bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal behavior of disordered phase of caffeine molecular crystal: Insights from Monte Carlo simulation studies
Authors: Murugan N. Arul , Sayeed Ahmed
Published: May 2009

We have studied the thermal behavior of orientationally disordered phase of caffeine molecular crystal using variable shape variable size Monte Carlo simulations in isothermal-isobaric ensemble. We have investigated the structure, especially the nature of orientational disorder of caffeine molecules as a function of temperature in the range of 400–550 K. Experimentally this system is known to undergo a phase transition at 426 K (considered to be an orientational order-disorder transition) and melt at 512 K. Our simulations reproduce these two transitions in excellent agreement with experiment. We find that the in-plane reorientational motion of molecules is restricted to small angles below 425 K, and above this temperature, molecules undergo essentially free rotations in molecular plane, and we find the melting to occur between 525 and 550 K. In the high temperature disordered phase, the disorder is mostly attributable to the in-plane orientational motion of the molecules. The potential energy profile for the in-plane reorientational rotation has six wells as a consequence of specific packing of molecules in the ab crystallographic plane. Also we find considerable out-of-plane reorientational disorder for the molecules in the high temperature disordered phase. We have also studied the structure and orientational disorder of the system that is quenched from 450 to 300 K. We find that in the quenched phase, the molecular orientational arrangement remains partially frozen.
Reconstruction of ion energy distribution function in a capacitive rf discharge
Authors: Chen W. C. , Zhu X. M. , Zhang S. , Pu Y. K.
Published: May 2009

A simple one-dimensional ion dynamic model with charge exchange collisions as the predominant ion-neutral reactions in the sheath is used to obtain the ion energy distribution function (IEDF) in a single-frequency collisional capacitive argon discharge. The shape of IEDF strongly depends on the electron density in this model. IEDFs predicted by this model can be in good agreement with those measured by adjusting the electron density at the ion sheath boundary. The electron densities obtained in this way are in good agreement with those from optical emission spectroscopy measurement, which also indicates the validity of the model.
Dual luminescence from organic/inorganic hybrid p-n junction light-emitting diodes
Authors: Na Jong H. , Kitamura M. , Arita M. , Arakawa Y.
Published: May 2009

We fabricated a hybrid p-n junction structure using n-type InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) and p-type N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(1-naphthyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD). The hybrid structure shows a good current rectifying characteristic similar with conventional p-n junction diodes. Electroluminescence (EL) of the hybrid device exhibits two emission bands originated from InGaN/GaN MQWs, as well as α-NPD layer. The EL properties can be explained by either (or both) electron-hole charge transport between the components or (and) efficient energy transfer via Föster mechanism. The device characteristics could be applicable to various multicolor light-emitting diodes by constructing other organic/inorganic hybrid junctions.
Elimination of plasmatocytes by targeted apoptosis reveals their role in multiple aspects of the
Drosophila
immune response
Authors: Charroux Bernard , Royet Julien
Published: May 2009

Drosophila
hemocytes have strong phagocytic capacities and produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, the precise role of blood cells during immune responses and developmental processes has only been studied using indirect means. To overcome this limitation, we generated plasmatocyte-depleted flies by specifically overexpressing the proapoptotic protein Hid into plasmatocytes. Unexpectedly, these plasmatocyte-depleted animals have a normal larval and pupal development and do not exhibit any obvious defect after birth. Remarkably, plasmatocyte-depleted adults show a strong susceptibility to infections by various microorganisms, although activation of systemic AMP gene transcription via the Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) pathways is wild-type. Our data show that this susceptibility, which correlates with overproliferation of bacteria, is likely due to the absence of phagocytosis. We also demonstrate that during larval stages, plasmatocytes play an essential role in mediating AMP production by the fat body after oral bacterial infection. Finally, we show that plasmatocytes are involved in immune surveillance during pupal development, because they prevent bacterial infection that causes pupal lethality.
Neural tube defects in mice with reduced levels of inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase
Authors: Wilson Monita P. , Hugge Christopher , Bielinska Malgorzata , Nicholas Peter , Majerus Philip W. , Wilson David B.
Published: May 2009

Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase (ITPK1) is a key regulatory enzyme at the branch point for the synthesis of inositol hexakisphosphate (IP
6
), an intracellular signaling molecule implicated in the regulation of ion channels, endocytosis, exocytosis, transcription, DNA repair, and RNA export from the nucleus. IP
6
also has been shown to be an integral structural component of several proteins. We have generated a mouse strain harboring a β-galactosidase (βgal) gene trap cassette in the second intron of the
Itpk1
gene. Animals homozygous for this gene trap are viable, fertile, and produce less ITPK1 protein than wild-type and heterozygous animals. Thus, the gene trap represents a hypomorphic rather than a null allele. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and βgal staining of mice heterozygous for the hypomorphic allele, we found high expression of
Itpk1
in the developing central and peripheral nervous systems and in the paraxial mesoderm. Examination of embryos resulting from homozygous matings uncovered neural tube defects (NTDs) in some animals and axial skeletal defects or growth retardation in others. On a C57BL/6 × 129(P2)Ola background, 12% of mid-gestation embryos had spina bifida and/or exencephaly, whereas wild-type animals of the same genetic background had no NTDs. We conclude that ITPK1 is required for proper development of the neural tube and axial mesoderm.
Sur-i Israfil in Exile: Modern Definitions of Monarchy
Authors: Minucheher Pardis
Published: May 2009

After the bombardment of the Majlis in June of 1908, several Iranian constitutionalists were forced into exile—if not arrested and persecuted. An influential group of these constitutionalists continued the publication of the Persian paper Sur-i Israfil in exile, in Yverdon, Switzerland, explicitly opposing the monarch, Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar. This article examines the ways and means by which the exiled constitutionalists, in their writings, challenged the monarch and the previously indisputable office of monarchy, and how they proposed to re-define the institution of monarchy. Paradoxically, their marginal setting, writing from European exile, far away from the Iranian borders, did not preclude them from expressing views that were influential in shaping the modern political culture of Iran.
Reflections of the Indian Independence Movement in the Iranian Press
Authors: Ahanchi Azar
Published: May 2009

After the Second World War and simultaneously with the independence movement in India many other movements for national independence and removal of colonial rule erupted in other Asian and African countries where news from India was of great importance and interest. This paper will focus on the coverage of India's independence movement by Iranian newspapers which were the main source of such news for the Iranians. The paper will examine a variety of Iranian newspapers across the political spectrum for the accuracy of their reports and the quality of their analysis of the developments in India. In spite of their technical shortcomings and their limited knowledge of India, the articles carried by the Iranian newspapers demonstrate the Iranian public's interest in India's movement for freedom from colonial rule, which they regarded as a source of hope and a model to be followed by other Asian countries suffering from foreign domination.
Diversity in Expression Patterns and Functional Properties in the Rice HKT Transporter Family
Authors: Jabnoune Mehdi , Espeout Sandra , Mieulet Delphine , Fizames Cécile , Verdeil Jean-Luc , Conéjéro Geneviève , Rodríguez-Navarro Alonso , Sentenac Hervé , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Abdelly Chedly , Véry Anne-Aliénor
Published: May 2009

Plant growth under low K+ availability or salt stress requires tight control of K+ and Na+ uptake, long-distance transport, and accumulation. The family of membrane transporters named HKT (for High-Affinity K+ Transporters), permeable either to K+ and Na+ or to Na+ only, is thought to play major roles in these functions. Whereas Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) possesses a single HKT transporter, involved in Na+ transport in vascular tissues, a larger number of HKT transporters are present in rice (Oryza sativa) as well as in other monocots. Here, we report on the expression patterns and functional properties of three rice HKT transporters, OsHKT1;1, OsHKT1;3, and OsHKT2;1. In situ hybridization experiments revealed overlapping but distinctive and complex expression patterns, wider than expected for such a transporter type, including vascular tissues and root periphery but also new locations, such as osmocontractile leaf bulliform cells (involved in leaf folding). Functional analyses in Xenopus laevis oocytes revealed striking diversity. OsHKT1;1 and OsHKT1;3, shown to be permeable to Na+ only, are strongly different in terms of affinity for this cation and direction of transport (inward only or reversible). OsHKT2;1 displays diverse permeation modes, Na+-K+ symport, Na+ uniport, or inhibited states, depending on external Na+ and K+ concentrations within the physiological concentration range. The whole set of data indicates that HKT transporters fulfill distinctive roles at the whole plant level in rice, each system playing diverse roles in different cell types. Such a large diversity within the HKT transporter family might be central to the regulation of K+ and Na+ accumulation in monocots.
The Transcription Factor ABI4 Is a Regulator of Mitochondrial Retrograde Expression of ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE1a
Authors: Giraud Estelle , Van Aken Olivier , Ho Lois H.M. , Whelan James
Published: May 2009

