing of anticoagulant control in general practice
Authors: Edgeworth Amanda , Coles Edward C.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to compare anticoagulant management in secondary care for the year prior to the introduction of near‐patient testing in a general practice, and in the subsequent year after it was introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a retrospective, paired before‐after study. Details of test results in the two‐year‐long periods on the 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria were collected and analysed pairwise.

Findings

Despite an increase in the frequency of testing this set of patients were controlled as well in general practice as they had been with a secondary‐care service, and better that in a number of studies in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

This research reviews a recently introduced service at a single centre. Further research of patient satisfaction and adverse events in a multi‐centre longer‐term trial are desirable.

Practical implications

Technology now allows the increasing amount of individuals on anticoagualtion to be controlled with near‐patient testing in general practice. This study shows that satisfactory control can be maintained in patients who transfer from a secondary care‐based to a primary care‐based service.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that a single general practice can provide a high quality anticoagulant service using near‐patient testing and computer‐based decision support. This adds to the already available evidence and will hopefully encourage other practices to adopt the same.
How successful organizations strategically manage their analytic talent
Authors: Harris Jeanne , Craig Elizabeth , Egan Henry
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Because analytics are increasingly becoming a key source of competitive advantage, attracting, engaging and retaining analytical talent and building an organizations' analytical capability is now a key skill top management needs to learn. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Given that analytics is a relatively new management discipline and that only a few leading companies manage the talent it requires as a strategic resource, the authors collected their best practices.

Findings

The paper specifies the four main practices that top executives need to follow to create and develop a talent‐powered analytical organization.

Research limitations/implications

The authors offer anecdotal research on leading companies.

Practical implications

What distinguishes talent‐powered analytical organizations is their ability to unleash their analysts' talents to maximize and continually expand the company's analytical capabilities.

Originality/value

By building and aligning the four key talent management capabilities revealed in this paper, organizations can maximize the strategic impact of their analytical talent and continually expand the organization's collective analytical capabilities.
Drucker's strategic thinking process: three key techniques
Authors: Zand Dale E.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The astute observations of Peter Drucker – seminal management thinker, author and consultant who died in 2005–have influenced the strategic thinking of managers for decades. The author, a former colleague of Drucker's, believes that his meta‐thinking – that is, his pattern of thinking –offers executives especially valuable insights for improving the process of strategic analysis. The paper aims to look at several modern case studies using Drucker's favorite analysis techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at three case studies that use Drucker's favorite analysis techniques.

Findings

Built into his pattern of thinking are three techniques that Drucker used to consider almost every problem. Learning to apply these techniques can be extremely helpful to senior managers. Drucker was the alpha knowledge worker. His influence was global – altering the mindset of managers around the world. His lessons in strategic thinking are a model for all who practice strategic management or advise others on how to do so.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on personal recollection and a review of literature.

Practical implications

Three techniques that Drucker often employed are: ask penetrating questions of people who understand current and future realities so they can generate and evaluate a creative set of strategic options; reframe the prevailing view of the situation in simple, understandable terms that enable a review of priorities and adjustment of actions to better adapt to the competitive environment; and question the assumptions underlying current views – consider alternative assumptions and diligently probe their context and strategic implications.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful insight into Drucker's brilliant intuitive analysis process.
IBM 2000 to 2010: continuously transforming the corporation while delivering performance
Authors: Bramante Jim , Frank Ron , Dolan Jim
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The strategic initiative IBM undertook to resurrect itself after the dot.com era of a decade ago provides meaningful lessons for other multinational corporations looking to pursue higher margins, globalize their operations, and change and reduce their cost structures. This paper aims to look at these lessons.

Design/methodology/approach

This case describes how IBM executed a number of strategic shifts – from investing billions of US dollars in strategic acquisitions and new markets, such as India, China and Brazil, to aggressively driving costs out of selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A) – to create a stronger portfolio of offerings and a more efficient operating model.

Findings

IBM achieved success by executing toward four strategic goals: Capture higher value: migrate to more attractive customer segments as well as higher‐value products and service offerings; invest for growth: take advantage of the global footprint to benefit from global growth, as well as invest in new market offerings; shift the operating model to drive productivity: improve operating performance by globally integrating, while pushing decisions further down into the organization; and apply shared values and performance management

Research limitations/implications

This is an internal case analysis.

Practical implications

IBM has shifted substantial focus and investments to growth markets in recent years and created an operating unit dedicated to the world's growth markets in 2008. The newly established growth markets unit generated more than twice the revenue growth of IBM major markets operations in 2008.

Originality/value

Enabled by global integration, supported by increased visibility and driven by an integrated management team, the IBM operating model investigated here provides the capability to understand and balance not only what is needed to perform today, but also to meet the needs of the future. It creates a dynamic that gives managers and senior leaders the ability to both lead and follow the enterprise's aspirations and each other.