Plant cells integrate signals from external sources and from organelles to regulate gene expression, referred to as anterograde and retrograde signaling, respectively. Functional characterization of the promoter of ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE1a (AOX1a) from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a marker for mitochondrial retrograde response, was carried out by testing the ability of the AOX1a promoter to drive expression of the reporter gene GUS. This approach identified a strong repressor element, designated the B element, that was necessary for an increased promoter activity in response to the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone. This element overlaps with a previously identified potential binding site for the transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE4 (ABI4). AOX1a promoter activity was fully derepressed in abi4 mutants and was unresponsive to rotenone. Furthermore, deletion of the B element of the AOX1a promoter resulted in increased GUS staining activity compared to the wild-type promoter in transgenic plants. Binding of the ABI4 transcription factor to this region of the AOX1a promoter was demonstrated by electromobility shift and yeast one-hybrid assays. Analysis of transcript abundance for AOX1a in abi4 mutant lines revealed significantly increased levels of AOX1a mRNA that could not be further induced by rotenone, consistent with the role of ABI4 as a repressor that is derepressed in response to rotenone. These results show that ABI4 plays a central role in mediating mitochondrial retrograde signals to induce the expression of AOX1a. Furthermore, they provide a molecular link between mitochondrial and chloroplast retrograde signaling, as ABI4 has been previously shown to act downstream of at least two chloroplast retrograde signaling pathways.
1-Hydroxy-2-methoxy-6-methyl-9,10-anthraquinone fromRennellia ellipticaKorth.
Authors: Ismail Nor Hadiani , Osman Che Puteh , Ahmad Rohaya , Awang Khalijah , Ng Seik Weng
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C16H12O4, exists as planar molecules in the solid state (r.m.s. deviation of 0.02 Å in one molecule and 0.07 Å in the second independent molecule comprising the asymmetric unit). In each molecule, the 1-hydroxy group forms an intramolecular hydrogen bond to the adjacent carbonyl O atom.
4,5-Bis(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazole monohydrate
Authors: Guo Min
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C5H4N10·H2O, is composed of three five-membered rings that are essentially coplanar, the dihedral angles between the imidazole ring and the tetrazole rings being 3.5 (2) and 3.0 (2)°. In the crystal, intermolecular O—H...N, N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of a three-dimensional network. An intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bond is also present.
(±)-3-Carboxy-2-(imidazol-3-ium-1-yl)propanoate
Authors: Reeb Sarah A. , Shields Marlesa C. , Wheeler Kraig A.
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C7H8N2O4, crystallizes as a zwitterion, with molecules organized into molecular sheetsviacarboxyl–carboxylate and N+—H...carboxylate contacts. These sheets are constructed from translationally related molecules that further link to neighboring motifsviaπ-stacking [centroid–centroid distance 3.504 (3) Å] and weak C—H...O contacts.
2-Iodo-3-nitropyridine
Authors: Mao Li-Hua , Chen Yan
Published: May 2009

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C5H3IN2O2, intermolecular C—H...N hydrogen-bonding interactions link the molecules into one-dimensional chains along thebaxis.
5-Hydroxy-1,7-bis(1H-indol-3-yl)hepta-1,4,6-trien-3-one hemihydrate
Authors: Li Jun-Hai , Sun Gang-Chun , Mague Joel T. , Xie Jing-Xi
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C23H18N2O2·0.5H2O, a derivative of the biologically active compound curcumin, crystallizes with two organic molecules and a solvent water molecule in the asymmetric unit. Each of the two independent molecules is close to being planar (the dihedral angles between the indole ring systems are approximately 9 and 12°) and each exists in the keto–enol form. There is an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond between the keto and enol groups. In the crystal, the components interact by way of N—H...N, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
3,3′-[(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)azanediyl]dipropanoic acid
Authors: Tao Yuan , Liang Yu-Feng , Guo Xiao-Qiang , Mao Zhi-Hua , Qi Qing-Rong
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C11H19NO6, is an important intermediate for the synthesis of cephalosporin derivatives. The N atom is in a planar configuration. In the crystal, molecules are linked into zigzag layers parallel to (100) by O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
3-[3-(2-Pyridyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]propanamide
Authors: Huang Feng , Jin Bin , Zhang Jian-Feng
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, C11H12N4O, the pyrazole and pyridine rings are nearly coplanar [dihedral angle = 1.87 (5)°]. Adjacent molecules are linked by N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds into a linear chain running along thecaxis.
N′-(2-Hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzylidene)-2-methoxybenzohydrazide
Authors: Peng San-Jun , Zhang Fen
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C15H12I2N2O3, was synthesized by the condensation of equimolar amounts of 3,5-diiodosalicylaldehyde and 2-methoxybenzohydrazide in a methanol solution. There are two independent molecules,AandB, in the asymmetric unit. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 30.2 (2)° for moleculeAand 21.7 (2)° for molecule B. There are intramolecular O—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds in each molecule. The crystal studied was an inversion twin with a 0.59 (3):0.41 (3) domain ratio.
A second monoclinic modification of triphenylphosphine oxide hemihydrate
Authors: Ng Seik Weng
Published: May 2009

In the crystal of the title compound, C18H15OP·0.5H2O, a water molecule links to two adjacent triphenylphosphine molecules by way of O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The crystal is twinned, the minor twin component being 36%.
(E)-3-[4-(Hexyloxy)phenyl]-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Razak Ibrahim Abdul , Fun Hoong-Kun , Ngaini Zainab , Rahman Norashikin Irdawaty Abd , Hussain Hasnain
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, C21H24O3, the enone group adopts ans–cisconformation. The planes of the aromatic rings are inclined at an angle of 6.1 (1)°. The alkoxy tail is not linear, with the maximum deviation from the least-squares plane being 0.375 (2) Å. Molecules are connected into extended chains along theaaxis through O—H...Ocarbonylhydrogen bonds and are interlinkedviaC—H...O interactions to form a two-dimensional array parallel to theabplane.
2-Chloro-5-nitroaniline
Authors: Saeed Aamer , Ashraf Zaman , Batool Mahira , Bolte Michael
Published: May 2009

The molecule of the title compound, C6H5ClN2O2, is close to being planar (rms deviation = 0.032 Å for all non-H atoms), with a maximum deviation of −0.107 (3) Å for an O atom. In the crystal structure, intermolecular N—H...O and N—H...N interactions link the molecules into a three-dimensional network.
(E)-2-[(3,5-Di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]benzonitrile
Authors: Zhou Jian-Cheng , Li Nai-Xu , Zhang Chuan-Ming , Zhang Zheng-Yun
Published: May 2009

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C22H26N2O, contains three crystallographically independent molecules, in which the aromatic rings are oriented at dihedral angles of 21.74 (5), 27.59 (5) and 27.87 (5)°. Intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bonds result in the formation of planar six-membered rings, and these are nearly coplanar with the adjacent rings. In the crystal structure, π–π contacts between the benzene rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.989 (2), 3.802 (1) and 3.882 (1) Å] may stabilize the structure.
5-(3-Pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine
Authors: Wang Yao , Wan Rong , Han Feng , Wang Peng
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C7H6N4S, was synthesized by reacting pyridine-3-carboxylic acid and thiosemicarbazide. The dihedral angle between the planes of the thiadiazole and pyridine rings is 32.42 (14)°. In the crystal structure, intermolecular N—H...N interactions link the molecules into a three-dimensional network, formingR22(8) ring motifs. π–π contacts between thiadiazole rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.666 (1) Å] may further stabilize the structure.
1,1′,3,3′,5,5′-Hexamethylspiro[furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6(5H),5′-pyrimidine]-2,2′,4,4′,6′(1H,3H,1′H,3′H,5′H)-pentaone
Authors: Noroozi Pesyan Nader , Rastgar Saeed , Hosseini Yaser
Published: May 2009

In the title molecule, C15H18N4O6, the fused 2,3-dihydrofuran ring has an envelope conformation and the spiro pyrimidine ring has a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, short intermolecular O...C contacts of 2.835 (4) and 2.868 (4) Å between the carbonyl groups indicate the existence of electrostatic interactions, which link the molecules into corrugated sheets parallel to theabplane.
2,4-Dichloropyrimidine
Authors: Chen Yan , Fang Zheng , Wei Ping
Published: May 2009

The molecule of the title compound, C4H2Cl2N2, is almost planar [maximum deviation = 0.013 (3) Å for a Cl atom]. In the crystal structure, intermolecular C—H...N interactions link the molecules into chains.
8,14-Secogammacera-7,14(27)-diene-3,21-dione–8,14-secogammacera-7,14-diene-3,21-dione (1.5/0.5) from the bark ofLansium domesticumCorr.
Authors: Tjokronegero Roekmi-ati , Mayanti Tri , Supratman Unang , Mukhtar Mat Ropi , Ng Seik Weng
Published: May 2009

The components of the title cocrystal, 1.5C30H40O2·0.5C30H40O2, each have two tetrahydrodecalin-type fused rings connected through an ethylene fragment [R—CH2—CH2—R′ torsion angles: 158.1 (7) ° in the major component and 157.5 (6)° in the minor component]. The structure is a non-merohedral twin, with a minor twin component of 26%. The exocyclic double-bonded C atom of the major component of the cocrystal is disordered over two sites of equal occupancy.
2-(3-Chloroanilino)pyridine
Authors: Fairuz Zainal Abidin , Aiyub Zaharah , Abdullah Zanariah , Ng Seik Weng
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, C11H9ClN, the dihedral angle between the aromatic ring planes is 44.2 (1)° and the bridging C—N—C bond angle is 127.60 (19)°. The amino N—H grouping makes a hydrogen bond to the pyridyl N atom of an adjacent molecule across a center of inversion, generating a hydrogen-bonded dimer.
The influence of selection factors on evolutionary change methods
Authors: Friedl Peter , Biloslavo Roberto
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The basic purpose of this research is to study the influence selection factors have on the effectiveness of evolutionary change methods in civil engineering companies in Slovenia.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research work was applied. In the process of quantitative data analysis, the statistical methods of bivariant and multivariant analysis were used.

Findings

Based on the results of the research, the authors can conclude that the size of a company has no effect on any of the dimensions in selection factors. On the other hand, in seven of the 16 evolutionary change methods applied by the companies, the research results have confirmed the importance of selection factors.

Research limitations/implications

In the interpretation of research findings, it should be taken into account that, at the time the research was conducted, the civil engineering industry was undergoing a period of crisis and was ranked among the least profitable industries within the Slovene economy. For this reason, a generalisation of the research findings is not appropriate.

Practical implications

The research findings will allow executive managements to make a more efficient selection from the many available change methods, and also to apply them with greater efficiency. As a result, efficiency and effectiveness in companies can be expected to increase, which is of crucial importance when it comes to corporate entities operating in late‐transition or post‐transition environments.

Originality/value

The article represents an original contribution to understanding the change method selection factors related to the size of companies, as well as their influence on the selected method of evolutionary change process.
Rethinking value creation in leveraged buyouts
Authors: Braun Michael R. , Latham Scott F.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This study aims to examine the governance structure of the firm undergoing a complete buyout cycle (reverse leveraged buyout). Its purpose is to empirically explore the evolution of corporate board structures as a unique source of value creation, in addition to the agency mechanisms of the discipline of debt and incentives of equity participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely on agency theory and the resource dependence perspective to develop sets of hypotheses that examine changes in the board composition of 65 R‐LBOs and 65 matched continuing firms spanning a 25‐year period (1979‐2004).

Findings

The empirical results reveal numerous insights about why R‐LBOs go private, to what extent boards restructure during the buyout phase, and how those changes relate to firm performance. Taken together, the findings give strong credence to the argument that boards represent a supplemental source of value creation in the buyout process.

Research limitations/implications

For scholars, the study presents a platform for further inquiry into the role of boards of directors in R‐LBOs as well as the inclusion of resource dependence theory to inform on the phenomenon.

Practical implications

The study helps to address this new source of value creation for practical interest. It offers a benchmark for buyout firms to compare their board characteristics by establishing linkages between pre‐buyout deficiencies, post‐buyout modifications, and post‐SIPO performance.

Originality/value

The results shift scholarly attention away from the structural governance tools to the group dynamics of the board. The findings call into question the restricted attention given by buyout researchers to leverage and ownership as value drivers by prompting a closer evaluation of the relationship between buyout board structures and related structuring of debt and managerial equity participation. Furthermore, the inclusion of the resource‐dependency perspective alongside agency theory as an explanatory theory allows for a richer account of the LBO phenomenon and its sources of value creation.
A cluster analysis of the KM field
Authors: Hosein Rezazadeh Mehrizi Mohammad , Bontis Nick
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to review the knowledge management literature from a content‐related perspective using cluster analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical analysis of previous review articles in KM provided a conceptual framework with nine dimensions. A survey was then administered to 120 KM authors asking them to review which dimensions they considered in their own research.

Findings

Three clusters of KM research were identified as follows: the socialization school, the collaboration school, and the codification school.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not consider the dimension of strategic versus operational KM issues nor does it consider any non‐Anglophonic research.

Practical implications

The three identified clusters accrued from the review provide both scholars and practitioners with a more holistic perspective and better understanding of the main thrusts of their KM initiatives.

Originality/value

The research is the first systematic and comprehensive review of KM that provides a cluster analysis approach.
Firm performance and complementary strategy development processes
Authors: White Gunby Norris
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper sets out to continue exploration of the process‐performance linkage by positing several relationships between a multidimensional operationalization of the strategy development process and firm performance, specifically identifying a strategy process configuration that is complementary to constrained environmental conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses and empirical results from a survey of practicing senior managers are presented.

Findings

The results infer that, in conjunction, the enforced choice and political strategy development process modes are superior to other strategy‐making archetypes in generating return on assets within constrained environments in for‐profit firms. No significant differences in firm performance were found for not‐for‐profit firms or for firms employing four other strategy development process modes prevalent in the current strategy process literature.

Practical implications

When assessing their strategic management process, organizations must give consideration to its qualitative nature. Senior managerial perception of the strategic management process has influence during strategy formulation and implementation and eventually on firm performance.

Originality/value

The paper builds on previous work, but highlights two new findings. Namely, a multidimensional operationalization of the strategy development process generates greater ROA than a one‐dimensional process and organizational performance in this configuration varies by firm profit status in some constrained organizational environments.
Toward a behavioral theory of vision in organizational settings
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a behavioral theory of organizational vision.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on existing theoretical concepts and empirical evidence, this new theory development compares a diverse set of plausible logical, empirical, and/or epistemological conjectures so that highlighting occurs to form the substance of the new vision theory.

Findings

The approach takes the form of an emerging vision theory, which explains how vision attributes create an impact on organizational performance.

Originality/value

While vision is core to the prevailing vision‐based leadership theories, little is theoretically and empirically known about attributes for effective vision. Moreover, there is no existing leadership theory, which explains the process by which vision attributes create positive effects on organizational performance. The paper proposes a vision theory to fill this gap.
Organizational knowledge leadership
Authors: Lakshman Chandrashekhar
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Knowledge management as a key top executive function has not been sufficiently explored in the leadership literature. This study seeks to examine the role of top executives in knowledge management by first building theoretical hypotheses and subsequently testing them. Hypotheses are developed through the integration of the knowledge management and leadership literatures and tested using CEO interviews published inHarvard Business Review.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the method of structured content analysis developed by Jauchet al., this study uses theseHBRinterviews and develops questionnaire instruments through which data are collected from respondents in a structured fashion. This innovative method involves the distribution of these published interviews with top executives of organizations (such as CEOs) to multiple groups of respondents, who then carefully read the interviews and responded to the structured questions developed for the purpose of assessing the relevant constructs in the study. Such structured content analysis allows for both the assessment of inter‐rater reliability and testing the theoretical relationships identified in the theory‐building stage.

Findings

The major hypotheses, relating cause‐effect beliefs held by the CEOs and their knowledge management practices to performance measures and leadership perceptions, were supported.

Research limitations/implications

The CEOs included in the study were not randomly chosen but chosen from a set of interviews (acquired) from a published source. The use of acquired interviews may also be the reason for not finding stronger relationships across the variables being examined here.

Practical implications

The paper has studied the importance of information acquisition, information use, and more generally information and knowledge management as key leader functions or behaviors. Overall, the findings and the framework used here point to the importance of the role of leaders (top executives) in information and knowledge management.

Originality/value

This is a seminal investigation of knowledge leadership by top executives. Such work has not existed in the literature to date, except in the qualitative mode.
Facility closure management: the case of Vauxhall Motors Luton
Authors: Butler Michael J.R. , Sweeney Mike , Crundwell David
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present the findings of a study of factory closure management. It details the sequence and the results of the key strategic manufacturing management decisions made from the time of the announcement of the plant closure to the cessation of operations. The paper also includes an analysis of the human resource management (HRM) actions taken during this same time period and their consequences upon all those involved in the closure management process.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study methodology consisted of two initial site visits to monitor closure management effectiveness (adherence to plan and the types and frequency of closure management communications). During these visits, documentary evidence of the impact of the closure decision upon production performance was also collected (manufacturing output and quality performance data). Following plant closure, interviews were held with senior business, production and HRM managers and production personnel. A total of 12 interviews were carried out.

Findings

The case study findings have informed the development of a conceptual model of facility closure management. Information obtained from the interviews suggests that the facility closure management process consists of five key management activities. The unexpected announcement of a factory closure can cause behavioural changes similar to those of bereavement, particularly by those employees who are its survivors. In addition, similar reactions to the closure announcement may be displayed by those who choose to remain employed by the factory owner throughout the phased closure of the plant.

Originality/value

Facility closure management is an insufficiently researched strategic operations management activity. This paper details a recommended procedure for its management. A conceptual model has also been developed to illustrate the links between the key facility closure management tasks and the range of employee changes of behaviour that can be induced by their execution.
Interview with Richard Reed
Authors: by Ruth Young Interview
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and an interview with Rowan Gibson, a global business strategist, bestselling author and an expert on radical innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.

Findings

Richard Reed is co‐founder of the company which now employs 275 people with offices across Europe, sells two million smoothies a week and is the number one smoothie brand in the UK.

Originality/value

The interview provides insights into how to build and sustain a company‐wide innovation capability.
Selling the Canadian Forces' brand to Canada's youth
Authors: McMullan Kylie , Rehal Pinder , Read Katy , Luo Judy , Huating Wu Ashley , Pitt Leyland , Papania Lisa , Campbell Colin
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to facilitate the exploration of marketing strategy in general and branding strategy in particular for a non‐profit, governmental institution.

Design/methodology/approach

Students are taken to 2005 when the Canadian Forces needed to increase recruitment. Canada's ageing population and the war in Afghanistan were just two of the many reasons driving an immediate focus on signing up new young Canadians. However, the task was proving more difficult than anticipated.

Findings

A particular challenge lay in that the army's brand – always conservatively constructed to reflect the more peaceful side of military life – had served to alienate many would‐be soldiers who interpreted this portrayal as patronizing and boring. However, a new campaign focused on the more militaristic realities of war might have served only to put off the families of potential recruits to whom these youths turned for advice and support. With the face of the military presented largely through its recruitment campaigns, the Canadian Forces' marketing department needed to do some introspection in order to determine how to proceed.

Originality/value

This case serves to highlight the importance of branding and marketing strategy in a non‐traditional setting and related prompt discussion and learning. This case is intended for classroom use only. It is not intended to demonstrate effective or ineffective handling of a business situation.
The planning and implementation of integrated marketing communications
Authors: Caemmerer Barbara
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the tasks involved in the planning and implementation of integrated marketing communications using an interesting, real‐life case study.

Design/methodology/approach

A mix of secondary and primary research is used: analysis of academic literature, market research data and organisational data, as well as interviews conducted with members of the Renault Marketing Team.

Findings

The planning and implementation of integrated marketing communications is complex and involves a wide range of different management tasks. These include: situation analysis and identification of marketing communications opportunities; choosing the right marketing communications agency; campaign development and implementation, including the selection of the marketing communications mix, creative execution and media planning; campaign evaluation; planning of follow‐up campaigns; and managerial coordination between all tasks and parties involved to ensure integration of marketing communications initiatives throughout the campaign.

Originality/value

Applies marketing communications theories to a real‐life example and illustrates comprehensively the management tasks involved in the planning and implementation of integrated marketing communications campaigns. Provides hyperlinks and references to organisations and bodies relevant to the marketing communications industry as well as academic literature.
Cayamo – a case study of a music themed cruise
Authors: Henderson Stephen
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a look at an unusual emerging market though its main aim is to provide a rich and colourful exercise for teaching marketing. Rich in that the teacher has a variety of options, colourful in that the student will be engaged by the language and content.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study focuses on an unusual and relatively new leisure product that combines two growing areas: cruise tourism and music festivals. The case is written in a narrative style to allow student interpretation of the material and application to a range of marketing concepts. The information within the case is derived from a number of published sources including market data, internet chatrooms, blogs and an interview with a customer.

Findings

The case builds to provide a picture of an innovative niche product in an emerging growth market. In the introduction, it demonstrates that popular music is no longer limited to low‐income youth. The sections that follow the introduction set the scene for a (variable) market definition. Next, the experiences revealed in the Sixthman Blog show their lack of understanding of this “new product”. Whilst, the personal experience that follows highlights typical customer demographics and needs. The research from Mintel pulls much of this together before leaving some thoughts for the future in the final section.

Originality/value

The case can be used for teaching in a number of ways, for example, relating to market development, segmentation, targeting and marketing communications.
How close are we to having a global “Get it for me” service?
Authors: Davidson Ed
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key features in the process of an end‐user identifying, requesting and obtaining a document they require. In addition it seeks to describe the issues that need to be addressed for this process to become successful and operational.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes a descriptive form.

Findings

The paper finds that most technical issues have been resolved. The information community as a whole must address how the remaining obstacles can be overcome.

Originality/value

This is a readable paper by an experienced practitioner on the long‐standing vision of a seamless service for end‐users.
The essential role of music interlending: how it supports music making in the UK
Authors: Hart Liz , Muncy Graham
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the development and current state of music interlending in UK libraries, examining the materials themselves, their management challenges, range of users, cultural value, and scope for impact. It choses to highlight the interlending of performance materials (vocal scores and orchestral sets) as having particular cultural significance, being at the heart of music making in schools and the wider community and providing an element of value in people's lives through performance‐related activity.

Design/methodology/approach

From modest beginnings and tentative steps in library cooperation, the paper considers the development of regional and national catalogues culminating in the launch of the “Encore!” database, together with a brief discussion of other relevant topics such as copyright, the role of publishers and the physical constraints of the materials themselves.

Findings

In an attempt to quantify the growth and current level of music interlending traffic, the paper concludes that there has been considerable increase and that, if standard calculations are applied, music sets now account for perhaps the largest “volume” element of interlending for UK (public) libraries, contributing the sole area of growth in a largely declining field.

Originality/value

Music set interlending has a direct outcome in cultural fulfilment for thousands, perhaps millions, throughout the UK and is a rare area of growth, encouraging library use. Library managers would be wise to acknowledge this high level of activity, provision and value and give further financial and political support to music services as a vital weapon in the struggle to maintain quality library services in the UK.
Research support through resource sharing: challenges and opportunities for Irish academic libraries
Authors: Patterson Avril
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper it to outline current resource‐sharing initiatives in Irish academic libraries that support increased research activity in line with national policy. This paper aims to point to the challenges and opportunities such initiatives present.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a review paper based on practice.

Findings

It has been suggested that the greatest obstacle to finding library research is that librarians do not publish their research. As financial constraints impact on all publicly funded organisations it is not unreasonable to suggest that decision making will become more dependent on research evidence than previously. Economies of scale cannot justify the development of a research body such as the Research Information Network (RIN) in the UK and, while its output is relevant to higher education in Ireland, it is important to remember that its findings must be adapted and scaled to the Irish environment, and that partnerships and collaboration may result in different dynamics from those in a larger polity. It is therefore important that Irish research is documented and published, so that it helps map the information landscape which supports the research agenda and the national interest.

Originality/value

The paper presents a synthesis of current practice, outlining current shortcomings and challenges. It will be of interest to all librarians concerned to learn more about resource sharing in the British Isles and in particular in the Republic of Ireland.
Marketing in non‐profit organizations: an international perspective
Authors: Dolnicar Sara , Lazarevski Katie
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to tests three hypotheses: non‐profit organizations follow a customer‐centered approach to marketing; marketing is run by marketing‐trained staff; and cross‐continental differences in the adoption of marketing in the UK, the USA, and Australia exist due to differences in the operating environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study was conducted with non‐profit managers. The sample contains 136 respondents; 36 from the UK, 33 from the USA and 67 from Australia.

Findings

Non‐profit managers indicated that the most important marketing activities are promotional in nature. The importance of market research and strategic marketing was acknowledged only by a small proportion of non‐profits, supporting Andreasen and Kotler's assertion that non‐profit organizations have an “organization‐centered” mindset. Only one fifth of marketing staff are trained in marketing. Non‐profit organizations in the UK, the USA, and Australia did not differ in their use of marketing and marketing operations, suggesting that the similarity of market pressures may be more influential than the differences in operating environments.

Practical implications

Shifting from an “organization‐centered” to a “customer‐centered” approach to marketing represents a key opportunity for non‐profit organizations to increase their competitive advantage and improve their outcomes in terms of the organizational mission. The primary strategy to achieve this aim is to make increased use of formally trained marketing staff.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to assess the state of marketing practise in non‐profit organizations since Kotler, the first to test the organization‐centered hypothesis and the first to test differences across countries.
Overcoming skepticism towards cause related claims: the case of Norway
Authors: Singh Sangeeta , Kristensen Lene , Villaseñor Erika
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This study, conducted in Norway, aims to investigate whether increasing consumers' familiarity by repeating cause related marketing (CRM) claims helps in reducing their skepticism towards CRM campaigns. It also seeks to test whether the relationship between familiarity and skepticism may be moderated by skepticism towards advertising in general.

Design/methodology/approach

A single factor experimental design with four levels of claim repetition was utilized to test the hypothesized effects between claim repetition, familiarity, skepticism towards advertising and skepticism towards CRM claim.

Findings

The findings support the hypothesized effects. Repeating claims helps in overcoming skepticism towards CRM claims and also reduces the adverse effects of skepticism towards advertising.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not measure the kind of thoughts that result from the repetitions nor does it account for the effect of using a variety of sources for providing the information instead of just one.

Practical implications

The study demonstrates that marketers can overcome skepticism towards CRM with repetitions of claims, that awareness and credibility can be created by familiarizing the market with the campaign. This is especially beneficial for a lesser known company that can use repeated CRM claims to gain familiarity and create positive attitudes.

Originality/value

This paper draws a parallel between general advertising and CRM communications to show that important findings from advertising are not only applicable to CRM campaigns but also critical to its success.